Transformers Prime *The Decepticon Femme* Optimus Love Story

Ch. 33 Shattered Hope

3rd POV

Arcee stumbled through the Groundbridge, her expression hollow as the portal closed behind her. Immediately, the rest of the team rushed toward her, but she barely noticed them. Her optics distant, still seeing the destruction she had just left behind.

"Arcee, what happened?" Optimus asked, his voice filled with concern. She took a deep breath, trying to gather herself, but her hands shook, and her spark felt heavy with the weight of the events. 

"Smokescreen... H-He's gone" she finally managed to say, her voice cracking. Arcee soon explained with details what happened after they obtain the Omega Key. 

"And then Smokescreen was just... gone... like he turned to dust" Arcee said. The silence that followed her words was deafening. Bulkhead's fists clenched tightly as he lowered his head. 

"Poor kid" He muttered under his breath. Arcee's optics flickered with guilt. 

"It was all Megatron. I... I couldn't stop him and now Smokescreen's gone" Arcee stated. Ratchet stepped forward, his face somber but firm. 

"Arcee, do not blame yourself. It could just as easily have been you" He said. Arcee shook her head, her optics still haunted by what she had witnessed. 

"Megatron... He gave me a message. For you, Optimus" Arcee said. Everyone turned toward Optimus, the weight of the moment settling over them like a storm. Arcee's voice was barely a whisper as she delivered Megatron's cruel ultimatum. 

"Megatron said... if you want NightWave and the Omega Key, you'll have to confront him" Arcee said. Bulkhead growled, his voice a low rumble. 

"I say we go claim a piece of Megatron's miserable, metal hide!" Bulkhead exclaimed, getting ready for battle. Bumblebee chirped in agreement, his optics burning with the same fury. But Optimus's expression hardened, his resolve clear. 

"No. We have already lost another one of our own today. I will not risk more lives" Optimus said, stopping them. The room fell into a tense silence, the weight of the loss heavy in the air. Arcee looked at Optimus, her guilt still present, but she knew he was right. Optimus continued, his voice steady but filled with the gravity of the situation. 

"Given what Arcee witnessed, it stands to reason that Megatron now possesses might equal to the Star Saber. Which means only I have a chance of recovering the Omega Key... and saving NightWave" Optimus said. Ratchet stepped closer, his tone more serious than ever. 

"And the fate of Cybertron rests upon its retrieval" He said, his optics meeting Optimus's with unspoken urgency. 

"Whether Megatron knows it or not" Bulkhead said with his arms crossed. His optics burning with frustration, "And whether we like it or not." Optimus nodded, his resolve unshakable.

"Prepare the Groundbridge, Ratchet" He said with quiet determination, "I will face Megatron alone."

The Autobots exchanged glances, their worry palpable. But no one questioned their leader's decision. They all knew what was at stake—the Omega Key, NightWave's life, and the future of Cybertron itself. As Ratchet worked on the Groundbridge, Arcee stepped forward, her voice soft but filled with regret. 

"Optimus... I'm sorry. I tried, but I still fail" Arcee said. Optimus placed a servo on her shoulder, his expression full of understanding. 

"You did what you could, Arcee. I will bring NightWave and the Omega Key back" Optimus said. With that, the Groundbridge whirred to life, and Optimus stepped toward it, ready to face whatever waited for him on the other side.

*OUTSIDE*

As NightWave braced herself for what felt like the end, a faint green glow began to appear through the haze. Growing stronger with each passing second, the figure approaching was unmistakable.