The mission was supposed to be routine.

Instead, the battlefield burned.

Optimus Prime cut through Vehicons with the Star Saber, energon splashing across his armor as explosions shook the canyon. Around him, Autobots fought to protect the humans.

Bulkhead. Arcee. Bumblebee.

Counted.

Safe.

One was missing.

A flicker of panic pierced his calm. Dodging incoming fire, Optimus scanned the chaos, spark pounding.

No.

He had sworn to protect everyone.

And he refused to lose another.