Warnings: this and that. I will say this now, I am not good at writing fight scenes.

Disclaimer: I own nothing to do with Transformers.

Klik - seconds

Breem - minutes

Joor - hour

deca-cycle - weeks

Orn equal to days

cycles equal to months

Vorns- years

Prowl woke early the morning that his challenge would be taking place. The two orns that he spent in his brothers den had been boring. His only company were his brothers, Hot Rod, and the few times Ratchet had come by doing random scans much to Prowls annoyance. It was his last checkup that the healer had cleared him for Loudburst challenge and Bluestreak and Hot Rod had stuck to him like glue for the remainder of the orn and night with Smokescreen watching.

With great care, Prowl extracted himself from the tight hold his brothers and the youngling had made on him during their recharge. He watched as Smokescreen and Bluestreak moved closer to each other to fill the hole that he left, and how Hot Rod snuggle in the brother's warmth. It was a cute moment and Prowl wanted to stay with his family a little while longer, but this next part of Praxian tradition would be hard on the newly reunited brothers. Smokescreen and Bluestreak could not follow him or be there during his fight. Prowl would rather spare them from his leaving so he would be leaving when they were still in recharge.

With quiet steps the half dragon left the comfort and safety of the den and went to find Optimus and Loudburst and the few witnesses that would be allow to be there. No doubt Ratchet would be there and Prowl figured that the mech Ironhide would be present but he didn't know who else. The one dragon he knew wouldn't be there though would be Jazz. Prowl would never admit out loud how that felt. It had only been two orns since he last saw the silver dragon and he hadn't realized how much he had grown use to the other. His absence had been startling.

He stopped wings out as a spark signature came up to the right of him. turning Prowl saw the big blue dragon that had stood up to Loudburst when he arrived. "My name is Ultra Magnus, and I am to escort you to the designated area for the challenge."

Prowl relax a fraction but nodded once he was sure that the dragon spoke the truth. It would not be the first time another tried to get rid of their opponent and Prowl was not taking any chances. Ultra Magnus transformed and shot up into the air and waited for the smaller Praxian to follow.

'so, it is going to be a good distance from the clan dens.' Prowl mentally mused.

Seeing that no one else was around the chances of any others knowing where the challenge was taking place was slim and the chances of Loudburst's friends interfering were slim. But the same could be said for any that were backing Prowl. Transforming Prowl joined the larger blue dragon and both flew off in one direction only to dive into a cloud bank then change direction. Prowl had no problem keeping up with Magnus though he was having a bit of trouble with all the down drafts the larger ones' wings were creating. It seemed that Magnus had a gift for creating thunderstorms and the turbulence was causing havoc with Prowls smaller frame.

Ultra Magnus dove again and much to Prowls gratefulness it was out of the clouds and right into the circle of mechs and dragons. He could see Optimus's distinct coloring and Ratchets voice for the height they were currently at. He could also see Loudburst in the middle of the circle. The others he didn't know but could guess on the red mech standing next to Ratchet was the one that had been taking care of Orion.

Optimus transformed out of his dragon form and walked up to Prowl once they had landed. "good orn Prowl, let me introduce you to your witnesses."

"Witnesses?"

Optimus nodded, "I find it pays sometimes to have someone watching your back. And since only non-related witnesses could be here and Jazz couldn't be here. he sent someone in his place, this is Mirage and Hound." The Autobot leader waved over to a mostly white with bits of blue mech and a green forest dragon. "They won't be interfering with the challenge but they can help should you require someone to step in in case of…cheating."

"I see," Prowl stepped over to Loudburst with Optimus behind him. Ultra Magnus had taken his spot by Ratchet. "who will be his witnesses?"

"Loudburst had opted to forgo one, Ratchet is here as a healer, I of course as silent neutral witnesses and Ironhide will be you mediator."

"In case we get out of hand?"

"He is stronger than he looks. It was one reason why I left Orion to him. he used to be part of corps." Prowl had stopped short at that. the Corps was more famous then Praxian Enforcers with a more dangerous reputation. It was no wonder why Ironhide would be acting in that function.

"I see." Prowl walked passed Optimus and joined both Ironhide and Loudburst in the center of the circle. "best to be careful then."

Optimus chuckled knowing that the comment was about the red mech rather than gold dragon. He walked away but not out of audio shot as Ironhide's gruff voice echo through the trees.

"Alright I am the one who gets to stop you two should you act stupide or something. Optic sore since you're the one who did the challenging then you get to pick the type. You," he points to Prowl. "have to deal with which ever one he picks, clear."

"perfectly,"

"Whatever." Loudburst sneered down at the red mech. "I can't wait to get started, since that little brat bragged about you being an Enforcer then I think I want to see if you can put you credits were his mouth is. I pick a one on one fight, but Prowl has to stay in mech form."

"now hold on there-

"that is fine." Prowl interrupted Ironhide's oncoming rant. "If you feel you need the handicap then its fine with me."

"Come again," Loudburst asked. Everyone else was staring at Prowl like he was crazy, everyone but Ironhide and Optimus. The former smirking, unlike the gold dragon he knew of the others reputation.

"I said that I accept your conditions. I will stay in mech form while you can switch between the two. It is only fair that you get every advantage." Prowl kept a very straight face as he shifted and took his place at the other side of the circle. "You may begin when you are ready." He said to Ironhide.

Silence then Loudburst laughed, "If that's how you want it then." He didn't wait for Ironhide to give the signal before he was attacking Prowl.

The crystal dragon ducked and rolled under the golden dragon ignoring the cries from the others, he was not worried about being trample. Once he was right where there was a weak spot in the armor he brought out a small energon dagger and pressed it into that weak point. He didn't push hard enough to break through but it was enough to stop Loudburst.

"Attacking before Ironhide gave the signal, very poor taste." Prowl waited until he was waved to move before rolling out from underneath the larger dragon. He subspace the weapon and flip back to his original spot.

Loudburst growled as the others snickered. It was rare that someone other than Optimus, Magnus, Ratchet, Jazz, and Ironhide could put the Second of the clan in his place. What made it better was that it was Prowl doing it and he was ranked low now. Some were tempted to give him a point since technically Loudburst did start the round and Prowl just finished it.

"Alright, now…Begin!"

Prowl darted forward dodging a tail swipe and snapping jaws as he tried to grab one of the curving horns adoring Loudburst's head. He just managed to touch it when the golden dragon started transforming and Prowl lost his grip when the horns shrank and receded into the others helm. He tried jumping away but he was too late as something sharp rank his side narrowly missing one of his wings.

It was a shallow wound but it still hurt. Thankfully, Prowl was able to stop the bleeding and was able to ignore the pulsing throb that it created. He hissed as Loudburst finish his transformation grinning that he scores first blood. Prowl not to be out done charged; faking right then left before going straight down the middle. Striking multiple times before kicking the larger mech across the circle. He was disappointed that he didn't knock him out but his kick broke something inside the mech. The dripple of energon out of the others mouth prove that.

"think that that was something…I'll show you something." Loudburst snarled. Prowl remained silent he wouldn't let simple mistakes cause him to falter now. He had just a klick before Loudburst attack again.

This time his attacks were smoother, controlled, and precise. Prowl felt some of those hits before he got an opening. He grabs Loudburst's arm swinging himself up and over the mech wrapping his wings around the golden mechs helm blocking his optics. The move unbalanced Loudburst that Prowl was able to twist around while still keeping the hold on the arm and wrapped his legs around the mechs throat. He then pulled the top part of Loudburst's body back as he used his remaining arm to latched onto the other golden arm before twisting them together.

The move cause some pain in his wings as he twisted but it also gave him an advantage. Each time that Loudburst would yank on him pulling his arms, Prowls legs would tighten on his neck cutting off the energon flow in the mainline. If Loudburst continued then he would eventually black out, if he didn't knock Prowl off first.

Off to the side Ironhide was remembering being on the receiving end of one those moves. His servo absentmindedly rubbing his own throat. Ratchet was grumbling about having to fix all the damage and primus help the mech who caused him more grief. Mirage and Hound were relaying everything to Jazz and taking notes for future references. Optimus was wondering why did he have a Second like Loudburst when he had Ultra Magnus. It was mind boggling.

Prowl flared his wings out to regain some balance when Loudburst swung his body a hard left. His arms were getting tired as were his legs, he needed to end this soon. The golden mech beneath him must have felt the same because before Prowl knew it. Loudburst started transforming around him. The transforming mechs mass enlarged that Prowl couldn't hold on anymore, so he leaps off the golden dragon flipping a few times before settling again.

"You thought that something as weak as that could end me, ha, your weak but that is to be expected of a half breed. I must amend to what I said to Jazz about him not having a sparkmate. A dark being such as him can have weak little thing like you as a sparkmate." The golden dragon sneered as he reared his head back flames licking the outside of his mouth.

Prowl hit the dirt as a ball of fire shot out and hit right where he was standing. Stabbing pain hit his processor as those flames kissed the edges of his wings. He quickly blocked the pain but it was enough of a distraction that Loudburst got him with his tail.

Prowl skip a few times before hitting the dirt with a thud. He laid there a bit before forcing himself to get up. Every part of him hurt he knew at least one wing was bent at an odd angle and that his vision was blurry. Thundering steps were getting closer a shadow fell over him, he glances up only to see a giant foot heading straight for him. Prowl rolled over but that foot still caught his wing.

"guess you're not all that. I've always said that there should never be half breeds. You get none of the better traits."

Prowl struggle to get free he was mentally cursing himself for getting so out of shape. Being held captive like he was he should have noticed that he was losing his touch. He had taken down mechs and dragon nearly twice Loudburst's size back on the force. Grunting, Prowl decided to use on trick that he had perfected before the fall of his city. Using the one freed wing, Prowl twisted it at the joint until the longest finger was pointing towards Loudburst.

Prowl knew that he'll be catching pit from the healer as well as his brothers and Jazz. This trick would take away his flight ability for a while since it causes a lot of damage to the internal workings of his wings. But if he could aim it right at right joint in the larger dragon's leg then he could give himself an advantage. As that leg came down Prowl extended the longest finger out stabbing it in the vulnerable knee joint.

Loudburst roar back as the pain cause him to jerk back taking Prowl with him before the Praxian pulled his makeshift blade out and rolled out of the way. Loudburst came crashing down when his injured leg could not support his weight. The sudden shift unbalanced him.

Panting Prowl hefted himself up. " I usually would not use such a move, but I fear that captivity doesn't agree with me and had affected my performance. I assure you I usually would not be fighting this poorly."

Loudburst only growled as he found his balance again though he kept most of his weight off left front foot. The damaged wing on Prowl laid limply dragging at the ground. Ratchet was cursing at both dragons he was very close to hurling things at the two. He didn't get the chance as they charged at each other again. Prowls smaller size coming in handy as he slipped through grasping claws though he did feel the air flow.

It wasn't to attack the dragon but to snatch something that he had saw since landing. Vines, very green vines that were common across Cybertron. He quickly grabs it before taking a rolling flip over the others tail. But instead of landing on the ground, Prowl landed on the tail itself and ran up the dragon's spine until he was right in a dragon's blind spot. Right behind the head.

Loudburst shook his head violently and Prowl had to dig in his clawed fingers to stay on. Due to one violent shank one of Prowls servos came loose and he quickly grab on again, except he got those digits in one of Loudburst's optic. He had accidently blinded the golden dragon in one optic. It wasn't his intention but he used that to give him the opportunity he needed.

Loudburst because of the pain of being blinded slammed his head on the ground to try to force Prowl off. Prowl only jumped over to the other side and looped part of the vine around Loudburst's snout. That large head snap back dragging Prowl with it as he still had parts of the vine wrapped around his arm. However, he allows the force to swing him around and around the snout until the vine effectively wrapped the others mouth shut taking out one weapon Loudburst could use. Prowl also use the one small dagger he had to stab into one of the transforming seams so Loudburst couldn't transform out of the vine wrap.

"Now will you stop acting like a sparkling throwing a tantrum or will you continue to act like one." Prowl gave the vine leash one hard pull bringing the golden dragons heads down to optic level. It was one thing about the leash it gave nearly all control to the one holding it.

Loudburst however, didn't see that as he tried to yank Prowl up off the ground but the Praxian held on and change his stance to keep himself stable. Joors went by as the tug of war continued until finally Loudburst crashed to the ground causing a small quake. Prowl dropped to the ground as well when it became apparent that the other wouldn't be getting up anytime soon. it was also the time when his body showed him why he shouldn't let such abuse happen to him.

Prowl slump as he begins to feel every hurt. Thankfully, he couldn't feel his wings yet since the last injury had caused both to go numb. Prowl groans wanting nothing to do more than lie down and recharge, but first things first, he needed to finish this challenge. Optimus however, had saw enough.

"I believe that this ends the challenge." He glances at Ironhide who nodded. "Ratchet since Prowl is more injured maybe you should get started before he falls into recharge."

Loudburst growled as the healer walked right pass him and stopped at the swaying Praxian. Mirage and Hound appeared next to him as well and were helping him to hid pedes. The healer scanned the mech and cursed when he saw the damage. Both wings wouldn't be supporting his weight anytime soon. several areas would need patching and several patches were missing armor and scales and would need temporary plating until the armor or scales could regrow. But what he noticed most was that his patient was very low on energy and he was quick to order the mech back to his den for repairs.

Ultra Magnus and Ironhide were busy, and slowly, taking the vine off the golden dragon. They would wait until the Ratchet and Prowl were further ahead before they would rejoin the clan. Plus, it would keep the anger dragon from trying to get retribution for his loss while Prowl couldn't defend himself. something that should have been thought about earlier before they started taking off the vine as Loudburst shot forward and while everyone's back was turn open his jaw and closed it around Prowls wing joint.

The scream that the Praxian gave sent chills down everyone's spines and echoed throughout the surround forest. But before any more damage could be caused Hound and Mirage had Loudburst down and Prowl freed and up in the air with Ratchet. Optimus and the others had attack Loudburst while the two had freed Prowl.

"That was the wrong move." Optimus said as he dealt with the weaken Loudburst. "your actions have forced my hand. in the past I would have expelled you from the clan and I wished that was all I can do, but I fear of what your actions would be later." He raised his arms sword pointed over one of the kill points on large dragons. "to protect others from your rage I will send you to the Well to be judge for your transgressions."

Loudburst roared in rage as the sword came down on his spark. As his body grayed he sent one last smirk to his once leader. "y-you t-think-k t-that you w-w-won. Y-you h-have not b-but re-lease s-something on you alllllll."

"that didn't sound good." Ironhide crossed his arms. "Punk sounds like he wasn't all good for your clan."

"Yes, I will have to have someone look into his past to make sure he didn't compromise our family." Optimus sighs.

"What shall we do with this?" Magnus asks. Pede pushing at the grayed corpse.

"We will give him a burial and let Primus be his judge." Optimus turned to leave. "For now, leave him here. Magnus will bring those on punishment to bury him." The two mechs nodded, Magnus already having the dragons in mind to bury the once Second.

Ratchet sighed as he landed in front of his den, it was almost pass midnight before they got back. He directed Mirage and Hound to place Prowl in his den so he could start working on him. Then he orders them not to tell anybody that they were back yet, he did not want to have to deal with a group of anxious brothers and maybe mate. He would let Optimus deal with that, his leader was good for something at least.

"Damn idiots," growled at no one. "Going unconscious so I can't yell at them to tell them how stupide they are."

He gather the herbs he would need and Wheeljack. He would need help getting those wings set. Especially that one that Prowl had did that weird thing with. Ratchet made a mental note to have a talk to Prowl about that and that he should never use it again. The healer grimace at the damage to the wing, it was going to take joors to get it fixed right.

"Ya called Ratchet?" Wheeljack called, his flashing head fins lighting up with interest.

"Yes, get over here and help me with this wing, it's going to take while."

"Sure thing," the nearly white dragon bounced into the den and up next to the healer and whistled. "Wow, Loudburst did all that?"

"Believe or not he got off worse than this slagger." Ratchet pounded herbs while Wheeljack gathered some supplies. "This is the result of being held against his will and minimal movement. I should have told them to wait but does anyone listen to the one who knows about the body, noooo."

Wheeljack listened and nodded it was best to let the healer rant. A growling grouchy Ratchet was a happy Ratchet. Plus, it meant that the one being healed wasn't as bad off as they looked. "Wheeljack! Pass me menthol!" the healer roared.

"Sure thing Ratchet."

"And quit your smiling and hold him down. This is going to sting, and I don't need his jerking around."

"Okay." Wheeljack dutifully followed the orders until he was no longer needed. But from looking at Prowl, that was going to be a while. Sounds from outside alerted them that their arrival hadn't gone unnoticed and the curses from Ratchet grew.

"those scrap heaps, I should've barred them here and forced them to help me. They told that annoying sneaky fragger."

"I am guessing that you're talking about Jazz?"

"Him and those worry wort brothers."

"Don't worry Ratch, they fear you more." The healer glance at his friend before snorting. Wheeljack only smiled. "They know that he's in good servos and that you're the best."

"Damn right." Ratchet muttered before getting back to work.

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Chapter Ends.

Thank you for reading.