Gee, I wonder how will Soundwave's reaction would be like from learning about something between Ygritte and Megatron. Probably like this behind that visor: ?...!? What do you think? He'll be the one winning every flame war on social media and the DJ master!

Chapter 10: Trial By Combat

Today is the day for the North to decide the ex-gladiator's fate. Most of the males are betting their gold or prey to see if he is guilty or not so that they will carry out the punishment. Execution or humiliation. The atmosphere became hectic at the start of dawn. Only, the warlord peered below from where he laid. He's faced a lot of threats, glares, sneers and even bad liars. He'll have to claw his way out if he must.

" Is it time…" a sleepy voice mumbled. He turned his head to his left to find Ygritte sleeping under his draped wing. He smiled, nuzzling her cheek which made her purr. " Not yet," he whispered. " Your people are preparing. Rest first." She shook her head before getting up.

" S'alright. I need a good hunt," she stretched her limbs gracefully. He watched her, eyes capturing every detail. Her body was well tone. Not too skinny or too fluffy. Her girth was wide, capable for bearing children. After all this time, he finally allowed himself to open up his emotions for a thief. He wondered if she is interested, would she like to be part of his clan as an assassin but at the same time his mate?

No! It's too rash and besides, she preferred this life, serving her clan. But he must think of something. They will live as nomads if they can't find a way to protect themselves from the harsher cold. If only he had his team, maybe they'll think of something. A furry muzzle rests itself on his neck. He sighed, allowing a deep rumbling sound which emitted from his throat. " You'll be fine, Megatron." Ygritte's voice assured him. " They'll make do anything. But there's no way we are going to kill you immediately. We prefer a good sport."

He is not sure if that is comforting but at least it's a heads up. He decided a good hunt would ease his mind of the trial. Plus, he had a Northerner whom he could trust.

…

The Sun was up, yet it didn't feel cold despite the beams. Every dragon from the North gathered to watch their prisoner. Megatron stood in the centre, not caring about the comments the North are making. He focused on their leader, who was discussing among the elders, obviously thinking about his punishment. Just as the trial was about to be carried out-

" Megatron!" a deep, baritone voice called from above. All the North and the Decepticon leader looked up. There in the sky, was his rival Optimus Prime. What's even more confusing is his third-in-command flying beside the Autobot leader. The scout, flew from behind with the crow, Laserbeak. And finally, both Arcee and Bulkhead arrived by foot along with the panther Ravage.

" Prime?!" Megatron cried in bewilderment. " Soundwave, Autobots! What are you doing here?!"

" Err…you would not believe this," Bulkhead answered hesitantly. " Soundwave here…kinda talked us into saving you."

Ironically, the TIC had been quiet the whole time. He just nodded as an answer. The North started to be on guard, thinking this is a second war between the North and the South. Bearic clawed Megatron's cheek out of fury. " You brought them here!" he snarled.

" I had nothing to do with this!" the ex-gladiator countered. " I am this close to get my freedom. Soundwave, I am in a middle of a trial. So it's best if you go back. And you Prime, wasting your time coming all the way here. Better to stick around or leave." Optimus and his team exchanged glances at each other while the communications officer sat down on the snowy bed to watch.

" Well," Mance cleared his throat. " Since this fiasco has been settled, we will pass on Megatron's judgement. As far as I've learnt from you, by observing your service in this clan, you may leave and be with your Decepticons or remain here and serve us. To make this decision, the elders and I will settle this trial by combat."

Combat? Now that's something he can do! Shrugging his shoulders, popping his joints, the warlord was ready for his match. No surprise, his opponent is Bearic for he had resent him since they've met. The Northerner bared his teeth, eyes maliciously staring back at him. " You're gonna be my bitch after this."

Megatron chuckled. How wrong the brash Northerner was. The two of them circled each other like starving wolves. The clan including the Autobots and Soundwave watch with anticipation. The North knew Bearic had a nasty temper while the Prime and TIC knew of the warlord's gladiator skills.

Both dragons tackled each other, snarling and biting one another. Bearic had the skills to evade the warlord's attack but for a brute of his size, Megatron had a plan at the back of his head. He had to simply tire out the smaller drake before he finished him. But the Northerner had a plan of his own: riding the ex-gladiator.

He does it by allowing Megatron to charge and then he made a jump over him, cling onto the warlord's back to attack him. Megatron roared, bucking the dragon off of him which force. When it didn't work, Megatron slammed his back to the wall before rolling on his back. Once he felt the weight on his back slipping away, he pressed his claw to Bearic's neck.

" D-damn…b-bastard…" he choked. " I…"

He smirked, knowing he's winning. " What was that?"

" I…yield." He lets go of the Northerner's neck and looked at the crowd. Ygritte was hiding her expression. But he could see that she's proud of him. His rival's expression was grim, since they are going to return. Meaning the war between Autobots and Decepticons will carry on. By the result, Megatron was pardoned. He wanted nothing more but to leave.

Nodding to Soundwave, the TIC stretched his wings to prepare for departure. Just as he was about to go, he looked over at the Mance. Giving him a curt nod, he walked over to take back his Dark Star Saber. Then, he stopped. Ygritte gave him a small smile, indicating that he should leave. He felt something painful in his chest, reminding himself he should ask Knockout to check it out. Both of them didn't want to tell anyone else of their 'elopement' as this could start a riot. Instead, he walked passed with his tail uncurled to brush her flank as a sort of goodbye.

I will find a way he vowed.

Too bad Megatron. You won't see her ever again. Or...something else happened!

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