[Robots and Magic] Between Claws

15. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘭𝘭 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥

Not too long after Bumblebee's return to the base, Drift and Sunset arrived through the Groundbridge in their vehicle modes, coming to a halt right in front of the young leader. As they converted back into robots, the yellow Autobot's attention quickly turned to the missing presence of their other two comrades, "Where are Sideswipe and Rainbow Dash?" he queried.

Drift's response was measured, tinged with regret, "We lost them during our departure, Bumblebee." he explained, "There was a conflict between the two of them."

"It was a pretty heated argument." Sunset elaborated, "Rainbow ran away through the portal and Sideswipe went right after to get her, but we lost them both in the process. We tried to contact them but no one is answering."

The samurai continued, "We've also conducted a thorough search for Fluttershy, but found no traces. My apologies."

As the femme's glance shifted to Bumblebee, concern etched deeply into her features, "What about you?" she asked softly.

The young leader's response was grim, his disquiet matching that of his allies, "No luck," he admitted, "She won't pick up too and I have a terrible feeling something bad is going on."

Just as the weight of uncertainty settled upon them, Fixit's sudden exclamation cut through the tension, "Lieutenant! Someone is attempting to reach us!" he urgently announced, grabbing the robots' attention, "I'm receiving an anonymous call, but I'm unable to pinpoint the coordinates."

Bumblebee's optics narrowed, his mind racing as he processed the implications of the unexpected development, "Patch it through, Fixit." he instructed. When the little orange mini-con picked up, the smiling visage of the Decepticon wolfcon appeared on the screen, his presence casting a heavy feeling of unease across the room.

::Hello, Bumblebee.:: greeted Steeljaw.

The lieutenant's gaze widened at the sight of the familiar face, but rapidly shifted to a cold glare as he clenched his fists, "You."

::We haven't had a chance to catch up like this in so long.:: the criminal responded, ::And yet, I see that you still haven't changed.::

"What do you want, Steeljaw?" Bumblebee's question cut through the line, already having enough of his rival's annoying comments.

::Nothing much, really.:: the wolfcon answered nonchalantly, his yellow optics gleaming with amusement, ::Just curious about the whereabouts of your allies. I couldn't help but notice their conspicuous absence.::

The pressure in the base escalated as Sunset stepped forward, "Where are our friends?!" she demanded, her yell cracking with fury.

::Rest assured, Miss Shimmer, your dear friends are under our custody and in good condition, at least for now.:: his sentence was filled with malice as he stepped aside from the screen, allowing them to see the hostages behind him. Pinkie, Smokescreen, Sideswipe, and Rainbow Dash, each one was held captive and restrained on the floor, struggling against their bonds.

"Guys!" Sunset called out, her heart sank at the sight of her friends in peril as she gritted her dentas, "Let them go!"

The Decepticon moved the camera back to himself, ::Hmm, even though I can, I don't want to. Not until you have accepted my fair offering.:: he formed a smug filled with sadistic amusement.

Drift approached closer with a steady gaze, "Which is?"

::You will hand over your functional Groundbridge,:: Steeljaw declared, ::And in exchange, I will release your companions unharmed. Sounds like a deal?::