Transformers Prime: Fractured Futures (#3)

Chapter 29

Miko, ever the chatterbox, suddenly broke the heavy silence with her usual enthusiasm. "You know what this reminds me of? Optimus Prime. Man, he was the real deal! It's like... being here with Umbra Prime feels like those times we were with him, y'know?"

Umbra's optics flickered with curiosity as she looked down at Miko. "Optimus Prime? There is a new Prime?"

The question caught all of us off guard. Raf, Jack, and Miko exchanged surprised glances, and I could tell they were all trying to figure out how to explain Optimus, the hero who had meant so much to them—and to the Autobots.

"Yeah. He was given the matrix of leadership that turned him into a Prime," Jack said.

Raf was the next to speak. "Optimus Prime was the leader of the Autobots. He was... well, he was more than just a leader. He was a symbol of hope and justice for everyone. He fought to protect Earth, Cybertron, and all life. He believed in peace, even when things got tough."

Jack nodded, his voice quieter than usual. "He was like the heart of the Autobots. He made sure everyone had a chance, even us. He always said life, no matter the form, was worth protecting."

Umbra's expression softened as she listened to them, her shadowy aura flickering with emotion. "He sounds like a remarkable Prime. A true guardian."

Miko, ever the one to dive into the emotional side of things, continued. "Yeah, but... Optimus didn't just lead us in battles. He sacrificed everything for the future of Cybertron. He gave up his life to bring peace."

We all felt it—the void that Optimus's absence had left behind. It wasn't just about missing his strength in battle; it was the way he made everyone feel safe, like things would turn out okay, no matter how bad they seemed.

"He died to ensure the future of Cybertron," Raf added softly. "He used the Matrix of Leadership to restore life to Cybertron, but... it cost him his own."

Jack, his tone solemn, said, "That was what the autobots said when they returned to Cybertron. We weren't here to witness his sacrifice, but I'm sure it was truly a noble moment."

Umbra was silent for a moment, the shadows around her dimming slightly. "Optimus Prime sounds like a noble soul. Sacrificing himself for the future of his people is a burden not many would carry willingly. His legacy... it seems to echo through all of you."

"Yeah," Miko said quietly, her earlier excitement dimming into something more bittersweet. "He's gone, but we all still feel him, y'know? It's like, everything we do with the Autobots, we do for him, in a way. To make sure his sacrifice wasn't for nothing."

Raf nodded. "The Autobots miss him. They don't talk about it much, but you can see it. Optimus was like their father figure. They try to carry on his mission, but without him... it's different."

Umbra remained quiet, her optics glowing softly as she absorbed everything they said. Finally, she spoke, her voice tinged with a deep, resonant sadness. "It is always the ones who give the most of themselves who leave the deepest voids when they are gone. Optimus Prime's spirit is still with you, and it will guide you as long as you carry his memory in your hearts."

Miko sighed, her usual bravado softening. "Yeah, but sometimes... I just wish he was still here, y'know? It's hard without him."

I could feel the weight of their words, the shared grief we all carried for Optimus. I never got to know him the way they did, but even I felt the absence of his presence through the stories I'd heard from the Autobots.

Umbra's gaze shifted to me, as if sensing my thoughts. "Optimus Prime's legacy is not one of sadness. It is a legacy of hope, of strength in the face of darkness. You, too, are now part of that legacy. His sacrifice was for the future of life on Cybertron... just as your path will shape the future of this world."

I nodded slowly, feeling the weight of that responsibility settle deeper inside me. Umbra was right—Optimus's sacrifice wasn't just an end, it was a beginning. And now, the torch had been passed to all of us.

"Do you think the Autobots will ever fully recover from losing him?" Raf asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Umbra paused for a moment before answering. "Recovery is a journey, not a destination. Those who are left behind after a great loss must learn to carry that void with them, but they also carry the strength of the one who is gone. The Autobots will heal, in time. They will continue to fight for the future Optimus Prime believed in, just as you do."

Miko smiled, though it was tinged with sadness. "Yeah, I guess you're right. We just have to keep going."

Jack looked out at the horizon, where the battle awaited us. "For Optimus."

Raf echoed softly, "For Optimus."

I signed to Evan, For all of us.
~
A/N: this small chapter is dedicated to the memory of my one of my father's good friends, who passed away one year ago due to a heart attack. He was part of our family-friend group (which included more than 10 families).

The whole group was affected. I still remember the day of his funeral. We all still miss him.

Rest in peace uncle. We will miss your cheerful and hilarious dances and your hospitality. Gatherings will never be the same without you.

Optimus here represents him (even though he didn't really make a sacrifice)

And the autobots here represent our friend-family group

We miss you 🙏🏻😞