[Robots and Magic] Between Claws

12. 𝘛𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘵

Amid the tense standoff, the group and the enormous bird remained motionless, locked in a silent exchange. Their unexpected visitor remained vigilant, poised for any sudden movement that might prompt it to attack. Meanwhile, the team stood ready, their weapons trained on the bird. As the intensity of the situation hung thick in the air, Sabehorn regained his footing, "Ah, Filch. My birded friend, good to see you again." with a firm grip on his weapons, he slowly began to distance himself from the Autobots who were currently preoccupied with their new adversary, "Would you like to take care of them for a moment?" he gestured to his opponents. Filch redirected her focus from Sabehorn to the four stunned robots, stalking closer to them as they instinctively backed away, carefully maintaining a safe distance. The Insecticon pirate rushed to aid his fallen comrade and Filch closed in on the team, her imposing presence commanding respect and fear.

"Is that-a crow?!" Rarity questioned in disbelief, her optics widening at the sight of the dark-winged creature in front of them.

"To be exact, a Corvicon, also known as Crowcons." informed Strongarm, "They are compulsive thieves and hoarders, and have a great obsession with shiny objects." she added, her gaze tracking the bird's movements warily.

As she said that, Filch's golden-blue optics landed on the medic. Knock Out rapidly jumped and directed the end of his prod at her out of terror, "Oh, nonONO! Stay back! Back I say!" he threatened, trying to keep her away from his finish.

Strongarm looked behind her and saw Saberhorn assisting Glowstrike who was getting back on her pedes. The cadet swiftly alerted her comrades to the danger at hand, "Guys, take care of the Insecticons! I have more experience with this kleptomaniac, we will handle Filch!" she directed, determination etching on her face-plate.

Rarity simply nodded in confirmation and the cherry doctor ran along with her, "No need to tell me twice!" he shouted before heading to where their other two enemies were standing.

Filch's attention was quickly captivated by the forceful yell of Strongarm and her waving servos in the air, "Hey, birdbrain!" she exclaimed with a mix of challenge and defiance. The crow, not one to back down easily, glared back at her with a piercing gaze, "Yeah, that's right, remember me?" taunted the cadet.

"Shiny..." the Decepticon lowered herself, her stance exuding a sense of imminent danger. Moving in a slow and deliberate circular motion, Filch suddenly leaped at Strongarm, catching her off guard. In a swift response, Strongarm delivered a powerful kick to the 'Con's beak, causing the giant bird to shake her helm in fury. The confrontation intensified as the Corvicon launched another attack.

Meanwhile, Twilight struggled to lift one of the heavy broken parts from the cluttered junkyard due to all of the energy she already used during the earlier combat. After she collapsed on her knees, Spike rushed to her side in concern, "Twilight, are you alright?"

"Yeah, just-" she began wearily, before trailing off, her body craving rest, "-a little exhausted from the power..." the girl admitted to her pet.

"Try to regain your strength, I will go help Strongarm! " the mini-con suggested and set off to lend a helping paw to the cadet. Filch, using her immense tail, forcefully pushed the Autobot femme out of the way. In response, Spike fiercely barked, sending sonic waves towards the bird. The Crowcon covered herself with one of her wings and stepped away. As the dog kept on attacking her with his power, she spread her metal feathers and flew to the sky. With a strong force, she sent a large gust of wind propelling Spike backwards, "WhoawhoawhoAAAAH!" he cried out as the unexpected force whisked him away.

"Spike, no!" Twilight reacted swiftly, gathering the last remnants of her energy to transform her arm into a rail gun. Focusing her aim on the crow's menacing wing, she took a determined shot. The projectile hit its target with a resounding impact, causing Filch to emit a piercing creak of agony before plummeting to the ground with a loud crash.