On the planet of Cybertron, the Autobots had been living in a relative peace for several years. Now, their survival is threatened by an ancient enemy who has come to settle a score for the final time.
EPISODE III: CHAOS ARRIVES!
The Chaos-Bringer stood before them, more ominous than ever before. He had successfully made the world he was attached to change into another version of himself, only this time he was much larger. Unicron was easily twice the size of his former selves, his strength almost tripled.
�Kup!� Ultra Magnus began barking orders. �you see if you can contact Cerebros. Protectobots, Technobots, Aerialbots: form Defensor, Computron and Superion. Dinobots, you and Omega Supreme attack from the rear while the gestalts go for the head. The rest of you: make your way to the gunnery stations!�
Each followed their orders and ran to do their duties. Unicron began smashing Cybertron and had taken out the radio control, so getting Fortress Maximus was out of the question. Grimlock led his Dinobots around Unicron quickly, and began the assault from behind.
�Slag and Sludge, you go for legs and feet. Me, Snarl, and Swoop take out body,� Grimlock said. He and his Dinobots transformed and began pounding the backside of Unicron�s immense body. Omega Supreme went straight for the head, and using his immense strength beat some dents into the back of it. Superion, Computron and Defensor unloaded everything they had into Unicron�s face. The other Autobots on Cybertron began firing all the ammunition they could find.
�PITIFUL INSECTS,� Unicron thundered. �NOW YOU WILL FEEL WHAT TRUE PAIN IS!� As he spoke, every Autobot close to him was quickly swatted away. The gestalts disengaged, and crashed into Cybertron. Even Omega Supreme was thrown aside, and along with the Dinobots was sent hurtling towards Cybertron as well. Then Unicron began firing laser beams from his eyes, sending many Transformers running for cover.
�Where is Prime?� Kup asked Ultra Magnus, as they were hiding in a shelter.
�I don�t know, Kup,� he replied. �But he had better hurry, or there won�t be a Cybertron to save.�
Optimus Prime and Hot Rod continued to race towards the center of Cybertron, to the foundation of the planet: Vector Sigma. As they went, they heard every explosion and felt every quake that Unicron caused. That wasn�t the only distraction: they were still worried about the Unicron-cloned Megatron that was chasing them down. It had been at least a half hour since they had faced him last, and they had not heard from him since. They began to think they were rid of him.
Suddenly, another explosion was heard, but this time it was near them. The two Autobots quickly transformed and faced Megatron again. Looking behind him, Optimus Prime saw that Vector Sigma was not far off.
�Hot Rod, can you keep it busy while I go for Vector Sigma?� Optimus asked.
�I�ll try Optimus, but you�d better hurry,� Hot Rod said.
�I�ll be back,� Prime said, and quickly transformed and sped off towards the supercomputer.
�All right, Unicron,� Hot Rod said, turning to face the Megatron clone. �I know you can hear me, so I want you to know that I�m gonna kick your tail again!�
�YOU GOT LUCKY ONCE, AUTOBOT,� Unicron�s voice said. �IT WON�T HAPPEN AGAIN.�
The doppelganger fired off its fusion cannon, but missed as Hot Rod transformed and quickly dodged it. Firing off several more shots, Megatron/Unicron just wasn�t able to hit the speedy Hot Rod.
You better hurry Optimus, Hot Rod thought. I can�t hold out much longer.
As Optimus Prime reached Vector Sigma, he transformed into robot form and began running towards the control console. He knew that he needed a key, but it had been destroyed years ago. Still, he had an idea. Pulling out the empty Matrix, Prime held it up to the console. Surprisingly, a compartment opened, and an indentation appeared. It matched the Matrix container perfectly. Optimus put the empty Matrix inside the impression, and the computer immediately began humming. Suddenly, a familiar face came on the screen.
�Alpha Trion!� Optimus said. His former mentor who had merged with Vector Sigma years ago looked at him.
�Hello, Optimus Prime,� Alpha Trion said. �What is wrong?�
�Unicron has renewed his attack on Cybertron,� Optimus said. �Can you help me?�
�Yes,� Alpha Trion said. �Vector Sigma is the final resting place of our creator Primus. He split his essence into three entities: the Creation Matrix, The Last Autobot, and finally Vector Sigma.�
�So Primus still exists?� Optimus Prime asked. �I thought he had died in the first battle with Unicron!�
�No, Optimus Prime,� Alpha Trion said. �He exists, in here.�
With that the computer known as Vector Sigma began to rumble. Prime stood back. A large figure came forth from the supercomputer, an apparition that Optimus Prime recognized immediately.
�Primus!�
�YES OPTIMUS PRIME,� Primus said. �IT IS ME. MY UNTIMELY �DEATH� IN THE FIRST COMING OF UNICRON WAS ONLY PARTIALLY TRUE. AFTER EMIRATE XAARON WAS DESTROYED, I MOVED MY MIND TO VECTOR SIGMA TO AVOID DESTRUCTION TO SUPERVISE THE RACE I HAD CREATED FOR TIMES TO COME.�
�Can you help us now?� Optimus asked. �I need your help to destroy Unicron once and for all.�
�IT IS POSSIBLE TO DEFEAT UNICRON,� Primus said. �EVEN THE SMALLEST AMOUNT OF GOOD CAN DESTROY ANY AMOUNT OF EVIL.�
With that, the giant form of Primus began to dissolve, but soon the empty container that had held the Matrix came forth and levitated. Opening, the force known as Primus flew into the center, and the Matrix closed. As opposed to the normal empty container that Optimus had grown accustomed to, the center was glowing bright blue. Hesitantly, he grabbed on to the Matrix, and a surge of power and wisdom came upon him. He knew what had to be done�.
Hot Rod was almost tapped out. He had been playing hit and run with Unicron�s Megatron clone for a long time, and the his resilience was fading. Up above, he heard every scream and explosion that Unicron had caused. Hot Rod began thinking about what was taking Optimus so long, and lost his head. The Megatron clone fired a blast from its fusion cannon, and knocked him aside. Transforming back into robot mode, Hot Rod looked up to see what he thought was his last moment.
KA-BLAM! The blast was loud, but it had not come from the fusion cannon. When Hot Rod looked to where it had come from, he saw Optimus Prime standing there, glowing. His rifle was drawn, and smoke came from the barrel. Hot Rod looked back at Megatron, and saw it had a very large hole in its midsection. It glared over at Prime and swiftly received another shot to the head, finishing the job.
�Now I owe YOU one, Optimus,� Hot Rod said. �What�s going on?�
�We have to hurry, Hot Rod,� Optimus said, still glowing due to Primus�s influence. �Let�s just say that Unicron�s days are numbered.�
Huddled in a corner, the Autobots feared the worst. Many of their great warriors were struck down, including Ultra Magnus. They lay there, unmoving, by the hundreds. Unicron had reeked havoc on the planet, and relief was not coming.
�WHERE ARE YOU?� Unicron bellowed. He breathed fire on the cover, and immediately saw the remaining Autobots. �HA! YOU PITIFUL FOOLS! PREPARE FOR EXTERMINATION!�
He rose his hand to crush the helpless Transformers below. Suddenly, a light came from the tunnel leading to the center of Cybertron, a light that stopped even Unicron. The great Chaos-Bringer stood in awe of the pure light, and instantly felt afraid. He knew, somehow, it was Primus, even though his arch enemy was dead. Then the source of the light appeared.
�UNICRON!� Optimus Prime cried, flying towards Unicron, glowing with Primus�s energy. �This is the end of the road!�
�NO!� Unicron screamed, a noise that struck every Autobot to the heart. �NOT WHEN I WAS THIS CLOSE!�
�Evil shall never triumph!� Prime said. �It is your fate to lose!�
Optimus Prime flew straight into Unicron�s body, causing the giant demigod to roar in pain. Once inside, Optimus Prime opened his chest, revealing the Matrix. The final and last reincarnation of the Creation Matrix was by far the most powerful. It had the full power of Primus himself stored, as well as the last part of his essence, which was stored in Vector Sigma. Taking the Matrix into his hands, Optimus opened it.
�Primus,� he said, �light our darkest hour.�
The scream was deafening. Unicron began howling in unspeakable anger and fear. He was combusting internally, and soon rays of wholesome light began shooting through every part of his body. Primus�s essence, which embraced life, emotion, goodness, and love, was able to cut through absolute evil. Unicron was in indescribable pain, and almost prayed for death.
�REVENGE���WILL��BE�. MINE!!!� Unicron screeched. Crying his last words, the once indestructible Chaos-Bringer was totally vaporized from the sky of Cybertron.
After the great battle, the surviving Autobots searched the skies for Optimus Prime. The last time Prime had destroyed Unicron, he did not escape and was ripped apart by the explosion. Suddenly, a bright light was seen as Optimus flew down to Cybertron. The new Matrix was held in his hands, and soon began floating in the air. Primus�s voice was heard.
�BRAVE OPTIMUS PRIME,� he began, �AND ALL OF YOU VALIANT AUTOBOTS. I HAVE ONE FINAL ACT. MY WISDOM AND ESSENCE WILL REMAIN IN YOUR CARE, BUT I MUST USE MY REMAINING POWER TO HELP THE FALLEN.�
A spectacular light began sweeping over the planet; the same light that had been shining from Optimus Prime. Every one of the Autobots who had been killed began to slowly be instilled with life, much as how the Last Autobot had repaired the fallen Autobots on Klo. They all rose, shaking their heads and wondering what had happened. Even the damaged spots on Cybertron were repaired.
Optimus Prime still held the Matrix in his hands. He knew that inside was the remainder of the essence of Primus. This capsule that could fit in someone�s hands held the ultimate force for good. It gave Prime the joy he had been lacking for quite some time now. He turned to the Autobots.
�My friends,� he said. �We have fulfilled our destiny three times as the sole guardians of Primus�s plan. Unicron has been destroyed once and for all. The Decepticons are no longer a threat. Now we can live in peace and harmony.
�Fighting evil has been a part of my life for a long time now, but that is over. I believe that I must expand my knowledge beyond Cybertron. I care for all of you, and do not wish to ever break that kinship. I am happy here, but I wish to see what the universe has to offer.�
The Autobots wailed in dismay. Optimus Prime was by far the greatest Autobot warrior, and the best friend they had ever known. He was leaving? How could he do this to them? Who would be in charge?
�Do not fear,� Optimus Prime said. �I would not leave without having a noteworthy replacement.� He looked at his lieutenant. �Hot Rod, come forth.�
The Autobot came forth, and knelt before his mentor. Prime began, �Hot Rod, you have led the Autobots to many victories. You are humble, courageous and wise. I pass the Autobot Matrix of Leadership to you.�
He put the Creation Matrix in Hot Rod�s hands. �Now, arise, Rodimus Prime.�
Hot Rod began to change. This metamorphosis was a sight to see, as he grew larger and stronger. Rodimus Prime stood up, and hugged Optimus. Then he turned, raised the Matrix and shouted:
�Autobots! To Optimus Prime!�
They all cheered.
�Well, I guess this is goodbye,� Optimus Prime said. He was beginning to board the spaceship Paladin to start his journey across the universe. Rodimus Prime, Ultra Magnus, and all of the other Autobots had come for the send off, including the ones stationed on Earth. Even Cerebros came from Nebulos, where Fortress Maximus was residing.
�We�ll see you again,� Rodimus said. �I�m sure of it.�
�I will be back,� Optimus assured. �I just want to get a head start on�...what do the humans call it, Spike?�
�Retirement, Prime,� Spike answered, smiling. �Believe me, you�ve earned it!�
�Well, I guess it�s the first time someone has �retired� after they have been dead!� Optimus said. �Goodbye Autobots. Goodbye Rodimus Prime, remember to radio me if anything goes wrong.�
�Will do, Optimus,� Rodimus Prime said. �Take care.�
Optimus Prime boarded the Paladin and took one last look at his Autobots. Looking back at the control panel, he put the spaceship into ignition and took off. The Autobots all watched the ship fly off, until it was no longer in sight. They were so engrossed in watching that they didn�t notice a small figure overhead fly off in the direction of the planet Charr�.
�Welcome Laserbeak,� Galvatron said as the small Decepticon flew in. �Soundwave: I want to know what Laserbeak has seen!�
�Yes, Lord Galvatron,� Soundwave said in his usual monotone. Laserbeak transformed into tape mode as Soundwave transformed. The cassette then installed into Soundwave�s tape deck and was plugged into the monitor.
Galvatron had come to the Decepticon base on Charr right after he left Unicron with the Quintessons. When he had arrived, the Decepticons were feuding amongst themselves without any fit leadership. Galvatron had easily called their attention, especially by explaining where he had come from. He said that he knew how to attain victory, unlike the other Galvatron. They quickly rallied behind him and were ready to fight when possible. Instead, he wisely chose to play the waiting game and see if Unicron was victorious. Sending Laserbeak to do a little espionage, he waited in a nearby cave and built his throne room.
As he sat there in his room, Galvatron watched the playback on the monitor of everything: the Unicron Army, the Chaos-Bringer�s arrival, and his destruction at the hands of Optimus Prime. He especially became interested when he saw that Optimus left Cybertron and put Rodimus Prime in charge with the new Matrix.
�Excellent,� Galvatron said. He pushed the intercom button on his chair. �Cyclonus.�
His lieutenant entered the room. �Yes, Lord Galvatron?�
�I want you to inform the other Decepticons of the following. First, we are going to attack two surprise fronts: Earth and Cybertron. Any rogue Decepticons that attacks before I say so shall be dealt with by me. Second, see if you can locate the spaceship Paladin. If it is found, report to me immediately. I want you on that one personally, Cyclonus. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT alert the occupant of the ship of your presence, so only view from a distance. Now go.�
�As you wish, Galvatron,� Cyclonus said, happy with the new leadership.
Galvatron smiled. It was surprising that he had actually destroyed Cyclonus for ineptitude in his alternate universe. His second-in-command was obviously not as ignorant as Galvatron had thought. No matter. He was given a clean slate this time, a chance to take Cybertron and Earth from the weakling Autobots. If all went according to plan, Optimus Prime would never be a problem, and Rodimus Prime would be killed once again.
Nothing would be able to stand in his way��.
TO BE CONTINUED