A/N: Story time again, folks. This has been racking my mind for a while and last week's episode, "Hurt" convinced me to do it.

Chapter 1

He'd seen all that transpired through these "relic hunts"; he had to or risk the Council's wrath, and that he didn't need. At first, he didn't see much point in watching a few mouth breathers hang around while those infernal robots continued to slaughter each other. That was really the only thing he enjoyed about his assignment, but the machines weren't his targets. The mouth breathers were, considering how "important they were to Balance" or some shit like that. He really didn't think much of them, even after hearing about how the male had transcended his natural abilities thanks to those machines.

Of course, he'd heard the Tribunal threw their two cents into this boy and the return on their investment… didn't end well. But the boy was interesting to say the least, but he could feel something observing the annoying little female who preferred the brute of the bunch. Oh, was she in for a surprise when she got back. The very thought was enough for him to chuckle. No doubt, he would make his move soon enough, but there was no reason for him to tell the Council.

They pretty much knew all that was going to happen anyway, so why bother telling them. It would be interesting to see how everything unfolded in the end. They were victorious in their mission to retrieve some stupid hunk of metal and were on their way back to base, unaware of what horror awaited the girl. The brute had prepared for the worst, but apparently wasn't equipped to deal with toxic rock he found. That coupled with those giant metal bugs only made it all the more entertaining.

He watched the brute fought with all his might not only against the bugs, but against the toxic fumes currently debilitating him. When he finally reached the volcano, he was able to stave off the other two while fighting the leader. When he somehow managed to pull a victory out of it, he had to admit to being mildly impressed, but he it was no surprise when the insect emerged from the fire pit and attacked. Now, the brute lay on the ground, the medic doing all he could to revive him just as the others returned from their respective missions. He saw as the girl's excitement over their victory faded into shock and worry over her precious brute.

If there was anything these mouth breathers were good fore, it was mild entertainment.

Darksider: The Prime Judgment

It was incredible how easy the joy of victory could fade and the feeling of shock and terror could rise as Miko Nakadai learned. She had seen her best friend, Bulkhead, lying on the ground, Ratchet doing all he could to revive him with little response. Her breath hitched as Ratchet ordered Arcee and Bumblebee to take him to med bay. She had tried to follow, but Fowler held her back to allow Ratchet to do his work. It was all her fault!

If she hadn't gone to New York, there might have been something she could have done, but part of her was tired of Jack having all the fun. He got to go to Cybertron, was chosen by the Primes to become a ninja. She knew it sounded stupid, but she couldn't help but feel a little jealous of what he got to do. She felt his hand on her shoulder and welcomed it slightly before letting him know she was okay. Though hesitant, he left to go check on Sunny while she sat by med bay.

She's snapped at Arcee for giving up on Bulkhead, even though she claimed she only wanted Wheeljack should know since they're close. She didn't care right now; she knew what she heard. She lied and said she was going to catch a ride with Fowler when she really wanted to be alone. Tears were brimming in her eyes as light footsteps approached from behind. She turned to snap at whoever was behind her when she was met by her best friend, Karai.

There was understanding in her eyes as she sat next to Miko, "How are you?"

"Terrible," she muttered. "Bulk's lying on a slab while Hardshell's laughing it up."

"Hardshell?"

"The 'Con who did this Bulk," she growled. "Fowler told his name."

"Then what are you going to do about it Miko?" she asked.

"I want him to pay for what he did to Bulk," she replied. "But Optimus would just say 'no'."

"Then let's go to someone outside of Optimus' direct command," she suggested. "Wheeljack's waiting for me to get back so we can keep rolling around the world. I'm sure he wouldn't mind a detour to find this Hardshell." Miko pondered it for a moment before standing, the two of them heading for the Jackhammer.

Darksider: The Prime Judgment

Wheeljack tinkered with the controls to the Jackhammer while he waited for Karai to get back from her chat with Miko. He probably should have gone to assure the girl whoever did that to Bulk would be blown to atoms when he got his servos on him. He should have known better than to expect Optimus would tell him who was responsible. The guy was known for his "rise above yourself" mentality, so it really wasn't surprising. So, now the Wrecker had to do it the hard way.

Didn't matter to him though, as long as the 'Con who did this was left in worse shape than he was. He still couldn't get the image of Bulk's still form on the medical table, looking dead already. He was certain that Ratchet could fix him; the mech was maestro when it came to medicine, but that didn't ease his nerves. When the Jackhammer let him know Karai had finally returned, he let her in, making sure she was secure before taking off. He didn't expect any conversation considering all that had transpired, but was surprised when he found a third passenger.

"What's she doing here?" he raised an optic ridge.

"You want payback for what happened to Bulkhead," Miko replied. "I can help you."

"I'm taking you back," he replied.

"Bulkhead's my partner, too!" she retorted.

"Trust me, when I found out who jumped our boy, I'm gonna handle it. My way."

"I know who did it," she replied, earning his attention.

"Who?" he probably shouldn't have asked, but he wanted to know who did this to Bulkhead.

"Take me, and I'll tell you," she answered.

"Then it's settled," Karai smirked.

Darksider: The Prime Judgment

These mouth breathers were proving to be more entertaining than he first thought. He abandoned watching the boy in favor of seeing how this little hunt for revenge would play out. After all, if he was really observing the girl, then it might be worth seeing where this road was headed.

A/N: Sorry for the shortness of this opening. Next time: After getting revenge, nothing changes for Bulkhead; Miko will have to make a deal in order to save his life.