26- One Shall Rise (part 3).
The Autobots and Galvatron continued their way through the tunnels or veins of Unicron. Suddenly, Galvatron clutched his head in pain, having another vision: cracks formed all across Earth as dark energon flowed through it, until Earth exploded.
"Unicron grows even stronger." Galvatron communicated before continuing leading the group.
"How do we know Unicron isn't using Galvatron to lead us all into a trap?" Elita asked.
"We do not." Optimus simply answered.
"Better be ready if anything happens."
"Got it." Arcee nodded pulling out her weapons.
They continued their way, without realizing that they were being followed by something. Meanwhile, the storm above Mt. Moon was getting worse, launching lots of lightning. Inside the Autobot base, everyone was watching the TV's news.
"More than 60 volcanoes are erupting worldwide. And downtown all Alola is under six inches of snow. Scientists continue to devise theories connecting these unprecedented natural disasters with the planetary alignment which…" the TV broadcasted until it shuts off by itself.
"So, who wants to play a game?" Delia suggested, trying to cheer up the mood.
"Ah…mom, that's not going to work now." Ash clarified.
"But thanks for try it." Serena thanked.
"That's enough!"
"Lunick, where are you going?" Solana asked.
"I can't just sit here and do nothing while the world spins out of control."
"And what exactly is it that you intend to do?" Ratchet asked.
"Anything. Meet with our people at headquarters and figure out a way to bury that monster for good."
"In the event Optimus can't?"
"Don't you mean Optimus and Galvatron?"
"No one here is thrilled about this arrangement, Ranger Lunick. Myself included. But with Optimus and Galvatron together again…"
"Whoa, wait. Again?" Ritchie stopped.
"Galvatron was an Autobot?" Max asked.
"Optimus was a Con?" Bonnie added.
"No, on either count. But there was a time, back on Cybertron, in the twilight hours of the Golden Age, when Optimus and Galvatron were not sworn enemies. Do you recall when I mentioned that Optimus wasn't always a Prime?" Ratchet started to tell, earning a nod from all the gang, even the pokémon. "Well, he wasn't always Optimus either. He was once a clerk, in the Iacon Hall of Records, when he was Orion Pax. But as he learned more about Cybertron's past, he grew increasingly concerned about the present corruption in high places and inequality among the masses. Orion became inspired by the words and ideas of a gladiator. One who had named himself after one of the 13 original Primes: Megatronus. Megatronus vowed to challenge Cybertron's leadership and demand that all cybertronians be treated as equals. This gladiator turned revolutionary rapidly, gathered a loyal following, Soundblaster's previous self, Soundwave, chief among them. Orion began corresponding with Megatronus, who came to be something of a mentor to him. As Megatronus left the gladiatorial arena for the political, he saw fit to shorten his name. Before long, Megatron appeared before the High Council to propose his vision for a just society, and it was here that he began to reveal his true colors. Proclaiming the need to overthrow the old guard with force and arrogantly demanding to be named the next Prime. But Orion did not believe in violence as a mean of achieving justice. The sparks and minds of the council were moved by Orion's words. Here, for the first time since Cybertron's Golden Age, stood someone worthy of being a Prime. But that honor could only truly be achieved by earning the legendary Matrix of Leadership. His ambitions thwarted, Megatron spitefully severed all ties with Orion and the council, and came to wage war on all who opposed him, through his growing army of followers, which he named Decepticons. He bowed to claim the matrix for himself, wherever it might lie. In time, warfare consumed Cybertron, poisoning the planet to its core. Orion journeyed there, hoping to reverse the ill effects, and found himself before the very spark of our life giver: Primus himself. The ailing Primus sensed the unique nobility within Orion and bestowed the matrix upon him. It was thus that a surprised and humbled Orion Pax, came to be Optimus, the last of the Primes."
"Whoa, that's quite a story." May said surprised.
"Wait, when we met you guys Optimus was still named Orion Pax. How that could be possible?" Dawn questioned.
"Yeah, I know that's confusing. Believing the Matrix would be safer on the hands of a veteran Prime, Optimus decided to hide his new identity as a Prime and give the matrix back to his predecessor and Prime mentor, Sentinel. Of course, even when he was still known as Orion Pax when we met you, he already was Optimus Prime. I should have told you that first." Ratchet revealed.
"So Optimus got the matrix from Cybertron's core and now he's gonna give it to Earth's?" Misty asked.
"What is to stop Galvatron from claiming the matrix for himself this time around?" Tracey added.
"Only his greater desire to save this planet so that he may in turn conquer it, as he so compellingly argued. Provided the lord of the Decepticons can't ever be fully trusted." Ratchet replied.
Back inside Unicron, the group was about to cross another bridge.
"Unicron's spark is near." Galvatron sensed.
"After you." Arcee told him.
The Autobots continued following Galvatron. Then, Warpath started to groan as he clutched his head.
"(Warpath, are you okay?)"
"Fine, Bee. Just woozy."
"The dark energon, is starting to affect him." Hot Rod deduced as he and Bee helped their friend.
"Steady as you go, big guy." Moonracer advised.
Suddenly, Galvatron stopped as his emblem started to glow.
"He's preparing to expel us." He said.
They started to hear a loud screeching noise. While they looked, they spotted a swarm of some weird flying creatures, coming right at them. Everyone readied their weapons.
"What are those things?" Wheeljack asked.
"As we are within Unicron's body, it stands to reason they are some sort of antibody." Optimus deduced as he pulled out his cannons.
The creatures started to fire lasers at the group, which fired back. Because some ones passed them so close, Optimus decided to use his sword too. One of the creatures tried to slam into Elita One, but she managed to jump above it and shot it down. The explosion sent her out of the bridge, but after hitting another antibody, she managed to land on other bridge below the first one. Wheeljack jumped onto another one and inserted his swords, slicing it in two before joining her. Warpath smashed two beings with his big hammers, but his situation was getting worse: his vision was starting to blur, which made him to slip and fell. Fortunately, he grabbed the edge and Sideswipe saw him.
"Warpath! Hang on!" He said grabbing his hand before he lost grip of the edge. "Hot Rod, I need an assist!"
"Coming."
"We'll cover you." Arcee said as she, Moon and Bee fired their guns at any creature that could strike against them.
Both Autobots grabbed Warpath's hand, but they were unable to get him back on the bridge since he was too heavy.
"Guys, let me go. I'll only take you down with me."
"No way. We never leave any Bot behind." Hot Rod answered.
Meanwhile, Optimus and Galvatron were fighting together, guarding each other's blind spots as they attacked in sync, firing and slicing, even ended back-to-back for a brief moment. After finishing another foe, Elita spotted Sideswipe and Hot Rod trying to hold Warpath.
"Is not working. Can someone else give us a hand here?!" Sideswipe called.
"Step aside, boys!" Moonracer called before she pulled out her electric whip and grabbed Warpath's hand with it before start pulling.
"Just let go, pals!" Warpath insisted as his hand was slipping through theirs.
"Warpath!" Elita shouted.
"No!" Wheeljack yelled.
At the end, Warpath's hand slipped completely, but another one bigger caught him: Optimus's.
"I got ya." He grunted as he pulled Warpath onto the bridge.
With everyone safe again, the group continued their way to the other side of the bridge.
"Elita! Wheeljack!" Optimus called.
"Coming, boss!" Wheeljack answered back.
The two Autobots ran to the other side until they saw a chance: they jumped on an antibody and used it to fly back with the others. Meanwhile, inside the Nemesis, Airachnid was making an important announce.
"Fellow Decepticons, while our loyalty to Galvatron's command has always remained steadfast, our leader's recent behavior has been questionable at best, and it would seem as though Earth has become nothing short of a failed experiment."
"Commander Airachnid, you're not suggesting that we abandon lord Galvatron?" Knock Out asked.
"Despite Soundblaster's efforts we have been unable to detect our master's signal. Galvatron is either permanently offline or in the thrall of Unicron. Neither is in the best interest of the Decepticons. So, I am deeming an exodus to be the most prudent course of action. Unless anyone has a problem with that." Airachnid said looking at the troops, but no one said anything, which made her smirk. "Set course for Regulon 4."
For her surprise, Soundblaster was no more on the terminal. He stood between Airachnid and the bridge's controls.
"You have something to say, Soundblaster?" Airachnid demanded, but he remained silent, so she changed to her spider mode and walked at him. "I command this vessel. You will resume your post." Soundblaster continued still and quiet. "Step aside."
Tired of not getting answers, Airachnid started to attack Soundblaster with her spider claws, but he blocked them perfectly. Next, he grabbed Airachnid and lift her above the ground, and threw her back.
"I'll tear out your spark for that." Airachnid swore.
Then, she saw that a piece of Soundblaster's torso was missing: Buzzsaw. He flew right at Airachnid and fired at her. She tried to dodge it jumping, but one of the shots hit her, that combined with a tackle from both Ravage and Crumble made her lay right in front of Soundblaster, who put a foot on her before his Minicons returned to him.
"I yield." Airachnid admitted.
With all settled, Soundblaster, returned to the terminal to continue his job. Knock Out and Breakdown were surprised by what happened.
"Watch out for the quite ones." Knock Out said.
At the same time, Ratchet was also trying to figure out if the team was okay.
"Communication links are down, as expected. But we've lost their signal." Ratchet reported.
"Doesn't that mean…?" Bonnie started worried.
"Usually. But a more likely explanation would be the severe interference caused by these electromagnetic anomalies."
"So, if we can't track them and they can't contact us…?" Ritchie started.
"How are we gonna know when they're ready for pickup?" Dawn ended.
"Piplup." The penguin pokémon said shrugging.
Before Ratchet could answer, he heard a typing sound, and turned around to see Ash tapping with the key on the railing while Pikachu observed it curious.
"Pika?"
"Where did you get that?" Ratchet asked in shock.
"Optimus gave it to me. But I don't know why he gave me the key to the ground bridge power supply."
"Ash, the ground bridge doesn't require a key to power up, it's automatic. I know it because Ratchet showed it to me." Clemont revealed.
"What? Then what is this?"
"That is the key to Vector Sigma." Ratchet answered.
"The what?"
"You are holding one of Cybertron's most important relics."
"Whoa, what a surprise." Max said amazed.
"What? Then I shouldn't have this." He said as he was about to give it to Ratchet.
"Optimus entrusted it to you, Ash."
"But that doesn't make any sense. So why?"
"Because he doesn't plan on coming back."
"What?! I cannot believe it."
"What is it, Ranger Solana?" Misty asked.
"We have been receiving reports of strange pokémon activity from all around the world. And not just normal: they appear to be legendary pokémon's doing."
"What?!" Everyone exclaimed in disbelief.
"They appear to be mobilizing at the same time, even attacking the same objective."
"Of course, they must have noticed that Unicron is threatening their home and they want to stop him." Tracey deduced.
"But do you think they will be able to do something against his power? Galvatron said only Optimus can truly defeat him." Serena reminded.
Just as Ranger Solana reported, all around the world, the legendary pokémon were doing something against the Chaos Bringer's influence: Groudon, in his Primal Reversion form, was upon the coast of Hoenn, sensing the current earthquakes happening below his feet, and placed both hands on the ground, starting to expand his expanding ground power, in an attempt to counter the quakes and cracks caused by Unicron, later a Regigigas arrived and assisted him by using Crush Grip in the ground; in middle of the sea, Kyogre, also in his Primal Reversion form, spotted a crack in the ocean floor, and with a roar summoned the waters above him and canalized them against the crack, forcing it to close and retreat; above the volcano of Cinnabar Island, some curious pokémon looked at the volcano's sinister spectacle: they were Mewtwo and Mew, who started to use their psychic powers to counter the volcanic eruption and return all the dark matter back inside, they later were assisted by a pair of Deoxys, three Celebi, a Cresselia with a Darkrai, the Lake trio (Uxie, Mesprit and Azelf) and a Latias and Latios, which assisted them with their psychic power too; in middle of the sky, in no region, Rayquaza was using his control over the winds to stop the storms caused by Unicron's influence, being helped by Tornadus, Thundurus and Landorus; on the Unova region, the Reversial Mountain was also like the volcano of Cinnabar Island, erupting and launching pieces of dark energon, causing all the local pokémon to get away in panic from the dark energon bombs, but fortunately someone came to their aid: the Swords of Justice, who used their abilities to protect the other pokémon: Keldeo was using Hydro Pump to counter the volcanic bombs, the same as Virizion using Magical Leaf, while Terrakion and Cobalion used Sacred Sword to cut the volcanic bombs before they hit the ground; at the same time, above the mountain, Kyurem, in his white form, was using Ice Burn to try to freeze the volcano's inside and the dark energon lava, assisted by both Articuno and a Regice, using Ice Beam; in the same place where Optimus faced Unicron's avatars, a Regirock and a Registeel were using their strength to prevent Unicron's limb to move further, although they had to stop sometimes when a couple of avatars of Unicron materialized from the ground to stop them, forcing them to fight them with Superpower before returning to their task; the Reverse World was also feeling the effects of Unicron, causing some of the structures to crack and broken, so Giratina tried his best to repair the damage with his power the fastest he could; some of the most powerful legendary pokémon gathered above the now frozen Alola region, where Solgaleo, Lunala, Dialga and Palkia, accompanied by the Guardian deities, opened a few portals as Lugia, Ho-Oh, Zapdos and Moltres, who were carrying a Raikou, a Suicune and an Entei joined with them, alongside with Reshiram, Zekrom, Yveltal and Zygarde (in his 100% form). Once there and with the portals open, each legendary pokémon launched an attack inside the portal: Zapdos used Thunder Shock, Moltres fired a Flamethrower, Raikou used Charge Beam, Suicune launched an Aurora Beam, Entei attacked with Overheat, Dialga charged his Roar of Time and fired it at the portal, the same as Palkia with his Spacial Rend, Lugia attacked with Aeroblast as Ho-Oh used Sacred Fire, Reshiram fired his Blue Flare, Zekrom used Bolt Strike, Yveltal performed his Oblivion Wing, Zygarde used Core Enforcer, Solgaleo fired Flash Cannon, Lunala attacked with Moongeist Beam, Tapu Koko used Discharge, Tapu Lele followed with Psybeam, Tapu Bulu continued with Solar Beam and Tapu Fini used Water Pulse. The portals opened at the other side, right inside Unicron's veins, allowing the legendary pokémon attacks to hit his inside. However, even that they caused him some damage, the strongest attacks only caused some structure to be broken, not enough to cause important damages. Despite that, the pokémon continued their attacks.
"Foolish beings, your attacks are no match for my greatness."
Inside Unicron, the group continued making its way as it continued fighting the antibody swarm. Now they were in an intersection, which allowed the antibodies to fly all around them and attack from all directions. Galvatron showed his great combat skills in close combat slicing some bugs with his sword and hitting other distant ones with his gladiator bowler. Until he heard Unicron's voice.
"Galvatron, do as I command. Destroy the Prime."
Galvatron groaned in pain as he felt Unicron's influence on his body.
"Galvatron!" Optimus called.
Galvatron clutched his head in pain before he grabbed Optimus's shoulder and moved him out of the way, blasting another antibody.
"Unicron's spark, lies just beyond." Galvatron announced, pointing at a wall.
"How do we get inside?" Elita asked.
"By fooling Unicron's defenses into believing we're not a threat." Galvatron answered as his emblem started to glow purple.
While the group covered him, Galvatron approached his chest to the wall, making a secret door open, revealing a path.
"Autobots, I will need you to keep our attackers at bay for as long as you can." Optimus ordered before he went inside with Galvatron before the door closed.
"We need to hold our ground till the end." Elita commanded.
"Yeah, for Optimus!" Hot Rod encouraged as they continued firing.
The path led Galvatron and Optimus to a huge room with a giant purple glowing core of pure energy: Unicron's Anti-Spark. Both cybertronians stood before it.
"Optimus, swiftly!" Galvatron told him.
Optimus nodded, and started to approach the spark. But suddenly, the energy core started to shake and send energy waves, which hit both Optimus and Galvatron. Prime stood on his knees, but Galvatron felt Unicron's influence getting stronger on him as his eyes started to emit purple smoke.
"Galvatron, destroy the Prime. I command you."
Galvatron pulled out his sword and advanced toward Optimus. Once near to him, Galvatron was about to strike him down, until he stopped his sword with his other hand and retrieved his sword, resisting himself.
"Galvatron is commanded by NO ONE!" He shouted before continuing to keep his willpower strong, roaring in pain.
The volcanoes started to erupt more violently, the same as earthquakes started to happen, surprising the legendary pokémon which were trying to contain them and sending them flying backwards. The quakes were noted even inside the Autobot base.
"Earthquake!" Ranger Lunick yelled.
"Take cover!" Ratchet warned covering everyone.
Back into Unicron's core, his face showed on his Anti-Spark. The effort of resist made Galvatron to fall unconscious.
"Matrix of Leadership, I call upon you!" Optimus summoned.
Inside Optimus, the matrix started to glow.
"You cannot defeat me, Disciple of Primus. I have transcended physical being. By my will alone, all upon this world shall fall into chaos!" Unicron declared, speaking through Galvatron's body, glowing in purple flames.
"Not while I still function, Unicron. The power of the matrix, will light our darkest hour!" Optimus retorted.
"NO!"
Galvatron's body aimed the fusion cannon at Optimus, who was covered by a blue aura before launching a blue energy beam directly at Unicron's spark. That caused an energy wave that launched Galvatron backwards, while Optimus stood on his feet until the matrix energy was completely released into Unicron. The cybertronian god screamed in pain, and in only a few seconds, his spark was no more. That caused that all the antibodies fell dead, giving the Autobots a break. Suddenly, the volcanoes stooped erupting and turned normal, tornadoes vanished into thin air, tidal waves calmed down and clouds began to clear up as light shined down on Earth once more, something the legendary pokémon noticed. Inside base, everyone noticed the earthquake was gone.
"There could be aftershocks." Delia warned.
"Do you think…?" Ash started.
"I do." Ratchet said before the screen showed the life signals of all the Autobots, even Galvatron's.
Everyone began cheering about the fact that they won. All members of the gang embraced their pals in happiness, both human and pokémon: Serena embraced Ash before they both were hug by Delia, Pikachu hug Piplup, Minun and Plusle jumped together, Max and Bonnie hug together alongside their elder siblings, and surprisingly Lunick embraced Solana, until he stopped and let go of her while rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment. Even Soundblaster detected Galvatron's signal, and started to prepare his pick-up. Inside Unicron, Optimus was on the floor unconscious, while Galvatron went back to his feet. His eyes were red again, so he was free from Unicron's control. He saw Optimus starting to recover.
"Teamwork, hum."
Seeing it as his great chance, Galvatron pulled out his sword. As Optimus looked up, he saw Galvatron coming at him with a bizarre vision.
"Where are we, Megatronus? Is that you?" He asked.
That surprised Galvatron. No one else knew his previous name, except Optimus. Or better said, the Bot Optimus was before being a Prime. That made him change his mind, and offered him his hand. Optimus took it, and Galvatron helped him get up.
"Don't you remember, old friend?" Galvatron asked him.
Optimus removed his battle mask, and in that moment, they heard hitting noises from behind them. It was Warpath, who managed to make their way to them.
"Optimus, are you okay?" He asked jumping into the room.
"Why did he call me that?" Optimus asked confused.
"What did you do to him?" Hot Rod asked suspicious.
"Who are they?" Optimus asked again, just before a ground bridge appeared next to him and Galvatron.
Galvatron knew that was his ground bridge.
"Our mortal enemies. We're outnumbered. Go! I'll cover you!" Galvatron told him before firing at the Autobots.
The Autobots were forced to find cover as Optimus ran to the portal. He gave a last view on Elita One.
"Ariel?" He asked in confusion.
"Optimus, no." She begged to him.
Not recognizing his sparkmate, he entered the portal, and Galvatron followed him before it closed. The Autobots were completely in shock: their leader was gone. Ratchet activated the ground bridge while everyone waited for the Autobots to arrive. Team Prime arrived back safe and sound, but not exactly happy, unlike their friends, who went with them.
"Hot Rod." Ash called.
"Pikachu." Pikachu added.
"Thank Arceus you're fine, Arcee." Serena said.
"Moon, you made it!" Bonnie exclaimed running at her friend.
"I knew you will make it, Warpath." May saluted him.
"Glad to see you survived, Sideswipe." Ritchie said in relief.
"I was so worried, Wheeljack." Dawn told him.
"Pi piplup." Piplup followed.
"Are you alright, Bee?" Max asked.
"Welcome home, everyone." Tracey greeted.
"And Optimus?" Ratchet asked. "Is he…?"
"Dead? No." Arcee answered.
"But he looked right at us without recognizing us." Wheeljack explained.
"Didn't even know his own name." Sideswipe added.
"How is that possible?" Moonracer asked.
"When Optimus surrendered the Matrix of Leadership, he lost more than the collective wisdom of the Primes. He lost his own memories." Elita realized.
Meanwhile, Galvatron entered the bridge of the Nemesis, and all the Decepticons bowed to him.
"Welcome back, lord Galvatron." Knock Out saluted.
Galvatron stepped aside, and Optimus entered too. That caused Breakdown to pull out his hammer and start charging at him, but Galvatron stopped him.
"At ease, Breakdown. That is no way to welcome a long-lost comrade." Galvatron said looking at Optimus. "Orion Pax…is one of us."
To be continued…