6- Double Trouble.
A little metallic object was floating in middle of space without disturbance, until a weird light lighted it up. It came from the Decepticon warship. Later, it started to being dragged toward the ship, like if something was attracting it.
"General, the ship's new tractor beam works perfectly. We have caught something floating in middle of space." One of the Vehicons of the bridge reported.
"What is it? A ship of some type perhaps? Don't tell me it's just a meteor." Starscream demanded.
"No sir. The item is little, but it seems metallic. It appeared in our scanners when it was near enough."
"Hmm, that sounds concerning. Summon Shatter and Dropkick, tell them to go to the lower hangar for picking up the active. Instruct them to proceed with caution, we don't know if it could be an Autobot attempt for sabotage. And warn general Shockblast, just in case we truly found something."
While the object was being dragged into the Nemesis' lower deck, Shatter and Dropkick positioned themselves in there for receiving the cargo. Once the tractor beam placed the object into the hangar, they approached the item carefully, for in case it was some kind of explosive.
"So, what do you have?" Dropkick asked to his partner.
Shatter checked the item with a scanner. "It surely doesn't look like an explosive. But it isn't a piece of garbage either." She saw before opening her com-link. "General, we are clear, no explosive trap or merely space rock. But here's the odd: it seems some kind of cybertronian device. I cannot say for certain for what purpose, but it seems from our home planet."
"Ah, much better for us."
"I believe you better tell general Shockblast to come anyway."
Time later, the Cons brought the strange device into their lab, where Shockblast started to inspect it.
"Not to question the chain of command, but as the veteran here in checking all valuable acquisitions brought to our warship, it shouldn't be me the one trying to figure out what this thing is and what it does?"
"A very logical reason, Knock Out." Shockblast said while he continued checking the device. "If we were still in the old days during Galvatron's command, and before my return. The actual chain of command specifies that I take care of the inspection of any valuable relic, weapon or item recovered from the field for proper study."
"So, what have you discovered, boss?"
"Patience Dropkick, urging the expecting of results can affect the obtention of such."
"Yeah. Why don't you go to the new practice room and work on your combat skills while we wait?" Starscream proposed.
"We have now one of those?" Knock Out asked surprised.
Dropkick groaned. "But I hate practices. I wanna face some real Autobots."
"But training will also help you to not leave your skills rust. Don't you want to be ready for the next time we encounter B-127?" Shatter suggested.
"Well, seeing it that way."
"I heard one of our new offensive measures has caught something interesting in middle of space." Xiaxus announced entering the lab. "Do you know what it is?"
"From the aspect it presents, this seems like some kind of storage device, for safekeeping and shipment of information." Shockblast revealed.
"What kind of information?" Knock Out asked curious.
"Unclear. There is no way to know more by simply looking at the device's case. The only possible way to know its content is to access the info guarded inside."
"Then proceed at will. Who knows what kind of useful assets it may hold." Xiaxus authorized.
"There is a problem. As I mentioned already, without Soundblaster's expertise, the time required to make way into the device's content will be longer."
"Then perhaps you could require some tech support." Starscream suggested. "Shatter, Dropkick, how good are you with hacking encrypted systems?"
"We performed a few tricks during some of our most risky missions." Shatter reassured with a smirk.
"Excellent. Assist Shockblast in his operations, follow his instructions and inform us once you have discovered something."
"Wait wait wait, are you seriously asking those two to assist Shockblast for this task? What about me?"
"Oh please, Knock Out, don't be a child. For as long as I know you, you are not exactly the better informatic around here, or the best deciphering relics. Don't you remember about the Omega Keys?" Starscream remembered.
"Hum, you have a point there. Better stick with my medical expertise."
None of the Decepticons realized that before being sucked by the Nemesis, a little part of the item separated from the rest and moved away from the Decepticon warship at high speed, right toward Earth. Meanwhile, at the Village of Dragons, Iris and Fraxure were walking around the limits of their home, placing some kind of small metallic objects around the area. During it, she experienced a chill, like if someone made reference to what she used to say. But surprisingly they were not the only ones: in Lumiose City Clemont was working on a device similar on the roof of his house, while Bonnie and their dad watched.
"I'm still not sure if these additions to our antenna will be of much use."
"Fear nothing, dad. Clemont knows what he is doing." Bonnie reassured him.
"Okay, done already. Fear nothing dad, this new invention will give us enough protection for any incoming storms and blackouts." Clemont announced.
"Even will allow you to see all your favorite channels on TV." Bonnie added.
"Well, I don't know what to say, children. Thank for this generous present."
"You're welcome, dad."
"Now if you excuse us, I have other duties to perform back in the gym." Clemont excused before he and his sister departed.
At their house's back, they met with Moonracer, who was waiting for them in vehicle mode. On onboard, they rode to the city's limits and started to put in the same devices which Iris employed. The same way, Dawn, May, Max and Ritchie were doing the same in their home towns. At Pallet Town, in Ash's house, Ash had lots of the same devices on a bag, ready to be placed.
"See you later, mom." He said heading for the exit alongside Pikachu.
"Ash, where are you going?" His mother asked.
"I have something to do around town, and Tracey is gonna help me. It shouldn't take me very long."
"Pikachu." Pikachu nodded.
"May I give you a hand with?" A certain female voice said from the entrance, since the door was already open.
"Serena! What a surprise. I don't remember meeting with you here today." Ash said hugging his girlfriend.
"Surprisingly not me either, but I needed to see Professor Oak anyway, so I thought passing by to say hi." She said blushing.
"Oh, that's very sweet of you." Delia expressed, cheered to see his son with his girl again. "Now that you mention it, I also need to go to Oak's lab, to deliver him a few vegetables he asked for. So why don't we go all in one travel?"
"Great idea, mom. Let's go." Ash accepted.
And the trio walked to the lab of Pallet Town's pokémon researcher.
"By the way Serena, since you are here, does that mean you already finished in your home?"
"Certainly Ash. I expect it to take me more time, but at the end it was easier than I thought."
"What are you talking about?" Delia asked curious.
"The same thing Tracey and I are about to do once up there, mom." Ash answered while showing her what was in the bag. "You see, these devices are proximity sensors, designed by Ratchet to detect any unregistered energon signals nearby."
"Meaning they are designed to detect any possible Decepticon or other cybertronian which may wander at any surroundings." Serena explained.
"Our friends are installing them in their homes and home towns in order to level up protection against any possible Decepticon incursion. They almost discovered where Clemont and Bonnie live, so better safe than sorry for future cases." Ash added.
"That sounds a fantastic idea, making sure to protect innocent lives that way." Delia congratulated.
"We are about to do the same here in Pallet Town, for in case Starscream attempts to try to search for any of us."
"So that way Team Prime could respond immediately and prevent any disaster." Serena added.
"Well, they are lots of devices for just you to position. Surely it will take you a while." Delia noticed.
"Hum, you're right." Ash confirmed, then he thought on something. "Wait, I have an idea, how about if we ask my pokémon to help putting the sensors around the limits of the town? That way we will finish earlier."
"Great idea, Ash." Serena supported.
"Maybe that way you two lovebirds could spend some time for yourselves." Delia provoked.
"Mom!" Ash protested, while Serena laughed.
Finally they reached Professor Oak's lab, but they were surprised to find someone else already there.
"Hi guys."
"Bonnie, what are you doing here?" Serena recognized.
"Weren't you and Clemont installing sensors in your home at Lumiose City?" Ash remembered.
"Yeah, but thanks to Moon we ended very soon, so we decided to help the others with their tasks too. That's why we are here now." Bonnie confirmed.
"Your brother has come with you?" Delia asked.
Bonnie nodded. "And not only him."
"Hi friends." A familiar voice saluted from a small orange machine moving next to her which was of the size of a mower.
"I…didn't know Oak ordered an assistance robot for his garden's maintenance."
Bonnie laughed. "No, Ms. Ketchum, is not a robot. Well, an ordinary robot."
The robot transformed, revealing its true identity.
"Fixit?" Ash asked surprised.
"Pika?"
"Oh, I get it: that's your alt form." Serena deduced.
"Hmm, it may not be very versatile as a way for transportation, but I can configure it in order to look different and not raise suspicion." The Minobot nodded.
"Well that was a surprise. Mom, this is Fixit, a Minibot member of Team Prime." Ash introduced.
"Oh, so there are also space living robots of human size? Now that sounds suitable for me, specially one cute." Delia admitted.
That made Fixit blush. "Well, thanks a lot miss."
"By the way, why are you here too?" Serena reminded.
"I'm assisting you guys in the duty of installing the new proximity sensors to counter possible Decepticon movements nearby your homes." Fixit answered.
"He already helped Max and May place one on their dad's gym on Hoenn, which will do as well on Misty's gym next. Now he's here to help big brother and Tracey to install it on Professor Oak's lab, besides another thing." Bonnie added.
"Which is?" Delia asked.
"Big brother wanted to see the professor for showing him something that happened so suddenly. You will see."
"Well that would have to wait, Bonnie." Clemont revealed exiting the lab. "The professor is not actually here."
"Oh my."
"What is it, mom?"
"Now I remembered it: Sam told me he was going to be out for a while." Delia confessed.
"She's right." Tracey said exiting the lab after Clemont. "Professor Oak departed for a research meeting with professor Ivy at Valencia Island, and that it's gonna be out for almost a week."
"So he's not at home?" Ash repeated.
"Well, better for us. Clemont and Fixit will be able to work without trouble." Bonnie said.
"But before that there's something you must see, specially you two." Tracey told looking to Clemont and Fixit.
"Huh?" Clemont said confused.
"Why us?" Fixit asked.
"You better see it by yourselves." Tracey simply said before everyone entered the lab behind him.
"Guys, we will see if we can give them a hand. How about if you two go ahead and ask everyone else to help you with the sensors?" Ash suggested to both Pikachu and Dedenne.
"Pika pika." Pikachu nodded.
"Dedenne." Dedenne followed.
"Okay. We will meet you as soon as we finish."
As Ash went in with the others after leaving the bag next to the entrance, both electric pokémon went to look for Pikachu's former travel companions, which now were living around Oak's lab. Inside the lab…
"When I went to turn on the computer this morning, I was unable to connect with the main web. I checked the computer's entire hardware, the cables, even Internet's connection seemed good. So maybe there is something wrong with the software." Tracey retold as they headed for the main room.
"And why do you need us for?" Clemont asked.
"I'm not sure if I'm the best one for this task. I mean, I'm very good on operating terminals, but my experience on human computers may be a little…mingy." Fixit admitted nervous.
"Perhaps, but maybe you can figure out why professor Oak's computer shows this." Tracey said while showing them the screen.
What they saw on the screen left everyone without words.
"No way." Ash said in disbelief.
"It cannot be." Serena added.
"Hum, kids, what exactly are we seeing?"
"That, Ms. Ketchum, are cybertronian words." Clemont revealed as they saw the screen displaying lines of cybertronian letters.
"What? But how is it possible?" Bonnie asked confused.
Meanwhile, Pikachu and Dedenne explored the area around the lab, hoping to find the rest of Ash's pokémon, but this time there was no one around. Fortunately, Pikachu thought about who would know where everyone was, and it didn't take them much to locate. They found Bulbasaur, and because he knew he now was like the one who keeps order around between the other pokémon, Pikachu explained his old buddy what they needed. Bulbasaur understood and went to find everyone, while Pikachu and Dedenne returned where the bag was. Bulbasaur started with Noctowl, Swellow, Staraptor, Unfeazant and Talonflame, Ash's flying pokémon, which were conversating on a tall tree. Bulbasaur called them, making them to land near him and listened what Pikachu asked him to tell them. The five pokémon nodded and flew on different directions as Bulbasaur went to another. He found Squirtle taking a sunbath on a lake's shore, so he told him the same he spoke about with the bird pokémon. As answer, Squirtle took off his cool glasses while smiling, jumped into the lake and swam until he met with Totodile, who was playing alongside Buizel with Kingler and Corphish. Bulbasaur, knowing he was going to deliver the message, moved on: his next pal to met was Charizard, who mas taking a nap under the sun. Fortunately, he was already waking up, so he saw Bulbasaur coming and listened to him. Noctowl found Quilava and Oshawott playing with Bayleef, Torkoal, Leavanny and Donphan; Swellow spotted Heracross drinking sap from a tree peacefully, while Scraggy, Gible and Palpitoad watched him, with Glalie and Muk sleeping nearby and Gliscor observing upside down from a branch; Staraptor saw in the plains Tauros and Torterra performing a test of strength pushing each other back; near them Noivern observed Boldore and Krokodile doing the same, thing which Unfeazant watched approaching them; Talonflame continued searching until he heard some rumbling noises nearby: it was Sceptile and Greninja' undoing, which were making some kind of training duel. In that moment, Sceptile managed to dodge Greninja's move and counter, thing witnessed by some viewers: Snivy, which was cheering for Sceptile; Infernape, who was eager for his turn; Pignite and Hawlucha, observing the duel calmed and with interest. Talonflame managed to get in middle and stop the duel, earning everyone's attention. Back to the lab, Pikachu and Dedenne were trying to prepare the sensors for later placing, but the bag was too heavy for them to move. Dedenne pointed to Snorlax, who was sleeping under a tree, suggesting if they could ask him for help, but Pikachu, knowing Snorlax better, deduced it was not going to work. Fortunately a couple of hands grabbed the bag for him: it was Charizard, who arrived with Bulbasaur, making them smile. Then the others arrived as well, and lined up while Pikachu climbed onto Charizard's back so everyone could listen to him. He gave them the proper instructions about what to do with the devices and the pokémon started to organize: the big ones carried the devices while the smaller ones placed them once they had to; the fastest and flyers placed some on their own. What they didn't know was that someone was watching them from the distance.
"Hum, this is something you don't see every day." A familiar voice said within the bushes.
"What is it, James?"
"It seems the twerp's pokémon are probably working onto something, Jessie. They are moving some strange machines like organized workers making a reformation."
"Huh? Let me see it." Jessie demanded taking his binoculars from him. "Hum, you're right. I wonder what the twerps are up to."
"Who cares what they are doing with those little metal trinkets? This is perfect. We have another chance to take all those pokémon while they are busy. And this time no plane will stop us from making our way victorious." Meowth proclaimed.
"But that victory will not be total if we miss Pikachu." James reminded.
"Oh, it will be no problem. Do you see that? It appears he's the one in charge of the whole operation." Jessie announced seeing him with the binoculars.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's get him once and for all!"
"Yeah! Go, Team Rocket!" The three cheered.
"Wobbuffet."
Meanwhile, on top of the lab's antenna, there was an addition hooked to the structure: the same piece which ejected itself from the device captured by the Nemesis. Fixit extended his hand for it until he grabbed it. He was connected by Clemont's new mechanical arm of his backpack, so he signaled it to retrieve him back inside through the window.
"Do you find out anything rare?" Tracey asked once the Minibot was inside again.
"Yes, I did. There was this small matter attached to the antenna."
"And…what it is?" Bonnie asked.
"I cannot say for certain, but it appears for the structure and what I supposed it caused on the computer, that it could be the backup of a cybertronian info storage capsule."
"A what?" Everyone asked in confusion.
"Is that like cybertronian data cylinders?" Clemont reminded.
"Not exactly, but very close. These devices were built to storage special kinds of information for safe transport to ensure it reached its destination without any way of intercepting. But the design of this one seems different."
"And I guess the info storage within that backup is now inside professor Oak's computer." Clemont deduced.
"Which is why we are seeing cybertronian letters in the screen." Delia added.
"But why?" Bonnie asked.
"The backup is designed to eject itself from the capsule and head straight for the closest terminal in sight to insert the info for safekeeping in case of danger. And I guess this computer was the one it chose." Fixit supposed.
"So the capsule may have come from space?" Ash wondered.
"Guys, this is so interesting, but we have to find a way to get this cybertronian soup of letters out of the professor's computer or that will be a great obstacle for his job." Tracey reminded.
"Fear nothing, I think I have the solution. The future is now thanks to science." Clemont announced as he activated his backpack, making the mechanical arm to emerged from it and connect to the terminal.
"What are you going to do?" Serena asked.
"Ratchet modified my equipment not only to operate cybertronian terminals, but also to access any available information and copy it as well. So maybe if I figure out what frequency link this backup used, I can extract the info into my backpack for proper analysis later at base's network."
"Wow, science is so amazing." Ash said impressed.
"You've said it, son."
"I have to admit that's very smart." Bonnie admitted.
Clemont commenced working on retrieving the data. Meanwhile, Bonnie noticed something on the working table.
"Is that…a pokémon egg?" She assumed.
"Yes indeed. It was brought here by request of another pokémon researcher. Professor Oak decided to put it there before figuring out what kind of pokémon will come from it, and that way choosing its future trainer." Tracey revealed.
"Wow, I wonder what kind of pokémon could it be." Bonnie said before start imagining it.
"That's weird, but it seems like I can feel something emanating from the egg."
"Which thing, Ash?" Serena asked.
"I don't know. It's some kind of…feeling. Like an aura."
Before Ash could figure it out…
"Ha, this is easier than I thought. The info is downloading back into my backpack without any problem. The computer is back ready for use." Clemont announced.
"Are you gonna take it back to New Iacon to see what is it?" Ash asked.
"It can be done later. First, we need to secure our homes."
"Good news, Clemont. Now let's see if Ash's pokémon are done putting the sensors." Serena suggested.
Everyone headed back outside the lab, where they found Pikachu and the other pokémon lined up waiting for them.
"Have you finished already?" Ash asked.
"Pikachu." Pikachu answered showing the bag empty.
"Good. Nice work everyone."
Suddenly, the air started to move like if a strong wind was approaching. And it grew stronger.
"Wow, it's starting to make lot of windy here." Bonnie noticed grabbing her bag and Dedenne.
"That's weird. I don't remember the weather report saying today was gonna be windy." Delia remembered.
"Then how is this possible?" Fixit asked.
Then the wind became too strong that most of Ash's pokémon flew away, except some ones which escaped because they were too heavy or big (Charizard, Muk, Tauros, Sceptile, Torkoal, Glalie, Torterra, Boldore, Krokodile, Greninja and Noivern). Pikachu also saved himself hooking himself to Ash's foot. Surprisingly, Fixit also flew away screaming with the pokémon.
"Fixit actually went flying?" Bonnie asked surprised.
"Not now, Bonnie!" Clemont said.
"Hey, doesn't this see a little familiar?" Ash recalled.
"Now that you mention it, it appears this wind seems to be sucking instead of blowing." Serena realized seeing the pokémon flying at the exact same direction.
Her suspects seemed to confirm once they hear familiar laughs coming from the bushes.
"Looking for trouble?"
"Then get ready for its double."
"Huh?" Bonnie and Delia asked confused.
"Oh no." Tracey and Clemont said.
"Are those…?" Serena started.
"Not again." Ash cursed.
"To protect the world from devastation!"
"To unite all people within our nation!"
"To denounce the evils of truth and love!"
"To extend our reach to the stars above!"
"Jessie!"
"And James!"
"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light!"
"Surrender now or prepare for a very intense fight!"
"Meowth, that's right!"
"Wobbuffet!"
"Team Rocket!" Ash shouted.
"You guys again?!" Serena asked in disbelief.
"And every one which will follow. You should know that by now." Jessie defended.
"Why can't you guys just leave us go on with our lives and focus on something different for once?!" Bonnie complained.
"Eh, just for you to know, we did leave you in peace for a long time." James reminded.
"Oh, you're right. But it isn't supposed that at least you would have used that time to figure out what other things to do?"
"We know what our goal in life is, and that's taking the best pokémon for proper use." Meowth declared.
"Well sorry for you, but Pikachu didn't fell into your trap this time." Ash announced with his pal on his shoulder.
"Pika pika."
"Perhaps, but we will solve that in no time. Beside all your interesting pokémon which no doubt must be very strong." Jessie remarked.
"I will not argue with you in that, but that doesn't give you the right to take them away." Ash defended.
"Return all those pokémon right now!" Bonnie demanded as she and Serena ran at them.
"Wait girls! There could be…" Ash warned, but before he could finish the phrase the ground below the girls sunken, with them inside. "…a trap."
"Bonnie, are you alright?" Clemont called coming for them alongside Tracey.
"Wait guys, there could be…" It happened again. "…a second trap."
"Kids, are you okay?" Delia asked walking at them.
"Wait mom, there could be…" And it repeated. "…one last trap."
"Pika pika." Pikachu said in shame.
"They have fallen in all traps!" Team Rocket cheered in victory.
"Oh yeah? You're going to regret it. Ready to teaching them a lesson, guys?" Ash asked to his pokémon, who nodded. "Then let's go."
"So the twerp is eager for a fight. Like the old days, so nostalgic." Jessie expressed.
"But this time we will succeed." James encouraged.
"And not just because of our own pokémon here, but also thanks to our superior intellect in preparations." Meowth announced pressing a button, making lots of mechanical arms came out of the balloon.
"Charizard, counter them with Slash! Muk, Sludge Bomb! Tauros, push them back with Take Down! Sceptile, use Leaf Blade! Torkoal, stand your ground with Iron Defense and counter with Heat Wave when you got a chance! Glalie, strike with Headbutt! Torterra, Boldore, destabilize them with Leaf Storm and Sandstorm! Krokodile, fight them with Dragon Claw! Greninja, use both your Water Shuriken and Cut! And Noivern, confuse them with Acrobatics!"
The pokémon acted as Ash instructed them, making their stand against Team Rocket's trinkets.
"Blast! I didn't expect them to figure out how to resist that long." Meowth cursed.
"And what did you expect? Twerp's pokémon are as tough as their trainer, you should know that by now." James reminded.
"Who cares? Let's let them get tired while we take the chance and go catch Pikachu." Jessie decided.
"Ready to teach them a lesson once again?" Ash asked.
"Pika." Pikachu nodded before he jumped in front of them ready to battle. "Pika pika."
"Then say hi to your former opponents, Pikachu." Jessie announced as she and James pulled out their poke balls and summoned their pokémon.
As usually, Team Rocket decided to play dirty and sent Seviper, Yanmega, Frillish, Yamask, Amoonguss and Carnivine to battle Pikachu. But first…
"This is no time for hugs and bites! Go and get Pikachu with the others!" James insisted trying to get Carnivine off from biting him as a proof of care as usual.
"Never fails." Meowth lamented.
"Why it can not happen for once?" Jessie expressed in embarrassment.
"Pikachu, focus. You cannot face them all by your own, but maybe you can outsmart them. Just wait for them to make the first move, got it?" Ash instructed.
"Pika." Pikachu nodded.
"Seviper, use Bite. Yanmega, Steel Wing. And Frillish, Bubble Beam." Jessie commanded.
"Carnivine, enough with that and catch Pikachu with Vine Whip. Yamask and Amoonguss, assist him with Shadow Ball and Body Slam." James ordered.
Team Rocket's pokémon jumped at Pikachu.
"Hurry, dodge them with Quick Attack!" Ash said.
Pikachu used his move to evade all his opponents' attacks, and continued dodging them until he got the chance to strike Yamash from behind, making him to end on Carnivine's mouth, and almost swallowed.
"Ah, my poor Yamask. Fear nothing pal, I'm getting you out at once." James said alarmed trying to help Carnivine to take Yamask out.
Ash laughed. "Oh right. I better get everyone out of the traps while Pikachu keeps them busy."
Into one of the holes, Serena and Bonnie were still groaning, still a little affected by the sinking.
"Now I don't know what its worse: when we have to deal with these guys' tricks most of the time or trying to not became collateral damage caused by the Decepticons." Bonnie confessed.
Speaking of Cons, Shockblast, Shatter and Dropkick were still working on deciphering the capsule's content.
"It has been a while and still nothing?" Knock Out asked concerned.
"This interface is nothing like we have seen before." Shatter admitted.
"And trying to decipher it this slowly is starting to getting me frustrated." Dropkick complained.
"It may be heavily encrypted, probably the work of Autobot informatic experts." Xiaxus deduced.
"Hum, perhaps we could speed things up if we employ the right means. There was once a time when the warship, despite being corrupted by the blood of Unicron, things aside, managed to decode great part of the Iacon database, which our technicians were unable to break before. Maybe if I can search in the activity log of that day, I could know which parameters employed to break through the encryptions." Knock Out remembered.
"Even if that could work, the search of such algorithms will require an expertise hand. One which we actually don't possess." Shockblast said.
"And what about the work Optimus performed when Galvatron managed to force him to work for us when he thought he was Orion Pax? It is supposed that's how the first Iacon relics were discovered, and that our beloved master made sure to record all his work." Starscream added.
"That could work as well."
"Knock Out, try to search for any data related to those process. Shockblast, you once said I acted very scientifically. Lets see if I still have the skills."
Back to Pallet Town, Fixit ended inside the depo where all the pokémon sucked by the giga vacuums ended. He saw around the depo and started to hit different parts of the wall, until he found one which sounded different.
"Don't worry pals, just stay back. I think I know how to get us out of here."
Meanwhile, Ash helped his mom get out of the hole before they went to assist Bonnie and Serena. Tracey and Clemont managed to get out by themselves.
"Is everyone alright?" Tracey asked.
"I think so." Serena answered.
Pikachu was still keeping busy Team Rocket's pokémon evading them with Quick Attack. Until Amoonguss decided to use Stun Spore, which caught him off guard and ended paralyzed.
"Nice one, Amoonguss." James congratulated.
"Hahaha, looks like you can't sneak away anymore, Pikachu." Meowth teased.
"You better surrender now and we promise you to treat you well before delivering you to the boss." Jessie said.
"You are not going to deliver anything not yours. Not on our watch." Ash proclaimed with his friends beside him.
"You twerps don't know when to give up, don't you?"
"Against guys like you? Never." Bonnie challenged.
"Then I guess we will have to do this the hard way. Which is going to be hard for you." Meowth provoked.
"Oh really? I guess you didn't expect us to keep training in order to keep facing trials and obstacles as you. Well, leave me show you. Come out!" Serena announced pulling out one of her poke balls.
For everyone's surprise the pokémon which came out was a Delphox.
"Wow, unbelievable." Clemont said amazed.
"That's a Delphox." Ash recognized.
"Isn't that Briaxen's last evolution?" Bonnie deduced.
"It doesn't matter what new pokémon you have, we will take them as well. Carnivine, use Bite!" James commanded.
"Delphox, Mystical Fire!" Serena instructed.
Delphox' new move surprised Carnivine while approaching to bite and received a direct hit.
"Nice move, Serena." Ash congratulated, making her smile.
"That was just a lucky hit, try endure this one. Seviper, Yanmega, Poison Tail and Sonic Boom." Jessie ordered.
"No, you don't. Marill, Scyther, stop them with Aqua Tail and Razor Wind!" Tracey said pulling out two poke balls.
Tracey's pokémon managed to counter and outmatch Seviper and Yanmega moves, striking them back.
"How dare you? Frillish, Shadow Ball!" Jessie demanded.
"Yamask, you too." James added.
"How about this? Diggerby, Hammer Arm!" Clemont announced pulling out one of his poke balls.
The pokémon which joined and counterattacked successfully against the two opponents surprised everyone as Delphox did.
"Was that…supposed to be Bunnelby?" Ash asked surprised.
"I guess this was the surprise Bonnie was referring to." Serena deduced.
Meanwhile, Dedenne approached Pikachu, still paralyzed and used Nuzzle to cure his paralysis. Pikachu thanked him and both pokémon used their electric attacks against Jessie's Frillish, taking her out of the fight.
"Frillish! Are you okay?" Jessie asked concerned.
"Have you had enough already?" Delia asked them.
"You asked for it. It seems we're going to suck the rest of your pokémon to get rid of all our problems in one shot." Meowth decided, preparing to activate the vacuums.
But before Team Rocket could make their move, they heard a loud noise coming from the depo. They looked back and saw there was a big hole.
"Ah? What has happened?" Meowth asked in disbelief.
"Did one of the pokémon make that hole and made their way out somehow?" Jessie asked.
"Impossible. That metal was tough enough for contain all of them."
"Well, it seems not all of them if they managed to escape!"
For everyone's surprise, all the captured pokémon reunited with them.
"Guys, you made it out." Ash saw.
"But how?" Clemont wondered.
Following them they saw Fixit in his alt form, with a drill in his front part, before changing back to robot mode, meaning he as the one who pierced through Team Rocket's machine.
"What?! Where did the twerps get that robot?!" James spotted in disbelief.
"They probably built it, giving the fact that the smart twerp is with them. And that's not the first robot he made." Jessie reminded.
"Well, a robot like that could be of good use for Team Rocket. Time to recruit it." Meowth announced pressing a button.
A few mechanical arms came out and went stray at Fixit.
"Fixit, look out!" Bonnie yelled.
But the Minibot reacted by instinct and punched one of the arms so hard that it destabilized, while he grabbed the second one and pulled so hard until ripping it apart. That let both groups speechless, especially Team Rocket. Well, Meowth was getting frustrated as he tried to summon more and more arms, but Fixit managed to keep them at bay. What he didn't notice was Team Rocket's pokémon getting ready to attack him from behind.
"Hey! No fair, that's cheating!" Ash shouted.
Ash's feeling to stand and fight for what was right, for his unknowing, was making some effect on the egg in professor Oak's lab, which started to shake, as if it was getting ready to hatch, and it started to shine. Moments later, while Fixit contained the mecha arms, and before the bad guys' pokémon launched to attack him, something came out of the lab's window and landed in front of them at high speed. That caused a cloud of smoke which covered them. The gang was unable to see what was happening inside, but by the silhouettes it seemed that something was hitting Team Rocket's pokémon with Force Palm, being sent back with their trainers. Once the dust cloud dissipated, they saw the responsible one.
"Is that…a Riolu?" Ash recognized.
"Where did it come from?" Clemont asked.
"Pika." Pikachu answered shrugging his shoulders.
Back with Fixit, the Minibot managed to tie together much of the mechanical arms, immobilizing them and allowing him to tear them together and throw them against Team Rocket.
"Ah? My control panel!" Meowth said alarmed, noticing he dropped it.
Before it could be recovered, a cannon appeared on one of Fixit's hands and a laser shot destroyed the panel. That caused all mechanical arms to disconnect, giving the pokémon which were facing them a break. But Meowth was now very mad.
"Look what you have done! I'm gonna teach you a lesson you'll never forget!" The talking pokémon swore pulling out his claws.
Before Meowth could strike, Fixit grabbed him by the tail, and what came next was hilarious.
"Why are you scratching yourself, huh? Why are you scratching yourself?" The Minibot teased as he made Meowth to scratch himself with his own claws.
The gang couldn't believe what they were seeing.
"Guys, are you witnessing the same as I?" Bonnie requested.
"Unbelievable." Tracey expressed.
Riolu was the only one who seemed laughing at Meowth's misery.
"Hey, what are you doing with our pal?!" Jessie demanded.
"Give us back our friend right away!" James added.
Fixit ended his fun and threw Meowth back with his companions.
"I…" He started to say as one missile launcher came from his back. "…work…" and another. "…for my team!"
And fired a couple of missiles which impacted on their vehicle. Of course, that launched them sky high.
"It cannot be! How did the twerps managed to get a tough robot like that?!" Jessie exclaimed in disbelief.
"I guess they decided to learn from us and use our resources against us!" James deduced.
"It doesn't matter anymore. This time they managed to beat us." Meowth added.
"Like the old times." They three lamented.
"Wobbuffet!"
"Team Rocket's blasting off again!" They announced as usual before disappearing into the sky.
"Wow, so this is how they act. I'm surprised these guys didn't turn you crazy after all this time following you everywhere."
"Fixit, that was amazing!" Bonnie exclaimed as she hugged him.
"Where did you managed to battle like that?" Serena asked.
"Sincerely, nowhere. I also didn't know I could do that, but I always wanted to prove myself during a fight." Fixit revealed.
"Well, you battled as any other Autobot." Tracey said.
"And you managed to beat Team Rocket all your own." Ash added.
"And most important, you did it defending your friends. You can be proud of that." Delia said.
"Wait until we share this with everyone back at base." Bonnie celebrated.
"Speaking of which, I better add some modifications on those perimeter scanners. For in case those guys think of coming back when nobody is home, they will sound an alarm which will force them to leave if they don't want to be caught by the authorities." Fixit decided.
"I guess the fact that both your pokémon evolved was what you wanted to show us." Ash deduced.
"You may say that. It happened by surprise, and I couldn't wait to show you all." Serena admitted.
"It's good that they evolved, which means now they will be stronger and be able to improve their training against the Decepticons." Clemont said.
"And…who is this little one?" Delia asked looking at Riolu.
"Aw, its so cute." Bonnie admired, but Riolu, anticipating she will try to touch him, jumped above her with a defensive pose.
"I guess it doesn't identify himself as the usual adorable pokémon." Tracey deduced.
"Wait a second, I think I know where he came from." Ash said, looking at Riolu with curiosity, and the same way around. "I think…he was inside that egg which was inside the lab."
"What makes you think that?" Clemont asked.
"Ash possesses a special ability: he's able to sense the living beings' aura." Serena revealed.
"Like Lucario? Does that mean Ash is half pokémon?" Bonnie interpreted, making everyone laugh.
"No Bonnie. You see, there are some humans which, as pokémon like Riolu and Lucario, are capable of detecting and sensing others' aura, which is some kind of life force." Tracey explained.
"And Ash possesses that same ability?" Clemont asked surprised.
"Since how long?" Bonnie asked.
"I guess since always, thought I didn't know it." Ash answered.
"So Ash has some kind of super power. Isn't that cool?"
"Indeed Bonnie. I always knew my son was so special, but now a little more. You are a very fortunately girl to have such a special boyfriend, Serena."
"Hehe, I know." Serena agreed blushing.
"That's what I sensed coming from the egg. And I guess that's how Riolu sensed we were in trouble facing Team Rocket." Ash figured out.
"I guess I will have to wait for the professor to return to tell him about." Tracey decided. "Come on, Riolu."
But the little pokémon seemed to not listen to him. Instead, he looked at Ash interested.
"It looks to me that Riolu likes Ash." Delia noticed.
"It must be because of the aura connection that they two share." Clemont deduced.
"Riolu, is that what you are thinking?" Ash told to the little blue pokemon kneeling down to his height. "I'm Ash, and this is my partner Pikachu."
"Pikachu." Pikachu saluted.
"This is where me and all my pokémon live." He showed pointing to the whole area. "Do you want to accompany us?"
For his surprise, Riolu answered with a happy nod.
"It doesn't surprise me. Now that I remember, a message that came with the egg, which was written by Goh, said that pokémon researcher agreed to leave the egg in your care, Ash. I didn't know why he said that, but now I do." Tracey revealed.
"In that case, welcome to the family, Riolu." Ash said pulling out an empty poke ball.
Riolu approached it, touched it and allowed himself to be captured, similar to how Ash got Froakie on Kalos. Moments later, they were back at base, narrating the current events.
"Wait wait, you did what?" Arcee asked in disbelief.
"Against who?" Sideswipe added.
"What you guys heard. Fixit managed to face and defeat Team Rocket by his own." Bonnie repeated.
"Yeah right. Punch, chop shop, a couple of times. A then, pow pow pow pow… it was epic. I mean it does need to be repeated, but epic." Fixit confirmed making a demonstration.
"Looks like you have been the one who have risen above yourself this time, Fixit." Bumblebee congratulated.
"Who would expect a Minibot can rumble like any other Autobot?" Moon added.
"If it wasn't for Fixit, maybe it would have taken us hard to beat Team Rocket." Ash supported.
"So those three clown losers are back to business. I don't know if that's gonna be an obstacle or just annoyance?" Warpath wondered.
"From what they have told us they're just a trio of troublemaker thieves obsessed with catching Ash's Pikachu. Nothing we cannot handle." Smokescreen opined.
"I'm with the kid: the next time those guys have the servos to try to steal our pals, they're gonna be sorry." Wheeljack supported.
"Remember Autobots, that while those three may work for an evil organization, they are not as dangerous as our ordinary enemies. And they are also native, which means we cannot respond at them with extreme violence." Elita reminded.
"It will be not much if we simply catch them and hand them over the authorities. Surely, they may be on the most wanted list." Ratchet answered while he was helping Clemont transmit the info from his backpack.
"Team Rocket may be our oldest rivals, but they are not exactly a serious menace. I mean, my friends and I have gotten used to their constant tricks, but we always managed to take care of them."
"Ash is right; they are not such a bother in the end. Reason why they are not in the most wanted list." Tracey added.
"In fact, the other criminal organizations which we faced were even more serious to deal with. And let's not forget Team Alien, they were ten times worse." Serena reminded.
"Despite the truth of your past experiences, let's not forget one crucial detail: though those thieves don't represent a serious menace, we must not forget they are simple grunts, working for a more ambitious and sinister mastermind in the shadows." Optimus recalled.
"Giovanni, he is their leader. We had a few encounters with him as well." Ash added.
"Precisely, and in case he somehow manages to find out about our existence on your planet, that might draw his attention, giving us another serious enemy to face. Another Team Alien."
"Fear nothing Optimus. Team Rocket is interested in acquiring strange and powerful pokémon." Serena reassured him.
"Yeah, alien technology and transforming vehicles are not of their liking." Bonnie added.
"Nonetheless, we must take the necessary precautions to minimize the chances to appear on their radar." The leader of the Autobots decided.
"It surprises me the fact that they have a pokémon capable to talk like a human." Blaster admitted. "How did it managed to reach such an evolutionary state like Predaking?"
"Beats me, we don't know about Meowth's story. But maybe we can figure out what is this." Clemont answered pulling out the appendage of his backpack. "Download complete."
"You said this data was storage inside a cybertronian info storage capsule?" Ratchet asked.
"More properly on its backup, which was previously ejected and hooked to the lab's informatic system." Fixit summarized.
"I'm surprised some of those have managed to survive."
"Actually Ratchet, I don't think this is the case." Blaster announced checking the piece Fixit recovered.
"What do you mean?" Seaspray asked.
"Taking a close look at the touches of this piece I have realized it is not from Autobot origin, neither Decepticon. This seems like from a more ancient source."
"Like the ancients?" Ultra Magnus asked.
"Not that long, maybe from right at the middle of the Golden Age."
"And what kind of information it was carrying?" Moonracer asked.
"It seems we are about to figure it out sooner than expected." Ratchet called, making everyone to look at the main screen. "I don't know why, but it looks like the data is not only arranging itself, but also decrypting."
"So what it means? It's some kind of living data like the synthetic energon formula that I once have stuck in my head?" Warpath asked.
"No, but it appears the data is reacting to the terminal's identification." Blaster saw. "It seems to be responding to it."
"Because of Teletraan-I?" Clemont suggested.
"No." Optimus said as he took a close look to the data, and then he realized. "Because it knows the terminal it now runs free is of Autobot origin."
"Optimus, do you thing you can decode it?"
"I'll try, Elita."
And Optimus started to use his skills of archivist to help deciphering the encryption. A few seconds later it was done.
"Well, that was quick." Wheeljack noticed.
"It's like if the data wanted to be as complete as possible for us." Fixit deduced.
"But what it is?" Bonnie asked impatiently.
Then, one line of words signed up.
"A set of coordinates. Most likely the location of something hidden from ordinary eyes." Ultra Magnus sensed.
"Autobots, this requires for investigation." Optimus proclaimed.
Meanwhile, back to the Nemesis, now it was five the Decepticons, Knock Out and Starscream as well, who were still working in deciphering the data from the capsule.
"Ew…just for curiosity, has anyone figured out anything yet?" The Decepticon medic asked.
"Nope." Dropkick answered.
"Still nothing." Shatter followed.
"We haven't worked enough time like the rest yet, so stop complaining and keep working on it." Starscream silenced.
"The already deciphered parts are still not enough to reveal proper data, separately." Shockblast said, realizing something. "But perhaps, combining the already available parts each of us harbor… I'm going to try something, but I need you to transfer your accessible data to my terminal."
"What? Why?" Dropkick questioned.
"Do you think that's gonna work?" Knock Out discussed.
"Shockblast wouldn't try something if he doesn't think it may not work, that's for sure. Do what he says." Starscream encouraged.
The Decepticons passed the data to Shockblast terminal, who started to put together some pieces of the data complex. At the end, his theory proved useful as the words joined together and formed a line of words.
"A set of coordinates. But for what purpose?" Starscream wondered.
"You can lead me that part, you already have worked enough. I will inspect it immediately." Xiaxus offered.
At the exact same time, right at Area 28, in the Unova region, the Autobots emerged from their ground bridge, ready to start searching. It was a dark night, and there was some lightning at the distance.
"Sounds like we have a storm incoming." Hot Rod spotted.
"Then we must act quickly and get to that location before the storm arrives." Optimus instructed.
"I think you should take flight and take a short cut." Elita suggested.
Following his sparkmate's advice, Optimus activated his jet-pack and took flight. He continued his way until he reached almost the top of the nearest mount. There, he found into a hole a small container, similar to previous ones which used to hold relics. But before he could reach it, something grabbed him from behind and pushed him downhill.
"Although it's not a surprise finding you here, it is still incredible how tenacious you can be in order to try to go ahead of us, Prime." A familiar voice said while he stood up, and saw who it was.
"Straxus?"
"Now I am Xiaxus, in case you forgot our last encounter."
"I wondered what happened with the other surviving prototypes which sided with Galvatron after his departure of Earth."
"We all have specific orders to follow. But now we are back, Prime, and you will answer for all the damage you have inflicted us Decepticons. You Autobots as well this entire world."
"I know why you are here, Xiaxus, and I will not let you leave with whatever is in that compartment."
"Then you will have to beat me in reaching there. Handle him, troops."
Lots of flying Vehicons swarmed from the sky, transformed and landed around their leader and started shooting at Optimus, distracting him while Xiaxus turned around and headed back for the relic. Optimus was forced to look for cover.
"Optimus, we have heard shots. Are you okay?" Bumblebee asked through com-link.
"Autobots, Xiaxus is here, and it seems he's searching for the same as we. We cannot allow him to take it away."
"Fear nothing, sir. We will handle the Decepticons, you go for the relic." Ultra Magnus offered. "Soldiers, we need to distract them from our leader. Time to use our new equipment."
"Yes, I was waiting for a chance to test it." Sideswipe celebrated.
All the Autobots changed to vehicle form and charged against the Decepticons, except Warpath, who started firing from the distance in his tank mode. But before reaching them something happened: some parts opened, pulling out cybertronian weapons still in their vehicle forms (Hot Rod pulled two cannons at his sides, the same as Arcee; Moonracer opened her frontal part to show a weapon similar to the ones she used in robot mode; Ultra Magnus pulled a turret on the upper part of his truck mode; Seaspray deployed two torpedo launchers at the sides; Wheeljack, Sideswipe, Smokescreen and Elita One pulled out cannons at the frontal part and two small missile launchers at the sides, while Bumblebee possessed this last ones and a plasma cannon on top of him) which fired at their enemies, catching them off-guard.
"We got them on the run, Optimus. Go!" Elita signaled him.
Prime took the chance to activated his jet-pack and take flight. Xiaxus saw him flying at high speed toward the relic.
"What? He can fly now?" Xiaxus said in disbelief, before roaring in fury and charging after him.
Xiaxus jumped high and transformed, turning into some kind of cybertronian interceptor. He positioned himself after Optimus and fired him laser shots. Fortunately Optimus dodged them, and took the chance to stop, wait for Xiaxus to approach enough, and at the last moment he went out of his way and hit him hard, sending him back to the floor. The hit forced Xiaxus to return back to robot form before crashing into the ground.
"You have been away from the fight too much, Xiaxus. From one leader to another, I offer you this chance: leave now and I will let you live."
"Offer me live? Did you give that offer to lord Galvatron, right before your scout snuffed his spark from behind?!" Xiaxus yelled back once on his feet again. "Oh no Prime, you may be known to offer mercy to the enemy, but that's not my style. That's how I proved Megatron my experience in leading, the reason which I was known as the ruler of Polyhex!" He pulled out from his back his signature weapon: a double scythe.
"If it is your choice to share your master's fate, so be it." Optimus nodded, changing his hands for axes.
And as it started raining, both leaders started a duel: Optimus was constantly dodging Xiaxus's scythe attacks and trying to counter when he could. Finally, he gave Xiaxus a lucky uppercut which took him down, allowing him to make a run for the relic. But Xiaxus grabbed his scythe and threw it at Prime.
"Optimus, watch out!" Sideswipe warned.
Prime heard him at time and ducked, dodging the scythe in the last moment. The scythe ended inserted into a rock, but that didn't stop Xiaxus, who started hitting Optimus, punch after punch. While the others were busy finishing the Vehicons, Sideswipe witnessed his leader having problems to deal with Xiaxus, who besides being as big as him, he was a little more agile. The lightning sounded and lighted up the sky, but some of them concentrated on a very specific place: a lightning rod of the nearby research lab, which gave the young Autobot an idea. He ran for the lab, and waited for the right moment to take the rod, once discharged enough, and made his way back to his leader. Xiaxus grabbed Optimus's arm when he attempted to punch him and threw him against a rock.
"Your friends are not here to save you this time." Xiaxus provoked taking back his scythe.
"We Autobots rely our strength in those besides us." Optimus answered back.
"Then I guest I must take all that from you. As well as this." Xiaxus retorted opening the compartment, taking a little object before putting a foot over Optimus, pushing him against the rock. "After this day both sides will be equal, without special leaders to put down their fates. Say hello to lord Galvatron for me, Prime."
Xiaxus raised his scythe in order to execute Optimus, but before he could Sideswipe jumped above him and nailed the lightning rod into his back. But the pain Xiaxus felt was nothing compared with what yet to come: the rod attracted all nearby lightning, causing great pain to the Decepticon leader. Both Autobots knew it, and decided to leave jumping out of the mount before that happened. As result, Xiaxus ended very bad by the accumulation of electricity.
"You may have won this time, Autobots. But this is only the beginning, and with the pass of time, the balance of power will fall on the Decepticons' side again." Xiaxus swore before he called for an emergency ground bridge.
Optimus landed hard near the group, which came to his aid.
"Optimus!" Elita shouted coming next to him.
"Are you okay, sir?" Ultra Magnus asked.
"Urg, it could have been worse. Thanks to Sideswipe it didn't happen."
"Speaking of which, where is he?" Smokescreen noticed.
The young Autobot emerged from a small pond created by the rain, now covered in mud.
"Have you all seen it? Because I'm not going to do that again." Sideswipe swore.
"Hehehe, good showing up kid. Also, you should take a bath back at base." Wheeljack laughed.
"But hey, that was a good thinking." Arcee congratulated.
"I agree, soldier. Your improvisation caught their leader by surprise and saved ours." Magnus supported.
"Speaking of which, it wasn't that Xiaxus?" Hot Rod recognized.
"Who?" Smokescreen asked confused.
"Xiaxus, the reincarnated form of Straxus." Optimus clarified.
"The tyrannical dictator of Polihex? The one who Blaster took down?" Seaspray asked.
"No one else handles a dangerous scythe like him." Elita confirmed.
"What was he doing here?" Warpath demanded.
"He was searching for the same as we came for." Optimus answered before looking at his hand, revealing having the same object Xiaxus handed before. "Blaster, bridge us back to New Iacon. Our search is done."
"So soon?" Clemont asked surprised.
Back at base…
"This is what the Cons were after? It's just a stone." Bonnie saw.
"That's not any stone, Bonnie. If my suspects are correct, this little item is one of the sacred relics of the Thirteen." Optimus revealed.
"What?" Ratchet asked in disbelief.
"Seriously?" Hot Rod added.
"How so?" Smokescreen followed.
"The Thirteen?" Serena asked.
"You mean the first Primes of all?" Ash recalled.
"The very first cybertronians born from Primus. The ones who allowed him to finally defeat Unicron." Ratchet confirmed.
"It became clear to me once I recognized the frequency employed by the capsule. It was not any ordinary one, but the first one. Created in times of the Golden Age." Optimus added.
Ultra Magnus gasped. "Of course. Now I remember a very crucial event related with something like that. The mission was a very delicate operation, one executed by elite Autobot agents, which goal was to intercept and secure a highly valuable active from the DIS headquarters."
"To ensure it would not fall at the hands of Megatron." Blaster ended.
"I heard it was found by the Decepticon special forces in an archaeological expedition at the Crystal City." Fixit added.
"So what it contains? Marked landing zones for hidden ancient relics and Cons superweapons like the Iacon database?"
"No Seaspray, this capsule was a safekeeper of one of the most important treasures of Cybertron: The Legacy of the Primes." Elita answered.
"The Legacy of the Primes?" Clemont repeated confused.
"But what is this legacy?" Ash repeated.
"This databank is not like anything else seen during the war, because it is said it was created from recovered pieces of lost data, clues, even memories left behind from the ancient Primes. It is said it holds the key to guide directly to all the original belongings of the Thirteen. Ancient relics of great historical value: their collective legacy." Optimus explained.
"Belongings? Things such as the Star Saber or the Forge of Solus Prime?" Tracey suggested.
"Indeed. But unlike those two, some ones of this list are less known and more surrounded in mysteries and legends." Blaster confirmed.
"Another relic hunt? Just great." Wheeljack objected.
"Now it makes sense. The reason why the encryption broke so easily was a security detail implanted by those Autobots, to ensure it would be reachable for ally forces and a Prime. The true heir of their legacy." Ratchet deduced.
"And the backup ejected was another security measure in case of possible capture by the enemy." Fixit added.
"So, what kind of relic is this one?" Bonnie repeated seeing it closely.
"I cannot say for certain. But I think I know a way to figure it out." Optimus answered before opening his chest, revealing the matrix of leadership.
The matrix started to glow, making the stone to react as well. Suddenly, Optimus's eyes glimpsed, and once the light was off, he found himself in some kind of void, like in middle of space. He looked at his surroundings, but found nothing else except the space.
"Welcome, Optimus Prime."
Optimus turned to see who spoke to him, and saw a small cybertronian floating in a mediation pose in front of him.
"Who are you?"
"I'm a member of the ones who preceded you, the Thirteen. I'm Micronus Prime. Welcome to the Realm of the Primes."
"You are one of the ancients?" Optimus asked in disbelief before making him a sign of respect. "How do you know my name?"
"Alpha Trion told me. You have no idea of the great things he told us about you." Micronus answered with a smile. "I see you have recovered my relic at last."
"This stone…is yours?"
"Indeed. And not the only missing thing. Optimus, you have a very important task at hand, one that you must succeed if you want to have a chance."
"A chance? For what?"
"For cleaning our lineage."
Moments later, Optimus gasped in exhaustion back with his team.
"Optimus, are you alright?" Elita asked him helping him.
"Easy now." Ratchet added.
"What happened, sir?" Ultra Magnus asked.
"I have spoken…with Micronus Prime."
"What?" Hot Rod asked.
"How?" Smokescreen added.
"This is the Chimera Stone, Micronus' personal item. It is said is the conduit through which his power can be channeled to anyone." Optimus answered showing the stone, now glowing.
"So he contacted with you through it?" Serena realized, which Optimus nodded.
"And…what he told you?" Ratchet asked.
"It is indeed the Legacy of the Primes. In time, the location of the lost relics of the Primes will be revealed, and when that happens we must be ready to recover them. We cannot allow them to fall into unwanted hands, for who knows what kind of terrible use they could give them. Especially now that the Decepticons possess a returned full formed leader."
Because the data within the capsule was already copied by the Decepticons, the device was of no use for them anymore, so they expelled it out the ship. The capsule fell into the planet's atmosphere, making its way to the ocean, but something caught it first: Starquest, who after taking a close look to the device decided to bring it to his leader.
"Yes, you have proceeded right once again, Starquest. I knew I have seen this kind of architecture before. And if my suspects are correct…" Thundertron proclaimed as he inserted the device into his ship's data core while he examined his sword. "…we may be able to find some other interesting treasures here. I like treasure hunts."