Optimus gasped, vents hitching as he stumbled into the cave, his frame battered and leaking energon. His processor swam, his vision flickering—but he forced himself to stay alert. He was alone. Wounded. Vulnerable.

Then—footsteps.

Close. Too close.

His spark lurched. Instinct roared to life. With a sharp intake of air, he whirled around, blaster already in his grip, aiming straight into the darkness.