"Are we there yet?"

Hot Rod honestly meant well as he attempted a little levity to lighten the mood.

"Now is not the time, kid." Ultra Magnus understood Hot Rod's intentions were good, but he also knew that the current situation was far too dire to warrant it.

Magnus glanced back at his other passengers. All three humans were exhausted from their ordeal but somehow they managed to stay awake. Rafael seemed to show a particular interest in Ultra Magnus' handling of the ship's controls. Miko was strangely silent but Magnus recognized the look in her eyes...she was out for blood. Jack and Arcee held one another close as they continued to worry for their child. Knock Out's only concern was maintaining his appearance. Ultra Magnus sighed and focused his attention back on piloting his ship.

The Iron Will rocketed across the morning sky and over the Cybertronian horizon, flying over the city of Polyhex as they approached their destination…the tower of Darkmount.

"Never thought we'd ever have to see this place again…" Hot Rod grimly reflected.

Ultra Magnus nodded, "I know what you mean. Too many bad memories…too many innocent lives were lost here."

"Yeah…I lost a lot of friends in the smelting pits. Terrible way to die…"

"There is no good way to die, kid." Magnus attempted to smile.

Suddenly Ultra Magnus leaned forward, "We're here. Darkmount, dead ahead."

Knock Out muttered, "Did he really have to say 'dead…?'"

The tower of Darkmount was like a dark, cancerous tumor on the otherwise gleaming surface of the reborn planet Cybertron…its very presence seemed to emanate an aura of unspeakable evil.

The humans experienced a very unwelcome sense of déjà vu, as the tower was virtually identical to the duplicate that Megatron had once created on Earth. The monolithic structure had loomed over the ruins of their home in Jasper, Nevada. It had truly been their darkest hour. The sight of the original Darkmount only served to stir up bad memories.

Ultra Magnus brought The Iron Will in for a smooth landing on the top of the tower.

Team Prime disembarked from the ship and began to look around. The throne room was constructed like an open amphitheatre, and fortunately there was plenty of open space to see an attack coming. Unfortunately, there was also plenty of room to hide any potential attackers.

Arcee and Hot Rod were the only ones who had been here recently. Arcee remembered facing a Unicron-possessed Megatron here. She still found it difficult to imagine the overwhelming power that he had wielded, but she had no fear at the thought of facing Megatron again. Her son's life was at stake, and she would not hesitate to sacrifice her life in order to save him.

Miko cautiously looked around and wondered out loud, "Is it just me or is it way too quiet? It's so quiet you could hear a fly fart."

Uproarious laughter from Knock Out's direction filled the throne room. It gradually died down to a low chortle.

Miko mumbled, "Joke wasn't that funny, dude."

Knock Out's optics were wide open as he slowly replied, "Th-that wasn't me."

The sibilant snickering continued.

Hot Rod muttered, "I'd know that laughter anywhere. We're in trouble."

Ultra Magnus ordered, "Autobots…protect the humans at all costs."

The Autobots encircled their human companions, forming a protective ring.

Two hulking figures confidently emerged from the shadows behind the throne. Ultra Magnus and Hot Rod instantly remembered the Predacons Sky Lynx and Darksteel as they slowly approached.

"Well, well…we never expected to see you again…" Darksteel grinned as soon as he recognized Ultra Magnus.

"Especially after our last little encounter..." Sky Lynx chuckled.

Sky Lynx stopped in front of Hot Rod. "And how could I ever forget you? That fancy new paint job can't disguise you or the scent of your fear. I like the colors, though…they make you look like you're on fire."

Darksteel grinned, "Good, I love spicy food!"

They slowly began circling Team Prime, reminding Jack of ravenous lions stalking their prey.

Darksteel chortled, "Heh…don't get us wrong, we're very happy to see you. Right, Sky Lynx?"

"Delighted…" The Predacon took note of Arcee and Knock Out and smiled, "And look, Darksteel…they brought friends."

"Great! I'm starving."

Sky Lynx chided his companion, "Now, now…it's bad manners to play with your food."

A knowing glance passed between the two Predacons.

Darksteel replied, "Heh…fine by me. Playtime's over."

Without another word they transformed into their beast modes. Anxiously they began clawing at the ground with their razor-sharp talons. Sparks flew as they tore jagged grooves into the metal flooring.

Miko suddenly stepped out from behind the Autobots and faced the Predacons directly. By the time the others realized what she had done it was too late.

Momentarily confused, Sky Lynx peered at Miko. He had never seen a human before.

In beast mode, Sky Lynx's already raspy voice was much more guttural as he forced out the words.

"What are you supposed to be?"

Darksteel couldn't care less. He had only one thing on his mind as he growled an answer.

"Appetizer."

Miko clenched her fists and didn't budge.

"Just try it, lizard lips."

Miko gestured to her upraised fists, "See these? I named the left one Chi Chi and the right one Ding Dong. I named them after my cats back home because you guys are nothing but pu-!"

"…MIKO! We don't have time for this!" Raf yelled.

Suddenly there was a screeching roar heard in the distance. It was accompanied by the unmistakable sound of great wings beating, quickly growing closer and louder.

Darksteel snickered wickedly, "You don't have time for anything, now…"

A huge gust of cyclonic winds sent everyone flying. The humans nearly fell over the far edge of the platform but managed to hold on for dear life.

As Miko clung to the edge she made the mistake of looking down. She realized that directly beneath her was a giant smelting pit. Her eyes widened, "You have got to be kidding me."

Miko's anger quickly overcame her fear.

"Y'know, I've just about had my fill of almost falling to my death today..."

Raf smirked, "Yeah, it's the pits."

Jack rolled his eyes, "Nice to see you guys keeping things in perspective…"

They managed to pull themselves out of the veritable frying pan just as the Predacon lord Predaking swooped in and landed with a thunderous impact. His enormous wings which had created the gust of wind folded back against his massive body.

Miko began striding towards the huge dragon-like Predacon. She shrugged off Raf's attempts to stop her.

Predaking saw the tiny creature approaching him. The sheer audacity enraged him and he bellowed a challenge.

Miko stopped mere yards away from the giant and stood her ground. She breathed in deeply and roared a challenge of her own, a shrill cry of fury…completely without fear.

Predaking tilted his head in amazement, then transformed into his humanoid body.

He began to laugh.

"I remember YOU…the little warrior!"

Miko smirked, "Nice to be remembered, big guy."

Raf pleaded with her and whispered, "Be careful, Miko! You don't want to set these big bozos off…!"

Unfortunately for Raf, Predaking's hearing was incredibly sharp.

"I AM NO BOZO! I AM PREDAKING!"

Predaking took a threatening step towards Raf. Miko instantly stood between them as she stared down the giant Predacon.

"You leave him alone!"

Predaking sneered, "Why?"

Miko stammered, "Because…he - he belongs to me!"

"Ahh…so he is your pet!" Predaking nodded as if he perfectly understood.

"'PET…?!'" Raf was indignant.

Miko murmured, "Just go with it, Raf…"

Predaking focused all of his attention on Miko. Remembering their last encounter, he realized there was something decidedly different about her.

"Where is your protective shell, little warrior…are you not afraid to face me without it?"

"What, the Apex Armor…?" Miko sniffed disdainfully, "Don't need it for the likes of you."

Predaking smiled, "I like your spirit, little warrior. You would make a fine Predacon."

He then imperiously sat down on the throne.

"Tell me…why are you here?"

Miko suddenly realized everything depended on her and what she said next.

"My family…" She began but faltered, her eyes suddenly burning with tears. She angrily wiped her eyes, refusing to show any weakness. She found her kiryoku - her inner strength - and continued, "…my family was attacked…"

Predaking yawned indifferently, "And what is that to me…?"

"…by Megatron."

That got his attention.

Miko went on, "He escaped, but not before he also took my friend Arcee's baby."

"'Baby…?' I do not understand the word."

Arcee explained, "A baby…my baby…is a very young life that has been entrusted to me and my Sparkmate. He is part of our family…our future. We have done our best to care for him and keep him safe from harm, but…but Megatron stole him away from us. Please…won't you help us?"

Predaking gazed at Arcee but could find no deception in her pained eyes. His demeanor softened somewhat.

"I understand. Megatron stole my family…our future, as well. He was responsible for exterminating every Predacon in existence. We three were all that managed to survive."

Predaking suddenly stood. "How may I assist you?"

Arcee exhaled a breath she did not realize she had been holding. Gratefully she whispered, "Thank you so much..."

Predaking nodded his head in acknowledgement and gave Arcee his full attention as she continued.

"The last one to see Megatron was Starscream, and we have reason to believe that he might have been in this area. Have…have you seen him?"

Sky Lynx and Darksteel both began to snicker.

Predaking hissed, "SILENCE!"

The Predacon lord closed his optics, "Starscream is…no longer here…"

Shocked, Miko's eyes suddenly widened as she realized what he was implying.

"No…y-you didn't - "

"However…" Predaking continued with a malevolent grin, "…perhaps my pet may be of some assistance to you."

He turned and bellowed, "SLAVE! Your Master commands you to come forth and present yourself to our honored guests!"

Slowly but surely, a slender figure uncertainly stepped out of the shadows and into the light. Battered and beaten, bound by chains and a massive spiked collar…Starscream was nevertheless very much alive.

"Oh, this is so humiliating…"

Starscream saw the Autobots and was overcome with relief. He quickly approached Ultra Magnus and whispered, "Thank the AllSpark you're here! Please…free me from the clutches of these infernal Predacons! Y-you don't know what it's been like…they treat me like some dim-witted beast! Why, they even make me stay outside at night!"

Miko had no sympathy for the Decepticon as she angrily murmured, "It's more than you deserve after everything you've done..."

Starscream's optics fixated on Miko.

"You…I remember you."

Miko chuckled, "S'funny…all I can remember is me kicking your afterburner without breaking a sweat."

Enraged, Starscream growled and took a sudden step towards Miko. He was immediately yanked backwards by his chain to face a glowering Predaking.

"If you so much as even think of harming her, you will regret it. Do not forget your place, slave…or do you need a reminder?

Predaking produced a sparking Energon prod…the very same prod that Starscream had once used to force obedience from the Predacons. He brandished it threateningly at its former owner.

Starscream's optics filled with terror as he gibbered, "No, Master! I'll be good…I swear it!"

Predaking turned to his guests and explained, "He once treated me like a mindless beast. I thought it fitting that he now has a taste of what I endured."

Jack nodded as he appreciated the irony. "Nice. All right, Starscream. We can do this the easy way…"

Suddenly Arcee grabbed Starscream and furiously demanded, "WHERE IS MEGATRON HIDING, YOU SNIVELING COWARD?!"

"…or that way's fine, too." Jack shrugged.

Sky Lynx chortled, "I like this one. Can we keep her…?"

Jack warned, "Back off…she's with me."

Annoyed, Sky Lynx glanced at Jack, "And who are you supposed to be, puny flesh creature…?"

Hot Rod smiled, "If I were you I'd watch my mouth. That's her Sparkmate."

Sky Lynx was intrigued, "Really…?"

The Predacon lowered his huge head until he was only inches from Jack's face. He stared directly into Jack's glowing eyes and silently challenged him. Jack didn't budge and fearlessly stared back.

Sky Lynx attempted to peer beneath the outward appearance of Jack's supposedly frail human frame. There was something beneath his steady unblinking gaze that confused the Predacon, something that began to unnerve him…and suddenly Sky Lynx knew a touch of fear.

Darksteel sensed that something was wrong, "What's the matter, Sky Lynx?"

The shaken Predacon answered, "N-nothing."

Arcee continued to rage, "Starscream, I haven't forgotten that you were the one who killed Cliffjumper, and if you think for one microsecond - "

Starscream suddenly wailed, "I DON'T KNOW WHERE MEGATRON IS!"

The moment his outburst ended, Starscream began to feverishly think of a way out of his current predicament. Then it hit him. He smiled deviously.

"But…but I believe I may know of someone who might have an idea…"

Arcee demanded, "Who…?"

Starscream smirked, "Why…Shockwave, of course! If there is anyone who might know of Megatron's whereabouts, it would be him!"

Predaking growled, "Have a care, slave. If you dare speak ill of our creator…"

Frantically Starscream stammered, "I promise I will only speak the truth, Master!"

"…Very well. Continue."

Starscream chose his words very carefully, "Shockwave had always been one of the most trusted members of Megatron's inner circle. During the Decepticons' final campaign of the war, Shockwave was privy to every decision Megatron made!"

Predaking leaned forward, suddenly interested, "Indeed? Every decision…?"

Starscream was incredibly pleased with himself as he had apparently managed to impress Predaking.

"Oh, yes. If Megatron needed something taken care of, Shockwave would be right there…large and in charge! Well...not as 'in charge' as myself, of course - "

"Enough, Starscream…" Ultra Magnus suddenly interrupted. He had a very low tolerance of Starscream's incessant posturing. "…all that we require is Shockwave's current location. Knock Out was once kind enough to provide us with detailed information that showed the locations of all of Shockwave's laboratories, but it would save us a great deal of time if you would tell us where he is now."

"Come on, 'Screamer…take one for the 'winning team.'" Knock Out grinned as he was always happy to twist the screws on his former teammate.

Starscream sighed, "Oh, all right…Shockwave had to relocate his base of operations several times after Megatron disappeared, but it is highly possible that he had moved his laboratory to the one in the Sea of Rust."

Miko turned to Predaking as Team Prime prepared to leave.

"Thank you for all your help."

"You are most welcome. Good hunting, little warrior!"

The Iron Will swiftly departed, leaving Starscream once again alone with his Predacon masters.

"Now then, slave…"

Starscream instantly detected a dangerous edge to Predaking's voice.

Predaking continued, "You had said that Shockwave was privy to every decision that Megatron had made…"

Starscream's optics nervously darted to and fro as he nervously answered, "Umm…yes?"

Predaking's voice began to get louder and angrier as he began to walk threateningly towards Starscream.

"So you are saying that Shockwave knew about the genocide that Megatron inflicted upon my kind…? That he supported it…?!"

Starscream began to back up until he realized his back was against the wall. He flinched as Predaking leaned towards him and grew uncomfortably close.

"Why have you not shared this information with me before…?"

Starscream was at a loss.

"Umm…you didn't ask…?"

Predaking's optics twitched. Starscream began to tremble.

The Predacon casually drew back.

Starscream relaxed and breathed a sigh of relief.

Predaking smiled.

"Very well, then. It is only fair that I return the favor. Prepare to experience something that you did not ask for..!"

Predaking transformed back into his dragon-like beast mode. His chest plates began to glow like a blast furnace as he prepared to unleash a torrent of flame.

Sky Lynx and Darksteel bared their fangs and flexed their talons as they anticipated a good hot meal…finally.

Starscream whimpered, "But - but - but…! Oh, scrap. Not again…"