Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers, The Owl House or their characters
Inside the Harbinger, Team Prime and the Hexside Squad were going through their plan to take down Megatron and his Decepticon forces at the Darkmount fortress.
"Autobots, Witches, we remain vastly outnumbered and, despite our munitions and magic-sourced abilities, do not currently possess the firepower necessary to compromise the Decepticon citadel." Ultra Magnus told everyone.
"Uncle Sam's military does." Fowler replied. "I just can't let 'em make a move as long as Megatron's ray guns are pointed at Washington."
"Then our first objective will be to infiltrate Darkmount and disable the fusion cannons so that the human airforce will be able to strike." Elita suggested.
"It'd be a better idea if we split up into separate groups so we'll have a better chance on moving through separate parts of the fortress." Luz said, showing a thoughtful and determined expression. "Team one will be me, Amity, Hunter, Vee, Arcee, Bumblebee, Cliffjumper and Jazz, team two will be Willow, Gus, Boscha, Bulkhead, Wheeljack, Seaspray, Ironhide and Jetfire, and Ultra Magnus and Elita can come in from the ship."
"Me with the half-a-witch? I don't think so." Boscha declared firmly, only for a sharp thorn vine to suddenly point at her face from the metal surface.
"Keep your mouth shut and do what she says, because I don't like this anymore than you." Willow scowled in anger as her eyes glowed green, earning a defeated groan from her old bully.
"This is gonna be a pretty bad team-up with those two." Wheeljack muttered awkwardly.
"You said it." Ironhide replied.
"Unfortunately, it seems the fortress is heavily shielded against unauthorised Ground Bridges, even those originating from Decepticon technology." Ratchet admitted as he showed a schematic of Darkmount on the terminal.
"Guess that means we're gonna have to sneak past enemy lines, Wrecker style." Seaspray proclaimed with a confident smile.
"I couldn't deal with Wrecker style back on Cybertron, and I refuse to deal with it here." Ultra Magnus declared firmly, much to Seaspray's disappointment.
"Luz has a better chance of sneaking into Darkmount on her own with those invisibility Glyphs of hers." Amity said, smiling towards her girlfriend.
"I made sure I had one before the evacuation." Luz replied as she held up an invisibility Glyph.
"Now, since Megatron's army has up completely outnumbered, we will need to separate them from our target if we want to have any chance of completing or surviving this mission." Elita explained.
"There is a way we can make that happen, Commander." Cliffjumper said, looking down at the Hexside Squad. "We just need you kids to make a few calls and send a bunch of Con search parties to different places."
"Sounds like a plan to me." Hunter said in agreement.
"I think I might have a way of making them think they're also getting an emergency call from one of their own." Vee added.
"And how's that?" Jetfire asked curiously.
"Yeah, you don't really have any special abilities." Boscha added with a scoff, not knowing of what Vee really was behind her disguise.
"Well, that's the thing. I'm not human." Vee admitted, grinning nervously.
"Uh, what?" Boscha questioned.
"You'll see soon enough." Jazz told her.
"Okay then, the plan is all set." Luz said as she steeled herself up, knowing this is one battle they couldn't afford to lose. "Let's get to work."
(Linebreak)
Meanwhile at the underground hideout, Smokescreen was seen pacing back and forth while trying to process the fact that Optimus was deeming him worthy to be the next Prime. Skara could only watch her Autobot Guardian from the ground as she petted Cayenne for comfort.
"Smokey, you've been pacing around like that for lots of minutes. You really should give it a rest." Skara said in concern.
"I-I-I can't do this. I mean sure, who wouldn't want to be a Prime? But, I'm really not ready for that kind of responsibility." Smokescreen replied protestingly, looking towards Optimus.
"I don't think anyone else could handle the responsibility of being the new Autobot leader. Not even me." Skara added.
"Smokescreen, Skara, the choice is neither yours…or mine…to make." Optimus said weakly. "When it is time…the Matrix of Leadership…will present itself only to one…who's Spark is worthy."
(Linebreak)
At the abandoned gas station where Arcee and Bulkhead obtained the Polarity Gauntlet, Amity walked right next to the station and she took out her Scroll.
"Okay, let's hope this works." Amity said to herself, sending a message on her magic device.
(Linebreak)
At Darkmount, the communication system was able to detect Amity's scroll with it's upgraded magic-detecting system and the ones who saw this were Starscream, Soundwave, Shatter and Dropkick.
"We have a signal." Shatter announced.
"I knew the Witches couldn't resist using their magical communications. That is all they seem to do." Starscream said with a smirk before he turned towards a squad of Vehicon flyers. "Seek and destroy."
The Vehicons nodded before they quickly left to head towards where the signal was found.
(Linebreak)
Back at the Harbinger, the Team Prime and the Hexside Squad could see the Vehicons headed to Amity's position on the monitor.
"I'm reading several enemies closing in on Amity." Vee informed.
"Not anymore." Ratchet replied before he pressed a button and the Ground Bridge appeared in the room, allowing Amity to quickly emerge out of it.
"So, how'd I do?" Amity asked.
"Very good, Mi Amor." Luz answered as she blew a kiss at girlfriend, causing her to blush.
"Willow, your turn." Ratchet said on his com-link.
(Linebreak)
Willow was seen standing on an alleyway of a big city and she started to make a call on her Scroll.
"Hey, Gus. Are you reading me?" Willow asked.
"I sure am." Gus replied on the other side. "What're you up to right now?"
"Oh, you know. Just following that big plan of ours." Willow said casually.
(Linebreak)
The Scroll's magical calling was instantly picked up by the Cons as Starscream laughed from seeing another opportunity.
"Witches. They just never learn." Starscream commented as he looked at another Vehicon squad. "Stand by to Ground Bridge."
However, Soundwave placed his hand on Starscream's shoulder and pointed directly at the spot where Willow's signal was coming from, indicating that it was a bit suspicious of how they made two calls so quickly together.
"Soundwave's right. This whole thing doesn't look like a coincidence." Dropkick admitted with his eyes narrowed.
"My comrades, why can't you accept a little good fortune? The Autobots couldn't possibly stay hidden forever." Starscream assured with a sinister grin.
"He just won't learn." Shatter muttered, shaking her head.
(Linebreak)
The Ground Bridge reappeared in the Harbinger and Willow jump out of it.
"Still following the plan, Huh?" Gus asked, shooting a sly smile at his friend.
"I've already done my part." Willow replied.
"Now Vee's just gotta do hers." Jazz finished, smiling down at his Basilisk friend.
"I still don't see how she's supposed to help." Boscha said, unconvinced.
"You'll see. Are you ready, Vee?" Luz asked.
"I'm not sure. I've never really shifted into something so big." Vee admitted while rubbing her left arm.
"You aren't gonna know if you don't try, kid." Ironhide told her.
Knowing he was right, Vee let out a soft sigh and she then used her species' shapeshifting ability to turn herself into a ground-based Vehicon, with the exact same size as all the real ones.
"Wow, I can't believe I managed to do it." Vee said in surprise, looking over herself.
"W-W-What?! H-How in Titan d-did she…" Boscha stuttered shockingly as her jaw was wide open, not expecting Vee to shift herself into a Vehicon.
"Yeah, she's a Basilisk." Gus told her in a sheepish way. "You know, that giant snake thing that tried to eat all our magic a few months ago in Hexside?"
"She's one of those monsters?! Then, we should be making sure she doesn't eat our magic then!" Boscha stated as she aimed her Witch staff at Vee.
"No! Vee's not like that other one!" Amity stated, redirecting the staff. "She's nicer and never tried to attack us!"
"She's right, kid. Just take a breather." Seaspray said.
"Okay, the last thing you want to do is tell me to take a breath!" Boscha retorted.
"Just put down your staff and don't hurt Vee, Boscha. That's an order from your temporary commander." Luz said with a very stern glare.
"Ugh, fine! It's your funeral, Human!" Boscha shouted as she then stormed off.
"That one may be more trouble than we predicted." Ultra Magnus said.
"We can handle her, sir." Hunter assured.
"Well since we got that outta the way, let's keep going with the plan." Cliffjumper reminded.
"I've tapped into the Decepticon communications network. Are you ready, Vee?" Ratchet asked.
Vee nodded in response before she cleared her throat a bit.
"Decepticon command, come in." Vee said, sounding a bit more male and just like the real Vehicons.
"Yeesh, you're making me think you're a Decepticon in real life." Bumblebee admitted, scratching the back of his head.
"But you still sound just like one of Megatron's troops." Elita said.
"I will enhance your performance with static." Ratchet decided.
"Good thinking, Ratch." Luz agreed.
(Linebreak)
"Decepticon command, can you hear me? We're under Autobot attack!" A 'Vehicon' called out on Darkmount's communicator.
"It's one of our Energon mines." Starscream realised. "Insecticons, prepare for battle!"
"Shouldn't you stop to consider the possibility this might be a trick by our enemy?" Shatter questioned.
"I don't need advice from you, Shatter! I am your superior!" Starscream replied sternly.
"More like our inferior." Dropkick whispered with a chuckle.
(Linebreak)
"The Decepticon forces are now separated. This is our chance to strike." Elita declared, seeing many Decepticon signals on the monitor.
"Autobots, lock and load!" Ultra Magnus ordered as he held up a powerful Cybertronian blaster and powered it up.
"Hexside Squad, let's get our magic on!" Luz stated, bringing out a deck of Glyphs.
All members of the Autobot/Witch team got their respective weapons ready. Bumblebee had a holographic shield and Energon rifle, Bulkhead help up an Energon rocket cannon, Arcee had a small laser-ray weapon, Cliffjumper held a pair of Energon pistols, Wheeljack got out a double-edged blaster, Jazz held a Cybertronian bow-like weapon, Seaspray brought out his sickles, Ironhide charged up his cannons, Jetfire shifted his hand into a Photon Burst Rifle, Amity, Willow, Gus, Hunter and Boscha had their Palismen shift into their Witch staffs and Vee simply shifted from her Vehicon form to her normal Basilisk form.
"Now remember, we're not just fighting for ourselves. We're fighting for Earth, it's people, the Boiling Isles and every single world that the Decepticons want to conquer!" Luz told everyone. "If Optimus was here, he'd want each and every one of us to fight back against those Cons with everything we have! So let's all do this for him! Till all are one!"
"Till all are one!" The rest of the team saluted.
"Yeah, whatever." Boscha said, not caring at all.
(Linebreak)
At the military base, Fowler and his air strike team were preparing their fighter jets for when they get the signal that it's safe for them to engage.
"Keep your engines warm, boys. We launch the moment Ultra Magnus, Elita and the kid give the all-clear." Fowler said.
(Linebreak)
Some Vehicons were seen extracting Energon from one of the Decepticon mines, but then they heard some screeching noises from above. One of the Vehicons looked up at the top entrance and saw an Insecticon swarm flying down to their position before transformed and landed. The Insecticons looked down at two Vehicons, who looked at each other in confusion.
(Linebreak)
"There must be some mistake, Commander Starscream. The mine is not under attack." A Vehicon informed on the Darkmount communicator, much to Starscream's shock.
"And what did I say earlier?" Shatter questioned smugly.
"What? How can that-" Starscream began to say in disbelief.
"Starscream!" Megatron called as he stood at the front of the deck with Thundercracker, Skywarp, Shockwave, Breakdown and Wildrider. "Explain why my forces are scattering across this globe."
"Uh, renegade Autobot and Witch mischief, Lord Megatron." Starscream replied, a little nervous as he walked past the others. "I am process of deducing how they are infiltrating our communication systems without a base of-"
"Maybe if you stopped focusing on catching the little organics, you'd probably realise they've found a temporary base that uses our own tech." Thundercracker interrupted, much to Starscream's silent bewilderment.
To prove him right, Soundwave displayed a familiar Decepticon spaceship on his screen to everyone.
"So that's how they're doing it." Breakdown said.
"The Harbinger." Starscream gasped in realisation.
"You left abandoned Decepticon technology fully operational and unsecured?!" Megatron asked with a furious glare.
"And with the Harbinger's still active tech, the Autobots and their pets have been able to divide our forces and leave us vulnerable to a surprise attack." Shatter proclaimed, frowning straight at Starscream.
"Nice work, Screamy." Dropkick mocked.
"Uh, eh…allow me to correct my oversight immediately." Starscream said timidly.
The Nemesis' top hatch opened up and a whole army of Vehicon Seekers marched out and lined up with each other on the deck.
"Seeker Armada to the flight deck!" Starscream ordered on the communicator. "Your target is the Decepticon ship, the Harbinger. You are to obliterate it, at once!"
With his armada ready, Starscream turned his attention to Soundwave.
"My armada is in position. Open a Ground Bridge to the Harbinger." Starscream ordered.
But before Soundwave could do that, the Decepticons heard some explosive noises and the area shook a bit before the main screen displayed parts of Darkmount sustaining damage.
"Such it would seem that Darkmount is presently under attack." Megatron said with a frown. "Kindly redirect all efforts toward ensuring that are invaders are eradicated!"
"Right away, Lord Megatron." Skywarp replied with a salute.
(Linebreak)
On the ground below Darkmount, the explosions were shown to have been caused by Bulkhead, Wheeljack, Seaspray, Ironhide, Willow, Gus and Boscha.
"Fire in another hole!" Wheeljack stated as he tossed out one of his grenades, causing a massive explosion near Darkmount.
"Okay, now let's move out!" Willow ordered as she jumped from her rock cover and rushed ahead.
"Can't believe I'm taking orders from that half-a-witch." Boscha grumbled.
"Just shut up and follow us, three-eyes!" Ironhide told her firmly.
The Wreckers, their Witch friends and Ironhide began advancing towards Darkmount before the Seeker armada then transformed and flew down from the Nemesis, shooting their blasters at Team One. Willow quickly blocked some laser shots by sprouting out a vine wall, while Bulkhead shot some Vehicon seekers down with his rocket cannon, Ironhide rolled to the side and blasted some more with his duel cannons and Seaspray took out a few others with his torpedo launcher. Gus summoned an illusion of Bumblebee, which started firing it's fake blasters at three Vehicons and prompted them to fly straight down to the illusion and fire at it. When the illusion faded and revealed a massive boulder behind, the Vehicons had no time to pull up and exploded upon collision. Boscha reluctantly pulled out a potion bottle containing some red liquid and tossed it towards an incoming Vehicon, which shattered on him and the red liquid erupted into flames. The Vehicon cried out in pain from the flames' burning touch before he eventually blew up. Wheeljack brought out an electric whip and tossed it ahead, destroying multiple Vehicons.
"More incoming!" Seaspray warned while pointing above.
More Vehicon seekers flew down towards the team's position, but they were suddenly taken out by a bunch of missiles and Jetfire flew through the explosion smoke in his Cybertronian jet form.
"And that's how you deliver justice from the air!" Jetfire announced.
"Now that's what I call perfect timing!" Gus remarked.
"I'm so glad someone on our team can fly!" Wheeljack added.
"We've gotta keep moving, people!" Ironhide reminded before he transformed into a Cybertronian van and drove ahead.
The Wreckers also transformed and drove their way towards Darkmount while Willow, Gus and Boscha rode on their Witch staffs. A Vehicon was watching the battle from a far away mountain, until he felt something tap on him from behind and turned around to see Arcee, Bumblebee, Cliffjumper, Jazz, Luz, Amity, Hunter and Vee.
"Bon appetite, Vee." Jazz said with a sly smile.
Before the Vehicon knew it, Vee instantly started draining away all of his Energon and he collapsed onto the ground in just a few seconds once his energy was all gone. Vee finished inhaling the streams of Energon and let out a medium-sized burp.
"Excuse me. That Energon really hits the spot." Vee admitted embarrassingly.
"Well, guess I should get a head start." Luz said, pulling out her invisibility Glyph.
"Make sure you stay out of sight and get to the fusion cannons' core, Luz." Arcee instructed.
"We'll be right behind you." Amity assured.
Luz nodded before holding in her breath and slapping the Glyph on her chest, causing her to turn invisible as the others could see her footprints quickly moving towards Darkmount.
"Let's go!" Hunter stated as they all followed.
(Linebreak)
Back in the Nemesis, Megatron and his followers could still feel the shakes from all the explosions caused by their enemies.
"They're bombarding us from every corner!" Wildrider stated with a scowl.
"I assure you, master! I have everything under control-" Starscream assured, only to be silenced when Megatron growled angrily at him.
"Those Autobots and their Witch pets don't have a chance of breaking in here fully. We just need a perfect counter weapon." Thundercracker proclaimed.
"Thundercracker is correct. Lord Megatron, I accept that military considerations are outside of my domain, but perhaps it is once again time…to release the Predacon." Shockwave told his leader.
"I like the sound of that." Dropkick agreed.
(Linebreak)
The Wreckers, their Witch companions and Ironhide soon transformed to robot mode of jumped down from their staffs once they were as close as they could get to Darkmount. But then, they looked up to see the Vehicon seekers flying away from the area and they then heard a familiar shrieking roar in the high up at Darkmount.
"Oh boy…" Gus whispered worriedly, knowing what the source of the roar was.
The scene zoomed towards the Nemesis and the Predacon emerged from it, roaring right down at it's targeted prey before flying straight down.
"Do something before it kills us!" Boscha yelled drastically.
Bulkhead, Wheeljack, Seaspray and Ironhide fired their respective blasters at the Predacon and Jetfire soared in as he shot some missiles, only for the Predacon to avoid all of them. Just then, a massive laser shot hit the Predacon from the back right and the Cybertronian dragon saw that it came from Ultra Magnus' ship, with the Autobot commander and Elita One riding in it as they flew right by. After recovering from the laser shot, the Predacon turned to Ultra Magnus' ship and screeched furiously before flying after it with deadly intents.
"You've got that beast's attention, Commanders!" Jetfire informed on his com-link.
Ultra Magnus and Elita turned their attention towards the Predacon, which ignited it's chest in an orange glow as a sign that it was preparing to shoot a fire blast.
"It's time." Elita said with a firm nod.
"Ratchet…now!" Ultra Magnus ordered.
When Ratchet pressed on a button from the Harbinger, a Ground Bridge appeared in front of the ship and Ultra Magnus immediately steered it upwards, causing the Predacon to fly straight into the green portal before it could change direction.
(Linebreak)
The other side of the Ground Bridge appeared in the Arctic and the Predacon fell out from it, crashing down onto the icy surface. The Predacon let out a low screech as it tried to move, but the subzero atmosphere instantly froze the Cybertronian dragon in it's place.
(Linebreak)
The Decepticons saw all of this from the Nemesis, too.
"Impossible…" Shatter whispered in disbelief.
"Oh well." Starscream said, shooting a smug smirk at Shockwave.
Shockwave didn't say anything and began to walk away.
"Yes, that's right. Go off and sulk, why don't you." Starscream mocked.
"Breakdown, Wildrider, I require your assistance." Shockwave said to the two Decepticon warriors.
"If it's a chance to take down those Wreckers, then I'm all in." Breakdown replied eagerly.
"That makes two of us." Wildrider agreed before both of them followed Shockwave.
"Bad news. I'm just starting to get reports of some Autobots and Witches that are already infiltrating Darkmount." Skywarp admitted.
"Those fools are persistent to the very end." Megatron muttered, gritting his teeth in anger.
"Show us security footage of the intruders." Shatter ordered.
A Vehicon at a nearby console type on the panel and it displayed live footage of Arcee, Bumblebee, Cliffjumper, Jazz, Amity, Hunter and Vee already in the fortress and battling against some Vehicons with their respective weapons. However, Shatter and Dropkick seemed more focus on the yellow and black Autobot scout of the team.
"Well, look who it is." Dropkick said with a devious look in his eyes. "The rookie scout who lost his precious voice."
"I think it's time we both finished what we started back on Cybertron." Shatter told her partner, smirking evilly.
(Linebreak)
Shockwave, Breakdown and Wildrider eventually arrived out of the Nemesis and made their way to the edge of the platform.
"First one down there gets to keep one Spark for a trophy." Wildrider announced before skilfully leaping off the edge.
Breakdown chuckled amusingly and jumped right off, descending straight down to the surface like a speeding bullet while Wildrider brought out his blades and stabbed them against Darkmount's walls to slow his fall. After seeing his two comrades descend a bit, Shockwave jumped down from the platform and landed on another part of Darkmount before leaping off that and onto another edge, jumping straight down to join the battle.
(Linebreak)
Meanwhile in their underground hideout, Smokescreen and Skara were sitting next to Optimus as he moaned softly from his weak condition.
"Do you really think this is a good idea, Smokey?" Skara asked sadly.
"I…I don't know, Skara." Smokescreen sighed. "If I become a Prime and use the Forge to rebuild the Omega Lock, Cybertron can still come back to life. But, there's just no way I could let Optimus go offline. He's the best Prime in the history of Cybertronians."
"I know. This just can't be the only way." Skara admitted before both of them heard Optimus groan out loud, causing them to quickly move up to him.
"Who…stands…before me?" Optimus asked weakly.
"What? It's us, Optimus. Smokescreen and Skara." Smokescreen replied, confused to why his leader would ask something like that.
"Are you feeling okay?" Skara asked in concern.
"Who…beckons…" Optimus whispered as his optics then widened and started flickering a bit.
Within his own vision, Optimus was shown to be waking through a dark void that led towards a light-blue shine.
"Come, Optimus." A wise voice said to the Autobot leader.
Optimus then stopped in front of the light and silently stared into it, recognising that voice he heard.
"Is it truly you?" Optimus asked before he clearly saw a familiar elderly Cybertronian with a spiritual body. "Alpha Trion."
"I stand before you, my student. As such, it would seem that it is your time." Alpha Trion said, causing Optimus to silently lower his head and remain where he stood. "Why do you hesitate?"
"I do not fear joining with the Allspark, but for the fate of the Matrix of Leadership." Optimus admitted.
"You know as well as I a worthy candidate is near. One who will learn to be a Prime as you once did." Alpha Trion reassured. "I have seen great potential in this candidate since the moment you met each other. And while they may not be Cybertronian and won't be granted the Matrix's power at this moment, they shall one day be gifted with it to light their darkest hour."
While he wasn't entirely sure of it, Optimus had a feeling he knew just who Alpha Trion was talking about and remained silent about it.
(Linebreak)
Back in Darkmount, a few Vehicons ran down the corridors to join the others in their attempt to fend off the attackers. When they were both gone, Luz appeared as she breathed heavily from using the invisibility Glyph for a long time. The Hispanic girl saw there were no Cons in her area and pulled out her phone, typing in a communication she was given earlier before the attack.
"Ultra Magnus, Elita, I'm inside and nearly at the fusion cannons' core." Luz informed the two Autobot commanders. "I should meet you two there."
"Understood, Luz. We're on our way." Elita replied as Luz ended the call and ran down the corridors to her main objective.
Ultra Magnus' ship flew straight down towards Darkmount.
"Ultra Magnus to stealth team. Status report." Ultra Magnus said through the coms.
"Having a little trouble following after Luz." Cliffjumper admitted.
(Linebreak)
The second team was still in the lower part of Darkmount and being fired upon by multiple Vehicons. Arcee, Bumblebee, Cliffjumper and Jazz fired their advanced weapons at the Vehicons, Amity blocked the enemy laser shots with Abomination goo walls while also tossing some purple-goo javelins at them, and Hunter used his Witch staff's gold energy powers to deflect some shots back. Vee had to stay behind cover since she was already feeling too full from the Energon she drained earlier.
"Security is tighter than anticipated, sir." Arcee said as she flinched from a blaster shot behind her cover.
"They won't let us move on!" Amity called.
(Linebreak)
"Just keep them occupied for a bit longer." Elita ordered.
The ship parked right in front of the center of Darkmount and the platform lowered down as Ultra Magnus and Elita stood on it, with the blue commander holding a Cybertronian rifle and the female commander having her hands shifted into duel blasters. Ultra Magnus and Elita jumped from the ship and rushed towards the fusion cannons control room, shooting through a window and jumping into it while knocking down a Vehicon in the process. Ultra Magnus quickly shot down another Vehicon and Elita fired her blasters at another one, while the remaining Vehicon attempted to run away. But then, an Ice Glyph was slid underneath the Vehicon and it instantly activated, encasing him in a ginormous chunk of ice as Luz ran into the room from an opened door.
"Was that good timing?" Luz asked.
"It was." Ultra Magnus answered.
Luz took out a pair of Fire Glyphs and aimed them at the fusion cannons' core, with Ultra Magnus and Elita doing the same with their weapons. But suddenly, a purple blaster shot was fired from above and it shot Ultra Magnus' rifle out of his hands as Luz and Elita became surprised by this.
"Ultra Magnus. Elita One." A familiar voice said.
Luz, Ultra Magnus and Elita turned to their sides and saw Megatron landing in front of them as the Decepticon leader noticed the Hispanic girl instantly.
"Ah, and young Luz Noceda. I never would have imagined you to be one who would take up the role of leadership for anything." Megatron admitted with a sinister grin, causing Luz to glare right at him. "Allow me to venture. The three of you intend to disarm my fusion cannons by disabling their power core."
"You're correct, Megatron." Elita replied firmly as she and Magnus aimed their blasters at Megatron.
"And you are standing in our way." Ultra Magnus proclaimed.
"If you think we're going to just let you conquer Earth, the Boiling Isles and any other world, you're in for a very disappointing outcome!" Luz stated before she fired her Fire Glyphs at the Decepticon leader and the Autobot commanders shot their blasters.
Megatron blocked all of the shots with his arm cannon before he charged right at his opponents.
(Linebreak)
Outside, Breakdown and Wildrider finally landed on the ground and they looked ahead to see the Wreckers, Ironhide, Willow, Gus and Boscha still fending off the Vehicon seekers.
"You know what time it is, Brakes?" Wildrider asked.
"Hammer time?" Breakdown guessed with a smirk.
"Yeah, and it's time to slice and dice!" Wildrider replied before the two of them transformed, driving straight towards their enemies.
Bulkhead and Wheeljack stopped firing at the Vehicons and saw their two archenemies heading towards them.
"Heads up!" Wheeljack called as he and Bulkhead got in front of the team.
Breakdown and Wildrider then transformed and clashed their signature weapons against Bulkhead's wrecking ball and Wheeljack's swords.
"Hope you don't mind us dropping us!" Breakdown said while smirking.
"Actually, we do!" Bulkhead retorted before punching him away.
Wheeljack was able to kick Wildrider back as the blade-wielding Decepticon swiped his blades at him, causing Wheeljack to defend himself with his swords.
"I've got you, Wheeljack!" Willow stated before summoning a bunch of vines behind Wildrider, which tangled around his arms.
"Let me have a piece of the action!" Ironhide called, charging straight at Breakdown.
The red muscular Autobot shoulder-tackled Breakdown with all his strength and then shot him back a bit with his left arm cannon. Breakdown immediately stood back up and fired his shoulder blaster, but Bulkhead and Breakdown managed to avoid the shots before Willow launched three vines at the muscular Decepticon, who bashed them away with his sledgehammer before charging forward. Wheeljack and Seaspray swung their swords/sickles straight at Wildrider, who used his blades to block them both and lead to a power struggle.
"Incoming, scrap-head!" Gus called before he made a spell circle, summoning a missile that was shot straight at Wildrider.
Wildrider pushed Wheeljack and Seaspray away and covered himself defensively, but the missile was proven to be an illusion when it faded away upon touching him. Seaspray took the opportunity to strike his sickles against Wildrider with his guard down and Boscha summoned a fire ball in her palm, tossing it at Wildrider and blasting him to the ground.
"You can all compliment me for that awesome move later." Boscha said, smiling arrogantly.
"Never gonna happen." Gus replied as Wildrider got back up with an angry growl.
"I've had enough of you Witches and your stupid magic!" Wildrider yelled, charging at his enemies for another attack.
At the same time, Shockwave descended straight down from Darkmount at full speed before crashing straight down feet-first, causing a massive dust cloud to explode in his position. When the dust settled away, Shockwave looked ahead to see the Wreckers, Ironhide and their Witch companions still battling Breakdown and Wildrider before the one-eyed scientist transformed into his Cybertronian tank form and treaded straight ahead. Breakdown and Wildrider turned around to see Shockwave headed their way, knowing what he was about to do.
"You all really should've surrender at the beginning. You never stood a chance." Breakdown told the Wrecker group mockingly before he and Wildrider leaped to both sides.
Shockwave fired a powerful purple laser from his cannon it delivered a very big explosion right in front of Bulkhead, Wheeljack, Seaspray, Ironhide, Willow, Gus and Boscha, blowing them all in the air and they crashed back onto the ground with painful groans.
"Didn't see that coming." Seaspray grunted.
Shockwave transformed and walked up to the defeated Autobot group as Breakdown and Wildrider walked beside him, smirking victoriously.
"Your mission was most illogical." Shockwave said coldly.
(Linebreak)
The strike team was still stuck in their current position as they kept firing at the Vehicons with their respective abilities. But then, Shatter and Dropkick showed up in their vehicle forms and drove straight towards the Autobot/Witch team.
"Hey, where'd those two come from?!" Jazz asked in surprise.
"Where did they even come from?!" Vee questioned.
Before anyone could get an answer, Shatter and Dropkick transformed and they tackled right into Bumblebee, making him crash against the floor and skid back a few feet away from the others.
"Bee!" Hunter exclaimed worriedly as he tried to run towards his Autobot guardian, only got the Vehicons to halt him with their blaster fire.
Bumblebee sat up and rubbed his head painfully before he looked on in shock to see Shatter and Dropkick standing over him.
"Hello there, Autobot scout." Shatter greeted, smiling sinisterly at Bumblebee.
"Miss us?" Dropkick asked while cracking his metallic fists.
"You two!" Bumblebee exclaimed in anger.
"What do you know? Little Bot yellow really does remember us." Dropkick sneered mockingly.
"Wait, Bee knows those two new Cons?" Amity asked in surprise.
"He sure does! They're the last Decepti-creeps I expected to see here!" Cliffjumper replied.
"It's so unfortunate that your voice has become so faulty, but Dropkick and I did have a hand in you loosing it after our memorable battle at Tyger Pax." Shatter commented as Bumblebee tried to attack, only for Shatter to catch his fist and swiftly kick him to the side. "Lord Megatron handled most of it after that."
"But this time, we're gonna break more than your voice box." Dropkick announced.
"Not before I break both of you!" Bumblebee retorted as he stood up and fired his blasters.
Shatter and Dropkick easily avoided the shots and the red female Decepticon grabbed both of Bumblebee's arms, pulling them behind his back. This allowed Dropkick to strike Bumblebee with three punches in the face, grab him by the torso and then toss him hard onto the floor.
"Bee needs help!" Hunter stated in worridness.
"We're kinda stuck here, right now!" Jazz reminded, shooting some Vehicons with his Cybertronian bow.
Bumblebee weakly tried to get up, but Dropkick kicked him away and then slammed his foot straight down onto his torso, causing a great amount of pain for the yellow and black Autobot. Arcee kept firing her laser ray as she ran to the other side of the corridor while Amity tossed another Abomination javelin, only for the Vehicons to stop shooting at them. The strike team looked to the other side and saw more Vehicons arriving an aiming their weapons, as well as Shatter holding up Bumblebee by his arms and Dropkick aimed his blaster at him.
"Surrender now, Autobots and organics. Unless you want your friend here to perish." Shatter threatened.
"We're not joking." Dropkick said firmly, charging up his blaster.
"Scrap." Arcee said as she and the others knew they didn't have a choice, raising their hands up in surrender.
(Linebreak)
Meanwhile, Jetfire flew behind two Vehicon seekers and destroyed them with a pair of missiles. But then, Thundercracker and Skywarp showed up in their jet forms and had Jetfire in their sights from above.
"Look who it is, Thundercracker!" Skywarp called.
"I know! Time to give our backstabbing buddy a warm welcome!" Thundercracker stated with a laugh.
The two Seekers increased their thruster speed and tackled right into Jetfire, who barely had any time to react as Thundercracker and Jetfire then shot some missiles at him. Jetfire ended up getting shot down and he yelled out while descending out of control, crashing onto the Nemesis' landing platform and transforming. Thundercracker and Skywarp landed behind Jetfire in their robot forms and made him rise up on his knees before Starscream walked up to them.
"Ah, Jetfire. My old treacherous comrade." Starscream greeted, smirking at the aerial Autobot. "It is such a pleasure to see you again. I've been meaning to settle things between us."
"Don't expect me to grovel before you or Megatron." Jetfire retorted. "I swore that I'd never help the Decepticons with anything, ever again."
"There is only one thing you can do, and that is behave during your execution." Starscream replied. "I would so enjoy doing it myself, but I must attend to Lord Megatron at once. Thundercracker, Skywarp, escort the so-called 'guardian of the sky' down to the surface with the rest of his team."
"With pleasure, Commander." Skywarp replied as he and Thundercracker hoisted Jetfire on his feet and dragged him away.
(Linebreak)
In the fusion cannon core room, Ultra Magnus and Elita rushes at Megatron while shooting their blasters at him, only for the Decepticon leader to deflect their weapons and knocking them down with powerful blows. Luz acted quickly by shining a Light Glyph at Megatron and blinding him as he cried out in agony, giving Ultra Magnus the chance to kick Megatron and Elita struck him against the wall with some athletic attacks. Megatron quickly recovered and grabbed Ultra Magnus by his blasters before head-butting him into the wall on the other side. Ultra Magnus avoided a blaster shot from Megatron and fired back, but the Decepticon leader easily dodged it and rammed him into the wall. With one last powerful punch to the face, Ultra Magnus collapsed onto the ground in defeat. Elita attempted to swiftly kick Megatron from before, but he easily caught her foot and used his arm cannon to blast her away, making the female Autobot fall unconscious. Seeing that both Ultra Magnus and Elita One were defeated, Megatron turned his attention to Luz.
"And the last one standing in an adolescent human. You should have stayed out of this war from the beginning, youngling." Megatron said with a smirk.
"Do not underestimate me, Megatron!" Luz replied, glaring determinedly at the Decepticon leader. "I'm not just a human youngling! I'm Luz Noceda, student of Eda the Owl Lady , ally of the Autobots and the greatest human-witch girl to ever live! I chose to join this Cybertronian war because all of my friends believed in me and supported me for who I was! And now, I'm going to end your evil reign!"
What the Hispanic girl didn't notice was that the Palisman egg still in her backpack was glowing even brighter now, but Megatron simply laughed out loud in response.
"Such heroic nonsense." Megatron said, grinning deviously before he fired his cannon.
Luz acted quickly by scarring some Plant Glyphs around her and they formed into a shield that protected her from the blast. Luz then jumped over the vine shield and she fired four Fire Glyphs individually at Megatron, who brought out his blade and sliced them in half before they could burn him. However, Luz took advantage of Megatron's focus on her fire attacks by using two Ice Glyphs to freeze his feet in a large chunk of ice, leaving the Decepticon leader stuck as he struggled to move his feet. Luz then used some Plant Glyphs to form a huge spiked mallet and used all her strength to swing it into Megatron's face, breaking the ice from his feet as he crashed into the wall. When Megatron got on one knee, he pressed his finger against his mouth and saw a small stain of Dark Energon that had dripped from it before slowly looking back at Luz.
"All of that for a drop of Energon." Megatron said before he suddenly swiped his fist upward, knocking Luz into the air as she landed back on the floor in pain.
The Hispanic girl scowled painfully as she stood back up and brought out a Fire Glyph, activating it at Megatron and hitting him in the right shoulder. Megatron was unfazed by this attack as he dusted off some smoke from his shoulder.
"You do have a fighting spirit within you, human. But let's see how you do without your precious magic." Megatron commented as he closed his eyes and opened them, revealing them to now be purple.
His Decepticon symbol also glowed purple from the Dark Energon within his body and Luz saw that an Ice Glyph she was holding immediately turned black, showing that it had been rendered powerless by the Blood of Unicron.
"Oh no, not now!" Luz begged worriedly, only for Megatron to fire his cannon at her.
Luz tired running away, but the laser shot was close enough to blow her into the wall and fall down motionlessly, showing she had sustained massive injuries while groaning painfully. With Luz, Ultra Magnus and Elita One defeated, Megatron stood right over the Hispanic girl.
"How disappointing, Luz. You are no Optimus Prime." Megatron mocked.
"I'm sorry, Optimus. We…we failed." Luz whispered in sadness, closing her eyes.
(Linebreak)
At the military base, Fowler and his air forces were still waiting for Team Prime and the Hexside Squad to give the all-clear.
"What in the name of Paul Revere's house is taking them so long?" Fowler asked impatiently.
(Linebreak)
Ratchet and Camila were also becoming concerned by how long it was taking the team to complete their mission.
"Ratchet, do you really think they're okay?" Camila asked worriedly, fearing for Luz and her friends' lives.
"I truly hope so." Ratchet admitted.
(Linebreak)
Back at Darkmount, Megatron was seen dragging Ultra Magnus and Elita onto his throne platform while holding Luz in his other hand. The Decepticon leader tossed all three them against the floor as they were still too weak to fight, while Starscream stood with his leader.
"All invaders have been taken captive, master." Starscream informed. "There was no sign of Optimus Prime."
"So tell me, young Luz, where might your Autobot leader and good friend be?" Megatron asked the Hispanic girl, who glared defiantly at him.
(Linebreak)
In his life-ending vision, Optimus saw Alpha Trion reaching his hand out to him.
"Take my hand, Optimus, and join me." Alpha Trion said. "Join with the Allspark."
Optimus remained silent for a bit longer before he then walked up to his old mentor and reached out to him. However, Optimus paused again as he looked at Alpha Trion in the eyes, thinking of how heartbroken his friends would be if he were to become one with the Allspark. Smokescreen and Skara also noticed Optimus was slowly starting to fade.
"Optimus, no!" Smokescreen called before Optimus' eyes went black.
"Don't die, now! Please, we really need you!" Skara pleaded desperately as tears began forming in her eyes.
Just then, Optimus' chest shifted open and Smokescreen and Skara stepped back in surprise to see the Matrix glowing brightly.
"Is that…" Skara began to ask.
"The Matrix. But…this isn't how the story's supposed to end." Smokescreen said before he turned towards the Forge of Solus Prime.
"Do you still think that will work?" Skara asked as Cayenne leaped onto her shoulder.
"It's worth a try." Smokescreen replied.
The Autobot rookie pulled the Forge towards Optimus and placed the end of the handle in his open right hand. The Forge's energy began to course into Optimus' near-lifeless body and emitted a bright blue glow when combined with the Matrix before it suddenly released a massive energy pulse, blowing Smokescreen and Skara back.
(Linebreak)
At Darkmount, Megatron pinned Luz against one of the throne platform's pillars as she gritted her teeth in pain.
"I will not ask again." Megatron declared with a menacing glare.
"Eat dirt, Mega-butt! I'd never tell you where Optimus is, even if I did know!" Luz shouted.
Snarling angrily, Megatron tossed Luz back to the floor and she skidded next to Ultra Magnus and Elita, laying down in a weak state.
"Very well." Megatron said, unsheathing his blade. "Execute our prisoners and fire each cannon at the nearest metropolis within it's sights. It is time to show the known universe that this planet belongs to Megatron. And soon, even the Boiling Isles and many other distant worlds will be mine to rule."
"Even if you kill me and my friends, Megatron, you've still got to deal with some powerful beings I know that are still in the Demon Realm." Luz told the Decepticon leader, mostly referring to The Collector. "They'll be very mad when they find out you wanna takeover their home, especially the fact that you executed the rest of us."
"Then I'll just have to destroy you all!" Megatron declared as he raised his blade for the killing blow, causing Ultra Magnus and Elita to shield Luz.
"Master, something's coming." Starscream said, looking into the distant sunrise.
Megatron lowered his bladed arm and followed the air commander's gaze, seeing that there was something flying straight towards them. At the ground below, Arcee, Bumblebee, Cliffjumper, Jazz, Amity, Hunter and Vee were escorted to the front by Shatter, Dropkick and their Vehicons, where the Wreckers, Ironhide, Jetfire, Willow, Gus and Boscha were being held at gunpoint by Thundercracker, Skywarp, Breakdown, Wildrider and Shockwave.
"Hope you're all ready for a nice little execution." Skywarp said with a sinister smile, shifting his right hand into a blaster.
"Hey, there's something in the sky!" Bumblebee exclaimed, pointing upwards.
Everyone else followed his gaze and saw the flying object headed straight for the throne platform on Darkmount.
"What the scrap?" Dropkick questioned confusingly.
"Hey, what even is that?" Vee asked, squinting her eyes.
"No idea." Amity replied.
"The Predacon?" Megatron questioned.
"Hmm, not beasty enough." Starscream admitted as he stood back.
Luz, Ultra Magnus and Elita recovered from their injuries and looked at the incoming flying object as Megatron stepped forward for a better look.
(Linebreak)
Ratchet started to see the flying object's signal on the Harbinger's terminal screen, which was shown to be an Autobot symbol.
"How is that possible?" Ratchet asked in surprise.
"What is it?" Camila questioned.
"An Autobot signal. But it's…airborne." Ratchet replied. "But, Jetfire is currently grounded."
(Linebreak)
"I know that colour scheme." Starscream muttered as the flying object became closer and more clear.
Once he got a much better look, Megatron's eyes widened in shock as he knew exactly who the flying object was. Luz also became very shocked to see who was flying to her and the others' aid.
"It's…it's really…" Luz whispered breathlessly.
The flying object was indeed Optimus Prime, who was now looking more bulkier, had an upgraded blue helmet pieces and was flying straight at Darkmount with incredible speed from a large winged jetpack on his back.
"Optimus." Elita gasped with a relived smile.
"Wait, he can't fly!" Starscream exclaimed. "Can he?!"
Optimus soon landed on the throne platform and instantly struck Megatron before he could react, following it up with an uppercut and then a powerful punch that sent the Decepticon leader crashing into his throne. Three Vehicons fired their blasters at Optimus, who pulled out a Cybertronian mini gun from his jetpack and fired rapid laser shots that shot down the Vehicons instantly. Starscream nervously backed away, only to bump into a fully-recovered Ultra Magnus as he knocked the air commander back with a swift blow. Optimus deactivated his battle mask and looked down at Luz.
"Are you alright, Luz?" Optimus asked.
"I…I'm fine, Optimus. It's…just good to see you again." Luz replied, smiling very happily at the Autobot leader.
Optimus smiled back at the Hispanic girl and then turned his attention to Ultra Magnus.
"Commander?" Optimus asked, a bit surprised to see his third-in-command.
"Sir, you're looking…robust." Ultra Magnus complimented.
"Indeed. You're looking even better than ever." Elita said kindly as Optimus was very stunned to see her.
"Elita…" Optimus whispered, walking up to the female Autobot commander and reaching for her hand. "I…have missed you."
"Yep, they're totally a thing." Luz said to herself.
"I've missed you as well, Optimus. But right now, we must focus on completing our mission." Elita told her love-interest.
"Indeed. It is paramount that we disable the fusion cannons below." Ultra Magnus explained.
"Understood." Optimus replied as he reactivated his battle mask.
"Is it okay if I help you out, Optimus?" Luz asked, stepping forward. "I'm technically the leader of the Witch division of this team."
"Of course, Luz." Optimus answered with a nod.
Luz quickly went up to Optimus, who allowed her to hop on his palm and he placed her on his shoulder before flying off with his jetpack.
"This is so cool!" Luz called as both of them flew downwards.
"Attention all members of Team Prime, we have an important announcement." Elita informed on the com-links. "Optimus Prime has returned."
As soon as they heard this from the Autobots' com-links, the Hexside Squad, minus Boscha, became very happy and let out cheers of thrill.
"Yes, he's back!" Vee cheered.
"That's what I'm talking about!" Willow remarked.
"I knew it!" Gus stated happily.
"Welcome back, Optimus!" Hunter called.
"Uh, what's so special about this guy again?" Boscha questioned.
(Linebreak)
Camila let out a sigh of relief and happiness once she heard the good news, while Ratchet was extremely glad.
"Thank the Allspark!" Ratchet called out joyfully.
(Linebreak)
"We repeat, Prime is alive and quite well." Ultra Magnus announced as the air force was getting their jets ready for takeoff.
"Yes!" Fowler cheered.
(Linebreak)
Seeing the Decepticons were distracted by Optimus flying over them with Luz riding on his back, Team Prime and the Hexside Squad all nodded to each other as they knew it was time to counterattack. Wheeljack and Seaspray pulled out their weapons and sliced down some Vehicons, while Ironhide, Seaspray, Cliffjumper and Jazz the others down with their blasters. As Ironhide tackled down Breakdown and Seaspray and Boscha engaged Wildrider with their respective abilities, Bulkhead, Wheeljack, Willow and Gus charged straight at Shockwave, who fired his arm cannon towards them and they avoided it. Bulkhead struck Shockwave with his wrecking ball and Wheeljack followed it up with a kick, only for the one-eyed scientists to knock both of them back. Gus created a bunch of illusions of himself that ran around Shockwave and he started shooting them all away with his arm cannon, but this allowed Willow to summon two vine fists around her hands that she used to smack Shockwave away.
"Why can't any of you just die?!" Shatter questioned angrily as she blocked Arcee's wrist blades and kicked her back.
Dropkick fired his blaster at Bumblebee and Cliffjumper and they jumped back to avoid the shots before Amity summoned a massive Abomination behind the blue Decepticon, grabbing him with it's huge arms.
"Hey! Put me down, you goo-covered piece of-" Dropkick started to say, only for Bumblebee to punch him in the gut and then Cliffjumper tossed him onto the ground.
Jetfire was engaged in hand-to-hand combat against Thundercracker and Skywarp, who repeatedly swiped their claws at him.
"Give it up, Jetfire! You're out of your league!" Thundercracker proclaimed.
"But I'm not outnumbered!" Jetfire replied as he managed to step aside and allow Jazz to grab the two Seekers with his energy grapple.
"Like catching a pair of cyber-critters on the highway!" Jazz quipped, tossing Thundercracker and Skywarp right into Shatter as they crashed on the ground next to Dropkick.
"Looks like the tables have turned." Hunter said with a satisfied smile, striking down a Vehicon with his flash ability.
Back on the throne platform, Megatron bursted out of the remains of his throne and Starscream stood up while groaning before he saw Ultra Magnus and Elita jump down. The two Autobot commanders landed on Ultra Magnus' ship, which flew them away from Darkmount with the autopilot on. Megatron walked to the edge of the platform to see Optimus and Luz flying towards the fusion cannons core and he let out an angry yell before he leaped and transformed, flying after his old enemy. Optimus and Luz arrived at the firing end of one of the cannons and they aimed their mini gun and Fire Glyphs at it respectively.
"OPTIMUUUUUUSS!" Megatron yelled at the top of his metal lungs, flying down to them and firing his vehicle mode blasters.
Optimus quickly grabbed Luz and tossed her onto fusion cannon before he was shot by Megatron, falling down a bit before he regained his composure and flew around Darkmount with Megatron shooting at him from behind. When a laser shot hit him on the back, Optimus turned around and fired his mini gun at Megatron, causing him to steer away out of range. Luz looked down at Megatron flying away and knew she had to do something to help out Optimus.
"If there was ever a time to give skydiving a try, this would be it." Luz whispered as she fought back against any nervousness in her body.
The Hispanic girl then stepped back a bit and ran straight towards the edge of the fusion cannon before leaping right off, yelling out as she fell through the sky and managed to land right ontop of Megatron.
"Gah! Get off me, you wretched child!" Megatron ordered furiously, flying around as Luz held on tightly.
"No way! Like I said before, you're not going to win!" Luz stated before bringing out a Fire Glyph and planting it on Megatron.
When the Glyph activated, it exploded into a fiery blast and it sent Luz and Megatron crashing onto one of Darkmount's ledges. Megatron transformed and glared at Luz in pure hatred, bringing his blade out again.
"I should have exterminated you back on Cybertron when I had the chance!" Megatron scowled, walking towards the human girl.
Optimus instantly saw Megatron intending to kill Luz and he flew straight down in an attempt to stop his old foe.
"That's a mistake you're gonna regret for the rest of your life! I might not have faced people who're as evil and ruthless as you, Megatron, but that's never stopped me!" Luz proclaimed, putting on a brave glare as her Palisman egg glowed again. "At some time, I felt like someone who just makes things terrible and causes mistakes whenever she goes! But ever since I met Optimus and the Autobots, they've helped me move on from all of that and I've learned to just focus on the good things I've done instead of all the bad! Do you know why?! It's because they're all my friends and they respect me for the kind of person I am! I doubt any of your Decepticon lackeys feel the same way!"
"I've had enough of your useless blabbering!" Megatron yelled as he then raised his blade up.
Luz closed her eyes as Optimus reached his hand out desperately, but then the Palisman egg in the Hispanic girl's bag formed a crack and then released a massive burst of purple energy that blasted Luz, Optimus and Megatron away. The Autobots, Witches and Decepticon even noticed this from the ground during their battle
"Okay, now what the slag was that?!" Breakdown demanded before Ironhide blasted him away.
"That's definitely got Luz written all over it." Amity said.
Optimus quickly recovered from the energy pulse and saw Luz falling down before he quickly caught the Hispanic girl, who shook her head and stood straight.
"That was the most unexpected I've ever been through." Luz quipped, chuckling a bit.
However, Optimus noticed something glowing purple and his eyes widened at what he saw, causing Luz to follow his gaze. She saw that in her hand was an actual Witch staff of her very own and on the top of it was a glowing orb of swirling purple magic energy.
"Wow. Is…is that really my egg?" Luz asked in absolute stunned silence.
"It would appear so, Luz." Optimus answered. "Your re-found courage and understanding for your true goal in life has triggered it's awakening."
"Huh…I never would've that of that at all." Luz admitted, staring at the glowing orb that contained her Palisman with a smile. "You know, I really did realise it. I don't know it took me so long to figure out, but I guess the only thing I wanted…was to be understood."
"And you accomplished that goal by finding those who view you as a true friend." Optimus said kindly.
However, their happy moment was interrupted when some purple laser shots were fired at them and Optimus and Luz saw Megatron was once again attacking them in his vehicle form.
"He really doesn't know when to quit." Luz muttered annoyingly, tossing her staff in the air and standing onto it with great balance. "Ready for round two, Optimus?"
The Autobot leader nodded in response before they both flew away from Megatron, who chased them while repeatedly firing his blasters. Starscream arrived at the edge of the throne platform to see Megatron pursing Optimus and Luz.
"Commander, we have a cluster of enemy signals incoming." A Vehicon informed on the com-link, causing Starscream to growl.
"Humans. Activate the fusion cannons!" Starscream ordered.
Some Vehicons began powering-up the fusion cannons as one of them aimed directly at Fowler's incoming fighter jet squad.
"Sky strikers, await my command." Fowler said.
Optimus and Luz avoided more of Megatron's shots and the Autobots leader made his jetpack accelerate, prompting Megatron to do the same as they both passed Luz. Optimus soon came to a halt and stayed where he was soaring before punching Megatron at the front of his jet mode downwards, grabbing him and spinning the Decepticon leader in his grasp.
"Megatron…BEGONE!" Optimus shouted as he then tossed Megatron towards Darkmount.
Megatron ended up crashing into the fusion cannons core room and made contact with the core itself, causing him to get electrocuted. Luz caught up to Optimus and she landed on her palm, taking a deep breath and aiming her purple-glowing Witch staff at the hole Megatron crashed through.
"Now…eat this, sucka!" Luz stated before the purple orb fired a very powerful beam of magic energy.
When the magic beam made contact with the core, it caused a massive explosion that consumed Megatron and the Vehicons in the room as the fusion cannons powered down. Optimus and Luz looked back to see Fowler's air force was closing in and they flew away to give them a clear shot.
"They did it." Elita said with a smile, witnessing the entire thing from Ultra Magnus' ship.
"Autobots, Witches, clear the area!" Ultra Magnus called.
Once they heard the order and knocked down Shatter and Dropkick, Arcee, Bumblebee, Cliffjumper and Jazz transformed and Amity, Hunter and Vee quickly got into the seats of their Autobot guardians before driving straight away. Shockwave smacked Bulkhead away and tossed Wheeljack down from his back, but he then saw the other Autobots driving up to him and Willow took advantage of this distraction by whipping the one-eyed scientist down with a large vine. Bulkhead and Wheeljack grabbed Willow and Gus and transformed before driving with the others to escape, while Boscha blasted Wildrider down with a fire ball and Seaspray picked her up as he transformed and followed his comrades as well. Ironhide and Jetfire followed suit once they took care of the other Cons as Shockwave, Thundercracker, Skywarp, Breakdown, Wildrider, Shatter and Dropkick watched them escape after being beaten badly.
"We'll destroy all of them next time." Shatter vowed silently.
"Let's do this." Fowler said with a firm expression before he and his air force team fired a bunch of missiles at Darkmount, causing the entire fortress to explode and start falling apart.
The Decepticons saw this from below and knew it was time for them to make a tactical retreat.
"I can't believe they did it." Dropkick said with a hint of anger in his tone.
"Does this mean we leave, now?" Skywarp asked.
"Obviously. But we're still gonna win this war." Wildrider replied.
"Soundwave, we require a Ground Bridge." Shockwave said on his com-link.
A Ground Bridge appeared and the seven Decepticons walked into it, vanishing on the other side before the rubble could land on them. Megatron was shown to have survived the explosion, but his body was covered in burn marks as Starscream walked in the fusion cannon core room and saw his leader's condition.
"Transport Lord Megatron to the Nemesis." Starscream ordered two Vehicons, who lifted their master up and began escorting him away.
"What are you doing? No!" Megatron said stubbornly. "We will not retreat!"
"This battle is lost, my liege." Starscream told him. "We must retreat if we are to have any hope of winning the war."
Meanwhile, Smokescreen was seen driving along the roadway of Connecticut and he came to a screeching halt, letting Skara jump out of his seat and letting him transform. The two of them looked ahead to see Darkmount being destroyed in a multitude of explosions.
"Aw! We missed it!" Smokescreen complained.
"Well, at least we managed to revive Optimus so he could help out." Skara reminded. "That's good in my case."
The Nemesis started to fly away as Darkmount then fell apart, becoming nothing but a ginormous pile of Cybertronian scrap metal. Optimus and Luz watched in the air from a far distance.
"Looks like we did it. Megatron's just lost his giant fortress and his stronghold on the whole planet." Luz said. "That's what I call a big win for us."
"Indeed, Luz. And, you commanded very well in my absence." Optimus complimented. "You have truly shown you are a capable hero in this world."
"I wouldn't exactly consider myself a hero." Luz admitted sheepishly before she then noticed her new staff was beginning to make the magic orb bigger. "Hey, Optimus? I think you're about to be the first one to meet my new Palisman."
"And what exactly would it be?" Optimus asked, turning to the Hispanic girl to see her new magic companion.
"Well…" Luz began saying before the purple magical orb floated from her staff and it formed into a Palisman that resembled a snake with dark, normal and light shades of purple colours and a green orb at the end of it's tail.
The snake Palisman then started shifting from a scorpion, to a bat and to a dragon before returning to it's snake form and nuzzling against Luz.
"She's a snake-shifter! Her name is Stringbean, and she's perfect!" Luz stated, happily stroking her new Palisman with her finger.
"Both of you do appear to be compatible with each other." Optimus said kindly as he felt glad for his human friend.
"I know. Let's regroup with everyone so I can introduce my new little friend to them." Luz said as Stringbean hissed in happiness at that idea.
Luz had her new Palisman shift into her staff form and she flew away from the area, with Optimus following next to the Hispanic girl.
(Linebreak)
Later on, Team Prime and the Hexside Squad had arrived at the military facility that was now serving as their brand new base. When Luz had introduced Stringbean to her friends, they were very fond of the snake-shifter Palisman and Camila found her especially cute. Amity and Arcee were especially happy for Luz getting her own Palisman at last.
"On behalf of the President and the joint chiefs, I thank you all for your selfless heroism in defence of this planet." Fowler announced to everyone. "I'm only sorry that the world can't yet know of your undying dedication. Because I, for one, owe you my life, my liberty and my future."
After finishing his grateful speech, Fowler gave the Autobots and their young friends a salute.
"Sir, Elita and I are honoured to relinquish command of the Autobots to you." Ultra Magnus told the Autobot leader.
"You're much more suited for the position, anyway." Elita added.
"Getting to work under your command makes it feel just like the good old days." Ironhide commented as Jetfire nodded in agreement.
"We are glad to welcome you and your crew to Earth, Ultra Magnus and Elita. And, to Team Prime." Optimus declared.
"You can all stick with this gig, I'm leaving to find a way back to the Boiling Isles and not spend another moment with the loser squad." Boscha announced as she began to walk away.
"And where exactly are you going to go, Boscha?" Luz questioned as Stringbean floated around her, causing the triclops Witch to halt. "You don't exactly have a place to stay or anyway of finding out how to get home."
"Well…I uh…" Boscha stuttered.
"Yeah, you wouldn't exactly survive by yourself in a world you aren't familiar with." Hunter said, crossing his arms.
"As much as I hate admitting it, you're better off staying with us." Amity admitted. "Most of the humans will probably see you as a freak in their world, too."
"What do you say?" Skara asked, although she disliked the idea of her former best friend being on their team.
"…Fine, I'm staying." Boscha said reluctantly, narrowing her three eyes. "But I still hate all of you and we're never gonna be friends."
"That's exactly how I feel." Willow scowled.
"I have a feeling I'm going to have my hands full with her." Camila muttered to herself.
"Anyway, somebody's gotta admit one other thing." Gus said, approaching Optimus. "The new and improved Optimus Prime is definitely amazing. Imagine what great upgrades the Forge can do for the rest of you."
"Psh, well I wouldn't think of that." Ratchet scoffed before he and Smokescreen turned to the Forge, which rested behind them. "Is it true that the Forge has been drained of it's power?"
"I took a quick scan and it wasn't giving off any Prime-level energy readings." Jetfire admitted.
"Then any hope of rebuilding the Omega Lock has truly been lost." Ratchet said softly, turning to Smokescreen.
"I…did what I felt was right." Smokescreen said, looking away.
"And your instincts have again proven to be quite sound." Ratchet complimented.
"You've got a pretty good Spark, kid." Ironhide said as he placed a hand on Smokescreen's shoulder. "I like that."
Smokescreen felt good after hearing this and smiled at his comrades before everyone gathered together to enjoy the moment of reunion and celebration. They may have destroyed Darkmount, but the war was still far from over.
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