Transformers: Prime: Web of Shadows

Chapter 4: Terror on the Moon

In the bustling metropolis of Kaon, the citizens went about their daily routines, oblivious to the cosmic anomaly unfolding above. Suddenly, the tranquility was shattered as Autobots and Decepticons alike noticed an eerie absence in the night sky. One of Cybertron's moons, a constant companion in the celestial dance, had vanished without a trace.

Panic surged through the hearts of every Cybertronian, both Autobot and Decepticon, as whispers of the missing moon spread like wildfire across the planet. The leaders of Cybertron, Orionus Prime and Altair Comet, stood in awe as they beheld the blackened void where a moon should have been. Their minds raced with questions and fears, each more unsettling than the last.

In a secluded corner of Cybertron, retired Autobot leader Optimus Prime and his conjunx-endura, Elita-One, were deep in conversation. Their tranquility was abruptly disrupted as they glanced upward, their optical sensors widening in disbelief.

"Optimus," Elita-One whispered, her voice laced with concern, "you're seeing this, aren't you?"

Optimus Prime's expression darkened as he nodded solemnly. "One of Cybertron's moons has faded into darkness. But why?"

Elita-One's hand found its way to Optimus' shoulder, a gesture of solidarity amidst the growing chaos. "We need to find out what's wrong, Optimus. This is not just a cosmic anomaly; it's a warning."

Optimus Prime's resolve hardened, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Then let's roll out!"

In a swift, synchronized motion, Optimus transformed into his semi-truck form, the powerful engine roaring to life. Elita-One, with a fluid grace, morphed into a sleek jet, her engines humming with anticipation. Together, they raced towards the fortress of New Iacon, a beacon of hope in the midst of the cosmic mystery.

As they sped through the rugged terrain, the duo exchanged a glance, a silent acknowledgment of the challenges ahead. The fate of Cybertron hung in the balance, and they were the planet's last line of defense against the unknown. The journey was fraught with danger, but Optimus and Elita-One were ready to face whatever lay ahead, driven by the unyielding spirit of their people and the promise of uncovering the truth.

The chamber of the Autobot High Council stood silent beneath the ghostlight of Cybertron's fractured skyline. Massive spires reached toward the void, where one of Cybertron's moons should have glimmered like a silver sentinel — but now, the heavens bore only a wound.

Optimus Prime's voice was grave, resonating through the metallic hall like distant thunder.

"Orionus," he said, the glow of his optics dimming with worry. "One of our moons has vanished."

Across from him, his son-in-law straightened, the light brown with red accents of his armor reflecting the room's cold illumination. "Vanished?" Orionus Prime repeated, disbelief edging his tone. "That's impossible. Celestial bodies don't just disappear."

Ratchet, ancient and ever-pragmatic, adjusted the diagnostic lens over one optic. "Then we must find out why," he said. "Something unnatural is at work. I'll prepare a deep-space analysis unit."

Ultra Magnus stepped forward, his voice a steel command. "I will lead the Autotroopers. We'll launch immediately and assess the moon's condition."

Optimus's gaze followed Magnus as he strode out. "Be cautious," he murmured, though the hum of the departing vessel swallowed his words.

In the black sea beyond Cybertron's orbit, the Autotrooper fleet broke through the starlit silence. Their scanners probed the void — and there, suspended in nothingness, the missing moon emerged from shadow.

But it was changed.

Once silver and scarred by eons of impact, the moon now pulsed with a dark, oily sheen. Black tendrils of smoke coiled from its surface like the breath of some ancient beast. The surface was glistening — alive — crawling with a tar-like substance that devoured light itself.