The AllSpark's Chosen

Chapter 34: Preparing for Battle

The last rays of the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange glow over the manor grounds. The peace that had settled earlier in the day was still present, but there was a tension in the air now, the weight of the impending fight against the **Decepticons** heavy on everyone's minds.

**Saber**, standing near the edge of the garden, felt that weight too. He had always been quick on his feet in magical duels, relying on his instincts and training to defend himself. But now, things were different. The enemy they were about to face wasn't using spells or curses—they were using technology far beyond anything he had encountered.

As the **Autobots** moved around the grounds, preparing for the next stage of their mission, **Ironhide** stood out. His large, heavy frame exuded strength and power, and the cannons mounted on his arms were impossible to miss. Saber watched him for a moment, thinking carefully. If they were attacked, he needed to know what kind of firepower the Decepticons were going to use. He couldn't rely solely on **Protego** and other defensive spells; he needed to understand their weapons to know how best to defend himself.

With that thought, Saber made his way over to Ironhide, who was running a systems check on his arm cannons. The big Autobot glanced down as Saber approached, his optics glowing faintly.

"You need something, kid?" Ironhide asked, his voice gruff but not unkind.

Saber stopped in front of him, craning his neck to meet Ironhide's gaze. "I've been thinking about what happens if we get attacked. I need to be able to defend myself—and defend everyone else if it comes to that. Your weapons are... well, a bit different from what I'm used to, so I was wondering... what exactly do they do? Are they projectiles? Heat-based? Or something else?"

Ironhide chuckled, clearly amused by the question. "You want to know what my cannons can do, huh?"

Saber nodded. "I need to figure out how to use my magic to counter them—just in case. It'd be good to know what I'm dealing with."

Ironhide's optics brightened slightly. He liked Saber's line of thinking—always better to be prepared. "Well, kid, my cannons are designed to take down pretty much anything. They're projectile-based, but they pack a lot of heat. When I fire, it's like a mini-explosion—plasma rounds with a lot of punch."

Saber listened carefully, nodding as he mentally filed away the information. "So, I'd need something that can absorb or deflect the impact, maybe something to counter the heat too."

Ironhide raised an optic ridge. "You think your magic can stop a plasma round?"

Saber shrugged, his mind already working through possible spells. "If I can layer **Protego** with a few other defensive charms, I might be able to deflect it or absorb the heat. It won't be easy, but I'd rather be ready than caught off guard."

Ironhide grinned, clearly impressed by Saber's determination. "You've got guts, kid. Just don't stand in front of me when I'm firing, and you'll be fine."

Saber smiled back, feeling a bit more confident now that he had a better understanding of Ironhide's weapons. "Thanks. I'll work on a few things tonight and see what I can come up with."

As Saber walked away, Ironhide watched him go, shaking his head with a smirk. "Smart kid. Always thinking ahead."

Meanwhile, across the garden, a quieter exchange was taking place. **Ratchet** and **Patch** had found themselves side by side, both scanning the area as they settled into their respective roles as medics. Ratchet, the Autobots' trusted medical officer, had always been focused on efficiency and precision when it came to healing and repairs. **Patch**, though newer to the world of Cybertronian life, had quickly proven himself to be a competent and caring medbot—one that even Ratchet had started to take notice of.

Ratchet glanced over at Patch, who was in his **Saint Bernard** form, his optics glowing softly as he ran diagnostics on the area. "You're a pretty good field medic," Ratchet said, his voice thoughtful.

Patch turned his head toward Ratchet, his tail wagging slightly. "Thank you. I've been learning on the go. My primary function is medical assistance, so I try to help however I can."

Ratchet's scanners whirred softly as he ran a quick scan of Patch's systems. "You were created through magic, right? But your medical protocols are... advanced."

Patch nodded. "Yes. I was created by Saber, but I think I was programmed with knowledge beyond what magic alone could provide. Maybe it's a combination of magic and what he knew about medical treatment from the non-magical world."

Ratchet hummed in agreement, his optics scanning Patch with a newfound appreciation. "That makes sense. Your diagnostics are impressive for a bot your size, and your healing capabilities are efficient. You've adapted well to our world."

Patch gave a small, happy bark, his optics shining with pride. "I've been trying to learn from you. You're... well, you're a lot more experienced than I am."

Ratchet chuckled, feeling a sense of camaraderie forming. "I've been doing this a long time, Patch. But you're learning fast. If we're going into battle, I think we'll make a good team."

Patch wagged his tail enthusiastically. "I'd like that. Working together, I mean."

As the two medbots continued to converse, Saber watched from a distance, smiling to himself. It was strange, in a way, seeing how easily the Autobots had integrated into his life. They were from a different world—one that operated on principles far different from magic—and yet, they had become his allies, even his friends. And now, even **Patch** was forming bonds with them, finding his place among their ranks.

Saber looked out over the manor grounds, the sun now fully set, leaving the sky a deep purple. The air was still, but the tension of the impending battle remained.

He clenched his fist, feeling the cool weight of his wand in his hand. He wasn't just practicing magic anymore. He was preparing for something bigger—something that would test every skill he had learned and push him to his limits.

But he wasn't alone. He had the Autobots. He had **Tempest**, **Patch**, and **Obsidian**. He had his friends back in the magical world, even if they were far away for now. Together, they would face whatever came next.

And when the time came, he would be ready.