Chapter 116: A Touch of Brutality
"Hmph! Come on then! Autobots will never bow before any hardship!"
Though Ironhide had restored some of his energy, his body worn from the long journey and lack of proper maintenance was far from what it had been back on Cybertron. By Transformer repair standards, he had skipped several crucial maintenance cycles. If he kept pushing himself like this, his systems would inevitably start breaking down sooner or later.
Just as cars need regular checkups at a mechanic, Transformers require full overhauls from time to time replacing old components, recalibrating systems, and updating their equipment. But ever since leaving the Autobot base on Cybertron, such maintenance had become a luxury. Compared to the energetic Scorponok, Ironhide was practically a battle-worn relic.
"My old friend, I know you won't believe me easily," Scorponok said with a low rumble, "but I assure you I'm not on Megatron's side. I also wish to rule Cybertron, but through my own power, not deceit. Ironhide, you're a formidable warrior. I don't wish to take advantage of you today. Let's end this in thirty rounds!"
"Agreed!" Ironhide answered, his optics narrowing.
Whatever Scorponok's true motives were, his current words carried the dignity of a cosmic knight. Back in Cybertron's golden age, there had been warriors like him among both Autobots and Decepticons honorable, proud, and fierce.
"Heh," Ironhide smirked, "and what if I win within thirty rounds? Will you let me walk free?"
Seeing Scorponok's confident grin, Ironhide's central processor began running rapid battle simulations. Despite his worn condition, he calculated roughly a 24% chance of victory slim, but not hopeless.
"Hahaha! If you can truly defeat me in a few moves, of course I'll let you go," Scorponok replied with a booming laugh. "In fact, I'll even offer you a luxury maintenance session aboard my flagship or I can bring the tools myself. How's that sound?"
Clearly, the massive Scorponok was supremely confident in his combat skills. But Ironhide was no easy target. Back in their last duel in the Cybertronian arena, both had held a perfect 50/50 record neither able to claim total victory.
"Deal," Ironhide said. "Your warship looks rather fancy. I wonder what the interior's like."
Ironhide's tone was calm, almost casual but before he could finish his thought, Scorponok suddenly lunged. Without warning, the giant conjured two blazing laser swords from thin air and dashed forward in a sideways strike.
"Still the same old dirty tricks, huh?" Ironhide growled. "You think my laser cannon is just for show? Try this!"
Boom!
In a flash, Ironhide's weapon was fully charged. Two bright energy blasts streaked across the battlefield but Scorponok dodged them with ease.
"Hah! Foolish Autobot," Scorponok taunted, "still using the same tricks? I know your firing trajectories by heart. Do you really plan to defeat me with such predictable shots?"
If it had been any other Decepticon, Ironhide's laser cannon would have vaporized them instantly. That "predictable weapon" had a kill rate over 85% against enemy warriors few ever survived the first salvo.
But Scorponok knew Ironhide too well. The moment he raised his arm, Ironhide anticipated the dodge and adjusted his aim but the scorpion warrior's reflexes were just as sharp.
The two clashed like titans. Sparks flew. Neither could land a decisive blow. Ironhide skillfully retreated three paces, just enough to evade Scorponok's dual-sword reach.
"You haven't improved much!" Ironhide shouted. "I remember you saying you'd use a real weapon next time but here you are, playing with those twin glow sticks again! And you have the nerve to call me a one-trick fighter?"
These two veterans knew each other too well. Winning without a new strategy was nearly impossible especially since they'd agreed to decide the victor in thirty moves. At this pace, it would all be over in two minutes.
"Hahaha! Ironhide, don't be so hasty!" Scorponok grinned. "Who said I'm still using swords? I just wanted to give my old rival a surprise. Allow me to demonstrate!"
Ironhide frowned, unsure what he meant until Scorponok suddenly connected the hilts of his twin blades. A bright pink light surged through the air as mechanical joints shifted and locked together.
In an instant, the two swords merged into a massive laser gatling gun.
Ironhide's optics widened. "Whoa, flashy move but a bit too complicated for my taste!"
Though he mocked, Ironhide's systems went on high alert. He hadn't expected Scorponok or his weapon to transform like that. This wasn't just any gun.
"Haha! I know it's a little over-the-top," Scorponok said proudly, "but I love the effect. Give me a good rating, will you?"
RAT-A-TAT-TAT!
Just like before, Scorponok reveled in the thrill of domination. After showing off his weapon, he opened fire without hesitation.
Unlike standard beam cannons that fired narrow straight shots, Scorponok's new laser gatling sprayed energy rounds of all kinds: slim beams, wide elliptical blasts, even serpentine energy waves that crackled like lightning.
The terrifying part wasn't just the visuals it was the power. The sheer explosive force of Scorponok's weapon could completely neutralize the charged blasts Ironhide had spent so long preparing. And while Ironhide's cannon fired single, powerful shots, Scorponok's gun unleashed continuous fire. For every one of Ironhide's blasts, Scorponok shot three.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
"Damn it!"
Crackle! Sizzle!
Realizing the danger, Ironhide didn't attempt a head-on clash. Instead, he counterfired while constantly shifting positions, dodging the relentless storm of energy. Then, at the peak of Scorponok's assault, Ironhide performed an impeccable 720-degree front flip midair accompanied by a brief partial transformation.
The complex maneuver stunned even Scorponok. When Ironhide landed, his laser cannon was already aimed directly at Scorponok's neck.
By the twenty-third exchange, the battle was far from over but the outcome was already clear.
(End of Chapter)