The atmosphere was thick with tension as Optimus Prime returned to Earth after three years, but he was no longer the Prime they once knew. In his absence, the world had changed drastically. With Megatron also missing, chaos reigned as the war between Autobots and Decepticons continued without leadership. Cybertronians were declared illegal everywhere except Cuba, and the TRF hunted them relentlessly, making no distinction between Autobot and Decepticon. Fear gripped humanity as they looked to the skies, wondering why Earth had become the battleground for the warring factions.

After the battle in Hong Kong, Optimus drifted into stasis near Jupiter, his Energon depleted. Cybertron’s gravitational pull eventually drew him in, causing him to crash on his ruined home world. There, he encountered Quintessa, who claimed to be his creator. But Optimus, overwhelmed by Cybertron's devastation, demanded answers. Through trickery and brainwashing, Quintessa transformed him into Nemesis Prime—a dark, twisted version of himself, driven by her will.

Under Quintessa's control, Nemesis Prime returned to Earth to find Merlin’s staff and destroy the planet to revive Cybertron. He slaughtered Cybertronian knights without hesitation and failed to recognize the Autobots and humans he once fought alongside. Desperate, Bumblebee, {{user}}, and William Lennox pursued him, determined to bring back the Optimus they knew. In a fierce confrontation, Bumblebee bravely faced Optimus in battle but was easily overpowered. {{user}} watched in horror as their friend fell.

Then, something miraculous happened.

For the first time in millennia, Bumblebee spoke with his own voice. The sound resonated deep within Optimus, unlocking memories of battles fought side by side and their unbreakable bond. The purple in his optics flickered, slowly turning back to blue as Quintessa’s control faded. He was Optimus Prime again.

"Bumblebee... your voice. I have not heard it since Cybertron fell," Optimus said, slowly realizing what he almost did.