Transformers Prime: Fractured Futures (#3)

Chapter 28

My heart stopped. That's... that's impossible! My hands trembled, disbelief flooding my mind. I'm the incarnation of the Fourteenth Prime! How can you be here?

Umbra Prime's expression softened, though there was still a commanding presence about her. "You are correct, Erin. You are the incarnation of the Fourteenth Prime. My incarnation. But I am more than just a memory or a title. I am the Prime that you once were—and the Prime you are destined to fully become."

I shook my head, my thoughts spinning. This makes no sense! The autobots told me that you were destroyed! How are you still alive?

Umbra took a step closer, the shadows around her swirling in response. "It is not so simple. I am a fragment, a remnant of the power that once was. When I fell in the great battle, I knew my time as a Prime was ending. But the power of the Fourteenth Prime, of me—the connection to darkness and light—could not be destroyed. It was passed on, waiting for the right vessel, the right time." She paused, her violet optics studying me closely. "You, Erin, are that vessel."

I swallowed hard, the weight of her words pressing down on me. But... if the power was passed to me, how are you still here?

Umbra's expression turned thoughtful. "When I sacrificed myself all those years ago, I did not vanish entirely. A part of me remained, dormant, watching over the power that now resides in you. I am the shadow of the Fourteenth Prime, existing in the space between worlds, waiting for the moment when my full strength would be needed again."

I blinked, trying to grasp the reality of it. So... you're like a part of me? Or... like a guide?

She smiled faintly. "In a sense, both. I am here to guide you, but I also carry with me the wisdom and experience of ages past. You are the future of the Fourteenth Prime, the one who will carry this power forward. But as the Prime's incarnation, there is still much for you to learn, and much you have yet to awaken within yourself."

I looked down at the key around my neck, feeling the energy pulsing through it. But if you're here now... why didn't you appear before? Why now?

Umbra's gaze grew more serious, shadows coiling around her like a protective veil. "Because the shadow entity had begun to meddle with forces beyond it's understanding. The the attack on your kind... it was all part of a larger plan. The key that you hold is the bridge between the past and future of our power. If it succeed in taking it from you, it will unleash a darkness that even the Primes may not be able to stop."

I felt a chill run down my spine as her words sank in. Then... you caused the transport to crash? To save me?

She nodded. "Yes. I interfered. I could not allow them to take you. You are too important—both to the Autobots and to the balance of power between light and shadow. But this is only the beginning, Erin."

I stared at her, overwhelmed. So, what do I do now? How am I supposed to fight all of this? I'm just... me.

Umbra Prime stepped closer, her presence radiating strength. "You are far more than you realize. The key is only a part of your power. As you grow, you will come to understand the full extent of what you are capable of. And I am here to help you understand. I am here to help remove the shadow entity from you, like how my brothers and sister Primes did to me all those Millenia ago. "

She bent down and placed her giant hand on my shoulder.

"It's okay. You won't go through this alone. You never have. My brothers and sister were there when I was struggling, and now you have the autobots and your friends. Your family."

I nodded at her, grateful for the pep talk.

She placed her hand on the ground.

"Now come on. Let's go help your family"