Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

(Ancient Egypt, 17,000 B.C., narrated by Optimus Prime...)

“Earth. Birth place of the human race. A species much like our own. Capable of great compassion...and great violence.”  

A tribe of protohuman hunters trekked across the ancient land, unknowingly approaching the Star Harvester. They moved carefully, wary of the Tiger as they stalked it.

“For in our quest to protect the humans, a deeper revelation dawns. Our worlds have met before.”

The tribe of hunters stumbled across the Dynasty of the Primes and the future Constructicons working on the vast machine that would one day lie beneath the Great Pyramid of Giza.

The Primes, Megatronus included, spotted the hunters as one hunter went rigid, terror etched across his face. His teeth showed in a silent scream.

Megatronus growled and made his way toward the hunters. With a mighty stomp, he crushed a few underfoot and hurled another with a powerful throw, revealing his fierce objection to the Primes' rule of sparing inhabited solar systems. This clash between the Primes and the hunters set the stage for a history that will be unveiled to the world in the twenty-first century.

Present Day — 22:14 / Shanghai, China

“Two years and we’re still cleaning up Decepticon leftovers,” Barricade muttered.

Optimus narrates again, “For the last two years, an advance team of new Autobots has taken refuge here under my command.”

In a NEST-owned tractor-trailer, three different motorcycles stayed stationary. One is a pink 2008 Ducati 848 motorcycle. That would be Arcee. The second is a blue 2007 Suzuki B-King 2008 motorcycle. Chromia. The third a orange Yamaha sportbike. Flare-up. 

Alya narrated – “The Autobots formed an alliance with the United States military together. A secret but brave and courageous squadron of human soldiers.”

“A classified strike team called NEST,” Optimus continued. “We hunt for what remains of our Decepticon foes, hiding in different countries around the globe.”

Alya moved slowly through the deserted streets. The city was silent—too silent.

Skids’ voice crackled through the comm-link. “Ice cream for sale! Any bad robots better surrender or get ready for a butt-kicking!”

She rolled her optics, faintly sensing Barricade’s irritation through their bond.

“When we get back, I’m gonna give him an ass whuppin.” Ironhide growled.

“Can barely take anything seriously.” Cade agreed. 

Orders flooded the channel.

“Arcee, Chromia, Flare-Up—prepare to launch!” Lennox commanded.

“Locked and loaded,” Arcee replied.

Alya got into position with Sideswipe and opened her intercom as Lennox began talking to the whole team. 

“All right, listen up. China's cover story on this one is toxic spill. They had to evac the area for search and rescue. This makes six enemy contacts in eight months. We gotta make sure this one does not get out in the public eye, so keep it tight.”

“Roll in Alpha through Echo now.” Nest command ordered.

“Move out! Let's go!” A soldier shouted. Lennox and his team had landed.

At the site, Ironhide pulled up beside the soldiers.

Lennox gently slaps the bonnet of the Autobot's vehicle mode, “All right, Ironhide. We got echoes. Vamos. Steel stacks at 2 o' clock!”

He stood with Epps as Ironhide transformed. Ironhide inhaled sharply. “He’s here. I can smell him.”

The NEST soldiers ran into position. 

“It's close. It's getting closer.” Graham said as he approached the 'con's hiding spot. 

Lennox crouched beside Epps who had a Thermal Imager. “What've you got?” Lennox asked.

“Thermal ripple.” Epps whispered back.

Lennox lifted his left hand to his comms. “Everybody, be steady... We're right on top of it.”

Alya’s voice cut in. “Careful Demolisher is one big-ass fragger.” she warned them.

Then the ground tore open.

A white and red 2009 Terex RH400 mining excavator transformed, revealing itself to be the Constructicon Demolishor.  

Demolishor roared, smashing his shovel-shaped fists into an assortment of cement pipes, scattering them everywhere in an attempt to crush the human soldiers. 

The soldiers yelled and shouted as a few over them were crushed, and the rest scattered to avoid the pipes and explosions.

“Eagle-Niner!” Will shouted, ducking behind cover.

Demolishor finishes transforming and starts rolling away on his own wheel. 

Epps yelled into his radio, “Panther One, requesting fire mission now!”

“Gunships are on station. Rolling in hot!” Came the reply from command. “Dog One, we are now engaging.” A Blackhawk pilot replied.

One of the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters fired two missiles at Demolishor. Demolishor shrugged off the shots before slamming a massive fist onto the tail rotor of one of the helicopters, sending it crashing to the ground in a fireball.

Not far from the chaos, an silver Audi R8 sports peeled away from the site.

Sideways. 

“We got a second Decepticon.” A pilot in an overhead chopper announced. 

Sideways smirked to himself as he made it out of the construction site in one piece, but soon growled, after he rounded a corner, and was forced to slam on his brakes.

A yellow Lamborghini Gallardo was sitting in the middle of the road, engine revving eagerly.

Sunstreaker grinned, “Well, well, well, what have we here? A Decepticon with a paint job shiner than mine?”

“Hey, punk? Want a head start?” Sunstreaker taunted.

Sideways tires screeched loudly as he took off in reverse. The Autobot charged the Con, but was forced to slow down to avoid bullets (and a damaged paint job) from his opponent. 

The Autobot lost ground, groaning as Sideways started driving away.

“Girls! Twins! Target coming your way!” Lennox shouted over the comms.

In a warehouse leading away from the factory district, Arcee and her sisters drove along in preparation to fight Sideways.

“I got 'im, I got 'im!” Mudflap said, as he and Skids followed after the Con, who took sharp turn into an alleyway. 

In the alleyway, Arcee and her sisters transform to their robot modes, taking turns shooting at Sideways as they skated across the street on their wheels for feet. 

Even though most of the shots landed multiple hits, Sideways is unaffected. The four Autobots surround Sideways, in response he transforms to robot mode, and takes a running start before diving headlong into a building at the end of the alleyway.

Sideways cleanly dives right through the building, the explosion causing one of the inhabitants reading a newspaper to dive for cover while the senior resident casually eats noodles as the chase continues, even though he turns around too late and too slowly to see what happened. 

Sideways dives out of the building before transforming back to vehicle mode as Arcee and her sisters continue to open fire.

Skids calls out, “Watch it, watch it—” The Twins' shared vehicle mode breaks in two, they transform to robot mode after crashing into some barrels in a failed attempt to make a sharp right turn.

Mudflap crashed three times before stopping, “Oof! Ah! Yah!” He got up stating, “I screwed that one up. I'm okay. I'm all right.”

“This is combat, man! What's wrong with you?” Skids punched Mudflap for screwing up the sharp turn.

Meanwhile, on the streets of Shanghai leading away from the warehouses, several NEST soldiers join the chase.

“Bring in Sideswipe and Seer!” Lennox ordered. Alya and Sideswipe tore into motion. 

A silver 2009 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray sports car transformed to reveal Sideswipe.

“Clear a path!” he shouted as he skated around the corner with Alya in front. Sideswipe crouched down, hoisting Alya into the air with a grunt. 

In midair, she transformed and opened fire on the Decepticon.

Moving with effortless grace, Sideswipe drew one of his blades, jammed its tip into the pavement, and vaulted skyward, firing at Sideways as he rose.

He hurled the sword into the 'bonnet—only for Sideways to jerk aside at the last second, causing Sideswipe to lose his grip and tumble away.

Swiftly, Alya pirouetted, seizing the sword and drove it straight through Sideways, slicing him clean in two, resulting in the complete destruction of the Decepticon.

Sideswipe spun away from the explosion that follows, and he couldn't resist boasting, “Damn, I'm good!” With casual confidence, he slid the blade back into his forearm.

“Stop gloating!” Sunstreaker glared at his brother.

“What's the matter? Are you slowing down in your old age?” Sideswipe smirked smugly.

”I'm only two Breems older than you.” Sunstreaker narrowed his optics, folding his arms across his chest.

“Stop bickering you two!” scolded Arcee, shooting an exasperated look at the bickering twins.

They respond in a comical, child-like manner, each pointing a finger at the other, accompanied by an “He started it!” Arcee lets out a weary sigh.

Meanwhile Alya sped toward the highway to regroup with the others. Demolishor thundered forward with a monstrous roar, barreling through a line of vehicles—crushing some beneath his massive wheel, hurling others aside, and tearing into the bridge as he stormed onto the freeway.

Using her telekinesis, Alya swept the undamaged cars out of harm’s way, all while making sure the trapped drivers were pulled to safety amid the chaos. It became evident that this incident was bound to attract widespread attention, as the power of the internet should never be underestimated.

Epps radioed, “Air support, we need Big Buddha to deliver the drop now!”

High above, inside a C-17 Globetrotter, the pilot spoke calmly over comms. “Cyclone nine-eight, final attack hitting in one two zero. Clear drop in five, four, three, two, one.”

The rear ramp opened, and Optimus Prime drove out into open air, transforming mid-fall as parachutes burst free to slow his descent.

As the ground rushed up to meet him, he transmitted, “Autobots, I’m in pursuit!” Then he cut the chutes, shifted back into vehicle mode, and hit the freeway at full speed.

Racing along the highway, Optimus closed in on Demolishor as the Decepticon charged toward the overpass. When Demolishor tore through the bridge, Optimus vaulted from the structure and landed on his helm. “Pull over!” he commanded.

Disregarding Optimus' order, Demolishor obliterates the bridge. Amid the destruction, Alya flung out her hands and used her telekinesis, dragging shattered sections of the bridge back together

In the distance, Ironhide raced through yet another explosion. Ahead, Demolishor barrels on without hesitation, still ignoring Optimus’ command to stand down. With no other option left, the Autobot leader makes the call himself—raising his ion blaster and firing two direct shots into Demolishor’s head before launching himself clear.

Ironhide shifts into robot mode and immediately opens fire on Demolishor’s lower wheel. This sends the giant Constructicon swerving off the freeway, slamming into a pipe and skidding into a nearby warehouse, his wheels splitting apart as he crashes through the structure.

Optimus, Ironhide, and Alya reach the wrecked site together. Ironhide curls a lip and growls, “Punk ass Decepticon!”

With his battle mask still locked in place, Optimus fixes Demolishor with an icy stare. “Any final words?”

Energon leaked from the cracks in Demolishor’s shattered armor as he let out a weak, mocking laugh. “This is not your pla-anet to rule.” He smirked at their expressions, and his optics shone with glee as he delivered the most important message Sideways gave him. “The Fallen shall rise again!”

Epps muttered, “That doesn't sound good.”

“Not today,” Optimus answered, lifting his blaster to finish it—but a sudden shot tore through Demolishor’s chassis first, killing him instantly.

Optimus and Ironhide turned in unison toward Alya. Her cannons were still raised, faintly smoking. She offered a small shrug.

“You were taking too long.”

Chapter Text

Arriving at NEST Headquarters in Diego Garcia, she slipped out of the C-17 and drove in behind Optimus, Lennox, and the rest of the unit.

An officer’s voice echoed over the P.A. system: “Autobot Twins, report to Hangar Three.”

“Which ones?” both pairs called back.

“Skids and Mudflap!” she called out.

The two rambunctious bots peeled off and headed straight for the hangar.

She caught sight of Lennox walking in with Galloway just as a soldier announced, “Secure link to JCS is up and running, Major!”

She stepped onto the platform, reaching it just as Galloway tried to stride past—only for her to smoothly block his path.

“Apologies for my teammate,” Will said, a hint of amusement tugging at his voice. “The last op struck a nerve with them, and will all due respect your visit isn't helping.”

Galloway snorted. “And you believe keeping her on this team is smart? A battlefield isn’t fit for an overly emotional female—even if she’s an Autobot.”

She went still, and from across the room both Barricade and Optimus stiffened in response. Oh, he did not just go there. Drawing a steady breath, she forced her temper back down, and the two mechs eased slightly—well aware she had a fiery streak. 

“General?” Will said, greeting General Morshower.

“Will, I saw the Shanghai op. We had a rough day out there.” the General replied with a weary exhale.

“Yes, sir. We have intel that I believe warrants an immediate debrief. Now, with your permission, I can't let you see them, but I would like for you to hear from the leader of the Autobots and his equal.” Will said.

“Proceed.” the General allowed.

Optimus shifted into robot form, and Alya transformed beside him. Catching Galloway’s look, Epps leaned over and murmured, "You got to wonder, if God made us in his image, who made them?” 

Optimus began, “General, our alliance has countermanded six Decepticon incursions this year, each on a different continent. They're clearly searching around the world for something. But last night's encounter came with a warning.”

He played the recording of Demolishor’s final words: “The Fallen shall rise again.”

General Morshower’s brow tightened. “The Fallen. Meaning what?”

Alya stepped in. “The Fallen is the second identity of Megatronus Prime, one of the thirteen original creations of the Allspark from the very beginning of time on Cybertron. If he’s involved, it may be because of a Star Harvester.”

“And those are…?” the General pressed.

“They're special machines built by the Primes.” she explained. “They harvest solar energy and solar radiation from a star convert it to Energon. But the process destroys the sun in the end. I’ve been examining the Allspark’s ancient stellar charts, and I’m starting to think one of those machines might be hidden somewhere on Earth.”

Director Galloway’s voice cut across the room. “Excuse me!” Both Optimus and Alya turned to him.

“With this so-called Fallen Prime after the Star Harvester, is this why the enemy hasn't left the planet like you thought they would?” he said as he started climbing the scaffolding.

Lennox turned back to the monitor and began to explain, “Director Galloway, our National Security Advisor. The President appointed him liaison.”

“Well, I guess I didn't get that memo.” General Morshower said dryly.

Galloway shouldered his way past several soldiers to plant himself in front of the camera feeds. “Forgive the interruption, General Morshower. Pardon me. Coming through. Excuse me. Pardon me, soldier. Ahem. After all the damage in Shanghai that was swiftly cleaned up thanks to Mrs. Smith, President Obama is, so to speak, hard-pressed to say the job's getting done.”

He gave Lennox a look before turning to face Optimus and Alya. “Now, under the Classified Alien/Autobot Cooperation Act, you agreed to share your intelligence with us, but not your advancements in weaponry.”

Optimus answered evenly, “We've witnessed your human capacity for war. It would absolutely bring more harm than good.”

Galloway, showing no sense of restraint, pressed on. “But who are you to judge what’s best for us—especially since you, Alya, used to be human yourself?”

Lennox cut in, “With all due respect, sir, we've been fighting side by side in the field for two years.”

Epps added from beside Optimus's left pede, “We've shed blood, sweat and precious metal together.”

Director Galloway shot back, “Soldier, you're being paid to shoot, not talk.”

Alya’s plasma cannon snapped up in an instant, trained on him as her voice dropped low. ”Don't tempt me, because with the way I'm feeling about your attitude, I won't hesitate to vaporize you, I swear to Primus himself!”

Galloway stumbled back, fear flickering across his face.

“Easy,” Optimus urged, placing a hand on her shoulder—only for her to growl, making even him back off.

Trying to regain composure under the watchful eyes around him, Galloway cleared his throat. “A-And then there are the newest additions to your team…”

Barricade snarled sharply. “Children don’t belong on a battlefield unless they’re trained or absolutely necessary.”

Alya nodded. “Now that more of us are here, the kids won’t be fighting.”

Galloway swallowed and nodded quickly. “I-I understand that they arrived to Earth after Optimus sent a message into space, an open invitation to make their way here, vetted by no one at the White House.”

General Morshower stepped in. “Let me stop you right there, Mr. Galloway. It was also vetted right here. And in my experience, the judgments of Lennox and his team has always been above reproach.” 

Galloway stiffened. “Well, be that as it may, General, it is the position of the President that when our national security is at stake... No one is above reproach...”

Alya turned away while Galloway kept rambling, knowing that if she stayed any longer she might actually snap. Mid-growl, she froze as her awareness expanded outward—far past the base, up into orbit. A voice sliced into her mind like a knife: “Decepticons, we have located the shard,” Soundwave reported.

A sharp burst of pain tore through her head, earning a pained pulse. Barricade sent a worried pulse through their bond, but she gently shut him out and forced herself to focus on the ongoing discussion.

Galloway pressed on, “So. Let me ask, if we ultimately conclude that our national security is best served by denying you further asylum on our planet, will you leave? Peacefully?”

Alya’s growl was already rising, but Optimus stepped in before she could speak. “Freedom is your right. If you make that request, we will honor it.” Galloway turned away.

“But...” Optimus said causing him to turn back. “Before your President decides, please ask him this: What if we leave... and you're wrong?”

“That’s a good question.” Lennox said for Galloway.

At last, Galloway departed. Alya immediately headed for Barricade.

~Idiot. Why would you talk about classified intel when the satellites aren’t secure?~ she snapped through the bond.

“What?” Barricade asked, baffled.

~The Decepticons are going after the Allspark shard the government’s hiding.~ she told him.

~Then we need to warn Lennox—or Optimus. Wait… they’re planning to revive Megatron, aren’t they?~ Barricade realized.

“Frag,” he muttered, optics squeezing shut in frustration.

She let out a short laugh—just as alarms blared. The Autobots transformed on instinct, confusion rippling through the hangar as Lennox sprinted around shouting about a perimeter breach.

“They’re stealing the shard to bring back Bucket-Head.” she said matter-of-factly.

That got everyone’s attention.

“How do you—? Right. The Allspark,” Ironhide muttered, answering his own question.

“Even if we mobilize right now, they’ll get to it first.” she said with a grim look.

“They’ll use it to revive Megatron. And if he comes back, he’ll be out for revenge.” Barricade snarled.

Alya’s expression fell. “Sam.”

Chapter Text

The next morning, Bumblebee took Sam to see Optimus at a local cemetery overlooking a white river. 

Alya already knew exactly what conversation awaited them, so she chose not to follow. Instead, she slipped away to a building near Sam’s college, deciding to keep watch from there.

While she waited, her mind drifted. If things went the same… could she take Optimus’s place? Could she be the one to die?

But the thought of her family—and her mission—stopped that line of thinking. She didn’t even know whether the Matrix would revive her the same way it had revived him. Throwing herself away now would serve no one.

She approached the building just as Mikaela’s car pulled in. Good—she’d arrived before her. Crouching down she jumped up through the window and drove a roundhouse kick straight into the Pretender’s face.

In an instant, she seized a screaming Sam’s arm and yanked him up. “Move it, dumbass!” she barked, shoving him toward the doorway where Leo was waiting. She grabbed Leo too, and the three of them tore around the corner—nearly colliding with Mikaela.

“GO!” Alya shouted at her.

Students shrieked like frightened children, scattering in every direction. Sam's roommate–Leo was babling up a storm. “Leonardo Ponce de Leon Sptiz, for the love of—SHUT UP.” she hissed, dragging them into the library and hiding them behind the shelves.

“How do you know my Government name?!” he squealed.

“I know everything. Be quiet.”

The doors to the library exploded giving everyone a massive fright. Sam scrambled up onto a chandelier, while Mikaela and Leo used the railing to climb down. The cables snapped, dropping Sam—but Alya caught him before he hit the ground fully.

“Run!” she ordered, as Leo and Mikaela joined them. The library was in absolute Chaos. People were flipping over tables ducking for cover, screaming and yelling in confusion, no one understood what was happening. People were crowding around the exit in a panic. In the chaos of all of it she fired a hole straight through the wall.

“GO!” She shoved all three of them into the open before turning to face the Pretender.

The Decepticon femme snarled; Alya returned the sound and lunged. Fresh cuts and gouges opened along her skin from the creature’s claws. She caught the Pretender by the head and hurled her backward—only to cry out as a swipe raked down her cheek.

~Alya, are you hurt?~ Barricade called through the bond. She jolted at the sudden intrusion.

~I’m fine!~ she snapped.

~Then why—~

~Cade! Give me two fragging minutes!~

The Pretender hurled her through a window, smashing her into a stone column. Groaning, she pushed upright and checked her injuries as the femme strutted off.

“So… this might not be the best moment to mention something…” Amalgamous Prime said delicately.

What? she growled.

Prima answered flatly, “You’re sparked.”

WHAT?!

“...You mean to tell me I just fought—am going to fight—and I’m sparked?!” she roared.

Some Primes actually recoiled.

“...Yes…?” Nexus said hesitantly.

She hissed out a furious “Frag!” and sprinted across the campus, reaching the teens just as Mikaela rammed the Pretender into a pole.

“Yes!” she cackled viscously, diving through the open car window into the backseat. Sam twisted around. “Alya! Are you okay?”

“Peachy.” she muttered.

Leo flailed. “Okay, so what ELSE don’t I know?! Since you guys forgot to mention some minor details!”

Alya leaned back with a sigh, absolutely unwilling to explain any of it. She pinged the comms instead,

:Autobots, do you read me? Optimus, come in.:

:Alya! Do you have any idea how worried I was?: Barricade shot back.

:You can lecture me later. Sam was just attacked by a Decepticon.:

:Is he unharmed?: Optimus asked.

:He’s terrified, but alive. I’m with them now. Also—apparently, I’m carrying.:

Mikaela kept dodging the cars as they drove the opposite direction. “That thing you saw back there, that was the little baby–” Sam didn't get to finish his sentence as a military helicopter came towards us making Mikaela to hit the brakes, causing the car to swerve. 

And then a metal spike shot into the car.

Chapter Text

That thought barely left her mind before a metal spike punched into the car. The Decepticon’s hook tore straight through the center of the vehicle, nicking her left cheek as the whole vehicle lurched upward. As the car was lifted into the air, terrified screams filled the cabin. 

Another car blared its horn and slammed into them head-on, sending their vehicle into a wild spin. The force flung Sam’s door open—he tumbled halfway out, clinging desperately to the door frame. 

Panic jolted through her, and she and Mikaela shouted in unison, “Sam!” The car kept climbing, spinning rapidly as the ground fell farther and farther away. 

Sam hung on for dear life while Mikaela and Leo scrambled to pull him back. Leo’s voice cracked with hysteria: “I don’t want to die! We’re gonna die! Oh my God!”

Alya shot back, firm and unshaken, “We’re not going to die!” But the declaration had barely left her mouth when the Decepticon helicopter abruptly let go. 

The car dropped like a stone the sudden descent made the vehicle flip over before crashing through the roof, sending all of them into a chorus of horrified screams. 

The impact on the ground shattered the windows, and the car's airbags deployed in an attempt to protect them from the crash. 

The impact snapped her helm against the metal roof of the car, leaving her dazed. A saw-blade whirred to life overhead, carving straight through the car and splitting it apart.

As the frame peeled open, Mikaela grabbed her and hauled her upright while Sam edged toward Megatron, obeying the orders barked at him. As Sam disappeared down the stairs, Alya’s vision swam and her hearing faded to a dull hum—but she could feel her systems working overtime to repair the damage.

Just as her senses began to snap into focus, Optimus crashed through the skylight and Bumblebee tore through the warehouse wall, both firing at the Decepticons without hesitation.

Sam scrambled back to his feet, while Mikaela and Leo bolted for the nearest exit. Alya dropped down, seized Sam’s arm, and steered him toward a gap in the wall. They crawled through just in time to see Optimus launch himself through the opening Megatron had blasted on his way out.

“Sam! Alya!” Optimus called, shifting into his truck form. She pushed Sam toward the cab and climbed in after him. Optimus chased after the fleeing Decepticon, the road funneled them into a thick stretch of forest. Alya exhaled sharply, one hand pressed to her abdomen.

“You okay?” Sam asked quietly. 

She answered, “Just tired.” Leaning out the window, she retched, Sam rubbed her back, but his face suddenly tightened as he caught sight of movement in the mirror. “Here he comes!” he warned.

Optimus slammed on the brakes, half-transforming as Megatron barreled toward them in tank mode. A blast struck Optimus’s wheels, and Megatron completed his transformation mid-charge, slamming into him. The collision sent both titans crashing into the forest below—throwing Alya and Sam from Optimus’s hold and sending them skidding across dirt and underbrush.

“Hide!” Optimus commanded, his voice echoing through the trees.

Alya pushed herself upright, one arm instinctively shielding her abdomen as she watched the fight. Sam grabbed her arm and pulled her away, making her stumble before she found her footing. Together, they sprinted deeper into the woods until Sam dragged them both behind a thick tree trunk. He pressed his back to it, eyes locked on the fight ahead just in time to see Optimus punch Megatron’s face.

Megatron recovered quickly, lunging at Optimus, and tackling him to the ground.

But the Autobot leader recovered, flipping Megatron over him. Rolling onto his feet he took a fallen tree from the ground and hit Megatron with it, taunting, “You’re weak!”

Megatron attempted to slash at Optimus, yet the Autobot leader countered by tearing at his back-mounted jetpack and retorting, “Puny. Waste of metal!”

Optimus followed with another solid punch to Megatron’s face before igniting his Battle Blade, repeatedly slashing at his formidable opponent, all while shouting, “Junkyard scrap!”

At last, Megatron was sent flying. As he staggered back, he bellowed, “Decepticons!”

Alya’s attention snapped to her right—Starscream and Grindor were closing in fast. Instinct took over. She grabbed Sam by the collar and yanked him backward.

“Move!” she urged, releasing him as they both sprinted deeper into the forest.

“Come here, girl.” Starscream called as he chased after them.

Alya flinched at the realization—they were targeting her, not Sam. Of course they were. She had been the one to end Megatron, and alive she was even more valuable because of the Allspark. Sam… Sam must have just been bait to drag her out of hiding.

Meanwhile, Megatron tore himself free from his clash with Optimus and charged in their direction. Alya spun around, her hand shifting into a cannon, and fired at Starscream, the blast striking his shoulder. Behind her, Optimus tackled Megatron again, making them roll. 

Megatron rose with a kick aimed at Optimus’s side, but the Autobot leader caught it, locking his arm around Megatron’s knee joint. With a punch to the joint, he forced Megatron down to one knee. Seizing Megatron by the shoulder, Optimus drove his knee into the Decepticon’s face before pivoting to confront Starscream.

Turning away from the scene Alya sprinted after Sam, weaving around collapsing trees as they crashed to the ground.

Sam even did a front flip over a tree, that turned into a roll to his feet. They ducked behind a fallen trunk, peering out just in time to see Optimus taking on all four Decepticons at once. 

“There is another source of Energon hidden on this planet. Those humans could lead us to it,” Megatron growled, trying to sway Optimus. But the Autobot leader resisted.

Megatron then sent a brutal kick to Optimus’s face, sending him staggering back.

“Optimus!” Sam and Alya shouted together. She instinctively surged forward to help, but Sam grabbed her arm and yanked her down beside him.

“What are you doing?” he hissed. “We can’t do anything—and you’re pregnant. You can’t fight like this.”

Alya clenched her jaw, frustration burning through her, but she stayed put and forced her focus back on the battle.

A heartbeat later, Optimus was shot in the chassis and flung in their direction. Both Sam and Alya scrambled aside, diving behind the exposed roots of an uprooted tree as the Autobot leader slammed into the ground only a few feet away.

Megatron advanced, voice dripping with contempt. “Is the future of our race not worth a single life?”

Sam shouted desperately, “Up! Get up!”

Optimus pushed himself upright, his hands shifting into twin swords. “You’ll never stop at one!” he roared. Then, with fierce resolve, he declared, “I’ll take you all on!”

With a swift strike, Optimus severed Blackout’s arm, sending it spinning toward Megatron. Alya risked a glance just in time to see Optimus smack Starscream aside with the flat of his blade before turning to slash Grindor across his chassis.

Optimus vaulted over Starscream’s back in an across back roll, driving the seeker straight into Megatron’s path. He dodged Grindor’s strike and immediately turned—stabbing his weapon into Megatron’s left leg and wrenching out a chunk.

He followed by plunging his blade into Megatron’s side, dropping the warlord to the ground. A second stab hit his left shoulder, and two heavy punches forced Megatron to stumble backward.

Turning to face Starscream, Optimus cut off his arm and smacked him with it twice, before jumping on Grindor. He climbed around onto his back, driving his sickle-like blades into Grindor's face and ruthlessly tearing him apart. The Decepticon’s lifeless body collapsed to the ground.

“Piece of tin!” Optimus muttered, dropping into a slight crouch on the forest floor as he scanned the area frantically. “Sam! Alya! Where are you!?”

Alya and Sam stepped out from their cover, Alya's eyes widened in terror as she caught sight of Megatron closing in on Optimus from behind. “Behind you!” she screamed—but the warning came too late.

Megatron struck with deadly speed, seizing Optimus and driving a sword through his chest from behind. 

“No!” Optimus shouted, trying in vain to grasp the sword embedded in his chest as he hung suspended in the air.

A crushing wave of despair hit Alya as she watched their leader—her protector—impaled and helpless. Megatron sneered, “You’re so weak!” and fired his cannon straight into Optimus’s chest. 

Alya let out a raw scream as their bond was violently severed, and Optimus’s dying frame crashed to the forest floor beside them. The impact shook the ground, knocking both her and Sam off balance.

“Run… run…” Optimus managed to whisper, his voice fading as his once-brilliant blue optics dimmed, and an awful, hollow quiet swallowed everything around her.

Her entire world fractured in that moment.

Sam grabbed her hand, tugging her away from Optimus’s still form just as the other Autobots arrived.

“Autobots, attack!” Ironhide roared, unleashing a barrage of fire at Megatron while Ratchet joined him, providing cover.

A blast streaked toward Ironhide, but he dodged effortlessly, “Bumblebee, get them out of here!” Ratchet commanded, continuing to fire as they reached the yellow Autobot.

Sam climbed into the passenger seat while Alya dropped into the back. The battle thundered behind them as Bee sped away, but Alya barely heard it—all she could feel was the echo of Optimus’s sacrifice, haunting her like a gaping wound.

Chapter Text

The Autobots drove for a long stretch before finally stopping in a deserted area on the far edge of the city—an empty, forgotten place, but safe enough as long as the Decepticons didn’t track them there. After the nightmare they’d just survived, any shelter was a blessing.

Alya sat still, barely registering when Sam led her out of the car to a chair. Her mind felt foggy, as though someone had wrapped the world in thick cotton. Sounds drifted in muted pulses; shapes blurred at the edges. She stared ahead without really seeing anything, her thoughts slipping in and out of focus.

If this was what it felt like to have a bond ripped apart… Primus, she couldn’t imagine how a Cybertronian survived a shattered mate-bond?

Was this the same hollow ache Optimus endured when Megatron severed their brother-bond? How had he learned to carry this void without collapsing under its weight?

Some corner of her mind still registered the outside world—The Fallen broadcasting their faces across the planet, Sam’s parents likely already captured, and that thousands of people were dead across the globe.

Her spark clenched painfully, her vents hitching even though she didn’t need to breathe anymore. A tremor ran through her frame. Oh. That detached part of her finally recognized it. She was having a panic attack.

Stop. Stop it. He’s coming back. He’s fine. He’s coming back.

She was a shifter; she had survived worse. She had walked through the wreckage of timelines long since collapsed. Had dragged dying worlds back from the brink and stitched their broken edges together with her bare hands. She had witnessed a cosmos ignite into being… and later watched it dissolve into dust.

She had lived for millenniums. She had seen thousands die in battle, comrades falling one by one. She straightened, forcing the tremor out of her frame, forcing the softness out of her spark.

This would not break her. It would not.

She tuned into the radio channel, and got a range of different articles all saying the same thing.

“What we're hearing from the German government is that the world broadcast was a satellite hacking,” one reporter was saying. 

“The military has just told us they have just assumed Condition Delta, which is the highest level we have been at since 9/11. President Obama is being flown to a bunker somewhere in the middle of the United States in the face of the worst simultaneous attacks ever around the globe. The aircraft carrier USS Roosevelt goes down off the East Coast, all hands lost. Worldwide casualties are in the neighbourhood of 7,000, but that number could climb.”

She closed her eyes and prayed for those people's souls, she didn't feel guilty she knew from experience that you couldn't save everyone.

“What we need to ask now, is 'Who and why'?” the reporter said, before Alya flicked over to a different broadcast.

“The FBI is still trying to locate the boy, Sam Witwicky, and a woman, Alya Smith.” a reporter said, surprising Alya.

They were using her human disguise instead of looking for Sam. She flicked to another channel, which was a live recording from a press conference, and an official was currently speaking. 

“We believe they have information about the attacks,” he said. “The FBI, CIA and Interpol are all seeking the cooperation of worldwide law enforcement.”

Alya exhaled slowly and turned off the radio. Even from the far side of the yard, her Cybertronian hearing picked up Leo’s frantic rambling to Sam. No doubt he had been watching the news on his phone. She shut his voice out entirely until Sam’s footsteps approached, prompting her to lift her head.

He looked shaken, overwhelmed, being declared a fugitive finally tipping him over the edge. Leo’s nonstop commentary wasn’t helping. Alya allowed their conversation to fade into background noise again as she stared off toward the horizon.

A plan—that’s what they needed. She had a rough idea of where the Matrix was hidden, but Jetfire and Simmons were essential pieces in the long run. Better to secure both of them first before taking the next step.

Night had fallen, and the mood of the small group of fugitives wasn't any better. Mikaela, sat in an armchair close to the fire. Bumblebee had transformed and sat beside her. The twins were across the yard, and Leo and Sam were nowhere to be seen.

Alya’s helm tilted when the gate gave a faint creak. Sam slipped inside, shoulders slumped, and Mikaela immediately stood to wrap him in a wordless embrace. Alya looked away to give them space, only glancing back when Sam approached her.

“There’s no way to know what’s happened to Optimus and the others, is there?” he murmured.

Alya offered a faint smile. “I checked in with Barricade earlier,” she said. “They’re being taken back to Diego Garcia with Optimus tonight. Galloway’s shut NEST down for now, and he’s debating turning you over to the authorities… if he can even find us.”

“Who is Galloway?” Sam asked with a confused look.

“A grade-A pain in the ass who thinks he runs the universe,” Skids cut in.

Alya let out a small, amused breath. “Director Galloway is the National Security Advisor,” she clarified. “Newly appointed liaison from the President. And yes, he’s every bit the jerk they say he is. Barricade told me to stay put and not interfere with anything.”

Sam raised a brow. “And you told him… what?”

Her smirk said everything. “That there’s no chance I’m sitting on the sidelines.”

He managed a tiny smile before it faded again, and leaned against the car beside Bee. “Bee, if you hate me, I understand,” he said. Bumblebee turned his helm away sadly, and there were tears in Sam's eyes again. “I messed up. I'm sorry.”

Bumblebee's radio whirred to life. “Young fella, you are the person I care about most in my life.” He turned to Sam. “If there's anything you need, I won't be far away.”

Head bowed, Sam sat beside Mikaela. “He's dead because of me. He came here to protect me and he's dead.”

“There's some things you just can't change,” Bumblebee told him. “So, his sacrifice for us would not have been in vain. Hallelujah!”

Sam opened his mouth, clearly preparing to argue — so Alya cut in.

“Don’t even think about turning yourself in. That’s not the solution,” she said firmly. “I already have a plan.”

Everyone looked at her.

“The Decepticons want the Star Harvester. They can’t use it without the Matrix. And if anyone knows where ancient alien tech got buried on Earth, it’s Simmons.”

Sam groaned. “Seriously? That guy?”

Alya shrugged. “He was part of Sector Seven. If it’s connected to Cybertron, they documented it. Now we just gotta find him.”

“Look who came sashaying back!” Skids said suddenly, catching their attention as Leo walked into the yard. 

“Hair growing like a Chia Pet. Look at him,” Mudflap added.

“I had a bit of a mild panic attack earlier, right?” Leo began.

“That's 'cause you're a pussy.” Mudflap teased, making Skids snigger and the two twins fist- bumped one another.

Leo glared at them. “I think I'm allowed that considering what I've been through. I heard you have a problem. I think I know someone who can help.”

Sam scoffed quietly. “Who?”

Leo looked around at them before replying. “Robo-Warrior.” he said. 

Chapter Text

“Alya, Alya!” She heard her name being called by Mikaela as she gently shook you awake. Alya bolted up and looked around quickly. “Hey, hey, it's okay.” Mikaela held her hands up in a soothing motion as she realized where she was. 

Mikaela nudged her head to the side, “Come on. We're here.” Alya glanced out the window at the deli shop and nodded, “Alright, let's go see this asshole.” She said, making Mikaela look at her in confusion before they both got out.

Stepping inside with Sam and Mikaela, she glanced around the place, “It's him! It's him! That's the guy right there, it's him!” Leo called, pointing at the guy behind the deli counter. 

He and Sam stared at each other in disbelief, “No...” Simmons breathed. Sam pulled off his cap, “You've got to be kidding me.” He said blandly. 

“Agent Seymour Simmons.” Alya greeted.

Simmons jumped into action and tapped the bell on the countertop. ”Alright, meat store's closed!” he called. “Everybody out! Out, right now! That means you, lady, right now.”

“When he says to go, you go.” the older lady added.

As the customers shuffled out of the store, Leo stared at the others incredulously. “Wait a minute. You know this guy?” he demanded, pointing at Simmons.

“We're old friends.” Sam supplied.

Simmons stared at Sam. ”Old friends?” he repeated. “You're the case that shut down Sector Seven, got the kibosh, disbanded. No more security clearance, no retirement, no nothing. All 'cause of you, and your little criminal girlfriend.” He gave Mikaela a once – over glance. “Look at her now, so mature.”

“Moron!” the older lady snapped. “Where's the whitefish?”

“Hey! Don't touch me with the pig,” an employee snapped at another.

“Yakov!” Simmons snapped.

“What?!” The employee turned to Simmons.

“You don't get Christmas bonuses standing around!” Simmons told him. “You want those new teeth you saw on SkyMall?”

Yakov nodded, his teeth were sticking out awkwardly. “It's my dream.”

“Help her out.” Simmons gestured to the older lady.

“You live with your mama?” Mikaela asked him.

“No, my mama lives with me. It's a big difference,” Simmons corrected. His gaze then landed on Alya. “I see you've got Autobot – military protection too, huh?”

Alya raised an eyebrow, folding her arms. “I would say nice to see you, too. But the last time we saw each other was when you tied me down and tortured me.”

He smirked. “Ah good times.” He then turned serious and frowned at Sam. “They got your face all over the news, alien boy.”

“Yeah, I know.” Sam said indifferently.

“And NBE One's still kicking, huh? How did that happen? Don't answer.” Simmons shook his head before any of them could answer. “I don't know what you're hiding, but I don't want anything to do with it,” he said. “So, goodbye. You never saw me. I got bagels to schmear. Vanish.”

Alya laughed and put her hand on Simmons shoulder. “I'm this fucking close to snapping and shooting this place up with my alien gun because Optimus is dead.” She said with a smile.

“Now. You have three seconds to take us wherever your super-secret nerd base is and move along before you and your mamma have nowhere left to live.” She said, her smile becoming strained.

She could feel Mikaela and Sam staring at her worriedly while Leo was obviously bug- eyed. Simmons eyes widened, “Optimus...? Alright, alright fine. Let's go, follow me.”

Simmons led the four of them into his walk-in meat locker and pulled up a section of the floor. “What you're about to see is top secret,” he told them seriously. “Do not tell my mother.” He lifted the trapdoor, revealing a ladder leading to a room underground that was similar to an old fashioned study.

“Swine flu,” Leo muttered. “Not good.”

“Now you know,” Simmons said as he started down the ladder. “Next time you eat a goat or a pig, there's a story behind it. Sad little story.”

They followed him down, there were cabinets against the walls with massive stacks of folders and files towering on top of them and covering every available surface.

“Okay, files, files,” Simmons muttered to himself. He looked up, then sharply hit Leo's hand with a file when it strayed close to a glass container containing Frenzy's head. “Hey, still radioactive. Hands off.”

“Look for the files about the alien symbols.” Alya said, leaning against the wall. Simmons turned to her, “Symbols?”

“Yeah, they're ancient. Possibly older than the Autobots.” Alya added.

Simmons walked to a cabinet with another stacked on top of it, with hundreds of files stacked on top of that. “Before I got fired, I poached S-7's crown jewel, over 75 years of alien research, which points to one inescapable fact.”

They watched as he pulled out drawers to use as stairs to get himself to the top pile. “The Transformers, they've been here a long, long time. How do I know?” He tossed a folder down to Leo. “Archaeologists found these unexplained markings in ancient ruins all over the world.”

He came down again and took the folder, placing a photo on the table. “China.” He placed another photo. “Egypt.” And another. “Greece.” He set up an old video recording of archaeologists in the desert. “Shot in 1932. Those the symbols?”

“Yup.” Alya nodded.

“Same ones over here, right?” Simmons pointed at the photos. ”So, tell me, how did they end up all drawing the same things? Aliens. And I think some of them stayed.”

He held up another file and began pulling out photos of old vehicles and planes. “Check this out. Project Black Knife. Robots in disguise, hiding here all along. We detected radioactive signatures all across the country. I pleaded on my knees with S-7 to investigate it, but they said the readings were infinitesimal, that I was obsessed.” He hit the table angrily with his fist. “Me. Can you imagine that?”

“Yeah.” Sam nodded slowly. “Megatron said that there was another Energon source here.”

“On Earth,” Simmons verified.

“On Earth.”

“Another source?”

“Yes.” Alya said with gritted teeth. 

The former agent sighed. “Well, then we're porked, unless we can talk to a Decepticon. I mean, I'm not on speaking terms with them.”

“Actually, I am.” They all stared at Mikaela as she spoke up for the first time since entering the meat locker. “I'll be right back.”

Sam and Mikaela reappeared a few minutes later, with Mikaela carrying a metal box. They heard a voice yell, “Let me out!” from inside as Mikaela set it on the table.

“This is going to be a little bit sad.” she warned. “Open it.” Sam ordered.

Mikaela opened the lid and a small Decepticon suddenly leaped out, but it didn't get far because of the chain tied around it that Mikaela was holding. Leo shrieked in terror, and Simmons and Sam both jumped back as it lunged forward, while Alya merely growled at the little robot.

“I will have so many Decepticons on your butt!” he shouted.

Mikaela reined in the chain and aimed a mini welding torch at the small Decepticon, who immediately shut up at the sight of it. “Hey, behave!” she ordered.

“What is it, a Decepticon?” Sam asked.

Mikaela lowered the welding torch. “Yeah.”

Sam stared at her before knocking the Decepticon away from him. “And you're training him?” he asked in disbelief.

“I'm trying to.”

“I spent my whole adult life combing the planet for aliens... And you're carrying one around in your purse like a little Chihuahua.” Simmons said dully, as if the meaning of his life's work was crumbling in front of him.

The Decepticon stopped trying to bite the chain and turned to Simmons. “Do you want a throwdown, you pubic 'fro-head?” he snapped, then let out a strangled yelp when he saw Alya standing next to Simmons. “Whoa whoa, man! You're a freaking Autobot!”

Alya raised an eyebrow. “And you're a freaking Decepticon.” Her eyes narrowed and she snarled threateningly. “Give me one reason to end you and I will tear off your helm with my teeth and eat your spark–”

Before she could finish the threat, Mikaela cut her off. “I'm sorry. I'm so sorry about your eye,” she told the Decepticon in a sweet voice, like she was speaking to a child, “you know, but, if you're a good boy, then I'm not gonna torch your other eye. Okay? I'm not gonna torch it.” Mikaela pointed at the photos on the table. “Just tell me what these symbols are, please.”

The Decepticon knelt down to examine the photos. ”Alright.” He stood up again after a moment. “I know that. That's the language of the Primes,” he said. 

“I don't read it, but these guys...” He glanced at the photos of the vehicles throughout the ages. “Where the frick did you find photos of these guys?”

Sam held up two of the photos. “Is this them?”

“Yeah,” The con nodded. “Seekers, pal. Oldest of the old. They've been here thousands of years, looking for something. I don't know what.” He shrugged. “Nobody tells me nothing, but they'll translate those symbols for you. And I know where to find them.”

“Show us,” Simmons ordered.

“Yeah.” The Decepticon flexed his fingers and turned, projecting small green dots from his optic at a large map of the U.S. on the wall.

“The closest one's in Washington,” Simmons stated.

Alya grinned. “Let's go get ourselves a Seeker.”

Chapter Text

A few hours later, they were standing outside the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.

Simmons held up a pair of binoculars. “Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. Land of dreams in there. All I ever wanted to be was an astronaut,” he said wistfully.

Alya zoned out as Simmons suddenly changed his pants and began rambling on about something to do with baseball.

Something caught her attention, and she stared at the entrance of the museum, zoned out completely as she sensed that there was definitely something Cybertronian in the museum. 

Finally, someone snapped their fingers in front of her face and Alya jumped. Sam was standing beside her, looking concerned. “You okay?” he asked quietly.

“Yeah.” She glanced at the museum again. “There is definitely something in there.”

“Autobot or Decepticon?” Sam asked. 

She shrugged, “All I can sense is that it's Cybertronian. And who's to say that the Seekers of Old were good or evil?”

“If they're searching for something, probably evil,” Simmons said as he came up. “Okay. Watches synchronised, sharp mind and empty bladder. You get caught, demand an attorney and don't ever say my name.” He tossed a plastic bottle at Sam. 

“Okay, take one of those pills. Slip it under your tongue. It's the high- concentrate polymer they put in Oreo cookies. Tricks the polygraph every time. Okay. Now, let's get this show on the road.” He held up a taser and checked it worked, causing Leo to lose it right then.

“No, listen, I can't do this!” He shook his head. “I'm not some alien bounty hunter, guys. I'm not gonna do this. Guards have guns. I don't want to die.”

Simmons got right up in his face and pushed him back against Skids's alt form. ”Kid, kid, kid. You compromise this mission, you are dead to me,” he threatened. ”Now look into my eyes and tighten up that sphincter.”

Alya decided to stay outside with Bumblebee and the twins, the force around to the back of the museum when a commotion arose.

Driving around the museum, they caught up to Jetfire, but the old bot was rambling on about something.

“Right,” he said. “I'm on a mission.”

“Wait, wait, wait, wait!” the four humans all shouted at different intervals, coming up to him.

“What do you want?” he snapped, turning to them.

“Look, we just want to talk!” Sam told him.

”I have no time to talk. I'm on a mission. I'm a mercenary doom bringer. What planet am I on?”

“Earth,” Sam replied.

“Earth?” Jetfire leaned in closer to them. “Terrible name for a planet. Might as well call it 'Dirt'. Planet 'Dirt'. Tell me, is that robot civil war still going on? Who's winning?” he demanded.

“Currently the Decepticons.” Alya answered, and he scowled in response, spitting on the ground.

“Well, I changed sides to the Autobots.”

Sam frowned. “What do you mean, changed sides?”

“It's a choice. It's an intensely personal decision. So much negativity. Who wants to live a life filled with hate?” Jetfire grumbled.

“You mean you don't have to work for those miserable, freaking Decepticons?’ the little Decepticon asked, sounding a bit bewildered by this.

“If the Decepticons had their way, they'd destroy the whole universe.” Jetfire said.

Instantly, the little Decepticon groveled at Mikaela's feet. “I'm changing sides. I'm changing sides, too, warrior goddess,” he told her, standing up to hug her leg. “Who's your little Autobot?”

Sam frowned at him, but Mikaela smiled. “Aw, you're cute,” she said.

Even more surprisingly, or disgustingly, the Decepticon began humping her leg. “Name's Wheelie. Yeah. Say my name, say my name.”

Alya pulled a face, as did Simmons and Leo. Sam knocked Wheelie back. “Can you just... Can you stop?”

“Hey, what are you doing?” Wheelie protested as he fell back on the ground.

Alya had reached her limit. She cut straight through Jetfire’s rambling with a flat, weary tone. “The Fallen’s on Earth hunting a Sun Harvester. So if we can fast-forward to the useful part before he nukes our star, that’d be great.”

That seemed to jog Jetfire's memory. “The Fallen?” he repeated. “I know him. He left me here to rust. The original Decepticon. He's terrible to work for. It's always apocalypse, chaos, crisis. The Fallen's search. I remember now, from the Dagger's Tip, and the key.”

Sam frowned. “Slow down. The Dagger's Tip? The key? What are you talking about?” he demanded.

”No time to explain,” Jetfire replied, suddenly extending his arms around the four humans and the four Autobots. “Hold on everybody! Stay still or you'll die!”

Alya cursed and braced herself. A build up of blue electrical energy surrounding them, a flash of light, and they were no longer outside the Smithsonian.

The next second she was launched into the air with a yell.

Alya flipped over multiple times while she was airborne, a moment later crashing hard to the ground with a few bounces after impact before she lay still, groaning and her entire body aching. 

Raising her helm and pushing herself up onto her knees, Alya looked around, trying to find the others, seeing nothing but sand everywhere with a few rocks scattered around.

“SAM!”

Alya spun around in the direction of Mikaela's call, spotting another familiar figure not far away the same time she saw Sam with Bumblebee. Sam waved his good hand in the air. “Where are we? Simmons!”

“Hey! Yeah!” he responded, jumping up and down.

“You guys okay?” Sam asked as he ran towards Mikaela and Leo, who were also running towards him.

“Yeah,” Mikaela answered.

“Hey, I think we're in Vegas!” Leo yelled, sounding rather happy.

They all managed to find each other, including the twins, Wheelie and Jetfire, then the four humans and Alya gathered on the rocks with Jetfire. Sam sat down so Mikaela could begin wrapping up his injured hand, and Dusty stood close by as Simmons ranted at Jetfire.

“That really, really hurt. You're just lucky that I didn't get hurt! People could've gotten killed, okay? And I would have gotten hurt, you would have heard from my -”

Jetfire cut him off, “Shut up. I told you I was opening a space bridge. It's the fastest way to travel to Egypt.”

They all looked up in surprise, and Sam frowned. ”What? When did you... When did you tell us? You didn't tell us anything.” He got to his feet. “You didn't tell us anything. Why are we in Egypt?”

“Don't get snippy with me, fleshling!” Jetfire growled at him, sitting on the rocks. “You were duly informed!”

Alya’s patience finally broke. “Okay, that’s enough!” she barked, startling everyone with the edge in her voice.

“I’m willing to bet the Star Harvester is buried somewhere out here, and the Matrix right along with it. So how about you cut the cryptic nonsense and give us the clues we need? I’m already thousands of miles away from my mate, and I’m sparked—so maybe don’t stress the already-high-risk femme, got it?”

The others simply nodded. “Okay, but how do we stop the Fallen?” Mikaela asked.

“Only a Prime can defeat The Fallen,” Jetfire replied.

“Optimus Prime?” Sam said.

Jetfire knelt down to him, looking rather hopeful. “So, you've met a Prime?” he asked. “Why, you must have met a great descendant. Is he alive, here on this planet?”

“He sacrificed himself to save me,” Sam told him sadly.

The old Cybertronian looked incredibly disappointed. “So, he's dead. Without a Prime, it's impossible. No one else could stop The Fallen.”

“But what if he isn't the only living Prime. What about a relative, like someone next in line?” Sam asked, glancing at Alya.

“Well, I mean, I guess so. But how do you know there's another living Prime?” Jetfire asks looking at all of them.

“You're standing in front of her.” Simmons says and pushes Alya forward as Jetfire crouches down to her height.

“So you're a Prime?” Alya nodded. “It is a great honor to be in your presence,” he bows and she smiled, before frowning again.

“I haven't finished my full training.” She says, and he nods in understanding.

“She won't be able to do it, it'd be a suicide mission without her full training.” He tells them.

Alya sighed, she thought as much.

“Wait, the same energy that's gonna be used to reactivate the machine... could that energy somehow be used to reactivate Optimus and bring him back to life?” Sam asked suddenly.

Jetfire shrugged. “It was never designed for that purpose, but it's an energy like no other.” he said.

“Which means it definitely can—so let’s get moving. We’re running on limited time here.” Alya gestured hurriedly.

“When dawn alights the Dagger's Tip, Three Kings will reveal the doorway! Find the doorway! Go now! Go!” Jetfire began shooing them away, and the four humans climbed down the rocks. “That was my mission. It's your mission now. Go before the Decepticons find me and find you.”

Chapter Text

In the front seat, Simmons was on the phone to someone, and he turned to the others as he hung up. “That was my CIA contact, says Ancient Sumerian used to call the Gulf of Aqaba the Dagger's Tip.” 

“That's the Dagger's Tip.” Sam realized. 

“It's part of the Red Sea. Divides Egypt and Jordan like the tip of a blade. 29.5 degrees north, 35 east. Here it is.” Simmons held a GPS with the coordinates.

“Okay, first thing we gotta do is to get Optimus to Dagger's tip.” Sam says.

Leo frowned. “How are you gonna get him halfway around the world?” 

“I'm gonna make a call.” Sam said determinedly.

Suddenly two cop cars were heading towards them. 

“We got cops.” Sam warned as they appeared at a fork in the road and the Autobots went one way while the three cop cars sped after them.

“I can't go to prison guys!” Leo panics. Bee sped down the streets of a small town.

“Sam, you gotta get off this road and lay low.” Simmons tells Sam as more cops show up. Bee makes a sharp turn before the cops could see where they went.

Mikaela had a scarf covering her face, while Leo, Sam and Simmons were huddled behind a wall from prying eyes. Mikaela was watching to make sure the coast was clear.

“Man, stupid cops!” Skids said. “This is what's called blending in like a ninja.” Alya raised an optic ridge at him, because he was dangling upside down from the wall with Bumblebee hanging onto his foot so he wouldn't fall.

“Shut up or I'll blend my fist in your face.” Mudflap told him.

Mikaela lowered the cloth from her face. “They're gone.” she whispered, and the humans slowly came out of hiding.

“Okay, we're running out of time. I gotta make the call to Lennox–” Sam began to say, only to be interrupted by Simmons.

“You're on the Worldwide Wanted List.” Simmons pointed out. “Try calling one base, they'll track you here in seconds. CIA is all over this place!”

“You're gonna make the call.” Sam stated as if it was obvious, making Simmons snap his head towards him.

“Okay...That's a good idea.” 

“Alright,” Sam agreed.

“I mean, I just had my mind on other things–like winding up in an Egyptian prison.” Simmons rambles as they make their way to the payphone.

“Lennox, I'm with the kid.” Simmons spoke quietly into the phone. “The kid. You know, the one with the attitude, right? We need the truck. The truck. We got a possible resurrection going on over here. You're not gonna believe where we are. Code Tut, as in King Tutankhamen. Back of a one dollar bill. Coordinates for airdrop, 29.5 north, 34.88 east. Write it down. Write it.” Simmons tells Lennox as Leo comes running towards them.

“W-Wait who are you?” Sam asks as the payphone falls to the ground.

“Wait! It's me! Leo! Me! Leo! Leo! Leo! Cops are coming right now. We need to go!” The sounds of sirens started to grow louder and they all run towards the bots.

Having escaped the village with no cops pursuing them, the Autobots were on the desert road again and heading towards the coordinates.

Alya suddenly spoke up. “The Matrix is in Petra, Jordan. Specifically, the El Deir monastery. Coordinates are 30.33778° north, 35.43111° east. Don’t question it, just go.”

Bumblebee veered sharply to the right the moment she finished, following her lead and hopefully dodging any surveillance along the route.

Hours slipped by in steady, tense travel. About three hours in, they came across another checkpoint. Alya sent out a small EMP that cut the cameras, then shifted her features—hair and eye color altered. 

She even handed out forged passports for all of them, including Leo. They cleared inspection without so much as a raised eyebrow and pressed onward.

By nightfall, the monastery was only three miles away. By morning, the Matrix would finally be within reach.

It didn't take them long to arrive at the mountain of Petra, the rest of the humans climbed quickly out of Bee and ran up to the old building.

With the Autobots following in bipedal mode, Sam was in the lead, and he stopped as he stood before a structure carved into the mountains themselves. It was huge, and overall magnificent. There wasn't enough words to describe it.

The others seemed just as amazed. “You see the size of this? You see this?” Simmons said as his eyes almost seemed to pop out.

“Spectacular,” Skids commented as they approached.

“Amazing,” Simmons said again. ”Look at that.”

The humans ran forward and helped each other climb through the massive doorway to the interior of the building. Alya, Skids, Mudflap and Bumblebee followed them in, and for a moment they all looked around the room.

“It's here somewhere, guys.” Sam says looking around in awe.

Leo scoffed. “Yeah, why? 'Cause, uh, we're trusting Grandpa Blackbird who doesn't even know what planet he's on?”

Simmons craned his head back. “In his defense, this is the biggest doorway I've ever seen in my entire life.”

Leo scoffed again. “Okay. Well, that's great. Let me do a quick search, alright?” He turned on the spot. “Uh... nope. Ever cross your mind, guys, that archaeologists have been here before?” he asked. “There's nothing here.”

Alya acted as though she hadn’t even heard Leo, her attention fixed on the mural ahead. She stepped toward it, something tugging at her attention.

“Alya? What are you picking up?” Sam asked, noticing the change in her posture and stepping aside. Somewhere behind them, Bumblebee tossed the twins out the doorway and into the sand.

Alya drew her blaster. The humans instinctively backed off and covered their ears. When the dust settled, a fresh opening gaped in the wall—wide enough for them to slip through.

She downsized into her human form and slipped into the dark passage, her vision cutting through the gloom with ease. With a handful of flashlights Simmons passed out, the four humans followed close behind.

“Check this out,” Simmons murmured.

"Look at it,” Leo whispered, his and Mikaela's eyes were wide in awe. “Wow!”

“These are the bodies Jetfire was talking about,” Sam said, craning his neck back as he looked around.

Alya looked around dazed at the power she could feel emanating from the corpses. “The tomb of the Primes.” she said reverently.

All the bodies of the Primes made up the walls that seemed to stretch on like there was no end. There was a hand outstretched, and in the centre of its palm lay what they had been searching for: The Matrix of Leadership.

“Sam.” Mikaela whispered, pointing at the object.

“The Matrix,” Sam breathed in relief. Alya glanced at him as they crouched close to it, and Sam slowly reached out. A sense of anticipation built up as his fingers closed around the ends and he lifted the Matrix from its place.

Moments later, it turned to dust.

The black dust particles scattered across Sam's fingers and the Prime's hand. “No,” Sam murmured. “No.”

Simmons shook his head sadly. “Thousands of years, turned to dust.”

“This isn't how it's supposed to end,” Sam said.

Alya turned at the sound of familiar engines. “Hear that?” Simmons asked, also looking up.

The engines sounded closer and passed right over them, Alya smiled in relief. “Lennox is here.”

Simmons ran from the tomb and outside, and the others could hear him shouting joyously, “US Air Force! C-17s!”

“What's a C-17?” Leo frowned as he left to follow Simmons, but Mikaela, Sam and Alya stayed where they were.

“You can't bring him back, Sam,” Mikaela told him quietly. “There's nothing left.”

He shook his head. “Look! Look around you. We didn't just go through everything we went through for no reason at all, to just have it end like this.”

“The Primes wouldn't make it that easy, otherwise anyone could use the Matrix,” Alya added. “It isn't over, not yet.”

“Exactly,” Sam agreed. “There is a reason that we are here.” He bent down and pulled off his sock, scooping the dust into it. “I know that this is going to work.”

“How do you know it's gonna work?” Mikaela asked.

Sam eyes were alight with determination as he looked at her. “Because I believe it.” he said firmly.

The three of them ran from the tomb and towards the large rock Simmons and Leo were standing on, squinting up into the sun. “Sam!” Simmons called, beckoning them over. In the distance they could see two C-17s, along with the other Autobots jumping out the back with Lennox and his men.

“You think you can bring him back to life with that pixie dust?” Simmons asked as the three of them approached him moments later.

Sam didn't stop walking. “Absolutely,” he said. “Let's go.”

Minutes later, the humans were in the Camaro and the four Autobots were speeding along the road with the pyramids at their backs. As they headed out onto the open road and in the general direction they'd seen Lennox and the Autobots landing.

A flare is shot into the sky not too far away, Lennox had seen them. Alya felt the shift before she fully registered it—the jet in the distance abruptly veering in their direction.

“Starscream spotted the flare!” she shouted just as a volley of missiles streaked toward them. “Incoming!”

As the shots hit the road around them the Autobots swerved out of the way. Starscream chased them, and they drove off road to try and lose him. The Decepticon continued to fire at them, causing clouds of dust and sand to spring up, but the Autobots used this to their advantage. However, it brought them no closer to Lennox and the others.

The four Autobots raced through what looked like a quarry, and it caught the humans off guard a few times when the Camaro suddenly swerved to avoid a shot from Starscream, Alya doing a donut to avoid the shots as well. 

The Decepticon then swooped right down and transformed in front of them, making Bumblebee swerve out of the way and then again as Starscream fired more shots, which chased the group through the quarry, clouds of dust going up everywhere as Starscream missed his targets.

“Hide in the dust! Use the dust!” Simmons yelled, and for a few minutes they couldn't see anything but dust as they hid from Starscream.

Finally, it seemed they'd lost him and the Autobots came to a halt. The humans climbed out, Leo included. 

Sam started talking. “We've got to split up. Bumblebee, you're the decoy. You lead the Decepticons away, alright? I'm gonna get Optimus,” he said. “Alya–”

“Uh-uh. I did not get my ass teleported all the way to Egypt for you to go running off without me,” she cut in firmly. “I'm coming with you.”

“You're pregnant, you could die!” he protested.

“I won't go down without a fight.” She said. For a moment they stared at each other, then he nodded.

“I'll help draw their fire with Huey and Dewey there.” Simmons gestured to Mudflap and Skids. “You get to those soldiers. I hope that dust works, kid.”

“Thank you,” Sam replied, grabbing Mikaela's hand.

With a nod of farewell, Alya took off running with Sam and Mikaela in the other direction while Leo and Simmons headed towards the twins, and Bumblebee drove another way.

Either way, they were in for one heck of a fight.

Chapter Text

Running through the desert, Alya turned at hearing more flares popping, and she sprinted for the top of another sand bank. In the distance she could see a small village of some kind, and throughout it she caught movement of the soldiers and the Autobots. 

“Look. There it is,” Sam panted, stopping beside her. ”We got a couple of miles.”

“Let's move.” Alya started down the bank with them following, keeping a careful look out for Starscream or any other Decepticons.

With her larger, longer striders, she pulled ahead of Sam and Mikaela, acting as a lookout. She paused at one point, making sure she stayed hidden from anything flying overhead. 

“See anything?” Sam called.

“We're almost there!” she called back. “We still have a mile that way.”

They ran down an even stepper bank and through some stone pillars on the outskirts of the village, without sand beneath their feet it was easier to sprint their way through.

Alya turned to Sam and Mikaela, taking off again across the courtyard. “This way.”

As they came out into the open again, Alya glanced over her shoulder and saw Megatron and Starscream perched on the tip of one of the pyramids. She heard Megatron bellow, ”Decepticons, begin our assault!” and a moment later several comets were plunging to the ground not far ahead.

She urged the two humans ahead while she slowed down to keep an extra lookout for trouble. She saw Sam and Mikaela duck inside a house, and readied her cannons as she crept around. 

She could hear explosions as the Decepticons destroyed the place, Alya could hear them growling in Cybertronian to one another, their main purpose being to find Sam. They knew he had the Matrix.

Ducking out of sight as Starscream flew into view, she saw him rip off the roof of the house where Sam and Mikaela were hiding. Clearly the two humans got away, as she heard Sam shouting and the next second she saw them sprinting up a set of stairs. Alya ran forward - right as Starscream fired two shots at the building and the whole thing exploded, showering Sam and Mikaela with debris as they jumped and landed roughly on the opposite building.

Alya lost sight of them briefly, a moment later spotting them making a run for it, and she took this chance to barrel into Starscream, knocking the Decepticon off his feet and the two of them rolled along the ground. They smashed into buildings and knocked down at least three, but Alya didn't care as she pinned Starscream and proceeded to punch him.

Starscream growled and fought back, the two of them rolling again as each tried to gain the upperhand. Then—abruptly—he froze. His optics widened, shock flickering across his face. Alya seized the moment, shoving him off and scrambling to her feet.

He didn’t retaliate. Instead, Starscream backed away, retracting his weapons as his gaze stayed locked on her. Alya’s confusion prickled into unease. Why stop now?

Then she traced his gaze—and her spark lurched. He could sense the sparkling. Some Cybertronian’s refused to harm a carrying femme, but from a Decepticon? She never would’ve counted on that.

Suddenly, Starscream snapped his helm toward another direction. He transformed and flew in the same direction Sam and Mikaela had fled.

Alya swore under her breath and ran after him—she’d let that moment drag on far too long.

She reached the now four humans when Bumblebee had already taken down Rampage and Ravage. 

“Bee?” Sam said.

“Yeah,” the Autobot nodded.

Alya checked that the humans were all okay, and they then moved between buildings, away from the Decepticons before they were found. She and Bumblebee continued to draw the Decepticons' fire, protecting their friends but staying within range in case anything happened.

“Bee! Bumblebee!” they heard Sam call, and the two Autobots ran over. ”You get them somewhere safe, alright?” As Bumblebee nodded, Sam turned to his parents. “You've got to get in the car and get to safety.” he told them.

Alya turned away, remaining on high alert as Sam argued with his dad, trying to get him to get in the Camaro as Bumblebee transformed. It was at least a minute later he reluctantly agreed, leading his wife towards the Autobot scout. Bumblebee agreed that Alya should stay with Sam and Mikaela, and she would help them get to the soldiers.

Sam turned to Mikaela. ”Go with my parents.” he ordered.

”I'm not gonna go without you.” she said firmly. Sam clearly saw there was no changing her mind, so he nodded and took her hand, the two of them and Alya running through the ruins once again.

The two humans with her ducked inside the ruins of a house, panting for breath, then they caught sight of familiar faces.

“Spotted Sam!” Arcee said, as she and Ironhide rounded the corner.

“Hey Sam!” Ironhide yelled, shooting a nearby con.

“Ironhide!” Sam shouted back.

Elita-One sped over to them. “Greetings, sister,” she smiled at Alya. “It is a relief to see you are alright.”

“Follow us to the pillars. We'll take you to Optimus,” she said.

Suddenly Alya used her telekinesis and moved Elita-1 out of the way of a shot that would've killed her. Arcee, Ironhide and Chromia instantly retaliated, firing at the Decepticon not far away.

“Get out, Sam!” Ironhide shouted. “Get to the pillars!”

Alya nudged Sam and Mikaela forward, urging them to keep moving, then pivoted just in time to nudge Arcee and Chromia out of the path of incoming fire that would’ve torn through them. With the triplets still standing, the Decepticons weren’t a concern—Sam and Mikaela were. Alya sprinted after them.

A Decepticon lunged for the fleeing humans, but she slammed into him before he made contact. A blast seared across her left shoulder, drawing a low, furious growl from her. Pinning him beneath her, she drove a fist into his helm and fired straight into his spark.

Lifting her head, she spotted Sam only meters ahead—Megatron on his tail. She shoved off the fallen Con and broke into another sprint. Megatron shot into the ground just a few feet away Sam and Mikaela, showering them with debris. Alya ran harder as Lennox and his team finally reached the boy.

Then the air strike hit.

Everything vanished into choking smoke and deafening explosions. Alya pushed through it blindly, running through the haze until Megatron loomed out of the swirling brown—so close she could almost reach him. He hadn’t noticed her.

“Die,” he spat, aiming at Sam.

She threw herself between Sam and the blast. Megatron’s shot slammed into her spark, ripping her off balance and driving her to her knees. Her vision wavered, edges dimming. Through the blur she caught a glimpse of Megatron’s cruel grin.

“Killing you works too,” he sneered, turning his cannon toward Sam.

Before she could move, darkness swallowed her, and she collapsed face-first into the sand as she died once again.

Chapter Text

Barricade felt it first—the bond snapping like a wire under too much strain. The shock punched through his systems so violently he staggered. 

By the time he reached the battlefield’s edge and spotted Ratchet kneeling over a still form, he already knew. When the medic stepped aside, Barricade moved in a daze.

He dropped to his knees beside her, the world narrowing to the silent frame lying in the sand. Carefully, almost reverently, he gathered her into his arms, pulling her against his chassis as though proximity alone could force her spark to beat again.

“Alya…” His voice came thin, static fraying the edges. He gave her a small, trembling shake. “Sweetspark, wake up.”

Ironhide took a step forward, only for Ratchet to stop him with a hand to the arm—an unspoken not now.

Barricade shook her again, harder this time, desperation bleeding through the motion. “You can’t recharge now. Not while the fight’s still going. Wake up.” The command cracked halfway through.

His helm dipped until it nearly touched hers. “The younglings… they’re going to lose their minds when they find out they’ve got another sibling on the way.” His voice softened into something raw and pleading. “So you have to open your optics, Alya. We can’t tell them if you don’t come back.”

But  Alya’s frame remained limp in his arms, spark silent.

A low, furious rumble built in his chassis. His optics blazed a murderous red, he pulled her closer one last time, helm bowed over hers in a silent vow.

Then he set her down with a tenderness he’d never shown anyone else.

And when he rose, there was nothing gentle left in him.

His optics were fixed on the battlefield—on the direction Megatron had disappeared. On the mech who had taken her.

He barely made it three steps before Ratchet moved to block him.

“Don’t,” the medic urged, hands lifted in a warning he knew wouldn’t be heeded. “You’ll just get yourself killed—”

Barricade snarled and shoved Ratchet hard enough to make the medic skid backward in the dirt. He didn’t get far. A larger shadow planted itself squarely in his path.

Ironhide.

“Move,” Barricade growled, every bit of restraint burned away.

“What you’re trying to do is suicidal,” Ironhide answered, voice low but firm.

“Don’t care.” Barricade spat the words.

He tried to shoulder past, but Ironhide caught his arm, halting him with a grip like a vise.

“You still have younglings depending on you,” the warrior said quietly. “She wouldn’t want this.”

Something in Barricade snapped.

He spun, fist flying, and cracked Ironhide across the jawplate with enough force to send sparks scattering. Ironhide’s helm jerked to the side—then his optics hardened.

He lunged.

The two crashed into the ground in a violent tangle of limbs. Barricade fought like something feral and cornered, but Ironhide had the weight and training to pin him, straddling his chassis and locking his wrists to the earth.

“Stay down!” Ironhide barked.

Barricade didn’t listen.

He bucked and writhed beneath the hold, trying to tear free even as the warrior held him immobile. If anyone had hoped he’d settle once restrained, they were painfully wrong.

Barricade dragged in a long, ragged vent—and released a sound no Cybertronian ever wanted to hear.

It was a raw, god-awful, soul-sick keen—a sound carved from grief so profound it didn’t seem possible a being could make it. The noise warped the air around them, a trembling wail of anguish that made Autobots winced and look away.

It was a mate mourning the other half of his soul.

Ironhide’s grip held firm—but his optics dimmed with sympathy.

And Ratchet, standing nearby, bowed his helm in silent grief.

Alya was standing between two mountains with a blinding light shining down on me and strong winds blowing the surrounding sand everywhere.

“Where am I? Am I… dead?” a familiar voice said. She glanced down to her right and saw Sam.

“Sam?” she called, and finally he noticed her.

“Alya!” he shouted, rushing forward to cling to her leg.

“We have been watching you both… for a long, long time,” a deep voice boomed, emerging from the brilliance of the light.

“You have fought for Optimus, our last descendant,” Micronus Prime declared, addressing Sam as the rest of the Primes appeared behind him.

“With courage and with sacrifice—the virtues of a true leader,” he continued, stepping closer. 

“A leader worthy of our secret,” they proclaimed, pausing. Sam stared, eyes wide with amazement.

“The Matrix of Leadership is not found—it is earned,” Vector Prime intoned, his voice echoing across the mountains.

“Welcome to the ranks of Prime, Samorix, protector of Earth, guardian of balance.” Prima declared.

Alya blinked in surprise. They were making Sam an official Prime? It did suit him perfectly. Then the Primes turned their attention to her.

“Alya, you have fulfilled much of your promise to our Father. For this, we grant you the knowledge, strength, leadership, and all that defines a Prime. You are a Prime now, and you bring us great honor, Oraculon Prime.” they proclaimed. 

(Seer of Truths and Guardian of Futures Yet To Be.) The Allspark sang. Huh, the name fit her perfectly.

“Oh yes,” Solus exclaimed suddenly. “We have something to give you.”

Alya glanced at Sam before stepping forward toward the eleven god-like beings.

“We gift you Seer Sight—the ability to perceive events of the past, present, and future,” Vector Prime declared.

“Why?” Alya asked, clearly taken aback.

“Many events in the future have already shifted because of your interference. We wished to give you an advantage on your mission,” Nexus Prime replied, a playful edge in his voice.

Alya huffed. “You Gods and your cryptic riddles. Fine—keep your secrets.” She then turned to Sam. “And what about Samu—Samorix?”

“He will be cyber-formed into a techno-organic being, much like yourself. Amalgamous was quite pleased to design his Cybertronian form,” Micronus Prime explained.

Alya frowned. “You didn’t even ask him if he wanted this—”

“I accept,” Sam interjected.

Alya stared at him, surprised. Sam just shrugged. “I was never going to have a normal life after meeting the Bots. I wanted one so badly that I ignored others asking for help—and that got Optimus killed. I’ll atone by stepping up,” he said, determination clear in his voice.

Alya raised a brow. “Well… that was surprisingly mature.”

“Hey, I can be mature,” Sam retorted with a small grin.

“Our time is up. You must go now, return to Optimus,” Solus Prime commanded, and Alya smiled at Sam, feeling the weight of the moment.

“Merge the Matrix with his spark. It is, and always will be, your destiny,” Alpha Trion told Sam.

“And don't worry about your sparkling,” Onyx Prime said. “He will grow up to be a Great Prime.”

“Wait, what–” Alya was interrupted when a bright light surrounded them.

Alya jolted up with a gasp, she rolled onto her side pushing down the feeling of nausea.

“Holy crap, dying is awful 0/10, would not recommend,” she quipped, pushing herself to her feet. Her eyes flicked around, confused at why Ironhide had Barricade pinned and why every gaze seemed fixed on her.

Then again, she had just come back from the dead—and now she was officially a Prime. She could feel the new sigils etched into her frame glowing faintly, responding to her newfound power. But there were bigger things demanding her attention right now.

Glancing around she spotted Sam limping towards Optimus, not waiting for the others to ask questions, she runs towards the two stopping at Optimus's side. Sam holds the Matrix above his head yelling as he slammed the Matrix into Optimus's spark.

Optimus's optics flew open, their regular blue colour shining, and he coughed once before his mouth and throat were clear of dust and sand. Sam crawled off of his chest, and everyone watched with hope in their eyes as, with much grunting and groaning, Optimus pushed himself up onto his elbows, his gaze finding Sam's.

“Boy,” he said, ”you returned for me.”

“A living Prime. I don't believe it!” Jetfire painfully laughs out while holding the hole in his chest plate. ”I don't believe it...”

Alya walks over to the old bot and places her hand on his shoulder. “Actually three Primes,” she whisper to him and he stares at her in disbelief before laughing again.

Chapter Text

But the moment was cut short, there was a flash of light and The Fallen suddenly stood there, the shockwave knocking everyone off their feet. 

Oraculon raised her helm as The Fallen placed a foot on Optimus's chest, pinning him to the ground.

“My Matrix!” he growled, enclosing it in his hand before flying off and landing on the pyramid with the death machine. 

“Get up. Get up. Get up! Get up!” Sam ordered Optimus as everyone regained their balance.

”Get up Prime!” Ironhide yells. 

“Oh no.” Jetfire said.

“He's going after the machine!” Sam yelled. “You gotta stop him! Optimus, get up!”

Their heads turned at hearing a faint whirring sound - even if it was at a frequency only the Autobots could hear, but everyone knew that meant bad news. 

“No, no, no. Move!” Lennox yelled.

“Enemy target, top of pyramid,” Epps spoke into the radio. “Engage! Engage! Engage!”

A loud BOOM! sounded as the tanks fired in the direction of the pyramid, targeting the two Cybertronians. It didn't do much good, however, as The Fallen raised his arms and with that action, every tank was pulled into the air by his powers of telekinesis.

Oraculon yanked the tanks and soldiers back toward them. She was currently more powerful than the disgraced Prime, as the Fallen simply let go of the tanks, forcing her to bear their full weight alone.

Carefully, she lowered them to the ground just as Jetfire’s voice broke the moment. “All my Decepticon life… I never did anything that mattered—until now. Optimus, take my parts, and you will wield a power beyond anything you’ve known,” he said, staggering toward them. He straightened, taking a deep breath. “Fulfill… your destiny…” were his final words before he tore out his own spark.

Ratchet jumped into action. “Jolt! Electrify!” he ordered, and said Autobot connected one of his electrical arms to Jetfire and the other to Optimus. “Transplant those afterburners.”

As everyone watched, piece by piece Jetfire's parts flew towards Optimus, attaching to his body and seeming to give him new strength - as well as a new, broader form and new weapons to work with, and a fully equipped flight system! With a grunt, Optimus was back on his feet and ready to fly.

“Let's roll.” Then he shot into the sky, heading for the pyramids.

“Fire mission on the pyramids!” Lennox yelled as he and every other human and Autobot ran in the direction of the pyramids, stopping on the outskirts of the ruined village. 

They all saw Optimus destroy the machine, but after that no one knew what happened as the fight disappeared from view. In the distance by the pyramids, Oraculon saw Optimus stand up to his full height and Jetfire's parts falling to the ground as he shook himself out. He opened a comm link with the Autobots, who then relayed the news to the humans that The Fallen was defeated, and the machine destroyed.

As Optimus rejoined them, Oraculon saw Mikaela and Sam standing off to the side, wrapped up in an embrace. Sam's parents soon walked up to them. Oraculon soon became aware of someone walking up to her. 

She spun around and wrapped her arms tightly around Barricade, who hugged her just as fiercely. “Don’t you ever die on me again.” he murmured, his voice trembling.

Oraculon chuckled. “I don’t plan to.” She stepped back slightly, smiling at him. “I’m a Prime now, so you’ll need to call me by my proper name.”

Barricade raised an eyebrow. “And that is?”

“Oraculon Prime— (Seer of Truths and Guardian of Futures Yet To Be),” she declared proudly. “And our mechling will be Lioran Prime. (‘Song of Sparks’ and ‘Blessed Echo’)”

“Mechling? It’s a boy? And he’ll be a Prime?” Barricade asked, stunned.

“That’s what Onyx said. Seems us girls are being outnumbered by you boys,” she teased, laughing lightly.

With the battle over, and Simmons and Leo now accounted for, the Autobots and soldiers of NEST made their way to the coast, where there was an aircraft carrier waiting to take them back to the nearest Naval Base before making their way home.

Once all injuries were seen to and Leo, Simmons, Sam and Mikaela were given Navy jackets to keep them warm, Sam decided to clear his head and stood at the front of the carrier facing the direction they were heading. Alya soon joined him in human form, the boy smiled at her, then pulled her into a hug which she returned.

“Welcome to the ranks of the Primes, little brother,” she teased. He laughed, “I don’t feel any different.”

“It’ll take some time,” she replied, smiling. “And don’t worry—you’ve got two older siblings to guide you on your journey as a Prime.” She glanced up as Optimus approached.

She left the two to their conversation and peered out at the horizon feeling the wind against her face.

Our races united by a history long forgotten, and a future we shall face... together. I am Optimus Prime. And I send his message so that our pasts will always be remembered. For in those memories, we live on.