Predaking soared through the pale blue skies. The Cybertronian sun warmed his back. Cybertrons second moon, Luna 2, was setting on the horizon. It's larger sister rose on the opposite horizon. It was truly a rare experience to see all three of Cybertrons celestial bodies above the horizon. It was not something that happened too often.
Barren plains of ruins stretched out below him as far as the eye could see. A sea of death. Predaking had heard that one could pick a random plot of land and started digging that they would inevitably find a corpse. If one could not find one then the rust and ash covering their hands were the corpses they sought.
Ahead, barely cresting the horizon, was the autobot city of New Iacon. A small settlement built on top of the ruins of the old city. He on occasion would see a ship landing there, each carrying a load of refugees and veterans hoping to start a new life in a new age of peace. It would still be a while before the city would match its predecessors former glory. Though he did find it hard to imagine this world as anything other than a endless plain of desolation.
After the battle with Unicron he and the Autobots negotiated a treaty where he'd was given a large plot of territory. An olive branch for him and his new brothers, Darksteel and Skylynx. What an olive branch was and what it had to do with peace treaties he had no idea. He was told it was an earth phrase. Perhaps if should ever meet Swiftshadow again he'd ask her.
She was human yet at the same time predacon. That meant she was kin. A half sister of sorts. She was the one who opened his eyes to Megatron's deception made him realize how important it was to analyze situations and think things through. He hated to admit that he had a soft spot for her. He kept that spot close to his spark.
Darksteel and Skylinx would never let him hear the end of it if they knew.
He allowed Shockwave to remain in his territory as long as he continued cloning more predacons. One of which was still in development. He couldn't wait to meet them.
When he overheard Shockwave speaking with someone over the comm he knew he had to act. He told his brothers that he was going on a solo mission and they were to remain on base.
He tracked a familiar energon signature. One he had memorized from his earliest days. Then he was considered to be nothing more than a simple beast, capable of doing little more than blindly following orders. Now he was a king.
A cloud of dust caught his eye. A long floating trail kicked up by the wheels of a familiar car. White with red and green markings. Perfect. Wheeljack was just who he needed.
He let out a bellowing roar as he swooped down towards the Autobot. He landed in bot form directly in the Autobot's path. The Autobot skidded to a stop, transforming as he did so.
"Predaking, to whom do I owe the honour," Dry sarcasm coated every word, "You here to settle a score?"
"I did not come here to fight, Autobot," Predaking eyed the Autobot inching towards his twin swords, "I have to deliver a warning,"
"Now what could have the great Predaking worried enough that he'd grace me with his presence?"
"I believe Swiftshadow may be in danger," That got the Autobots attention. The hostility in his posture dropped the moment swiftshadow's name passed Predaking's lips.
"Start talking,"
"A short while ago I overheard Shockwave discussing with someone about placing a bounty on her head,"
"A bounty? With who?" Wheeljack's eyes narrowed.
"I do believe the mech hired went by the name Lockdown,"
If it were possible, the colour would've drained from Wheeljack's face, "You're sure that it's Lockdown?"
"You know of him?"
"Unfortunately. He's about as cut throat and ruthless as they come. Managed to take down a couple of my wrecker buddies during the war. Swiftshadow is definitely going to need some serious backup if Lockdowns after her,"
Predaking's comlink beeped. He had to return to the den soon. Otherwise Shockwave and his brothers would soon start getting suspicious.
"Can I entrust that you can take care of this?"
"Nothing bad is going to happen to her on my watch. You have my honour,"
"We'll see how far that honour of yours goes, Autobot," Predaking transformed and returned to the sky. Each of his great wings harnessing a hurricanes worth of wind. If the worst were to come he would rip the little one of Shockwave's hands if he had to.
Until then he'll be her friend on the inside.