Disclaimer:Transformers belongs to Hasbro, Takara, etc . The only thing in this that belongs to me is Arcee's sister.
As Megatron led the autobots through a tunnel, leading then to Unicron's spark, he suddenly grabbed his helm as he was plagued with another vision.
He saw even more destruction. The ground crumbling to nothing. Essence of Dark Energon broke through the crust of the Earth and flew freely in the air. Unicron's face filled his mind next. Then followed by a lifeless Earth imploding.
Megatron gasped as the vision ended and returned to normal. He quickly recovered as he felt the eyes of the Autobots on him.
"Unicron grows ever stronger," Megatron warned before walking forward, continuing to lead them.
"How do we know that Unicron isn't using Megatron to lead us all into a trap?" Arcee asked Megatron.
"We do not," Optimus said and as he walks forward, Arcee activates her blasters just in case.
As they continued to follow Megatron, above them, small black and purple winged creatures sat on the ceiling all of them were connected to Unicron as they were his antibodies and they all felt his every disorder and knows what he wants. And what he wants more than anything at this moment is to hear the screams of Optimus Prime who dared to enter his domain die, along with those he cares about.
Back at the Autobot base, Ratchet and the humans were watching the news of the weather on the cybertronian computer system.
"More than 60 volcanoes are erupting worldwide, and downtown Honolulu is under six inches of snow. Scientists continue to devise theories connecting these unprecedented natural disasters with the planetary alignment which-"
The TV signal on the Cybertronian computer system was then lost due to the weather.
"So, who wants to play a game?" June asked but got no answer.
"That tears it!" Fowler exclaimed as he stormed towards the elevator.
"Where are you going?" June asked him.
"I can't just sit on my hands while the world spins out of control," he explained.
"And what exactly is it that you intend to do?" Ratchet asked him.
"Anything," he answered, "Hook up with my boys at the pentagon, figure a way to bury that monster for good."
"In the event Optimus can't?" Ratchet retorted.
"Don't you mean Optimus and Megatron?" Fowler corrected angrily.
"No one is thrilled about this arrangement, Agent Fowler, myself included, but with Optimus and Megatron again," Ratchet said.
"Whoa, wait. Again?" Jack interrupted with confusion.
"Megatron was an Autobot?" Raf asked.
"Optimus was a 'Con?" Miko exclaimed.
"No on either count, but there was a time back on Cybertron in the twilight hours of the Golden Age when Optimus and Megatron were not sworn enemies," Ratchet said as he begins to tell them a story, "Do you recall when I mentioned that Optimus wasn't always a Prime? Well, he wasn't always Optimus, either. He was once a clerk in the Iacon Hall of Records named 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 idea of a gladiator, one who had named himself after one of the thirteen original Primes: Megatronus. Megatronus vowed to challenge Cybertron's leadership and demanded that all Cybertronians be treated as equals. This gladiator turned revolutionary rapidly gathered a loyal following, Soundwave chief among them.
Encouraged by his mentor who worked at the Iacon Hall of Records who was also one of the Original Thirteen Primes, Alpha Trion, 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 means 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 and was given the name Optimus as he was named the next Prime by Sentinel 'Zeta' 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, now named Optimus and the Council and came to wage war on all who opposed him, through his growing army of followers, which he named Decepticons. He vowed to claim the Matrix for himself, wherever it might lie.
In time, warfare consumed Cybertron, poisoning the planet to its core with Dark Energon. After the death of Sentinel 'Zeta' Prime by Soundwave in the Kaon Prison complex. Optimus took the body of the fallen prime to the council after allowing himself, Bumblebee who still had his voice at the time and an autobot named Sideswipe to get captured. After returning the body of the dead Prime to the High council, they told him that he must accept that he is a Prime and take up his role as leader, and ordered him to travel to the core of Cybertron and remove the infection of Dark Energon from the core.
Optimus journeyed there with an autobot named Ironhide as well as one named Warpath, hoping to reverse the ill effects and found himself before the very spark of our life giver, Primus himself. The ailing Primus sensed the innate nobility within Optimus and bestowed the Matrix upon him. It was thus a surprised and humble Optimus officially came to be Optimus Prime, the last of the Primes."
"So, Optimus got the Matrix from Cybertron's core, and now he's gonna give it to Earth's?" Miko surmised.
"What's to stop Megatron from just claiming the Matrix for himself this time around?" Jack asked.
"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 ever be fully trusted," Ratchet answered.
"Unicron's spark is near," Megatron said as everyone except for Arcee stopped at an archway.
"After you," Arcee invited.
Megatron walked forward with the others then followed him, walking across catwalks.
As they continued forward, Bulkhead began to feel the effects of the Dark Energon. His mind was reeling and his senses were swimming in an invisible sea. Bulkhead groaned and held his head as a wave of dizziness washed over him. Bumblebee, Chromette and Arcee immediately stopped, worried about their dear friend. Immediately Bumblebee started buzzing to him, wondering if he was alright.
"Fine, Bee. Just woozy," Bulkhead answered.
"No, you're not," Chromette said.
"She's right. The Dark Energon," Arcee realized, "It's starting to affect him." She, Bumblebee and Chromette supported Bulkhead as he walked, "Steady as you go, Bulk."
The Dark Energon shard within Megatron's spark chamber hummed and glowed as he turned to Optimus, "He's preparing to expel us," he warned.
As Megatron said that they heard a screeching sound, they all froze at the sound and saw Unicron's antibodies which were flying around.
"What was that?" Chromette asked.
A swarm of Unicron's antibodies began to surround them on the walkway. Immediately Bumblebee, Bulkhead, Arcee and Chromette activated their blasters.
"What are those things?" Bulkhead immediately asked.
"As we are within Unicron's body, it stands to reason they are some sort of antibody," Optimus answered as he activated his ion cannon.
The six Cybertronians immediately began shooting at the antibodies that were attacking them, some went down. Others were tougher to disintegrate. And the fact that more antibodies surrounded them whenever they successfully destroyed ten or more made the task even more impossible.
The antibodies began to shoot back at them as the Cybertronians continued to shoot them, one of the antibodies was hit by a shot and flew towards a wall and exploded on impact.
As the antibodies continued to shoot them, Optimus replaced his right blaster with his sword and slashed through an antibody approaching him,killing the antibody instantly and exploded as the antibody fell down from the catwalk. One of the Antibodies soon approached Arcee preparing to do a sneak attack on her, Arcee however saw the antibody, she jumped in the air as it approached her and began shooting at it. The force of the antibodies explosion, caused her to be sent falling, deployed her blade and slashed through one of the antibodies as she fell to a lower level and began to fight the antibodies that would be surrounding her with her blaster.
His wooziness steadily grew worse. His vision began to blur. Black dots appeared and faded as he exposed himself to even more Dark Energon. Bulkhead couldn't see straight. So he couldn't shoot at the antibodies without risking the possibility of missing and hitting one of his friends instead as he used his mace instead. Bulkhead groaned and stumbled closer to the edge. He stumbled. And fell over the edge of the walkway. Bulkhead barely managed to reach the edge. Clinging onto the ledge for dear life. Bumblebee buzzed as he noticed his predicament. When he finished taking care of antibodies that surrounded him, he raced over. Just when Bulkhead was about to fall, Bumblebee reached down and took his hand.
"Bee, let me go. I'll only take you down with me," Bulkhead said, protesting the help.
The antibodies surrounding Optimus and Megatron came in overwhelming numbers. But it was nothing that the two former friends couldn't handle. Pulling off awesome rock star poses with their blasters and blades as their weapons. They had each other's backs all the way. Something they hadn't done for eons. As the two stood back to back, they knew what Unicron was bringing to the table. And they knew they were ready to take it head on.
Arcee noticed Bulkhead's predicament as her sister continued to shoot the antibodies as she tracked their movements, carefully staying on the catwalk that Arcee accidentally fell off of.
"Just let go, Kid!" Bulkhead yelled at Bumblebee.
As Bulkhead said this, Chromette noticed the Wrecker's predicament, "Optimus! Bulkhead could use your assistance!"
"Bulkhead!" Arcee screamed at the same time.
Optimus looked and saw Bumblebee trying to pull Bulkhead up as Bumblebee started to let go of him, Optimus grabbed Bulkhead's hand, "I got you," Optimus said, pulling him up.
Chromette noticed where Arcee was, "Sis, get back up here!" She called down.
"I'm coming, Chrome," Arcee said and saw another antibody flying closer to her. An idea formed in her head. She knew that this would most likely be a long shot. But it was worth a try. She began racing ahead, trying to gain as much speed as possible. The antibody followed her. Taking the opportunity, Arcee jumped onto its back. The antibody thrashed around, trying to shake Arcee off of it. When she punched the side repeatedly, it flew her back towards the entrance.
The antibody exploded as she jumped off and landed in front of Optimus, Bulkhead, Bumblebee, Megatron and Chromette as it crashed into a wall nearby. They began to run away shooting at any antibody. The door to Unicron's spark was just up ahead.
"Fellow Decepticons, while our loyalty to Megatron'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," Airachnid said to everyone in the bridge of the Nemesis.
"Commander Airachnid, you're not suggesting that we abandon Lord Megatron?" Knockout asked in disbelief.
"Despite Soundwave's efforts, we have been unable to detect our Master's signal. He's either permanently offline or in the thrall of Unicron. Neither is in the best interests of the Decepticons, so I am deeming an exodus to be the most prudent course of action," Airachnid declared, "Unless if anyone has a problem with that."
Neither of the Vehicons objected to Airachnid's intentions to abandon their leader. Megatron would feel the exact same way if placed in her position. Airachnid delivered her proclamation, making sure she contained strong points. His behaviors have been questionable since he learned about the prophecy. It wasn't in their best interest. Airachnid smirked and turned to Soundwave still at the computers.
"Set course for Regulon IV," Airachnid ordered.
Soundwave did the exact opposite. Rather than obey, he stepped away from the computers and stood before the now commander of the Decepticons. As he's always been loyal to Megatron and would never abandon him.
"You have something to say, Soundwave?" Airachnid asked, dryly but didn't get a reply.
Airachnid was slowly beginning to grow frustrated. She transformed into her six-legged robot form. Standing on the clawed ends, Airachnid began to approach the Decepticon's chief of communications. Her patience already wearing thin.
"I command this vessel. You will resume your post," Airachnid proclaimed, earning, like before no response or motion from Soundwave, "Step aside!"
Airachnid had enough. She charged at Soundwave. Easily, Soundwave blocked her attacks. Without even budging from his spot. Knockout and Breakdown were impressed. Especially when Soundwave grabbed Airachnid and lifted her from the ground. Their facial expressions couldn't disguise their amazement. From this moment on, they admired Soundwave with every fiber of their beings.
"Oh," Knockout hummed, his smile growing wider as Soundwave threw Airachnid to the ground.
"I'll tear out your spark for that!" Airachnid declared as she pushed herself up.
Airachnid stared at Soundwave's chassis…and knew that something was missing. Or should she say someone? And that someone is Laserbeak. Wait! If the minicon wasn't attached to Soundwave's chassis, then where is-?
She was suddenly shot at from above and saw Laserbeak shooting at her. Jumped out of the way before getting shot in the chassis. Electricity cackled all over her body as she fell to the ground before Soundwave. Airachnid went to rise and continue the fight between two Decepticons. Soundwave placed his foot between her shoulder blades and held her down. Right there, she knew she was defeated as Laserbeak reattached himself into Soundwave's chassis. There was no way now there was going to have an exodus.
"I yield," she said.
Soundwave was satisfied with Airachnid surrendering all command to him. She did not have what it takes to be Megatron's number two. The satisfaction quickly spread. As Soundwave returned to his post, Knockout and Breakdown struggled to remove the amazed expressions plastered onto their metallic faces.
"Watch out for the quiet ones," Knockout remarked.
"Communication links are down, as expected. But we've lost their signal," Ratchet reported.
"Doesn't that mean…?" Raf trailed off, unable to finish.
"Usually, but a more likely explanation would be the severe interference caused by these electromagnetic anomalies," Ratchet answered.
"So, if we can't track them and they can't contact us," Raf started.
"How are you gonna know when they're ready for pickup?" Miko finished for him.
Suddenly they heard the sound of two metallic objects clanging against each other. Immediately, their attention was drawn to Jack leaning against the railing. Absentmindedly playing with the key Optimus had given him moments before. He was trying to distract himself from the worried thoughts in his mind. What if something went wrong? What if they suffer complications? What if Megatron double cross them down there? What if they get hurt? What if-? He couldn't bring himself to finish that thought not wanting to think of Arcee dying. He didn't notice Ratchet staring in amazement at the key he currently possesses.
"Where did you get that?" Ratchet demanded.
"Optimus," Jack answered, "Honestly I don't know why he gave me the key to the Ground Bridge power supply."
"Jack, there is no key to the Ground Bridge," Ratchet confessed.
"Well, then what is this?" Jack asked, staring at the key.
"That is the key to Vector Sigma," Ratchet answered.
"The what?" Jack asked with confusion.
"You are holding one of Cybertron's most important relics," Ratchet said.
"I shouldn't have this," Jack stuttered as he went to hand the key to Ratchet.
"Optimus entrusted it to you, Jack," Ratchet dismissed.
"But that doesn't make any sense. Why?" Jack asked.
"Because he doesn't plan on coming back," Ratchet answered.
As the Autobots and Megatron fought the antibodies, Megatron suddenly froze in the middle of destroying the antibodies. He suddenly felt as if he was not himself. A void shell on this Earth. Unicron's voice echoed through his mind and realized what was happening.
And he didn't like it.
"Megatron, do as I command. Destroy the Prime!" Unicron commanded Megatron within his mind and he let out a roar of agony from his mouth. Optimus heard his pained scream and was concerned as he needed Megatron to guide him to Unicron's spark.
Megatron!" Optimus exclaimed.
He screamed again in agony. He wanted to kill Optimus but not when he needed him. He lauded his hands on Optimus. However he didn't strangle him, or stab him, or even shoot him. Instead, he shoved him out of the way and shot at the antibody sneaking up behind him.
"Unicron's spark lies just beyond," Megatron said as the painful sensations slipped away.
"How do we get inside?" Optimus asked
"By fooling Unicron's defenses into believing that we're not a threat," Megatron answered as the Dark Energon shard within his spark chamber purred happily at the close proximity of Unicron's spark and as he approached the door with his Dark Energon infused chest up to the door, which opened in response.
"Autobots, I will need you to keep our attackers at bay for as long as you can," Optimus ordered before running through the door.
"We've got to hold fast for Optimus," Bulkhead said as they were shooting at the approaching antibodies.
Optimus and Megatron reached a large glowing purple ball. Hovering mere inches above the ground. They knew that this was Unicron's spark. The source of his evil thoughts and the destruction wreaking havoc on the planet.
"Optimus, swiftly!" Megatron ordered.
Optimus walked forward getting ready to expose the matrix within his chest.
Then Unicron struck as the essence surrounding Unicron's spark expanded. Ribbon-like waves swung out. That first wave hit Optimus.
Megatron was next hit. He found himself in the same limbo he was in before. Back when he saved Optimus from an antibody sneak attack rather than destroy him as he wished. However, he knew that this time… Unicron would not be so lenient.
"Megatron! Destroy the Prime! I command you!" Unicron ordered within his mind.
There was no escaping Unicron's control. Not this time. His eyes were blazing electric purple flames. Megatron deployed his blade from his arm near his Fusion cannon.
Megatron approaches the weakened Prime and raised his sword in the air ready to kill him. Optimus grunted in pain. He wanted to kill him but right now he needed him in order to save Earth so he can conquer it. Desperately, he thought against Unicron's control with his will power.
"Megatron is commanded by no one!" He roared.
Above them, the Earth shook as earthquakes threatened the cities. The Autobot base was one was the places that was threatened by Earthquakes. Parts of the ceiling came crumbling down onto the ground below. Immediately, Ratchet knew that he had to protect his human friends. He can handle the force and power of an earthquake. He is built to handle situations such as this one. However, the humans inside the base with him cannot.
"Earthquake!" Fowler exclaimed.
Take cover!" Ratchet cried as he went to shield the children.
Megatron fought hard against the control Unicron had over him. Eventually, Unicron lost the mind fight with him and left him alone. Immediately, Megatron fell to the ground onto his stomach. Unconscious.
"Matrix of Leadership, I call upon you!" Optimus said with a groan.
Within his spark, the Matrix of Leadership came to life at Optimus' call. Immediately, the Matrix knew of Optimus' intentions. And knew what to do.
Suddenly he heard the sounds of someone rising to his feet. He turned around and saw Megatron, covered in a purple flame as Unicron possessed him.
"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 said from Megatron's body.
"Not while I still function, Unicron. The power of the Matrix will light our Darkest Hour," Optimus said, getting back on his feet.
"No!" Unicron shouted as he went to use the Fusion cannon Megatron possessed to destroy him. However, he couldn't destroy him as a blue electric ribbon suddenly shielded him as he fired the energy from the Matrix directly into Unicron's spark.
A wave knocked Megatron off his feet to the ground. Optimus fell to the ground on his stomach.
Unicron screamed as his spark imploded and vanished into thin air as he went back into stasis.
Outside Unicron's Spark Chamber, Bulkhead, Bumblebee, Arcee and Chromette continued to fight the antibodies. Overwhelming numbers began to surround the weakening autobots. Suddenly…they fell to the ground. Lifeless. The four Autobots looked at each other. Immediately, they knew. They knew that Optimus had done it. Unicron is defeated. The world is saved.
Above them, Unicron's chaotic destruction ceased to exist. As if it never happened. The purple glow from the volcano died with the Dark Energon. The lava returned to its normal orange colour rather than the electric purple.
That tornado that nearly killed June and Raf hours before? Ceased to nothing. The wailing winds died down as the tornado disappeared. The sickly green clouds vanished as the sky began to clear. The desert in Jasper was calm once again.
The tsunamis that threatened the Canadian coast during Unicron's awakening? They shrunk away and returned to the sea before striking the major cities. For now, Canada did not have to worry about any more natural disasters.
The clouds cleared. The sun shined to the ground below. The rays dancing with the elements below.
When the base stopped shaking and collapsing, Ratchet stood up straight. Same with Jack, Miko, Raf, June and Fowler. They knew the reason behind the disappearances of the natural disasters that plagued the Earth moments before.
"There could be aftershocks," June warned.
"Do you think…?" Jack trailed off as the computers came back to life.
"I do," Ratchet nodded.
As the computer came back to life, familiar faces filled the screen. Along with wavelengths. Their life signals. Everyone was alright! They survived! Everyone cheered happily at the presence of their signals. Fowler suddenly hugged June tightly and blushed as the two broke the hug.
Aboard the Nemesis, Soundwave too detected life signals. Megatron's life signal. Eager to bring his master home, Soundwave typed in the coordinates to activate the Ground Bridge that would bring them back.
Along with one more person.
Megatron groaned as he came to from the effects of Unicron's destruction. He was relieved that the evil he shared with Optimus was finally defeated. The Earth was saved so that he may, in turn, conquer it his own way. And… he owed it all to Optimus because he used the power of the Matrix to defeat him.
Megatron staggered time his feet as he remembered that he can finally defeat Optimus.
"Teamwork," Megatron scoffed as he deployed his sword and approached him.
Optimus groaned as he struggled to pick himself up from the ground. His head was throbbing. The sensations plaguing him were nothing short of unpleasant. When he lifted his head, his vision was blurred. He saw him standing over him ready to kill him with his sword however, something was wrong. Optimus didn't see Megatron as his enemy.
"Where are we, Megatronus?" He asked.
As he heard him say this Megatron was shocked at what he heard and was tempted to kill him but knew he could use this amnesiac Optimus or Orion Pax in his favor. He retracted his sword back into his arm and offered him a hand.
"Don't you remember, old friend?" as he helped Orion to his feet and the battle mask on his mouth deactivated.
Suddenly, they heard the sound of banging. They turned to face the door. They were wondering what was going on. What was causing the banging. The door soon fell over and Bulkhead came in with his mace activated along with Bumblebee, Arcee and Chromette.
"Optimus, are you okay?" Bulkhead asked Orion.
"Why did he call me that?" Orion asked Megatron.
Bulkhead, Bumblebee, Arcee and Chromette froze in shock. Did he really just ask that? They didn't know what was going on? But they knew Megatron had some part in it. They would assume he did even if he didn't have a part in Optimus' amnesia.
"What did you do to him?" Arcee demanded.
"Who are they?" Orion asked Megatron.
Suddenly a Ground Bridge portal opened from behind Megatron and Orion.
"Our mortal enemies. We're outnumbered! Go I'll cover you!" Megatron Megatron reassured him as he began firing at everyone.
However, a shot ricocheted around. Everyone ducked to avoid being hit. They saw Orion about to run through the portal and abandon the truth. Surprisingly, Orion stopped in front of the portal, and turned his optics at what he was about to leave behind. He felt his optics being drawn to Bumblebee. He had never seen such sadness and heartbreak in anyone before. He didn't know why. But he felt his spark shatter at the sight. Bumblebee's sadness pained him. But he shrugged it off. He shouldn't care about him. He turned and walked away.
Unknowing that he's leaving his friends and comrades behind.
Megatron followed him in an instant. Arcee, Chromette, Bulkhead and Bumblebee raced to catch him before the portal closed. However, they were too late. Just as they reached the portal, the door to the Nemesis slammed shut in their face. The four of them just stood there in shock. They refused to believe any of this was happening. They refused to believe that Optimus didn't remember them. They refused to believe…
That their leader just abandoned them.
Ratchet reactivated the Ground Bridge that would bring the Autobots back to base. Jack, Miko and Raf were standing by the entrance waiting for their friends. Anxiously, they watched the figures approaching them. Hoping everyone was there. Arcee, Chromette, Bulkhead and Bumblebee walked through the portal, looking tired.
"Arcee!" Jack cried.
"I was worried, Bulk!" Miko sighed in relief.
"You alright, Bee?" Raf asked worriedly.
"And…Optimus?" Ratchet asked, desperately wanting to know, "Is he…"
"Dead? No," Arcee shook her head.
"He looked right at us without even recognizing us. He didn't even know his own name," Bulkhead recalled, surprising everyone.
"Please don't tell me this has something to do with the Matrix," Chromette begged, even though she had a feeling what the answer was
"When Optimus surrendered the matrix of Leadership, he lost more than the collective wisdom of the Primes. He lost his memories," Ratchet declared, confirming Chromette's suspension.
The Nemesis flew around in space high above Earth's orbit. Peace and happiness flowed through the atmosphere trapped inside the ship. They all waited in the room. Waiting for Megatron to come through the door.
As he entered the room, everyone fell onto one knee and bowed in his presence, showing that they respect their leader.
"Welcome back, Lord Megatron," Knockout greeted happily.
Megatron walked towards the side, allowing their new addition to walk through. Everyone's jaws dropped at the sight of this person. Optimus Prime walked through the door as if he belonged here with everyone. They refused to believe it.
Breakdown immediately deployed his hammer and charged at him. Megatron stood between them stopping him.
"At ease, Breakdown. That is no way to welcome a long lost comrade," Megatron reprimanded, surprising everyone in the room, "Orion Pax is one of us."
Everyone stared at Optimus before them in shock. Something happened during the disappearance of Megatron. That much they knew. And whatever happened affected Optimus' memories. Wiped them clean. He was back to being regular old Orion Pax.
However, everyone who knew the truth had that same question on their minds. Autobot and Decepticon alike. Actually, they had a million questions in their heads. But there was only one question they were interested in learning the answer to. It was a question that concerned the future of everyone on both sides. And that question is…
What is going to happen now?
To be continued