The Transformers, Issue 43: Coming of the Swarm, Chapter Nine

This isn't the final issue of The Transformers (I still have another forty to go), but I will be taking a long break from this project, so this is a good enough place to leave off.

THE LAST STAND, PART 2: TRANSFORM AND ROLL OUT

   (On Cybertron, in the wake of the Cybertronian Empire's destruction, Optimus Prime and Megatron stand face to face once again)

   Optimus Prime: Megatron?! I... I thought you were dead!

   Megatron: A "friend" of mine brought me back and restored me as Megatron.

   Optimus Prime: I would expect you to give up by now, Megatron.

   Megatron: Ha! A Decepticon never gives up!

   Optimus Prime: Neither does an Autobot. This ends here once and for all!

   Megatron: Yes, Prime, you say that now... but would you have said it to Tronion? Your friend?

   Optimus Prime: That person died long ago.

   Megatron: Go on and say that, Prime. You know that, deep down, you still wish to redeem me... Optronix.

   Optimus Prime: You've lost the right to call me that long ago! [ENOUGH WITH THE BANTER ALREADY!]

   Megatron: Have it your way. [Thank you]

   (Meanwhile, in the Matrix/AllSpark/whatever, (most of) the Thirteen convene)

   Solus Prime: We are here, Vector Prime.

   Vector Prime: I see. So, we've all been involved with the events of this war one way or another. Shall we end it?

   (Back on Cybertron, Optimus Prime and Megatron clash)

   Optimus Prime: You can never win, Megatron!

   Megatron: Oh, but I shall, Optimus Prime. I now have greater power than ever! The Fallen's legacy shall protect me! Soon, I shall conquer-!

   Optimus Prime: SHUT UP! (They cross blades again) In the end, Megatron, one shall stand-

   Megatron: Save it, Prime. It is over! You are too weak! I shall- eh?

   (Suddenly, Prima's ghost appears!)

   Prima: Optimus... your destiny awaits you. Rodimus fulfilled his... now, you must fulfill yours. Go... my son.

   Megatron: You can not destroy me!

   (The two leaders charge towards each other and we see a flash of light. Then, Megatron falls to his knees)

   Megatron: No... I still... function. My spark must... burn.

   (Then he dies. Yipee)

   (A day later, Kup speaks with Optimus Prime)

   Kup: Well, Ultra Magnus has been made Elite Guard commander again. Omega has been made Supreme Commander. [Dur-hur, not a character you've seen before!] So, what about you.

   Optimus Prime: I think a full retirement is in order. [He has officially become Old Man Optimus]

   [So, we then see a montage of loose ends getting tied up. On the mirror Cybertron, Omega Doom has been defeated; on Paradron, Starscream (been a while since we've seen him) finds the Future Decepticons disintegrating because, with Megatron dead, their reality isn't going to come to fruition; near the prime Cybertron, we see Nemesis Prime and the Decepticons back in the Stockade; and finally, we see Optimus relaxing on Tatooine (d'oh!) while he monologues]

   Optimus Prime: At long last, the war is over. Megatron has finally been defeated. Though evil never truly dies, it can be subdued and stay that way for a millennia. I... am Optimus Prime, and I give this message to all sentient beings: 'Til all are one.

   The End... for now

FEATURED CHARACTERS

   Autobots: Bumblebee, Ironhide, Jazz, Jetfire, Kup, Optimus Prime, group shot featuring many major Autobots

   Decepticons: Deathsaurus, Megatron, Nemesis Prime, Scarface and Future Decepticons, Thunderwing
   Evil Autobots: Ironhide, Omega Doom, Optimus Prime

   Good Decepticons: Scorponok, Soundwave, Starscream

   Thirteen: Alpha Trion, Atha Prime, Logos Prime, Nexus Prime, Prima, Solus Prime, Vector Prime

   Others: Starscream