NOTE: This fanfic takes place after Transformers: Prime - Beast Hunters: Predacons Rising and this fanfic is a prequel to my very first Transformers: Prime fanfic, "The New Beginning" which is meant to be a sequel to Predacons Rising. Also, this fanfic contains PG-13 elements with some mild language and mature themes. With that said, enjoy!
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Within the metallic confines of the Decepticon spacecraft, Switchblade, a formidable Decepticon general, occupied the command room, his stern countenance etched with authority. The room hummed with a controlled tension, reflecting the gravity of their situation. Suddenly, the door slid open, admitting Acid Storm, a fellow Decepticon seeker, who carried the weight of unsettling news.
"General Switchblade," Acid Storm began with a respectful nod, "I have just received word that Cybertron has been restored, the Autobots emerged victorious in the Great War, and our leader, Megatron, has betrayed, deserted, and disbanded the Decepticons."
The words hung in the air, casting a shadow of disbelief and indignation over Switchblade's features. "WHAT?!!?" he bellowed, his voice laced with anger and frustration.
Acid Storm's stance remained firm, his optics unwavering. "Yes, sir. It appears that Megatron's allegiance has shifted."
The news struck Switchblade like a thunderclap, igniting a blaze of fury within him. "Disappointing," he snarled, his grip tightening on the armrest of his command chair. "Our esteemed leader, Lord Megatron, has chosen to forsake us? Betray us?"
Acid Storm's reply was measured, "That seems to be the case, General Switchblade."
Switchblade's optics glowed with a fiery intensity, his fury uncontainable. "The Autobots must have manipulated him, poisoned his mind with their lies," he seethed. "Megatron's treachery cannot go unpunished. We shall take this matter to the Decepticon Justice Division at once. Tarn must be informed of Megatron's betrayal, and we shall offer a bounty for his capture."
Acid Storm nodded, his visage a portrait of obedience. "Understood, General Switchblade. And what of the Autobots?"
Switchblade's lips curled into a malevolent grin. "They will pay dearly for this affront. The Autobots will face the consequences of their actions. Megatron's betrayal will be avenged by our hands. How did they manage to restore Cybertron?"
Acid Storm provided the information he had gathered. "They employed a colossal apparatus known as the Omega Lock 2.0, a device that revitalized our home planet."
Switchblade's optics gleamed with determination. "Then we shall express our gratitude to them, in a manner they won't soon forget. Our quest for supremacy shall know no bounds. Cybertron shall bow to the Decepticons, and a new leader shall emerge to guide our faction."
The room seemed to pulse with their shared resolve, the echoes of their intentions reverberating through the cold metal walls. Amidst the turmoil of shifting allegiances and newly restored planets, Switchblade and Acid Storm knew that their path was set – a path of vengeance and conquest that would shake the very foundation of Cybertron and herald a new era of conflict.
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On Cybertron...
The golden rays of the Cybertronian sun cascaded over the once war-torn city of Iacon, now showing signs of rebirth and renewal. As the citizens of Cybertron moved about their daily tasks, the Autobots of Team Prime stood tall, their frames gleaming in the sunlight, a testament to their resilience and unity.
Ultra Magnus, now the appointed leader of the Autobots, surveyed the bustling city with a mix of pride and determination. He knew the responsibility that came with taking Optimus Prime's place, but he was ready to honor his fallen comrade by leading the Autobots toward a brighter future. Standing alongside him was Arcee, her blue optics reflecting the tranquility of the restored Cybertron. Bulkhead and Wheeljack worked side by side, using their immense strength to rebuild the city's structures.
Bumblebee, once a scout, now stood tall as Ultra Magnus's trusted lieutenant, his voice finally returned after Megatron tried to destroy him which resulted in Bumblebee falling into the Omega Lock's liquified chemicals which revived and restored Bumblebee before the former Autobot scout had stabbed Megatron with the Star Saber, killing him before Unicron would eventually revive and possess Megatron to try to destroy Primus and Cybertron before Optimus Prime defeated Unicron for good, trapping his spark inside the Reliquary of the Allspark, resulting in freeing Megatron from Unicron's control before Megatron disbanded the Decepticons and went into self-exile due to having a change of heart. The yellow Autobot had found his true voice through the trials of war and was now embracing his role with newfound confidence.
Smokescreen, once a rebellious young warrior, had come to terms with his destiny as an Autobot and fought alongside his comrades with unmatched valor. He had grown to understand the importance of teamwork and had become an invaluable member of Team Prime. Knockout, the former Decepticon medic, had chosen a different path after the war's conclusion. Now, wearing the Autobot symbol with pride, he had become a crucial part of the team, offering his skills not for destruction but for the betterment of his home planet.
Ratchet, the seasoned medic, and scientist, continued to work tirelessly to repair the damages of the Great War, both on the city and on the spark of his fellow Autobots. His dedication to his comrades was unwavering, and his presence was a reassuring one for the team.
Six months had passed since the climactic battle with Unicron, during which Optimus Prime had made the ultimate sacrifice. His actions resulted in the restoration of Cybertron and the return of the Allspark and Matrix of Leadership to their rightful places within the Well of Allsparks. As a consequence, new life had begun to emerge, bringing hope to a planet that had known nothing but conflict for too long.
But even in the face of victory and renewal, Team Prime still carried the weight of their loss. Optimus Prime, the last of the Primes, had become one with the Allspark, leaving behind a legacy that would forever shape the destiny of Cybertron. As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, Team Prime worked tirelessly to contact and welcome Autobots from other colony planets. News of Cybertron's resurrection had spread far and wide, inspiring the return of many who had once abandoned their home. United, they now contributed to the rebuilding efforts, working hand in hand with the natives of Cybertron.
Despite their progress, there were still challenges ahead. Megatron's Decepticons had fallen into obscurity without their leader, but the memory of their past actions lingered, leaving a scar on the planet and its people. Team Prime knew that fixing what Megatron had broken would take time, patience, and unwavering determination.
Yet, amidst the struggle, hope flourished. The Autobots stood united, their camaraderie stronger than ever, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. They had lost their beloved leader, but Optimus Prime's teachings and sacrifices continued to guide them. As the sun set on another day of rebuilding, Ultra Magnus stood at the edge of the city, gazing at the horizon. He felt the weight of leadership on his shoulders, but he knew he was not alone. With his team by his side, he was determined to lead Cybertron into an era of peace and prosperity.
"The legacy of Optimus Prime lives within all of us," he said to himself, his voice firm and resolute. "And we will make sure that his sacrifice was not in vain."
With renewed determination, Team Prime stood ready to face the challenges that lay ahead, knowing that together, they could overcome any obstacle. As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, they knew that a new chapter in Cybertron's history was unfolding—one of resurgence, unity, and hope.
The vibrant city of Iacon, once ravaged by the brutal conflict of the Great War, was now undergoing a painstaking process of rejuvenation. Amidst the clangor of construction and the hum of machinery, a trio of formidable Autobots raced through the streets, their sleek vehicle modes slicing through the air with a sense of exhilaration.
Leading the charge was the spirited Autobot rookie, Smokescreen. His sleek design exuded an air of bravado as he weaved through the revitalized streets, his engine growling with determination. Close behind was the young lieutenant, Bumblebee, his vibrant yellow exterior a symbol of his enduring resilience. And then there was Knockout, a former Decepticon medic turned Autobot, his elegant form marred only by his unshakable vanity and a disdain for anything that dared blemish his impeccable paint job.
"Woo-hoo!! This feels great! I forgot what it was like to go on street racing on Cybertron," Bumblebee exclaimed, his voice crackling with exhilaration as he surged ahead.
"We all know what that's like, Bee," Smokescreen retorted with a chuckle, his optics twinkling mischievously.
Knockout chimed in, his tone dripping with self-assuredness, "This is way better than street racing among the humans on Earth. No offense."
Smokescreen, ever the jovial spirit, responded, "No worries, KO. One time I got chased by a police car and I had to outrun it before they would give me a speeding ticket."
Bumblebee's exuberance was briefly tempered by a flicker of concern. "Speaking of speed, Knockout, are you sure that this was such a good idea for the three of us to be street racing at Iacon while the Autobot capital itself is being rebuilt and reconstructed?"
Smokescreen's visage grew pensive. "Now that you have mentioned it, why are we street racing here when we should be working with our leader, Ultra Magnus?"
A sly grin played on Knockout's lips as he retorted, "Relax, guys. Cybertron has been restored, the Great War is over, the Decepticons are leaderless and defeated, Unicron is defeated and we've kept his spirit imprisoned within the vault for half a year now! Everything should be back to the way it was. We're at peace now. We should be having fun."
Bumblebee's optics narrowed in contemplation. "Yes, but what if the Decepticons would return even without Megatron as their leader? And how do you think they would react if they found out that Megatron put himself in exile due to having a change of heart? And what about Shockwave? That one-eyed Decepticon scientist is still on the loose and he went missing, even after he had a near-death experience with the undead Predacons."
Knockout's confidence remained unwavering. "Would you relax? The Decepticons are defeated and I—on the other hand, am not a Decepticon anymore since I've joined the winning team."
Smokescreen, acting as the voice of reason, chimed in, "Yes, yes, you've said that for more than a megacycle now. I think we should stop street racing before we get into trouble."
Bumblebee nodded in agreement. "Agreed. Come on, let's slow down and park somewhere."
As if heeding their collective wisdom, the Autobot trio gradually eased off the accelerator, their engines purring as they found a suitable spot to park. With a seamless transition, they transformed into their robot modes, their metallic forms gleaming under the Cybertronian sun. In this moment of respite, a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose washed over them, a reminder that their duty to protect their home and forge a lasting peace was as vital as the rush of street racing they had just experienced.
As the trio of Autobots strolled through the rejuvenated streets of Iacon, their footsteps resonated with a newfound sense of purpose. The city's rebirth was a testament to their resilience, a tangible reminder that the tide of war had finally receded, leaving in its wake a chance for healing and rebuilding.
Bumblebee's usually cheerful demeanor bore a hint of melancholy, his optics clouded with a mixture of grief and longing. "You know, guys, sometimes I can't help but think about Optimus Prime," he mused, his voice tinged with a touch of sadness. "He sacrificed himself to restore the Well of Allsparks with the Allspark and the Matrix of Leadership. He's one with the Allspark now."
Smokescreen, his own optics filled with empathy, placed a reassuring hand on Bumblebee's shoulder. "Bee, we all miss Optimus. He was a true leader, a guiding light for all Autobots. But remember, his legacy lives on through each and every one of us. His ideals, his courage – they're woven into the very fabric of our being."
Bumblebee offered a faint smile, appreciating Smokescreen's comforting words. "You're right, Smokescreen. Optimus Prime was like a father figure to you and he was always there for me when I was an orphan. In fact...Optimus Prime and Elita-One adopted me as a sparkling and he showed me what it meant to be a true Autobot, to fight for a just cause and protect those in need."
"Wait, what? You're telling us that you were adopted?! By Optimus Prime?!!" Smokescreen asked with a surprised look on his face. Knockout was surprised too because he didn't think that Optimus Prime was Bumblebee's adopted father. Bumblebee nodded, "Yes. It's true. I'm Optimus Prime and Elita-One's adopted son." he said. "Huh. I never would've guessed. Who's Elita-One?" Smokescreen asked. "She was...a female Autobot who was the leader of a group of fembots. She and Optimus were very close before they got separated during the Exodus. It's complicated." Bumblebee explained. "I see," Smokescreen replied in understanding.
Knockout, who had once stood on the opposite side of the conflict, spoke up with an unexpected sincerity. "I may have had my differences with Optimus, but even I can't deny the impact he had on all of us. He inspired unity, even among former foes like myself."
Their footsteps echoed in harmony as they continued their walk, the city of Iacon pulsating with new life around them. "And now that the Great War is over," Smokescreen began, his voice filled with hope, "Cybertron is restored, and the Decepticons are defeated and leaderless, and Unicron's spark is trapped within the Reliquary of the Allspark, imprisoned for all eternity – what do you think our next steps should be?"
Bumblebee's gaze turned contemplative. "We must ensure that this newfound peace endures, that we cultivate a world where future generations can thrive. We need to rebuild, yes, but also foster unity, understanding, and cooperation among all Cybertronians."
Knockout, despite his vanity, nodded in agreement. "And let's not forget about Shockwave. He may be missing, but we can't let our guard down. His scientific prowess could still pose a threat."
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm, orange glow across the city, the three Autobots walked on, their shared purpose solidifying their bond. Amidst the echoes of a war-torn past, they found solace in the knowledge that their actions would shape the destiny of Cybertron for generations to come.
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Meanwhile...
In the heart of the city of Iacon, amidst the ceaseless hum of construction, two stalwart Autobots, Bulkhead and Wheeljack, labored alongside a contingent of dedicated Vehicons. Their combined efforts were gradually breathing life back into the once-devastated city, a testament to the resilience of the Cybertronian spirit.
As they worked side by side, their sparks alight with a shared purpose, and the familiar rumble of an approaching engine caught their attention. Turning their attention toward the source, their optics widened in surprise and joy as the figure of a weathered yet familiar Autobot came into view.
"Ironhide!" Bulkhead exclaimed, his voice a mix of surprise and delight. "By Primus, it's good to see you, old friend!"
Wheeljack's grin mirrored Bulkhead's as he added, "You've been off the grid for quite a while. We were wondering where you've been."
Ironhide's rugged features softened into a fond smile as he clapped both of his friends on their massive shoulders. "It's been a wild ride, I tell ya. But I couldn't stay away forever."
The trio exchanged hearty laughs, their camaraderie as strong as ever. As they talked, the conversation naturally turned to the state of Cybertron – a world that had seen its fair share of turmoil over countless millennia.
"Can you believe it?" Ironhide mused, his voice tinged with amazement. "After four thousand millennia of civil war, we're finally seeing our home being rebuilt. It's been a long journey."
Bulkhead nodded in agreement. "It's incredible to see the change. From the ashes of war to the promise of a new era."
As their conversation flowed, Ironhide's conjunx-endura, Chromia, a resolute and formidable warrior in her own right, joined the gathering. With her was a young, vibrant Autobot who stood on the brink of adolescence – Storm Bringer.
"Bulkhead, Wheeljack," Ironhide began, his pride evident in his tone, "I'd like you to meet my son, Storm Bringer."
Bulkhead's optics softened as he extended a massive servo in greeting. "Nice to meet ya, Storm Bringer."
Wheeljack echoed the sentiment, his grin warm and welcoming. "Hey there, kid."
Storm Bringer's optics shimmered with a mixture of excitement and respect. "It's an honor to meet you both. My dad's told me stories about the Wreckers, and I've always wanted to be part of that legacy."
Bulkhead chuckled heartily. "Well, you've got the right spirit, kid. Being a Wrecker is all about strength and loyalty."
Wheeljack leaned in, his tone conspiratorial. "And a bit of craziness, too."
Ironhide and Chromia shared an affectionate glance, their pride evident in their optics. "Storm Bringer's got the spark of an adventurer," Chromia remarked with a fond smile.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange glow over the rebuilding city, the Autobot comrades stood together, old friends and new, their spirits intertwined in the promise of a brighter tomorrow. Amidst the echoes of a war-torn past, they found hope in the legacy they would pass on to the next generation – a legacy of unity, resilience, and the unyielding determination to build a better future for all of Cybertron.
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Under the cover of night, the sprawling landscape of Cybertron stretched before them, bathed in the ethereal glow of distant stars. Bumblebee, the steadfast Autobot lieutenant with a vibrant yellow exterior, led the way, his companions Smokescreen and Knockout following closely in their sleek sports car alternate modes. As the cool breeze swept through the open expanse, a sense of camaraderie enveloped them, uniting them in their shared purpose.
Amidst their journey back to the Autobot base in Retoris, Smokescreen, the spirited Autobot rookie, felt an irresistible pull. With a graceful transformation, he stood upright, his gaze lifting toward the sparkling tapestry of stars above. Bumblebee and Knockout mirrored his actions, their forms aligning with his as they too returned to their robot modes.
"What's on your mind, Smokescreen?" Bumblebee's voice held a quiet curiosity as he regarded his friend.
Smokescreen's optics shimmered with a mixture of contemplation and longing. "I was just thinking," he began, his words carrying a hint of introspection, "About that moment when Optimus Prime was on the edge of death. When he offered me the Matrix of Leadership, I wonder... what if I had accepted it and become a Prime?"
Knockout, the former Decepticon medic now turned Autobot, leaned in, his interest piqued. "You're wondering about what could've been, huh?"
Smokescreen nodded, his gaze still fixed on the stars. "Yeah. I mean, I used the Forge of Solus Prime to bring Optimus back, and that was a huge responsibility. But sometimes I wonder if I made the right choice."
Bumblebee's voice carried a reassuring warmth. "You know, Smokescreen, being a Prime doesn't define your worth or your potential. Look at all you've accomplished as an Autobot, as a warrior. You've saved lives, faced danger head-on, and you've grown into an incredible fighter."
Smokescreen's optics met Bumblebee's, a mixture of uncertainty and gratitude in his gaze. "But being a Prime, it's like being a symbol, a leader."
Bumblebee's stance softened, his expression empathetic. "True leadership isn't about a title or a rank. It's about courage, dedication, and the willingness to stand up for what's right. You've got all that, Smokescreen. And more."
Knockout's voice chimed in, his tone unexpectedly earnest. "You know, I never thought I'd end up fighting alongside the Autobots. But once I realized Starscream's true colors, I had a choice to make. And I chose to stand with the Autobots, because I saw something worth fighting for."
Smokescreen's resolve seemed to strengthen, his doubts gradually melting away. "You're right. Maybe my destiny isn't about becoming a Prime. Maybe it's about fighting alongside the Autobots, contributing in my own way."
The stars above seemed to twinkle in agreement as the trio shared a moment of unity and understanding. In the heart of the night, under the watchful gaze of the cosmos, Bumblebee, Smokescreen, and Knockout forged an unbreakable bond – a testament to the diverse paths that had brought them together, and the shared conviction that every Cybertronian, Prime or not, could shape their own destiny and become a hero in their own right.
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Somewhere in the ruins of Kaon...
Amidst the shattered remnants of Kaon, the once-thriving Decepticon stronghold, a formidable assembly of Decepticon Seekers prowled through the desolation. Slipstream, the fearless and cunning female Decepticon Seeker, led her band of fellow warriors: Acid Storm, a male Seeker with an air of calculated strategy; Red Wing, a tenacious male Seeker; Nova Storm, a fierce and unyielding female; Nacelle, a swift and agile female; Sunstorm, a male Seeker radiating with unstable energy; Thrust, a determined male Seeker; Ramjet, a bold and brash male; and Blackout, a brooding and imposing male.
Together, they scoured the ruined city, their sensors scanning for any trace of the elusive relic they sought – a relic that had been lost to time during the tumultuous days of the Great War. As they moved with calculated precision, their voices carried on the heavy wind, intermingling with the echoes of their footsteps.
"We've been hunting for this artifact for too long," Slipstream's voice held a tinge of determination as she led her comrades. "It's time we uncover the secrets that have been hidden from us for far too long."
Acid Storm's optics glinted with an unwavering resolve. "Indeed, Slipstream. The Autobots may have claimed victory, but we refuse to fade into obscurity. The Decepticons will find a new leader, and our vengeance will be realized."
Nova Storm's voice was sharp and confident. "The Autobots may have restored Cybertron, but that doesn't mean they hold all the power."
As they continued their search, their sensors suddenly pinged with a signal, detecting a tunnel leading into the heart of a crumbling temple. Slipstream's optics narrowed with intrigue. "This way," she commanded her voice a mixture of anticipation and eagerness.
Entering the dimly lit chamber, their optics scanned the debris-strewn interior, until they alighted upon an ancient artifact nestled within the shadows. A hushed silence descended as their optics fixated on the enigmatic object before them – the Enigma of Combination.
Slipstream's voice was laced with awe as she approached the relic. "By the spark of Megatron..."
Acid Storm's visage mirrored her astonishment. "The Enigma of Combination, as spoken of in the annals of our history."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the group as they took in the significance of their discovery. Slipstream's gaze met those of her comrades, a silent understanding passing between them.
"The power contained within this artifact is immeasurable," Slipstream's voice held a sense of reverence. "With this, we can reshape the very fabric of our cause."
Sunstorm's voice was a fervent declaration. "We shall rise anew, our might be unmatched."
As their fingers grazed the surface of the Enigma, a surge of anticipation coursed through their sparks. With a shared decision, they resolved to return to their ship, led by Switchblade. With the Enigma of Combination in their possession, the Decepticons' resurgence was on the horizon, and they would forge a future that would defy even the grandest expectations of the Autobots.
Back within the sleek, shadowy interior of Switchblade's formidable vessel, the Leviathan, the Decepticon Seekers returned with their precious discovery in tow. The Enigma of Combination, a relic of untold power and potential, gleamed with an otherworldly light as it rested at the center of their attention. Slipstream's optics locked onto her commanding officer, a sense of anticipation radiating through the room.
"General Switchblade," Slipstream's voice carried a mix of reverence and excitement, "we have found one of the missing relics – the Enigma of Combination."
Switchblade, an imposing figure with an aura of command, gazed upon the ancient artifact with a mixture of awe and satisfaction. His stern features softened into a rare smile. "Well done, Seekers. This relic holds the key to our resurgence."
Acid Storm's optics glinted with approval. "With the Enigma of Combination, we can create a force unlike any other – an army of Decepticon Combiners that will strike fear into the spark of the Autobots."
Switchblade's voice held a chilling edge as he began to lay out his vision. "The Autobots may have won the Great War and celebrated their victory, but their moment of triumph will be short-lived. We shall unite the power of the Enigma with our own might and create an armada of Combiners – an unstoppable force that will reduce the Autobots to ashes."
As his words hung in the air, a sinister energy seemed to envelop the room. Slipstream's optics flared with newfound determination. "With the Combiners at our command, we will exact vengeance upon those who dared to betray us. Megatron may have abandoned the Decepticons, but his legacy will crumble, and we will rise above his absence."
Switchblade's voice boomed with conviction. "Indeed, Slipstream. The Decepticons will choose a new leader, one who will lead us to the ultimate victory. And we shall reclaim Cybertron without resorting to the destructive path that Megatron tread millennia ago with Dark Energon."
Nova Storm's voice was a chilling whisper, her optics gleaming with anticipation. "The Autobots will know the true strength of the Decepticons once and for all."
As the Seekers basked in the glow of their newfound purpose, the Enigma of Combination rested before them, a beacon of hope and transformation. With Switchblade at the helm, their scheme to reshape the very course of Cybertronian history was set in motion – a tide of power and ambition that would leave no corner of the universe untouched. In the heart of the Decimator, the Decepticon Combiners would rise, their might a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Decepticon cause and their unwavering resolve to seize control of their destiny.