Transformers Prime: Princess of Cybertron

Chapter 24: Unicron Awakens

Sari's POV

All of us watched as Ratchet and Arcee helped Optimus through the GroundBridge, Bulkhead not too far behind.

"Easy, Optimus," Ratchet said. "From the looks of things, you've been exposed to a massive amount of Dark Energon."

"I am not the only one," Optimus said as he looked at Raf and I.

"Hey," Raf said in greeting.

"He's lucky to be alive," June said, her words leaving an impact on Optimus.

"It seems as though the prophecy is coming true as we speak," I said, and Optimus nodded in response.

"Megatron found more of the dark stuff?" Jack asked.

"A volcano full," Arcee answered him.

"The question is, 'how?'" Bulkhead asked.

"No," Ratchet said. "The question is, 'what?' As in, 'what in the world is the blood of Unicron doing here on Earth?'"

"The 'Cons killed a unicorn?" Melody asked. I almost laughed at the blank stares she was receiving from the bots. "White horse with a horn on its head? Prances around all sparkly?"

"Unicron," Ratchet corrected her, "an ancient evil whose fossilized blood comprises the matter which we call Dark Energon, as legend would have it."

"So, you're saying this Unicron is some kind of boogeyman?" June asked Ratchet.

"'Boogeyman?'" Ratchet asked Mellie.

"Make-believe creepy guy who hides in your closet," Melody said.

"No, nurse Darby," Ratchet said. "Unicron is very real. Was. That is, while I do believe he once existed, I just don't subscribe to the theory that his primordial life force is the substance which... harmed Raf." However, it seems as though June had had enough.

"I've heard enough," she said. "Jack, please, help me get Raf into the car."

"Mom, I thought he was doing better," Jack protested, but June wouldn't budge.

"Raf needs to be examined by real doctors, and Raf's family needs to know what's happened," she said. "His real family."

"Mom, Raf's family can't protect him, not like they can," Jack said, and Optimus began to stand up, his legs wobbly from his exposure to the Dark Energon.

"June, it deeply grieves me that I have failed," the Prime said, remorse in his voice. "But I will do everything in my power to ensure that no harm comes to our human friends or any human ever again."

"Optimus, they're children," June said, concern lacing her tone. "They do not belong in your world. They should be worrying about grades, prom dates, pimples. Not their own survival!"

"Mom, Dark Energon is pouring out of the Earth," Jack said. "It doesn't do that. This could be about everyone's survival, not just ours."

"You're coming with me, all four of you, and they will not be coming back," June said with finality. What? No way am I gonna leave my family behind!

"I understand," Optimus said, but Melody was furious.

"That's it?" she asked Optimus. "After all we've been through together? 'See ya'? What about our freedom to choose?"

"That may fly on their planet but not here on Earth," June said. "Get in."

"Do you really expect me to ride in a non-transforming vehicle?" Mellie asked.

"Miko, I'm serious," June insisted.

"You're not my carrier," Melody fired back.

"Melody!" Bulkhead tried.

"Neither are you!" she exclaimed. June then turned to Jack.

"Well, I am yours," she said. "Let's go, Jack."

"She is... your mom," Arcee said sadly. It only took Jack two seconds to make his decision.

"I'm staying," he said. "I'm sorry." June then turned to me.

"You coming, Sari?" she asked.

"I'm really sorry, June," I said, apologetically. "As much as I'd love to, I'm still Primus's daughter, and I have a responsibility to protect the last Prime."