A/N: So I decided to merge the final chapter, and the epilogue into one chapter. So this is it, guys. The final chapter of the story. :( I want to thank EVERYONE who followed, favorited, and reviewed this story. It means so much that you all loved and enjoyed the ride, even though I know it was a LONG one. :3 I hope you all enjoy the way that I wrap it up! Here it goes.

SPECIAL AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Yes, this IS a repost. And I have a good reason to be reposting this one. (Rather than breaking the rules and making an Author's Note chapter) Because if you're a fan of this fan-fiction, there is a SEQUEL being written. But if you're wondering why it's not in my fanfiction archive, is because I am not the writer. Rather, a reader TOMMOROW'S HERO has taken over the reins for me on this one. It is not set after the epilogue (if there will be a sequel set then, I'm not sure when or if it will happen but I plan to write it if that day comes) but it is none-the-less a sequel set five years after the main events of the story, and is 100% approve by me (the author approached me before taking this project). You can find it under the title of SIMPLE ACTS. I hope that you'll enjoy the first two chapters as much as I have if you choose to tune in!

...

EPILOGUE

Magnus stood before his friend, and former leader silently. His optics locking with his, saddening by the minute. He must have been dead, that much he was sure of now. He'd failed Josh, who he'd promised he'd raise. And even though he knew that without a doubt his creators would raise him, he still felt a pit in his chest. "I'm dead, aren't I?" Magnus asked, his voice distant. "That shot killed me."

Optimus shook his head, and stepped forward, placing a hand upon his shoulder. "Not yet, but you ARE dying," Optimus began quietly, watching as Magnus stared at him, bewildered. "From here, it is up to you to decide to continue fighting or pass on. As is the choice of every spark that has passed on," He stood there for a long moment. "You did a brave thing back there," He commented calmly.

Magnus's optics glistened slightly, remembering fully what he had done. He had done a brave thing back there, but he would expect nothing less of himself. He loved Josh with every ounce of his spark, and if he hadn't thrown himself in the way... He shuddered to think of his son, blown to bits by that blast. He didn't regret what he did, he'd do it again, and again. Because even if it meant he might pass on, it also meant that the boy would have a full life. "He's my son, Prime," Magnus explained. "The Decepticons have taken many things from me. But I refused to let him be one of them," He looked off into the distance. "I made the choice that I had in my spark, to let him live."

"You have changed," Optimus mused. "There was a time where you disliked the humans."

Magnus frowned, but nodded his head in response. He knew that much was true, and moreso, he knew that Josh had completely changed how he felt there. A fact which he could consider himself thankful for. "I just saw him, and he reminded me so much of you," Magnus shook his head. "I thought I was insane, taking a human child into my home. And yet," He paused a moment. "I knew I was meant to find him, to save him."

"I am aware," Optimus nodded. "For it was I who put him in your path," Magnus's optics bulged. "Both Primus and I saw how lonely you were. And what's more, we saw how things needed to change," He explained. "The boy has a pure heart that not many humans obtain. The capability to change things for the better undeniably lied within him," He then added. "And you needed the nudge to bring peace to our planet for good."

"Then the boy," Magnus paused a moment. "He is important to all of this, isn't he?" Optimus nodded his head in response. "How? He's only eleven. How could a child help us into peacetime?"

Optimus simply shook his head at his friend, and Magnus knew the answer that was coming. He couldn't know, or perhaps, Optimus didn't, but somehow, Primus did. "Unless you join me in the well, I cannot tell you," Optimus explained. "There are things only Primus and those in the kingdom can know," He paused a moment. "All that I can tell you, is that someday Joshua will grow up. And when he does, he will be essential in uniting the humans and the Cybertronians."

Magnus looked into Optimus's optics, as if trying to figure out what he meant. But he could only think of one thing, one simple thing. "An astronaut would not have the political power to do that," Magnus began quietly. "Is he to grow up to succeed the seat I held?" Optimus simply stared at him silently. "Either way, the way you speak, he'll need guidance, he'll need someone to show him how to be a leader."

"Indeed," Optimus replied. "But it need not be you, not if you wish to pass on," He then added. "There are many dark days ahead in this whole new world, Magnus," Magnus frowned at that, almost sulking a little. "In order for him to face his destiny there will be loss. If not from you, then from others." Magnus stared at Optimus. "Therefore I implore you to consider the choice at hand."

Magnus was silent as Optimus stopped speaking, simply holding out his hand. Even without any words spoken, Magnus understood what Optimus meant by it. "This is a hard choice you are asking of me," Magnus breathed slowly. "To leave to the eternal kingdom in order to avoid darkness. Or to stay and raise a boy who I have come to love. And who, apparently, is of great importance," He then added. "It should have been you instead of me, Prime. You know how to raise a great leader, I don't."

"You already are," Optimus began quietly. "Your actions, of showing Joshua love and compassion, and that the world can be helped... These are all qualities that will lead him towards his destiny. Finding a family that loved him was essential," He then explained. "Without it, his fate would, without a doubt, be much bleaker." He explained.

"You just have to be cryptic," Magnus grunted.

"It does not matter," Optimus spoke up. "Now the time for you to go back is shortening. You must make a decision, Magnus. But even so, know. That no matter your decision, Josh is on the right course." He then added. "You have changed his life, forever."

"I have to make it now?"

"Now, my friend." Optimus whispered.

As Magnus closed his optics to think, his lips slowly formed his answer.

...

11 YEARS LATER...

The tension in the air was overwhelming for the young man. In the eleven years that had passed since the Breakline incident, Joshua had not faced a more terrifying situation than he did now. The graduation caps had long fallen from the sky, the cheers died down, and hugs exchanged. He'd finally done it, after all this time, he had graduated from Iacon Academy (with full honors one might add) at their university level. It had been a long road, from his days of dreaming of being Astronaut, to slowly working his way into Political Science, but none-the-less, he had made it.

In the audience, he could see Terry, who held up his diploma to him proudly, excitement in his face. Josh only waved, holding his own one up with all grins. But inside, he could only wonder what he would do now. What office would he go for? The senate? He'd always considered that, all things considered, and a part of him still wanted to do so. After all, Magnus had been the mech that had inspired him. After all he had sacrificed for him, it was without a doubt a wish for him to follow in his footsteps.

His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden hug. One that he immediately recognized of that of Longrange. "Josh, sweetspark, we are so proud of you!" She declared, her holoform pushing tears from her eyes. "Look at you! All graduated, Mr. Validictorian," She muttered, then held the young man close again. "It feels like just yesterday we were all celebrating that first birthday with us."

"'Range, don't suffocate the boy," Proteus murmured, prying her off gently, before giving Josh his own, firm hug. "You did good, boy, you made me proud up there. That speech about your past and all, very moving," He stated, clearing his throat. "I hope you're eyeing a seat on the senate now. Because Primus, the way you carry yourself these days, they'd better watch out."

"He knows a seat is open for him to take when he wishes."

Josh smiled, his eyes twinkling as he was scooped up into a massive hand, and held to someone's chest. Ultra Magnus was probably the proudest father in the procession, or at least looked to be. The large mech looked down at his son, and smiled. "Dad, people are watching," Josh muttered. "You know that Jenny Wilson is probably watching me right now."

"Let them watch," Magnus rubbed Josh close to his cheek. "I am so proud of you, Josh. From the slums of Kaon to the valedictorian." He snorted a little bit. "Imagine what those fraggers who called you derogatory names would think of you NOW," Josh laughed a little bit. "Now, by a seat in the senate waiting for you, I do mean figuratively. I can't actually promise that."

"You run the whole planet," Josh snorted. "And you can't even tell me that I can-?"

"You did not get here through taking the easy way out, young man," Magnus interrupted, his optics baring down upon Josh. "You are going to apprentice under me, as we discussed. Then, once we have finished that," He began, his voice very firm. "Then we can talk about the senate." Josh rolled his eyes slightly, and pouted. "What happened to the simpler days where all you wanted was to see the stars?"

"I'm still gonna do that," Josh grinned. "What do you think that minor in Astronomy is for?"

"Such an overachiever," Proteus snorted. "Take after your father that way."

Josh nodded his head slowly, and leaned into Magnus's neck. His father peered at him, a smile crossing his lips. Yes, Josh was every bit the hard working young man he expected him to become. And at the moment, he couldn't be prouder. He knew that everything that Optimus said was right, he already had taken after him, slowly but surely. "But first," Josh replied. "I'm going to use my newfound degree to help Kaon," He began. "And then maybe the rest of the crappy cities."

"Think smaller," Magnus commented. "And besides, with Farfield back in charge... I think Kaon is well on its way to recovery."

Josh nodded his head slowly, looking down at it. "Maybe, but I didn't get this degree for fun," Josh spoke up proudly. "I want to make a difference with it, dad," He then explained. "Just like you did with me. I mean, if it weren't for you, who knows where I'd be." He explained, his voice low. "Though I guess I did almost find out when-."

"Enough about that," Proteus shook his head. "C'mon boys! We have a graduation to celebrate! Let's find Prowl and Terrence and get the pictures." He then added. "You can talk changing the world some other time!"

Magnus smiled, and continued to stare at Josh silently. Yes, they most certainly would be talking about it later. As Josh's words were only a confirmation to him: this boy was destined to take the kind actions of Magnus, and take it a step further. And without a doubt, he could not wait to see where that journey would take him. "Don't worry soldier," Magnus told the twenty-two year old. "You're going to change the world, I can feel it."

"I think we both will," Josh replied.

As Magnus turned to follow his creators, however, his optics turned and fell on an unseen spectator. In the crowd, Optimus stood, and watched, there, but only in spirit. The proud smile said it all: he was proud of Magnus, proud of his choice, and perhaps, after watching over him for so long, proud of Joshua. "What're you looking at, dad?" Josh asked, as Magnus simply nodded to Optimus, who returned it in confirmation that he was still on the right track. "Dad?"

As Magnus turned his head to look back at Josh, he already could see Optimus disappear. "Nothing, soldier," Magnus sighed, putting his hands on his hops. "Simply musing upon your words," He then added. "I think that, if we are both to change the world, we should start with your ideas," He explained, encouraging the boy he knew was meant to change things. "Where would you like to start?"

As they walked off towards their waiting family, it was all too clear. For them, their future was bright.

...

A/N: And, FIN. I am so sad to see this story end, but I hope it was a satisfying conclusion for you all. I always knew I wanted Josh to eventually follow in his father's footsteps, but it took a long time of deciding if that meant this inevitable ending. I hope that it came out well enough that it didn't seem forced. Either way, thanks to everyone who read! It's been a great ride!