The Intergalactic Highway

(( OOC: Posting just for OP tonight since I don't think it's really critical for me to wait for Steelclaw in the scene. I have a feeling as soon as Blazemane posts, everyone else will bombard it with their replies before I can sneak mine in (which will work nicely right now since Icebreaker just showed up and is hesitating on a move). But I'll wait for Cheetor and Dinobot before I post for Rattrap and Tigatron. ))

After calling Maximal Headquarters once, Optimus received nothing but silence. It was unusual since someone was always supposed to be monitoring the scanners and communications. But thinking that they might be preoccupied with something else, the leader gave them a moment or two to answer. Since that time had passed, he decided to make another call.

"Axalon, this is Optimus. Do you copy?" Primal tried reaching them again as he flew peacefully along the sky, holding one of his hands to his receptor. If no one would respond again, he wouldn't bother with another attempt. It's not like his news was significantly important, other than the truce but he wasn't going to reveal that over radio transmission. He would return soon enough, which wouldn't be too much longer; he just wanted someone to know that he was on his way back. After all, he knew what it felt like when some of his crew never check in. The doubt and uncertainty of their Commander's whereabouts was not something he wanted his Maximals distracted with or to worry about.

((OOC: lol the toy bio for Rhinox's 10th anniversary release makes it seem like he's a one-man-army.

"Maximal second-in-command and chief science officer, Rhinox prefers to remain aboard the Axalon to engaging in battle, but that doesn't mean he can't fight. On the contrary, his triple-plated steel skin and wide array of medium range and hand-to-hand weapons make him dangerous to even the toughest opponent. There's a good reason Rhinox is the last line of Maximal defense, after the perimeter is breached and all weapons systems are offline - no one's ever got past him."

He could probably just shrug off everything being thrown his way ))

IC:

Orcariner raised a brow as the behemoth's hand rotated and began to scratch at the orca. This machine would not give up easily. The frenzied assault reminded him of the times Starshadow tried to strike him with her claws. It was a guaranteed repaint for the large Maximal. Unfortunately, it was a concern that would have to wait for later. Destroying his opponent came first.

NaitoKage wrote:Looks like you've learned some tricks from Whitegrazer..Been a long time since anyone could do a move like this to me..But you know.. there's a fatal difference between us at the moment.

The first part of the comment forced Orcariner to stifle a scoff. Not only was Whitegrazer one of the crew members whom he hardly interacted with, but her combat style was something the orca disagreed with. He almost felt a bit offended that the squid would even associate her "diffusion" arts with someone like him. The Academy did not teach its students Diffusion due to its overwhelmingly pacifist nature. That was a skill that Whitegrazer picked up through her own means. Orcariner much preferred to stick with a more practical approach, and most of his core tactics stemmed from his time at training camp. According to his former mentor, anyone who trained in boxing for a full cycle could beat any traditional martial artist. It was a purely subjective remark, but his teacher had the resume to back it up. Orcariner had nothing for respect for Whitegrazer, but he simply felt that a soldier would be better off learning mixed martial arts that involved techniques designed to actually hurt other combatants. He was close to bringing this to Glowstick's attention before the Predacon cut off his thoughts with a Raver blade.

The squid had somehow managed to literally shrink the weapon, allowing him to maneuver it into Orcariner's leg. The orca was about mentally complain about that feature not being recorded in the Axalon's database when a spike of electricity shot through the titan's receptors. Feeling his whole body stiffen from the shock, Orcariner arched his back and inadvertently broke the behemoth's arm anyway.

NaitoKage wrote: The difference.. Is this body HAS to be disposed of.. You don't have that luxury!

Oh, now he tells me...

The sarcasm was the only thing keeping the Maximal focused on the task at hand. Even with the broken limb, Glowstick did not seem to care about the well-being of his war machine. The involuntary contractions of his appendages forced the orca to clamp his fingers around the behemoth's hand, breaking some of its fingers in the process. The squid's willingness to sacrifice his creation became even more apparent as the Raver dagger became a Raver sword again. The blade ran through Orcariner's leg and straight into the beast's chest.

What an idiot, thought Orcariner, struggling to see through his lagging optics.

The Maximal's fear of the keep-away was what prevented him from turning this into a sword fight in the first place. Glowstick just anchored Orcariner to this behemoth as well as damaged his own chest guns. With the Raver blade too busy being impaled in the Maximal's leg and the second arm being ineffective, the clone had no methods of defense left. Orcariner could not help but grin as his prior conflict had been resolved by his own enemy. It seemed that he was going to be taking a trip to the CR chamber after all.

"Nice trick," grunted Orcariner, "but I've had worse."

This time he was telling the truth with that comment. Using the limp arm to pull his upper body up, Orcariner swung his left fist towards behemoth's head. While the knuckle did not quite reach his target, the titan unsheathed his energo-sword, allowing the blade to run straight through his opponent's skull. The other hand quickly swung towards the Raver blade. Extending the right energo-sword, Orcariner forced it into the clone's left wrist, severing it off completely. Falling back to the ground, the orca took several deep breaths. The eletrical sword was still lodged in his leg, causing an irritable vibration throughout the Maximal's body, leaving him exhausted from fighting against it. With one more heave, Orcariner sat up and pulled the Raver blade out of his wound.

He panted, "Good workout, Glowstick. I'll be taking this trinket as a memorabilia for this moment."

The orca waved the Raver blade.

"Might give it to Rattrap when he gets back."

Glowstick let out a roar as his arm joint felt the pain of the Behemoth's arm breaking. He then saw the Energo blade, he suddenly cut the nerve connections to the behemoth.

In the cockpit, one of his tentacles covered his face I guess I didn't take into account a beast that size being so agile.. No word yet from Steelclaw.. guess I'll just have to run this into overtime..Che.

He flipped a few switches in the cockpit as Visia's spark was ejected from the twindrive.

Visible outside of the Behemoth, a few small explosions were heard, the torso of the behemoth opened with Glowstick floating out, he observed Orcariner swinging the Raver blade.

Glowstick's laser cannon on his left tentacle activated, knocking the blade out of Orcariner's hand and into the air, his right tentacle then projected upwardly grabbing the blade by the handle and pulling it down holding it in a reverse stance as he floated into the air, one of the tentacles on his shoulder seeming to clutch onto a spark Workout hm? No no.. consider that round one..

He floated higher into the air above Orcariner, a beep then came from the Behemoth followed by a sudden flare up like explosion, it seemed as if thermite was set off from inside the Behemoth to take care of the remains as some sort of self destruct system.

Consider that the bell.. time for round two.

One of his back tentacles grabbed the sword from his main ones as he pointed both of his tentacles towards Orcariner's leg injury firing two focused continuous laser blasts.

Visia let out an alien shriek from the sudden pain she felt. After that, she felt nothing. It must've been that blasted squid's doing. she thought. The next thing that happened was rather unexpected, she was free! Not for long as Glowstick's tentacle got a hold of her. Outside of the Unit, Visia tried to escape from the tentacle by moving in every direction. She wasn't going to be a prisoner of a Predacon for the rest of her life, not today, not ever.

Cecaelia was completely confused when Glowstick got out of the Leviathan. "What's going on?" It didn't seem right at first, unless it's an emergency.

((Edited.))

(Just as a reminder. the Leviathan itself didn't transform, the turret came off and transformed. the Leviathan is far too big to become a giant robot.. if it did, it'd be like attacking Orcariner with a G1 Dinobot or something.. it'd be crazy. So Cecaelia was on the other half of the ship.)

Searing pain hit Sonar's left wing joint as Rhinox fired at him, growling in pain he curled up seconds before he hit the ground. He rolled right onto the lift and the claw on right wing hit a button, causing the lift to rise, taking him inside the Maximal ship.

Ugh. Looks like I won't be flying for a while. Sonar thought as he entered the Axalon.

Onyx wrote: I have to say Maximals you never cease to amaze me of how your antics prove amusing and your skill. For a crew suppose to be explorers you seem fairly capable. This session of your's is proving quite a show.

Wait. Wasn’t this the same guy who’d been at the Axalon just that morning?

“You know stalking makes you come off a little sinister, right?” Cheetor said.

Whitegrazer wrote:Space is a very dangerous place. Explorers have to learn how to defend ourselves just in case we get into trouble. I'm glad to see we prove to be some entertainment..

“Don’t talk to it, ‘Graze’,” he muttered to her, but loud enough for Onyx to hear. “Don’t encourage it.”

He was only being half-serious, of course. He kinda wanted to ask what the Pred’ wanted, but he and Whitegrazer were already talking, and Cheetor was sure that question would come up soon.

* * *

Tigatron wrote:Then the opportunity welcomes you as well, Dinobot.

Indeed.

Dinobot morphed to his battle mode in a blurred swarm of shifting metal pieces. He kept his sword sheathed for now because the only opponent he could see was obviously going to avoid a close fight.

Tigatron wrote:Perhaps the three of us should split up and find cover. Terrorsaur may not be alone.

Dinobot thought about that quickly before he gave his answer.

“A good strategy if we do not wish to be personally overwhelmed. I fear we must split up anyways- Terrorsaur’s presence indicates a threat to our ship.”

He turned from Tigatron just in time to see the missile streaking the ground near him. He made an awkward attempt to run to his right, but soon the projectile hit the ground, and Dinobot was thrown into the air by the violent explosion that resulted.

He shook his head and worked to get his bearings as he got off of his back.

“He could keep all three of us ducking if we try to take him out of the air” Dinobot growled in frustration. “Ironclaw, Tigatron- spread out and take widely spaced routes to our ship. I will do my best to follow while keeping him occupied. At the very least, he will only be able to slow one of us down at a time. Hurry!”

His optics immediately turned green, becoming brighter by the nano-click. As soon as he had what looked like a shot on Terrorsaur, he took it.

* * *

Arachnitron wrote:That has yet to be determined.

Not anymore. Now that he had asked whether she was imprisoned or not, the implication should have been clear that he and Snow Trix had come to rescue her. If she was a prisoner, she would have taken the opportunity they had presented her, unless the Maximals had threatened her that severely- incredibly unlikely.

She was here of her own volition.

Frilla wrote:Look I don't know how you two know about Arachnitron or why you go to all this trouble for a rescue mission but this battle isn't necessary.

Snow Trix wrote:How about we make sure she can't help her new maximal friends Steelclaw, besides sure Megatron can find something to do with Frilla.

Arachnitron wrote:This situation is very complicated. You couldn't possibly understand...

What wasn’t there to understand? She had joined the Maximals, and they had taken-

Arachnitron wrote:She's not the prisoner, you fools! I AM!

Oh. She was right- he didn’t understand what was going on anymore. Did she have… more than one mind or something? And… was one of them saying they hated being with the Maximals? Or was that comment completely unrelated to her joining their crew?

Arachnitron wrote:Look. You don't want anything to do with Frilla. I'm the one who has the Predacon held hostage. I'm the one you're here for, so I will go with you peacefully. But Frilla stays here or I won't release Arachnitron.

At this point, Steelclaw was almost chuckling by how quickly things had complicated themselves.

“No, no, no. See, this is a rescue mission, not a hostage-taking one. I’m not trying to take you or Frilla anywhere you don’t want to go. On that note- please, Snow Trix- let Frilla go. I understand the strategic advantage of having a Maximal prisoner in this situation, but even pragmatically speaking, it’s just too much of a risk right now while we’re trying to get someone free.

“But Frilla, there is something I’m going to have to… well, ‘demand’ is the proper word. See, we’ve also come for Nemesis, and the thing is, the longer you guys drag this out, the more repairing you’re all gonna have to on the ship by the time we’ve left.

Steelclaw’s tone finally became more direct and serious.

“Look- no shedding mech fluid, no hurting old friends. Just call off whoever’s guarding Nemesis, open her cell and let her walk out of here.”

Steelclaw didn’t show it, but as soon as he heard the lift activating, he prepared himelf to grab his rifle in a fraction of a moment. He raised an optic ridge when he saw that it was Sonar who had come up.

“Sonar, we could use you right now. Would you mind heading off to Nemesis’ cell and make sure she leaves unhindered? Frilla, the rest is up to you.”

"Well.. it wasn't quite perfect. Could probably do with a little more practice," "I'll make you fall for me yet!,"

"Hah!" Rattrap laughed at Aurora. And as he was about to add more, he stopped himself and looked at the black stallion that approached them. So it WAS Onyx! He should've known. Rattrap was about to draw his weapon, but since the Predacon equine posed no immediate threat still in his beast mode, he hesitated.

"I have to say Maximals you never cease to amaze me of how your antics prove amusing and your skill. For a crew suppose to be explorers you seem fairly capable. This session of your's is proving quite a show."

"Oh! Hello there. You must be Onyx." "Space is a very dangerous place. Explorers have to learn how to defend ourselves just in case we get into trouble." "I'm glad to see we prove to be some entertainment."

The loud mouth rat was actually quiet while Whitegrazer conversed with Onyx. She was probably just trying to be friendly, but Rattrap, he was still very suspicious of the black horse and his little visit to the Axalon earlier. Cheetor's words sort of surprised the rodent.

“You know stalking makes you come off a little sinister, right?” “Don’t talk to it, ‘Graze’,” “Don’t encourage it.”

"I don't think he really wants to fight us, Spots," Rattrap told Cheetor. "It'd be kinda stupid when he's outnumbered four ta one." Then he turned his attention to Onyx.

"'Course, I gotta wonder, The Black, why you'd be snoopin' around and spyin' on us as long as you have. Yeah, I knew it was you prancin' around back there in the herd," Rattrap bluffed; he hadn't been certain that it was him, it could've just been another black pony. "So whaddaya think? Like watchin' us Maximals on the playground?" he joked lightly, keeping himself close to Aurora just in case, and trying not to make any deliberate waves with the Pred since Whitegrazer seemed to want to try and keep things peaceful. There was no where else for any other Predacons to hide and make an ambush on them, so it would seem that Onyx had come alone and quite possibly meant no harm. He certainly was the only Predacon Rattrap knew of who always wanted to talk rather than fight.

-----

“A good strategy if we do not wish to be personally overwhelmed. I fear we must split up anyways- Terrorsaur’s presence indicates a threat to our ship.”

"Eat missiles, Maximal scum!"

Tigatron nodded at Dinobot before glancing at Ironclaw. More of their comrades could be in trouble and might need their help. However, there was suddenly a projectile heading straight toward them that Terrorsaur had fired off, and just as Dinobot had tried jumping out of the way, so did the white tiger. He escaped with only singed fur on his tail, but the force of the explosion knocked him off of his feet. Landing on his stomach, he pushed himself up on all fours and immediately searched with his eyes for Dinobot and Ironclaw.

“He could keep all three of us ducking if we try to take him out of the air” “Ironclaw, Tigatron- spread out and take widely spaced routes to our ship. I will do my best to follow while keeping him occupied. At the very least, he will only be able to slow one of us down at a time. Hurry!”

Relieved that the raptor was all right, and admiring the way Dinobot sacrificed himself as a distraction in order for him and Ironclaw to escape, Tigatron decided not to waste the opportunity, knowing that Dinobot would be able to handle himself as skilled as he was in combat, and quickly leaped off to the right to go in the opposite direction of the honey badger and flank the Axalon as they approached it. Luckily, this route had some cover for the white cat to hide in as he hurried through a small forest and slowed down to a stop to see if he could observe anything from his position at the edge of the tree line before jumping out and exposing himself. For a moment, he wondered if Airazor was here somewhere. And if so, was she injured? He could not see her anywhere from his location. But, by the Matrix, this was an utter mess. Tigatron wouldn't have thought that the Predacons would make an attempt like this on the Maximal base. Where was Optimus? Was he aware of the situation? Where were Rattrap, Cheetor and Whitegrazer?

(( OOC: I was going to have Tigatron help someone (like Wintersong) but after reading through several of the posts from three pages ago to try and recall and get a feel for where everyone is on the battle field (because so much has happened already)... yeah, I'm at a loss. I don't know where exactly everyone is and who is attacking who. So before I rush in and confuse anyone by doing something wrong, I'm going to wait. ))

((OOC: Tigatron can help fight Glowstick - who's floating above Orcariner - or he can help fight the Leviathan in order to take out the Predacons' remaining heavy hitter.))

IC:

As the behemoth's chest cavity opened up, Orcariner's optics widened at the unexpected event unfolding before him. Glowstick jettisoned out of the larger being, holding what appeared to be a spherical object that pulsated in an erratic behavior. The orca had been under the assumption that this clone was being controlled from a remote location such as the Leviathan. He had never suspected that Glowstick would pilot the armor himself. The Predacon had always came off as a controller type opponent. One who would typically maneuver the troops but never actually fight alongside them. Orcariner's revelation that he was brawling with the officer left him stunned. In a way, it also raised the level of respect he had for the squid.

Without warning, two lasers struck the Raver blade, knocking the weapon into the air and back into Glowstick's tentacles. The latter murmured something before something alarming occured. A rapid series of beeps snapped the Maximal out of his moment of shock. Orcariner only had time to curl up before the behemoth burst into flames and shrapnel. The force of the explosion was absorbed by his armor, but Glowstick was quick to follow up with the surprise attack.

Glowstick wrote: Consider that the bell.. time for round two.

Two more lasers struck the giant's leg wound, instantly causing Orcariner to wince and grind his jaw. What the squid's weapons lacked in stopping power was easily made up for with uncanny accuracy and speed. The Maximal found himself unable to react quick enough to protect himself from the Predacon's first strike. He considered grabbing the behemoth's corpse and use it as a shield, but it was in too many pieces to be used effectively. On the other hand, Orcariner just reminded himself of what he entered the fray with. Swinging one energo-sword to deflect the relentless shot at his leg, the orca retracted his right blade and drew out his carbine. He began to abuse the trigger as the Maximal blasted away at Glowstick in a series of burst fires. At the moment, there was no other way to fight the airborne foe aside from projectile weaponry. Despite his gradual improvement with his aim, Orcariner's skill with his gun was still average at best with two hands. He knew his aim would be trash considering that he was limping backwards, was in a great deal of pain, and was only firing with one hand.

This is why I hate flyers!

Regardless of aim, or lack of, Orcariner knew he had to keep shooting at the squid. The suppression would give him an opportunity to reach his goal. Perhaps, he may even prove lucky and land a fortunate hit on the floating Predacon.


------------------------------------------------------------


As Terrorsaur flew back to re-engage the Maximals, he found himself confused. It appeared that all three of them had split up in a spread formation. With both cannons fire-linked, the flyer was only capable of targeting one opponent at a time. The problem was that all three of them were at equal distance to the Axalon.

Who's the biggest threat?

The Predacon's hesitance opened a window of opportunity for Dinobot as the latter blasted at the flyer with his optical lasers. The two emerald beams of light made contact with Terrorsaur's right shoulder cannon and spun the Predacon out of control. Spiraling downward, the flyer's afterburners roared to life in attempt to halt his trajectory. Balancing himself in the sky, Terrorsaur inspected his launchers. The right barrel had caved in from the heat, rendering it completely useless. Due to both cannons being linked together, the flyer knew that his missiles were now taken out of the fight. He growled in frustration.

"Dinobot..."

Gritting his teeth, Terrorsaur looked down at his attacker. His target was now decided. Both optics glowing violet, the pterodactyl dived towards the traitor. With a loud, obnoxious screech, Terrorsaur unleashed a barrage of his own optical lasers. If he could not prevent reinforcements from kicking out the Predacon rescue force, then he would at least bring back Dinobot's head. Megatron's trust in the red flyer would surely be restored... for the most part.

When the lift finally stopped, Sonar found himself inside the Axalon. He couldn't help smirk, oh the things he could do to this place.

“Sonar, we could use you right now. Would you mind heading off to Nemesis’ cell and make sure she leaves unhindered? Frilla, the rest is up to you.”

The bat stood up, wincing a little as his left wing joint flares up in pain. "YEah I can do that. You really need to stop acting like a Maximal and start acting like a PRedacon, Steelclaw. Shedding mech blood is always a plus during raids."

He wrapped his wings around him, making it look like he was wearing a cloak. He forced himself to ignore the pain in his wing joint.

"So... now if you excuse me. I'm going to rescue our dear Nemesis." He said rolling his optics.

Rhinox's optics widen in horror as he saw Sonar enter the Axalon, he then turned as he saw Orcariner was still having a rough time. He pointed his gun towards Glowstick and started firing.

Glowstick swiftly floated up and backward, seeming to effortlessly dodge the shots, his sword twirling over his tentacles moving to the side to deflect some of Rhinox's shots, the seeming familiar to Dinobot's rotory shield. While in the somersault like motion then shifting again in the air.. it seemed almost like Glowstick was swimming rather then flying in the air. A purple object was seen cast from Glowstick by one of his tentacles towards Rhinox. As he came floating above the ground he pointed his feeder tentacles out firing a blinding wide beam towards Orcariner, his left tentacle firing a narrow beam not at Rhinox, but at the purple object in the air causing it to explode sending out a wave of a rather familiar slime.

Rhinox held up his arm to block as his body got covered in slime Ug Gross.. What the..?! His optics widen as he suddenly fell to the ground, his high endurance kept him from passing out, but he felt sluggish, as if he couldn't even move. His optic shifted as he saw some of the slime had gotten into a few wounds he'd sustained from the battle, they were so minor yet that was all it took. The Poison slime was interfering with his synapses controls, he wasn't suffering in pain, but he couldn't move.

The beam of the wideshot ended quickly after, Glowstick turned facing Orcariner twirling the sword between his tentacles into his feeder arm, it then stopped resting on his shoulder giving off a dark synthetic laugh.

He released a jet of air sending himself back up high into the air, twirling his sword from his shoulder allowing it to build up centrifugal force,he twisted his body and swung his arm out letting it extend into a long range horizontal slash toward's Orcariner's upper body. The weapon flaring up with electricity once again and extended it's blade size increasing it's reach, but the color changed to Glowstick's typical blue light.

(Scale wise, I'm estimating the Raverblade may be the same length or longer then Orcariner's energo swords.)

((I have to agree with OOp I am a bit confused of where the battle is going, seems someone is fighting one bot then they fight another. Not even sure if WInter can help at the moment either.))

Snow Trix looked at Steelclaw for a moment but reluctantly unwound her whip, releasing Frilla from the near chance of being a prisoner though she turned her attention briefly to Sonar before looking to Arachnitron and Frilla, wondering what they would do. Though she had to wonder what was wrong with this spider, one moment she seemed quite calm and cooperative the next she was suddenly angry, saying she was the prisoner and then was clam again. Did she have multiple personalities or some strange condition? Whatever it was they had to get her or get Nemesis, one of the other though the fox still thought they should take their former comrade prisoner since she was a traitor.

----------------------

Wintersong found some cover from the chances of fire, the pain coursing through her body slowly ebbing away next to the pain in her chest which she wondered just how deep Cecaelia had aimed for it to go but luckily not enough that it struck her spark. Looking down slightly at the diagonal cut in her chest armor and carefully touched it, wincing a bit but she pushed through the pain to see the cut and was surprised it was deep enough she guessed it had come fairly close to her spark, and deep enough to leave a scar that was for sure. "So much for my training coming in handy." Wintersong sighed to herself,"I should have paid more attention to my instructor instead of playing all those tricks and this one..." She trailed off as she began to wonder if it was one of the worse decisions she made or one of the best. It was more then she had really bargained for, far more and the time here had began to teach her more then the military training ever could.

Not to mention she was growing up a little more, no longer doing all the pranks and tricks she once did, in fact the tigress thought she had changed a lot in the last several months since being a stowaway. Pushing herself up slightly after pushing aside the thoughts for the time being Wintersong peered around the boulder she hid behind for cover, watching her teammates as they struggled to fight the Predacons and at the moment she wasn't sure she could be of much use.

Once Frilla was freed she pushed herself to her feet, glaring at Steelclaw as he made his little demand and explained the full reason for being there but despite feeling slight fear she stood her ground,"You can shove it up your tailpipe Steelclaw, I do appreciate not being taking prisoner but Nemesis will stay in the brig until Optimus says otherwise and I suggest you leave now." She said hiding her fear but watched Sonar as he was about to leave, not too concerned since she was sure Icebreaker could keep him away from Nemesis though she was concerned right now for Arachnitron and keeping Steelclaw and Snow Trix away from her. Now they just had to think of a way to prevent the two from getting an advantage, "Look we're not forcing Arachnitron to stay here, she is welcomed to choose either side or go it alone so a rescue mission seems pointless besides trying to get Nemesis, now as I said leave."

Though what would happen if the spider's predacon persona took control? Frilla would be in big trouble unless she could get out of there in one piece, be it down one of the halls or down the lift and into the battle field, somehow there had to be a way. But at this rate it seemed time was ticking away for a decision and Optimus' other message came through as she wondered if she should take a quick action and inform him, risky as it may be it seemed the only option and she carefully moved back slightly while keeping her gaze on the two Preds.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Seeing the shot hit Feralnight kept watching her opponent, knowing a single shot wouldn't bring this mantis down from what she heard from the others, and she had to admit he was proving to be very resilient in this aerial fight. With a growl she flew towards the left to avoid his claw and completely losing a limb but she felt the claw none the less make a deep enough cut, causing a few more wires to be cut and spark as she moved away from the mantis, pain flashing in her optics. How was she suppose to fight an opponent who was quicker then her in speed? Well for one she would have to lose the shield, which she didn't mind since it slowed her down a bit so she tossed it aside to the ground before drawing two feather swords from her wings, growling a bit.

Despite the obvious pain Feralnight was in the fuzor wasn't about to let a Predacon get her down and she flew at Manterror this time, aiming one of the blades towards his shoulder then the other ready to slice towards his side if she missed the first.

Ironclaw didn't see anything until Dinobot and Tigertron jumped to the sides and he saw the missiles heading towards him. The missiles detonated on the ground in front of him. He brought his arms up I front of him and felt the intense heat partially melt his arm and chest armor. He felt the pain and screwed his eyes shut, this was his first taste of combat. After a moment he realised that he wasn't that hurt and could move on. He spread his arms apart as he heard what Dinobot was saying.
Ironclaw moved the opposite side Tigertron was taking and headed towards the Axalon where the battle sounds were coming from. He could see that Tigertron's path took him to cover, however Ironclaw's allowed him to see what was going on. For a moment he just wanted to hide but since the Terrorsaur's attack an instinct had took over him and he just knew what to do.
He ran over to Wintersong's position and dove into the cover. He moved next to her and saw she was damaged and distracted. He took her arm and looked in her eyes, "Are you alright? " Ironclaw said, the looked over the boulder to see what was going on. He saw Rhinox on the floor in the distance, he looked incapacitated and had something on him but he couldn't work out what it was.

Aurora peeked out at the Predacon stallion from her position behind Rattrap, who apparently had taken it upon himself to keep her sheltered. This was the second time in just a few hours that the black horse had approached them, and Aurora could not help wondering what his motives for the curiosity towards the Maximals were. Onyx certainly did not strike her as having the intention of harming them, but thus far he was also the only Predacon Aurora had met at fairly close range so perhaps there was something she was missing here.

Although she had spoken up during their earlier encounter, she did not get a word in as Whitegrazer and Rattrap were already questioning the newcomer. Granted Rattrap was far less friendly in his approach than the white mare had been. Perhaps she saw some sort of kinship in the fellow horse, even if he was a Predacon, so hopefully the hostility the others showed him would not drive him away before Whitegrazer had a chance to get him to talk to them.

Curious, Aurora took a few steps to the side, not wanting to appear as though she expected him to attack them but rather offering him a bit of trust so that perhaps he'd realize he could have some allies in the Maximals. At least she was hoping that her assumption about Onyx was accurate, that he had no intention of hurting any of them, and perhaps he even had some insight to share with them.