A/N: Thanks for the reviews!

Chapter 25

In the small Japanese village, ShadowStrike followed the American man, Bryan, to the edge of the village where he lived with his family. They apparently owned a small farm, providing the villagers with supplies, especially during winter. Bryan had purchased the farm with the little money he had when he first arrived. Everyone had warned him about the land's undependability during dry seasons and that he and his family would starve. He ignored them and through hard work and labor, his farm became a success.

He provided the people with vegetables, fruit, meat, and herbs for medicine. They apparently looked to him as their chief provider, a job he gladly accepted. He'd offered the ninja a place on the farm to perform tasks, hoping to increase his harvest this year. ShadowStrike took it on the terms that he would not have to fight anyone, to which Bryan replied, "No one's gonna pick a fight with you wearing that outfit." As they walked through the town, the ninja's thoughts shifted to Chen and his little gang, the "Freedom" Riders.

They were no different from any American gang, using numbers and weapons to intimidate people. ShadowStrike had seen their type before; cowards who backed down at the first sign of trouble. He knew as long as the people stood up for themselves and took a little bullying, they would be fine. He didn't want to get involved with others' problems. He had already decided he was done in the regard.

He knew that if he got too invested in their problems, someone was bound to get hurt or, worse, killed. Enough people had died because of his foolish actions; he didn't want to add an entire village to that list. He thought a nice farm life might suit him. Perhaps someday, he'd be able to look at himself again.

"We're here," Bryan said, stopping just short of a long dirt road. His farm was just up ahead. A large barn stood over to side where the cattle had gathered, grazing on the field. A small hut for the chickens stood surrounded by a fence to prevent them from escaping. And there was the occasional goat now and then.

All in all, it seemed like a nice place. Free from any of the world's problems. Free from death and famine. "Bryan," a woman called from the small house by the barn. She had blonde hair and kind blue eyes and was dressed in a typical farm maiden's attire.

"Trisha," he greeted her with an deep embrace and kiss. ShadowStrike stood of to the side, not wanting to make the moment awkward. They separated when and Bryan wrapped an arm around her waist, "This is my wife, Trisha. Trisha, meet our new farm hand,… Come to think of it, what's your name?"

"Jack," he replied.

"You hire a new farm hand and don't even bother to ask for his name?" Trisha chuckled. "Welcome to our home. Please make yourself comfortable."

"All I need is a place to stay and I'll keep out of your way unless you need me."

"Nonsense," she said. "I won't have our new employee hiding out like some servant. You are welcome to the house and anything in it. And don't be afraid to ask for anything."

"Thank you," he said, trying not to think about how this woman reminded him of his own mother. He dispelled such thoughts; he couldn't go back to her anymore.

"Daddy!" a new voice called. From over by the barn, a little girl ran up to Bryan and hugged him. She had on small dress that went to her knees. Her hair was silver and her eyes a caramel brown.

"Sunny," he said warmly, picking her up and hugging tightly. "How are things here? Have you been helping mommy?"

"Yes," she giggled before taking notice of the cloaked ninja who kept at a distance. Her father set her down and she walked up to him, her brown eyes studying him. She was no doubt trying to determining whether or not this stranger was a threat or not. The ninja shuffled uncomfortably under her gaze. No matter what threat he faced, a small child's stare was enough to make him feel uneasy.

"Sunny," Bryan called. "You know it's rude to stare."

"I'm sorry," she said before turning back to him. "Are you a monster?"

"Sunny!" Trisha walked up to her and kneeled down, picking her up. "That is a rude question. This nice young man has just agreed to help us out with our chores. I am so sorry."

"It's fine, " ShadowStrike dismissed. 'You're not that far off kid. I don't know what I am anymore.'

ShadowStrike Rising

In Jasper, Nevada, Arcee was accompanying June on run to get some supplies for the base. Agent Fowler had agreed to add a kitchen to the silo, so June could cook some meals for the kids whenever they were hungry. Of course, Optimus had mixed feelings about letting Arcee out of base, but she insisted that she needed to "stretch her legs". The Prime agreed and allowed them to go into town for supplies. Of course, Arcee had to pick a human sounding name.

"Luckily" for her, Miko had given her the name, "Susan Blu", though she couldn't understand the joke. It was no doubt a reference to her color, though she didn't know why Miko chose "Susan" over "Sadie". She pushed that thought into the back of her head as she exited the car with June. It was certainly an odd feeling riding in a vehicle rather than moving on her own. She wondered if Jack had ever felt that way whenever she drove him around.

And like that, the femme's mind was overtaken by thoughts of where her partner might be at this moment. She wanted so badly to contact him and let him know she was still alive, even if she would never see him again. If that were the case, she wouldn't have Jack go on in life regretting having ever met her, having ever come back when she went to him. She knew Jack well enough to know how he thought even when he wasn't near her. He must be overtaken by so much guilt at the moment.

Thanks to the Liege Maximo (Arcee's energon boiled whenever she thought of about him and what he'd done.), Jack had turned on the 'Bots. This earned him Bulkhead and Ratchet's ire, Optimus and Arcee's worry, and the wrath of the 'Cons (like he wasn't their least favorite person already). In the process, her body had been injured to the point where she was at death's door. This only strengthened the feelings of anger and resentment the other 'Bots had towards Jack. They blamed him for what happened and called him a coward.

Unable to handle rejection from those he considered family, Jack ran away. It had been five months since he disappeared and they still had no clue where he was. That is, until they received a visitor a few weeks back. That ninja, whose name they hadn't caught, had somehow managed to infiltrate the base undetected. He informed them that Jack would come back to them soon enough, hinting he knew where he was.

He disappeared without further comment on the issue, leaving them with more questions than answers. All the same, Arcee remained worried for Jack's safety, praying to Primus that would be brought home to them safely.

"Arcee," June said softly. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," she replied.

"Still thinking about Jack?"

"It's hard not to. He's my partner and I don't know where he is. For we know, he could need our help right now and we're doing nothing."

"Jack's a strong kid," June said. "I know it. You know it. I know he's fine and I still believe that he'll come back to us soon." The overprotective mother in June didn't want to admit it, but she knew her son was fine. Even before all this craziness with Vector Sigma started, Jack had displayed characteristics that you wouldn't find in most, if any, teenager today. He was strong, independent, and brave, never letting anyone be pushed around if he could help it. June knew in her heart that Jack was okay; perhaps a little lost, but she knew he would find his way home.

ShadowStrike Rising

ShadowStrike had spent the last few days adjusting to his new life as farm hand on Bryan's farm. He performed whatever task they asked him without question or difficulty. He always accepted the breakfast Trisha left out for him, knowing he wasn't ready to socialize with them just yet. He never did anything to cause them trouble. When he followed Bryan to the market square, he made sure to emit an aura that dispelled any thief's thoughts of stealing from them.

If anything, the most trouble he had with his new life was the young girl, Sunny. The ten-year old proved to be as curious as a cat, asking him constant questions about where he was from and why he was dressed the way he was. Of course, ShadowStrike would give vague, but satisfactory answers to ward the girl off for the time being. Then there were the times her parents kindly, but firmly, told her not to bother him. He didn't really mind the girl's questions, he just didn't want to be reminded of the life he had.

At this moment, he was with Bryan on the roof of the barn. A recent storm had knocked of the roofing, leaving the animals exposed to the elements. They were now working on placing new tiles across the barn and were almost finished. Bryan hadn't really minded the work; he was just happy to have an excuse to use the spare tiles he kept in his shack.

"Hi," came the chipper voice of Sunny.

"Hello, sweetheart," Bryan replied while ShadowStrike simply nodded.

"So why do you wear that costume," she asked the ninja. "Is it Halloween all the time where you come from?"

"Sunny," Bryan sighed.

"It's okay," ShadowStrike replied. "I guess the only way to get her to stop is to answer her questions with straight forward answers." He turned to face the young girl, "I wear this outfit because my old "job" required me to and I've grown rather fond of it."

"Doesn't it get hot?"

"Not really."

"Okay. Where are you from?"

"The U.S., like you and your parents. More specifically, I come from a small town, kind of like this one."

"Do you have a girlfriend?" The ninja visibly stiffened before a solemn look crossed his face. She had taken to adding a new question to her series every day, but the ninja had hoped that one would not be part of them.

"I wouldn't say she was my girlfriend, but I did like her a lot," he sighed, continuing to work on the roof.

"What happened to her?"

"She got hurt because of me and…. Died." Bryan stopped his work to stare at the young man in disbelief while Sunny's cheeks turned red.

"I'm sorry," she said rather sheepishly.

"It's alright," he dismissed. "Anyway, I found another girlfriend, but she…"

"I think that's enough questions for today," Bryan interjected. "Go on and play with animals Sunny."

"Okay," she replied, getting down from the roof and mingling with the other animals. Her earlier sheepish behavior seemed to disappear without a trace.

"I'm sorry," Bryan replied.

"It's fine," he said. "She's curious. I would be too if some guy in a strange getup showed at my house and started living there."

"I guess so," Bryan chuckled, but his grin soon faltered when he caught the sight of dust being kicked up in the distance. The Freedom Riders' horses galloped toward his farm, frightening the animals with their presence. Bryan and ShadowStrike quickly descended from the barn to intercept them. Knowing how bad these men were, Sunny quickly ran to her mother, who looked just as scared. The Riders hopped of their horses and gathered around, Chen standing at the front them.

"Good to see ya again, Bryan," he smirked. "And I see our visitor is still here."

"I gave him a job, not that it's your concern," Bryan spat.

"I beg to differ," the gang leader's smirk widened. "If he's living here now, then he enjoys our protection, just like the rest of you."

"I can take care of myself," the ninja replied. "Not that I'm looking for a fight."

"Of course," Chen patted him on the shoulder. "I just wanted formally welcome you to the village. Let's forget about that little incident the other day and start over. After all, you can only make one first impression."

"I've got a good enough impression on who you and how you operate," the ninja narrowed his masked eyes.

"Oh really," Chen said, his hand slowly moving towards the katana that hung lazily at his side.

"Enough," Bryan said. "He said he's not here to fight, so just leave."

"Ooooohh," Chen said in mock fear. "Got yourself a new friend in a Halloween costume and now you think you're all that. I'd keep up the humble farmer image if I was you. People might get the wrong idea and take offense." His eyes wandered over to Trisha and Sunny, the former hugging her daughter closer, "After all, you wouldn't want anything to happen to your lovely wife and little girl, right?"

Bryan bit his tongue to keep from doing something he might regret, "I'll ask you nicely. Please leave. If you need any supplies, I can provide you with some tomorrow."

Chen and his goons laughed, "Thanks. We might just take you up on that offer." The Freedom Riders mounted their horses and rode off, once again leaving dust in their wake.

"Asshole," Bryan seethed.

"Calm down, honey," Trisha said. "You know they won't try anything."

ShadowStrike Rising

ShadowStrike galloped on his horse to a village a few miles away from the one he now called home. Bryan had sent him to get some supplies for himself, and his family since their food supply would be shortened by giving their harvest to the town. He usually waited 'til the next day, but figured since he had new farm hand, he could get things done a lot faster. Besides, he was concerned that the Freedom Riders might try something while he was away. Apparently, they had never come to his farm before.

ShadowStrike couldn't help but wonder if it had to do with him. He knew Chen must not have liked him since he wasn't intimidated by him or his little group of thugs. Maybe he should have stayed with Bryan, but he'd promised himself that he'd do whatever they asked of him since they gave him a home. He still couldn't shake the feeling of uneasiness he got. He knew it wouldn't go away until he completed his task and returned.

He arrived in the village and got the supplies without too much of a hassle, despite the weird looks people gave him due to his outfit. He left the town and was on his way back to Bryan's farm. Rather than risk a confrontation with the Freedom Riders, ShadowStrike took a scenic route the Bryan had shown him. It was quicker anyway. ShadowStrike remained in deep thought until he caught the sight of smoke rising from where the farm was.

That uneasy feeling in his pit getting stronger, the ninja had the horse gallop faster until the farm was in sight. Where the barn, chicken house, and the house itself once stood, there was only a smoldering pile of rubble. Dismounting the horse, ShadowStrike quickly ran to the wreckage, a familiar feeling of fear taking over him. This couldn't be happening again! He hadn't done anything to warrant this kind of attack.

"Bryan!" He sorted through the rubble, trying to find anyone he could. "Trisha! Sunny!" He threw any burnt pieces of wood out of the way until he caught the sight of a hand. He frantically shoved the rubble out of the way and discovered the slightly burnt body of Trisha. He shook her, "Trisha! Wake up, please wake up!" He kept shaking her until he realized how futile it was and let her body go limp once again.

"Why?" he looked up to heavens above. "They didn't do anything! It's my fault, why punish them?" He heard a groan from beneath the wood and searched through it until he came across Bryan, still alive (though only just).

"J-J-Jack," he rasped in pain.

"Don't talk," he said. "I can get you some help, just let me-"

"T-T-They t-t-took h-h-he-her," he choked out.

"Who?"

"S-S-Su-Sun-Sunny," he said. "They said they would kill her in front the entire village. Please, you have to stop them."

"I have to get you to a doctor," he said.

"No!" he grunted firmly. "It's too late for me, but I'll be damned before I let those guys end my daughter's life before it even begins." His features softened into sadness, "Please save her and protect her." Having said what he needed to say, Bryan's eyes glazed over and his body went limp. ShadowStrike didn't need to shake him to know that the man had just died.

"Why?" he asked again, his body shaking uncontrollably. Why was it that every time he tried to do something good, things like this happened? He trained with Tribunal to get stronger and found love, only for them to end up dead. He went to Vector Sigma, restored Optimus Prime's memories, and was given powers by the Thirteen, only to be manipulated and for Arcee to wind up dead. Now, a family had suffered because he tried to settle down and live an average life.

It seemed that no matter where he went, he could not escape the darkness within the world, nor would that darkness ignore him. He knew what had to be done; no prison, no cops, no mercy.

ShadowStrike Rising

In the center of the town, the people had been gathered by the Freedom Riders for a demonstration; of what, they had no idea. They all looked suspiciously at Sunny, who was tied up the scaffolding behind Chen. A couple of villagers had taken steps toward her, only to be met with force from Chen's goons. They were forced to watch as he stood near the girl, who was crying her eyes out. Because of these terrible men, her parents were gone.

They had apparently taken up her father's suggestion and stopped by for some supplies. When they found out Jack was gone, they attacked, killing her mother and burning the house down. Her father was left in the burning building while they kidnapped her and brought her to town. She had overheard the man state his intent to kill Sunny in front of them all to make a statement. And that only made the girl cry more.

She didn't want to die, but she didn't to live without her parents. She may have been smart for her age, but she still needed someone to help her, to protect her. She struggled helplessly in the rope that bound her to the scaffolding before giving up and sobbing.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," Chen spoke at last. "As you know, this town enjoys the protection of the Freedom Riders. That means we keep out any 'unsavory' characters who might exploit you people and cause you harm. In exchange, all we ask for is a little cooperation when we're feeling a little 'rough housy'. The other day, some nut job in a costume walked in to town and had the audacity to disrespect us."

Everyone listened intently, not wanting to interrupt for fear that Chen might unleash his goons on them. They wanted nothing more than to help poor Sunny, but their own fear prevented them from doing so. Shameful, they knew, but what were they to do. These punks had dangerous weapons at their disposal and, worse, they knew how to use them.

"Our new visitor inspired little Sunny's dad here to disrespect us as well," Chen smirked, his men chuckling. "He even had the nerve to talk to us like we were punks. Now we couldn't have that kind of behavior, so we had to teach him a lesson." Chen smirked at the horrified expressions of realization that spread over the masses, "Now, to ensure that no one ever tries to disrespect us again, we have no choice but to make an example out of little Sunny here."

The people gaped in horror as the watched Sunny sob harder as Chen approached, his hand reaching for a knife. He grabbed Sunny's hair and forced her to look at him. He raised the knife, "Stop!"

Chen turned to find an elderly man standing at the front of the crowd, his body frail, but his eyes held determination in them. "You think yourself some kind of superior being? You are a coward and the fact that you would rob this girl of life is tantamount to the fact!"

Rather than get angry, Chen smirked again, "Folks, take a good look at gramps here." He motioned at one of his men to the old man. The goon smirked and strutted toward the elder, a chain like weapon in his hand. He started to twirl it before he sent it at the elder. Everyone gasped and turned away, waiting to hear the sickening thud of the chain's blunt end smashing against the old man's face.

When the heard no such sound, the people turned back to find ShadowStrike standing in front of the elder, the chain's blunt end in his hand. His cloak had been removed and his red eyes held a dark intent. Chen and his gang stood stunned by this new development.

"Well, well, well," Chen's smirk still remained. "Look who decided to show up. I ain't got time to deal with ya, so take him out, boys." The goon with a chain smirked and tugged at his chain, only for it not to budge in his grasp. He gave another tug and met with the same result. He gave one more tug, only to fall back when ShadowStrike released the chain.

He got to his feet, "You're gonna pay for that, punkass bitch!" He lunged toward the ninja, his chain swing, only for ShadowStrike to once again capture the chain and wrap it around his throat. With hard tug, the man's neck snapped and he fell to the ground. The others watched the scene in horror, Chen's smirk faltering slightly. Another goon charged, a spear in hand.

ShadowStrike dodged the spear attack and snapped the weapon in two with a kick. He quickly picked up the broken spearhead and jammed it into the man's heart. Blood spurted from his mouth and he fell the ground. Two more men charged at the ninja, daggers in hand. Moving with expert speed, ShadowStrike maneuvered their daggers into each other, killing them both.

The rest charged, weapons in hand. ShadowStrike pulled out two kunai and charged at them. Moving like a shadow, he quick slashed each of them, cutting them down. Their blood stained his costume as the people watched in awe and horror. One of them stood, two large war hammers in his hand. He charged at the ninja, swinging his hammers down.

ShadowStrike dodged the hammers as they left two small craters in the ground. He lifted them up and swung again, keeping the ninja on the defensive. ShadowStrike kept at a distance, avoiding the hammers, knowing full well that the man was trying to force him into a corner. They fought into an alley, leaving limited space for the ninja.

"Got you now," he smirked, charging at his trapped prey. ShadowStrike leaped over the man and drove his kunai into the man's head, killing him instantly. Emerging from the alleyway, ShadowStrike caught the sight of Chen charging at him, his katana drawn. He ducked under the attack and drew his own sword. Their blades connected, sparks flying from them as the screeched against each other.

They were locked in combat, their eyes burning into each other, "You should have just ran when you had the chance!" ShadowStrike merely remained silent as they broke apart and continued to clash blades. "What," Chen taunted. "You ain't got nothing to say about what I did? I torched Bryan and his bitch and when I'm through with you, I'll let you live just long enough to see me kill his little brat!"

ShadowStrike had to give this guy some credit; most men would be running scared at the sight of a blood covered ninja. He wasn't the spineless coward the ninja had made him out to be. Chen gave another powerful swing, leaving him open as ShadowStrike slashed his knees.

"Fuck!" he said, losing his balance and falling to the ground. The ninja stood over him, the setting sun giving him the appearance of a demon. "The fuck are you?"

"I don't know," he shrugged. "All I know is that you're my 'bitch' now." He jammed his blade into the man's shoulder, sending it straight through his heart. Blood splattered all over him and the ground as Chen fell to the ground, dead. The blood flowed off the blade like water. With a quick swing, it flew off the sword as ShadowStrike sheathed it.

He walked over to Sunny, his eyes scanning the villagers. In their eyes was fear; they were afraid of him and what he was capable of. He couldn't blame them; he was just as scared as they were, but none that mattered. He finally reached Sunny and cut her loose. She hadn't taken her eyes off of him.

There was no mistaking the fear in her eyes. ShadowStrike understood, "I guess that answers your question." He turned to leave, knowing there was nothing left for him in this village anymore. He started for the direction leading out of the village when he felt his right hand refuse to follow. He turned to find Sunny's smaller hand grasping it. His eyes widened as they met her own.

Within them was no longer fear, but a deep sadness. Her parents were gone and the life she knew in this town along with them. The look in her brown eye conveyed one message: Don't leave me. The ninja merely gestured for her to follow him and she did, her hand clutching his blood soaked arm, a small smile on her face as they left.

ShadowStrike Rising

A/N: I hope you enjoyed. This is my longest chapter yet! Next time: ShadowStrike and Sunny head to Tokyo. There, they discover Shredder's plan and try to stop it.