Enter Dante, The Rev-9: Book 2: Revelations

Chapter 10: Armada

3rd Person POV

Autobot Base

Dante opened his eyes to see Arcee cuddled up next to him. "Morning, Cee," he said, kissing her forehead as her eyes opened, and she yawned.

"Morning," she said, still half asleep.

Dante raised an eyebrow. "Looks like you're not a morning person, are you, Cee?" he said playfully.

Arcee rolled her eyes and punched him in the shoulder. "Shut up," she muttered.

"You know you love me," he replied with a grin.

Arcee rolled her eyes. "Sure. Now come on, before the others start getting worried."

Nodding, Dante got up and helped her to her feet, still in Cybertronian size.

Walking over, Dante opened the door. "After you, milady," he said, bowing.

Arcee rolled her eyes and walked through. "Come on," she said, grabbing his hand.

Dante smiled as the two of them walked down the corridor and to the main room of the base where the rest of the Bots were.

"Hey, guys," Dante greeted.

Bumblebee jerked slightly in surprise. "Dante? What are you doing here?"

"Isn't that a question that we all ask ourselves?" Dante asked theatrically.

"Ha, ha," Elita said, a smile on her face. "So. You two have a fun night?"

Arcee blushed, and Dante was almost certain that he would have, too, if it were possible. Never have I been more grateful to be a terminator, Dante thought.

Dante changed back into his usual size before jumping up and leaning against a platform. "So.... Optimus, you wanted a demonstration of my abilities, right?"

Optimus nodded. "That is correct."

Dante grinned. "No time like the present."

Timeskip

Dante stood in the training area for the Autobots, waiting for the tasks to begin.

"Alright, Dante," Ratchet said over the speakers. "These tasks are designed to test your strength, endurance, speed, agility, stealth, and combat ability. Are you ready?"

Dante laughed and shifted to his Cybertronian size. "Ready? I was built for this."

"Very well. Your first task is a demonstration of strength," Ratchet said.

Dante nodded, aware that everyone was watching via the video cameras. "Bring it on."

Bulkhead entered and pounded his fists together. "Hope you're ready for this one, Dante. I'm bringing the hurt."

Dante raised an eyebrow. "So.... what's the challenge?"

Bulkhead pulled out a large concrete slab, about one foot thick. "Basically, you have to damage this as best you can."

Dante grinned and accepted the slab, lifting it with ease. "Alright then." Setting it on the ground, Dante drew back his fist. Lashing out, Dante's fist blurred as he punched the slab, shattering it to pieces.

Bulkhead gaped for a moment before shaking his head. "O-kaaaay. Now all you have to do is take me down." He formed his wrecking balls and pounded them together. "Hit me with your best shot."