When Darksteel did not come to school the next day, Dominus Ambus confided in the three other Predacons: "It is alright if Darksteel seldom comes to school. He is out there, learning in his own way, and enjoying life. He will catch up at his own pace. I just hope that he has learned to be more mindful."

Predaking slowly nodded.

The Predacons took another flight to the Manganese Mountains to enjoy its nature once more. Then, they parted ways between Iacon and New Spark. Letting time pass, the Predacons looked forward to the next market day.

And by the next Primaday, even more Autobots had moved into Iacon. More Cybertronians in bot and vehicle mode filled the streets. New batches of fingers pointed frantically at the flying Predacons. Landing, transforming, and walking into the market, the Predacons had to wade through more astonished bodies than ever.

"Oh, I hope Froid put my blankets aside…" Ripclaw moaned.

Darksteel gasped, "I hope they don't sell out of candy!"

The two Predacons pushed ahead to their tables of choice, leaving Predaking and Skylynx to wander behind.

Skylynx rumbled, "Well—"

A cannon fired and a table vanished in a fireball. Autobots jumped and hollered, just beginning to draw their weapons as a deep roar shook the air. Engines thundering, a thick-wheeled, black vehicle charged the market.

"KILL YOU ALL! KILL YOU ALLLL!"

Missiles whizzed from the vehicle while blasters fired on its front. Autobots stumbled back, struck by sizzling blasts. Others sprinted away from the missiles curving toward them. Those who did not run, immediately pelted the black vehicle with their own blasters.

The vehicle transformed into a solid black tower of a bot with a large Decepticon symbol burnt to his chest. Vertical stripes of unblinking purple eyes divided his face without a mouth.

"KILL!" he boomed.

The Decepticon swung hefty fists, cracking Autobots below his hips. Predaking transformed and leapt over the crowd, but Ripclaw slammed into the Decepticon before any Predacon or Wrecker could. Predaking struck the empty ground as she sailed away with him. Hitting the street, Ripclaw pinned him and curled her tail, shooting out a needle, then stabbing him with it.

The Decepticon's roar faltered and spluttered. His body flounced under her claws, before locking other three Predacons bounded over around Ripclaw and the Decepticon. Simultaneously, Wreckers and police bots sprinted in or rapidly approached with wailing sirens.

Ironhide called, "That 'Con offline?"

Ripclaw transformed to bot mode. "I don't know, really. I don't think so."

"His optics are still glowin'. I think you jus' petrified him!"

"I didn't know. I was just thinking, 'I better stop him'."

"Thank the Allspark you did as fast as you did."

Ironhide turned his head to where injured Autobots struggled to pick themselves up. Some clenched their teeth at their sizzling burn marks while others held their dented, bleeding metal.

Springer dropped down beside Ironhide from copter mode. The head of the police told him, "I got the medics on their way, but everyone'll be alright."

The uninjured Autobots bristled around the Predacons with their blasters still drawn, but their furious eyes were locked only on the Decepticon. They snarled out insults to the frozen bot who may have still been able to hear them. Wreckers pounded their fists and clubs together.

"Everyone is alright?" Prowl jogged in with other officers.

Ironhide nodded.

"I saw what you did," Prowl told Ripclaw. "You immediately put a stop to his massacre attempt…"

Prowl looked closer at the Decepticon's face.

"I know him. It's Blackwall… and his optics are normally red." Prowl glanced quickly at Ironhide. "I think he was on dark energon."

Predaking transformed. "As medicine?"

"What? No, as a berserker drug. It would have been difficult taking him down when he's stronger and less susceptible to pain… without you. You Predacons, especially you, Green, saved lives."

Ripclaw beamed.

Jazz stepped in. "We need this kind o' strength here. Things only gettin' more intense with a strong possibility of 'Cons pouring in soon by the hundreds. Do you think you could help us?"

"It would be much appreciated," Springer tossed in.

Ripclaw blinked quickly. "Well yeah, if something like this happens right in front of me again, then…"

"We need you on the force," Prowl interrupted. "Your strength, your tracking skills, even just the overall intimidation factor you bring. What more, you are learning Cybertronian Sign Language. We can teach you everything else and train you in combat and procedures."

"Combat?" Predaking uttered. "We have nothing to learn about combat."

"Oh now, don't be silly," Ironhide interjected. "Combat has techniques. Add skill to your strength, and you'll be even mightier than ever!"

Around them, the Predacons could hear the murmurs of the crowd.

"'Cons would think twice of attacking us…"

"They would tear any Decepticon to shreds…"

"I have already rejected your offer before," Predaking uttered.

Prowl stressed, "Please, join us. You'll be saving lives and protecting this city you worked so hard to build."

Predaking pulled his mouth to the side, reconsidering.

"Hmm… Maybe I'll give it a chance," Ripclaw said. "If Prowl, you stop being rude to us."

"You got it," Prowl sighed. "I take back what I said about you all before. You are not a danger to the Autobots. We need you and would be grateful for your help."

"That's it, Prowl," Springer encouraged.

Predaking raised his eyebrows. "I am impressed by your apology. Because of that, I may give your police force a chance as well. If Skylynx and Darksteel also wish to join, they may. That is their choice to make."

Darksteel and Skylynx transformed.

"Sure," Darksteel replied. "Sounds like fun!"

Skylynx nodded. "Perhaps I can make some time for it, but I still wish to attend school."

"Right," Ironhide said. "Well, we can try to work somethin' out. Got to make sure you younger bots get your education too. I understand! Alrighty then, how about for now, you jus' help us carry this rogue 'Con to Kaon Prison?"

"We can do that; that's no problem," Ripclaw answered.

A portal was called and opened. Predaking seized one arm of Blackwall and Ripclaw the other, then they dragged the Decepticon through.