Autobot base, night.

The light inside the hangars was dim, only the ceiling lamps cutting through the darkness with occasional circles of bright light. The metal floor was scratched from recent training and the heavy footsteps of the Dinobots. The air was thick with the smell of oil and superheated metal.

In the center of the vast training hall stood two figures: Optimus Prime and Grimlock. The latter's enormous shadow loomed over them all, his eyes glowing red in the dim light. His massive body grew more tense with each passing second — even after he'd acknowledged Prime as his leader, his pride was nagging at him.

The Autobots gathered nearby, near the walls. Drift, arms crossed, muttered quietly, — "This won't end well..."

Crosshairs grinned, leaning against the wall and clasping his hands behind his back.

"I'll bet you ten to one that Prime drops him again."

Bumblebee exchanged glances with him and clicked his radio transmitter, playing a short, teasing tune, as if encouraging Optimus.

Grimlock let out a low, drawn-out growl, as if challenging. He slammed his tail sharply against the floor, and the metal buckled under the force. Optimus stood motionless, his sword retracted — clearly wanting to show that strength lies beyond weapon.

"If you seek revenge..." — he said, lowering his hand. "I will accept it."

Grimlock roared so loudly that the hangar walls shook. His massive body lunged forward. He lashed out with his paw, but Optimus dodged it, a split second faster. The resounding impact left a deep dent in the floor.

They circled each other. Metal screeched, blows echoed. Optimus moved with precision, economy, like a warrior, his every attack precise. Grimlock, however, fought like a beast, with fury, with savage strength, without a thought for defense.

Bumblebee flinched as Grimlock, enraged, lashed out with his tail, sending sparks flying straight onto the walls.

"Ooh... he's not giving up," — he muttered quietly.

Optimus tried to take him down — grabbing his arm, flipping him sideways — but Grimlock always rose, as if he had endless fuel. His breath came in gasps, and his red eyes burned ever brighter.

And suddenly, just as Optimus lunged forward, Grimlock was faster. His massive jaws clanged shut, clamping down on Optimus's body.

Metal scraped, and Grimlock's teeth clamped down like a vice. He lifted Optimus into the air and jerked his head sharply to the side.

Grimlock shook his head again, holding Optimus in his teeth, and the man shuddered in midair, like a toy in the clutches of a giant beast. The screeching of metal and Grimlock's roar filled the hall. He shook him from side to side, pinning him to the floor, then tossing him into the air, as if testing his strength.

Optimus pounded his fists against his jaw, sparks raining down. But Grimlock continued to shake his head furiously, clenching his jaw ever tighter. The blows echoed loudly around them, and the floor beneath them trembled.

You stood slightly ahead of the others, closer to the battle line. The overhead lights cast harsh glare on you, and every time Grimlock jerked his head, the light reflected off his teeth, causing your face to flash red.

"They'll definitely bury us under this rubble..." — you said quietly, but your voice held more anxiety than sarcasm.

Crosshairs grinned, leaning toward you.

"Relax. Prime will get away. He always will."

But your gaze remained fixed on the stage. When Grimlock lifted Optimus into the air and swung him around like a rag doll, you couldn't help but blurt out.

"He'll break him in half!"

Bumblebee gave a short beeping radio signal — something like agreement with you.

Drift stood silently, merely crossing his arms. But even he seemed to tense as Grimlock's jaws clamped tighter and the metal gave way.