Before I could begin this chapter of the story, tragic news I would like to share. By the time I wrote this paragraph, Chester Bennington, the lead singer of Multi Platinum band, Linkin Park, died at the age of forty one on July 20th, 2017 and left behind a family of six. The cause of death is an apparent tragic suicide and is linked to when Chris Cornell, the lead singer for both Soundgarden and Audioslave, died the same way (On my own thoughts) and Chester's death happened on what was suppose to be Cornell's birthday. The saddest part of it all is they released their newest album, 'One More Light' two months before his death and when I heard of his death, I bought what is potentially their final album a few days after and by the time of writing this, listened to all of their albums just in his memory.
Now from what you saw on my profile on Fanfiction, Linkin Park is, and always my third favorite band to listen to with Korn being first and Limp Bizkit being second. I always like their music and have a lot of personal favorites in my I-Pod playlist. This does include certain tracks that are related with the Transformers movies, including the New Divine, which should've been in one of the albums from the start. Hearing the news of his death was quite a shock, even considering that some of the lyrics of their tracks do have a message of leaving those close to you. And hearing that he had some personal demons of his past and combining with the death of Cornell, which I didn't know until listening to the whole story, would led to this sudden suicide. I feel sorry for his family, band mates, and friends that lost a great musician too soon.
Now what's the future of Linkin Park now? Well this is a trying time for them, as they have to cancel their tour this year since they can't play without Chester. But there is a good theory of what is going to happen after the next few years. See, artists such of Kurt Cobain, Prince, and Michael Jackson who passed away an early ages, have a huge collection of unreleased tracks that no one have heard of and were released on the few rare occasions. This does include Linkin Park as they have unreleased tracks that they didn't put in their albums and Chester did have some things he sang but no music was added. I say that in a few years, they will have a tribute album in honoring Chester and would release those tracks, maybe set up a tribute tour with bands honoring Linkin Park and Chester. Course these are my personal thoughts and believe it's too soon thinking about it. It's just that we lost a great man and imaginative musician and we all need to remember him for what he did for the music community. Rest in Peace Chester, you will be missed.
Chester Bennington
1976 – 2017
Checking on the last chapter, looking good. Three straight up reviews and almost 250 hits. A little lower, but hey, it's just the last chapter. I could increase more as time moves on. I do believe that it will be the same for this one as well. I just hope how people respond to it.
On this chapter of Madoka Prime, Miko is distraught that Bulkhead was severely injured and fears that he won't make it. Because of this, she would do anything to save him, including the one thing Homura doesn't want her to do.
Chapter Notes
This chapter will take place on the Transformers Prime episode, Hurt. Just like the last chapter, you won't be seeing the action on that episode, it's going to be mostly a Miko and Homura chapter, both of whom will be in separate scenes. Still, this going to be a life-altering chapter for one character and you know whom I'm talking about when you read further.
Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers Prime and Madoka Magica
Chapter Ten: Hurt and Hope
Since being a part of Team Prime, Jack, Raf, and Miko never seen the team get seriously hurt. Whenever they come to the base, they suffer little damage and thought they were invincible. But today though, that changes their perspective. They all were witnessing Bulkhead fighting for his life as Ratchet tries to save him. Both Bee and Cee witness it as well as Miko started to wake up from the immediate shock and rushed to his aid.
Miko: "Bulkhead?!"
Fowler immediately stopped her, knowing that it was too dangerous for her to get near this situation. But girl didn't give up and demanded why he's down.
Miko: "What happened?!"
Ratchet did an immediate scan on Bulkhead and realized that it was worse then he thought.
Ratchet: "This is bad… A long exposure of Tox-En in his body, among things. Bulkhead has suffered a complete systems failure!"
Arcee immediately jumped in and was surprised by what the doctor said.
Arcee: "Hold on, Tox-En? How?"
Fowler looked to the two-wheeler while trying to keep Miko from getting to Bulk's aid.
Agent Fowler: "Bulkhead discovered a small portion of it in that Iacon capsule and tried to destroy it. Got exposed to it for too long and made him weak enough to get attacked so easily."
Ratchet checked on his monitor and could see that he's struggling to survive. He looked to the scout and two-wheeler told him to assist.
Ratchet: "Help me get him into the medical bay! Now!"
The two immediately rushed to the medic's aid while their human companions watched in worry. As they brought the wounded Wrecker up and dragged him into the medical bay, Miko was getting distraught and wanted to help.
Miko: "No!"
She soon set herself free and rushed to him, but immediately stopped and realizes that it was all her fault.
Miko: "If I hadn't gone to New York-"
Fowler quickly stop her for thinking of her mistake.
Agent Fowler: "There's nothing you could have done! Hardshell sucker punched the big lug while he was down."
Miko soon heard that name and turned to hear it again, looking so threatening.
Miko: "Who?"
Agent Fowler: "Some Insecticon. It doesn't matter. Point is, it's not your fault! You got that?"
Miko was silent and decided to let it slide.
Miko: "Got it…"
She turned away and watched as the team tries to save Bulkhead. But during the thick of it, Homura could see the body language of Miko and was worried. She could tell that Miko is starting to behave like Sayaka, and that scares her. She had to do something before Miko could do something too reckless.
An hour later, the team was keeping close watch on Bulkhead while Ratchet was trying to do everything he can to keep the Wrecker alive. Optimus arrived soon after and was informed of the situation, as he monitor's Bulk's condition. During that time, the kids were sitting at the lounge, waiting to see if he's going to survive or not. As they were waiting, Fowler got a call from General Bryce and heard that there was a complication in Manhattan. Understanding the situation, he decided to handle it.
Agent Fowler: "Yes sir."
The moment he hung up, he turned to the team and told him of another situation.
Agent Fowler: "Turns out highlights of your Big Apple adventure got caught on security tape. The Pentagon needs me to run interference with the mayor."
He soon looked to Bulkhead still in critical condition as they were trying to keep him functional. He was completely gloomy over the sight and didn't know how to handle this.
Agent Fowler: "I tried to stall, but…"
Optimus understands what he's trying to say and told him to do what needs to be done.
Opitmus Prime: "Go where you are needed, Agent Fowler. There is nothing more you can do for Bulkhead at this time."
The former Army Ranger nodded and decided to leave on his own accord, but not before asking for a quick favor.
Agent Fowler: "Keep me posted, Prime."
He turned and walked away to the elevator, before turning back one more time.
Agent Fowler: "I mean it."
He soon entered the elevator as the door closed and he was sent up. Already, the area was quiet as the team worked hard to keep Bulk online. The silence was soon broken as Arcee saw that a small ship appeared on the scanners heading to the base on the controls. She turned to the leader and told him who was coming.
Arcee: "Wheeljack is on his way. ETA: Five minutes."
Miko was sitting with her arms around her legs and has her head on the knees. She immediately heard Jackie's name and looked up with surprise. Unfortunately, she thought that he was replacing Bulk and got up the sofa and leaned on the yellow handrail, complaining about it.
Miko: "I can't believe you're giving up on Bulkhead already!"
Arcee looked up to see her getting upset and tried to ease her troubled mind.
Arcee: "All I meant was Wheeljack and Bulkhead are close. I'd thought he'd want to be here."
Miko thought was still upset and turned back with anger in her voice.
Miko: "I know what you meant. But giving the condition Bulkhead is in, it sure feels like it."
The other kids could tell that she's starting to get annoyed as Jack tried to calm her down.
Jack Darby: "Miko, please…"
But she immediately turned to him and spat back.
Miko: "Don't you 'Miko, please' me. Bulkhead risked his life and it cost him! Meanwhile, I decided to come with you and Homura to the city. I should've been with him instead of in the city. Maybe he would've had a second chance."
By the time she said that, she heard the voice of Homura close by.
Homura: "Miko, even if you were with Bulkhead, you think that would've made a difference?"
Miko turned to see her leaning on the TV and answered back."
Miko: "Well… Yeah. Bulk and I are a team. The outcome would've been different if I was here."
Homura sighed and knew she's not listening to herself.
Homura: "Really…? You think that things would be different if you are involved? I hate to say this, Miko, but I don't think the end result would be what you think. Bulkhead would still be hurt and there is nothing you can do to prevent it."
Miko was taken back by this and complained about her assumptions.
Miko: "That's not true! I know that if I were there, Bulkhead's life would've been saved. He wouldn't be on that medical birth over there if I would've done something about it."
Now Homura couldn't take it and decided to give her a major dose of reality, leaning off the TV and approach the girl with a pissed off look on her face.
Homura: "And what makes you think you can make that said difference? Look around you Miko! You are up against a highly advance alien race that are bigger then you and armed to the teeth. You are just a normal human being with little to no experience in handling such an opposition. Even if you were with Bulkhead, you wouldn't last against this Hardshell by a mere second."
Miko rolled her eyes around and was getting aggravated by Homura's banter.
Miko: "Yeah? Well I don't need you to tell me that what I do is a risk! I save Bulkhead and the Autobots many times before you came along. The Scraplet infestation, boarding the train to stop MECH, when we head to that satellite facility to prevent the Cons from pinpointing the destination to Cybertron. We were able to help the Autobots out on a variety of missions!"
Homura: "And with all the times to help this team, it gets you one step closer in getting killed! Jack told that you continuously sneak into the bridge to see the battles and most of those times nearly got yourself in trouble. Hell, the one time you entered this Shadow Zone place and were nearly killed by a zombie like Decepticon. That is you problem, you always jump into action without knowing what the consequences are and just think it's a okay for you."
The Autobots soon turned to see the argument that was taking place and knew this is going to get ugly. Especially considering they have a fatally injured Autobot to tend to. Arcee decided to break this up before the situation gets worse.
Arcee: "Homura…"
But the magical girl turned to her and told her to be quiet.
Homura: "No, Arcee! Miko needs to hear this from me!"
She soon turned to her and explains the danger in going into these battles.
Homura: "This isn't some video game you play where you have an infinite amount of lives or a respawn mechanic. If you get hit once, then it's over! Yet no matter what, you still keep pushing that envelope more and more until one day, that said envelope will break. Think about your family, what would they say when their child dies in the midst of this war, let alone your friends."
Miko soon snapped after hearing all of this and decided to put an end to this once and for all.
Miko: "Don't you DARE tell me what I can or can't do! I get that this war sucks and cost lives. Just look around you, Homura! Team Prime is under staffed and has to take on a huge army of Decepticons. They need all the help they can get and we are the best hope for them. They are both our family and friends! But what do you care?! I bet you never been with your family, let alone friends. In fact, I'm certain that YOU NEVER HAVE ANY FRIENDS IN YOUR LIFE!"
And at that moment is when Homura has heard enough. Almost out of nowhere, Homura slapped Miko in the face and cause her to stumble on the yellow rail, preventing herself from falling to the floor. All the Autobots, Jack, and Raf stood there with shocked expressions on their faces and didn't know how to react to that. Miko slowly stood up and slowly looked to the girl with her eyes beginning to tear up and her lips quivering. Homura though stood there with a deep, dark glare and her voice sounded very sour the moment she muttered something under her breath.
Homura: "I had a friend once… She's gone because of me… So you better think of what you say the next time you're around me. Because I don't want to be held responsible for what I'm about to do."
The room was in complete silence when Homura slapped Miko and none of them didn't know how to respond. That's when Ratchet decided that they should let the kids leave.
Ratchet: "Perhaps it's best that the children should head home. You know, just to let cooler heads prevail."
Optimus turned to the medic and nodded in understanding.
Optimus Prime: "Perhaps you are correct, old friend."
He soon looks to Arcee and told her to open the ground bridge.
Optimus Prime: "Arcee, open the ground bridge to Jack's garage. I do believe the kids have been through so much just for today."
Cee heard him and followed his orders, heading to the bridge controls to open the portal. But Miko wiped the tears from her eyes and decided to leave on her own accord.
Miko: "Don't bother with me…"
She soon ran away and headed to the elevator. Optimus saw her leaving and demanded her to stop.
Optimus Prime: "Miko? Where are you going?"
She soon stopped and turned with a deep glare and an angry sound of her voice.
Miko: "Home! My way! While Agent Fowler can still give me a lift."
The door opened up for her as she approached the elevator. She soon turned back and finished with something else.
Miko: "And to stay far away from a certain cool and collective brat that would barrage me on silly things."
The doors soon closed as she was heading on up. Arcee sighed and decided to speak to her before she left. But Optimus placed his servo on her and told her to give the girl some space.
Optimus Prime: "She needs time. Charge the bride and get Jack, Homura and Raf home."
Arcee nodded as she went to the bridge and target it to Jack's garage.
A few minutes have passed as in Jack's garage, it was completely dark and quiet. Just then, the blue and green portal opened up as Jack, Homura, and Raf came out of it, knowing that the Autobots didn't want them to be in the base, not after what happened just now. Raf decided to leave for his home and headed to the garage door and pushed the button to open it up. He soon looked back and decided to say his farewell.
Raf: "Well, I should be going now. Bumblebee, will speak to me of Bulkhead's condition. I'm certain that Arcee will speak to you of it too."
Jack looked to him and nodded in agreement.
Jack Darby: "Kay… You think you can get back on your own?"
The garage door opened up as Raf turned and smiled.
Raf: "I know my way around the neighborhood. I can get there safely. I'll see you tomorrow."
He soon walked out of the garage while the door closed. As he was leaving and the door closed, Homura headed to the exit of the house and stormed out. Jack soon turned to see her leave and decided to speak to her about something.
Jack Darby: "Homura, wait!"
He too rushed out of the door and catch up to her through the hallway.
Jack Darby: "Stop, Homura! I want to speak to you."
Homura didn't listen as she was walking away from him.
Homura: "Not now, Jack. I'm not in the mood to talk."
Jack groaned and decided to let it all out.
Jack Darby: "No, we need to speak now. I just can't believe that you slap Miko in the face! She's going through so much now and you decided worsen her situation?! That's not how we help those in pain."
She got her lip in the look of disdain and decided to let it all out. Pivoting to him, she explains why she did what she did.
Homura: "Didn't you think that is that I'm exactly doing?! I was trying to talk her out of it, giving that she keeps punching herself into believe that the outcome with Bulkhead would've been different. Yet no matter what I say, she keeps on insisting that she wanted to help them out, even though she is completely outclassed, out numbered, and clearly out of her mind! But when she said that I never had any friends… I… I… I had to do something I immediately regretted."
Jack tilted his head and was curious about that one.
Jack Darby: "Is that what made you snap? The part where Miko said that you have no friends? You have me, and Raf, and her. Hell, I'm certain you still have friends at Mitakihara."
Homura turned her head away and was silent. After a few short seconds, she spoke to him about that part.
Homura: "There was one friend I knew once, her name was Madoka Kaname. She was caring, brave, and always looks out for those that are close to her. I rarely knew her much since I returned from the hospital, but as the first few months have gone by that we were inseparable. And then, just like that, she's gone. It's not like disappearing gone or dead gone, just gone gone."
She then gently brushed her ribbon that's wrapped around her hair and explained about it.
Homura: "This ribbon that I have around my head is the only thing to remember her by. And since she left, I wear it with pride knowing that she is looking out for me. Yet Miko, and her self-absorbed ego, went on ahead and tells me that I was friendless. If she knew the Hell that I've been through, then she would know that the two of us have one thing in common. That is, we have a friend that we never want to lose."
Jack heard all of that and was shocked that she had an actual friend and she lost her for some strange reason. Wish he knew more, but he could tell that she wasn't ready to explain more in detail. Turning his head away, he decided to leave it at that.
Jack Darby: "Homura… I'm… I'm sorry. I didn't know you've been through a lot. And I'm certain that Miko would feel the same too."
Homura glared at him and told him that it wasn't going to be the case.
Homura: "Even if it were the case, she doesn't understand what I have to go through. What I seen and done, is something that haunts me for my very livelihood. She will never get it, no matter how naïve she is."
The hall was completely silent until Jack changed the subject.
Jack Darby: "I'm going to head to the kitchen to get something to eat. Mom must've left some dinner in the fridge for us before leaving the hospital. You coming?"
Homura though wasn't in the mood and decided to head to her room.
Homura: "Don't bother waiting for me. I'll be in my room, alone with my thoughts."
She soon headed to the room and entered through the door, closing it with an abrupt noise. Jack looked on and sighed to himself, knowing that it would be impossible to speak to Homura on a touchy subject. So he walked to the kitchen whispering to himself.
Jack Darby: "One day, Homura, you will tell us of what happened. But for now, I'll wait…"
He soon walked away from her room and decided to get his dinner on his own.
Hours later, the it was already night time in Jasper and the Autobot base was eerily quite, keeping close watch on Bulkhead. After much work, Ratchet shared with the team the news of Bulkhead's condition and they didn't like where it went. They could only imagine what Miko and Wheeljack would think if they hear this news too. As if on cue, they could hear footsteps coming close by. Looking to the entryway of the base, they could see white Autobot with red and green highlights and winglets on his back with Miko next to him. It was obvious that he was Wheeljack and looks worse for wear.
What they could guess is that when Wheeljack left the base, he must've been looking for the Con responsible of attacking his friend. Apparently, Miko joined in as the Jackhammer was on the roof and assist him in finding the one called Hardshell. Judging by his condition, the fight with the Insecticon was very risky. If it hadn't been for Miko using the ships rockets to take out the Con, she would've lost another Wrecker in the process. The two lumbered into the base, knowing that the group's not happy with what they did. Optimus and Arcee looked down at the girl before looking up to the Wrecker with a bit of a glare. Cee then approached the girl and bent down to check on her.
Arcee: "Miko, you okay?"
Jackie gave her the answer of the girl's condition.
Wheeljack: "She's fine. Kid's a pro."
The femme glared up to the Wrecker and had the sour taste in her voice.
Arcee: "I wasn't talking to you."
Miko ignored the argument and asked of her friend's condition.
Miko: "How is he?"
The group was very silent and didn't know how to approach this. Bumblebee looked down with a low whirl while Ratchet explained as best that he could.
Ratchet: "I'm sorry Miko… But we tried everything. I'm afraid that he won't be able to survive."
And just like that, Miko's world around her crashes before her very eyes, as she had nothing to say in the matter. Wheeljack though heard this news and was shocked and angry by this.
Wheeljack: "What do you mean, 'he won't survive'? You're telling me that he's not going to make it?! Bulkhead's the toughest Wrecker I know! He survived pretty much everything on Cybertron and you're telling me this one shot put him down?!"
Ratchet turned to him and explained the situation to him.
Ratchet: "Indeed he's the toughest bot, but not in conditions like this. The Insecticon's shot was close to his spark chamber and severely damage the casing. Combine that with the long exposure of Tox-En and it worsens the condition."
Jackie approached him with stomps loud enough to shake the foundation and demanded that he worked harder.
Wheeljack: "Then you better work harder, for your sake. You are the best doctor on the team continuously save lives no matter how grave. I'm certain that you can do the same for Bulk here."
That's when Ratchet snapped and told him that he did his best.
Ratchet: "Don't you think I know what I'm doing?! I might be the best doctor on Cybertron, but I don't that much of the equipment necessary to keep him functional. I didn't have the formula necessary to cure Optimus of the Cybonic Plague until we got it from Megatron, nor do I have the voice box necessary to fix Bumblebee's speech. I'm working with little resources I have and I've done all I could in keeping Bulkhead alive! So don't you tell me that I have to work harder, because I did the best that I could!"
The Wrecker stood back was surprised that the medic had worked hard enough to keep his friend from going offline. Looking to Bulkhead on the medical berth, he could see that he was in serious condition with his spark pulse weaker then normal. Taking a deep sigh, he asked the one question he dare not want to say.
Wheeljack: "At least tell me how long he has?"
Ratchet looked back to the wounded Autobot and made the exact calculations.
Ratchet: "Giving his conditions, I would assume a few solar cycles, maybe less. Even if he lasted longer, there is an extremely slim chance that he'll make it."
Wheeljack lowered his head and knew that it was going to be a pain watching his friend going through this torture. Just then, Optimus place her servo and his shoulder and eased his troubled spark.
Optimus Prime: "Wheeljack, I understand it would be difficult loosing someone close to you. We've lost many great Autobots during the war, and the few of us still are burden with so much pain. But it is the lost of those we knew that makes us stronger and their memories will always be a part of us for millennia."
Jackie looked up to him and understood about it.
Wheeljack: "With all due respect sir, we Wreckers knew the risk when we take this dangerous missions. And we too understand loosing those on our team. But the one thing that concerns me is Bulk's friend over there."
He turned to see Miko turning his back on them and crossing her arms, still in deep sorrow that she's loosing Bulk.
Wheeljack: "I mean, Bulk and I go way back and are the best of friends. Miko though, she been friends with him for as little as a few months and it hurts her more then any of us. Could imagine what she's going through now."
Optimus turned to see Miko in the state that she's in and could tell that she's not in the mood just now. That's when he decided to let her leave the base, as it would be too much to bear. Turning to Ratchet, he told him to take Miko home.
Optimus Prime: "Ratchet, activate the ground bridge close to Miko's home. She needs to be alone for the moment."
Miko heard this and turned with a bit of anger in her voice.
Miko: "What? No! I don't want to leave! I want to be by Bulkhead's side!"
Optimus shook his head and told her that it wasn't going to be the case.
Optimus Prime: "I'm sorry Miko… But giving the predicament, I do not believe it is wise for you to stay here at the moment. It is best that you head on home. You've been through enough for one day."
Miko still would've leave as she was trying to reason with them.
Miko: "But, Bulkhead needs me, now more then ever! You can't just let me leave and pretend that everything is okay. That's so wrong!"
The team listened to Miko's pleas and could see tears streaming down her face, knowing that she's going to loose her friend. Arcee though decided to ease things for her and tired to give her the bright side of things.
Arcee: "Look Miko, I know this does look bad, but you can't just cry over it. Bulkhead has overcome many things during the war. I'm certain he could survive that as well. Just don't give up hope on him."
Miko heard that and was still a little depressed by what she heard. Sniffing and wiping the tears out of her eyes, she turned away and muttered only a few words.
Miko: "Yeah… I guess you're right."
Wheeljack then approached the girl's side and decided to let her know how things fair.
Wheeljack: "Not to worry, kid. I'll be by his side and make sure that he'll be all right. Ain't no way that he will go offline on my watch."
Miko looked up to him and nodded, still feeling depressed with the news that was shared. Meanwhile, Ratchet started setting up the coordinate near Miko's house, someplace where there won't be anyone seeing the portal appearing, and pulled the lever to activate the bridge.
Ratchet: "The bridge is up. You better get going."
Miko sighed slowly walked her way to the bridge. As she was walking, Optimus told her that they'll be in touch.
Optimus Prime: "We'll contact you if anything happens."
Miko stopped near the bridge and slowly turned her head without looking right at the team.
Miko: "Why do I get the feeling that the moment you call me, it would be what I think it would be…?"
By then, she walked right into the bridge and disappeared. When the bridge closed, Optimus looked to Arcee and wondered if what she said is a lie.
Optimus Prime: "Arcee, did what you say to Miko wasn't truthful?"
The femme's response was a slouch at the shoulders and said what she needs to say.
Arcee: "Someone needs to comfort Miko. After all, she's not the only one that has friends that were lost in this war."
She soon walked away from the team and headed to her quarters, contacting Jack on the news of Bulk's condition.
Back in the Darby's residence, Homura was laying on her bed and was eerily quite ever since the talk with Jack and why she reacted like that. She was immediately in deep thought when Miko said the one thing that got her triggered.
Miko: "I'm certain that YOU NEVER HAVE ANY FRIENDS IN YOUR LIFE!"
She took a heavy sigh and gently removes the red ribbon of Madoka off her head and looked at it. During that time, she started to remember the very first time she met her and made Homura a friend.
Madoka: "Don't mind them. They're harmless, I swear."
Flashback…
It all started in Mitakihara Middle School as Homura arrived in the school after leaving the hospital due to a heart condition. Now Homura wasn't the cold and focused human that she was. In reality, she was a shy and nervous young girl that always wears her glasses and have two long pigtails to her sides, long before she changed her hair and used her Soul Gem to make her see better without glasses. She was walking down the hall while Madoka, the girl with red eyes and pink hair in pigtails that was wrapped in the very red ribbons she currently has in her possession, lead her to the nurse's office to get her medicine for her heart condition. This is where she speaks to her and makes her feel comfortable.
Madoka: "They were all just excited because we don't get many transfer students here."
Homura responded with a shy and stuttering expression, different from the cold personality she currently has.
Homura: "Oh, uh… Thank you so much for that."
Madoka turned to her and told her to not worry about it.
Madoka: "Hey, you don't have to be so nervous around me. I mean we are classmates now. Oh, I'm Madoka Kaname. But you can call me Madoka!"
Homura perked up by the name and was a little unsure in calling her that.
Madoka: "Huh? Oh… Isn't that…"
She stopped her and told her that it will be all right.
Madoka: "It's fine! Anyways, you mind if I can call you Homura?"
Placing her hand on her chest, Homura was still cautious about the name.
Homura: "I… I, uh… I don't really get called by my first name very much… It's… such of a weird name, so…"
Madoka had a smile on her face as she told her that it's not that weird.
Madoka: "What?! It's not weird at all! It means 'Flame', so you flare passionately or something. I think it's cool!"
Homura looked up before turning away with hesitation.
Homura: "I'm not really like that, though…"
They were already at the middle of the bridge that connects to the two buildings as Kaname turned to her and told her that she can't be negative on the name.
Madoka: "C'mon, how could you say that? If you are blessed with such an awesome name, then you have to make it your mission to be just as cool!"
Homura perked up and couldn't believe that she would say something like that in a positive light. If only she was right about it when Homura made that wish to save Madoka, to protect her from her destiny in becoming one, and continues to protect the innocent from Wraiths and Nightmares after Madoka became the God of all Magical Girls.
End Flashback…
Homura looked to the ribbon and smiled a little after meeting Madoka for the first time. Clenching her fist and placing the ribbon on her chest she gave a sigh and remembered that time before all this mess has started.
Homura: "Oh, Madoka, you were right about my name. I have flared passionately in my duty as a magical girl."
She soon tightens her fist holding the ribbon and remembered what Miko said.
Homura: "If only Miko understands of Madoka and my friendship with her, then she wouldn't have said those things to me."
She was quiet for a few seconds before she realized that she wasn't alone.
Homura: "How long since you've been watching me."
It was then that she heard a familiar voice of an Incubator.
Kyubey: "Not too long. Though I can tell that you are in your usual tone. Tell me, what happened with your time with the Autobots?"
Homura peeked to her right side to see Kyubey sitting next to her laptop on the desk and starred her down curiously. Slowly sitting on the bed, she explained about her day as much as possible.
Homura: "Not so much. Besides the fact that I have to use my abilities on a rouge Decepticon ship or meeting a familiar face, I'm doing quite dandy."
The Incubator tilted his head to her and was confused by that.
Kyubey: "I don't understand… You're saying that you were fighting Decepticons with your powers?"
Homura shrugged it off and explained that it wasn't the case.
Homura: "Not exactly… All the Decepticons on that ship were in stasis when the warship they are in was in control and no one saw me when I used my powers to outsmart the ship on my own."
He then asked about the familiar face she was referring to.
Kyubey: "And who is this familiar face you mentioned. Certainly not Mami or Kyoko as they are still in Mitakihara."
Homura took a breather and decided to fill him in on who it was, since this is Madoka's doing, for some reason.
Homura: "It's Sayaka Miki."
That got his attention and confused him completely.
Kyubey: "Sayaka Miki? But she disappeared based on the Law of Cycles. How could she have returned this sudden?"
Homura: "You should speak to Madoka about that. Apparently she's sent a few of previous girls to become consultants to those that are still around. She did it before with Mami's pet, Bebe, who is really the witch, Charolette. It would seem that I was right about one thing."
The creature listened to that and was curious of what she said.
Kyubey: "How odd… Never have I heard magical girls coming back to looks after others. Guess Madoka has far bigger plans for you and others. But it looks like there's more to your day then I think. Something else is bothering you and it's keeping you distracted. Please tell me, what's really going on."
Homura was very silent and knew that he always wanted to know more. Taking a deep breath, she decided to fill him in on what occurred moments ago.
Homura: "It's Miko… Not too long ago, Bulkhead was seriously hurt and she's beating herself over it, saying that if she was with him, he wouldn't have been in the condition he was in."
Kyubey: "And that concerns you because…"
She looked up to him and explained why.
Homura: "Because she doesn't understand the risk she'd been making since joining the Autobots. She rushes into missions without a second thought and nearly gets killed. She's over obsessive, selfish, irresponsible, and doesn't have any self-control. Hell, she really reminds me so much of-"
Before she could finish with what she was saying, Kyubey finished it for her.
Kyubey: "Of Sayaka Miki? Yes, those two are similar in getting into trouble."
Homura looked up to him and continued on.
Homura: "Except Miko is into metal music while Sayaka is more classical. But that's not the worse of it. I told her to think about her family and friends if she gets herself hurt, or worse. Yet she spat back at me and saying that I never been with family, let alone have any friends. I slapped her and…"
She turned back and was very sorrow, fighting back to hold her tears.
Homura: "She doesn't know anything about me, about the friend I made… No idea at all…"
Kyubey heard this and decided to give his own two cents.
Kyubey: "Yes… It is true that you formed a friendship with Madoka the first time around. And loosing her because she made the wish to remove all Witches and become the God that she is was the hardest to swallow. But you can't blame it all on her. She just doesn't know of your full life story. After all, she's just being herself and didn't know what she would say."
She quickly turned to him and told him that it was impossible.
Homura: "You just don't get it, Kyubey. Miko is a mystery to me. She's so emotional and always reckless. Uptight, but calm and collective. She might have her own demons in her soul and yet she keeps it all to herself. What exactly can I do to snap her back to reality?"
Kyubey: "Just give her some time, Homura Akemi. Miko Nakadai is a different from anyone else and there are some things that she doesn't want to share. I'm certain that in a few days, she'll be back to her old self before you know it."
By the time he said that, the door opened and another voice was heard.
Jack Darby: "I'm afraid that's highly unlikely."
The two turned and saw Jack Darby coming in and was holding a tray containing a plate of food, napkin, fork, knife, and a cup of soda. Homura looked to him and asked what he's doing.
Homura: "Ever heard of knocking?"
Darby looked at her very sheepishly and apologized.
Jack Darby: "Sorry about that. But you've been in your room since we came back from the base. Not to mention that you didn't get your dinner yet. So I decided to give you your dinner, organic tofu and spaghetti. Already heated it up for you."
He soon placed the tray on the left side of the desk, since Kyubey was sitting on the right side. Once he got the food down, Homura asked of what he said earlier.
Homura: "What do you meant by that it was highly unlikely. What happened?"
He lowered his head and took a deep breath, not knowing how she's going to react from this news. Turning to her, he started to explain the situation.
Jack Darby: "Arcee contacted me just now about Bulk's condition."
Homura raised an eyebrow and wondered where this was going.
Homura: "And…?"
He was quiet for a few seconds until he spoke of the news he heard.
Jack Darby: "And she says that it's far worse then imagined. That attack combined with this Tox-En in his system and deteriorated his spark chamber. They believe that he only has a few days to live."
Homura was quiet and knew this was bound to happen.
Homura: "I see… How is Miko taking it?"
Jack was surprised that magical girl is taking it well. Perhaps a certain part of her past made her understand about loss. So he answered on how Miko was feeling.
Jack Darby: "As you would expected, not too good. Miko's distraught after hearing this news and doesn't know what to think. The Autobots have no choice but to bridge her back to her house, just so she could have some time to herself."
Homura heard this and turned her head away, realizing why the girl is in the state that she's in.
Homura: "Guess the fault is with me slapping her in the face."
Jack sighed and told her that it was cool.
Jack Darby: "Don't beat yourself up over this. Maybe you were in the right to talk some sense into her or not. All you need to know is that Miko's got heart. Sure she jumps herself into danger day in and day out, but she cares for everyone on the team, that includes Bulkhead for many reasons. And that's especially true with you."
Homura peeked to him and was curious about that.
Homura: "Is that so…?
Jack nodded as he took a seat on the rotating chair the wrong way and turns it around to speak to her.
Jack Darby: "Indeed. You two are technically transfer students and are new to both Jasper and the Autobots. You two are complete polar opposites, but you all protect those that are in need. You did that when you were saving everyone from that out of control warship. And Miko, from what I heard from Arcee, managed to defeat Hardshell on her own and saved Wheeljack. Despite your differences, you two protect those in need. And in the end, you two need each other. And now, she might need your comfort. I've been calling Miko's phone constantly and she's not picking up. I believe that she's not in the mood of talking. Maybe if you and I come to her house tonight, then maybe we can comfort her."
Homura listened to him and don't think that now would be a good idea in visiting her right now.
Homura: "Even if what you said is true, I don't think now is the time to see her. After slapping her in the face, I'm afraid that she won't speak to me in the matter."
Jack slouched his shoulders and knew that was the case.
Jack Darby: "Maybe you are right. But we still need to make sure that she doesn't think about anything stupid after hearing the news of what happened to Bulkhead."
As the two were discussing on the matter, someone else spoke up.
Kyubey: "Perhaps I should go and see her."
The two turned to see the Incubator that was listening to the whole thing. Homura gave him the glare while Jack was a little unsure.
Jack Darby: "You really want to do that?"
The Incubator turned to him and agreed.
Kyubey: "But of course! I can head to her house and keep close watch on her while speaking to her of the issue. This can help all of us. Plus no one won't see me, so I won't have a problem with being spotted."
Homura heard his idea and didn't like where this was going.
Homura: "And exactly what are you planning, Kyubey?"
He turned to Homura and spoke the honest truth.
Kyubey: "I'm just trying to be helpful is all. Why?"
Homura: "Because I know that you always cause more problems with me in the past."
The Incubator knew what she meant. It is all because of him trying to convince Madoka to become a magical girl and Homura had to stop him from accomplishing his goal. But now that Madoka is the Goddess, he remains with Homura, only if she keeps a good eye on him. Jack, even if he doesn't know what went on between the two, decided to trust Kyubey on heading to Miko's house to check on her.
Jack Darby: "I think that's a good idea. It might save the two of us time on heading to her place. Not to mention curfew in affect. Go on ahead, Kyubey. Just remember not to agitate her. She's gone through a lot in one day."
Kyubey turned to Jack and nodded in approval.
Kyubey: "Not to worry. I'll make sure that Miko Nakadai gets the comfort that she needs."
And just like that, Kyubey turned to the open window and jumped out of it, disappearing to the streets. As he left, Homura looked to Jack and asked him of Kyubey's idea.
Homura: "You think it is wise in sending him along to Miko's home, giving that Miko is completely hurt."
Jack looked to her and told her that it's fine.
Jack Darby: "Kyubey seems like a caring creature. I don't think that he would do anything bad. Why? What makes you think that it was a bad idea?"
Homura shrugged it off and answered in one word.
Homura: "Experience…"
Not far from the Darby residence, everyone was in their homes, resting and preparing to go to bed. But in the house of Miko's host parents, it is a completely different atmosphere. Miko was on her bed, not in the mood to go anywhere at all. Ever since she left the base after hearing the news of Bulk's condition, she went up to her room without speaking to her host parents and didn't want to come out at all, not even for dinner. She just wants to be alone with her own thoughts. Lying on her bed, she was looking at her phone while having her ear buds on, listening to Linkin Park's 'Road Untraveled' on her music media device. A fitting song for a day to mourn. Skimming through the pictures, she could see the variety of pictures she took with the Autobots, most of them revolving around Bulkhead and her. She soon stopped skimming and saw the one thing that got to her. It was a picture of her, Bulkhead, and Wheeljack in a selfie moment. That's when Jackie visited Earth for the first time. She tried to hold back her grief, but the image alone hit her the hardest. With tears streaming down her cheeks, she turned to the side and begins to whimper and cry, knowing deep down that she's going to loose her only friend she ever had. As she was weeping for her friend, a beam of light came through the window next to her bed and a shadow of a cat like creature with long appendages over its ears was standing there. That was of course Kyubey as he could see her in complete agony and pain.
Kyubey: "May I come in?"
Miko heard him and didn't expect that the creature that hang around Homura from time to time. Trying to wipe the tears on her face, she sat up with her back turned to the creature and spoke up with a bit of grief in her voice.
Miko: "What do you want…?"
The creature soon speaks to her about what happened.
Kyubey: "Just checking on you. Jack got the call from Arcee stating that Bulkhead won't make it. I decided to come and see you in case you start to cause more trouble."
Miko was silent and slowly turned without looking at him.
Miko: "So it's just you…? No Jack… or Homura?"
Kyubey tilted his head and explained about that part.
Kyubey: "I do believe it was best that I go in place of them. After all, I don't think that it's wise for Homura to see you, after hearing what she did to you."
She remained very silent until she spoke up about what happened.
Miko: "So she told you what happened. Typical… Well, just so you know you are too late on that part. I snuffed out Hardshell with Wheeljack's missiles and got the revenge I wanted. But even after all of that, it didn't change the fact that Bulkhead will not survive…."
She turned her head away, fighting back as many tears as possible. Kyubey looked to this and decided speak to her of loss.
Kyubey: "Listen Miko Nakadai, I might not be the best example of comforting those that would loose something close, but I can understand pain and grief as much as any other Incubator. During my time here on this planet, I knew certain Magical Girls of the past that I was attached to and felt a small bit if pity when they either die protecting what matters or turned into Witches before the Law of Cycles was created. Sometimes, you need to just let go and move on with your life, not having this haunt you all your days."
Miko heard this and grunted to himself.
Miko: "Sheesh, for an alien that lives on this planet for who knows how long, you always like to sugarcoat something as harsh as loosing your friends."
Kyubey remained quiet while Miko sniffed in pain.
Miko: "Maybe Fowler and Homura were right. There's nothing I could do when Bulk was fighting that Inseciticon. I always tend to be the trouble maker of this group, no matter what the cost."
The Incubator squirmed a little and told her that it's not true.
Kyubey: "That's not true… From what Homura told me, you are quite a tough girl. You're brash, cocky, and somewhat imposing attitude makes you a variable team member and you saved the Autobots on many occasions."
Miko immediately spat back and told him that it wasn't enough.
Miko: "But it wasn't enough to save Bulkhead! Now it would be a matter of time before he joins the Well of the All Spark and there's nothing that can be done. It's going to take a miracle to save him from…"
She soon stopped what she was going to say and had her eyes wide with tears streaming down her face. She mentioned about miracles and remembered of what Homura said of how Magical Girls get their powers through the miracles they have made. But it can only be done once they get a contract from Incubators, and there's one Incubator behind her. Knowing this, she turned to him fully and asked him a quick question.
Miko: "Kyubey, the contracts your grant, it can be used for any wish the girls make?"
He tilted his head and wondered where she was going with it. But he answered the question the best he could.
Kyubey: "But of course. I can grant whatever wish they want and in exchange, I officalize the contract and give them the Soul Gem and powers based on that said wish."
Miko: "And what if the wish is to save someone that is going to die? You think that can be done as well?"
Kyubey: "Absolutely! There are certain girls that used their wish to save someone close to them, whether they be family, friends, or…"
Almost immediately, Kyubey stopped, as he realized of what Miko's planning.
Kyubey: "Wait a moment… Miko Nakadai, you are saying to you want to make a contract with me, just to save a friend?"
Miko nodded and knew that he got it right.
Miko: "If what you said is true, then that means that I might still rescue Bulkhead from going offline. After all, the many wishes you made have come true, right?"
Kyubey: "That might be true, but remember what Homura said when you discovered her work. Once you become a magical girl it would be a heavy burden as you must devout your very life in fighting Wraiths and Nightmares. And remember about the Law of Cycle. Once your soul gem darkens with so much grief, then you would disappear and you will never see your own family and friend again. The cost is too great for you to waste away your life in exchange for-"
Miko immediately interrupted him and complained.
Miko "I DON'T CARE ANYMORE! I don't care if my wish would ruin my life, or that I would have to vanish if I was careless. But Bulkhead is the only friend that gets me and he always looks out for me so much. I can't live in a world without him and I would do anything to save his life. And even if it means becoming a magical girl myself to rescue him, then so be! So please… Grant me my wish. I'm begging you!"
Kyubey heard her and was a little worried about it. He knows the Miko understands the consequences of being a magical girl and the hardships that come with it. But she's willing to risk it all, just to save a friend of hers. It's almost similar when Homura wished to go back in time to help save Madoka, only that she made the situation worse then before. Yet, Miko's was different and it's for a friend that's on the verge of dying. A part of him want to grant her wish, however, Homura won't be very pleased with it. With a deep sigh, the Incubator made the decision that he will terribly regret.
Kyubey: "Guess I have no choice in the matter. Hope Homura doesn't kill me for this. I'll let you make a contract with me. But remember, once your wish is granted, then it would mean that you will have to sacrifice everything. You can't go to college, get a job, getting married, or anything that the future presented to you. You will be throwing it all away in an attempt to fight Wraiths and Nightmares and will disappear if you use up all of your magic. And no one will know of what you did, not even your family, friends, or the Autobots in general."
Miko sniffed as she understood the risks.
Miko: "Please… Like living a normal life is my future…"
Knowing this, Kyubey started the job he always done since the dawn of time.
Kyubey: "Very well… Miko Nakadai, what is the wish that will make your Soul Gem shine?"
Miko was quite as she tried to muster her wish.
Miko: "I wish…"
She turned away and wipes the remaining tears in her eyes. Slowly getting off her bed to stand, she turned to the Incubator fully and directly said her wish.
Miko: "I wish that Bulkhead gets a second chance to live. So when he is back to fight, I will be strong enough to protect him, the way he protected me!"
Kyubey looked to the girl and was silent about the wish. After what was a few short seconds, Miko suddenly felt what seemed to be a pounding in her chest, like an invisible sledgehammer went right into her heart. She could feel it as she gripped her tank top and got to her knees, feeling like she was in pain. Just then, there was a glow coming from her chest as it slowly was pulled out of her body. That was her actual soul being pulled out of her body and it was a dark green color, the same type of color as Bulk's armor. It slowly rose to her face as Kyubey made her wish come true.
Kyubey: "The contract has been made. Your wish has prevailed over entropy. Go now, go and unleash your new magical power!"
Miko looked up to see her soul glowing in front of her. She soon reached out and grasps it tightly with her hands, leading it to glow far brighter. She starred at it as the glow engulfed the entire room, until she couldn't see. Outside of the house, the dark green glow came out of the room and brightened for a few short seconds before fading away, leaving nothing but darkness in through the window. What happened tonight is no exception, a wish has been granted, and a new Magical Girl is born.
As all of that was going on, the Nemesis flew over the planet, keeping far enough distance as possible. But in the ship, the Insecticons were in mourning as their comrade, Hardshell, was terminated. They all surround their fallen brethren that had white markings and scratches on his body and head, but a huge hole that's thought his left chest plate. Megatron was there, surveying the body and was shocked that one Autobot can take down a Con as loyal as Hardshell, and a Wrecker no less, giving that the bug's kills were mostly Wreckers. Looking to this, he demanded who had done this, thinking it was an Autobot.
Megatron: "The Autobot did this?!"
There was silence as one of the Insecticons turned to his leader and told him who really killed Hardshell.
"No, my lord. It was…a human girl."
That was when Megatron turned to the Insecticon in shock before looking back at the body. He never thought that one human, let alone a youngling femme, could take Hardshell down easily. Hearing of this news, he decided to leave the Insecticons alone for the moment.
Megatron: "I'll give you all time to mourn your comrade in battle."
He slowly turned around and headed to the exit of the hive, where Dreadwing and Knockout were waiting. They soon joined him as they left the room as the doors closed behind him. Knockout though gave a bit of a joke, trying to lighten the mood.
Knockout: "So a human girl took down a big, bad, Insecticon. That's got to be a first."
Dreadwing, the Decepticon's new lieutenant after Airachnid went a wall, turned to the medic and told him that now isn't the time for jokes.
Dreadwing: "That will be enough of your foolishness, Knockout. Our fellow comrades must remember their fallen brethren before he is sent to the incinerator. It is difficult that the one you were close to are no longer with you. I should know, I have lost a brother of my own."
Knockout sighed and rolled his optics around, hearing this story before.
Knockout: "Yeah, yeah… I get it. You lost your brother because of the Autobots and you want revenge, let me know when I can bring the Earth violins, will ya?"
Megatron could hear the two argue as he decided shut them both up.
Megatron: "Will you two be quiet, I must think."
The two turned to their leader and apologized.
Dreadwing: "Forgive us, Lord Megatron. We were just as shock as you that a human can dispose of a Con."
He nodded and wondered about that.
Megatron: "Indeed… The Autobots human pets are quite resourceful when it comes to aiding them in battle, but this is something none of us have expected. No doubt it could be the one that stays close to Bulkhead. She must've been very angry to do something like that. Now we must be vigilant, for I fear that these humans could be as deadly as the Autobots."
As they were walking down the hall, Soundwave was approaching the three and the leader saw this in confusion.
Megatron: "Soundwave, what brings you here? Shouldn't you be at the main computers looking for possible Iacon Relic locations?"
The Intel officer approached him and responded by turning on the screen for a second. Seeing static for a few seconds, it immediately showed what looked like the main engine room of the ship that was recorded. Megs saw this and realized what he's sowing him.
Megatron: "That's the main engine room. You have recovered the video recordings of when the Nemesis took control? Show me what happened?"
With a quick nod and started to play the recording that happened. Megatron watched on and wondered why this scene in particular is important. From what he saw, it showed the claw that was meant to deposit energon into the engine's slot rummaging through the area, knocking down cubes in the process. He was wondering why that crane was thrashing cubes around. That's when he spotted something appearing on top of one of the crates and stood there. He wondered what it was before the crane reached it and it disappeared a second before it could grab it. He could see this mysterious figure appeared and disappeared on a variety of places while the crane missed it and toppled more energon crates in the process. Then at the final moments, the mysterious figure appeared and was falling behind Megatron himself, when he was caught by a stasis beam and froze in place. That's when the crane thrusted forward to get the figure, only for it to disappear and let the crane him the frozen Megatron in place. When he saw how the ship was defeated and the Dark Energon being dumped out of the slot, Megatron asked Soundwave to pause a certain part.
Megatron: "Rewind and pause that moment."
Soundwave nodded as he rewound to that moment of defeat and paused when the figure was behind the frozen leader on the screen.
Megatron: "Now zoom in to see who, or what, managed to defeat the Nemesis."
He responded by zooming in to get a good enough look at this individual that outsmarted the ship. When he took a look at this person, he noticed that it was a young girl with long black hair split in two sides and wearing the strangest outfit and a shield of some kind. Megatron starred at it for a few good seconds as the other two looked on and to have Knockout retorted something.
Knockout: "Hey… That's the same girl I saw with that boy that was taking the drive containing the Iacon locations from the console. Guess it's a recurring theme for today…"
Dreadwing looked to this and was confused about it too.
Dreadwing: "Indeed… To think a human can easily outsmart a sentient ship is baffling even under my standards. Exactly who is this one?"
Megatron looked on and wondered about it as well. That is when the three of them heard a voice from behind.
"I know this girl."
The three turned to the voice from behind and saw one of the drones that were on a scouting mission when he and his comrade encountered Arcee. That was 5T3V3 as he peaked to see the video footage and the girl on it. Megatron approached him and asked of this.
Megatron: "You know of this?"
The Vehicon shrugged it off and explained as much as possible.
"Sort of… My comrade and I encountered the Autobot femme and her human pet and were in pursuit. That girl was with them too and thought it was some friend of his. Anyways, we went after them and thought that we were able to get the jump on them. Unfortunately, some strange things have happened.
Megs raised an optic ridge and wondered what he meant by that.
Megatron: "Really? And whatever do you mean?"
The Con was silent as he tried to figure out what happened.
"It's really hard to say, my lord. There were explosions, an avalanche of rocks that nearly buried us, and the femme making the fastest getaway possible. I know that Autobot would go fast, but I never thought she would be that fast."
Megatron: "And were you able to identify this human girl?"
He lowered his head and told him that it was a failure.
"No, my liege. We were battling the femme and thought we had the upper hand. Hadn't I been blinded in the visor by a mysterious stray bullet, we would've won and my comrade would've lived."
The Decepticon leader was silent and decided to leave it all at that.
Megatron: "Very well… You are dismissed."
To that, he nodded and went off on his way. As he was leaving, Dreadwing approached his side and was in wonderment.
Dreadwing: "Lord Megatron. Upon what you heard and saw, what conclusion have you made?"
He soon turned to his lieutenant and explained on what he was able to put together.
Megatron: "I have reason to believe that the Autobots obtained a new human into their ranks. And judging by the video evidence presented to me and the Vehicon's testimony, this girl has gained some form of power that we know nothing about."
Knockout listened in and was a little weary of it.
Knockout: "Surely you are not suggesting that there is a new threat that we must face, Lord Megatron?"
He turned to the medic and still wasn't sure.
Megatron: "It is highly unlikely. However, I need to know more before we could make a resounding conclusion."
He turned back to the screen that showed the girl, Homura, and is eager to get answers.
Megatron: "I must know of this girl, and wonder if there are more of them out there. Imagine what we could do to use this girl to our advantage."
That ends chapter ten and, oh boy… This isn't good. Megatron discovered Homura and her powers and Miko is officially a magical girl. Homura's situation couldn't get any worse then this. We need to see what happens on the next chapter, where Homura discovers what Miko's done and how to approach it. What's her reaction and plans? Well, wait and you will see. Please Review. #WherearetheGoodCartoons?