Transformers Prime: Evolution

6. A Human Sense

The Primax Blade felt natural in my grip, as though it was an extension of my own being—sharp, lethal, and precise. My left hand shifted into its shield configuration, a fluid motion that had become second nature after countless hours of training. The weight of the shield balanced the blade's lethal edge, creating a deadly harmony in my combat stance. I was built for war, for hunting, and this blade was nothing short of the perfect tool for my craft.

Before me stood several Vehicons, their visors glowing dimly, awaiting my command. Behind them, Brawl loomed, his massive bulk making him an intimidating presence even among the faceless drones. He crossed his arms, watching me with interest, his mandibles twitching with anticipation.

"Begin," I ordered, my voice cold and detached.

The Vehicons surged forward, their steps in unison, mechanical and precise. They knew better than to hold back. I would tolerate no weakness, no hesitation in combat. My optics narrowed as I anticipated their first moves—predictable, clumsy. I waited until they were almost upon me, then lashed out.

The Primax Blade cleaved through the air, slicing through the first Vehicon's shoulder before it had a chance to react. My left arm shot up in time to block another's strike with my shield, absorbing the impact before driving the edge of the blade through its chest. Sparks flew, and its lifeless body collapsed at my feet.

Behind me, I heard bs low chuckle. "You're getting slow, ShadowDread."

I ignored him, spinning on my heel to meet the next attacker. The Vehicons came at me in a coordinated wave now, trying to overwhelm me with their numbers. I let them think they had the advantage. It was amusing, in a way—like watching a pack of scavengers try to bring down a predator.

One attempted to tackle me from the side, but I twisted out of the way, bringing the blade up to meet it. The Primax Blade sliced through its midsection effortlessly. Two more Vehicons charged, one from each side, but my shield deflected their blows, and a swift backhanded strike from the blade left them both crumpled on the floor.

"Overwhelm me?" I murmured, amused. "Pathetic."

As the final Vehicon approached, I activated my thrusters, launching myself forward and slamming into it with the full force of my shield. The impact shattered its chestplate, and it fell, sparks flying from its exposed wiring. I didn't even spare it a glance as I turned to face Hardshell.

"That all?" I asked, lowering the blade slightly. "Or are you going to join them?"

Hardshell's mandibles clicked as he stepped forward, his massive frame casting a shadow over the training ground. "Maybe I will," he growled, his voice a deep rumble. "But I don't think you want me to hold back."

I smirked, tightening my grip on the Primax Blade. "Good. I'm tired of soft targets."

Without another word, Hardshell charged. His sheer size and power made him a different kind of opponent, one that required a more calculated approach. He swung a massive fist at me, and I barely managed to deflect it with my shield. The force of the blow sent a shockwave through my arm, but I remained steady.

Hardshell was no fool—he knew I couldn't match him in brute strength. His attacks were relentless, each one aimed to break my defenses. I weaved between his strikes, my movements precise, calculated. The blade flashed as I struck back, but his armor was thick, and it took more than a single cut to slow him down.

"Still too slow, ShadowDread!" Hardshell bellowed, slamming his fist into the ground where I had been a moment before.

I darted to the side, positioning myself behind him. "I don't need to be fast," I said coldly. "I just need to hit the right spot."