As Megatron finishes swinging The Forge of Solus Prime, Shockwave enters the room, stopping right next to Dreadwing. "Lord Megatron scanners have decoded the next set of coordinates." Shockwave reports.
Megatron turns to the chief scientist, "Excellent work, Shockwave, "Megatron praises before continuing to bring the hammer down.
Ratchet was scanning the unconscious Bumblebee, while Rhinox continued watching his vitals. The entire time Arcee stayed by Bee's side. Primal, Bulkhead, Wheeljack, and Airazor also stayed by waiting for confirmation that their friend was okay. Ratchet finished scanning and faced the group.
"So, what's the damage docs," Bulkhead questioned concerned for his friend. "Physically he's fine, it's Bumblebee's mental state that I'm worried about," Ratchet states which Rhinox nods in agreement.
"Correct, the problem is that we can't seem to determine the problem, there's no form of corruption that we can find in his body, whatever is happening to Bee is purely mental," Rhinox elaborated.
"His optics were purple, are you positive it may not be due to the effects of Dark Energon," Airazor challenged.
"Positive, Bee's shown no signs of the dark stuff," Rhinox confirms.
"His optics," Arcee began causing everyone to look at her. "I only know one person, with the shade of purple that Bee had, "She continued.
"Cee, you're not suggesting, who I think you're suggesting?" Wheeljack probed.
"Airachnid," Arcee growls.
"Is it possible Ratchet?" Primal asked, Ratchet puts his hand to his face to think on the matter before responding. "It's not impossible, but due to her biology, Airachnid has a mental connection to all Insecticon, but Bumblebee isn't. Her other methods usually involve poisons of some kind, but we can't detect any amount of poison in his body, be it visible or not."
Suddenly the monitor went off, the bots turned to them to see what was happening, and they were surprised to see they were receiving a call-from Megatron. Rhinox glances at Primal who nods in approval.
"This is Autobot, Maximal outpost Omega one, respond Megatron," Rhinox communicated.
"We Decepticons have decoded the next set of coordinates for an Iacon relic. I now possess the Prime Neo-Forge, the most powerful of all The Neo-Forge, capable of reconfiguring into whatever weapon or device is needed. However, I'm willing to fight for it, tell your leader that if he wants this relic he must face me in battle, alone." Megatron proposes before shutting off the link.
Primal grabs The Star Saber and sheaths it into his Scabbard, he begins walking towards the Ground Bridge, but Airazor grabs his arm. "Primal, use your head, this is obviously a trap," she states.
"Airazor's correct it would be unwise for you to do this alone," Ratchet agrees. Primal glances at the rest of the team who all have faces of agreement with Ratchet and Airazor, Primal sighs.
"Fine, I'm still going, but be on standby in case I need you guys," Primal relents before looking to Ratchet who nods and opens the Ground Bridge. Primal closes his optics before opening them once again, and with a face of determination, he deploys his mask and enters the Ground Bridge.
Optimus Primal exits the Ground Bridge and finds himself in the desert surrounded by pyramids. He continues walking ahead, the relic coming into view, however, Megatron also enters his line-of-sight walking towards the relic himself.
"Claim your prize Primal, if you can," Megatron taunts as they both stop walking to face each other. Optimus notices Megatron's new arm and his optics widen in shock and horror at what lies before him.
"You monster, what have you done," Primal questions in anger, but Megatron merely laughs. "This. I find it affords me certain advantages, such as the use of the Forge of Solus Prime." Megatron answers, and Primal glares at Megatron. Megatron unsheathes his blade, "My first creation, fashioned from a sliver of Dark Energon from the legendary Dark Spark. I call it The Blade of Darkness, and while it may not be as powerful as The Star Saber's full potential, it's more than enough to slay that of an inexperienced-wannabe Prime!"
Megatron charges forward at Optimus, blade at the ready, Primal unsheathes his sword and does the same. Megatron slashes his sword sending a wave of Darkness at the young Prime, Optimus jumps over the wave of Darkness, which slams into a smaller pyramid destroying it completely, leaving nothing but dust. Primal spins around and sends his own wave of light at Megatron. Megatron simply cuts the wave in half.
Both exchange multiple blows of waves before, Optimus has enough, he jumps high into the sky and brings his sword down onto Megatron's. Both swords clash, as energy pulsates from both. Optimus and Megatron exchange clashes before Megatron bring his blade down on Optimus's blade. "At last, we take our rightful places, Primal, as gods, wielding the power of the cosmos!" Megatron screams as he slams him into a wall.
"I don't aspire to be a god Megatron, I'm simply a Maximal who aims to do what is right. And you, are a monster, trapped by your own twisted delusion!" Primal growls in response. Optimus uppercuts the Warlord sending him flying back into the ground. Megatron quickly gets back up, sending another wave of Darkness at Primal. The young Prime rolls out of the way avoiding the wave. He glances behind himself and sees the wave quickly destroy a large pyramid the size of a mountain, leaving nothing but dust like the previous pyramid. Optimus turns back to Megatron and they both charge at each other, before once again trading strikes. However, Megatron gets a hit on Primal shoulder, and the Dark Energon weakens the Prime making him fall to his knees and groaning in pain.
"You have not wielded the matrix power long enough to starve off the effects of Dark Energon like your predecessor, such a shame, however, The Blade of Darkness still yearns for the spark of a Prime, so you either stand or be destroyed." Megatron taunts as he brings his blade down, Optimus parries the strike, but Megatron kicks him down.
Megatron walks forward to the downed Prime, once in front of Primal, he brings his sword down again, Optimus gets up in time to counter the strike, but The Blade of Darkness goes through The Star Saber, cutting it in half. The top half of the blade goes flying into the air before slamming into the ground. Optimus Primal falls to his knees in anguish at The Star Sabers' destruction. Megatron aims his blade at Optimus's head.
"And so, it ends, just as I envisioned, with your head beside my new trophy." Megatron taunts as he raises The Blade of Darkness over his fallen adversary, "Farwell, Optimus Primal," Megatron says. Before he can bring his sword down, the Ground Bridge opens, and Wheeljack and Bulkhead run out guns blazing as they fire at the Decepticon Warlord. With Megatron distracted, Optimus punches the Decepticon in the face, sending him back. Optimus runs and picks up the relic. As Bulkhead continues firing, Wheeljack grabs the other half of The Star Saber.
"Autobot's fallback!" Primal commands, as they all transform and head toward The Ground Bridge. "No!" Megatron screams as he chases after them, he sends a slash of Darkness once more as they enter the Bridge, but it closes before it can hit them. Megatron stops running, but he is not angry. He simply laughs in triumph. "Run, Primal, run! Those trinkets from Iacon will not save you, not when I now possess the power to tear this world apart!"
Bulkhead and Wheeljack walk through the Ground Bridge and back into the base. They both notice that the team who went to space is back. Ironhide steps forward, he notices the top half of the Star Saber in Wheeljack's servo. "What happened," he asks in a demanding tone. Both Wheeljack and Bulkhead glance at each other before moving out of the way so that everyone can see Primal enter, the rest of the Saber, and Prime Neo-Forge in hand. Airazor runs up to him and looks at him overseeing the damage he's taken. She takes his hand, giving it a squeeze Optimus smiles at her in response.
"Primal," They both turn to Ironhide who is fuming in anger. Chromia tries to pull him back, but he is able to break free, and he storms up to the young Prime. "That Sword was our only way to revive Zeta, and now because of you, we can't, and now Cybertron can't be revived." He yells.
"Back off Ironhide, it's not his fault," Airazor exploded in defense of her friend. "It very much is when Megatron was obviously baiting him, and now because of you, we've lost our opportunity at reviving our home and getting a leader who is actually competent, I don't know what Optimus was thinking, but he made a mistake giving you the Matrix, you're not worthy!" he roared at the Prime.
"Ironhide!" Ratchet and Chromia yelled, but Ironhide ignored them and continued to glare at Optimus Primal who lowered his head in shame. "What's done is done," Arcee chimes in. "We have bigger problems, and blaming each other solves nothing, especially when no one is at fault. Megatron now has the advantage of power, we need to discuss a way to combat this," she says as she holds her unconscious sparkmates servo, while slightly glaring at Ironhide.
"What about Energon, can't that work," Warpath suggests.
"Unfortunately, no, Bumblebee was only revived due to the energy from the Transwarp Key, nothing on Earth is powerful enough to replicate that power," Prowl explains causing despair to go through the base.
Smokescreen snaps his finger when he comes to a realization. "Hey, what about the Matrix, I mean it was made to destroy Unicron, it even made the Star Saber, couldn't that work?"
"The kids' got a point, it could work," Wheeljack comments. Rhinox looks to Ratchet, wondering what his mentor thought. Ratchet put his servo on his chin to think. "Hmm, it is possible, and there's no harm in trying." Ratchet decides before going to get a cube of Energon. Ironhide grabs Smokescreen and gives him a playful noogie.
"Good job kid," Ironhide praises. Chromia laughs at the sight. "Alright Hide, let him go, before you hurt 'em." Ironhide lets Smokescreen stumbles and back, but he's caught by Cheetor. Ratchet returns with the cube and puts it on the chassis of the fallen Autobot leader. Primal walks up to the berth with his chassis opening, revealing the Matrix. A light beam spews out from the Matrix hitting the cube and making it glow. The beam subsides and Optimus's chassis closes. The Cube continues to glow, but nothing happens for several minutes.
"Well, that was a bust," Rattrap mutters. Airazor puts her hand on Optimus's arm, "You did everything you could," she assures. Primal doesn't respond just continuing to stare at the cube, his brows furrowed. Then suddenly the cube released a blinding light throughout the base and the cube lowered into the chassis of Zeta. The light fades and everyone uncovers their eyes to see what happened.
The lights from Zeta optics begin to slowly shine. The Autobot leader slowly leaned up, putting his head on his helm before, breathing heavily. He looks around the base and see's both Autobots and Maximals confused, before landing his eyes on Ironhide and Ratchet.
"Ironhide?" Zeta looks to Ratchet, "Ratchet, how, where am I, and how?" Ironhide and Ratchet rush to Zeta's side and help him off the berth. "Save your strength old friend," Ratchet urged.
"Where on a different planet, Sensei," Ironhide answered, Zeta's head quickly turns to Ironhide.
"Another..planet," Zeta repeats, to which Ironhide solemnly nods.
"The war was lost, Cybertron is now a barren wasteland, and we had to leave on The Ark to survive," Ironhide explains, Zeta looks down in anguish at the news, Ironhide and Ratchet let him go and Zeta stands on his own. He towers over everybody in the room, including. Optimus who is only half his height.
"We live amongst its people, we used to hide in plain sight until an encounter with The Decepticons forced us to forgo our disguise. And now we protect them in sight, against the threat of the Decepticons." Ratchet elaborates.
"What's the last thing you remember, Sensei?" Ironhide questions.
"I remember, being captured by Soundwave, Orion, Sideswipe, and Bumblebee came to rescue me, but after that...I don't remember. I do remember that this was after Megatron defeated me, in order to gain The Omega Keys." Zeta's optics go wide and he becomes frantic.
"The Keys, where are the keys," he demands.
"Don't worry boss bot, we got all four when we rescued you," Hound assures, Zeta's eyes narrow in confusion, "Four?" he mutters.
"Yeah, the four keys that restore Cybertron or whatever," Warpath chimed in, Zeta shakes his helm. "But those weren't," he begins but his optics widen before he smirks to himself.
"Is everything okay, Sensei?" Ironhide questions with a worried look, putting his servo on Zeta's back when asking. But Zeta smiles before patting Ironhide's shoulder to reassure him.
"Do not worry my student, I am more than alright, in fact, I'm ecstatic to be amongst my people again, even if there are a few unfamiliar faces, alas, that will soon be rectified. Now then where are Orion and Ariel? I mean considering the lengths he went to save me; I would think that Orion would be the first to see me." Zeta says with a laugh, but he soon realizes the sad expression on everyone's face.
"Where is Orion and Ariel," he asks again, fearful about what the answer may be. "I'm sorry old friend, but they have both become one with the Allspark," Ratchet informs Zeta. Zeta closes his optics, in mourning and anger, while also clenching his fists.
"But not all is lost," Ratchet begins getting Zeta's attention. "While both are gone, their legacy lives on in their child," he finishes.
"Child?" Zeta questions.
"Bumblebee," Ratchet answers nearly causing Zeta to fall back in shock. "Our scout, how?"
Ratchet chuckles while answering, "It would seem as though Optimus had his secrets, even secrets he kept from us, nevertheless, Bumblebee is no longer a scout but a warrior,"
"I can vouch for him Sensei, the little bugger proved his metal, he's living up to his creator's name, and soon it won't be just him, my sister-in-law over there is carrying his sparkling," Ironhide mentions, pointing at Arcee who waves awkwardly at the older Prime.
Zeta puts his hand on his helm in exasperation, "It would seem that I've missed so much, but at least we have candidates for a successor to Orion at least," Zeta noted.
"Actually Zeta, we already have the next Prime," Ratchet mentions pointing to Optimus Primal, who shifts back at the attention from the elder Prime. Airazor pushes him forward, Primal glares back at her but she just grins. Primal rolls his optics before turning back to his predecessor who is examining him, making Primal feel nervous and a little inadequate.
"You're a little short for a Prime," Zeta begins sounding menacingly making Primal slightly step back again. But then Zeta gets the biggest smile on his face and grabs Optimus Primal and hugs him tightly while saying, "But then again so was Orion!" he laughs before putting Primal down who is a little dazed making everyone chuckle.
"What's your name, young one," Zeta asks, Optimus gathers himself before answering. "Optimus Primal, sir," he reports. "Optimus Primal?" Zeta responds confused. Primal rubs the back of his helm nervously.
"It's a long story," he stammered out making Zeta laugh heartily again.
"I'll say, well I'm just glad to see the age of Prime live on into the future," Zeta approved, Primal optics widen as he remembered when Optimus Prime praised him with those same words. He glances at Ironhide who gives him a hard expectant look. Optimus Primal kneels in front of Zeta who is confused by the action. Primal opens his chassis revealing the Matrix once again, startling Zeta.
"The Matrix of Leadership," Zeta mutters in shock.
"I was entrusted with the Matrix by my predecessor, your apprentice, Optimus Prime. I have led the Autobots and Maximals for the past 8 years. While I've had my victories, I've had many failures, just today I got the Star Saber destroyed because of my hubris and my belief that I could once and for all defeat Megatron." Primal begins and Zeta looks over to see the split-in-half blade of the Primes, he turns back to his descendant.
"I thought I could lead the Autobots and Maximals to victory, but now I know that I'm not worthy of the title of Prime," Primal lamented, but Airazor stepped forward in anger.
"Yes, you are, you've led us Maximals for millions of eons." She rebuts.
"Under my leadership, many of us Maximals were lost even split up, that's how we lost you Airazor," Optimus replied, making Airazor pause in shock. Primal takes out the Matrix, reverting to his original look. He holds the Matrix up to Zeta.
"You have led the Autobots for millions of eons, you could lead the Maximals better than I ever could, it is your right to lead us again," Primal finishes head lowered, Wheeljack, Arcee, Bulkhead, and Ratchet look on in sadness. The Maximals are also upset at this, especially Airazor. The other Autobots feel bad for Primal, but they don't challenge this as they feel that Zeta would be the better choice. Ironhide has a neutral expression, not giving away how he feels on the matter.
Zeta looks down and glances at the younger Prime. He slowly reaches out both of his servos and places them over the Matrix. He then slowly closes Primal's hand around the Matrix and then he pushes Primal arm back to him gently. Primal looks up in shock, and so do the others. Zeta has a simple smile on his face.
"But, Zeta," Ironhide begins but Zeta raises his hand still looking at Primal, he addresses his old student. "Ironhide, I've always told you and Orion that the most important thing for a leader is to guide the next generation."
"Primal, by admitting your weakness, it shows how worthy you are. Orion chose you, didn't he?" Zeta asked, and Primal nodded. "I trust Orion, and that means I trust you. My boy don't you see, the Matrix shines brightly, by merely being in your hands, you are worthy, don't ever question that. Now stand." Zeta says and Optimus Primal stands, Matrix in hand.
"My boy now is not the time for self-doubt, I sense that we are in the final stretch of the war. We Autobots and Maximals must stand together as one, if we want to restore our home, I am in a world I do not know. I am no longer just a teacher, Optimus, beginning today I am also a student. I need you, everyone, to teach me how to live in this new world. Now return the Matrix to its rightful place." Zeta finishes as he telekinetically grabs both pieces of the sword. The Saber glowed in Zeta's arm and with a glow the sword was restored shocking everyone. He gives the sword to Optimus who replaces the Matrix back into his chassis returning to his upgraded look. Optimus puts the Saber back into his scabbed, Ratchet, Airazor, Wheeljack, Bulkhead, Rhinox, Smokescreen, Cheetor, and even Rattrap smiled at this.
Zeta begins walking out of the base motioning for Optimus to follow him. Optimus quickly follows. The others split off but Arcee and Ratchet return to Bumblebee's side.
"So majestic and peaceful, this planet. Unlike the final days of Cybertron."Zeta mummers as he and Primal marvel at the sunset. "I've never seen Cybertron, it was restored but it was destroyed by The Chaos Bringer, in my future," Primal replies.
"Such a shame, Cybertron was beautiful. Even more than this world.'' Zeta says.
"Sometimes I feel that if I was stronger, then Optimus wouldn't have had to sacrifice himself. I let him down, but I promise you Zeta, I won't let you down. Cybertron will be restored, no matter the cost," Optimus promised.
"Never mourn the past, young warrior. Thanks to Orion, our race survives, and thanks to you, our home will survive once again." Zeta praises, Primal smiles as they both continue to enjoy the sunset.
Bumblebee slowly begins to open his optics and he glances around the base, he sees Arcee next to him, she has a smirk on her face. "Seems like you had a good nap, partner," she jokes. Bumblebee grunts in response.
"How long was I out?" he groggily asked making Arcee chuckle.
"Four days," she answered making Bumblebee sputter in response. "Four days!" he yelled and Arcee laughed and Bumblebee groans putting his servos on his face. "I'm never sleeping again," he says as Arcee put her servo on his shoulder.
"Sure, you are, but I know what will make you feel better," Arcee says, Bumblebee slightly turns his head to Arcee. She reaches down and raises a protoform femme white and blue around her arms, body, and legs. Gray around her face, black in other parts of her armor, and she has a golden plate across her forehead. Bumblebee trembles as he slowly grabs the sparkling. The sparkling smiles brightly at her sire, making Bumblebee smile brightly as well.
"Hello, Strongarm,"
Author's note:
A little shorter but next time is when things start ramping up