The Maximals, disbanded from their original unit, are staying temporarily in the greenhouse, where there is plenty of room to run. After a tense night, Optimus returns, stating he has had a second run-in with Laserbeak. The Decepticon carried him a message from Elita One, ordering Optimus to aid Tripredicus by intercepting Megatron at the Pit complex. Optimus also states that Elita ordered him to leave the Pit behind, and "throw the fight," retreating if possible, but Optimus says that letting Megatron win is not in his personal battle plan. As he delivers this news, Cheetor rushes in to the greenhouse. He's been allowed out of the council sector by Magnaboss's decree, as security in the Citadel just tripled again. Apparently, Cybertron's wayward generals—among them famous names like Obsidian and Grimlock—are being called home. Cheetor knows something big is in the works, but even he is surprised to hear Optimus's new orders. Knowing that one Maximal unit of firepower may not be enough, Thundercat also offers to aid with his ex-Predacon ally, Beetalion, and warriors from his sector.
Darkwave returns to the Revolutionaries' base, on his way to visit with Hardhead, who is in "time out" for breaking the base TV. While he is in the halls, he is approached by Epitaph… but he is soon to discover that Epitaph has once again lost control of his body. Starscream, in possession of the sorcerer, explains that he now knows he has been tricked, but he has a much better notion of what is really going on. He knows that Optimus will be at the Pit, waiting for Megatron, and insists that he alone be allowed to finish off the victor of the great battle. Later that day, Starfire is approached by Lightbreeze, who is visiting the greenhouse. She asks him in specific to come and speak with Destine, whose behavior has been occasionally out of control. When Starfire arrives at the church, he finds Destine in her quarters, cuffed to a desk. When he asks her what the trouble is, she says calmly that she's certain she killed someone, but can't remember who or when. She complains that her spider instincts make rehabilitation difficult, and she wants to be reprogrammed. Starfire insists that she needs to find her own path. However, he is kind enough to uncuff one of her arms, and looks her in the eye as he speaks, giving her just enough leeway to stun him hypnotically and attack him. When he awakens, he has been saved from the worst damage by the priestess, who interrupted Destine before she could make good on the promise of killing and eating him. Starfire insists on talking to the spider again, but makes no progress at all.
Megatron rouses the crowds in his newfound territory, eager to get the biggest step in his revolution underway. As the Predacons travel to the smelting pools, the site of the Predacon Pit, they encounter the Maximals, standing ground on the buildingtops above the lava. Optimus tackles Megatron, attempting to pull him into the lava and end their conflict forever. The pair fall and struggle, and Optimus tears off one of Megatron's wings to prevent his escape. GuardianClaw, in a flash of confusion, attacks Optimus, to no avail. When Cheetor rockets in, hoping to keep GuardianClaw away from Optimus, GuardianClaw lands a direct blow to his rocket engine, and Cheetor plummets into the fire. As Pantora cries out in shock, Stahldrache approches her from behind, shooting her down with energon shot and rending her apart.
The two mortal enemies crash into the lava pool. Darkwave and Starscream look on, each ready to take on the victor if needed. Darkwave charges and shoots a blast from his spark cavity, and Starscream, displeased at the interference, telekinetically pulls GuardianClaw in the way of the blast. The beam shoots completely through GuardianClaw, hitting Optimus's arm and blowing it clear from his body. GuardianClaw falls, but rights himself, narrowly missing Cheetor's fate. Otternaut, deciding she can't allow Optimus to lose, decides to interfere with the combat, as well. Not equipped to fly, she leaps from a catwalk over the pool, and lands on Optimus's discarded arm. She uses healing energies from her spark to aid Optimus, but stumbles soon after. However, GuardianClaw comes out of his haze, and leaps down to save her, carrying her to safety. As Otternaut has no choice but to watch the fight from the catwalk, she frustratedly throws her spark staff into the lava, watching it explode in the fire.
Stormcrow, tailed by Medusa, fights his way into the central computer room of the Pit complex. He scans the systems, but is frustrated to discover that the information on Tripredicus's whereabouts is not contained within. Concerned for Optimus, the Maximals leave the building. Optimus, minus one arm and fading fast on his own, holds tight to Megatron with his legs, determined to dive low and take the tyrant out with him. The two disappear from the surface, and, several tense moments later, a single orange hand emerges. Optimus beseeches Darkwave for aid, and Darkwave complies, airlifting his Maximal friend out of the lava pool. Starscream has been biding his time, and sees Darkwave's helping Optimus as a traitorous manuever. He raises Epitaph's weapon arm, and prepares to fire the shot that will knock Optimus Primal into the lava. Suddenly, Starfire teleports into range, and with his sword, severs Epitaph's arm… unknowingly, the part of his body which holds his precious spark. Starscream is forced to flee his vessel, and Epitaph loses conciousness, and falls into the lava pool.
Optimus's friends—Rattrap, Rhinox, Stormcrow, and the other Maximals—all run to his side. The damage is extensive, and Optimus is not sure how long he can hold on. Darkwave shakes his hand, and, as his wounds are pronouced fatal, aids him in letting go. The noble Maximal says his final words, and the last of his spark fades to the Matrix.