Chapter 29
Aboard the Eternal Throne of the Dead King, Wheeljack watched as Karai stared at the spirit before her, her body tense and her gaze steely. She had just called this man "Father", the human equivalent to a sire, right? So why wasn't she happy to see him? Truth be told, the Wrecker didn't know all that much about the early life of his charge. He never asked and she seemed to prefer it that way.
Judging from her body's reaction (an increased heart rate), there was definitely something she wasn't telling him. He looked over the spirit of her father, looking for anything discerning enough to warrant the hostility she was feeling toward him. He kept his face as calm as she did, briefly glancing at the Autobot before returning his full focus to his daughter. He stood off to the side and decided to let Karai deal with this on her own. If she wanted to talk afterward, he'd listen.
Karai remained pensive as her father's eyes roamed over her, no doubt checking if she had made any changes to her appearance. She still brandished the uniform she wore whenever they performed missions together. It wasn't like she had anything else to wear since she could no longer access the Prime Minister's office in Japan. With Oroku Saki now remembered as an international terrorist, she'd found obscurity was her closest ally. And Wheeljack's drifter attitude was a perfect fit for her new way of life.
Still, she couldn't forget who'd taught her to survive in situations like that, the one who trained her endlessly to build up her strength. Her father was her mentor and, at times, only friend in the world who understood her. He was still bent on destroying the world and remaking in his own image but she could always see past that. She'd seen there was a kind man beneath all that hate and malice. But that man had disappeared over time.
She absentmindedly raised a hand to her cheek, still able to feel the harsh strike of his palm, the sickening crack of his hand meeting her skin. Still remember the bruise that had been there for about a month. And that brought back the anger as she stared him down was an appraising gaze of her own. Saki simply chuckled as he finally decided to speak, "I see you have been doing well, given you corporeal presence. How is it the living are in the realm of the dead?"
"Not that it's any of your business, but we're looking for someone," she replied harshly. She waited a moment, testing his reaction. Before, he would have bellowed in rage at her "insolence" and reminded her of her place. But this time, nothing happened; he just stood there, staring at her. She continued, "We were side tracked and that's how we ended up here."
Sake simply chuckled, "I see. Well, it seems you are in good company." He gestured to Wheeljack, "One of those 'Wreckers' Megatron went on about, correct?"
"Yeah," she responded hesitantly. "Are you the one who can send us to where we need to go?"
"Indeed," he nodded. "Even in death, my powers are strong. Sending you and your comrade to the destination of your choice would be child's play."
"Then if you don't mind," Wheeljack entered the conversation. "We're kind of in a hurry."
"Follow me," Saki turned on his heel and left, two of them following. Karai was perturbed; her father was never this calm, even in battle. There was always a hidden anger, a rage that threatened to spill out with enough force. But now, he was more… peaceful. Could death have really absolved him of all of the rage and hate in his heart?
If this was the case, then she would have to thank Jack later when she saw him; preferably in a manner that annoyed Arcee. Her lips curled at the possibilities, but business came before pleasure. They had to find Miko first and get back home. They followed Saki, keeping silent the entire way. She felt Wheeljack's optics on her the whole time but kept facing forward.
Finally, the reached what appeared to be some sort of mystical circle drawn into the ground. Her father ushered them into the center while he took a position on one of the symbols. It seemed to represent an angel of sorts and he began to chant, his hands shifting into different signs. They could both feel the energy swirl around them, a familiar feeling of darkness over taking them. Before they realized what had happened, they were sinking into darkness once more.
As she focused on the task ahead, she barely caught the words of her father following her, "Be safe, dear daughter." She turned back only to find darkness behind her.
Darksider: The Prime Judgment
Miko stared at her guardian and best friend for who knows how long, taking in the appearance of the other Autobots as well. Her eyes were wide in disbelief; there was no way this was happening for real. This had to be some kind of trick to test her abilities or whatever. But she'd never mistake the feeling in her heart whenever Bulk was near. She could feel the protective instinct that emanated from him.
Beneath that, there was the feeling of clumsiness, mixed with the approachable air she saw when they first met. There was no mistake, it had to be the real Bulkhead, her Bulkhead. She felt tears well up in her eyes at the conclusion. The Wrecker himself was just as dumbfounded. He was prepared to tear this entire place apart searching for Miko, no matter what Optimus said.
Whatever the consequences would be afterward, they were always worth it in the end if it kept Miko safe. Throughout this whole experience, he didn't think he'd be this frozen to see his charge again. He must have looked so stupid right about now. But he didn't care; all he wanted to do was make sure Miko was alright. And, aside from a few costumes changes and bad case of bed head, she was.
The world around them faded away as they only registered each other's appearance, neither willing to make the first move for fear it was an illusion. After a few more minutes of gawking, Miko dashed forward with surprising speed, "Bulkhead!" In no time at all, she was wrapped around his massive leg, hugging him tightly as tears poured down her face. Dream or not, she never wanted to let go of him ever again. Recovering from his initial shock, the Wrecker gently pressed his finger to her back.
His voice cracked as he smiled, "Miko…"
"I missed you so much," she kept her grip on him, still uncertain of the situation's reality.
"I missed you too," he replied. "I've been so worried. I thought you were…" He couldn't finish the sentence, not while she was right here in front of him. His fears faded away quickly. The others watched the reunion before them with a smile. Fury and Strife couldn't help but smile while War and Death simply nodded silently in approval.
Another ripple of energy caught their attention as Wheeljack and Karai stepped through the portal, looking dazed. It didn't take them long to notice the scene before them, and they both smiled at their mission's success. They would wait until Miko and Bulkhead were ready to be separated and joined the others. They were given a quick explanation to their misdirection and of the four figures watching them. With everything else that had happened, why not meet the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?
Now, all they had to do was find Jack and then they could figure out a way to leave this dimension behind.
Darksider: The Prime Judgment
A/N: A little short I know but I decided to save some for next time. Speaking of which, Next time: The Autobots and Horsemen join forces when Samael appears beyond the White City while an old enemy makes himself known to the Four.
