//------------------------------// // Chapter 10 // Story: Transformers Prime: A Brave New World // by The Carolean //------------------------------// Optimus sat alone in his cell, his ties replaced by iron shackles. The stone around him was expertly cut, and was one of the few things not to be claimed by the Everfree, though vines hung over the entrance. He examined the walls of his prison, feeling along the creases with one hand. The rock around him was strong, but brittle from age; a single, well placed strike could have brought half of the building down. The metal bars securing him were clearly not part of the original design, crudely drilled into the rock. Despite that, they still showed the signs of age, with a thick layer of rust covering them. Suddenly, a click-clack sound drew his attention. He turned, sliding his mask on, only to realize who find Celestia standing behind him. He retracted his mask, relaxing as a slight smile crept onto his face. “Cozy,” she observed. Optimus chuckled. “You know you don’t have to stay here. There is nothing they can do to harm me, no need for this ‘trial.’ You could have merely circled back to the lake and waited for me,” he told her. “Yes, but I don’t just want to free you.” She paused, standing and propping herself up on the bars. “ Shrapnel told me they are a group of changelings that broke off of Chrysalis when the attack on Canterlot failed. They don't replace loved ones, but assume the persona of an original character and befriend ponies,” she explained. "They'd grown prosperous using this method, until last week, when the Decepticons attacked them. My hope is “I think I'd like that; a chance to undo some of the destruction caused by my kind,” he said, smiling fully. “Now, who are your witnesses going to be? Twilight? Luna?” Celestia grinned as her horn was enveloped in golden magic. “Oh, I don’t see a reason to bother them. After all, we have two witnesses who are much closer,” she said as the aura expanded, bathing the room in light. -------------- Kickback grunted grunted as Bombshell slumped down on his shoulder. The pair trotted away from the warriors hall, which was currently filled with the sound of overly rowdy changelings. “This is why I don’t drink,” Kickback muttered to himself, before being enveloped in a large hug. “You know, Delai, you’re my favorite daughter,” Bombshell said. “Mother, I’m not your daughter,” Kickback pointed out. “Hey! Don't sash me young lady! Why, I-” before Bombshell could finish her alcohol induced ramblings, a bright golden light swirled around the two. A flash blinded them, as they were instantly transported into a stone room. Before either could react, a large golden bubble surrounded them. The two glanced around the makeshift cell, confused as they ran their hooves along the inside of the sphere. Bombshell began to shout angrily, banging her hoof on the shield, though no sound escaped its seal. Shrapnel rest her face on her palm. She told her friend something that seemed to calm her, though her face was still contorted in anger. Shrapnel watched as Celestia circled them, cool and collected, the antithesis to Bombshell’s seething rage. ‘Why are we here?’ the warrior mouthed. “Watch,” Celestia answered, motioning to Optimus. The two changelings turned to Prime, watching as he strained against his metal binds. He grunted as he gave one final pull, rending the cuffs. The two captive changelings immediately panicked, clawing at the opposite side of the bubble, desperate to escape the now free demon. Unable to free themselves, they embraced each other, turning back towards their destroyer. Strangely enough, the demon did nothing. He didn’t sprout any fangs, nor did he grow a blade from his arm. He merely stood in place, looking at them sadly, as though he was disappointed. Their captor finally released them from their spherical prison, though there was still a bubble around Bombshell’s head. “You have our attention, pony. If you would be so kind as to explain why we are here, we would ever grateful,” Kickback said in a snarky tone. “Well, I was hoping you could defend my friend at the trial tomorrow,” Celestia told them with an innocent tone. Bombshell scoffed, earning herself a glare from the princess. “Let me ask you a question: if Optimus only knows to kill, as you said before; if he truly is an unfeeling, murderous demon, why did he surrender to you?” Celestia questioned. “We had him surrounded, and outnumbered thirty to one. Only a fool would have fought on,” Bombshell explained. Celestia allowed a slight grin to creep onto her face. “If he were a pony, or another changeling, you’d be right, but as you pointed out when we first met, Prime is far from one of us. You saw it yourselves; your spears barely scratched him, he shattered your swords like they were nothing.” Her tone changed over the course of her speech, from informative to imposing. “He chose to spare your lives, to surrender, to show mercy.” The room was silent. Kickback and Bombshell were shocked. After what felt like hours, Optimus broke the silence. “We aren’t as different as we seem, you kind and mine. Those who harmed you, we call them Decepticons. They slew many of us, pushing us to the point of near extinction. Regardless, we continue our fight against them, not only for our sake, but for the sake of the races we encounter,” he paused, turning towards Celestia. “the races we’ve come to care for as though they were our kin.” The two changelings were again stunned. After yet more silence, Bomshell motioned to the bubble encompassing her head. Celestia ignited her horn, freeing the changeling. “We are truly sorry that we have wrongly accused you. You must understand that after the massacre, we were very weary of his kind. When we saw you...well, we panicked.” The proud warrior used a tone that her own mother had heard her use since she was cough stealing cookies. She sounded sorrowful, and perhaps even humbled. She turned towards Celestia to finish her apology. “We tried to get you away from him, but that went...poorly.” “You have our sincerest apologies, and our support tomorrow”, Kickback finished. “Thank you,” Prime said, smiling wide. The two Lamia slithered away to their respective tents, busily pondering what they had just learned. “They seemed to take that very well,” Celestia commented. “Let us hope the rest of the village reacts in the same way,” Prime added. --------------- Celestia stood outside Optimus’ prison, taking a deep breath as she focused her power, pulling the sun up over the horizon. Just as she finished her ritual, two guards arrived, entering the building and unlocking the cell. Prime calmly stepped out with them, eyes closed, still wearing the shackles Celestia had repaired in the night. She walked beside the guards as the walked their captive towards a pedestal. The entire village came to watch the trial, nearly folding in on itself to catch a peak of the demon, yet still giving him a good bit of space. Optimus willingly stood atop the stone cylinder as the two guards were replaced with the princess alone. Shrapnel slithered out of her tent, two other changelings by her side, as took her place in front of her captive. “The hearing of this Demon is now in session. The prosecution shall now speak,” she ordered. A single male changeling on a pedestal beside them nodded, before clearing his throat. “Chansellor, my lords, this creature here matches the description of the demons exactly, from his metal flesh, to the blades that emerge from his very body. In addition, when the scoutmaster and the general attempted to retrieve the Princess, he attacked them, prying them off her body, and shattering their blades. I believe I need no further evidence,” he said smugly. “What have you to say, demon?” the queen spat. “Though I will not deny that I am of the same race as those who attacked you, and I resisted your warriors, I had no knowledge of what your tragic history. I believed that Kickback and Bombshell were attempting to kill my friend; however, once I knew Celestia was safe, I surrendered peacefully, and did no harm to your warriors,” he said. "Furthermore. I am not a member of the group that harmed you. They are known as Decepticons, another faction of our race. who nearly slew every one of my kind in a great civil war,” he explained. The chansellor exchanged some words with her guards, whispering quietly. “That may be so, but what proof have you that you are not a Deception yourself?” she proposed. “I’ve fought these Decepticons alongside Optimus" Celestia interjected. "They have no restraint, no mercy! They were even willing attack children!” The entire village gasped in unison. "Optimus is a kind, noble, gentle soul, not one of the monsters who threatened you." The judges exchanged more whispers. “The court will take your statements into consideration, especially considering the status of our guest. Now, bring forth your witnesses,” Shrapnel ordered. Celestia cracked a sly grin. Silently, Bombshell and Kickback stood next to her, solemn but steadfast. “Bombshell? Kickback? What are you doing?” the shrapnel asked. “We are her witnesses, Chancellor,” Kickback answered. Another gasp from the village. “H-how? Why?” Shrapnel asked again, visibly flustered. “The pony brought us to Optimus’ prison last night,” Bombshell explained, turning towards Prime. “He has been able to break out of his shackles this whole time, but did not until she had him show us!” A third gasp. “He shattered our swords like they were twigs! Our spears could not scratch his armor! If his sole purpose was to kill, why did he not end us?” Kickback questioned, turning towards the village. “In the past, the changelings have invaded Canterlot, and kidnapped ponies! Does that make all changelings guilty these crimes? Are we to be tried for the sins Chrysalis? No, we should not, nor should Optimus!” The entire village went still, as a deafening hush swept over the forest. The three judges exchanged a confused look. The defense couldn’t help but grin. “I...this…” Shrapnel straightened her posture as she cleared her throat. “Princess Celestia, Optimus, in light of your witnesses' statements, this court finds you innocent of all charges. You are free to leave whenever you wish,” she finally said. Bombshell, Kickback, and Celestia burst into cheer. The Princess leapt into the air, shouting “We did it!” as her wings engulfed Optimus. Prime broke free of his restraints one last time, smiling as he flexed his hands. The village couldn’t help but smile at the display of joy, until an ear piercing shriek echoed throughout the ruins. Optimus turned towards the scream, his eyes widening as he saw what was coming. “No, not now,” he whispered. A large black form descended, morphing as it neared the ground. An inspection wailed at the changelings, sending them into panic. Prime instantly sprang into action, separating himself from Celestia, and tackling the beast. The two went tumbling into an old building, sending stones flying as the villagers slithered away. “We've been attacked! Changeling's, strike them now!” Shrapnel ordered. She turned to the judge on her right, grabbing his shoulders and holding him close. "Bring me the weapon," she instructed. The judge on her left entered the tent, returning moments later with the well worn energon cannon of a Vehicon. Optimus stood from the ruins of the structure, holding the Insecticon in place. He glanced at the chanselor, his eyes widening in shock. “Celestia! Do not let her fire that weapon!” he shouted. The Insecticon elbowed him in the abdomen repeatedly, but he held strong. “There is a crack its housing! It will explode when fired!” Just as he finished, the Insecticon grabbed hold of him, throwing him into another ancient building. Within mere moments, his opponent was on top of him. He thrust his claws forward, barely giving Optimus time to move his head. Celestia started towards Shrapnel as she took aim, reaching out with her magic in an attempt to pry the cannon from her grip. Despite the strength of her magic, the changeling held firm. Before she could reach Shrapnel, one of the other judges grabbed her by the mane. He wrapped his hooves around her, but she had learned from the incident at the lake. She reared up, taking careful aim, before delivering a forceful buck to his stomach. The changeling collapsed, nearly vomiting as he held his abdomen. With her assailant incapacitated, she turned back to Shrapnel, only to have another Lamia warrior block her way. This one was faster than the first, wrapping around her before she could land a blow. She also felt a slight pain on the back of her rear hoof. Despite that, she was able to use her powerful wings to keep him from tightening fully, though she was unable to move. Celestia could only look on as the changeling put the weapon to her shoulder, taking careful aim as she tracked Primes movement. Just as she began to pull the trigger, the barrel was suddenly jerked away from its target. The chancellor instinctively lashed out at the one who interfered with her shot, slapping the traitor with her hoof. The attacker cried out in pain as droplets of lime green blood sailed through the air. When the red haze past, the queen realized whom she had just clawed: Bombshell. The warrior held her snout as blood seeped between her fingers. “Shrapnel” she pleaded in a soft, sad tone, as though she was on the verge of tears. “Don’t use the weapon, please.” “I...I must! The demon lies to us! So many of us have fallen...we live in such squalor...I cannot allow those responsible to go unpunished!” the queen responded. “But-” A tail slapping her across her face silenced Bombshell. She fell backwards, instinctively backing away.“I must do this!” the queen shouted as she took aim one last time. With her target in sight, she slowly pulled back on the trigger. “For all of us.” The entire weapon erupted into a cloud of dark smoke as it sent glittering shrapnel flying in every direction. An odd hush fell over the village. When the smoke cleared, the Chansellor lay in a pool of thick red liquid, still and unmoving. “Shrapnel?” Optimus watched as Bombshell rushed towards the fallen queen. The changeling around Celestia released her, following Eudora. “Shrapnel! Stay with me! Dont' you dare die!” she shouted as tears streamed down her face. Optimus’ face contorted in rage. He slid on his battle mask, before delivering a double kick to the Insecticon’s torso. The ‘Con was thrown backwards, giving Optimus a chance to right himself. His adversary did the same, letting out another piercing shriek, though the Prime was unfazed. The Insecticon charged him, claws first. Optimus cocked his arm, curling his gunmetal grey hand into a fist. Just as the Insecticon neared him, his arm shot forward like a bullet, the dark grey hand replaced with a glimmering sword half way through the punch. The blade embedded itself deep within the Insecticon’s cranium, killing him instantly. Prime watched as the bot’s eyes went dark. With no brain to operate them, his arms fell to his side, soon followed by the entire corpse, leaving only a light blue smear on Optimus’ sword. With his enemy dispatched, he walked over to Celestia. “Celestia, we need to go,” he said in a cold tone that sent shivers up her spine. He changed forms, opening a door for her. She stepped inside him, and together, they left the village.