[Robots and Magic] Between Claws

8. 𝘋𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘳𝘺

The clang of metal on metal echoed through the training arena. The girls held their own against the Autobots, matching their strength with cunning tactics and fast reflexes. The Cybertronians' movements were precise and calculated as they allowed their transformed human companions to test their skills and reactions. Both sides showed incredible agility and strength, pushing each other to the limit in a display of impressive abilities. During their sparring sessions, Sunset trained with Bulkhead, Smokescreen was teaching Pinkie Pie, Knock Out was instructing Rarity and Grimlock fought with Applejack.

"You need to lift your leg higher than that. Try again." the cherry medic directed as the fashionista performed the move once more, successfully managing to form the attack as he told her to. The mech nodded approvingly as he blocked her strike with his prod, "Better. Now, let's see if you can defend yourself." she took a prepared stance, trying to anticipate his next move. Knock Out rotated his weapon swiftly and lunged forward, aiming for her side. She countered his attack with an instant block as she formed a big crystal from her hand, "An arm shield? Not bad, doll." he complimented with a sly smirk, obviously impressed by her quick response.

Rarity shrugged in return, "What can I say? I learn from the best." Knock Out chuckled as they continued to spar.

"C'mon, AJ! Gimme ya best shot!" the dinobot grinned as he pounded his fists.

The cowgirl stood still and stared at him hesitantly, "Ay ain't too sure 'bout that, sugarcube... don't wanna hurt ya."

He scoffed and waved off, "Psht, I can handle it!"

Applejack thought for a moment, unsure if she should really engage in a physical fight against him, but seeing his excitement, she knew she couldn't back down, "If ya say so." she squared up her shoulders. Subsequently, she swung at him and he at her with equal force, their punches meeting in the middle with a resounding thud. The sound of their fists colliding echoed through the open space where they were training, causing the ground beneath them to shake. The female noticed Grimlock's grimace as he let out a tiny painful noise and stepped back, holding his big claw. She hissed sympathetically and immediately regretted her decision, "Sorry..." she lifted both of her servos in an apologetic manner.

"It's cool," he tried to hide the aching feeling as he gave her a weak smile, "Nice punch." he gave her a thumb up with his other sharp hand. After he moved aside and let out a grunt as he flexed his digits, Wheeljack came her way.

"Ain't bad for a hand-to-hand combat, kid." he drew out his two katanas, "But are ya good against weapons?"

Bulkhead peeped at his old friend and charge while he trained Sunset, "Jackie, please go easy on her." the green Autobot pleaded worryingly from the distance.

"It's alright, Bulk. I got this." the wrecker assured him as he drew out his mouthplate. Applejack rapidly got ready as she aimed her fists towards him. The two stared at one another intensely for a moment until the mech sprinted to her. She was able to block his kick, their movements were so swift it seemed like a blur. However, the element of honesty was not one to give up easily. She dodged and countered, throwing punches with such precision and strength. When she avoided the swing of his sharp katana, Wheeljack took the opportunity to kick her side. With a grunt of pain, Applejack stumbled back but promptly regained her balance.

Right at that moment, she felt something strange in her metallic arm. She glanced at her servo, only to see it had transformed into a flail weapon. Her optics widened as she lifted her arm, the striking head was attached to a flexible metal chain, hanging in the air.

Wheeljack let a short laugh, "Would you look at that." he turned to Bulkhead, "Didn't know your cowgirl was full of surprises."

"How do ah use this thing?!" Applejack questioned, wondering how she could fight with her newfound equipment.