Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers, The Owl House or their characters
On the Nemesis, Megatron saw where the next set of Iacon coordinates were located as Soundwave continued to work at the terminal.
"The coordinates indicate that the second of these four Iacon relics lies at the very bottom of this world." Megatron said.
"I will journey to the ends of this or any world to serve your will, Lord Megatron." Dreadwing replied respectfully, standing behind his leader.
"Then return with my prize, Dreadwing. And prove you are more worthy of being my second-in-command than those who have preceded you." Megatron told him.
(Linebreak)
At the Harbinger, Starscream, Lockdown, Soundblaster and Exhaust were busy sorting out some tools they managed to find within the wreckage.
"So, what did we find again?" Exhaust asked.
"Inner stat, cross clam, laser scalpel, durabyllium drill and one slightly damaged, but operational T-Cog." Starscream answered. "Curtesy of my traitorous clone, Thrust."
"This is everything you need to make yourself whole and give you back your transformation ability." Soundblaster told him as he grabbed the drill.
"Just to let you know, Scream, this medical table doesn't have any stasis-inducing equipment." Lockdown admitted. "Are you sure you want to do this operation without it?"
"I've never been more sure about anything. I'm tired of having to live without my wings." Starscream proclaimed before sitting down on the medical table. "It's only a simple painless procedure. Nothing to it, really. Provided one possesses the nerve."
"Have it your way. Soundblaster, would you do the honours?" Lockdown told the communication Mercenary.
"Okay." Soundblaster replied, activating the drill. "Just so you know, this is really going to hurt."
All Starscream could do was watch as Soundblaster slowly pointed the drill at his chest and get closer to it, making the former air commander pant in nervousness a little bit. Just when the drill was about to make contact, the nearby terminal started to beep and Starscream and the Mercenaries yelped in surprise.
"That wasn't me!" Soundblaster exclaimed.
"We know. It's coming from the terminal." Lockdown retorted.
The four Cybertronians took a close look at the terminal and it showed a whole map of the Earth with four separate dots on different landmarks.
"What is this?" Exhaust asked.
"Four detachments of Decepticons, Ground Bridging to four different continents at the exact same time." Starscream identified.
"That's unusual." Lockdown said curiously. "They must be looking for something extremely important if they're sounding out four squads at the same time."
"Indeed, Lockdown. We should take a look at one of these locations ourselves." Starscream agreed, smirking evilly. "Procedure postponed."
(Linebreak)
At the Autobot base, Luz, Amity, Willow, Arcee, Bumblebee and Cliffjumper had already been sent to their coordinates and Bulkhead was now charging into the Ground Bridge for his mission.
"Be on your guard, Bulkhead." Optimus said before he turned to Vee, who was operating the Ground Bridge controls. "Vee, lock onto the remaining coordinates. Hunter, Jazz and I will embark for the Antarctic."
"I'm ready for anything, Optimus." Hunter declared as he walked up to the Autobot leader while holding his Witch staff.
"Make sure you don't get too damaged, Jazz." Vee told her Autobot Guardian.
"Can't make any promises, kid. But me and Prime will make it back with that relic." Jazz replied with a cool smile.
Vee moved over to the Ground Bridge controls and typed in the coordinates for the Antarctic. At the same time, Wheeljack approached Ratchet as Gus was sitting on his shoulder.
"We're all set, Ratch." Wheeljack said.
"And you're certain bringing Gus is a good idea?" Ratchet asked with a raised eyebrow.
"We can handle any Con we get put against, Ratchet." Gus reassured. "Besides, you're gonna need some magic to back you up while you're trying to find that relic.
"Gus makes a good point, old friend." Optimus said in agreement as he approached the third group. "But I would prefer that the three of you would have backup on your mission."
"Wait, you mean a plus-one?" Wheeljack questioned.
"No one is left to join us, Optimus." Ratchet said. "Even if Agent Fowler were alert."
They then turned their attention to Fowler resting on the medical table.
"Uhh, who's the other boogy." Fowler muttered before he fell back with a soft groan.
"He's human." Ratchet muttered.
"I was considering the only remaining Autobot alternative on this planet." Optimus said, which made the group realise who he was talking about.
"Wait, are you talking about him?" Gus asked as he started to gain a big smile.
"Haha, yes! I knew we'd get to see him again, soon!" Wheeljack remarked happily. "This'll be just like the good old days!"
"And this time, I'll be part of it!" Gus stated before he and Wheeljack shared a gentle high-five.
"But, y-you can't be serious!" Ratchet exclaimed protestingly, not liking what Optimus was suggesting. "Seaspray is insubordinate, a ruffian! Besides, he's better suited to helping Bulkhead."
"Your expertise is scientific, Wheeljack's skills are quite admirable, and Gus' magic is a key part in our victory. But Seaspray is a highly capable warrior." Optimus replied. "You would be wise to welcome the temporary alliance."
"Don't worry, Ratch. I'll make sure Sprays behaves himself." Wheeljack assured, causing Ratchet to sigh begrudgingly.
(Linebreak)
Back at the Harbinger, Soundblaster used a remote he found earlier to make a Ground Bridge appear in front of him, Starscream and the other two Mercenaries.
"Ah, a remote control for the Ground Bridge." Soundblaster said. "I guess Decepticon scientists are so inferior, after all."
"So the plan is for you to go alone at the start and then you'll send me the signal for backup." Lockdown said to Starscream, giving him a Cybertronian device.
"Of course. Though, I'll probably find whatever is laying at the location before the Autobots or Decepticons do." Starscream replied. "But still, you three should stand by in case I call."
"Which is most likely going to happen with your type of luck." Exhaust said with a snicker.
(Linebreak)
In the Antarctic, the Ground Bridge portal appeared and Starscream emerged from it while riding a Cybertronian hover bike. The former air commander began to shiver from the cold atmosphere.
"I despise this planet. If it isn't a scorching desert, it is a frigid wasteland." Starscream complained. "Now, where are you, my Decepticon brethren?"
Just then, two familiar fighter jets flew in from behind Starscream while accompanied by two Vehicon flyers and they soared right over the former air commander. When the four flying vehicles made a turn around, they began shooting static at Starscream this caused him to quickly turn Gus bike around. Starscream drove his slow-moving transport away from the Decepticon flyers before he gasped fearfully from seeing his attackers soaring in for another blaster attack.
"Faster, you pathetic excuse for transportation!" Starscream yelled, steering his bike around to avoid the blaster shots.
But then, Starscream crashed off his ride and fell straight onto the snowy floor with the hover bike crashing next to him. Two Vehicons transformed and landed in front of Starscream while aiming their blasters at him before Thundercracker and Skywarp appeared in front of them.
"Well, look who decided to show up at bottom of this stupid planet." Thundercracker said while smirking down at Starscream.
"Long time, no see, Starscream." Skywarp greeted smugly. "How's life been for you after going solo?"
Starscream slowly got up and shook his head in agitation before looking straight up at the two Seekers.
"Thundercracker, Skywarp, you air-headed imbeciles!" Starscream exclaimed in anger. "Do you not realise you have just shot down your ship's commander?!"
Suddenly, Starscream felt something else landing behind him and he yelped in shock to see Dreadwing standing over him in intimidation.
"You command no one, deserter!" Dreadwing proclaimed.
"Skyquake?!" Starscream asked fearfully, mistaking the Seeker captain for his deceased twin. "Bu-bu-but you're-"
"That's Dreadwing, you scrap-head." Thundercracker told him.
"Indeed. You mistake me for my brother, who is one with the Allspark. As you are no doubt aware, former-Commander Starscream." Dreadwing said with a stern glare, making Starscream stutter nervously. "Were it up to me, I would end this here…and now."
He then put a pair of Cybertronian cuffs onto Starscream to keep him restrained.
"But it is my duty as First Lieutenant of Megatron to render all traitors to my lord and master, for due punishment." Dreadwing declared.
"First Lieutenant?! That's my post!" Starscream shouted, only for Thundercracker, Skywarp and the Vehicons to aim their blasters at him. "Eh, was my post."
"Good thinking. Now why don't you come with us and not do anything sneaky?" Skywarp asked firmly.
(Linebreak)
Later on, Dreadwing, Thundercracker, Skywarp and the Vehicons were walking through a blizzard with Starscream as their prisoner. Starscream walked up to Dreadwing, who was currently holding a scanner device.
"Commander Dreadwing, this must be a very important mission if Megatron has dispatched his second-in-command. Scouting for Energon, or something else all together?" Starscream asked.
"That is none of your concern." Dreadwing replied, walking away from the former air commander.
"If I knew what you are looking for, perhaps I could help." Starscream offered, only for one of the Vehicons to shove him with his blaster.
"Stay quiet, Scream. We don't need you." Thundercracker retorted.
Very soon, the blizzard died down and the Decepticons had made it to the coordinates on Dreadwing's scanner.
"We have arrived at the coordinates." Dreadwing said, only for them to stop when they saw a huge hole in the ice with flags surrounding it. "The relic, it has been taken."
"Relic? What sort of relic?" Starscream questioned, only to be ignored.
"Search the area!" Dreadwing ordered before Thundercracker, Skywarp and the Vehicons spread out to find clues.
From the top of a nearby ice hill, Optimus, Jazz and Hunter were watching the Decepticons bellow them.
"Well, looks like we've got trouble in this winter wonderland." Jazz quipped.
"What do we do, Optimus?" Hunter asked.
"Follow my lead. They may have already recovered the relic." Optimus replied before the three of them walked off to find a way down.
Back with the Decepticons, Skywarp approached Dreadwing with something to report.
"Commander Dreadwing, we've found some vehicle tracks in the snow." Skywarp informed.
"The Autobots." Dreadwing growled, believing they had taken the relic.
"Perhaps. Though, I've never known them to plant flags at the site of their victories." Starscream admitted before Dreadwing suddenly grabbed him, hoisting him above the ground.
"Do not try me, traitor. I will leave your lifeless husk in this frozen waste." Dreadwing said threateningly.
However, they started to heat engine noises and they turned around to see Optimus and Jazz driving up to them in their vehicle forms. Dreadwing dropped Starscream and began to walk towards the Autobots with Thundercracker and Skywarp by his side.
"You two, guard the prisoner." Dreadwing ordered the Vehicons.
"If he tries escaping, blast him." Thundercracker added.
Optimus and Jazz came to a half as Hunter got out of the Autobot leader's driver seat, allowing both Autobots to transform and turn their attention to the Decepticons.
"Optimus Prime, I will request only once that you and your allies surrender the relic." Dreadwing demanded.
"I was going to request the same of you, Dreadwing." Optimus replied as Jazz and Hunter prepared for battle.
"But we're not letting you leave this place with the relic if you still don't have it." Hunter said with a glare.
"Then I would say that we are on equal footing. Were it not that there are five of us only three of you." Dreadwing told his enemies.
"Six, if you'd relieve me of these ridiculous manacles!" Starscream stated in annoyance.
"Shut up, you!" Skywarp retorted.
"Let me guess, you take on Dreadwing while me and Gus get the Seeker twins?" Jazz asked in a whispery tone.
"Indeed." Optimus answered.
He, Jazz and Hunter glared directly at Dreadwing, Thundercracker and Skywarp, who did the same thing as Starscream could only watch in silence. The arctic wind blew across the area as both sides continued to stare each other down for a few seconds, until Dreadwing and his Seeker follows quickly fired their respective blasters at the two Autobots and the blonde Witch boy. Optimus, Jazz and Hunter avoided the blaster shots in the blink of an eye and the Autobot lieutenant pulled himself towards Thundercracker by using his energy grapple, tackling the blue Seeker away. Hunter used his staff's teleportation power to flash in front of Skywarp and strike him in the face, making the purple Seeker growl in anger before attacking Hunter with his claws. Seeing that Jazz and Hunter were busy with their opponents, Optimus brought out his blasters and fired them at Dreadwing while avoiding his own shots. Optimus then managed to shoot Dreadwing in the shoulder, which made the Seeker captain frustrated as he reloaded his cannon and fired three explosive projectiles at the Autobot leader.
"Optimus, look out!" Hunter called out while blocking Skywarp's claws with his flash attacks.
Optimus ran forward and jumped over the explosive projectiles, causing a massive explosion behind him before the Autobot leader brought out his blade and leaped at Dreadwing. The Seeker captain put his cannon away and pulled out a long sword from his back, blocking Optimus' blade with it before they pushed each other back. They both engaged in a blade duel and Optimus kicked Dreadwing back before the Seeker captain twirled his sword around and charged at Optimus again with a loud shout. Optimus and Dreadwing struggled their blades against each other and the Autobot leader was able to shove Dreadwing's weapon to the ground, only for the Seeker captain to then knock his enemy away. Seeing that Optimus was close to the edge of a large cliff, Dreadwing put his sword away and then charged directly at the Autobot leader before tackling him, causing them both to crash down to the surface.
"Prime!" Jazz exclaimed in worridness after he kicked Thundercracker down.
"Too bad for your leader!" Skywarp mocked, aiming a missile at Hunter. "Why don't you two join him?!"
The purple Seeker then shot his missile straight at Hunter, who gasped and attempted to run before he was blown away by the projectile's explosion.
"Kid! I've got ya!" Jazz shouted, rushing after Hunter and managing to grab him.
Both of them ended up falling down the cliff and Jazz used his energy grapple to stop themselves before they hit the ground. When Jazz and Hunter made it to the bottom, they looked behind and saw Optimus and Dreadwing recovering from their fall before they engaged in a fist fight with Optimus getting punched to the ground in the end.
"Optimus, hold on!" Hunter stated as he and Jazz tried to rush and help the Autobot leader.
But then, Thundercracker and Skywarp flew down from the cliff in their vehicle forms and they both fired a set of missiles at Jazz and Hunter, sending them both flying next to Optimus from the massive explosion behind them. Optimus, Jazz and Hunter looked up painfully as Thundercracker and Skywarp landed next to Dreadwing and aimed their wrist missiles at them. Optimus looked at the icy cliff behind the Decepticons and brought out his blaster before shooting directly at it.
"Ha! That was a rubbish shot!" Thundercracker insulted.
"Your aim is poor." Dreadwing said as he bought out his cannon, not noticing the cliff beginning to crack apart.
"That is a matter of perspective." Optimus retorted.
"Just a heads up, you three might wanna start running!" Jazz stated as he grabbed Hunter and ran off with his leader.
When Dreadwing, Thundercracker and Skywarp turned around, they were shocked to see the ice cliff fall apart and collapse. The three Seekers tried to escape ahead of their enemies, but it was all too late.
"Scrap, scrap, scrap!" Skywarp exclaimed before he tripped up.
"NOOOOO!" Dreadwing yelled as he and his two Seeker soldiers were consumed by a massive ice cloud.
Once the avalanche came to an end, the two Vehicons and Starscream made their way down to the bottom to see if anyone had survived.
"A stalemate would leave us where?" Starscream asked.
One of the Vehicons looked deep into the icy clouds and noticed three shadowy individuals walking in it.
"Commander Dreadwing! Thundercracker! Skywarp!" The Vehicon called out.
When the individuals emerged from the cloud, they were revealed to be Optimus, Jazz and Hunter.
"Guess again, Con." Jazz replied with a smirk.
The Vehicon aimed his blaster at the Autobots and blonde Witch boy before both Vehicons fired at them, causing Optimus and Jazz to advance and shoot back while Hunter avoided the blaster shots with his flash abilities. Starscream then grabbed the blaster arm of the Vehicon that was next to him as the other Vehicon saw this and turned around to shoot Starscream. The former air commander pulled the other Vehicon in front of him as a shield before Jazz swiftly stabbed the remaining Vehicon from behind with his blade. With both Vehicons offline, Starscream dropped the body he was holding and approached Optimus, Jazz and Hunter as the blonde Witch boy was standing on the Autobot leader's shoulder.
"What a team we make! I am so glad that you and your comrades prevailed, Optimus Prime." Starscream said gratefully. "That wretch, Dreadwing, and his two lackeys were going to terminate me. Now, if you could just remove my bonds, I can lead you three straight to the relic."
But in response, Optimus and Jazz aimed their blasters at Starscream and charged them up while Hunter coated his witch staff in yellow energy.
"You will lead us there, regardless." Optimus replied firmly.
"And if you stab us in the back, we'll blow a hole in your Spark." Jazz threatened.
"No joke." Hunted added with a cold glare.
"Hmph. You're welcome." Starscream scoffed.
(Linebreak)
Once they made it back to the top surface, Starscream was leading Optimus, Jazz and Hunter to where he assumed the relic was as the Autobot leader kept his blaster aimed at him. Hunter had also chosen to ride on Jazz's shoulder since he was a bit tired from their battle earlier.
"Be reasonable, Prime. This cold will freeze our actuators." Starscream complained.
"Maybe you should've packed some warm stuff, like me." Hunter replied, gesturing to the black and yellow coat and yellow wool gloves he was wearing.
"The current temperatures are not extreme enough to effect our biology. You'll be fine." Optimus said.
"Fine, but miserable. And I cannot believe that you take our alliances for granted." Starscream muttered with a grumpy expression. "After all I have done for the Autobots and your little Witch friends. Helping to restore your memory, saving Arcee's life."
"Actually, Scream, that second time was when you tried tricking all of us into getting scrapped by that Insecticon." Jazz told him, not convinced by his words.
"And while you have at times proved beneficial to us, it has been only to further your own interests." Optimus proclaimed.
"Well, we can't all be as selfless as you now, can we?" Starscream asked rhetorically as they kept on moving.
A few more minutes of walking later, the group arrived at the edge of another cliffside and they looked ahead to see a large military base in the distance, with some lights on to show that there were people in it.
"Aha. As I suspected, humans. We will find the relic here. So, let us reclaim what is rightfully ours." Starscream said before he attempted to walk towards the base, only for Jazz to pull him back.
"Not so fast, Scream. We can't just waltz straight into a human military base without causing a huge ruckus." Jazz proclaimed.
"Unlike you, our job is not to be hostile to others." Hunter added, narrowing his eyes at Starscream.
"Not even if they stole it?" Starscream asked while smiling innocently.
"Nor can we expose innocent humans to a dangerous Decepticon." Optimus said, causing Starscream to groan before the Autobot leader activated his com-link. "Vee, has Agent Fowler regained consciousness?"
"I'm here, Prime. What's your situation." Fowler's voice asked.
"We require access to a research facility at our current coordinates." Optimus explained.
"Let me make a call." Fowler replied.
(Linebreak)
Back at the sight of the avalanche, a laser shot was fired out of the deep snow and Dreadwing emerged out of it. He then heard a couple of muffles within the snow and pulled out Thundercracker and Skywarp, who both shook themselves to get the snow out of their metallic bodies.
"I'm so going to obliterate those two Bots and their pet for this." Skywarp muttered in anger.
"I hate this snow stuff. It gets everywhere." Thundercracker complained while brushing some snow off his right shoulder.
The three Seekers walked past the two dead Vehicons as Dreadwing placed his cannon and sword onto his back before they saw some footprints in the snow, which obviously belonged to the Autobots and Starscream.
"I'm guessing we follow those tracks?" Thundercracker asked.
"We do." Dreadwing answered before they transformed and flew off to confront their enemies.
(Linebreak)
Meanwhile, Starscream was walking around impatiently as Optimus, Jazz and Hunter stood their ground.
"Are we really going to wait out here in the freezing cold, completely at the mercy of human bureaucracy?" Starscream asked in annoyance.
"Would you rather go back to Dreadwing?" Hunter questioned with his arms crossed.
"No." Starscream sighed.
Just then, the group heard helicopter noises in the distance and they saw some of the said-aerial vehicles flying away from the base.
"Looks like Fowler did it." Jazz remarked.
"Base is clear, Prime. Try not to wreck the joint." Fowler said on the com-link.
"Many thanks, Agent Fowler." Optimus replied as he moved Starscream and they all advanced to the base.
Soon, they arrived at the base and Optimus and Jazz opened the door to a large hanger. The group walked inside and they saw a massive piece of ice at the back, with some kind of Cybertronian device within it.
"The relic remains sealed within the ice." Optimus said.
"So how do we get it out?" Hunter asked curiously.
"We can do it for you and then we'll leave you all in pieces." A familiar voice said as the group turned around to see Dreadwing, Thundercracker and Skywarp showing up at the entrance.
"I knew you were of questionable honour, Starscream. But aiding the Autobots and their organic ally, that is a capital offence." Dreadwing declared, holding his cannon.
"What?! But I…I left tracks for you, on purpose!" Starscream stated, showing some slight sign of awkwardness. "So you could rescue me from my captors."
"Shut up, Scream." Jazz muttered as he shifted his hand into a blade.
"Dreadwing, we cannot allow you to leave here with this relic." Optimus announced firmly.
"I know that, Prime. But we do not intend to give you a choice." Dreadwing replied as he aimed his cannon at the Autobot leader, while Thundercracker and Skywarp prepared their wrist missiles.
Hunter acted quickly by throwing a large pile of snow at the Decepticons with his staff, temporarily blinding them and allowing Optimus and Jazz to tackle them outside! Dreadwing ended up dropping his cannon as Hunter rushed outside to aid his Autobot friends, all while Starscream turned his attention to the relic with all his enemies occupied.
"Given all the fuss, this relic must be truly special." Starscream said curiously before he reached to his side and grabbed the device that Lockdown gave him earlier. "But now, I believe I should call in some extra help to make sure my enemies stay destroyed for good this time.
Starscream pressed on a button and the device sent out a signal to his Mercenary allies. After dropping the device onto the floor, Starscream approached the large chunk of ice and began slamming his cuffed wrists onto it as each slam made it crack apart. Back outside, Dreadwing was holding Optimus from behind before the Autobot leader elbowed him away. Jazz struck Thundercracker five times and turned to see Hunter holding his own against Skywarp by attacking him from multiple sides. The Autobot Lieutenant grabbed Skywarp with his energy grapple and tossed him straight into Thundercracker, making them both crash next to Dreadwing. The Autobot team regrouped and saw Dreadwing pulling out his remote before he pressed a button, hearing a beeping noise coming from Optimus. They saw a Proximity Bomb strapped to Optimus' chest and the Autobot leader quickly threw it off as he and the others made a run for it. The bomb exploded and sent Optimus, Jazz and Hunter flying back. Meanwhile, Starscream had finished smashing the ice and he saw what the relic contained within it was.
"Armor, of Decepticon origin." Starscream said before he picked up the relic and placed it on his chest.
Just then, the relic began to expand and transform around Starscream's entire body while breaking off his cuffs in the process. The relic soon became a ginormous suit of armor and Starscream smirked sinisterly at his new weapon. Back outside, Optimus, Jazz and Hunter laid on the floor in weakened states as Dreadwing stood over them with his sword raised up, while Thundercracker and Skywarp prepared to fire their blasters. But then, a Ground Bridge appeared behind the Decepticons and they all looked towards it to see a familiar Cougar car with spikes drive out of it. Lockdown transformed into his vehicle form and brought his hook hand out.
"Hope I'm not too late to join the fun." Lockdown said with a smirk.
"Lockdown?!" Jazz asked in shock.
"Wait, that's the bounty hunter you told us about?" Hunter questioned. "The one that tried to harness the power of some evil artefact?"
"That's the one, Hunter." Jazz answered with a nod.
"Why are you here, Lockdown?" Optimus questioned as he and his teammate stood up.
"I'm just helping out my new business partner." Lockdown said smugly.
"You're talking about Starscream, aren't you?" Skywarp asked in realisation.
"Figures. Wait, where is that turncoat?" Thundercracker questioned as he noticed Starscream wasn't around.
Suddenly, a large figure jumped out of the hanger's roof and crashed next to Lockdown. The Autobots, Decepticons and Hunter saw that it was Starscream in his brand new Cybertronian armor.
"Oh no." Hunter muttered worriedly.
"Is that what I think it is?" Jazz asked, more concerned than ever.
"The Apex Armor." Optimus finished as Starscream looked over himself with an impressed smile.
"A perfect fit!" Starscream remarked.
"That's a nice set of armor you've got, Starscream." Lockdown complemented before he looked at their foes. "Why don't you give it a test run?"
"My thoughts exactly." Starscream agreed.
"You dare to claim that which rightfully belongs to Lord Megatron?!" Dreadwing asked angrily, posting his sword at Starscream and Lockdown as the former air commander simply chuckled.
"And what do you intend to do about it, Commander?" Starscream questioned.
"Why don't you try and stop us?" Lockdown suggested while making a challenging gesture.
Dreadwing fell for the taunt and he charged at Starscream before bringing his sword down, only for it to immediately bounce off the Apex Armor. Starscream laughed as he brushed himself off and smacked Dreadwing away effortlessly.
"Not so big and strong now, are you?!" Starscream asked mockingly.
"Try that trick with us, Scream!" Thundercracker retorted as he and Skywarp transformed and flew straight at their former commander.
"I think I'll deal with you flying pests." Lockdown said, shifting his only hand into some kind of small cannon.
The Cybertronian bounty hunter fired a yellow electric net from the cannon and it ensnared Thundercracker and Skywarp, causing them both to cry out painfully while being electrocuted. Once they crashed down, Starscream picked up the two Seekers by their heads and tossed them into a large wooden crate.
"Looks like I don't need you two, anymore! I haven't had this much fun in stellar cycles!" Starscream exclaimed with a wide grin.
The former air commander approached a nearby bulldozer and he picked it up with one hand, turning his attention to Dreadwing.
"Now, Dreadwing, allow me to reunite you with your beloved twin!" Starscream stated sinisterly.
But then, Jazz grabbed him from behind with his energy grapple and hoisted Starscream back, making him drop the bulldozer in the process. When Starscream regained his balance, he turned around and grabbed Jazz's energy grapple before pulling the Autobot lieutenant straight towards him. Starscream grabbed Jazz by the head and slammed him straight into the icy floor before sending him flying with a single kick.
"So much for being one of the Autobots' top lieutenants!" Starscream insulted while laughing like a mad man.
Hunter was about to attack Starscream from behind, only for Lockdown to stomp his foot in front of the blonde Witch boy and pick him up.
"So you're one of these Witches that Scream told me about? You don't look so tough." Lockdown scoffed.
"You're gonna regret saying that!" Hunter stated before his staff formed back into Flapjack, who angrily pecked Lockdown in the face.
"Gah! Get away from me, you little pest!" Lockdown shouted angrily, swatting Flapjack away with his hook and then throwing Hunter next to him.
"Hahahah! Looks like magic isn't as useful as I thought!" Starscream laughed mockingly before Optimus tackled him from behind.
Optimus was about to punch Starscream, only for the former air commander to grab his fist and make him kneel down while clenching his hand tightly.
"And you, Optimus Prime, I will beat the living Spark out of you! Just so I never again have to endure your pontificating!" Starscream declared, throwing Optimus into a pile of containers.
Suddenly, Dreadwing fired his blaster cannon at Starscream and landed some successful hits before Thundercracker and Skywarp fired their wrist missiles, causing a massive explosion that made Starscream fly back a bit. Dreadwing rushed forward and attempted to hit Starscream with his sword, only for the former air commander to grab it and then toss Dreadwing towards the Autobots and Hunter. Lockdown swiped at Thundercracker with his hook and sent him flying next to Dreadwing with a powerful spin-kick before using his signature weapon to block a claw attack from Skywarp. Within a second, Starscream shoulder-tackled Skywarp away and the Autobots, Decepticons and Hunter stood up while glaring at Starscream and Lockdown.
"Okay, these two are really tough to beat." Jazz said with a painful grunt.
"Dreadwing, Thundercracker, Skywarp, our battle remains unfinished. But if we do not unite against our common foes…" Optimus started.
"Starscream and Lockdown will destroy us all." Dreadwing finished.
"I guess a truce will do some good for us." Thundercracker admitted.
"For now." Hunter replied as Starscream and Lockdown approached the group with malicious laughs.
"Me, Hunter and the fly boys can handle Lockdown." Jazz said.
"Very well. I will draw Starscream's attention." Dreadwing replied, handing a Proximity Bomb to Optimus.
Hunter got onto Jazz's shoulder and the Autobot lieutenant charged at Lockdown, knocking him back a bit before Hunter struck the Cybertronian bounty hunter with his flash ability to strike him in the face. Before Lockdown could have a chance to counterattack, Thundercracker and Skywarp shot him with their blasters and this allowed Jazz to strike him repeatedly. Seeing that the others were holding their own, Dreadwing transformed and flew over Starscream before coming back around and firing his turrets. The bullets had absolutely no effect on the Apex Armor and Starscream jumped up before smacking Dreadwing hardly, making the Seeker captain crash down and transform.
"Might beats flight!" Starscream said smugly.
However, Optimus managed to get behind Starscream and latched onto his back, only for the former air commander to immediately punch him off. Dreadwing stood back up and brought out his remote detonator.
"You shall be the one to join with the Allspark!" Dreadwing told Starscream before pressing a button.
As it turns out, Optimus had planted the Proximity Bomb on Starscream's back and the former air commander gasped fearfully when he heard the beeping. Jazz, Hunter and the two Seekers saw this and Jazz quickly lassoed Lockdown with his energy grapple before tossing him near Starscream.
"Duck and cover!" Jazz called out as he grabbed Hunter and rushed to Optimus, while Thundercracker and Skywarp joined Dreadwing.
Before Starscream could pull the bomb off, it went off and consumed him and Lockdown in a huge explosion. The group looked deep into the smoking crater, until Starscream was shown to be unharmed with his Apex Armor and Lockdown had a small amount of burn marks on his body.
"What?!" Skywarp asked in shock.
"You'll have to do better than that, idiots." Lockdown said, glaring at his enemies while Starscream laughed.
"That tickled!" Starscream stated before he cackled like a maniac. "Fools! Not only am I intelligent, I am INVINCIBLE!"
"Yet you cannot fly!" Optimus replied.
"Nobody's perfect." Starscream said simply.
"Don't forget that I'm here, too. We're in this together." Lockdown reminded.
"Yes, yes. I'll let you have a piece of them." Starscream replied before they both marched towards Optimus, Jazz and Hunter.
"So, how do we take those two out now?" Thundercracker asked Dreadwing quietly.
"Plant these around them." Dreadwing ordered as he gave some Proximity Bombs to his two Seekers.
Starscream looked down upon Optimus and Jazz as the two Autobots glared up at him, while Hunter had already engaged Lockdown in a heated fight by flashing across multiple positions to confuse him.
"Now, tell me of the other three relics. Are they as powerful as my shiny new armor?" Starscream asked before smacking Optimus and Jazz away.
"I think me and my crew could use those relics, as well. Not just for selling them to the highest bidder." Lockdown said with a smirk, grabbing Hunter from the left and tossing him towards the Autobots.
"They were hidden away precisely to keep hem from the hands of those like you." Optimus said while tightening his fists.
"Ain't no way we're letting you grab them!" Jazz stated before he and Optimus repeatedly punched Starscream, but his armor was too tough for them.
"Pathetic." Lockdown scoffed before Hunter caught him by surprise with a flash attack to the chest, making the bounty hunter retaliate with his hook.
"They are far too powerful, Prime! Fall back!" Dreadwing called out.
"The same goes for you, fleshling!" Skywarp added.
Knowing they were outmatched, Jazz quickly grabbed Hunter and he and Optimus transformed before driving their way to the Decepticons and transforming again.
"Cowards. You will not escape my might!" Starscream boasted.
"I'm gonna make sure you and your Autobots pay for taking the Dark Spark from me, Prime!" Lockdown declared with a dark grin, until he started to get a suspicious feeling. "Wait a minute…"
"You six are up to something." Starscream realised.
"We sure are." Thundercracker answered.
Dreadwing pressed on his remote again and a bunch of Proximity Bombs were activated around Starscream and Lockdown. Before either of them could react, the bombs exploded and the Autobots, Decepticons and Hunter ran away from the huge explosion. Starscream and Lockdown could only yell out loudly as they fell deep down a massive hole the explosion left in their place. Optimus, Jazz and Hunter approached the giant hole and looked down it.
"Do you think they survived?" Hunter asked.
"It is uncertain. But I have a feeling that Starscream and Lockdown will return with a vengeance." Optimus told him.
However, the moment was ended when Dreadwing brought his sword out and Thundercracker and Skywarp aimed their blasters at the Autobot team.
"Now that our alliance has served it's purpose…" Dreadwing started.
"We'll just get rid of you three, now." Thundercracker finished.
"Do you boys really wanna do this?" Jazz asked while getting into a fighting stance.
"Starscream and Lockdown are gone and the Apex Armor with them." Optimus added, bringing out his blade. "Is there really a need to renew battle when the goal has been lost?"
"We have other unfinished matters." Dreadwing replied coldly.
"What's he talking about?" Hunter questioned.
"Dreadwing's talking about his twin, Witch." Skywarp answered. "I'm guessing you weren't there?"
"Nah, he wasn't. Me and Prime were the ones who deactivated him." Jazz admitted. "But to be fair, he tried to kill us first."
"I bore Skyquake no malice, and I regret the role I played in his demise." Optimus said before he placed his blade away, causing Jazz and Hunter to stand down. "So I will appeal to you as I once did your twin. Turn your back on the Decepticon cause and help us end this war, for his sake and for all who have fallen."
"I might've only met you today, Dreadwing, but I can tell you're a warrior who's only doing what he thinks is best for his world. And for his leader." Hunter said sincerely. "I used to be that same kind of person back in my home world, but I was only just being used by someone who wanted to destroy an entire civilisation. Megatron's no different than the monster I used to serve. You can choose to help us and do some real good for others, like I did."
"But you two don't have to join us." Jazz told Thundercracker and Skywarp. "You can still hang around Megatron."
After an intense moment of silence, Dreadwing raised up his sword and placed it onto his back. The Seeker captain have a commanding expression to Thundercracker and Skywarp, which made them reluctantly put their blasters away.
"You three saved my life today, along with the lives of Thundercracker and Skywarp." Dreadwing said as he and his followers walked past the Autobots with a glare. "I will terminate you the next time we meet, Prime."
"And we'll do the same thing to the rest of your team." Thundercracker declared.
"That's a promise." Skywarp finished.
The three Decepticons transformed and flew away, leaving Optimus, Jazz and Hunter by themselves.
"So be it, Dreadwing." Optimus muttered.
"You did your best, Optimus. I think Dreadwing will realise which side he's supposed to be on soon." Hunter reassured.
"In the meantime, I'll call Vee to send a Ground Bridge." Jazz said, turning around to activate his com-link.
But what the Autobot group didn't know was that below the ice surface they were standing on, Starscream was walking his way through the freezing water and still wearing the Apex Armor with Lockdown beside him.
"Soundblaster, send us a Ground Bridge back to the Harbinger." Lockdown ordered on his com-link. "We're coming back with a prize."
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