Ch 7. A gentle woman.

On the other hand, inside the Autobots' secret base. After Optimus and Elita-1 successfully stole Energon.

In doing so, they managed to delay the Autobots' fall. So they became a source of reference for survival.

Optimus and Elita-1 were in the discussion room. They were the only two there, even though they were sitting across from each other.

"Hey Optimus... Are you thinking about that?"

"... ... Maybe yes..."

"I'm sorry you never knew about this. But I have a disease, maybe the same disease as you!"

"What disease is that?"

"... I don't know... if I can remember before I was on Cybertron. I hope my brother is still alive out there."

"You have an older brother?"

"... Yeah... I almost forgot about it."

"..."

"I heard about a secret passage in the Metroplex mines. Should we explore it?"

"...? I heard that too. We'll try tomorrow night to see."

"Have you ever laughed, Optimus?"

"?... What for?"

"Hm... your problems are too heavy. To the point where you've forgotten the funny things to laugh about."

"Huhh... that's how it is. I've been too serious lately!"

"Since you have free time today, how about we call Ultra Magnus to do some jokes?"

"Oh... not him! His humor doesn't suit me!"

"Hehehe... Seeing your behavior is funny, you know!"

"Funny?"

"..."

"..."

"What is it...? I don't know what else to say! Do you mind if my question is very sensitive?"

"Like what?"

"Are you interested in someone?!"

"...??... ... ... I don't know!"

"... Hm... well... I'll start with some tough questions. Did you know where Mr. Trion's body was at that time?"

"... ... I don't remember... only Megatron knows about it!... Didn't you already know this?"

"Yeah... I was just trying to make sure.... How old are you?"

"...70 years or so. I don't really remember."

"Hmhmhm... you're still handsome!"

"... come on... What kind of question is this? You know... I don't really like questions!"

"... Sigh... Alright... ... ... What's your plan... Next? Have you thought about what to do if our base is attacked by the Decepticons?"

"... ... I am ready to sacrifice myself to protect everyone without exception!"

"... Matrix...gives. Extra stamina to the Autobots around it. Matrix has chosen you... Are you sure, there will be someone worthy other than you someday?"

"..."

"I heard there's a nice planet out there. Maybe we can live there away from the Decepticons."

"... I can't leave Megatron on this planet. There are still many Transformers who need me here!"

"Then why do you want to die? When there is no replacement for you?"

"... ...Elita.... I dare to take any risk. To protect the Autobots and to atone for my sins... I can't stay still...laughing... Happy before Cybertron is at peace."

Elita-1 then looked down, ducking her head in shock that shocked her heart.

"... Don't follow in my footsteps, Elita. Fate has not chosen us. I love you, that's why I keep our distance. I don't want to endanger you."

".... ... But.... The two of us have done dangerous missions many times. Why are you only saying that now?"

"I... sometimes am me... And sometimes am Prime. I know you are very useful, you are very great. I always rely on you. But if in the scenario I am the one in front, then I have to make you stay behind me."

"... ...Have you been angry... Since then?... I-I."

"I realized, ... All women are the same. You seem very supportive of me. But I doubt it. I only trust half of you!"

"... okay... Let it pass.... I... want to go to the kitchen. I'll make some oli coffee!"

"Okay!"

Elita-1 then went to the kitchen.

But her expression looked gloomy. And in the kitchen she then brewed oli coffee.

Then he sat in the kitchen and looked at himself in the mirror nearby.

With a gloomy face and making various expressions when in front of the mirror. Starting from smiling, angry to sad.

And Elita-1 then realized that something was wrong with her.

"... I'm... Ugly!" said Elita-1 who was very sad.

Elita-1 realizes the reason Optimus is not interested in her is probably because Elita-1 thinks she is not beautiful.

"What man wouldn't like you?" Elita-1 remembered Ultra Magnus' previous words.

"... ... The man I like!" said Elita-1 answering the question.

Elita-1 then stopped looking at the mirror and went back to brewing oli coffee.

But Elita-1 kept muttering.

" What am I lacking? Am I really this bad?... Optimus himself doesn't love me anymore... It's my fault. I always beat around the bush ."

Finally Elita-1 finished brewing coffee oil for Optimus.

Then Elita-1 brought the two cups of oil coffee. For herself and Optimus in the discussion room.

As soon as Elita-1 opened the door. Unfortunately Optimus was no longer there. He had left the room.

Elita-1 then placed the two cups of oil coffee on the table.

Then he sat on the broken sofa that was there.

" Maybe he just left for a while, I'm sure he'll come back here !"

Elita-1 then waited for Optimus there. Hoping that Optimus would return to the room. While continuing to drink her oli coffee.

***

Moving into the hall.

Cylob sat back in his chair, looking bored and staring at the ceiling.

"Wraahhhh!!! Everyone is busy and I'm the only one sitting like this! Ahhhh!!!... ... Jack is busy in the medical room, Bee is busy in a coma in the tube, Optimus, Miss Elita, Mr. Magnus, and Mr. Ironhide, they all have important roles. Bwuehhhh!! Do I have to create a job.... Besides... everyone here hates me... Grhhhh!! (Growling)."

Then Cylob shook the chair he was sitting on.

"Buhhh!! What am I going to do? Ask about the mission? There's no way I can join again."

Cylob then fell from his chair.

"Ahhh!! Damn it! I'm going to go crazy from being so bored!"

The funny thing is Cylob then moves like a caterpillar in the room. He is really so bored that he doesn't know what to do all day.

Suddenly Sideswipe came into the Hall room.

"Ahh... Not you again?!! Are you not satisfied with bullying me yet? Huh?!!"

"Hey bastard! What are you doing here? An idiot like you has no place here!"

"Buhhh... (disgusted face) While you're the annoying introvert, autistic!... If you're lonely and care about me, you don't need to use insults."

"But the fact is that everyone hates you. You are hated, what makes you think that people care about you? Everyone is pretending, everyone wants you to go away and disappear from here."

"I know that. An environment like this, would probably make anyone other than me become a monster. But not me... I've been raised to always adapt, and to adjust to anywhere!"

"You're the monster. You're weird, different from us. You're not even part of this. You're just the cause of chaos. Look, it all came from your home, Destinus. The parents who gave birth to you must have been so bad that wherever you go, you always bring disaster. It's better that you were never born!"

"Hey... There's a limit to insulting. When did I insult your parents?"

"As I wish, you don't have a father or mother anymore, you bastard, right? How stupid your parents were to raise you!"

Cylob was angry because Sideswipe started insulting his parents. And Cylob immediately slapped Sideswipe. And they both immediately fought there.

It so happened that the Hall and Discussion rooms were next to each other. Making Elita-1 hear the sound of crashing repeatedly in the room next to it.

Elita-1 then immediately went to the Hall room. And she was surprised by Cylob and Sideswipe who were fighting.

"Oh my gosh!!" said Elita-1.

Elita-1 then immediately broke them up.

"Hey stop!!!"

Elita-1 then managed to separate the two of them with both hands.

"What's wrong with you guys?!! Fighting?!" said Elita-1.

"He insulted my parents, he cursed my deceased parents!" said Cylob.

"But that's fair, because he's just a monster!!" said Sideswipe.

"Hey, enough!! We are all monsters. Monsters are not born, but made! Monsters are everywhere. And we don't know who they are. There is no point in continuing to hate like this, and blaming each other. We have to get out of this together. You guys have to apologize now! Realize your own mistakes. You guys are adults, and at your age you should know right from wrong!"

"...he's the one who's wrong!" Cylob pointed at Sideswipe.

"Me?!! It's your fault, you foreigner!" Sideswipe retorted.

"Hughhh!! You two are like little kids!" 

Elita-1 then takes Cylob and Sideswipe by their ears to the discussion room.

"Sit there! Both of you!!" said Elita-1.

Then Cylob and Sideswipe sat next to each other even though they were still fighting.

"I'll sit here. You sit on the floor, monster!" Sideswipe said.

"Hey... my name is Cylob! The shorty is sitting over there!" Cylob replied.

"Ahem!!!..."

"...!!!"

Then Sideswipe and Cylob fell silent, then sat down next to each other even though they didn't want to look at each other.

"Look... There's one cup of coffee here. I only made one for you, and this one is mine. I want you both to finish it."

"Tch... Oil doesn't taste good!" said Cylob.

"Then I'll finish it!" said Sideswipe.

"No way... I'll throw it away!" Cylob said.

"No!... that's a waste. You're throwing away expensive coffee!"

"That's fairer!"

"Unfair!!"

Then they both fought over the cup of coffee oil.

And Elita-1 could only slap her forehead seeing the behavior of these two people.

And finally the cup fell and spilled onto the floor by both of them.

"Ahh... Look what you've done! You're a monster!" said Sideswipe.

"It's your fault for pushing my hand!" said Cylob.

"I'll beat you up!" Sideswipe said.

Then Cylob and Sideswipe clash again. Fighting there.

And Elita-1 tried to patiently calm them both down.

"Didn't you hear me?" I said stop!" said Elita-1.

Then Sideswipe and Cylob continued throwing whatever objects were in the discussion room at Sideswipe.

"Hey... how dare you touch my privates!" said Sideswipe.

"Haah, look at the loser with the small penis!!" said Cylob.

"Bastard!!!!!"

Sideswipe then kicked Cylob's genitals. And made Cylob speechless holding back the pain.

"That's your revenge, you bastard!!"

"STOP!!!" shouted Elita-1.

Finally Sideswipe and Cylob stopped. Although Cylob was still in pain.

"Looks like I'm going to have to punish you two to make you friends. I can't believe I still have to take care of the big diaper."

"Miss... I'm in pain!"

"He deserved it miss!"

"Hah... Oh Primus!... ... ... Cylob. You go to your room. While you're at it, Sideswipe, I want us to talk privately."

"I'll pay you back later!!" Cylob said.

"I-I-I-I!" eject Sideswipe.

Cylob then left the discussion room.

Elita-1 and Sideswipe started having a serious talk in there.

"Why did you do that Sideswipe?" Elita-1 said softly.

"..." Sideswipe was silent.

Elita-1 then grabbed Sideswipe's hand.

"Tell me. Be honest!" said the gentle Elita-1.

"... I hate it so much. Seeing a stranger like him, able to do anything. He's more talented, compared to me. I hate it when I can't be like him. I hate him because I can't match him." Sideswipe said sadly.

"... why are you underestimating yourself?... Everyone has their own role, be it me, Optimus and Magnus."

"But your roles are important... While I... am just a burden!"

"... Sides... Everyone's role is important. And very bad. We are special and all of us here are very important."

"What about Cylob? He was born with special powers?!"

"... ... I don't know him very well. But... If you feel his power is special. He himself has his shortcomings, not to mention he's also an introvert."

"Introvert?... He's clearly an extrovert."

"... from what I see, he's always been like that!"

"I don't care and pity him! Besides, he should be able to easily regenerate his crazy brain!"

"...I'll just tell you this!"

"???"

"For years... ... I just wanted to be Optimus's companion. But... it's too late.... ... It's not about his handsomeness, character... Or anything about Optimus. ... I love him because I... want to be with him. I want to be his shoulder to lean on. I want... to be by his side all the time. But he only thinks of me as his partner... ... I actually think it's good, being able to be with him all day. But... I'm afraid... to consider my feelings. And Optimus thinks that my feelings are only because of the situation. ... ... ... I've broken his trust. At that time I was forced, for his own sake.... I shouted at him, I hate you!! I hate you!!... ... Just because he failed to become a leader. But at that time, I did that to save him... from himself. I know... my love seemed dangerous at that time, even though we were very close. ... then I messed it up. Pretending to hurt him... that action... I can't forgive... ... Maybe now... I'm not Optimus's type of woman. This face may be old. ... Optimus has made a new direction, and left me. Maybe the answer is... ... Because I was too weak to be with him, because I was nothing to him, and because I had hurt him.... I made him coffee oil. But he left this room, I waited for him but he never came...."

Sideswipe immediately felt very sorry for Elita-1 who confided in him. She poured out her heart and feelings to Sideswipe about Optimus.

This was the first time Sideswipe had heard an important figure in the Autobots confide in him, who was merely a room sweeper.

"I... am sorry.!" Sideswipe said.

"... It's okay. It's not your fault. Even though my role is important. Trust me Sideswipe. I want to be important to someone, but... I myself am desperate.... Your job is to keep the room clean. Whatever our job is Sideswipe. It's all difficult, nothing is easy to do. No matter how big your position is, there is a big risk behind it."

"Thank you... Miss Elita's advice."

Sideswipe then stared there for a moment.

"Don't feel sorry for me, Sides. This is our journey, our story. Trust me, just stay on the path, and enjoy the process!"

Sideswipe then muttered in his heart. 

"Miss's touch... It feels so soft. A sense of security is felt. Her gaze is always reassuring. Her gentle nature, and a very natural smile on her face. Not innocent, not fierce, she is so perfect. No man can reject her just from her gaze. Everything seems natural... she is very beautiful. Even though she is beautiful, she is still someone who can feel pain and guilt. ... But from all that, why did Optimus reject him... Maybe for Miss's safety."

Sideswipe kept staring at Elita-1 and he didn't listen to Elita-1's advice, because he was thinking about Elita-1's previous story.

Then the scene shifts to the software or communication device room. There are Ultra Magnus and Optimus.

"Why did you leave Elita? You saw her there, she was sitting alone waiting to come back since earlier!"

"Why would he do that?" Optimus said innocently.

"Tch... ... Optimus... ... ... I beg you... ... to accompany her. I'm afraid you'll regret it one day, always leaving her."

"... ... " Optimus looked down and his expression became a little gloomy.

"However... I have to throw away my feelings for her.... ... I don't want my thoughts to only focus on one person. Right now, everyone is more important. I don't have time to be with her!" Optimus said.

"... ... You're so cruel, man. Remember... She's the only woman here!"

"..." Optimus then looked at Ultra Magnus.

"Give me the wiretap information from the Metroplex Mine!" Optimus said.

"... immediately changed the topic. Ughhh... This!"

Optimus then opens the hacked files from the Decepticons' headquarters regarding the Metroplex Mine. Namely the largest mine on Cybertron.

Because yesterday there was information about the mysterious Mine. Making Optimus curious and immediately looking for information about it.

After opening the file on the matter. He was surprised by several video format files available there.

Optimus then played the video. The video was only about a minute long.

In the video, someone is standing in front of a camera placed on the wall and the person is on a mysterious path.

"I want to report to Lord Megatron. I beg him not to send any more Decepticon troops in here. My 15 comrades, all of them disappeared. Even though we only followed one straight path in this path. Some of us found terrible creatures in here, and one of them was chasing me!!"

!!!The train horn sounds!!!

!!!Brakkk!!!

The person gets hit by something scary. Then blood smears all over the camera screen. And the footage ends there.

Optimus and Ultra Magnus were then surprised by the video.

"Primus!... What is this video?" said Ultra Magnus in surprise.

Then suddenly something inside Optimus's Chest Pocket shook. Making him feel shaky.

"Optimus?... Are you okay?" Ultra Magnus asked.

Optimus then opened his chest pocket and was surprised by the Matrix stored inside his body, giving a strange effect for the first time.

"Hey... What's wrong with your Matrix?" Ultra Magnus asked.

"This is... Strange!" Optimus said.

"Has this ever happened before?" Ultra Magnus asked.

"This means....we really have to explore that mysterious path!"

"The Decepticons have many skilled people. If their class can't handle the mystery in there. What about us?"

"... ... I have a feeling. Maybe this is a good sign!"

Then Ultra Magnus sat facing Optimus' back.

"Ahgggg!!! Come on Optimus. When will your attitude change? You're always cold, not caring about anyone. Don't just change the subject. Have you left your old self behind?"

"... The me in the past and the me now... Can't stay the same, Magnus!"

"You you talk as if you are the one who is fair!!!" Ultra Magnus suddenly snapped while continuing to turn his back on Optimus.

"When will you realize that you need someone to support your heart?" Ultra Magnus continued.

"I don't like to talk about this. I told you, everyone is equally important. I don't need one person to be prioritized."

"Oh... Hahaha! Seriously Optimus? Then do you think of me that way too. Your comrade, just optional?"

"I didn't say that. Both you and everyone else have the same share of my priorities! Stop this argument!!" Optimus snapped.

"... ... ... ..." Ultra Magnus remained silent with an annoyed expression.

"You're always like this. You don't want to share your suffering with anyone. You carry everything as if it's all your fault."

"I am the leader, Magnus. I am the Prime. I must always be the one to defend the Transformers and this world. It is only natural that I have to take the blame!"

"And it's common for you to hurt Elita! Elita is no less than you, you two are very compatible. But your thoughts are always at odds. You have to realize this soon, Optimus. It's not too late, I'm afraid you'll regret it for the rest of your life!"

"You talk like a..."

"I thank him, thanks to him I can see how annoying you are! Well... Because tomorrow we will leave. Be kind, hopefully tomorrow Elita-1 will be fine to help us!"

"I won't take her, I want to take the recovered Ironhide. Elita is not suited to fighting in the dark!"

"Huh... I asked for it! You may be the leader, but don't forget. You owe me that finger! My request is simple. Just make Elita happy!"

Then Ultra Magnus left Optimus very annoyed with Optimus's nature.

Meanwhile Optimus he just. Mumbled and said, "happiness is simple, besides she always seems happy. Why should I make her happy?"

Optimus's words earlier proved how innocent Optimus's nature was. Optimus had truly thrown away his love for Elita-1. Even though their relationship had been very romantic.

Finished with his work, Optimus then left the operator's room. Then he went to his room.

But when he passed the discussion room he was surprised to see Elita-1 cleaning up a fallen cup and wiping up spilled water.

Optimus paused for a moment and looked at Elita-1 there.

But Optimus's face looked very sad and pitiful towards Elita-1.

Elita-1 who didn't realize Optimus saw her, she kept wiping. Until finally finished.

Elita-1 then sat back on the sofa, and drank her oil coffee, gulping it down in one go.

Then Elita-1 took the cups and took them to the kitchen.

But he was surprised by Optimus standing in front of the door.

"Optimus?!" said Elita-1.

"Have you been waiting for me here?" Optimus said.

"Ah... Not really. I spilled coffee oil."

"I was looking for you, how did your cup get spilled?" Optimus asked. 

"Ah... it's nothing. I bumped into the table on my way out and made it spill. Calm down, it's just a small matter anyway. By the way, it's already late at night. It's time for you to rest, right?"

Optimus then remembered Ultra Magnus' words, "Just make Elita happy!"

"Ah... Elita!"

"Yes...!"

"... ...Why didn't you go to the funeral together?" Optimus asked.

"Hmmm... ... Sorry... I... just couldn't stand it, I know you're sad right now. I'm also grieving. Not attending doesn't mean anything... I just can't stand it!"

Elita-1 then wanted to rush to deliver the cups she was holding. But Optimus asked again.

"... ... That's fine. I'm going to go find Energon, are you coming?"

"... ?... I don't know, but I'm not sure I can help you" Elita-1 paused.

"You're a jack of all trades, come along, Elita! You haven't been in action lately!"

...

"Okay... I'll be with you tomorrow!" Elita-1 smiled.

"Okay... I hope you can be relied on!"

"I'm glad to see you've recovered from your despair so quickly, Optimus!" said Elita-1.

"... ... Alright... You don't have to close the door to the discussion room, remember!" Optimus said because the door to the discussion room was broken.

"Oops, I almost forgot! Okay, I'll go to the kitchen first!"

Elita-1 then continued to the kitchen.

Optimus also then went to his room.

***

In short, Optimus then went into his room and lay down there.

But the radio in his room was playing someone's voice whose words were;

"With the Matrix, the Autobots can connect with each other. The Matrix is ​​the only thing that can protect all Autobots from the dark energy. The Matrix has different powers depending on the container it occupies. But the difficult challenge is in the container. All the roads are difficult, nothing is easy, even to know oneself."

"Do I really have to prioritize some individuals? At this point, I still want Elita-1. I don't want to burden her because of me. Because of me, one by one, people close to me are dying, and I've even broken my promise to someone. I have to become stronger, that way... no one will have to sacrifice themselves for me anymore!" Optimus said.

The radio said,

"Out there, there are many enemies that can be a threat to us. Especially other dangerous entities, such as Unicron, Taken, Mixer and many more. They claim to be gods, but their actions are very evil and very cruel."

Optimus then closed his eyes and fell asleep.

To be continued....