Ultra Magnus, once Autobot Commander and now the new leader of the Autobots had ordered Team Prime to put all the Cybertronian relics away in a vault at their new base in the newly rebuilt Autobot property of Retoris to keep them safe from enemy hands and Ultra Magnus made sure they also have Unicron's Anti-Spark locked away in a hidden vault that's separated from the other vault containing all the Cybertronian relics to ensure that Unicron the Chaos Bringer would remain inactive for millennia by keeping his spirit separated from his body which lies in the very core of the planet Earth.
If Optimus Prime hadn't freed Megatron from Unicron's control by trapping the Chaos Bringer's spark inside the Reliquary of the Allspark that once contained the Allspark at an asteroid field in space at Thetas Scorpii then Cybertron and Primus would have been doomed. Ultra Magnus was having a council meeting with the members of Team Prime, talking about what they must do to honor Optimus Prime's legacy and to keep the peace on Cybertron.
"We must keep Unicron's spark locked away within our hidden vault for all time if we are to prevent him from ever coming back to destroy Cybertron, Earth, and Primus himself." Ultra Magnus spoke to the members of Team Prime.
Arcee, Bulkhead, Wheeljack, Ratchet, Bumblebee, Smokescreen, and Knockout were all present in the council meeting. "So, what are we to do now?" asked Ratchet. "We must make sure that the Decepticons won't rise again to bring war and devastation into our world of Cybertron once again if we are to maintain peace. We must keep each other safe, work together as a team, repair the damages, and make Cybertron a better place, and we shall honor the legacy of our late leader, Optimus Prime, by building a statue in remembrance of him." Ultra Magnus declared.
Arcee stood in the center of the Autobot command center on Cybertron, her blue optics fixed on Ultra Magnus, who now bore the mantle of leadership after Optimus Prime's transformation into the Allspark and the defeat of Unicron. The once war-torn planet had been rejuvenated, a testimony to the sacrifices and determination of Team Prime and the Autobots. The echoes of battle had finally begun to fade, and a fragile peace had settled upon Cybertron's surface.
"Ultra Magnus," Arcee began, her voice tinged with a mix of hope and concern. "Now that Megatron is no longer leading the Decepticons and Cybertron is restored, what measures should we take to ensure the safety of our world? The Decepticons might still seek revenge and attempt to invade. How can we prevent that?"
Ultra Magnus, his massive form clad in gleaming armor, looked down at Arcee with a thoughtful expression. "Arcee, you raise a valid point. While we have achieved peace, we must remain vigilant to protect our homes. Our priority should be to keep the Decepticons at bay, to ensure they do not return to Cybertron seeking revenge."
Bumblebee, now an Autobot lieutenant and fully capable of speech, raised his servo. "But what if they find a new leader? What if someone takes Megatron's place and leads them against us?"
Ultra Magnus offered Bumblebee a reassuring smile. "Bumblebee, I understand your concerns, but I believe the Decepticons will find themselves in a state of disarray without Megatron's leadership. They will fade into obscurity, far from Cybertron's reach. We must focus on fortifying our defenses and preparing for any potential threat."
Arcee nodded in agreement, her optics determined. "So, what do you suggest, Ultra Magnus?"
Ultra Magnus strode to a holographic display, activating it to reveal intricate schematics of colossal weapons. "We must construct massive planetary defenses, weapons capable of repelling any invasion. We need to ensure that Cybertron remains a fortress, impervious to external threats. And should the Decepticons attempt to return, they shall be met with a formidable force that will keep them at bay."
Bumblebee raised his servo again, his voice filled with curiosity. "But what about the Decepticons themselves? Will they really fade away, or could they regroup and pose a new danger?"
Ultra Magnus turned his gaze towards Bumblebee, his optics steady. "Bumblebee, we will keep a watchful optic on the stars. The Decepticons' disarray is our advantage. As long as we remain vigilant and prepared, their chances of regrouping and finding a new leader will be minimal."
Outer Space...
Unbeknownst to the Autobots, in the far reaches of outer space, a Decepticon general named Switchblade and his sinister Decepticon Seekers hatched a malevolent scheme. The Enigma of Combination glowed ominously in the dim light of their hideout, a harbinger of their dark intentions.
"Switchblade, once we harness the power of the Enigma, we shall create Decepticon Combiners," one of the Seekers hissed, their optics gleaming with malice. "And with their might, we shall obliterate the Autobots and avenge Megatron's downfall."
Switchblade's expression twisted into a cruel grin. "Indeed. The Autobots may believe they are safe, but little do they know that the Decepticons will rise once more, stronger and deadlier than ever before. Our revenge shall be swift and devastating."
As the Decepticons plotted in the shadows, the Autobots on Cybertron remained focused on their mission to safeguard their world and preserve the hard-won peace. Little did they realize that a new storm was brewing on the horizon, a storm that threatened to shatter the tranquility they had fought so hard to achieve.
Meanwhile on Cybertron...
The rejuvenated city of Iacon bustled with life as Autobots of all kinds moved through its repaired streets, engaged in conversations, and worked together to rebuild their society. Smokescreen, the spirited young Autobot rookie, wandered amidst the crowd with a sense of wonder and excitement. Beside him walked Knockout, the ex-Decepticon medic-turned-Autobot, his crimson and black frame contrasting against the city's vibrant colors.
As they strolled, Smokescreen couldn't help but notice a group of female Autobots engaged in lively chatter. Among them stood Moonracer, a fembot with sleek lines and a confident aura that drew his attention like a magnet. She laughed with her friends Lancer and Chromia, their camaraderie evident from the way they interacted.
Knockout, ever observant, caught Smokescreen's blush and mischievously raised an optic ridge. "Seems like you've got your optics on someone, Smokey."
Smokescreen's cheeks flushed even more, and he quickly averted his gaze. "N-No, it's not like that. I just... I mean, she's pretty, but..."
Knockout chuckled. "Oh, come on now. You've got a crush on Moonracer, don't you?" Smokescreen's spark raced, and he hesitated before nodding slightly. "Yeah, maybe. But it's not a big deal. She's friends with you, and she's probably dating someone, like Powerglide."
Knockout patted Smokescreen on the back. "Well, you might be in luck, kiddo. You see, I actually spoke to Moonracer recently when she and her friends arrived on Cybertron. And, as luck would have it, she and Powerglide broke up."
Smokescreen's optics widened in surprise. "Really?" Knockout grinned. "Yep. So, here's your chance. Go talk to her." Smokescreen's spark raced even faster, his anxiety mixing with excitement. As Moonracer continued chatting with her friends, he hesitated, his spark fluttering with uncertainty.
Seeing Smokescreen's inner turmoil, Knockout decided to take matters into his own servos. He nudged Smokescreen playfully. "Go on, lover boy! Ask her out on a date!"
"I-I can't. What if she says no?" said Smokescreen, his voice filled with shyness.
"Knockout, what are you doing?" asked Moonracer as she raised an eyebrow. "You can do it, kid. Go for it!" Knockout told Smokescreen with confidence in his voice. "Is this some kind of love game?" Moonracer asked suspiciously. Smokescreen gulped nervously, but he knew he couldn't let this opportunity slip away. Steeling himself, he approached Moonracer with Knockout, his spark pulsing with nervous energy.
"Um... H-Hi, M-Moonracer," Smokescreen stammered, his voice wavering slightly.
Moonracer looked at him, her azure optics locking onto his. "Hello, Smokescreen. I haven't seen you in a long time. Where have you been all this time?"
Smokescreen's optics flickered as he struggled to find the right words. "I, uh, um... I was f-fighting the war with the A-Autobots... Kn-Knockout was just w-wondering if... if you would like to... go out on a date with me." Moonracer's optics widened in surprise, and she shot a quizzical glance at Knockout. "Knockout, was this your idea?"
Knockout flashed a confident grin. "It's not me, it's all him. He's got a bit of a crush, you know."
Moonracer's attention shifted back to Smokescreen, her lips curling into a warm smile. She gently caressed his cheek, sending a surge of electricity through his circuits. "Is this true, Smokescreen?" Smokescreen nodded, his spark pounding in his chest. "Y-Yes. I-I understand if you don't..." Moonracer's smile grew even brighter, and she leaned closer to him. "I would love to hang out with you. In fact, I was hoping I would find you on Cybertron after I broke up with my ex, Powerglide."
Smokescreen's optics widened in disbelief, a mix of joy and surprise flooding his spark. "R-Really?" Moonracer's fingers intertwined with his own, and she nodded with a soft chuckle. "Yes, really. I missed you, and... I thought you'd never ask me out." A surge of happiness swept through Smokescreen, and he couldn't contain his smile any longer. "I'm glad I did."
With newfound confidence, Smokescreen and Moonracer embarked on their first date, their sparks aligning as they walked hand in hand through the rebuilt streets of Iacon. As they explored the city, Knockout watched with satisfaction, knowing that his matchmaking had proven successful.
"Looks like I've still got the touch," Knockout mused to himself, a satisfied grin on his face.
At Retoris...
At the Autobot base in Retoris on Cybertron, Bumblebee was walking down the hallway when he decided to check the vault where Unicron's spark is locked away inside of the Allspark Reliquary. Bumblebee wanted to make sure that it was safe.
Bumblebee sighed in relief as he could see that Unicron's Anti-Spark is still imprisoned within the canister, "It seems like Unicron's going to be imprisoned within our base at this vault for the rest of eternity. Let's just hope that no one would break in to return Unicron back to his body. I mean, who would be stupid enough to try to resurrect Unicron?" he asked himself.
Bumblebee left the room and closed the door to the vault when he decided to have some Energon to drink. He went to the cafeteria where he drank from an Energon cube. Bumblebee then started to think back about a few months ago in the aftermath of Unicron's defeat, Megatron's self-exile, Optimus Prime's self-sacrifice, and the restoration of the Well of Allsparks.
(Flashback)
Six months after the events of Optimus Prime sacrificing himself to return the Matrix of Leadership and the Allspark back to the Well of Allsparks in order to bring new life to Cybertron and Ultra Magnus becoming the new leader of the Autobots, Team Prime, and their newest member, Knockout, decided that they wanted to pay a visit to Predaking to thank him and his Predacon brethren, Darksteel and Skylynx for helping them fight against the undead Predacons when Unicron resurrected and possessed Megatron to try to destroy Cybertron and Primus himself.
The members of Team Prime, Ultra Magnus, Bumblebee, Smokescreen, Ratchet, Bulkhead, Wheeljack, Knockout, and Arcee went over to Darkmount on their spaceship to visit the Predacons who were once their enemies and now their allies. But little did our heroes know that Predaking, Darksteel, and Skylynx have changed over the course of six months since after they got their revenge on Starscream by beating him up and locking him in a cage and then claiming Darkmount as their new home.
Predaking was sitting silently on what used to be Megatron's throne at the highest floor of Darkmount next to Starscream who was in his cage, beaten and forced to stay silent. When Ultra Magnus and Team Prime arrived at Darkmount, the Predacons seemed friendly at first as they welcomed their Autobot allies to their new home. By the time Darksteel and Skylynx brought our heroes to the throne room, Predaking was sitting on his new throne when he looked at his Autobot friends and he smiled at them.
Predaking smiled as he spoke to his guests, "Welcome, Autobots. We were wondering when you would come over to visit us at our new home. It's been six months since we last met. Where have you been?"
"We were...extremely busy with cleaning up the mess that Unicron left us after we defeated him," Bulkhead answered.
Ultra Magnus added, "And finding a way to contact more Autobots so that they can return to Cybertron now that it's been restored after 4000 millennia of civil war." He said.
"I see. I'm assuming you came by to thank me and my Predacon brothers for helping you win your fight against Unicron and his army of undead Predacons?" Predaking asked his Autobot allies. Smokescreen replied, "Well, that's the whole reason why we came here. We're friends now aren't we?" he asked. Arcee sees Starscream trembling in his cage. "Is that...Starscream?" she said as she noticed the scars and dents all over Starscream's body as Starscream himself was trembling silently and wincing in pain inside his cage.
Predaking smirked as he replied, "Yes. Darksteel, Skylynx, and I? We gave Megatron's former second-in-command the punishment he so deserved and now he is in our custody. Why are you here?" he asked.
"We're here to ask if you and the Predacons would join the Autobots since you've turned over a new leaf and helped us save Cybertron from the wrath of Unicron." Unicron told Predaking.
Predaking nodded while continuing to sit on his throne. "No," he said in a low voice.
Bumblebee raised an eyebrow with a confused expression on his faceplate. "Why?" he said.
Predaking's expression grew dark as his yellow eyes glowed with burning resentment, "Because...your leader Optimus Prime allowed that traitor, Megatron, to leave Cybertron unpunished. You let that war criminal escape with his crimes." He growled angrily.
Bumblebee tried to reason with Predaking, "But Predaking, Megatron saw the error of his ways. He declared that the Decepticons are no more, so he decided to put himself in self-exile after he was freed from Unicron's control over him." He said, almost desperate.
Darksteel stepped in and sneered at the Autobots, "You should've killed Megatron when you had the chance after Optimus Prime had exorcised him! Because now he is out there, somewhere, waiting for the right moment to return as leader of the Decepticons! Megatron is a master of deception. There is no possible way that he had a change of spark." The Predacon said.
"But it's true!" said Bulkhead. Predaking waved his hand, "Enough!" he said out loud. Ratchet tried to reason with Predaking also, "Predaking, there was nothing we could do. We don't know where Megatron is and we all know that he's committed evil deeds, but seeking revenge won't help us in restoring peace to Cybertron." He explained.
Skylynx snapped as he raised his voice, "There is no peace as long as Megatron is free! He will return with an army of Decepticons! As for Starscream, he deserves to suffer as our prisoner." He said bitterly.
"At least let us take Starscream with us so that he can face trial for all the crimes he committed." Ultra Magnus suggested, causing Predaking to become paranoid and more irritable.
"Oh, I see. So you're here to rescue Starscream from us now aren't you?" Predaking asked accusingly.
Wheeljack made a shocked expression on his face, "What?! No, that's not what he meant!" he protested.
Bumblebee was confused. Why would the Predacons suddenly act like they're the bad guys again? After they've all worked together in saving Cybertron from the wrath of Unicron? Why the sudden change after six months? "Predaking, what's gotten into you?" said Bumblebee, his voice hinting with worry, "Why are you suddenly so full of anger and vengefulness? Aren't we allies with each other now?" he asked.
Predaking grunted, "Maybe. But you Autobots should know by now that I am now the ruler of Darkmount and I have made myself king of the Predacons. We appreciate your visit, but we will not join forces with the Autobots like last time and we refuse to let you take Starscream from us. We will punish the Seeker as much as we desire." He told the Autobots.
Arcee stepped in and asked, "What is it you want now?"
"I want to avenge the deaths of my Predacon army. Darksteel, Skylynx, and I want Megatron to return so that we can punish him for his crimes against us just as we have punished Starscream for what he did to us." Predaking explained to his guests before he continued his monologue, "As for Shockwave, we will find him, and we will force him to clone a new army of Predacons and if he refuses, I will extinguish his spark. The Predacons will rise again as a superior species." Predaking declared.
Bumblebee was surprised and even more confused, "'A superior species'"? What do you mean by that?" the black and yellow Autobot lieutenant asked.
Predaking replied, "My brothers and I want to believe that you Autobots are the good guys and that maybe the Decepticons are capable of changing their evil ways, but we were wrong. We will have our revenge against Megatron and I will make sure that the Predacons will not go extinct again." He vowed.
Darksteel added, "And if you stand in our way, just so you know, we won't be so merciful."
"By the Allspark, what is wrong with you?! Why are you suddenly acting this way?" Ratchet exclaimed.
Starscream was in his cage when he pleaded with the Autobots to set him free. "Autobots! Please! Set me free! They've tortured me for more than a few weeks!!" he said in a sore voice that sounded like he hadn't drunk Energon in months.
Predaking bellowed as he roared at his prisoner, "SILENCE!!!" Starscream flinched as he went back to being silent in his cage.
Ultra Magnus told his Autobot companions to calm down before he decided to peacefully ask Predaking, "Is there anything we can do to help you forget about wanting revenge?"
Predaking made a weird smirk as if he were making an evil grin as he replied, "Why yes...Bow down before me, Autobots. Bow to your king." He ordered.
Smokescreen looked startled, "What?" he said with a confused look on his face. Predaking was more irritated, "Did you not hear me? I said...bow before me!" he ordered again. Ultra Magnus and the Autobots refused. "No. We will never bow to you, Predaking." Bumblebee declined.
"So be it. If you will not be our allies once again...then you shall be our enemies and we will destroy you!!!" Predaking told the Autobots.
Predaking got up from his throne and he, Darksteel, and Skylynx transformed into their dragon-like beast modes before they roared at the Autobots. Luckily, Team Prime retreated to their ship before they escaped from Darkmount.
"Autobots! Back to base! NOW!!" Ultra Magnus ordered his comrades.
Team Prime returned to their Autobot base in Retoris far, far away from the citadel fortress of Darkmount that was now part of Predaking's domain. The Autobots couldn't believe what had happened and they had no idea why the Predacons have decided to become their enemies again.
"What in the Allspark was that about?!" Wheeljack exclaimed.
"I don't know, Wheeljack. I wish I knew. Predaking's gone deranged!!" Bulkhead said.
"But why?!" Bumblebee asked. "Predaking and the Predacons were our allies when we risked our sparks to save Primus from Unicron! But now they've decided to become our enemies again?! This doesn't make any sense!" he said as he felt confused and upset.
"Something must've happened to Predaking, Darksteel, and Skylynx while punishing Starscream at Darkmount," Arcee said.
"Ya think?!" Wheeljack asked.
"Autobots? We've managed to escape with our lives intact. But I hope Predaking and his Predacons are just going through a phase right now. We will have to wait until we can try to negotiate with them and try to make peace with them." Ultra Magnus told the Autobots.
"Are you insane?! Those Predacons just tried to kill us after we just said no to bowing down to Predaking! Bumblebee's right. This doesn't make any sense! It just came right out of nowhere." Knockout said. "Well, at least we've managed to get out of Darkmount alive," Smokescreen replied.
(Flashback ends)
Back in the present day, Bumblebee shook his helm after recalling the bad memories of Predaking, Darksteel, and Skylynx suddenly becoming evil. Bumblebee looked back at the vault that kept Unicron's spark imprisoned and he felt concerned that nobody was guarding the vault. So, Bumblebee decided to guard the vault while feeling the presence of the Chaos Bringer himself. Bumblebee admitted that he hated and feared Unicron for all the evil things he's done in the past like threatening to destroy the Earth and humanity, controlling and torturing Megatron while using him as a puppet for his own evil intentions, attempting to kill Optimus Prime, attempting to kill Primus and destroy all of Cybertron.
Bumblebee looked behind the window of the door and he glared at the Allspark Reliquary containing Unicron's spark. For a moment, he thought he was trying his best to make sure that Unicron's spark stays imprisoned in the vault at the Autobot base in Retoris forever, but then Bumblebee grew tired after hours of guarding the vault. Eventually, Bumblebee left the vault and he made sure that the door to the vault was locked. Bumblebee went to his room where he recharged for the night. But while Bumblebee was recharging, his processor shifted into a bizarre yet amazing dream.
Bumblebee dreamt that there was a shining sword in the stone. The sword looked similar to that of the Star Saber, but it seemed much different. It was like a different version of the Star Saber. Then Bumblebee saw in his dream—a light grayish brown and crimson red Cybertronian with azure blue optics and a Decepticon symbol on his chest which suddenly changed into an Autobot symbol. Then Bumblebee saw an army of Predacons, Insecticons, Vehicons, and Decepticons led by an evil horned Decepticon with jet wings on his back and eyes that changed from red to purple. Then Bumblebee saw that the Earth was beginning to crumble as Unicron rose from the very core of the planet before Bumblebee saw that Unicron was about to head towards Cybertron as he left Earth before Bumblebee saw a bright light that shined bright and Bumblebee covered his optics for a few seconds before he could see Unicron being blown into pieces before his head and remains were lost and scattered in deep space.
"Wha...what is going on? Why am I seeing this?!" Bumblebee asked in confusion.
"Bumblebee..." a voice echoed in space. Bumblebee looked around to find whoever spoke to him. "Hello?" he said. "Bumblebee...Listen carefully. In five years, an old enemy will return from exile. The lost relic of the Primes will be found. The Autobots will have a new recruit. Megatron will return as an ally to the Autobots. Unicron will be rescued and then resurrected by his faithful Herald and they will attempt to bring doom upon the Earth, Cybertron, Primus, and the galaxy for revenge, destruction, death, and chaos. Unless..."
"Unless what?" Bumblebee said, confused. The voice continued, "Unless Optimus Prime returns from the Allspark and he and a new Prime will help Primus defeat Unicron once and for all, and then...a new golden age will begin on Cybertron when the Autobots and the Decepticons sign a peace treaty with new leaders to lead them towards peace and equality...and the Earth itself will survive without Unicron."
"Wait, what?" Bumblebee said, surprised. "Yes." the voice said. "Who are you? And why are you telling me all of this? Are these the events that will or will not happen in the future?" Bumblebee asked as he floated in space. "My name...is Epistemus. I am knowledge personified and I am here in your dreams to tell you about the events that will happen in 5 years. But I am also here to warn you." the voice told Bumblebee.
"Warn me? About what?" Bumblebee asked.
"Listen carefully. The Enigma of Combination has fallen into the wrong servos. The Decepticon Seekers led by Slipstream have found the relic that belonged to one of the Thirteen Original Primes, Nexus Prime, and they have brought it to the Decepticon general, Switchblade. You must get it back." Epistemus told the black and yellow Autobot lieutenant.
"Get it back? But what should I do?" asked Bumblebee.
"Find the Decepticon spaceship, the Leviathan. There you will find the Enigma of Combination. But beware of the Decepticon Combiners. Switchblade will use the Enigma to give the Decepticons the ability to combine into larger robots. I must go now, my time here is short." Epistemus told Bumblebee.
"Wait! At least show yourself before you leave." Bumblebee said to the voice in space.
"I will reveal myself to you the next time we meet in your next dream. I have to leave now. Goodbye, Bumblebee, and may Primus guide you and help you fulfill your destiny." Epistemus replied before he stopped speaking in space.
"My destiny? I don't understand." Bumblebee said, confused. "Epistemus?...Epistemus?? Hello? Where are you!?"
Bumblebee woke up from his strange dream and he almost fell off of his berth as he jolted. He had no idea who that mysterious voice was and he wasn't sure if what he heard and saw was true. However, Bumblebee knew that the Decepticons would be up to something. Even though Megatron is no longer their leader, the Decepticons would somehow plot their revenge when they return. Bumblebee knows that the Autobot members of Team Prime have collected the missing Cybertronian relics, especially the ones that belonged to one of the Thirteen Original Prime like the Forge of Solus Prime and the Star Saber, yet they haven't collected all of the missing relics of the Thirteen Original Primes like the Enigma of Combination. Bumblebee decided that the next thing he should do is to talk to Ultra Magnus about Switchblade and the possibility of the Decepticons returning.