(Post Happy Holidays! How are you all doing this fine January work! I gotta say, I was excited about getting back to writing and posting my latest chapter, but… RL got in the way (not gonna be specific), Not gonna lie… the past week was rough for me. But now I feel even better.

Here's the first chapter after the Poké Wars 'movie' happened. Let's see how the Maximals are doing shall we?

Reminder: I would like to remind you all about the ideas that popped into my head during my hiatus and it's everything listed under "Undetermined" or "Challenge" in my page is yours to pick if you want to write. I'm available for advice if you wish to proceed as such. I am encouraging everyone, to write if you want to. Let me know in an PM after you find an idea that you want to write so I can help you with it. They are all on my profile page and are awaiting you to look at them, please look at them after you read this chapter and review it.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything of Pokémon or Beast Wars they are the properties of their respective owners.
The fox-like Maximal, Foxfire, is an OC Maximal made by my friend, Stone-Man85, in his "Beast Wars" story. Please look at his story if you get the chance.

"Talking"
'Thinking'
"Communications"
"COMPUTERIZED VOICES."
"{Pokemon translation}"

Before we start the chapter I wanted to thank all of you who have remained patiently for me to be able to return to myself after my traumatic experience years ago and found my rhythm to write fully again, which I hope will be seen in this chapter if not the last couple of chapters of both this story and "Ring across Time & Space".

Please Read, Review, and Enjoy

It was the middle of the day on the Kalos Region, and right now three Maximals were trudging through the snowy banks of Snowy Mountain, to search for a Maximal Stasis pod whose locator beacon activated.

Kabubot shivered, "Two more degrees and my servo fluids will face crystallization…"

"I may be a fire-type, but even I am feeling the freeze as well…" Foxfire said as she exhaled some flames to try and keep herself warm.

Sighing Optimus activated his comlink, shouting over the wind, "Optimus to base! Are we near the pod?! Command do you read!? Confirm our location!"

"If it was an Ekans it'd be bittn' ya, Ya should be 'bout few feet from it." Ratitrap called from the base as the three Maximals looked around. Soon the leader of the Maximals looked up and saw the Pod they were looking for, "We're a few feet of it alright, horizontally. Vertically, well that's another story."

The Stasis pod, that had activated it's locator beacon this morning, was on the cliff-edge sticking out like a sore thumb in this tundra area within the Kalos Region. Only their relief had changed to shock at seeing the Predacon flyers there with Terrasaur cackling, "Well, well, well."

Seeing the Predacons made Optimus gasp

"Seems like a couple of intrepid explorers found themselves in a box canyon with no way out." Terrasaur's taunt made Optimus get angry while the smirking flyer asked his comrade, "Let's close the lid, shall we?"

"We have been betrayed!" Kabubot shouted, only for him to barely miss being hit by a missile before another one knocked them off their feet.

They looked back to see Skorupinok and Croaker standing there, firing missiles at the three of them, where Optimus added, "And surrounded!"

"And outnumbered…" Foxfire added.

"Maximize!" The three Maximals transformed into robot mode and proceeded to fight their enemies.

The two flyers above transformed as well, and shot down at the three Maximals. Kabubot got hit in the shoulder and commented, "Our strategic disadvantage is considerable."

"Work with it!" Optimus shouted back between shots, "We can't them take another of our comrades and reprogram them!"

Foxfire nodded and said, "I will go and retrieve the pod, please buy me time."

"Foxfire wait!" Optimus tried to shout only for the two to be stopped by an arrange of missiles and energy blasts. While the Fennekin-Maximal hurried up the mountain while everyone was busy battling.

"Hey what's that?" A boy's voice asked, while he and his friends were busy traveling through the icy mountains. The group of four were sitting on large Pokémon, two on each.

"I don't know… but maybe we should check it out?" The girl asked concerned.

"Okay." The boy sitting in front of the girl, nodded before looking down, "Mamoswine, let's check it out."

The Pokémon agreed as Ash and his friends went to investigate before continuing on their way to Anistar City.

The battle wasn't going well in the Maximals favor, while Foxfire continued to thaw the pod enough to ensure the safety of the protoform inside with a low power flamethrower. As she did this she was unaware of a certain Beedrill approaching with his Needles glowing.

The two Maximals heard an explosion as Foxfire was sent flying towards them. Buzzinator laughed while still in Poké mode.

Before the two Missile armed preds were about the fire on the three, a voice shouted, "What's going on!"

All heads turned to the source of the, albeit familiar, voice.

"Ash?" Optimus asked, glancing up from his injured comrade, seeing the boy and his friends on the back of shaggy looking Pokémon with large tusks, "Kabubot! Cover the children, I'm retrieving the Stasis Pod!"

Usually Kabubot would argue the point, but seeing as Ash and his Pikachu saved his life when they first met, he owes them his life. Using his rotation blades to deflect the oncoming shots from Skorupinok, Terrasaur, Croaker, and Buzzinator, while sending his optic lasers at the Predacons.

Ash glared back at the Maximals firing their weapons and fighting, before saying, "Come on you guys. We're leaving."

"But Ash!"

"Shouldn't we help-" Bonnie began but stopped when she saw Ash's expression. Before he added, "Let them fight their stupid war…"

The other three, including Pikachu looked at each other worried before they followed behind him. They ignored the sound the fire and a small avalanche.

Seeing how Ash and his friends were out of the line of fire, Optimus and Kabubot focused on the battle, only for two missiles to hit the canyon wall behind them and they were covered them in snow. Terrasaur smirked, "Perfect, now to get the pod as my trophy!"

He turned to get the said pod, only to see Buzzinator to be the one to get it first and flew off with it in Poké mode.

Optimus stared in shock and called out, "The pod!"

He then flew up on his Prime Jets as he went after the two fliers, shouting,

Croaker and Skorupinok laughed while aiming their weapons at the Maximal leader. Before they could pull the trigger, The snow exploded out and Kabubot shot his optic lasers at Megatron's SIC (Second In Command) before sending out a Mud Shot at Croaker who fell back and groaned being hit.

When he got close, he shouted at the simple-minded Beedrill, "That Pod's Maximal property!"

He was blasted from behind by Terrasaur, who exclaimed, "Which the Predacons gladly steal!"

Before he flew off laughing, Skorupinok and Croaker running with their prize.

Damaged, Optimus struggled to get up and muttered, "Well that's just Prime…"

After the Maximal team returned to their base The Axalon, and got themselves repaired, Optimus Primal approached the assembled teammates and slammed his fists on the table in aggravation, "This makes three straight operations ambushed by the Predacons since we last saw them at the Pokéball factory a Week ago!"

Rhynox rubbed his metallic chin, "Sounds mighty suspicious!"

"Like a couple of rodents slipping them some info!"

"HEY!" Both Ratitrap and Cotton-Buns shouted, resembling that remark.

Which Cheattor quickly amended, "Speaking metaphorically, that is."

But both the two accused weren't convinced and snorted. Kabubot, however, remembered, "It was Ratitrap who lead us to the boxed canyon. And nearly to termination."

Absoltron remained silent as he added, "And Cotton-Buns was on the comms in the last mission that was ambushed…"

Most of the Maximals looked shocked or outraged at that claim, Rhynox being the first to speak, "That's ridiculous!"

"Ratitrap nor Cotton-Buns would never work with our enemies!" Foxfire spoke up in defense of the two accused, "How could you suspect them of such a thing?"

"I'm a security bot, it's my job to make sure that we're safe from our enemies and anyone they would have sympathizing to their cause." Absoltron answered glancing at the cadet before adding, "It's strange how she stowaway on a dangerous scientific research mission without being qualified."

"Oh come on, the kid obviously snuck in when no-one's looking. Dere's no way she or, more importantly, I'd work for de Preds."

"Well, I'm not so sure." Optimus said, rubbing his chin as he thought about it which left many of the Maximals in the room to look at their leader in surprise as they asked, "WHAT!?"

Optimus then ordered, "Ratitrap, Cotton-Bun, I'd like to have a word with you both, in private.

The Predacons sent out a Scanner probe to locate the perfect Poké Mode for the protoform inside the pod.

Meanwhile, at Team Rocket HQ, Giovanni was resting comfortably as his Persian went out for a stroll in the nearby forest when the Predacon's probe appeared, spooking the Pokémon as it bared its fangs and growled at it.

Back inside, Megatron, in his control chair zoomed over to Seviparella's station and asked, "Have you found a suitable Pokémon for our new recruit yet, Seviperella?"

"Yes, I have." Seviparella told her leader, not looking him as she was looking at the identity of the creature on the screen.

Megatron then ordered, "Then begin the scanning and replication procedure."

The Predacon probe began scanning until it caught the Persian in its beam, scanning the feline's DNA, before flying off. The Persian blinked confused before hurrying back to its master.

After seeing the alt mode forming on the screen before the outline turned green. This was a good sign for those who watched, especially Dr. Zager who was not present when the other Protoforms were reprogrammed and found this very interesting as to how a 'Transformer' was born.

"Scanning, Replication, and reprogramming are complete. The new Predacon form is everything we could ever desire." Seviperella announced as she finished typing on his computer as the pod begins to open and a shape was seen rising. Seviperella then cried out, "I'd like to introduce, Persiana!"

A prim and fit Persian rose up from the Stasis Pod. It overlooked everything before crying out, with a female voice, "Persiana: Terrorize!"

As soon as she did, all the males, but Megatron and Dr. Zager as the two were professionals, turned and felt as though their sparks and hearts were beating quickly. Much like her Poké mode, her Persiana's robot mode was very prim and fit femme version of Cheattor with high heeled styled feet. She had the same Persian red gem on her forehead, and semi-noticeable feline features on her face. Sprouting out of the back of her head were long pale-tan cord-like hair went down to her hips. Her optics were red, and she had slim, sharp edges on her digits.

Megatron however turned to the snake member of the Predacons and called, "Seviparella! I suspect you have an ulterior motive for her Poké Mode selection, Yess.."

Looking over to Persiana, who was exercising in her new body, showing off her flexibility, while the other males stared love struck at her, "However I do believe that Ms. Persiana will be a great addition to our cause."

Dr. Zager couldn't help but chuckle, and admitted, "Indeed, and we have the Maximals to thank."

"Yes, I agree…" Megatron agreed smiling at the human scientist's words. Then turning away to a screen that showed the Maximal Base, Megatron gloated, "Thank you, Maximals… For the Protoform gift!"

Cotton-Buns, Optimus, and Ratitrap were huddled alone in the other side of the ship.

Cheattor looked to his friends and asked, "You don't really think Ratitrap and Cotton-Buns' dealing with the preds, do you?"

"No way!" Rhynox protested as he knew how much Ratitrap hated Predacons with how he's been treating Kabubot. And despite how Absoltron brought up some logical explanations, there's no way a child who cares about the kids would work with the Predacons.

"Not a chance." Foxfire stated in defense of Cotton-Buns and Ratitrap, she may not like the later, but she knew that he would never sell them out to the Predacons.

"Get scrapped, Optimus!" Ratitrap shouted pushing at Optimus, "If you dink me an de kid were workn' for the preds you have another program to run you overgrown, lazy-baboon!"

Cotton-Buns glared up at him, "After everything I did, busting my rear joints to be your cadet you think I'd go working for those jerks who traumatized Ash like that!?"

Optimus pushed back at Ratitrap in frustration and announced, "Maximals; Ratitrap's and Cotton-Bun's loyalties are being called into serious question."

Rhynox looked at his friend and admitted, "Oh come on! Optimus, you know neither of them are spies!"

"The repeat ambushes of Maximal operations, as well as the evidence of Cotton-Bun's being a stowaway on a potentially dangerous mission, suggest otherwise!" Optimus shot back, but then said, "We shall see."

Looking at the two Optimus ordered, "Ratitrap, Cotton-Buns, I'm sending you two on a mission to locate Energon. Region J-K, Sector 12."

"THE MOUNTAIN RANGE BETWEEN JOHTO AND KANTO!?" Cheattor exclaimed in utter shock while Foxfire covered her mouth with her hands in horror, "THAT PLACE'S A DEATH SENTENCE! Twelve's home to the unstable vein of Energon that'd destroy most of the planet if it sets off, remember!? It's why none of the Underground Pokémon go that far down!"

"And both are heavily patrolled locations of the Predacons & Team Rocket." Rhynox added.

Glancing at the two accused, Optimus simply stated, "Think of it as a test of loyalty. From both of them."

Ratitrap snorted, "Thanks fer nothn', 'comrades'! Poké Mode."

Looking at back at the youngest member he said, "Come on, kid. Let's blow dis taco stand."

Cotton-Bun sniffled, glaring angrily at the betrayal from her supposed 'friends' as she shifted into Poké Mode and followed after Ratitrap.

I know you're still upset over losing the Pod, but stil-" Rhynox tried to say.

Optimus interrupted the large-bodied scientist, telling him, "This mission they're on should answer that question…"

Then hardened his expression, he added, coldly, "Once and for all."

His words left All of the Maximals in the room, especially Kabubot, and Absoltron, surprised by how their leader was acting like and made some of them fear the future of the two on this mission.

In Sector Twelve – Kanto-Johto Mountain range, Ratitrap, and Cotton-Buns found the way to the mountain range where the passage way where they stopped at what appeared to be an underground lava pit system.

Ratitrap snorted as he picked up a pebble and commed, "Maximal command, Nothn' 'ere. Our 'recon mission' revealed nothn' but a'lot of melted rock!"

Cotton-Bun muttered, "you happy now?"

"Just one more sweep you two then you can come home." The two heard Optimu's voice through the coms, "Check Sector 12.-8 by 1123. I'm sure it's there down there."

Meanwhile at the Predacon Base, Megatron, Terrasaur, a Rocket Grunt, and Persiana listened n on the 'private' communications. Where the leader mused, "Ah, the simple pleasures of code breaking."

Looking at Dr. Zager, he congratulated, "Once again your improvements to the chip we found has been a monumental help."

"Of course. I must say I am positively surprised at how our two technologies communicate so effortlessly with something like this." Dr. Zager said looking at the screen.

Looking to the flyer on his right, "Terrasaur, why don't you and Persiana go and greet our guests."

Terrasaur blinked, "What? Why do I have to bring the new girl?"

Seeing the glare from his leader made Terrasaur shut up as Persiana smiled, "You're a gracious host, Mighty Megatron."

She then left with the Aerodactyl Predacon as the two flew off, with Persiana in Poké mode, being carried by Terrasaur on his back.

Back to where the two maximals were, Ratitrap pulled up another rock and muttered, "Nope! No activity here, Energon or otherwise…"

Cotton-Buns blinked her ears standing up as she looked around. Seeing this Ratitrap asked, "Yo, kid. What's got yer fur standing?"

"Uhh, Rat-face. I think we got company." Cotton-Buns warned before the two were blindsided by two shapes. When the two Maximals looked up they saw Terrasaur and a Persian, a little larger in size than normal, standing there, hissing at the two.

"Yo! Whoa! Scrap that last report!" Ratitrap shouted into the coms, as he looked at the two before them, "We're engaging Terrasaur and some kind of Big-cat version of Meowth!"

"Terrorize!" Terrasaur shouted, as he transformed, The Persian then transformed pulled out a rifle similar to Cheattor and shot at them.

The two Maximals shouted, "Maximize!"

And fought back even as everyone in the Maximal base heard the battle going on.

"Ratitrap's comlink's open and they're under attack!" Rhynox said before turning to Kabubot and Absoltron, "Told you they weren't traitors or spies!"

However, by the sounds of it, the battle wasn't going on their friends' favors as the Maximals heard Terrasaur cackle, "Your marksmanship is so unimpressive."

He then shot optic lasers at the Rattata-Maximal hitting the ground at Ratitrap's feet. The resulting explosion sent Ratitrap flying back when they heard his landing thud and then Ratitrap groaning.

Cotton-Buns wasn't even doing any better against the new Predacon. The Maximal cadet fired her energy-slingshot at the she-cat Pred who evaded with barely any effort. Persiana even commented, "Is this all the Maximals have to offer? Rodents who can't aim properly and little girls who can't use weapons?"

"Better to be a pretty girl than an old-femme whose trying too hard!" Cotton-Bun shot back angry as she heard the word 'little', her hair-trigger acting up again, Persiana swatted an energy-bolt that was actually on target and commented, "Is that your best shot, kid?"

Before she aimed and fired her pistol, sending Cotton-Bun to where Ratitrap is. Terrasaur then shot out his optic laser at the stone pillar, cutting it and made it fall on top of the two Maximals. Ratitrap stared in shock, shouting, "OH~ NO!"

The duo were barely able to get out of the way in time as the pillar shattered. The two felt the debris hit their bodies before someone landed a foot on top of Cotton-Bun and they heard Terrasaur shout, "Prepare to Terminate, Maximals!"

"W-Wait!" Ratitrap exclaimed, "I beg for mercy! For the two of us!"

"Mercy?" Terrasaur asked, brow raised, while Persiana listened. Seeing the look of greed on the older con's face as she asked, "For what price, rat?"

Getting up Ratitrap said, "You twos name it, Sista! We got no link to the Maximals no more. We're free agents!"

Cotton-Buns looked at him, "Rat-face what are you doing?!"

Looking back, "Look kid, you saw how dey were with us! We might as well join the winning team 'ere."

Turning to the two Predacons he explained, "She's not even supposed to be on the crew manifest! She's a stowaway so please… let us live."

Cotton-Buns was silent before she sighed, "Guess your right ratface. Better than being sent to the scrapyard.

Terrasaur cackled, forcing Ratitrap to the ground as he asked, "You really think your meager pleads would appease me?"

He was about to pull the trigger on them before someone spoke up.

"Do you really want to do that?" The Female Predacon Persian asked, watching.

Persiana sauntered her way to Terrasaur, who asked, "After what ratboy and the cotton-ball's done to me, you bet I do. Specially getting back at the Maximals for getting in my way back on the mountain."

Persiana chuckled, "But think of it, two obviously capable Maximals able to tell you every little secret that you could ever want about their ship and weaponry."

She then leaned against him and whispered, "And all at your finger-tips."

Terrasaur, despite that he was thinking about it with a finger to his chin, felt a shudder down his metallic spine. He then looked between the two Maximals at his mercy before seeing the look in the new Predacon's eyes and Terrasaur did what any male would do under the intensity of her alluring gaze. He fell, hard.

"Very well, I will spare you two, but in exchange for certain considerations." Terrasaur told the two. Who knew what he was getting at as Ratitrap said, 'Alright, what do we gotta lose?"

"We'll even become Predacons and obey you." Cotton-Bun agreed, lowering her head to her new leader.

Ratitrap then swiped his hand over the maximal insignias on his forearms, changing them into Predacon Insignias before doing the same for Cotton-Buns' insignias before the two former Maximals went into Poké Mode and awaited for new orders.

Terrasaur laughed in triumph at this. Persiana smiled seeing this as her eyes narrowed and her smile widened.

When a squad of Team Rocket Grunts came on their underground hover craft came to retrieve them. Terrasaur had made all the Predacons and some of Team Rocket's members assemble in the former bridge of the base awaiting. The Predacons were in Poké Mode, awaiting the one who brought them together.

After seeing everyone was there, Terrasaur spoke a loud, "Hear me Predacons! I, Terrasaur, have that which will tip the power balance against the Maximals in our, or rather, my favor!"

He then raised his wings to cover the two cages rising up, blocking the occupants from view, as he introduce, "I present to you my lieutenants, Ratitrap and Cotton-Buns!"

He moved his wings out of the way for everyone to see the two Maximals, or former Maximals, in question. Ratitrap waved at the group before them while Cotton-Buns did a ear-like salute. With his back to them Terrasaur spoke, "With the added power of both Team Rocket and Persiana. The last of whom was retrieved by my skills."

Ratitrap used his thumb to point at the squawking Aerodactyl as Cotton-Bun nodded at the same time.

"And the personal fealty of both Ratitrap and Cotton-Bun." Ratitrap saluted while Cotton-Buns had her ears up straight as she lowered and rose them in a 'bowing' repeating motion.

"We shall defeat the maximals and conquer this planet." Terrasaur stated before he pointed at them, "But my gifts do not come without a price! In return you will make me your leader!"

Everyone remained silent while A grunt asked, "Didn't he try this already almost a three weeks ago or something?"

"Yeah, I heard he got blasted so bad the only reason why Megatron bothered to get him repaired was because he needed the numbers." Another Grunt agreed.

Hearing the added murmuring made Terrasaur feel his eye twitch in annoyance. Even as more believed that this was another powerplay that's gonna blow up in the Scheming Predacon's face. While others like Dr. Zager isn't able to understand how Terrasaur could be so stupid…

The debate was broken as Megatron approached, "You sniveling toady!"

Megatron stood on a walkway as he rejected the idea, "These Maximals are not your lieutenants, Noo. They are obviously spies, Yess.. They cannot be trusted…"

Before he was electrocuted as he fell on the floor shocking or surprising those assembled Ratitrap had gotten out and got the opportunity to hit Megatron with a energy that made Megatron laying helpless on the floor, as one of the said maximals was standing there with a device in his hand- paw… Terrasaur cackled seeing this.

"You shouldn't have turned yer back, Big Mouth. Now you'll find yer servo-circuits scrapped." Ratitrap explained before hitting Megatron again with that device. Making Megatron even more helpless while Terrasaur added, "Transformation has been disabled as well."

"All the better to respect your new leader, and his lieutenants."

"You spies dare do that to Megatron?!" Heliosneak shouted he then began, "Heliosneak: Terrori-"

But was stopped in mid-sentence when he landed on by Cotton-Bun there as she said, "pipe down, you western reject."

She then hopped over and pulled out a similar device and shocked Heliosneak. Scythecutter went and charged at Terrasaur, only to be shot down by Persiana's Power Gem. Looking at those assembled, Persiana smirked, and asked, "Any other of you who wish to stand in the glorious Terrasaur's way?"

Terrasaur laughed even more before shouting, "Megatron and his methods are obsolete! All Predacons will swear loyalty to me!"

"Not Skorupinok! I'll Always be loyal to Megatron!" Skorupinok shouted in defiance.

Seviperella turned to the mini-scorpion and hissed, "Then you're a bigger fool than I thought you were."

"You can say that again." Persiana agreed while she added, "Can't you see the evidence before you?"

"Direct as well as lovely." Ariadosus said, making anyone who heard him feel so sick they may puke at the thought of him having a relationship with any female…

"However, we should discuss this in private. After all this is a Predacon matter, not in front of the Maximals or our partners." Ariadosus said, getting back to business.

Terrasaur sighed and said, "Very well, Buzzinator, Croaker, remove my lieutenants and the deposed Megatron, along with his faction of fools. To the lower chambers. Everyone else, out."

The two in question remained silent, though upset at being forced out of the meeting as the two Predacons went to do as ordered while the Team Rocker personnel left.

In the maximal Base, everything was bad as their spirits were lowered, especially when they heard the defection of both Maximals who are now serving Terrasaur.

Cheattor heard Optimus say something and asked his leader, hopeful, "What do you mean 'go after them'? You mean rescue them?"

"Why? Just let them go…" Rhynox said dejected… Saddened about his friend betraying them…

"Ratitrap's too dangerous of a weapon to fall into Predacon hands, and Cotton-Buns has an advantage when it comes to tight spaces and that Ice Beam of hers." Optimus explained, though everyone understood his meaning, that didn't make them feel any better, especially Foxfire.

"Agreed." Kabubot spoke up, "He needs to be neutralized and the both of them need to return here to answer for their treachery."

"And to be brought to justice." Absoltron stated, not liking the former Predacon's tone. Optimus however, had an unreadable expression on his face that made Foxfire look at her leader, confused.

Down at the lower levels, which was nothing but pure lava under their suspended cages. Megatron turned to the two Maximals in the other cage, "A pair of Maximal traitors, and the deposed Megatron with his loyalists… Yess.. We are an unlikely group."

"I will consider your fates after my, and my loyal troops' restoration." Megatron stated activating the computer, "Computer: process voice recognition command."

"MEGATRON: CONFIRMED." They heard the computer stated.

"Open Cell. Summon platforms." Megatron ordered, his cell door opened at his command as some floating platforms came for Megatron and Heliosneak while Scythecutter flies outside of the cell. Megatron then parted a few words of wisdom, "A wise Ttyrant always ensures that his prisons are designed for his personal escape."

"Boss, shouldn't we get rid of them now?" Heliosneak asked, knowing that while in Poké Mode they could be able to break the chain connected to the Maximal cell to make it fall to the lava.

Megatron glanced back, "I think not, No.. We have more pressing matters to attend to, Yess.."

And the three Predacons continued on their way to the Predacon CR chamber. However, once they were out of ear shot, Ratitrap smirked, muttering, "And the wise Maximal Traitors always make sure to have an infiltration kit or two on them."

Cotton-Buns smirked, "Party time, huh?"

"Bingo." Ratitrap answered as they transformed n their cell and reverted their insignias back to Maximals. Ratitrap then pressed his forearm which revealed a number of looking devices that he pulled out and began to pick the lock to their cell. After the door was opened, they looked around for a way out of their cell, but the way Megatron and his loyalists went had nothing for the two to climb on. The way up was where they came from, so that's a no-go. And Below them… well… if they were lava proof, maybe…

Looking at the right. The two saw a barred vent-shaft that was big enough for them to climb through.

"Agent 009, Domino, here. I got confirmation that the two Maximals that fool brought with him as his lieutenants are infiltrating the base." The girl in a specialized Team Rocket Uniform and a cap said speaking to a communicator, "Should I interfere?"

"No." Giovanni stated as he watched from the camera on Domino's ear-piece, "Megatron wouldn't allow this enemy movements unless he has a plan in place. For now, keep an eye on them and should they get close to our collaborative projects, then you stop them. Understand Agent 009."

"Yes, sir." Domino stated as she climbed out of the way and proceeded to keep an eye on the Maximals who made their way through the vents, following after them. To her, it seem they lose all the physical advantages of their Pokémon Alt. Modes when they're in robot mode, so as long as she is using her usual degree of stealth, these two robotic aliens won't detect her.

Ratitrap and Cotton-Bun continued on their way as they heard the Predacons shouting through their private meeting where Terrasaur shouted, "YOU IDIOTS! with the maximal spies and Persiana we can finally destroy the Maximals once and for all!"

"I refuse to follow you Terrasaur! Megatron's our true leader! He's been our leader since the Golden Disc theft and he's our leader now!" Skorupinok shouted back, glaring at Terrasaur.

"Yo dawg, I think after how yer coup went last time. I think most of us would rather follow the TR's Boss than you." Croaker commented which they saw the shadows of most Predacons nodding in agreement with the punk's words.

"YOU BLOCK-HEADED FOOLS! I'M YOUR LEADER NOW! OBEY ME!" Terrasaur practically screeched.

The two looked while Cotton-Bun rubbed her audio-receptors silently wondering how a thug like Terrasaur could be so loud…

"Gentlemen, I'm certain we can come to an understanding, especially since we all saw how Terrasaur had defeated the two Maximals and Megatron." Persiana spoke up, "After all who else could lead if he didn't come up with this plan all by himself?"

'So… that's 'er game…' Ratitrap thought, he thought it was strange how the new Pred had convinced Terrasaur to spare the two of them. And now they see how Persiana was letting Terrasaur take full charge now, since the other Preds weren't there to hear the Persian Predacon. This was an elaborate plan so that when Terrasaur gets scrapped, she can be blameless for her hand in Terrasaur's most recent coup attempt.

Ratitrap looked around before seeing a Rattata crawling through the vents as it looked at them. It then gestured with its head, whispering, "Ra Ratta tata."

Ratitrap and Cotton-Bun blinked looking at each other while, they were able to understand what the Pokémon said and how it seemed to want to help them.

The last time they were in the Predacon Base they were only focusing on putting that Spy Camera they didn't think they needed to make a complete map layout of the Predacon base. This was especially true with Team Rocket working with the Predacons so they had to go in, plant the device, and get out.

Ratitrap looked up at the unaware Predacon, and waved 'bye-bye' to him before following after the Rattata, even with Cotton-Buns sticking pulling the bottom of her eye down and sticking her tongue out at the unsuspecting Predacon before going in another direction.

Ratitrap followed his furry guide along before entering what appeared to be a server hub like area, and he was on the catwalk that was a metallic mesh connected to the vent he came from.

"SCANNING FOR MAXIMAL FREQUENCIES."

Hearing the voice of the Predacon computer, Ratitrap looked down and saw a Team Rocket scientist there accessing a computer.

"SCANNING FREQUENCIES…"

The Scientist kept working until the Computer reported.

"NONE DETECTED."

Convinced the scientist turned and left the room. After seeing how he was the only one there, Ratitrap went and landed before the computer. Before he went and tore the consol ocver off and inside he saw something that made him blink, it was a chip, but it looked like it had been taken apart and put back together while he could distinctly see the maximal symbol on it even with the R on the other side of it, "A Maximal chip. Heh, even with it being tweaked up, it's no wonder."

He then glanced up where he came and knew it'd take too long, before looking over to the other door and figured it'd be easier to take a path back to his cell thinking, 'Wonder how de kid is doing.'

Cotton-Buns looked around and thought to herself, 'Okay… Big Bot wants me to find the location of this Golden Disc thingy… And find out what these guys are planning together… No pressure…'

She looked and saw a computer terminal and said, "Hello…"

The Maximal cadet went and accessed the system. She then found something, before she said, "You gotta be kidding me… This is what they plan to do with the Pokéballs?"

"Sorry you had to find out about this, but I'm afraid you're gonna have to be sent to junk pile you little twerp!" Domino shouted as she flew at Cotton-Buns her tulip at the read, only Cotton-Buns to be faster and literally punched the Team Rocket Elite Agent, and shouted, furiously, "WHO ARE YOU CALLING A TINY NOBODY THAT NEEDS STILTS, YOU HYPOCRITE, KNOW-IT-ALL!?"

Domino fell to the ground and mumbled, eyes spinning, and a swollen check, "That's not what I said…"

Before she went and continued on her way to find the disc which should be in Megatron's private quarters according to what Optimus told her. She however took a turn unfortunately activated a hidden trap. Forming a cyber-web in front of her and catching her as she shot, "What in the galaxy!?"

Even as the computer spoke, "UNATHORIZED ACCESS TO RESTRICTED ZONE."

The message continued to repeat itself. Even as she spoke into her comms, "Uh.. Rat-face… I hit a snag…"

Ariadosus, finally tired of the endless debate of leadership went to find something else to amuse himself. And he found a tasty morsel which happened to wander into his sights. A Rattata, he didn't know if it was wild or cared. If it was a Pokémon that served Team Rocket, too bad for them. It's been boring since the Pokémon stopped getting into the ship and he had to find his meals, and experiments, outside of the base. Ariadosus pounced and grabbed the rodent.

Just as he was about to take a bite. He stopped hearing the computer's message, and complained, "Just as I was about to enjoy a meal…"

He then callously tossed the rat-like Pokémon away before scurrying to see what was caught in his little trap this time.

Cotton-Buns knew she had a little bit of time before the Spider who spun this trap came, she then straightened the Buneary ears on her fore arms to become sharp as she went and cut through the web used to trap her.

By the time that Ariadosus arrive he saw the slashed remains of his Web trap. Narrowed his eyes suspiciously at what he saw before going

Ratitrap began to worry while getting back into his cage, "Come on kid…"

"So, the juicy rodents have been running their mazes." Ratitrap turned to see Ariadosus standing there who cackled and added, "But not for long."

"Ariadosus: Terrori-!" Ariadosus had just transformed before he was frozen in place by an Ice Beam. Seeing his chance Ratitrap went and shot the insane spider with a full power shot which not only broke the ice, but also blasted Ariadosus' hand and foot while leaving considerable damage on the scientist's torso.

Cotton-Buns landed on the cage where Ratitrap looked up, "What kept ya?"

"Sorry I was looking for that golden Disc thingy…" Cotton-Bun muttered annoyed, "But I was able to find out what they planned to do with the Pokéballs they had."

Ratitrap sighed, "Well whateva de case, it's time fer da big ape, and gang, ta join dis party."

While tapping his torso.

Outside of the Predacon Base, further than in the Sensor range of the base, the Maximals stood, in Poké Mode, as they waited. Cheattor was getting impatient, "Well, what're we waiting for?!"

"Yes, why do we not attack and draw the traitor and his tag-along, out?" Kabutbot stated, knowing that Ratitrap is the primary traitor and Cotton-Bun was an unfortunate tag along because of Absoltron's accusations.

Optimus looked at his troops and firmly stated, "We attack on my command."

Foxfire looked back at the mountain that would lead into the Predacon base, worried.

Minutes passed and then a section of Optimus' chest lit up with a beep sequence where Cheattor asked, "What's that?"

Optimus looked at his crew and said, "We attack now! Maximize!"

And at his words the Maximals transformed before attacking the base with their weapons.

Inside the base Terrasaur sat on Megatron's command chair while Buzzinator reported, "Mmaxximal attack!"

"Why weren't we warned by the Code Breaker?" Terrasaur asked, before he demanded, "And Where is Ariadosus!?"

"Mmaxximal Code Breaker deactivated. Shields damaged 60 percent operation." Buzzinator reported.

The shaking of the base around them and the news he received made Terrasaur begin to panic as he shouted out his panic for all to hear. He then felt fear spike when he saw Megatron arriving who then said, "Well, leader, how shall we respond?"

This made everyone in the room, especially Persiana and Terrasaur look at Megatron confused as the former asked, after losing his words for a moment, "M-Megatron… Y-you'll allow me to lead?"

Megatron simply chuckled, and answered, "A wise Tyrant always allow a fool to take the lead in a crisis."

Cassidy leaned in to Butch's ear and asked, "Did Megatron just openly call Terrasaur a fool?"

Terrasaur thought before issuing his orders, "Release my lieutenants! And all available forces prepare face the Maximals with a counter attack! Predacons: TERRORIZE!"

"I think we just found out why." Butch answered hearing the orders while the Predacons assembled transformed and the Team Rocket grunts got themselves ready for a battle.

They hurried out, weapons blazing and Pokémon coming out of the grunt's Pokéballs.

Ratitrap and Cotton-Buns with them as the exited the ship to fight the Maximal invaders. Seeing how the Pokémon of Team Rocket and the Predacons were, Rhynox shouted, "We're out numbered!"

"They may have reprogrammed the Maximal Protoform and have Team Rocket backing them, but we have a couple of secret weapons! Fight on! Battle as Pokémon if you have to!"

He then went and flew into the air using his weapons, low powering them to knock out the Pokémon but going full force on Predacons.

Rhynox pelted Buzzinator with a full volley of his chain gun making the Beedrill-Predacon lose his wings and the need arms. As he hit the ground with a groan.

Foxfire and Absoltron quickly went into Poké Mode and battled the Pokémon that the Team Rocket Grunts had on them, going as far as them only, which was a struggle as how most of the Pokémon that the Grunts are using are either Ground-Types or Poison-Types. Unlike the High rank agents like Cassidy and Butch who had a Raticate and a Hitmontop.

Kabubot sent his optic lasers in a wide arc to hit as many of the enemy Pokémon as possible. Croaker came jumping through to attempt to attack him with a Brick Break, only for him to get blasted from above. Everyone looked up and they saw a Talonflame, larger than usual, being the cause, her wings dimmed down and called out, "Anyone else want to test out my metal?"

Scythecutter drew his blades from his back and readied to face his enemies with the Team Rocket Pokémon.

Ratitrap and Cotton-Buns stood with Persiana and Terrasaur, as the youngest of the two fired her En-sling at the Maximals. Terrasaur looked at the two suspiciously before Persiana pointed, "Terrasaur, who is that?"

Terrasaur noticed Optimus flying in the air. Turning his lieutenants, the Aerodactyl Predacon ordered, "It's time that you prove your loyalties to the Predacons! Fire on Optimus Primal!"

The two looked up and Ratitrap's weapon was able to reach that high, which he was missing. As he was about to fire his third shot, he felt someone grabbing his shoulder and actually hit the Maximal leader. They watched as Optimus Primal fall to the ground with a yell.

Cotton-Buns looked and saw Persiana's hands on Ratitrap's shoulder as she said, "Well done."

Before she sauntered over to the fallen enemy.

Cheattor couldn't believe his eyes when saw Ratitrap shooting Optimus out of the sky, which made him growl, "Ratitrap! So, it's true!"

He then rushed forward before Foxfire could stop him.

Seviperella went over aiming her bayonet-rifle at Optimus, reading to finish the leader off when her weapon was shot out of her hand. It made her scream as she saw who was responsible.

Cheattor came running forward shooting at Seviperella even more who simply evaded. Unlike Heliosneak who got hit by Cheattor's reckless firing.

Before the Seviper Predacon could retaliate, he was pounced on by newest Predacon who said, while on sitting on his lap, "Well, well, I didn't think the Maximals had anyone of interest."

"Who are you?" Cheattor demanded aiming his Quasar Cannon at her. She quickly disarmed him and whispered, "Just a stray Persiana."

"Get…Off!" Cheattor growled, Persiana was then forced off by the young bot, who then threw her away. Persiana smirked landing on one of the rock surfaces, "Silly boy, did you forget us felines always land on our feet?"

She then pulled out her Persian tail, using it as a whip grabbing him by the wrist before he goes and pulls him in while he asked, "Jumping Gyros! How are you so strong?!"

"What can I say? Persians are stronger than Liepards." Persiana cooed as she pulled him closer until she grabbed his head and whispered, "Here's a memento of our meeting."

Before she went and did something that made Foxfire freeze up. She saw the new Predacon… kissing Cheattor… On the lips… and it looked like he wasn't struggling anymore…

Before she could respond. Foxfire was hit by a blast of a shell from Seviperella's Bayonet-rifle which made the former to fall to the ground in pain. Seviperella approached her downed enemy and remark, "Another time…"

She then left the battle.

Kabubot approached the trio from behind grabbed Terrasaur, headbutted him, and then knocked him to the side before he grabbed Ratitrap and growled, "I have been waiting for this, traitor."

Ratitrap tried to talk, Kabubot pinned him against the wall, "Prepare to terminate!"

Before he could do anything, Megatron grabbed him by the head with the Tyrantrum mouth, and pulled him from the accused traitor. Cotton-Bun heard Kabubot's shout and looked back, concerned for the older bot.

Megatron held onto Kabubot and said to the duo, "Time for a final test, Maximals! Yess! Predacon heroes or Maximal spies?"

Before he held Kabubot before them, "Destroy the traitor Kabubot!"

Ratitrap and Cotton-Buns stared, the latter was shocked. Terrasaur got and shouted, "They're my lieutenants!"

He then ordered, "Destroy him, NOW! I order you!"

Ratitrap looked between them all before he shot Terrasaur's head off his body. Followed by Cotton-Buns, going Poké Mode, using Dizzy Punch on Megatron making him drop Kabubot who went and beated on the Predacon leader so badly that the dazed tyrant went and spat out one of his metallic dentures…

Seeing the opportunity, Optimus ordered, "Now, Get Cotton-Buns and Ratitrap outta there!"

Rhynox transformed back into his Poké Mode and charged forward with Take Down, Stampeding through Skorupinok, Buzzinator, and Croaker. He then jabbed Megatron out of the way with his horn shouting, "Lets go!"

The two accused jumped onto his back while Rhynox kept running.

"Mission Accomplish! Return to Base!" Optimus ordered and the remaining Maximals retreated from the battle.

The conscious members of the battle all pulled themselves up and surrounded the two usurpers. Even as Terrasaur's body blindly felt around for his head before he got it and placed it back on its shoulders. Megatron was the first to speak to those assembled.

"Now, which of you glorious victors wish to continue this fool's lead?" Megatron asked gesturing in Terrasaur's, and Persiana's, direction. Even Ariadosus and Domino showed up, surrounding the two. The 'glorious victors' all shared a look with each other before they knew what their choice clearly was.

Skorupinok and Heliosneak were the first to take a step back, Ariadosus did the same, Buzzinator and Croaker followed suit, Scythecutter and Domino, then finally Cassidy and Butch did too, and so did the grunts of Team Rocket.

"Ah, Yess.. As I calculated, and thus ends the brilliant reign of Terrasaur." Megatron stated, leaning towards Terrasaur, who laughed nervously. Before Megatron's gloating turned into rage and shouted, "A lost battle! A missing Seviperella! And who knows what damage was inflicted by the Maximal spies!"

Terrasaur's head fell off his body again, making some of the Rocket Grunts jump back scared, some screamed seeing this. Terrasaur groaned, his body looking for his head, "Oh my aching head…"

Megatron looked at his assembled troops and ordered, "Everyone get yourselves patched up."

He then looked at the latest recruit and said, "Persiana, see me in my quarters. I have some things I must discuss with you."

Persiana looked as though she was nervous as to what he wanted to talk to him about.

"Better you than me, rookie." Terrasaur gloated, his body holding his head under his shoulder. Thinking that he was spared from Megatron's wrath.

Persiana glared as she went and swung her closest arm to him, the edges of her fingers glowing with energy before she turned and walked away, annoyed.

Terrasaur blinked before his arms fell off and made him drop his severed head making the opportunistic Predacon whine, "You gotta be kidding me…"

Meanwhile,
Back at the Maximal Base

Kabubot growled stomping his way to the two, glaring hatefully at Ratitrap, weapons at the ready, "Now I will terminate the traitors myself, starting with the rat!"

Ratitrap held up his arms in defense, even with the cadet hiding behind him like she was going to use him as a shield. Before Kabubot could do it, Optimus got between them and said, "No, allow me-"

Rhynox and Airblazor looked away, however their sadness turned to confusion as Optimus added with a smile, "To congratulate them!"

This sudden change made the other Maximals look at each other confused. Optimus went and shook the hands of the two, "Well done you two."

Optimus then asked, "You have the Chip, right?"

Ratitrap went and pulled the chip out of the compartment in his arm, "A Maximal decoder. They must've recovered it from a wreckage crash and had dem Rocket jerks tweak it up to work even after all dese centuries."

Cheattor felt silly, "No wonder they hacked our communications, they were using our decoder."

Optimus then turned to Cotton-Buns, "And the Disc?"

Cotton-Buns looked down, "Sorry, captain, but I couldn't get to Megatron's quarters. Ran into one of Ariadosus' web traps."

Optimus sighed, "I see, but all things considered, you did a good job handling yourself on your first field mission. There will be other chances in the future."

Cotton-Buns smiled hearing that.

The only one who was still confused was Kabubot recounting, "You mean their capture, their betrayal. They were all a setup?!"

The two in question glanced at each other and shrugged, which pretty much summed it all up like the Predacon warrior said. Rhynox looked at his old friend, "Why didn't you tell any of us?

"The three of us had to keep it a secret, to keep their covers safe. Especially during the battle." Optimus explained before remarking to Ratitrap, feeling the shoulder that was shot, "Although, you didn't have to make it look THAT convincing."

"Hey, what can Ah say? Ah was tryn' ta miss…" Ratitrap explained, nervously.

Cotton-Buns then added, "Yeah, Terrasaur's the one that made him target you, Optimus. Rat-jerk was really trying his hardest."

Optimus raised a brow, apparently not sure if he bought that excuse. Ratitrap finger gunned at his direction with a small laugh.

Cotton-Buns said, "Optimus, while I hacked into the Pred's database, I found out what they're taking the Pokéballs for."

The mood changed and the leader asked, "What did you find?"

"They're working on combining the Pokéball's function with something called a… shell program?" Cotton-Buns stated which made the older bots in the room look surprised and troubled by this.

This confused the bots that had come online in the Pokémon World, and Cheattor, who asked his leader, "What? What is it Bigbot?"

"It seems like Megatron's trying to find a way to reprogram Protoforms in a more effective way than how he done it in the past." Optimus revealed, not liking where this is going, even after he learned about the function of the Pokéballs.

Persiana walked into Megatron's personal quarters. Where she found him with his back to her, arms behind his back; she wondered what he was going to do to her. If she was an organic creature, she would be sweating right now. The silence was defining.

He finally spoke, "I'm not usually a vengeful Predacon, Persiana. Your secretive, rebellious, and scheming behavior almost forced me to make an exception."

Persiana's eyes widened when she realized he knew the truth. However, she waited for him to make a move, even as she had her hand close to her own weapon, just in case she can be quicker in blasting the Predacon before her before he can scrap her.

He then turned around, and instead of firing a shot, he raised his arms up and shouted proudly, "Congratulations, my dear!"

Megatron approached the confused femme and said patting his hand on her shoulder, "You were everything I had hoped for as an apprentice: treacherous, deceptive, manipulative, and vicious."

Persiana stared blankly until she asked, "You mean… you're not going to slag me?"

He laughed, full heartily, "Of course not, my dear. I was the one who programmed your new datatrax. Why, in many ways, you're more of a daughter than a grunt like the others. Yess.."

"Because in that matter, I've decided to promote you to Senior Lieutenant." Megatron affirmed, which made the Persian Predacon smile, but then became confused asked, "But why me?"

He motioned for her to follow; they went into a room where in the center, the Golden Disk was placed in a protective chamber. Megatron turned and answered, "Because I wish to train a leader to take my place, on the very slim - albeit off chance of the worst should happen to me."

Persiana then asked, remembering the other Predacons "Why not Heliosneak, Scythcutter, or even Skorupinok? They certainly showed loyalty to you."

"Skorupinok is too much of, as the human's put it, a 'kiss up'. Heliosneak thinks of himself as a freedom fighter as well as my biggest supporter. And Scythcutter professed to me that he's more of a warrior serving his lord – one of the benefits of the well interactions of the Pokémon Species with Predacon programming." The Tyrantrum Predacon explained, counting each reason off.

He then lists off her own accomplishments, "You, however, were able to convince Terrasaur to not only attempt another coup against me, but also making yourself more of an advisor to his schemes rather than the true source of it. You were able to carefully guide his actions as to avoid suspicions and when faced with that neophyte Maximal, you showed courage and strength worthy of being my Second in command over Skorupinok."

He took the disc out and put it in a device, he turned it on, and the disc began to spin.

He motioned her to come closer, and when she was close enough, he placed his hand on her shoulders standing before her as everything begins to play out before them, "And what I'm about to show you, is my Agenda and legacy to pass down to you. My heiress."

Persiana looked at the disc while smirking at how she gained favor with her leader/father figure.

(And with that a new player enters the field, this Persiana, who is based on the Shadow Panther OC that my friend Stone-man85 made for his beast Wars story, but with a little more Black Cat added to the mixture.

I gotta admit, I wasn't sure what I was going to do when I looked up the OG Shadow Panther and thought a little love-triangle between Cheattor, Foxfire, and the Femme Shadow Panther to be a fun thing. And who knows maybe we might see more relationship situations surfacing or resurfacing down the road.

So now a new member of the Predacon has arrived. What is her agenda? And why did the Boss of Team Rocket, Giovanni, send his spy Agent 009/Domino to infiltrate the Predacon Base? And what will happen if Team Rocket and the Predacons truly do complete their evil schemes of combining both the Pokéball function with the Shell program the Predacons use to reprogram the Protoforms within the stasis pods, but who's to say that is all they plan to do with their combined evil? Find out all these answers and more later. Until then… Stay Tuned, as the Journey Continues…)