Chapter 38

A/N: I just own this story and all the changes I make to the plots and info given in the actual show, the OC is my friend's.

To tell the truth I was a bit nervous about posting the chapter, but I just decidei just needed to get it overwith.

/comm/

Telepathy

"'Bee/Soundwave's speech"

"'Bee and someone else (usually Erica) talking at the same time"

December 17, Autobot Base

"And it was written in the Covenant of Primus that when the forty-seven spheres align, a perpetual conflict will culminate upon a world forged from chaos, and the weak shall perish under the shadow of a rising darkness," Optimus recited one of the old proficies as the League and Autobots listened to the find from Fate's and Prime's recent research.

"What? No skies raining fire?" Flash scoffed.

"It doesn't say, but it is a prophecy of doom," Fate replied.

"I say it's a load of hooey," Bulkhead huffed.

"I'd always assumed the Ancients were talking about our home world," Ratchet said. "But considering Cybertron has been dark for eons…"

"And considering the recent chaos befalling our world…" Dr. Fate added.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, time out," Bulkhead said. "We've known about these superstitions for ages and never gave them a second thought."

"Why all the ominous rumblings now?" Wonder Woman asked.

"Because the planetary alignment of which the prophecy speaks is almost upon us," Optimus said.

"And its end point, is Earth," Fate said.

"That's just a coincidence, right?" Hal laughed nervously.

"How long we talking?" Canary asked.

"A few days, a most," Ratchet said.

"However, unsettling this revelation may be, I am more concerned about those who might believe that the prophecy speaks to them alone," Optimus glowered.

-.-

Nemesis

"I did not seek out the blood of Unicron to merely keep my spark aflame, but to rule undead armies and conquer worlds. And to accomplish that, I need nore than this sliver residing in my chest, so tell me Knockout, WHERE IS MY DARK ENERGON?!"

"Out there, Lord Megatron, simply waiting for you to reach out and pluck it," Knockout said hoping that those words didn't just cost him his life. The more irritated and unamused than enraged expression on his face told him he just barely saved his own skin. "But you shouldn't push yourself so hard, you've had setbacks, you were in stasis."

Megatron grabbed Knckout's armor and yanked him off the ground. "WHICH IS PRECISELY WHY I MUST MAKE UP FOR LOST TIME!" he said dropping him. "I have had a vision Knockout, and have seen the future vividly, for I am the rising darkness of which the prophecy speaks!"

"O-Of course, My Lord," Knockout said clearing his throat. "Any luck with finding the Dark Prime?"

Megatron laughed darkly. "Oh, he will join me soon enough and finally we will be able to destroy the Lineage of the Primes!"

-.-

Autobot Base, December 18

The team sat on the couch in the main room near all the computers since they were waiting for 'Bee to get back from picking up M'gann from the mall so they could start the video game tournament. Robin laughed as he got a meme from Erica, who was currently off world, said she was summoned to Oa for something. He then passed it to show the others as they all started laughing.

"What's so funny?" Ratchet asked and Wally ran over and showed him the meme and he laughed, making all the teens freeze, and look back as the sound of Wally fainting caught their attention.

"Hey Optimus, do you wanna see something funny?" Zatanna asked.

"No," he replied not even looking away from what he was typing on one of the monitors.

"Don't take it personally," Arcee said as she saw the teens deflate, "Primes are built that way."

"I've never seen Optimus laugh, cry, or lose his cool," Bulkhead stated.

"While Optimus certainly keeps his emotions in check, I've known him far longer than any of you have," Ratchet scoffed. "And he was different before he was a Prime."

"Optimus wasn't always a Prime?" Robin asked.

"No, on Cybertron greatness is earned, but even then, our Primes are typically direct descendants of one of the Thirteen original Primes. Optimus is actually descended from one of our people's most pureblooded lines," Ratchet informed. "And sometimes, there are those born into Primehood, most often during difficult times. All the children of the Thirteen were Primes, as were there children. However, even these borns still must earn their right to lead."

"Until the need died out and Primes stopped being born," Robin said.

"Indeed, many of our scientists believe that there is a gene that activates the abilities of a Prime, but so far…we have not been able to prove such a theory by any other way other than the bloodline," Ratchet shrugged.

"So, what was Optimus like before he was a Prime? We talkin' party animal?" Wally asked getting up from where he fainted.

"No, no, Optimus was more like…Kaldur," he said and the team leader froze as his team looked at him.

"Prime!" Fowler's voice rang out on the monitor.

"What is it Agent Fowler?" Optimus asked.

"We found the culprit of the tech heists we've been tracking recently. We figure it was MECH because of their stealth tactics, until moments ago when the security feed at the Pennyington F. Particle Collider got this," he said sending them a photo of the Con without a face.

"Why's tall, dark, and terrifying out?" Zatanna asked.

"Whatever it is it can't be good," Artemis said.

"The Con without a face made off with a cutting-edge phase conductor, I'm sending you a list of everything else we've confirmed stolen to date."

"Plasma injector, neutron shield, tesserat?" Ratchet listed. "There's only one thing missing if they're indending to build…"

-.-

Nemesis

"The Decepticon spacebridge two is almost ready for launch," Knockout informed. "All we require is…"

Soundwave's monitor flashed and an image appeared.

"What Soundwave said, an ample power source."

The schematics for their intended target appeared. "This one lies in a highly fortified location, by human standards," Arachnid said. "I can tunnel in."

"The time of the prophecy is almost upon us!" he snapped. "We can no longer afford stealth."

-.-

Base

"Prime!" Fowler snapped over the monitor. "The 'Cons really stepped in it this time, they hit a US military lab. Our boys will hold them off till your team shows."

"Agent Fowler, I fear Megatron's desperation is reaching its zenith, and you know that I cannot condone human casualties," Prime replied.

"Got it, get here soon," he said hanging up.

-.-

Top Secret Military Lab, Nevada Desert

"Retreat!" the men called falling back. Four vehicons ran out with their target, stopping as they heard a groundbridge, the set it down and began firing as the Autobots drove out, transforming and firing back.

Another group flew down towards them as the Bots took out two of their men on the ground. Optimus delected a shot off his sword, and shot on of the fliers making him crash into another on. Realizing the air was not safe, they transformed and landed on the ground to continue the battle.

A few miles north, Megatron sat on his throne waiting for the final piece to arrive. /Lord Megatron, we have the package, but the Autobots have arrived/

Roaring in anger he got to his feet and started walking towards the hangar. "PREPARE THE WARSHIP FOR RENDEZVOUS! THE PACKAGE WILL BE READY FOR PICK UP!" he shouted climbing into his jet. Taking off, he flew towards the battle.

-.-

/Bumblebee, the team may require back-up, they are three clicks north of your current positon just off the highway, if you drop M'gann off at the exit ramp I can groundbridge her back to base from there/ Ratchet said.

"Got it. Sorry, bout this M'gann."

"It's fine, anyways I really appreciate that you took me to the mall, Happy Harbor doesn't have as many options when it comes to Christmas presents," she smiled looking over the gifts she got for her teammates.

Up in the air, Megatron got a blip on his monitor and grinned as he saw it was the scout. "Well, well, a foolish scout astray from the ranks," he smiled diving down behind the car.

He began firing and Bumblebee began performing evasive maneuvers, when one shot hit, making him grunt in pain from the quick burst of electricity. Opening his eyes, he saw Megatron fly past, straight towards the area he was supposed to head for.

However, it was oddly silent in the car, wasn't he talking to…M'gann! Looking in the back seat where the girl was keeping an eye on the gifts, he froze as he saw her laying there, completely unresponsive. Putting petal to the metal he drove straight towards where he could get help.

-.-

Military Lab

Optimus ducked a cheap shot from one of the men he was fighting, before coming back and punching him across the field, before another was on him. Bulkhead just crushed on when another jumped onto his back, slamming his wrecking ball on the drone's head, it fell of, leaving him to his next dance partner. Arcee fired a barrage out of her cannons, taking out several men, before she ran over and leapt into the air, exchanging blasters for blades she landed on her next target. Optimus finally shot the last of his attackers off when the sound of a familiar jet reached him and Megatron landed on the battlefield.

"Optimus."

"Megatron, do you not see the folly in trying to force a prophecy?" he asked.

"Why leave matters to fate if one can forge one's own destiny?" he asked smiling as he saw a yellow car speeding towards them. "Speaking of fate."

They turned as Bumblebee transformed, racing over with M'gann's limp body in his servos. "M'gann!" Arcee exclaimed carefully taking her from 'Bee. "She's breathing…barely."

Megatron chuckled. "Seems I swatted a Bee and squashed a bug," he sneered.

Bumblebee roared in anger and tried to charge at him, but Bulkhead and over and grabbed his arms, stunned when the teen actually managed to make him reaffirm his grip and footing to make sure he didn't get loose.

"Ratchet! Bridge us back now!" Optimus ordered and a bridge opened up behind them. "Arcee, attend to Miss Martian, and Bumblebee."

-.-

Base

"We must have an Autobot down," Ratchet murmered as he turned on the bridge, waiting with the League and team to find out what had happened.

Arcee ran through the bridge carrying the unconscious Martian girl. "M'gann!" Superboy exclaimed as the team raced to the edge.

"What happened?" Ratchet asked looking over the girl.

"Megatron, the coward ambushed us when we were driving back," Bumblebee snarled as he stepped out of his car slamming the door.

"Quickly! Bring her into the Medbay!" Ratchet ordered. Setting her on a bed, Ratchet quickly attached a heart monitor. "Measuring the extend of absorbtion should allow us to determine a proper course of treatment. But first we need to get her stabilized!"

Superboy glared and punched Bumblebee into a wall. "YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO PROTECT HER!" he screamed. Bumblebee got up and the others could see that he was shaking with barely contained rage. "HOW COULD YOU LET HER GET HURT?!"

Bumblebee ducked under his next punch and grabbed Superboy by the throat, pinning him to the wall. "YOU THINK I LET HER GET HURT! MEGATRON AMBUSHED US! YOU DON'T THINK I DIDN'T TRY TO KEEP HER SAFE?!" he shouted before letting him fall to the floor gasping for air. "He is going to pay."

Arcee ran over and grabbed Bumblebee's shoulders. "Bee listen, you don't I don't know what it's like to see a partner…harmed. Revenge won't help Miss Martian right now," she said. "You need to keep your emotions in check. Both of you." She glared at Superboy who was still rubbing his neck.

-.-

Nemesis

"The power source will be rigged up in no time, Lord Megatron. We're nearly at the consruction site," Knockout informed.

"Nearly isn't good enough! The planets are aligning! I must not miss my moment to—gah!" The warlord doubled over in pain as another vision came. A dark form with glowing violet eyes, a volocano erupting.

"Lord Megatron? Are you alright?" Knockout asked as he saw the leader turn with glowing violet eyes.

"It is as if I can hear Unicron's thoughts," he said.

"Unicron? The Chaos Bringer?" Arachnid asked and some members of the crew made sacred symbols to ward off evil.

"They say Dark Energon is his blood," Knockout said with a laugh. "Whatever."

"Complete the spacebridge, there is something I must attend to," he said walking away.

"Is is just me or does he seem to be losing it?" Knockout asked.

Arachnid smiled brushing a piece of hiar out of her face. "A bit."

-.-

Several soldiers in vehicle armor stood around the stolen device. Hearing a clang, they turned in confusion, trying to figure out the sorce. Bulkhead dropped down on one before running off to attack another. One aimed his weapon at the bulky warrior, when Optimus landed on him, firing at the remaining soldier.

"Batman, how is Miss Martian?" Optimus asked.

/It's too soon to know/

"She's in good hands," he said hoping that she could be saved. "Lock onto my coordinates and activate the groundbridge."

"Ready," Bulkhead said hefting the device on his back as the bridge opened.

"Go on ahead, there is something I must do," Prime said.

"Wh—Seriously?" Bulkhead gaped.

"I have been foolish not to see what history has proven over and over again, Autobots and Decepticons will never mend their ways. If there is no diplomatic solution to this perpetual conflict, then I must not all more darkness to fall on this or any planet," Optimus stated. "Megatron must be destroyed, once and for all."

Bulkhead stared as the Prime left disappearing down the dark hall. A group of soldiers turned in shock as they watched him approach.

"I have come for Megatron, and him alone," Optimus said activating his blasters, "stand down and be spared." The men activated their weapons and began firing.

-.-

Unknown Location

Megatron landed in a despolate plain, staring up at the erupting volcano. "The mountain from my visions! It summoned me here! Guided me! This is where I position my space bridge, the place from which I am to harvest Dark Energon!"

/Megatron! I am here on your ship! Come and face me!/ Prime said over the comm of one of his probably now dead men.

He laughed. "The place I am to destroy the line of the Primes and reawaken the line of the Dark Primes," he smiled. "Hear this! Any Decpticon who lays a hand on Optimus Prime will answer to me! Soundwave, lock onto my coordinates and lead my opponent to his destiny."

The bridge opened and Optimus walked through the bridge. "Megatron, today you answer for your crimes against Cybertron and against Earth. One shall stand…"

"And one shall fall," Megatron finished. "YOU OPTIMUS PRIME!"

Their battle began, both puching each back at the same time. Megatron fired his blaster, and Otpimus knocked out of the way before the shot was fully out of the gun, aiming his own at his oppenent's spark. Meatron grabbed his arm, and swiped the shot aside, before ducking back as Optimus kicked for his head. Aiming their guns at each other, they fired at the same time, the blasts hitting each other, causing an explosion that knocked both of them back.

Exchaning his gun for a sword, Optimus charged Megatron, using the blade to deflect the incoming shots. Jumping into the air, Megatron pulled out his own blade, and parred as they collided again.

"Your defeat was forseen by the Ancients Optimus, what was it they wrote? The weak will perish," Megatron grinned.

"Do not believe everything you read," Optimus said pulling his sword away and ducking back as Megatron swiped his, before going for his own stricke that Megatron jumped. Their swords clashed again, before they split and the warlord ducked a strike from the Prime.

-.-

Autobot Base

The League and the Team watched anxiously as Ratchet and J'ohn worked on M'gann. "The effects on an energon blast on a Cybertronian are devastating enough, but she's a Martian," Rachet explained as he scanned her again. "I'm not getting any readings, I'm such a fool! Miss Martian has been infected with dark energon. If dark energon is devoring M'gann from the inside out, then we must expel it quickly."

"I'll do it," 'Bee offered.

"No. You also took a hit from that blast, you could be injured," Ratchet stated. "Arcee."

Running over, the female Autobot sat down and allowed Ratchet to insert a tube into one of her arteries drawing out the energon within. "Wait, I thought you said enegron was devastating on non-Cybertronian lifeforms?" Superboy asked.

"Under normal circumstances, yes, but the opposing energons will meet when she absorbs it and wipe each other out," he explained. Setting the tube of energon in the infusion device, he opened the chamber. "Get her in here! Now!"

Flash rushed her, ran out, and the doors closed. Pressing a button, the room was filled with a bright light, momentarily blinding everyone in the room.

Opening the door, Ratchet pulled her out and took her pulse before sighing in relief. "She's stabilizing," he said and there was a collective release of tension in the room. M'gann opened her eye and smiled as she saw those she cared for standing all around her.

"Optimus, we did it," Ratchet said before noticing that he wasn't there. "Bulkhead? Where's Optimus?"

The Wrecker set down the power source and transformed, hopping out of his vehicle. "He said he was going to deal with Megatron."

"He said he was going to fight Megatron alone?!" Arcee snapped.

"It could be a trap," Ratchet said. "We need to get a fix on his location."

-.-

Volcano

Optimus was thrown, back, landing on his feet, he dug his sword into the ground to keep himself stable as he slid back. Transforming, he drove straight at Megatron, dodging his shots, before ramming into him, sending him falling down the cliff. Transforming again he landed on Megatron, indending to finish him, When Megatron grabbed his head, and hurled him off. Rolling to his feet, he ran back at him giving an uppercut just as Megatron got to his feet, delivering a barrage of punches, Megatron flew back and slammed on the ground painfully.

Slowly getting up, Megatron watched as Optimus approached pulling out his sword. "My destiny…" he choked out as prime planted his foot on him, raising his blade, "…this isn't how it was supposed to end."

"On the contrary, I cannot allow it to end any other way," Prime replied.

The volcano exploded just as Optimus swung down, feeling a new surge of power, Megatron caught the blade just inches above where he was safely secured inside his exosuit. As Prime kept pushing down, Megatron used his surge of power from the dark energon to get to his feet.

"How was you put it Optimus? I could not have allowed this to end otherwise?" he grinned. Snapping the blade, he drove it hard, into the suit, hating the fact it didn't go deep enough to hurt his enemy inside. Punching the Prime again and again like was done to him before, he sent Prime flying back.

Starting to get up, he noticed that the land was shrouded in darkness, the sun covered by the moon, and the volcanic cloud rising to obscure the sky, each flash of violet lightning making the dark energon coursing through his enemy flash brighter. Yaking the blade out of his shoulder he brought out his other sword when Megatron slammed his foot on him, pinning him down.

-.-

Autobot Base

"I've got Optimus' coordinates," Batman informed.

Ratchet looked at the data and froze. "How is this possible?!"

"What?" Wonder Woman asked.

"We need to get Optimus out of there! Now!"

-.-

Volcano

The volcano exploded and violet fire began pouring out of the Earth. Megatron laughed as he watched. "Well, it seems that the blood of unicron is not out there, but rather right here!"

Optimus was frozen in horror at the sight before him. "Dark Energon erupting from the Earth?"

Megatron grinned and raised his blade for a killing blow.

To be continued…