{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 23
|prev=Stronger, Faster
|next=
|image=TFP 23 Megatron vision.jpg
|caption=''Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword!''
|title=
|airdate=[[August 21]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Joseph Kuhr]] and [[Duane Capizzi]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''A prophecy predicts dark times ahead, which Megatron intends to see through.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:PrimeEp23-MegatronKnockout.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Miiiight not be the best time to examine your manicure, Knock Out.]]

[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] recites a passage from the [[Covenant of Primus]], foretelling that a perpetual conflict will culminate when the forty-seven spheres align. Despite the other [[Autobot]]s' lack of faith, [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] realizes that the "world forged of chaos" referred to in the prophecy is [[Earth]]—and that the alignment will occur in a matter of days.

Aboard the ''[[Nemesis (Prime)|Nemesis]]'', [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] explains to [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] that he sought the [[Dark Energon|blood]] of [[Unicron]] so that he could conquer worlds with [[Terrorcon (Prime)|undead armies]]. Knock Out assures him that more Dark Energon awaits amongst the stars, but advises him not to push himself since he was in stasis. Megatron then claims that he is the "rising darkness" of which the prophecy speaks.

[[Jack Darby|Jack]], [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]], and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] find a picture of [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] while searching a conspiracy website. Raf replaces the image with a dancing cat, which makes Ratchet laugh. Jack then invites Optimus to take a look, but is flatly denied. Ratchet then states that, before he became a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]], Optimus behaved quite similarly to Jack. [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] suddenly interrupts, and reveals that the [[Decepticon]]s have been stealing components to build a second [[space bridge]]. Back aboard the ''Nemesis'', Knock Out and [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] inform Megatron that the only item left on the list is an ample power source, which can be found in a heavily fortified human base. [[Airachnid]] could simply tunnel in, but Megatron rather angrily declares that the time for stealth is over, and sends a massive squad of [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] to retrieve it. Optimus warns Fowler to have his troops evacuate, for fear of human casualties.

[[Image:PrimeEp23-BumblebeeRaf.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Where is your BS&P now???]]

Optimus, [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]], and [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] arrive to fend off the Vehicons—and all goes well until Megatron himself heads out toward the battlefield. He spots Bumblebee along the way, who was taking Raf racing. Megatron opens fire, frying Bumblebee's systems and knocking Raf out cold. Megatron arrives at the battlefield just as the Autobots disable the last of his drones, and taunts Optimus as Bumblebee arrives whilst carrying a wounded Raf. Bulkhead restrains the enraged scout, before Optimus orders Arcee to take him and Raf back to base. Megatron then ascends onto the ''Nemesis'' with the power source. Unbeknownst to Megatron, Optimus and Bulkhead climb aboard the ''Nemesis''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s hull.

Back at [[Autobot Outpost Omega One]], Ratchet panics that his tools are wrong for human examination—and Jack suggests that they call in [[June Darby|his mother]]. Meanwhile, Megatron has another vision in which he sees a [[Unicron|sinister face]] and a volcano. He then orders Knock Out and Airachnid to complete the space bridge, as there is something he must attend to. June arrives at the Autobot base, quick to unnerve Ratchet with the knowledge that Raf will die unless she can stabilize him immediately. Bumblebee vents his frustration on a nearby wall, but Arcee manages to calm him... a little. Ratchet regrets having not bothered to learn human science and medicine, despite accepting the children into their lives. He then states that he has grown to need Rafael, just as Raf needs him.

Bulkhead and Optimus storm the Nemesis, and Optimus claims to have had a change of heart: he orders Bulkhead back to base with the power source, declaring that there is something he must do. He claims to have realized that Autobots and Decepticons will never co-exist peacefully, and vows to destroy Megatron.

As the planetary alignment nears; Megatron arrives at the volcano site, and Optimus uses a Vehicon comlink to challenge him. Optimus soon joins him at the base of the volcano, and the two exchange brief banter before engaging one another in fierce battle.

[[Image:PrimeEp23-PrimeMegatron.jpg|left|thumb|300px|"Why throw away your life so recklessly?" "I keep [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|''trying'']] to, but Hasbro won't [[To sell toys|let me]] anymore!"]]

Meanwhile, Ratchet realizes that Raf has been infected with [[Dark Energon]]—and theorizes that exposure to normal energon should cure him. He takes a sample from Bumblebee, placing Raf in a sealed chamber to test his theory as the others watch helplessly. Rafael soon opens his eyes, pulse stabilizing.

Optimus appears to defeat Megatron and prepares to deal the final blow—but the Decepticon leader catches his sword with unusual strength as the volcano begins to erupt. Strange purple markings glow to life across his body, and he quickly overpowers Optimus. He realizes that the volcano is spewing forth Dark Energon, and moves to kill Optimus as he saw himself doing in a previous vision.

To be continued...

{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (2)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (3)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (4)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (14)
|c2=
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (5)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (6)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (13)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (11)
*[[Airachnid]] (12)
|c3=
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (7)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (8)
*[[Jack Darby]] (9)
*[[William Fowler]] (10)
*[[June Darby]] (16)
|c4=
*[[Unicron|A sinister face]] (15)
}}

==Quotes==

"Mars Cat says, 'Take me to your feeder!'"
:—'''Miko''' starts a new internet meme

"Um, Optimus! You wanna see something funny?" 
"No."
:—'''Jack''' learns of '''Optimus Prime'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s small sense of humor.

"It would seem I swatted a bee and squashed a bug."
:—'''Megatron''', who is being a jerk.

"Does he seem to be... 'losing it'?" 
"A bit..."
:—'''Knock Out''' and '''Airachnid''' discuss Megatron's state of mind.

"I have been foolish not to see what history has proven over and over again...that Autobots and Decepticons will never mend their ways. If there can be no diplomatic solution to this perpetual conflict, then I must not allow more darkness to fall upon this or any planet. Megatron must be destroyed!"
:—It's about slaggin' time, '''Optimus Prime'''.

"Megatron, today you answer for your crimes against Cybertron and against humanity. One shall stand..." 
"And one shall fall. ''You'', Optimus Prime!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Megatron''', who has heard this speech before.

"Your defeat was foreseen here by the ancients. What was it they wrote? 'The weak shall perish?' " 
"Do not believe everything you read."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Optimus Prime''', unusually philosophical in the middle of a death-match. [[Nemesis Part 2|Haven't we seen this before?]]

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* When the flying Vehicons arrive to help retrieve the power source from the military base, the Vehicon ground units which stole it in the first place vanish.
* When Optimus tries to strike the finishing blow, he's standing on Megatron's chest. Once Megatron catches the blade, Optimus is standing much further back.

===Continuity errors===
*Megatron's jet-mode cannons score a direct hit on Bumblebee, yet do no apparent damage other than briefly stopping him. When Arcee was hit in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]", it nearly killed her. On a similar note, Bumblebee should have taken the brunt of the Dark Energon exposure, but only Raf shows any symptoms. Arcee was weakened by exposure to a few drops from [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]]'s animated corpse in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 2]]". However, Optimus tells Arcee to look after Raf AND Bumblebee; its likely that Bee's just being strong for his partner's sake.
*Bumblebee knows Raf is injured, so why does he drive nearly two miles (three clicks) to the battlefield instead of just calling for a Groundbridge immediately?
*Raf says he can't see without his glasses in "[[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]]", but his first person shot is perfectly clear. This is a common thing for TV and movies, but still...

===Continuity notes===
*Megatron refers to his feeling that "it's as if" he can hear Unicron's thoughts, which he gibbered about back in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]". The story revolves around the idea that Dark Energon is out in space, another "Darkness Rising" plot point.
*Agent Fowler's men at first thought it was [[MECH]] who stole the phase conductor until they found the security image of Soundwave.
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] demonstrated that energon does not agree with human physiology in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]" and "[[Darkness Rising, Part 4|Part 4]]", which Ratchet confirms here.
*Arcee tells Bumblebee that she knows what it's like to see a partner <strike>killed</strike> harmed, referring to [[Tailgate (Prime)|Tailgate]]'s death at Airachnid's claws in "[[Predatory]]".

===Transformers references===
* The [[Covenant of Primus]] first appeared in the ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' episode "[[Nemesis Part 1]]".
* Megatron and Optimus punch each other in the style of the opening credits, only on opposite sides. This isn't [[Sick Mind|the first time]] the show has done this.
* Yeah, yeah, "[[The Transformers: The Movie|One shall stand, one shall fall]]."
* Ratchet mentions that he has known Optimus for longer than any of the other Earth-stationed Autobots, even before he was a Prime. Taking the character's appearance in ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|War for Cybertron]]'' into account, this would be true, as Ratchet was under the direct command of Optimus prior to, and at the start of the game's storyline (it showed his first meeting with Bumblebee, and whilst Arcee was in the game, she never interacted with Optimus during the story. Bulkhead was mentioned as having joined with Optimus during a later period of time).
* Megatron refers to Optimus as "the last of the Primes". He was also called this by the head of the [[Autobot High Council]] in ''War for Cybertron'', upon his ascension to the rank of Prime. It is also a term used to refer to his [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|live-action film]] counterpart.

===Real-world references===
*The cat that Raf replaces Bumblebee's photo with is a reference to the lolcat phenomenon on the internet.
*The picture on the conspiracy website of a supposed alien looking through a window is a reference to the famed "Denver Alien" sighting where a man called Jeff Peckman claimed he filmed an extra-terrestrial outside of his home.

===Trivia===
* The episode was first broadcast on Canada's Teletoon channel. AGAIN.
* As Megatron explains why he sought out the blood of Unicron at the beginning of the episode, Knock Out totally checks out his 'nails' in the background. How vain can you get?!
* Megatron laments that the only shard of Dark Energon he has is the one in his chest. It would seem that, despite his machinations being discovered, Starscream never gave Megatron's original shard back.
* Bulkhead states that he has never seen Optimus “laugh, cry or lose his cool”. While it could just be an offhand expression, this inadvertently raises an interesting question as to whether Cybertronians actually have the ability to cry.
* This is the first time an Autobot weaponizes a part of their vehicle mode—in this case, Optimus's wheels on his legs. But [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] [[Revenge of the Fallen|did it]] [[Starscream (Movie)|first]].

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

One Shall Fall

2011-08-24T16:57:03Z

Genericprime: /* Trivia */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 23
|prev=Stronger, Faster
|next=
|image=TFP 23 Megatron vision.jpg
|caption=''Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword!''
|title=
|airdate=[[August 21]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Joseph Kuhr]] and [[Duane Capizzi]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''A prophecy predicts dark times ahead, which Megatron intends to see through.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:PrimeEp23-MegatronKnockout.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Miiiight not be the best time to examine your manicure, Knock Out.]]

[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] recites a passage from the [[Covenant of Primus]], foretelling that a perpetual conflict will culminate when the forty-seven spheres align. Despite the other [[Autobot]]s' lack of faith, [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] realizes that the "world forged of chaos" referred to in the prophecy is [[Earth]]—and that the alignment will occur in a matter of days.

Aboard the ''[[Nemesis (Prime)|Nemesis]]'', [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] explains to [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] that he sought the [[Dark Energon|blood]] of [[Unicron]] so that he could conquer worlds with [[Terrorcon (Prime)|undead armies]]. Knock Out assures him that more Dark Energon awaits amongst the stars, but advises him not to push himself since he was in stasis. Megatron then claims that he is the "rising darkness" of which the prophecy speaks.

[[Jack Darby|Jack]], [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]], and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] find a picture of [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] while searching a conspiracy website. Raf replaces the image with a dancing cat, which makes Ratchet laugh. Jack then invites Optimus to take a look, but is flatly denied. Ratchet then states that, before he became a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]], Optimus behaved quite similarly to Jack. [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] suddenly interrupts, and reveals that the [[Decepticon]]s have been stealing components to build a second [[space bridge]]. Back aboard the ''Nemesis'', Knock Out and [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] inform Megatron that the only item left on the list is an ample power source, which can be found in a heavily fortified human base. [[Airachnid]] could simply tunnel in, but Megatron rather angrily declares that the time for stealth is over, and sends a massive squad of [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] to retrieve it. Optimus warns Fowler to have his troops evacuate, for fear of human casualties.

[[Image:PrimeEp23-BumblebeeRaf.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Where is your BS&P now???]]

Optimus, [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]], and [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] arrive to fend off the Vehicons—and all goes well until Megatron himself heads out toward the battlefield. He spots Bumblebee along the way, who was taking Raf racing. Megatron opens fire, frying Bumblebee's systems and knocking Raf out cold. Megatron arrives at the battlefield just as the Autobots disable the last of his drones, and taunts Optimus as Bumblebee arrives whilst carrying a wounded Raf. Bulkhead restrains the enraged scout, before Optimus orders Arcee to take him and Raf back to base. Megatron then ascends onto the ''Nemesis'' with the power source. Unbeknownst to Megatron, Optimus and Bulkhead climb aboard the ''Nemesis''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s hull.

Back at [[Autobot Outpost Omega One]], Ratchet panics that his tools are wrong for human examination—and Jack suggests that they call in [[June Darby|his mother]]. Meanwhile, Megatron has another vision in which he sees a [[Unicron|sinister face]] and a volcano. He then orders Knock Out and Airachnid to complete the space bridge, as there is something he must attend to. June arrives at the Autobot base, quick to unnerve Ratchet with the knowledge that Raf will die unless she can stabilize him immediately. Bumblebee vents his frustration on a nearby wall, but Arcee manages to calm him... a little. Ratchet regrets having not bothered to learn human science and medicine, despite accepting the children into their lives. He then states that he has grown to need Rafael, just as Raf needs him.

Bulkhead and Optimus storm the Nemesis, and Optimus claims to have had a change of heart: he orders Bulkhead back to base with the power source, declaring that there is something he must do. He claims to have realized that Autobots and Decepticons will never co-exist peacefully, and vows to destroy Megatron.

As the planetary alignment nears; Megatron arrives at the volcano site, and Optimus uses a Vehicon comlink to challenge him. Optimus soon joins him at the base of the volcano, and the two exchange brief banter before engaging one another in fierce battle.

[[Image:PrimeEp23-PrimeMegatron.jpg|left|thumb|300px|"Why throw away your life so recklessly?" "I keep ''trying'' to, but Hasbro won't [[To sell toys|let me]] anymore!"]]

Meanwhile, Ratchet realizes that Raf has been infected with [[Dark Energon]]—and theorizes that exposure to normal energon should cure him. He takes a sample from Bumblebee, placing Raf in a sealed chamber to test his theory as the others watch helplessly. Rafael soon opens his eyes, pulse stabilizing.

Optimus appears to defeat Megatron and prepares to deal the final blow—but the Decepticon leader catches his sword with unusual strength as the volcano begins to erupt. Strange purple markings glow to life across his body, and he quickly overpowers Optimus. He realizes that the volcano is spewing forth Dark Energon, and moves to kill Optimus as he saw himself doing in a previous vision.

To be continued...

{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (2)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (3)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (4)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (14)
|c2=
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (5)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (6)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (13)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (11)
*[[Airachnid]] (12)
|c3=
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (7)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (8)
*[[Jack Darby]] (9)
*[[William Fowler]] (10)
*[[June Darby]] (16)
|c4=
*[[Unicron|A sinister face]] (15)
}}

==Quotes==

"Mars Cat says, 'Take me to your feeder!'"
:—'''Miko''' starts a new internet meme

"Um, Optimus! You wanna see something funny?" 
"No."
:—'''Jack''' learns of '''Optimus Prime'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s small sense of humor.

"It would seem I swatted a bee and squashed a bug."
:—'''Megatron''', who is being a jerk.

"Does he seem to be... 'losing it'?" 
"A bit..."
:—'''Knock Out''' and '''Airachnid''' discuss Megatron's state of mind.

"I have been foolish not to see what history has proven over and over again...that Autobots and Decepticons will never mend their ways. If there can be no diplomatic solution to this perpetual conflict, then I must not allow more darkness to fall upon this or any planet. Megatron must be destroyed!"
:—It's about slaggin' time, '''Optimus Prime'''.

"Megatron, today you answer for your crimes against Cybertron and against humanity. One shall stand..." 
"And one shall fall. ''You'', Optimus Prime!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Megatron''', who has heard this speech before.

"Your defeat was foreseen here by the ancients. What was it they wrote? 'The weak shall perish?' " 
"Do not believe everything you read."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Optimus Prime''', unusually philosophical in the middle of a death-match. [[Nemesis Part 2|Haven't we seen this before?]]

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* When the flying Vehicons arrive to help retrieve the power source from the military base, the Vehicon ground units which stole it in the first place vanish.
* When Optimus tries to strike the finishing blow, he's standing on Megatron's chest. Once Megatron catches the blade, Optimus is standing much further back.

===Continuity errors===
*Megatron's jet-mode cannons score a direct hit on Bumblebee, yet do no apparent damage other than briefly stopping him. When Arcee was hit in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]", it nearly killed her. On a similar note, Bumblebee should have taken the brunt of the Dark Energon exposure, but only Raf shows any symptoms. Arcee was weakened by exposure to a few drops from [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]]'s animated corpse in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 2]]". However, Optimus tells Arcee to look after Raf AND Bumblebee; its likely that Bee's just being strong for his partner's sake.
*Bumblebee knows Raf is injured, so why does he drive nearly two miles (three clicks) to the battlefield instead of just calling for a Groundbridge immediately?
*Raf says he can't see without his glasses in "[[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]]", but his first person shot is perfectly clear. This is a common thing for TV and movies, but still...

===Continuity notes===
*Megatron refers to his feeling that "it's as if" he can hear Unicron's thoughts, which he gibbered about back in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]". The story revolves around the idea that Dark Energon is out in space, another "Darkness Rising" plot point.
*Agent Fowler's men at first thought it was [[MECH]] who stole the phase conductor until they found the security image of Soundwave.
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] demonstrated that energon does not agree with human physiology in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]" and "[[Darkness Rising, Part 4|Part 4]]", which Ratchet confirms here.
*Arcee tells Bumblebee that she knows what it's like to see a partner <strike>killed</strike> harmed, referring to [[Tailgate (Prime)|Tailgate]]'s death at Airachnid's claws in "[[Predatory]]".

===Transformers references===
* The [[Covenant of Primus]] first appeared in the ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' episode "[[Nemesis Part 1]]".
* Megatron and Optimus punch each other in the style of the opening credits, only on opposite sides. This isn't [[Sick Mind|the first time]] the show has done this.
* Yeah, yeah, "[[The Transformers: The Movie|One shall stand, one shall fall]]."
* Ratchet mentions that he has known Optimus for longer than any of the other Earth-stationed Autobots, even before he was a Prime. Taking the character's appearance in ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|War for Cybertron]]'' into account, this would be true, as Ratchet was under the direct command of Optimus prior to, and at the start of the game's storyline (it showed his first meeting with Bumblebee, and whilst Arcee was in the game, she never interacted with Optimus during the story. Bulkhead was mentioned as having joined with Optimus during a later period of time).
* Megatron refers to Optimus as "the last of the Primes". He was also called this by the head of the [[Autobot High Council]] in ''War for Cybertron'', upon his ascension to the rank of Prime. It is also a term used to refer to his [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|live-action film]] counterpart.

===Real-world references===
*The cat that Raf replaces Bumblebee's photo with is a reference to the lolcat phenomenon on the internet.
*The picture on the conspiracy website of a supposed alien looking through a window is a reference to the famed "Denver Alien" sighting where a man called Jeff Peckman claimed he filmed an extra-terrestrial outside of his home.

===Trivia===
* The episode was first broadcast on Canada's Teletoon channel. AGAIN.
* As Megatron explains why he sought out the blood of Unicron at the beginning of the episode, Knock Out totally checks out his 'nails' in the background. How vain can you get?!
* Megatron laments that the only shard of Dark Energon he has is the one in his chest. It would seem that, despite his machinations being discovered, Starscream never gave Megatron's original shard back.
* Bulkhead states that he has never seen Optimus “laugh, cry or lose his cool”. While it could just be an offhand expression, this inadvertently raises an interesting question as to whether Cybertronians actually have the ability to cry.
* This is the first time an Autobot weaponizes a part of their vehicle mode—in this case, Optimus's wheels on his legs. But [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] [[Revenge of the Fallen|did it]] [[Starscream (Movie)|first]].

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

One Shall Fall

2011-08-22T15:41:31Z

Genericprime: /* Continuity errors */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 23
|prev=Stronger, Faster
|next=
|image=
|caption=
|title=
|airdate=[[August 21]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Joseph Kuhr]] and [[Duane Capizzi]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
{{picsneeded}}

'''A prophecy predicts dark times ahead, which Megatron intends to see through.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] recites a passage from the [[Covenant of Primus]], foretelling that a perpetual conflict will culminate when the forty-seven spheres align. Despite the other [[Autobot]]s' lack of faith, [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] realizes that the "world forged of chaos" referred to in the prophecy is [[Earth]]—and that the alignment will occur in a matter of days.

Aboard the ''[[Nemesis (Prime)|Nemesis]]'', [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] explains to [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] that he sought the [[Dark Energon|blood]] of [[Unicron]] so that he could conquer worlds with [[Terrorcon (Prime)|undead armies]]. Knock Out assures him that more Dark Energon awaits amongst the stars, but advises him not to push himself. Megatron then claims that he is the "rising darkness" of which the prophecy speaks.

[[Jack Darby|Jack]], [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]], and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] find a picture of [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] while searching a conspiracy website. Raf replaces the image with a dancing cat, which makes Ratchet laugh. Jack then invites Optimus to take a look, but is flatly denied. Ratchet then states that, before he became a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]], Optimus behaved quite similarly to Jack. [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] suddenly interrupts, and reveals that the [[Decepticon]]s have been stealing components to build a second [[space bridge]]. Back aboard the ''Nemesis'', Knock Out and [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] inform Megatron that the only item left on the list is an ample power source, which can be found in a heavily fortified human base. [[Airachnid]] could simply tunnel in, but Megatron hastily has them retrieve it. Optimus warns Fowler to have his troops evacuate, for fear of human casualties.

Optimus, [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]], and [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] arrive to fend off the [[Vehicon (Prime)|Decepticon drones]]—and all goes well until Megatron himself heads out toward the battlefield. He spots Bumblebee along the way, who was taking Raf racing. Megatron opens fire, frying Bumblebee's systems and knocking Raf out cold. Megatron arrives at the battlefield just as the Autobots disable the last of his drones, and taunts Optimus as Bumblebee arrives whilst carrying a wounded Raf. Bulkhead restrains the enraged scout, before Optimus orders Arcee to take him and Raf back to base. Megatron then ascends onto the ''Nemesis'' with the power source. Unbeknownst to Megatron, Optimus and Bulkhead climb aboard the ''Nemesis''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s hull.

Back at [[Autobot Outpost Omega One]], Ratchet panics that his tools are wrong for human examination—and Jack suggests that they call in [[June Darby|his mother]]. Meanwhile, Megatron has another vision in which he sees a [[Unicron|sinister face]] and a volcano. He then orders Knock Out and Airachnid to complete the space bridge, as there is something he must attend to. June arrives at the Autobot base, quick to unnerve Ratchet with the knowledge that Raf will die unless she can stabilise him immediately. Bumblebee vents his frustration on a nearby wall, but Arcee comforts him. Ratchet regrets having not bothered to learn human science and medicine, despite accepting the children into their lives. He then states that he has grown to need Rafael, just as Raf needs him.

Bulkhead and Optimus storm the Nemesis, and Optimus claims to have had a change of heart: he orders Bulkhead back to base with the power source, declaring that there is something he must do. He claims to have realised that Autobots and Decepticons will never co-exist peacefully, and vows to destroy Megatron.

As the planetary alignment nears; Megatron arrives at the volcano site, and Optimus uses a Vehicon comlink to challenge him. Optimus soon joins him at the base of the volcano, and the two exchange brief banter before engaging one another in fierce battle.

Meanwhile, Ratchet realises that Raf has been infected with Dark Energon—and theorises that exposure to normal energon should cure him. He takes a sample from Bumblebee, placing Raf in a sealed chamber to test his theory as the others watch helplessly. Rafael soon opens his eyes, pulse stabilizing.

Optimus appears to defeat Megatron and prepares to deal the final blow—but the Decepticon leader catches his sword with unusual strength as the volcano begins to erupt. Strange purple markings glow to life across his body, and he quickly overpowers Optimus. He realises that the volcano is spewing forth Dark Energon, and moves to kill Optimus as he saw himself doing in a previous vision.

To be continued...

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (2)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (3)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (4)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (14)
|c2=
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (5)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (6)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (13)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (11)
*[[Airachnid]] (12)
|c3=
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (7)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (8)
*[[Jack Darby]] (9)
*[[William Fowler]] (10)
*[[June Darby]] (16)
|c4=
*[[Unicron|A sinister face]] (15)
}}

==Quotes==

"Um, Optimus! You... wanna see something funny?" 
"No."
:—'''Jack''' learns of '''Optimus Prime'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s small sense of humour.

"Does he seem to be ... 'losing it'?" 
"A bit..."
:—'''Knock Out''' and '''Airachnid''' discuss Megatron's state of mind.

"I have been foolish not to see what history has proven over and over again. That Autobots and Decepticons will never mend their ways. If there can be no diplomatic solution to this perpetual conflict, then I must not allow more darkness to fall upon this or any planet. Megatron must be destroyed!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' has finally had enough.

"Megatron, today you answer for your crimes against Cybertron and against humanity. One shall stand..." 
"And one shall fall. You! Optimus Prime!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Megatron''', who has heard this speech before.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* When the flying Vehicons arrive to help retrieve the power source from the military base, the Vehicon ground units which stole it in the first place vanish.
* During his fight with Megatron, Optimus goes from perfectly fine to battered and scratched up in seconds.

===Continuity errors===
*Megatron's jet-mode cannons score a direct hit on Bumblebee, yet do no apparent damage other than briefly stopping him. When Arcee was hit in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]", it nearly killed her. On a similar note, Bumblebee should have taken the brunt of the Dark Energon exposure, but only Raf shows any symptoms. Arcee was weakened by exposure to a few drops from Cliffjumper's animated corpse in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 2]]". However, Optimus tells Arcee to look after Raf AND Bumblebee; its likely that Bee's just being strong for his partner's sake.
*Bumblebee knows Raf is injured, so why does he drive nearly two miles (three clicks) to the battlefield instead of just calling for a Groundbridge immediately?
*Raf says he can't see without his glasses in [[Shadowzone]], but his first person shot is perfectly clear. This is a common thing for TV and movies, but still...

===Continuity notes===
*Agent Fowler's men at first thought it was [[MECH]] who stole the phase conductor until they found the security image of Soundwave.
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] demonstrated that energon does not agree with human physiology in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]" and "[[Darkness Rising, Part 4|Part 4]]", which Ratchet confirms here.
*Arcee tells Bumblebee that she knows what it's like to see a partner <strike>killed</strike> harmed, referring to [[Tailgate (Prime)|Tailgate]]'s death at Airachnid's claws in "[[Predatory]]".

===Transformers references===
* The [[Covenant of Primus]] first appeared in the ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' episode "[[Nemesis Part 1]]".
* Megatron and Optimus punch each other in the style of the opening credits, only on opposite sides. This isn't [[Sick Mind|the first time]] the show has done this.
* Yeah, yeah, "[[The Transformers: The Movie|One shall stand, one shall fall]]."
* Ratchet mentions that he has known Optimus for longer than any of the other Earth-stationed Autobots. Taking the character's appearance in ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|War for Cybertron]]'' into account, this would be true, as Ratchet was under the direct command of Optimus prior to, and at the start of the game's storyline (it showed his first meeting with Bumblebee, and whilst Arcee was in the game, she never interacted with Optimus during the story. Bulkhead was mentioned as having joined with Optimus during a later period of time).
* Megatron refers to Optimus as "the last of the Primes". He was also called this by the head of the [[Autobot High Council]] in ''War for Cybertron'', upon his ascension to the rank of Prime. It is also a term used to refer to his [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|live-action film]] counterpart.

===Real-world references===
*The cat that Raf replaces Bumblebee's photo with is a reference to the lolcat phenomenon on the internet.

===Trivia===
* The episode was first broadcast on Canada's Teletoon channel.
* As Megatron explains why he sought out the blood of Unicron at the beginning of the episode, Knock Out totally checks out his 'nails' in the background. How vain can you get?!
* Megatron laments that the only shard of Dark Energon he has is the one in his chest. It would seem that, despite his machinations being discovered, Starscream never gave Megatron's original shard back.
* The volcano erupting and Dark Energon coming out, Megatron's visions, and the quote "rising darkness" could also mean that Unicron's awakening is the "rising darkness".

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[[Category:Prime episodes]]