Night had fallen over the ruins of the city. The remains of buildings jutted out like broken teeth, smoke billowing between them, and the air was thick with the smell of burning and metal. You and Bumblebee moved carefully, picking your way through the ruined streets step by step. Somewhere in the distance, fire crackled, and dull thuds echoed — as if the heart of the Earth were beating unevenly.

"Stay ready," — Bee said quietly, his voice module creaking, but the words were clear. His optics glowed with alarm. He seemed to sense something approaching.

The air around you seemed to grow heavier. The sudden silence was oppressive, and every step echoed between the stone ruins. You gripped your weapon tighter, your gaze slid across the darkness — and then he appeared.

Optimus stepped out of the thick shadows, seemingly dissolving into them. His massive frame reflected the moonlight. The metal was dull, covered in scratches and the marks of recent battles, but the most terrifying thing was his gaze. His optics, usually glowing with a soft blue light, now glowed with a cold, harsh violet.

"I found you..." — His voice was low, metallic, but lacking the warmth you were accustomed to. Every word seemed to cut the air.

Bumblebee reflexively stepped forward, shielding you with his body.

"Optimus? It's me, Bee. Do you hear?.."

His voice trembled, but sounded confident.

Optimus froze, and for a second it seemed he hesitated. But then his gaze hardened, and his steps became menacingly heavy. The ground trembled beneath his tread.

You felt a chill run through your body. Something inside screamed that this wasn't the Optimus you knew. His movements were unusually abrupt, his gaze alien.

"Get away... Or I will destroy you."

The purple glow in his eyes flared brighter. Bumblebee jerked his gun up, unwilling to fire, but he couldn't afford to be defenseless either. Clutching your weapon, you felt every second stretching out — and any wrong move would lead to disaster.

Silence fell over everything again, but now it was electric, filled with menace.