"…I don't understand…"
Jack repeated the words over and over again, hoping that somehow, something would make sense.
Nothing did.
The ghost of Optimus Prime had appeared to Jack and Arcee, telling them that Jack Darby was the new Prime. Not only that, but also that they would be the parents of a new race of beings, ushering in a new Age of Primes.
And then Optimus disappeared.
There was no further explanation of how such a thing might be possible, no cryptic clues given on what they would have to do to make it possible, and nothing said that would make Jack think anything contrary that it was impossible.
Jack turned to Arcee…and suddenly all doubts were swept away.
Arcee's body was surrounded with a shimmering glow, not unlike the steady luminescence emanating from the Matrix. Her face had a look of absolute tranquility. Jack had never seen her at peace like this before, and the beautiful sight of it brought tears to his eyes.
Arcee smiled serenely, "Patience, Jack. You have to have faith."
It was that moment Jack and Arcee heard the voice of Optimus once again, his loving words filling them both with a supernatural calm.
"Jack…Arcee…my children…you have both lost so much in your lifetimes, and yet together…you have found a love that has transcended all barriers, defied all explanations, and overcome all obstacles. Let this be my final gift to you both. May your lives be filled with joy and happiness…farewell."
The Matrix suddenly became as bright as a star. The light enveloped them both, and gravity lost its grip on their bodies, as they rose above the ground.
The light intensified, forcing Jack to close his eyes, shielding them from the glare. There was no pain, but he could feel the light changing him, transforming him somehow…but into what?
Then, it was over.
The light began to fade, and Jack and Arcee were gently lowered to the ground.
Jack's vision began to clear. Once he could see well enough, he looked at himself but could not find any physical changes to his body. Jack's eyes tightened. He had been so sure…
Jack suddenly realized that the Matrix had disappeared. In a sudden burst of clarity and insight, it was then that Jack understood what had happened and how he had been transformed.
The Matrix of Leadership was a part of him, its power now inside his body, flowing through him. The ancient wisdom of the Thirteen Primes…the link to the AllSpark…the power of Primus himself…all lay within him.
Jack could hear an endless multitude of voices, speaking in unison in a symphony of harmony.
The wisdom of the Primes is now yours, Jackson Darby. Use it well.
Jack promised, "I won't let you down."
Arise, Jhiaxus Prime.
Jack stood in the darkness and called out her name, "Arcee…?"
There was just enough light for Jack to see a mysterious figure that was unmistakably female. He swallowed nervously.
The figure turned and faced Jack. He gasped.
ARCEE.
Transformed by the power of the Matrix and the ancient wisdom of the Thirteen, she was the realization of the Primes' vision of the future. She was the first of her kind, a new race of techno-organic life...half Cybertronian and half Human.
Jack was absolutely transfixed by her unearthly beauty and was unable to speak for a time. His wide eyes slowly drank in the sight of her.
She was now roughly about Jack's height, although still slightly taller.
Gone was the armored metal plating that once adorned her body. What remained was a perfectly smooth, seamless form of living metal, shining silver and sapphire blue. Jack blushed, realizing that Arcee was perfectly, beautifully female. No question about it.
Prior to her transformation Arcee's head was encircled by an armored helmet prominently displaying a pink-hued ornamental spike. In its place was a tiny jewel glowing with a soft inner fire, positioned near the center of her forehead.
Flowing from her head was a luminous cascade of neon pink microfilaments, suspended in mid-air. In short, Arcee now had glowing pink hair.
Her lovely face was the same as before, but somehow even softer in appearance. Her shining eyes, as always, took Jack's breath away.
Finally, their eyes met.
They smiled.
"How…how do you feel?" Jack nervously asked.
Arcee tried to put her answer into words. Her new body was hyper-sensitive to everything around her. There were so many wonderful new sensations…the warm night air, the cool breeze, the sounds, the smells, and yet...it all paled in comparison to the familiar sight of her beloved Jack standing before her.
Tears fell like liquid crystal from Arcee's eyes.
She whispered, "Is…is this what it's like for you…to feel?"
Jack nodded.
Arcee smiled, "Oh, I could get used to this…"
Jack asked, "Is this you all the time now? I mean, is this permanent…?"
She answered, "No, I still have my original body and my vehicle mode…this is something new…a third transformation."
"So…you're what, a triple-changer, now…?" Jack smiled.
Arcee smirked, "Looks that way…" Nervously, she stepped closer to Jack.
Jack gulped and said breathlessly, "I take it back. Now I've never seen anything more beautiful in my life."
Arcee smiled and slowly raised her hand, meeting Jack's. Their fingers touched and laced together. The simple contact made Arcee gasp slightly. Arcee grinned, suddenly realizing she was breathing. She closed her eyes, relishing the sensation.
It suddenly dawned on Jack, "Arcee, your hand…it doesn't feel like metal. It feels soft…warm, like skin!"
Arcee's eyes slowly opened and she gave Jack a look that sent shivers down his spine, "Chances are pretty good the rest of me feels the same…care to find out…?"
Jack slowly moved his hand upward, caressing Arcee's arm…her shoulder…
Arcee shuddered with pleasure at the tantalizing feeling.
Jack suddenly pouted, "Hmp. You're still taller than me."
Arcee giggled, "Lucky for you I like short guys…"
They drew ever closer to one another. There was an almost electric tension building.
"I love you, Jack."
"I love you, Arcee."
"Oh yeah…? Show me, Smooth Operator."
They embraced, coming together in a deep and passionate kiss.
Arcee whispered, "Ohh Jack…you've got the Touch…"