Chapter 1: Optimus Prime: Origins
Cybertron.
Homeworld of the Transformers. For eons now it has been in a constant state of war and devastation between two factions. The Autobots, led by the courageous Optimus Prime, and the Decepticons led by the fearsome Megatron. For eons, these two sides battled. So much so that it eventually led their shared home to be nothing more than a barren wasteland.
The war continued on a primitive world called Earth. There, the key to restoring their home was found. After much strife and much sacrifice, the Autobots were successful in reviving their world. Now that it was capable of sustaining life, it was time to bring back its ability to generate new life. As such, Optimus left on a quest to return the All-Spark to Cybertron
However, Unicron, the Chaos Bringer, sworn enemy to the creator Primus, took control of Megatron's destroyed body and sought to destroy the planet. Autobots and Decepticons united and managed to hold him back before Optimus returned with the All-Spark. together, they trapped Unicron's essence into the container used for the All-Spark.
After being freed, a revived Megatron disbanded the Decepticons and left into self-imposed exile, having now understood the true meaning of oppression.
It seemed as if all well it ends well.
However...
Optimus Prime stood over the gathered group of Cybertronians standing in front of the Well of the All-Sparks.
Optimus: In order to both protect the All-Spark and secure Unicron's defeat, it was necessary for me to empty the vessel's contents.
Bumblebee: Into where?
Optimus then looked down to his chest which housed a very important artifact.
Optimus: The Matrix of Leadership. As such, my own spark can no longer be separated from the multitude of others within me.
Ratchet: Are you telling us... you are now one with the All-Spark?
Smokescreen: (laughs) That's what you say when someone kicks the...
The young Autobot trailed off as realization dawned on each of their faces. They knew and feared where this was going.
Optimus: To not return the All Spark to the well, would be to prevent future generations of new life from existing on Cybertron. My quest must be completed.
Ratchet: Optimus... I didn't return to save a life, only to lose the one I care most about!
Bulkhead: Ratchet's restored planets. He'll find a way to save you!
Arcee: We can turn to Vector Sigma, just like we did before!
Optimus was happy that his friends and comrades were willing to go so far to save him. It greatly warmed his spark. However, as the saying goes "no sacrifice, no victory". And this was one victory he had to achieve, no matter the cost.
Optimus: Because the Matrix must now be relinquished with the All Spark, it cannot be restored, or passed down to another. But while this may very well mark the end of the age of Primes, leadership can be earned with or without the Matrix. And in my view, you have each acted as a Prime.
He said as he looked over all of his soldiers and friends. Knockout, the sole Decepticon defector there looked a little embarrassed because of the praise.
Knockout: Well I never really had the best role models.
Optimus turned off to the side and looked toward the horizon in deep thought about his old friend and mortal enemy.
Optimus: As even Megatron has demonstrated on this day, every sentient being possesses the capacity for change.
His wings then sprouted out from his back before he turned back to the others.
Optimus: I ask only this of you fellow Autobots. Keep on fighting the noblest of fights.
The gathered Cybertronians didn't know how to respond at first, but in their sparks, they knew the answer.
Bumblebee: You can count on us to keep the peace.
That caused Optimus to smile.
Optimus "I know old friend. I know."
Without another word, Optimus blasted off into the sky one final time. A look of determination was on his face as he prepared himself. The next moment, he blasted down into the well and towards the core of Cybertron, Primus itself. His chest plate opened up to reveal the Matrix of Leadership.
Optimus: "Above all, do not lament my absence."
As the last Prime approached the core, he closed his eyes and accepted his fate with no fear or hesitation.
Optimus: "For in my spark, I know this is not the end. But merely, a new beginning. Simply put, another transformation."
And then he was gone...
Cold.
That was the first thing he noticed, was how cold the ground felt on his back.
Struggling for a moment, Optimus managed to open his blue eyes and what he saw was a clear blue sky, much like Earth. He sat up and looked around, seeing he was in an alley, but it was much bigger than he thought.
Optimus: What happened?
Optimus blinked for a moment as he registered his voice. It sounded... younger, and less robotic. Why was that? What was going on? (A/N: Forgot to mention. Optimus' voice, when he's a human, will sound like his voice actor from the Transformers Animated TV series, which featured a young Optimus. I love Peter Cullen, but I can't imagine him voicing a teenager). His body also felt different. He didn't feel like metal, but rather warm and squishy.
Optimus stood up and began to exit the alley. He covered his eyes to block out the sun, and when his eyes adjusted he gasped at what he saw.
It was official, he was on Earth, but not a place he recognized. Judging from the signs and the symbols he saw in the various shops, he must be on the island nation of Japan, where Miko lives. Thanks to downloading languages, Optimus could understand what all these signs were saying, but that wasn't what surprised him.
What surprised him was the people. Most of them were humans, but some looked as if they were hybrids of various Earth creatures, or even had strange addons. One human in particular had long fingers and another was able to pull his eyeballs from his head.
Optimus: By the All-Spark. What happened to the humans while we were gone?
He then looked in the window of a mirror and stopped as he stared at his reflection
He was a human?! One with dark, wild blue hair and bright blue eyes. He had a muscular build and was wearing a dark red and white jacket with a black undershirt. His skin was fair and smooth, much like those in North America. He looked to be around Jack and Miko's age, which was 15 and 16 last he checked.
Optimus: What happened to me?!
His exclamation caused several passersby to look at him oddly. To them, he looked like a foreigner who had glimpsed his reflection for the first time. And they were right, his first reflection as a human anyway.
After calming down from his shock, Optimus began walking down the street aimlessly, thinking about what could've happened to him. Did some Spacebridge portal open up before he merged with Primus and teleported him to Earth? But how did he become human? What was happening?
He stopped when he saw a crowd gather, looking at something excitedly. He looked at what was causing the commotion and blinked at what he saw.
A large shark man was currently fighting a man made out of wood above a train station
A large shark man was currently fighting a man made out of wood above a train station. They were causing much devastation, but what really surprised Optimus was the crowd.
Optimus: "Why isn't everybody running away screaming?"
Indeed, instead of people running in fear of the two beings doing battle, many of them took out their phones and took pictures. He noticed a man talking with someone on the phone, mentioning because of the attack he would be late, but he treated it so nonchalantly. Seriously what was wrong with these people?!
???: Who's fighting him?!
Optimus turned to the excited voice standing beside him and saw a young man with wild green hair and green eyes. He had freckles shaped like a diamond on his face and a bright and excited smile.
He had freckles shaped like a diamond on his face and a bright and excited smile
Optimus: I... have no idea.
Optimus admitted sheepishly.
???: It's Kamui Woods! A rising young hero!
A nearby man chuckled.
Man: A running commentary. Are you a fanboy?
The young lad quickly began to act shy and tried to play off his excitement. That just did more to prove he was a fanboy in Optimus' eyes. But the sight of the young man smiling caused him to smile. Seeing the youth be so excited and carefree, was the kind of thing he fought for.
???: Here it comes.
Optimus blinked and looked back up to see what the boy was talking about. It seems the woodman, Kamui Woods he reminded himself, was preparing to finish this
???: It's his Preemptive Binding Lacquered Chain Prison!
Kamui Woods looked about ready to wrap things up, but Optimus' sharp blue eyes saw someone charging in front the side. Someone that was growing bigger?!
Giant Woman: Canyon Cannon!
The giant woman came in and delivered a devastating kick that knocked the shark man down before Kamui could finish capturing him. In Optimus' eyes, that was extremely reckless of her, especially if the woodman had everything taken care of. The woman then turned back to the crowd and struck a pose as the cameras started flashing.
Giant Woman: Today's my debut! Nice to meet you all! You can call me Mt. Lady!
Debut? Okay, now Optimus was even more confused. What in the name of Alpha Trion's beard was going on?! Was this how things normally were in Japan?!
Next to him, the young man had begun to write something within a journal he pulled out of nowhere, and speaking at an incredibly fast pace.
???: (muttering) Gigantification, huh? It's a common and quite powerful Quirk, but could the threat of public property destruction limit its use? Well... depends on whether or not she can manipulate her size as well.
To be honest, despite hearing every word of his, working with a speedy Autobot like Blur allowed him to develop an ability to understand someone when they talk so fast, a lot of what the young man said went over Optimus' head. But one word stuck out to him: Quirk.
Man: Taking notes?! I guess you wanna be a hero yourself. Good luck!
The young man turned to the older one and smiled brightly.
???: Thanks! I'll try!
Soon enough the crowd disappeared and everyone went on with their day as if nothing had happened. Again, Optimus was just confused at how these people were acting. Deciding it was time to get some answers, Optimus approached the youth.
Optimus: Excuse me, young man.
The boy froze before looking back up at Optmus who stood almost half a foot taller than him. He started shaking before Optimus spoke again.
Optimus: I was hoping you could tell me what just happened.
The boy blinked at the question.
???: What do you mean? It was just a villain attack.
Optimus: You say that like it is an everyday occurrence.
???: Isn't it?
The two were silent for a long time. And a tumbleweed blew past them, which was odd considering tumbleweeds weren't common in Japan.
Optimus: "Maybe I need to try a different approach."I come from a place where things like this aren't very common. So when I saw it for the first time, I was surprised.
???: Oh so you're a foreigner. I couldn't even tell, since you speak Japanese so well. Well, let me explain real quick.
For the next five minutes, the boy explained to Optimus in a super fast-paced way what just transpired. That shark man grabbed someone's purse and a young hero moved to stop it. Before he could complete his capture, the other hero, Mt. Lady, came in and defeated the villain. The boy explained this was all because of how the hero profession works. The more popular a hero is, the more they get paid, so it encourages competition among the heroes, especially newbies. Optimus frowned at that. A society that encourages competition, that sounded too much like Cybertron before the war.
???: OH NO!
Optimus: What's wrong?!
???: I'm gonna be late for class!
Optimus: I apologize! I shouldn't have taken up so much of your time young man. Forgive me!
???: No no! It's okay, I'm glad I was able to help.
Optimus: You helped a great deal, my boy.
???: "My boy? Why is someone my age talking to me as if I'm younger than him?"
Optimus: Two more questions: Do you know where any libraries are nearby?
The boy gave him directions.
Optimus: Thank you. And what is your name?
???: My name?
Optimus: Yes, I am Optimus Prime.
???: Oh! It's Izuku. Izuku Midoriya.
Optimus: Izuku Midoriya, I am in your debt. Thank you.
He bowed, causing Izuku to blush in embarrassment.
Izuku: Oh you don't need to thank me! Anyway, I gotta go!
With that, Izuku ran off. Optimus smiled at the boy. Now, it was time to get to work.
Finding the library wasn't too difficult thanks to Izuku's directions. It wasn't as massive as the Iacon Hall of Records, but it was impressive all the same, for humans. One could get lost for hours trying to find the books they needed. But being a former archivist had its perks. Optimus was able to quickly figure out the setup of the library and gather the books he wanted in less than 10 minutes. Among the books he gathered were A History of Quirks, Human Evolution: The Age of Quirks, and other related works.
He sat down and began reading. Another perk of being an archivist, especially under Alpha Trion, you learn to read quickly. About an hour in, Optimus had already finished more than half of the first book.
He soon finished all the books he gathered after several more hours. Exiting the library, he rubbed his eyes.
Optimus: It's been some time since I've done that much reading in one sit-through. Now let's summarize what I read.
It all began about 200 years ago in China, (also a side note, it was 21XX, the last time he was on Earth it was 2013, so he couldn't dismiss time travel) when a baby was born glowing. Since then, humanity started to develop superpowers that people called "Quirks". Society collapsed for several decades and technology stagnated. That would explain why things didn't look too different from what Optimus was used to regarding Earth technology.
Eventually, superpowers became the norm and people began to accept them. Soon a new profession was created. Heroes. People are legalized by the government to use their Quirks for good. And those who didn't have such authority were called vigilantes or villains. This reminded him much of those comics he saw Jack, Miko, and Raf reading. Except this was reality.
But was it his? He had considered the possibility that he had somehow traveled to an alternative reality. After all, the kids had inadvertently discovered the Shadowzone when the two Groundbridges and he had read tales in the Hall of Records about the Dead Universe, as well as stories about the Shattered Glass. But this didn't seem like the stories he read. Time travel could also be a possibility, but he wasn't so sure, since the first reported Quirk happened years before the present day back on the Earth he remembered.
In all honesty, Optimus didn't approve of this world's society. Turning heroism into a job, forcing young heroes to try and compete with each other just to make money. It didn't sound right to Optimus. A hero is someone who stands up to protect others because it's the right thing to do, not because they want fame or glory. And to label people as villains simply because they wouldn't conform to society's standards. That reminded him too much of the corrupt high council on Cybertron. He just hoped this world didn't raise its own Megatron before it was too late.
He was pulled out of his thoughts by a low grumbling sound coming from his stomach.
Optimus: Perhaps this human body needs some refueling.
He looked around for a place to refuel and found an interesting establishment called Burger Bot. While it didn't have tanks of Energon to have him recharge, they did have good burgers, as the humans called them.
Optimus had the biggest smile on his face as he dug into the food. Oh man, this was heavenly. Now he understood why humans consumed food. It was so much better than Energon rations. Though maybe he did get carried away after the third bacon and cheeseburger.
Waitress: Here is your receipt young man.
As Optimus saw the price, he then realized a huge problem. He didn't have any money. He'd never eaten human food before, so he didn't know the proper customs, or what rituals were appropriate.
He then began to sweat nervously. What should he do? He couldn't just not pay them, that wouldn't be right. But he also didn't have the money, and he didn't want to threaten anyone. The Waitress was waiting patiently for her money. Before he could panic any further, a new voice spoke up.
???: I'll pay for him.
Both Optimus and the waitress turned to the voice to see a beautiful girl, around Optimus' age. She had raven black hair tied in a ponytail with a bang on the right side of her face. She was slightly shorter than Optimus and had an impressive body, by human standards anyway. She what looked to be an expensive dress.
Flanking her was a gruff man in a black and white suit, a bodyguard from what Optimus could tell from his posture. That told him that this girl was either someone important, or very rich. Possibly both.
Bodyguard: Miss Yaoyorozu, you don't need to trouble yourself with hi–
Yaoyorozu: Its no trouble at all. Besides, with the way he was eating, it looked like he'd never had a bite to eat in his whole life.
Optimus: "She has no idea how right she is."
After paying for his food, Optimus, the young lady, and the bodyguard left the establishment. Once outside, the bodyguard left to grab the car. Being alone now, Optimus bowed to the young lady.
Optimus: I am indebted to you ma'am. I swear I will find a way to pay you back for this.
Yaoyorozu: Oh, believe me, there's no need to go so far. This wasn't even a drop in the ocean for me.
Optimus: Still, you really saved me there. To be honest, It completely slipped my mind to pay for my food.
Yaoyorozu: I know exactly how that is. Because of my Quirk, I can end up using too much of my lipids so it can make me extremely hungry.
Optimus nodded along, though he wasn't exactly sure what lipids were, considering he wasn't human before now. He was about to ask when a long black limousine pulled up.
Yaoyorozu: Oh this is my ride. It was nice meeting you...
She trailed off as she realized she didn't know his name.
Optimus: I am Optimus Prime.
Yaoyorozu: Optimus Prime... I must say, I've never heard of a name quite like that.
Optimus smiled as he held out a hand for her to shake.
Optimus: I get that a lot. Nevertheless thank you once again for your help Miss...
Yaoyorozu: Momo. Momo Yaoyorozu.
She shook his hand before entering her limo and driving off.
Driver: Young Lady. I know you wish to be a hero, by why would you stick you're neck out for some stranger you've never met, a foreigner no less?
A stray thought soon entered the driver's mind, causing him to have a teasing grin on his face.
Driver: Don't tell me you fell in love with him at first sight young lady?
Momo: Of course not!
Momo denied, her cheeks blushing red as she pouted and looked out the window. Honestly, Momo didn't know why she helped Optimus. Just when she first saw him when they stopped by Burger Bot for a quick bite after a day of training, she couldn't help but be drawn to him. The way he held himself. The confidence and absolute certainty in himself drew her to him. But he still seemed so lost, like a lamb that had found its way separated from the herd. And besides, she was aiming to become a hero, so why shouldn't she help someone who needed it?
Momo: "I'll admit he's also easy on the eyes."
Momo admitted to herself with pink cheeks.
Optimus was once again walking through the city of Mustafa (which sounded much like a planet from a movie Jack, Miko, and Raf watched at the base once), his stomach full, and he now had a better grasp on his situation. That left one big question though: What now?
He was on Earth, but not his Earth. And he was alone. No comrades, no friends, no mission, no purpose. What was he to do now? He could try living out the life of a simple human. Go back to being a librarian.
But deep down, he didn't think he could do it. He stared down at his hands. The hands that have been stained with the blood of his people. He'd been fighting for so long, it was a part of who he is now. He knew he couldn't just go back to who he once was like nothing had happened. He needed to find a way to move forward.
BOOM!
He was pulled from his musings at the sound of an explosion. He turned to see smoke rising in the air. More sounds of explosions followed.
Optimus: Someone could be in trouble! I need to get over there! Transform!
Nothing happened. He then closed his eyes and strained his body in concentration. To anyone else watching, it would look like he was constipated. He then remembered.
Optimus: Right. Human body.
He ran on foot. This would take some getting used to.
Optimus eventually made it to the source of the explosion, hiding in a nearby alley. It was a massive being that looked to be made of sludge and it had gotten the hold of a blonde boy. And it seems the explosions were coming from the blonde. This means the Sludge Villain has gotten ahold of the boy and holding him hostage.
And the boy didn't look so good. He was running out of air. He looked terrified.
Suddenly, someone shot from out of the crowd. Someone familiar to Optimus.
Izuku Midoriya.
The boy looked utterly terrified. He didn't have a plan. It didn't look like he had any power, but he ran into chaos. Izuku took off his backpack and threw it into the Villain's eye. That seemed to stun him as Izuku closed the distance and began to claw away at all the sludge surrounding the blonde.
Izuku: Kaachan!
Kaachan: The heck?! Why are you here?!
Izuku: I don't know! My legs suddenly started moving! I couldn't just sit there and watch you die!
Hearing that lit a fire in Optimus' spark.
Optimus: "Once again, the human spirit never ceases to surprise me."
It was true. Time and time again Optimus has had a front-row seat to the best of humanity and its potential for greatness. Like when Jack risked his very life to get the disruptor into Thunderwing's core. Seeing this spirit in action once again caused a raging inferno to burn inside him.
Optimus: "Time to see what my human spirit is like."
And with that, he jumped into the inferno, his hand morphing as he did.
In hindsight, Izuku Midoriya had no idea why he charged into the inferno. This was his childhood bully, the one who tormented Izuku for years and even told him to kill himself so he'd hope to get a Quirk in the next life. So why did he just rush in to save him?
He knew why. Because despite how much pain he'd caused him, he couldn't just let someone die in front of him.
And now he was going to die because of it. If he was lucky, maybe he would get a Quirk in the next life. Izuku braced himself for the incoming attack from the sludge.
SLICE!
???: ARGHHHHH!
Only to open his eyes when he heard the sound of something cutting the air, and someone screaming, someone that wasn't him. He opened his eyes and looked in amazement at what he saw.
The foreigner from this morning, Optimus Prime, stood in front of him. His right arm from the elbow down made of metal instead of flesh, and a glowing orange sword was in place of the hand. Either Prime lost his hand and got a replacement in less than a day, or that was his Quirk.
But what captivated Izuku was Optimus' face. His face was calm and stoic, showing no fear, no anger, just a focused expression on his face. And in that moment Izuku just knew everything would be okay. It was like All Might, but different.
Sludge Villain: Ah! You sonofa–
The Sludge Villain, enraged at having his disgusting limb cut off, moved to attack the Prime again with his other limb. But Optimus, with superhuman speed, swung his blade and sliced through the other appendage with ease. Then he brought the blade down in a verticle slash in front of the Sludge Villain. It didn't cut deep into the Villain, but that wasn't Optimus' goal.
He had cut just enough that he managed to free Bakugou without cutting into his flesh. An impossible feat for most, but for the Prime, this was nothing. He then shot his left and, grabbing the boy by the school uniform, pulled. Using his raw strength, he managed to free Bakugou from the villain's grip and threw him over to Izuku who caught him.
Both Izuku and Bakugou were amazed. There was no hesitation in his movements. No doubt in his actions. He knew exactly what to do and knew how much force to apply to free Bakugou from his captor. To the two boys who loved heroes, it was awesome!
Optimus: Stay behind me! Both of you!
Bakugou: Don't tell me what to do!
Optimus turned back to glare at Bakugou, causing the boy to shut up. Those eyes. There was something about those blue orbs that just made him not want to question the tone of his voice.
Optimus: I wasn't asking. Stay. Back.
Sludge Villain: You brat! You're dead!
Pro Hero: Save the boys, they're gonna get themselves killed!
As the Sludge Villain reeled back his reformed limb for an attack, Optimus stood firm. Sword arm held back, ready to counter any attack. But it turns out he didn't have to because, at that moment, someone else stepped in and blocked the attack.
???: I REALLY AM PATHETIC.
Optimus and the two other boys looked up. It was a large, muscular blonde-haired man, towering over 7ft tall. He had a regretful expression on his face.
Izuku: All Might?
All Might: I TOLD YOU THE TRAITS THAT MAKE A GREAT CHAMPION. BUT I SEE NOW I WASN'T LIVING UP TO MY OWN IDEALS!
The hero, All Might, managed to break free of the villain's grip to the awe of the three boys, even Optimus, who only managed to cut the slime thanks to his Energon Sword.
All Might: PROS ARE ALWAYS RISKING THEIR LIVES, NO MATTER THE COST! THAT'S THE TRUE TEST OF A HERO!
At that moment, Optimus' combat instincts screamed at him to brace himself. Trusting in them, he stabbed his Energon Sword deep into the ground and grabbed hold of the other two boys.
Optimus: HOLD ON!
Sludge Villain: ALL MIGHT!
All Might: DETROIT SMASH!
The moment All Might threw the punch, the wind picked up, and a tornado formed around them. Mt. Lady shielded the civilians from the whirlwind. Optimus screamed as he felt his human body almost be torn apart trying to keep his sword in the ground and keep hold of the two boys in his arms. But he held strong.
The wind soon died down and Optimus and the boys fell back to the ground, all of them gasping for air.
Optimus feeling drained from his first surge of adrenaline and use of his newfound Quirk, retracted his sword and his hand soon became flesh and blood once again. He turned his head to All Might, his blue eyes full of awe.
Optimus: "He managed to change the weather with just one punch putting out all the fires as well. Incredible."
All Might in turn looked at Optimus with amazement.
All Might: "This young man jumped in so soon after seeing Young Midoriya charge in, stood his ground against the villain, and rescued the other child. Inspiring."
Pro hero: You idiots!
A pro hero's shout caused all four to look as three pro heroes came walking up to them, their faces extremely displeased. He first looked at Izuku.
Death Arms: How could you be so stupid as to suddenly charge in like that?! That was reckless! You could've been killed.
He then turned to Optimus.
Death Arms: And you charged in right after him! Just because you have a Quirk doesn't mean you should just rush in like that! You fool!
Optimus, who was feeling so tired from the whole ordeal just now, allowed his frustration to get the better of him.
Optimus: I'd rather be the fool who rushes in to save those in trouble, than the coward who stands by and lets innocents die.
Everyone who heard him flinched at his words.
Death Arms: What's that supposed to mean?
Optimus, too tired to control himself, continued.
Optimus: Exactly how it sounds. A young boy was in trouble, yet you all stood on the sidelines, doing nothing to help him in his time of need.
Kamui Woods: It's not that simple. None of us had the right Quirk to deal with the situation. So we had to–
Optimus: Don't you dare give me that excuse!
Again, the heroes flinched back. Already, the film crew was filming this moment live on the cameras, and some people were filming with their phones.
Optimus: I have lost count of the number of times I've heard the same excuse from the lips of others. And every time they say such a thing, innocent people have paid the price. You are supposed to be heroes. It is your duty, your responsibility to risk everything to save the life of another. While it is true that none of you had the correct Quirk to deal with the situation, when lives are on the line, things like the right power or tool become secondary. When someone dies because of the inaction of another, there is no excuse. You should be ashamed of yourselves.
Nobody said a word. Not the Pro Heroes, not Izuku, not Bakugou, not even All Might. Though given his downcast expression, he agreed with every word Optimus said.
Finally, Death Arms regained his bearings and glared at the Prime.
Death Arms: You listen to me–
He didn't.
Because at that moment, all the strength Optimus was using to keep himself standing and awake left him, and he collapsed to the ground, unconscious.