I feel like it's almost impossible not to have Optimus and Megatron in a queer relationship as an end game in the aligned universe.
Exodus: Megatron fantasizing about having Orion as his close personal advisor for whom the crowds cheer his name as well as his own. The story realises it's making itself pretty gay and starts skipping through the relationship so there's less time to linger on it.
Exiles: tries using the word brother to make what you're reading slightly less gay. Still somehow has Megatron holding Optimus so closely they share a vision from the Matrix.
Retribution: Gives up entirely. Has Optimus saving Megatron numerous times, Megatron saying they'd make a great team, pressing his fingers to Optimus's lips (after taking in a corrupted copy of the matrix) to stop him from talking, and telling Optimus to save himself and give up on saving him.
Tfp: Orion pax. Enough said.
The covenant of Primus: has exerts from Optimus's diary where he says the matrix keeps repeating "Journeys end in lovers meeting." which is from a song called Carpe diem/O mistress mine; where are you roaming, in one of Shakespeare's plays (twelfth night). It means 'seize the day' but can also be along the lines of 'live life to the fullest' etc. Anyway, in context the song is about how two lovers only have here and now and is entreating his young lover to 'meet' him where all lovers end up.
The matrix is literally telling Optimus to get laid.
And not just once mind you, Optimus repeatedly uses this phrase. I am suffering please, Optimus, please. You do not know what that phrase means and putting it right in the middle of an account about how Megatron prevented Unicron from killing you via strength of will is super awkward.
-> If you have a question, check in the Popular Questions first to see if it's there or risk getting blocked by asking me the same thing for the 100th time
If you're interested in the AU, let this be your guide. I suck at writing but I'll do my very best. Just a warning this is LONG and I'll probably update it as I go.
I. What is Apprentice AU?
Setting
Apprentice AU takes place in a timeline where all the original Thirteen Primes are ALIVE. They're the rightful rulers of Cybertron and each takes charge of an aspect in their society (religion, military, economy, etc...) keeping everything running.
To be efficient with this, they take bots themselves deem exceptional under their wings and train those into worthy leaders for Cybertron. And potentially, a new Prime.
Fun fact: Only one bot has achieved Primacy through apprenticeship and it's Sentinel Prime.
2. Story
The AU mostly revolve around Orion Pax and D-16, specifically their growing relationship while being Apprentices of Prima Prime and Megatronous Prime, respectively.
Some art and comic I've made of them:
First meeting - First greeting
Chatter - Pastime - Watchful eyes
Orion's upgrade (< context)
Lord High Protector
Fandub
II. What entails being an Apprentice?
Role
A bot can only have 1 Prime as their mentor, thus wholeheartedly devote to that Prime's purpose. During the apprenticeship, the bot will learn all their Prime offers and graduate once they are ready to contribute to Cybertron.
Example:
Prima is in charge of the Religious aspect -> Orion learns of ritual and duties that help with the church
Megatronous is in charge of Cybertron's military -> D-16 is trained to be a warrior/soldier
2. Garment
Once becoming a Prime's apprentice, you are obligated to adorn their House's garment. Mostly consist of one primary colour of the Prime and an accent colour + accessories.
^^^ All designs shown thus far ^^^
All the garments are considered extreme honour, a blessing that reminds the apprentices of their devotion to their Prime mentors
There's a little made up rule between the Apprentices that only your special somebot can touch your garment, consider how important it is. Like a forbidden peck on the lips if you will.
╔══ •- Popular Questions -• ══╗
"Where is Elita/Bee in the AU? Whose apprentice are they?"
They WILL APPREAR. Eventually.
I have answered about their roles in the past quite a few times too. The AU is still in its very early stage I want to have fun with DPax first before having to learn how to draw other characters, it's tedious work whenever I need to draw a new mech.
2. "Why are Orion and D-16 cogless?"
This is still not thoroughly thought out but a lot of bots do not come online with their cogs. These cogs are later given to them by an older figure in a maturity ceremony.
3. "How are the Apprentices chosen?"
Vibes
4. "Are the High Guard still there?"
Yes. They're intact and is mainly under Megatronous Prime's command. Starscream, Shockwave and Soundwave are D-16's personal trainers since Megatronous has expressed his hope that D will lead the High Guard someday.
Starscream isn't happy so he's a particular harsh trainer to D but he'll be a good guardian figure when D needs him to be. D has a nice friendship with Soundwave
5. "How is X in this AU?"
Most of the time, I will have no idea who you're talking about. I'm super new to Transformers. I would be very appreciative if you'd tell me a short description of the character and maybe suggestion on what trope they might play (anatagonist, mentor, etc...). Information is always welcome.
Please don't ask me about other Primes aside from Prima, Megatronous, Sentinel and Zeta only when it's Sentinel related. Most of it I consider as spoilers. Once again tho, info and suggestions about them would be nice.
Alpha Trion would be fine too but there's nothing much to say about him.
6. "Can we draw fanart/write fanfic/make our own OCs for the AU?"
On my knees, please do and pleaseeeeeee link me if you do, I want to see all that my stupid AU inspired. Tho I do have a few boundaries:
Dpax/Megop and Prima/Megatronous are SOLID. Please don't ship them with anyone else. Strict one-sided from others is fine tho! (ex: Bee has a one-sided crush on Orion)
Designs inspired by the Ineffable Husbands duality, including my take on the iconic good omens tattoo: the flaming sword + snake! and a couple of hands of god, playing her ineffable game with the universe.
If you are interested in getting one tattooed, by all means, do it! (and consider making a donation to my Ko-fi)
