"At least the worst is finally behind us…"

"Miko, I really, really wish you'd stop saying things like that…you're just asking for trouble!"

After returning home from their journey to Japan, Rafael and Miko had both practically collapsed from exhaustion. Unfortunately for them, there was no time to waste. Following an all-too brief rest stop, they awoke early the following morning while it was still dark. Miko once again insisted they take the scenic route and opted not to use the Autobot ground-bridge. It had taken a great deal of convincing a reluctant Raf, but after Miko kissed him senseless he finally agreed. They quickly made sure their passports were in order before acquiring a government car, and with Raf behind the wheel they began the long trek from Jasper to Mexico. Their ultimate destination was Raf's family home in the outskirts of the city of Puerto Peñasco, known stateside as Rocky Point.

They traveled for several hours before coming to a sudden stop in Arizona, just outside the Mexican border. A seemingly endless line of traffic extended as far as the eye could see. After waiting for several additional exhaustive hours they finally left behind the United States and crossed over the border, only to be forced to make a sharp and unexpected detour immediately upon entering Mexico.

Stretching across the horizon before them was the stark beauty of Sonora, second only to Chihuahua as the largest state in the country. Sunny almost year round, it was an arid region home to a sparse population of about 57,000 residents. It was also a favorite destination for those who enjoyed rugged outdoor sports and natural settings. Bordered by Arizona and New Mexico, Sonora was influenced by American trends and fashions but culturally it possessed a unique blend of its own rich and ancient heritage, including that of the indigenous Seri, Yaqui, Mayo, and Cucapá peoples.

Miko could barely contain her excitement. Puerto Peñasco was almost within reach, and she refused to let their circumstances get her down.

She giggled, "Oh, lighten up, Raf! You don't believe in jinxes or bad luck any more than I do!"

Miko hoped to brighten Raf's spirits but she knew a lost cause when she saw one. From his dour expression she could easily tell his nerves were still on edge from everything they had gone through. However, Miko Nakadai was never one to back down from a challenge and so she cheerfully continued, "Okay, I'll admit I wasn't expecting that huge traffic jam or that detour, but you know as well as I do that things could've always been worse."

Raf continued to fume and remained silent.

Miko joked, "You never know, Raf…the Decepticons might show up and try to take us hostage…again…"

Without warning Raf snapped, "I should've known better, Miko! I mean, seriously?! How could I have possibly forgotten that this was the weekend for Dia de los Muertos?! No wonder there was so much traffic coming into Mexico! I ought to have my head examined, planning to make our big announcement to my family at the same time as the Day of the Dead festival!" He slumped in his seat and loudly groaned, "UGHHH. Some big brain I turned out to be..."

Miko reached over and gently prodded his shoulder.

"C'mon, sweetie…you've just had a lot on your mind lately. I honestly don't mind all the stuff that's happened along the way. What's important is that we're together, and as long as we stick together we can handle anything no matter how crazy things get! So don't be upset, please? Pretty please…? For me…?" Miko poked out her bottom lip and pretended to pout.

Raf's shoulders finally relaxed and he sighed, "I can never say no to that face. You know what? You're right, Miko."

"Of course I'm right! Wait, I am…?"

"Yes. Besides, we've got more important things to take care of."

She nodded excitedly, "Yeah! We've passed the good news to my parents in Japan, so now…"

Raf finished, "…now we can focus on announcing our impending nuptials to your future in-laws!"

Miko smirked, "I have no idea what you just said but if it has anything to do with us telling your folks we're getting married, I'm all for it!"

Raf chuckled, rolling his eyes.

Miko sighed, "It feels like forever since I've spent any time with your family, Raf. Still can't believe they decided to move back to Mexico…"

He replied, "Yeah…even thought the Autobots rebuilt Jasper after the Decepticons basically wiped it off the map, a lot of townspeople were just too afraid to return home. Papa's business suffered because of it but he managed to tough it out for awhile. He finally accepted the inevitable a few months after we graduated high school…"

"…but in the end it worked out for the best, didn't it? Your dad reopened the ranch out here and business was so good that he was able to put the rest of your brothers and sisters through college."

Raf nodded, "Adventure tourism like horseback riding is strongly promoted here, and the fact that Sonora has one of the most respected education systems in Mexico sure didn't hurt…"

"Your big sister Pilar has really done well for herself, hasn't she?"

Raf grinned proudly, "You're telling me! I don't know how she does it all. I mean, she splits her time between her studies at the Universidad de Sonora, does research on developing methods of seawater desalinization at its Scientific and Technological Research Center, and she works weekends at the CET-MAR Aquarium where she serves as an intern marine biologist! I wish I could measure up to all her accomplishments…"

Miko suddenly frowned, "I wish you wouldn't do that."

"Do what…?"

"…always be so hard on yourself. We already have to put up with Jack doing the same thing all the scrappin' time. What are you trying to do, become the next Prime? Raf, for starters I've never met anyone smarter than you."

Raf started, "But…!"

Miko cut him off, "…but nothing, Raf. Seriously, how many guys actually get to graduate high school - with honors - long before they even get their first zit?"

Raf blushed, "C'mon, Miko…I'm not that special…"

She ignored him, "Let's see…youngest ever school Valedictorian in the history of Jasper, consultant to the ultra-top-secret government organization Unit: E, currently enrolled in an extremely exclusive private academy where you're training to become a full member of said organization, on multiple occasions you helped save the world from an invading alien menace, am I leaving out anything? Oh, yeah…"

Miko abruptly leaned over and kissed Raf hard on the lips. He was so startled that he reflexively slammed his foot on the brakes, bringing the car to a sudden stop. Fortunately there were no vehicles following closely behind them.

After almost a full minute of thoroughly examining the health of Raf's tonsils, Miko broke contact and pulled back enough to give him a chance to catch his breath. Raf panted, wide-eyed and slightly slack-jawed. Miko settled back in her seat and smugly smirked, "By the way, you can keep my bubble gum if you want."

Raf blinked rapidly, "Uhm, wh-what were you saying…?"

Miko giggled, "Heh, almost forgot. Don't forget how you managed to catch the eye of the hottest cutie in Japan and make her fall hopelessly in love with you. With a resumé like that, you have nothing to be worried about. Really, Raf…you should know better than to argue with me!"

Raf grinned and was about to continue their journey before he stopped and he looked intently out the front window. He frowned uncertainly at the unfamiliar landscape.

Miko followed his gaze and hesitantly asked, "Raf…? Exactly how long was this drive to your family's home supposed to last…?"

"Just over an hour's drive from the border."

"Hasn't it already been that long? Plus, have you noticed that we haven't seen any other cars in awhile? We're like the only ones on this road! For that matter, are we still even on a road? Where in the scrap did that detour take us…?!"

BOOM!

Miko instinctively ducked for cover, grabbing Raf by the collar and dragging him down low beside her.

Thinking the worst she cried, "HOLY SCRAP, WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT?! OH GOD, ARE THE 'CONS ATTACKING US FOR REAL…?!"

Raf calmly replied, "I don't believe it was the Decepticons, Miko. I just hope it wasn't what I think it was…"

He cautiously raised his head and saw that a large cloud of white steam was angrily billowing from the hood of the car. He glanced at the dashboard console and didn't see anything wrong, at least until he experimentally tapped his finger against the temperature gauge. Sure enough, the needle had gotten stuck and was only now showing that the engine had been running hot.

The engine loudly sputtered and died.

Raf murmured, "I hate being right all the time."

"What? What is it?"

Raf exited the vehicle and covered his hands with a protective rag so he wouldn't burn himself before carefully raising the hood. He peered inside and slowly shook his head.

"Debes estar bromeando. I'm seriously starting to wonder if I am cursed…"

Miko got out of the car and stood beside him.

"Raf, what's wrong?"

"Just like I thought…the head gasket blew. When that happened, the coolant leaked out and the engine began to overheat. Without any water, the cooling system built up enough internal pressure to warp the cylinder head and crack the radiator tank wide open."

"Oh. Scrap."

"Yep."

"Can you…y'know, fix it…?"

"Nope."

"Huh. Raf, this kinda thing wouldn't happen to us if you'd buy better shoelaces…"

…

The car was a hazy blob in the distance, already almost out of sight and out of mind. The sun was about at its highest apex in the sky and the temperature was blisteringly hot. Miko and Raf huffed as they trudged down the dusty road in the middle of nowhere.

Earlier they had attempted to call for help but found there was no cell phone reception. With zero bars and no other drivers on the road where they had been stranded, they realized that they were on their own. Both of them had already begun to sweat profusely and would quickly become dehydrated if they weren't careful. Fortunately they had brought along plenty of water, so they gathered together only the essentials and abandoned their car. Finally, there was nothing left to do but walk.

Miko kicked at the loose gravel under her feet. Absently she noted how the road's precarious outer edges sloped down dangerously low. The local flora surrounded them in a dense and foreboding overgrowth of cacti and thorn-scrub. Tumbleweeds drifted lazily by as she stated the obvious.

"Scrap, it's hot out here…"

Raf wiped the sweat from his forehead and replied, "Well, we are in the Sonoran Desert, Miko…I'm guessing somewhere in between Nogales and Hermosillo. Covering over 310,000 square kilometers and stretching from Arizona into Mexico, it's the hottest desert in North America. It regularly challenges Death Valley with summer highs exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Thankfully this is late October so it's only around 104 degrees…"

Miko snorted, "Lucky us."

"…unfortunately a lot of northern Mexico has become desert land, thanks to drought and deforestation."

Miko asked, "How do you explain all of these plants, then?"

Raf smiled and said, "The Sonoran Desert is unique in that not only does it contain more plant species but it also receives more annual rainfall than any other desert in the world. It's also the only place on Earth where the saguaro cactus grows in the wild." He pointed at one of the towering, tree-like cacti. Miko whistled appreciatively at the impressive 50-foot tall plant.

Raf continued to describe the surrounding beauty as only he could, "Velvet Mesquite, the Creosote Bush, the Jumping Cholla...all part of the Sonoran Desert, Miko. Over there is the Ocotillo shrub, also called Candlewood or Flaming Sword. Its bright red flowers grow at various times through the year depending on the amount of rainfall, and are pollinated by hummingbirds when they migrate from Mexico to the Western United States."

Suddenly a curious bird appeared out of nowhere and flit about Miko. Surprised, she yelped as Raf laughed, "It's okay, Miko…it's just a Cactus Wren. They're very inquisitive birds that like to investigate anything new in their territory."

Miko timidly asked, "Wh-why is it poking at my hair…?"

Raf replied, "Probably making sure that your dyed pigtails aren't some new kind of flower. "

After convincing itself that Miko wasn't a threat and that her pink highlights didn't conceal a tasty snack, the wren flew back into its nest in a nearby cactus. Nervously Miko eyed the plant and asked, "Wait, so why is it called the Jumping Cholla?"

"Its thorns latch on so easily it's almost as if the cactus jumps out and grabs you. You'll be fine as long as you watch yourself and keep your distance."

The moment of incredible beauty was suddenly and sharply contrasted as Raf pointed towards a huge Banded Gila Monster several yards away. Miko whispered in awe, "Sucker must be almost two feet long…"

Raf nodded, "Its poisonous bite usually isn't fatal but it is very painful. Unfortunately that's not the only venomous thing we have to watch for out here. Snakes, scorpions, tarantulas…"

"SPIDERS…?!"

Raf mentally facepalmed, having momentarily forgotten Miko's acute arachnophobia.

"Sorry, Miko…my bad."

She tried to smile and failed, finally murmuring, "I-it's not that, Raf…not really. I guess I'm still having trouble ever since our encounter with Airachnid." She closed her eyes and shivered, "I hope I never see that monster again." She continued to tremble, remembering how the psychotic Terrorcon had brutally threatened their lives.

Raf said, "Me, too."

Miko laughed, "What? You were unconscious the whole time, Raf! You never even saw her!"

"Maybe not, but it's like what you said earlier: as long as we stick together we can handle anything, no matter how crazy things get! Be honest with me, Miko…have you ever stopped to think about how perfectly you and I compliment one another?"

Miko smiled, "What, besides the whole 'I'm the brawn and you're the brains' thing? Yeah, it might've occurred to me once or twice." Suddenly thoughtful, she asked, "Raf, I was wondering…what if it has something to do with what little Orion did to us months ago? You know, when he somehow gave us Cybertronian sparks?"

"I…I'm not sure, Miko. Nobody understands how or why he did what he did, but even if that was the case, don't forget that we haven't been able to achieve an actual sparkbond. Our sparks haven't been joined together, so that doesn't explain our connection. I really don't know."

She shrugged, "Maybe it's just love, baby. Either way, we give balance to each other, Raf…which is a good thing because pretty soon we're gonna need every advantage we can get!"

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know how much longer we're going to be able to stall my parents. Remember, we still haven't come up with something to get them to forget this whole 'traditional Japanese wedding' thing!" Miko wrinkled her nose in distaste and stuck out her tongue, "BLEAGH!"

Raf asked, "Miko, surely it wouldn't be all that bad…?"

Miko glared daggers at him.

Raf chuckled and asked, "Would it make a difference to you if I proposed in a proper Japanese fashion?"

She looked at him like he had lost his mind.

"What are you going on about now, Raf?

Raf dramatically got down on one knee and asked in flawless Japanese, "Miko-chan, will you make miso soup for me for the rest of our lives…?"

Miko began giggling but Raf didn't stop. He immediately followed up with, "Miko-chan, do you want to be buried together?"

She started to laugh uncontrollably and Raf smiled innocently as he said, "If you don't like those I've got more."

Miko wiped her eyes and said, "I love you for trying so hard, but all I need is for you to be yourself. You know, the guy I fell in love with. Can you do that, Raf-kun?"

He smiled shyly, "I love it when you call me that. Yes, I can do that…whatever you want, Miko. I'll go back to being plain old boring Rafael Esquivel."

She smirked, "Good, because nobody ever proposes like that in Japan anymore." She shook her head and started to giggle again, "Really, Raf? 'Will you make miso soup for me…?' Have you even tasted my cooking?!"

Raf shrugged, "I can't help it if I like miso soup…I love the stuff! As far as your cooking goes, don't worry. Stick with my Mama and she'll show you a thing or two!"

"Trying to domesticate me, Mister Esquivel? I don't tame easy…"

Raf blushed as Miko reached out and grabbed a fistful of his shirt and growled, "C'mere, you. Miko needs some sugar."

Just before she kissed him Miko slipped on a loose stone and lost her balance. She cried out as she fell and tumbled down the steep embankment.

Raf yelled, "MIKO! Miko, are you all right? Are you hurt?"

At the bottom of the embankment she coughed and answered, "Only my pride."

Miko began to pick herself up off the ground when Raf suddenly blurted out, "Miko…whatever you do, don't move."

She was about to ask what he was talking about when she heard a sinister hiss and an angry buzz like a child's rattle. She knew immediately what it was and froze. Her frightened eyes darted around and finally she saw it. Partially hidden by the surrounding underbrush and coiled directly in front of Miko was a huge rattlesnake.

"Oh, scrap…!"

Urgently Raf repeated, "Don't…move. Remain very, very still. I'm coming down."

Wide-eyed, Miko trembled in fear but remained virtually motionless. The grayish-brown rattler glared threateningly at her and continued to vibrate the distinctive noisemaker at the end of its tail.

As Raf cautiously drew closer, the already-agitated snake sensed his presence and suddenly reared up. Miko panicked and screamed, desperately trying to propel herself backwards and get away. Raf instantly threw caution to the wind and jumped down the embankment, praying he would be in time. The snake opened its jaws and struck…

"OW!"

Miko fearfully opened her tear-streaked eyes and for a split second she saw what had happened. The rattlesnake had been mere inches away from her face and would have indeed bitten her, had it not been for Raf's heroic action. At the last possible moment he had stretched out his hand and taken the bite meant for Miko.

The rattlesnake was still latched onto his hand. He grimaced in pain and flung his arm with all his strength. The snake finally let go and fell several yards away where it hissed angrily at them. Eventually it moved out of sight, slithering under a large boulder to avoid the hot sun and any more surprises.

"RAF! Oh, God…let me see."

Sheepishly Raf held up his hand for Miko. She winced as she saw the two angry puncture marks. The bruised and discolored area around the bite was already beginning to swell.

"It got me pretty good, didn't it?"

Miko murmured, "M-maybe it wasn't a poisonous snake. Maybe…"

Raf smiled sadly, "C'mon, Miko. You heard the rattle." He sighed, "Crotalus basiliscus…also known as the Mexican green rattlesnake."

"H-how dangerous…?"

He chuckled, "Not too many rattlesnakes that aren't. Unfortunately, this particular one produces large amounts of highly toxic venom…average yield of close to 300mg."

"That's…that's not good, is it?"

Raf shook his head, "Well, considering the estimated lethal dose for humans is between 100 and 150mg…no. It's not good."

Angrily Miko cried, "How can you be so blasted calm about this, Raf?!"

He shrugged, "Guess I've already danced this dance before." Raf abruptly scowled and repeatedly clenched his injured hand into a fist.

"Venom's already starting to work its way into my system. It burns…feels almost like I've been jabbed by two hot needles." Raf elaborated further, "Most rattlesnake bites contain hemotoxic elements that damage skin tissue and attack the circulatory system by destroying blood cells. Given enough time the venom will begin to cause internal hemorrhaging and in theory lead to cardiac failure."

Miko frantically asked, "D-do you need me to…I dunno, try to suck out the poison?"

Raf shook his head, "Unfortunately, that only works in the movies. No, the first thing we need to do is wash the bite with clean water and soap."

After taking care of that Miko breathlessly said, "I brought along the first aid kit. Is there anything in there that'll help?"

"Not unless there's a case of antivenin packed in there. I wouldn't recommend we apply an ice-pack, either. Research has shown that can make things even worse."

"There's plenty of gauze. Do you need for me to wrap your hand in a tourniquet?"

"With the way it's swelling, a tourniquet would constrict and cut off blood flow completely…I'd likely risk losing my hand. Since it's pretty doubtful that we can reach medical care within the next 30 minutes, we need to loosely wrap a bandage about two to four inches above the bite. Hopefully that will help slow down the venom. Now I just need to immobilize this hand and keep it lower than my heart level."

Miko wiped at the tears in her eyes and whispered helplessly, "I…I am so sorry, Raf. This is all my fault. There's gotta be something else I can do for you. J-just tell me and I'll do it. Please…"

"Miko, it's going to be all right. You're doing great, I promise."

She lowered her eyes and murmured, "Wh-what are we going to do?"

Raf calmly smiled and reached out with his uninjured hand to caress Miko's cheek.

"There's only one thing we can do, Miko…we keep walking and pray we find help in time."

…

Hours passed.

The sun continued its relentless assault upon Raf and Miko. There wasn't any available shade so in an effort to stay cool they wrapped their heads in small bundles of water-soaked clothing. Valiantly they fought to maintain their pace as they marched along.

Despite of all their efforts and precautions, Raf's condition slowly worsened as he began to show additional symptoms of the poison's inevitable progress. Worriedly Miko saw how he had become noticeably lightheaded and struggled with brief bouts of weakness and nausea. To make matters even worse, he was now in even greater danger from dehydration or sunstroke. With the snake's deadly venom in his system he could not eat or drink anything without speeding up his body's absorption of the poison.

Somehow through it all Raf managed to remain maddeningly calm.

"You know, the sad thing is that I'm honestly starting to get used to this sort of thing happening."

Miko was not amused and huffed, "Hush, Raf…you need to save your streng-"

Raf abruptly vomited a horrible combination of bile and blood. He fell to his knees and continued to retch pitifully as Miko ran over to him. She crouched next to Raf and forced back her tears as she held him close until he stopped being sick.

Raf doubled over and groaned, clutching at his abdomen.

"H-hurts…"

Miko gently pulled Raf closer so that he rested comfortably against her body. She noted grimly that Raf had begun to wheeze badly.

When the intense wave of internal pain finally subsided, Raf glanced up and saw Miko's anxious expression. He sighed and stammered, "I…I was afraid of this…"

"Wh-what do you mean?"

Raf managed a deep shuddering breath and tried to explain, "Remember earlier when I said that most rattlesnake venom contains hemotoxic elements? Well…the Mojave Rattlesnake possesses venom that also contains neurotoxic elements which immobilize the nervous system, affecting and sometimes stopping the victim's breathing. Researchers have learned that more and more rattlesnake bite victims are showing symptoms of neurotoxic venom. This in turn has led to the theory that interbreeding with the Mojave Rattler has resulted in a change in the composition of rattlesnake venom to include both hemotoxic and neurotoxic components."

Miko stared blankly at Raf and remained eerily silent for a moment. Then she set her jaw stubbornly and snarled, "I am not giving up on you. Come on."

She gingerly helped Raf to his feet and supported his weight as she helped him walk. After taking a few shuffling steps he started coughing and rasped, "M-Miko…I-I'm sorry…can't…"

Miko nodded and guided him under the shade of a nearby thorny tree. The combination of worrying for Raf and the physical effort drained her of much of her strength, causing her to collapse awkwardly next to him. She took a small sip from their last remaining water bottle and watched Raf intently until his labored breathing calmed down again.

Raf looked up and murmured, "P-Palo fierro…"

"What…?"

"…this tree…it's the desert ironwood."

"Raf, c-come on now…I'm being serious, you've got to save your strength…"

"It…it's okay. Really, I'm fine. D-did you know this is one of the most important plants in the Sonoran desert, Miko…?"

Miko shook her head slowly, tears filling her swollen eyes as she answered, "Why is it so special, Raf?"

Raf smiled, "It actually alters its surrounding environment, Miko. It transforms it, creating a micro-habitat for all sorts of insects, birds, and other animals. The shade it provides brings the ground temperature down at least 15 degrees Fahrenheit."

Raf paused for a minute to catch his gasping breath and then resumed, "One of the longest living trees in the Sonoran Desert, it's been known to live as long as 1,500 years in rare cases. The wood is so hard and dense that it actually sinks in water. The native Seri people gather dead ironwood from the ground and use it to make carvings of desert plants and animals."

Miko briefly pondered the meaning behind Raf's words and said, "Raf…that wood carving you gave my parents…"

Raf couldn't hide his grin, thoroughly pleased and impressed that she had deduced it so quickly. He nodded, "…made from pure desert ironwood."

Miko had a sudden burst of insight and asked, "Your father showed you how to carve it, right? Is he…?"

Raf nodded again, "Part Seri on his mother's side."

She smiled, "Wow…you weren't kidding when you told us it represented your home country. You've got culture and heritage coming out of your ears, Raf!"

Raf started to chuckle but it quickly became lost in another fit of coughing.

Miko scooted next to Raf and held him in her arms.

"Shh…okay, that's enough for now. Let's rest for a little while and we'll try again."

"O-okay."

They stayed motionless like that for awhile, watching as the sun slowly began to drop towards the shimmering horizon.

"Miko…?"

Raf's parched voice was even weaker now, a shade of its normal self. Miko wiped at her bloodshot eyes before answering.

"Yes?"

"L-listen…I need…I need to tell you something."

"No."

Raf pulled back slightly and looked questioningly at Miko.

"M-Miko…?"

"NO!" Miko angrily rose to her feet and covered her ears as she violently shook her head. Instantly her brave facade shattered and in a desperate, shaky voice she cried, "No, no, no! I am not going to hear this, Raf. I know you, and I know you're going to try suggesting that I leave you here. Well, I'm not gonna do it, you hear? You can forget it!"

Raf blinked rapidly. His frail body was so dehydrated he was physically unable to cry.

"B-but…you'll die if you stay with me…"

"THEN I'LL DIE! IT DOESN'T MATTER BECAUSE I'M NOT LEAVING YOU! I'M NEVER LEAVING YOU, RAF! YOU WANNA KNOW WHY…?!"

Trembling, Raf slowly shook his head.

Miko roared, "BECAUSE I'M IN LOVE WITH YOU, YOU SPIKY-HAIRED BAKA! I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU AND I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT YOU!"

Her body began to shake with emotion as she fell to her knees. She crawled over to Raf and flung her arms around him, whispering, "I love you, Rafael Esquivel...and I won't leave you…not ever. S-so please…don't ask me to."

"Miko?"

"Yes…?"

"I…I love you, too."

They held one another close as the sky gradually began to darken.

Suddenly the air was split by a chilling howl.

Wide-eyed, Miko looked at Raf for confirmation. He nodded urgently and forced out the word, "Wolves."

She knew in her weakened state that their chances were slim against a pack of desert wolves. Her eyes darted around, frantically searching for a weapon of some kind that she could use to fend them off.

"Miko…"

"Not now, Raf! Miko's looking for a big-ass tree branch to bash some brains right now…"

Raf huffed, suddenly reaching up and tugging at her pants leg just as Miko picked up a particularly nasty-looking dark gray branch. His voice seemed to have regained some of its vitality as he growled, "Miko, I love you for wanting to protect me and all, but please shut up and listen to me for a minute!"

Shocked, Miko immediately stopped what she was doing and listened.

Raf gestured and haltingly asked, "Is…is my vision playing tricks on me or…or is that some kind of building up ahead…?"

Miko turned and squinted, her gaze following where Raf was pointing. In the distance was the unmistakable shape of a human dwelling.

She gasped with newfound hope, "You're right!" Miko turned back to Raf and her expression turned deadly serious. The howling continued in earnest.

"We got one shot at this. Can you make it…?"

Raf tried to push himself upright but his trembling arms gave out.

"I-I'm sorry, Miko…I don't think I - "

Miko smiled and interrupted, "It's okay, baby. I got this."

"What are you - "

Without another word, Miko reached down and picked Raf up, hoisting his frail body onto her back. Raf stared wide-eyed, surprised at her unexpected strength.

Miko shrugged, "Enh…I've been working out. Hang on!"

She broke into a dead run as the distant howls suddenly sounded much closer.

The intense heat made everything seem hazy to the naked eye. Miko squinted as she kept focused on the goal. She panted, "H-hopefully…they've got a phone…and we can call…for help…!"

Raf managed to grin, happy that this nightmare was almost over.

"H-hang on, Raf…we-we're almost there…!"

It was almost dark by the time they arrived at their destination. Miko slowed and finally came to a stop.

She held onto Raf and whispered, "N-no…no…!"

Her helpless cry reached Raf's ears and he rasped, "M-Miko…?"

The ancient brick building looked to be several hundred years old. Resembling a bizarre combination between a church and a fortress, it was the same color as the surrounding desert. Weather-beaten and blasted by the harsh winds, the ruins were still somehow remarkably well-preserved.

"It-it's nothing but an old church, Raf…or at least, it used to be…"

Miko suddenly felt Raf slump against her. She turned to see his head lolling back and a thin trickle of blood oozing out of his mouth.

"…RAF!"

Miko gently set him down and pressed her ear against his chest. She couldn't be sure if he was even breathing.

"Dammit, Raf…don't you dare do this to me…!"

Desperately she searched for a pulse. She finally managed to locate one but it was very weak.

The howls rent the air, much louder this time. Miko scanned the dark horizon and could just make out movement in the shadows. It was definitely a large pack of wolves and they were approaching fast.

Miko tightly gripped the long ironwood branch she had picked up earlier, knowing that even armed with a weapon she wouldn't be able to fend off that many attackers for long.

She looked around and saw that the door to the building seemed slightly ajar. She quickly hefted Raf and made her way to the door before setting him down once again. Miko tried to force the door open but it wouldn't budge. She took a deep breath, steeling herself before she yelled furiously and kicked the door with all her might.

The door swung open and there was a brief but spectacular explosion of flapping leathern wings as hundreds of bats flew screeching out of the old church. Miko flinched but wasted no time as she pulled out a flashlight and shone it inside. She jumped back as the light revealed another hissing rattlesnake, a much bigger one this time.

Hearing the howls closer still, Miko chanced looking back and could clearly see the wolves. Sensing easy prey the ravenous pack began running directly towards them.

Miko grit her teeth and fearlessly snarled, "I AIN'T GOT TIME FOR THIS CRAP! BEAT IT!"

Using the ironwood branch as a makeshift staff she pinned the deadly snake and flung it directly into the midst of the oncoming pack of wolves. Startled, they yipped and barked in surprise as they momentarily scattered.

Miko quickly made sure there were no more dangerous animals inside before she grabbed Raf and bodily flung him into the church. With seconds to spare she jumped in after him and slammed the door shut just before the wolves could reach them. The growling pack snarled and snapped their slavering jaws in frustration, pawing at the outside of the building. Miko pressed her full weight against the door and kept the wolves at bay until they finally gave up. The sound of their retreating howls gave her chills. Utterly exhausted, she gasped for breath as her adrenaline rush finally began to subside. She started trembling and realized that her body was so severely dehydrated that she was unable to break into a sweat.

She slowly crawled over to where Raf lay and she saw that his eyes were open. His cracked and bleeding lips could barely form the words as he choked out, "Are you…o-okay…?"

Miko nodded, "I'm okay." She helped to prop Raf up so that he was sitting with his back against the wall. She pulled out their last water bottle and used some of the precious liquid still left to gently wash the blood and grime from Raf's face. She shrugged, "Told you I got this. Anybody that messes with my baby can count on a major ass-kicking…Wrecker style."

Raf smirked, "I-I guess…I should feel sorry…for the wolves."

Miko snickered, "With me around they need all the help they can get. Hey, maybe they can ask Wile E. Coyote for the phone number to ACME…?"

"R-right…l-like a rocket-powered skateboard…is going to…slow you down…"

For just a moment they forgot their dire situation and began to giggle like happy children. In time the moment passed.

"Miko…? I…I'm scared."

She set down the flashlight and slid next to Raf and gingerly held his hand, lacing their fingers together.

Miko whispered, "So am I."

They sat in silence for awhile. The flashlight began to flicker, its battery slowly dying.

Raf rasped, "…so…close…"

She gazed at him with a mixture of worry and confusion.

Raf explained, "…s-so close…I could…could almost see it…"

"What…? What could you almost see, Raf-kun…?"

Raf murmured, "Our…our wedding, Miko. Isn't…isn't it ironic…? H-here at the end…we're sitting in a-a church…of all places…"

Miko blinked rapidly, her burning eyes utterly spent and unable to cry. She leaned over and whispered, "I love you, Rafael. I will love you forever."

Raf smiled serenely, "…l-love…you…M-Miko…"

They closed the gap and their lips touched.

It was a tiny, chaste kiss. They did not expect such a sweet little thing to suddenly and completely overwhelm their senses. It was as though the whole world around them vanished without a trace, leaving only the two of them in its wake. A blinding light quickly enveloped their bodies and they were forced to shield their eyes, but somehow they could still clearly sense one another's presence. Their minds touched and a glorious torrent of shared memories flooded throughout their very being. Miko and Raf were consumed with joy, because at that moment they both knew without a doubt that their sparkbond had finally been achieved.

When it was over, Miko fought to find focus within her mind. The sudden influx of a lifetime of new memories and experiences made it almost impossible to form a coherent thought.

She gasped, "Th-that…was…SWEET! What a rush! How are you doing, Raf?"

Silence was her only answer.

"R-Raf…?"

The flashlight's rapidly-fading illumination was almost gone. In the relative darkness of the ruined church, Miko could just make out Raf seated next to her.

His body was very still.

"Raf, come on. Th-this isn't funny."

Miko reached out and held Raf by his shoulders. She shook him gently and tried again.

"I-I'm serious, Raf…if you think I'm gonna give up that easy, then you…you…"

She choked back a cry as his head suddenly slumped forward.

"Raf? RAF…?! N-no…nooo…"

Miko tugged Raf's body close as hers cruelly quaked and shuddered. She whispered his name over and over and over again while shaking her head, refusing to let go.

She frantically looked around and cried out, "H-hello…? HELLO?! CAN ANYONE HEAR ME? ANYBODY…?! HELP…HELP US! PLEASE…!"

The flashlight finally sputtered and died, leaving Miko enshrouded in total darkness.

Miko threw her head back and shrieked until her voice was raw. With one free hand she helplessly pounded her fist into the ground.

She was completely drained, both physically and emotionally. Miko grew very still and stared blankly ahead, her eyes gradually becoming adjusted to the darkness. An old rugged crucifix mounted on the far wall slowly became visible. Angrily Miko turned her head away and looked up instead. She blinked in surprise, noticing for the first time a small hole in the roof of the church. She could easily see the bright stars twinkling in the heavens above.

Absently she thought to herself, Huh…so that's how those bats got inside.

Miko finally breathed a deep shuddering breath.

"L-look, I don't think I've got much time left, s-so I'll make this quick. I'm sorry…f-for everything. S-sometimes…sometimes I wish I'd just make up my mind…y-you know, about whether you even exist or not." Miko suddenly trembled as she felt her whole body go numb. She smiled a tiny smile and murmured, "T-to be continued…?"

Miko slowly slumped against the wall but she held her gaze fixed on the stars overhead.

With a last great sigh she whispered, "O-one more thing…p-please…please take care of Raf for me…"

As Miko continued to stare, her vision became blurred. The shimmering stars began to distort and distend, transforming before Miko's eyes into the familiar faces of her beloved friends.

Miko was barely coherent as she reached out to them.

B-Bulkhead…? Oh, 'Bulk…I'm so sorry, big guy. I wish you were really here. Ratchet? S-sorry, Doc-Bot…it…it doesn't look like it's gonna be your day for a miracle. Ar-Arcee…you take good care of Jack and Orion, okay? B-Bumblebee…? Hey, long time no see, 'Bee.

More and more faces began to appear out of the ether, some easily recognizable and a couple of them Miko had never seen before.

Hot Rod…Predaking…M-Megatron, is that you? N-no, wait…you're going by Galvatron now, that's right…

Finally Miko's human family became visible.

Jack…Orion…June…Agent Fowler…I'm sorry I let all of you down…please forgive me…please…!

With every iota of her remaining strength Miko screamed, "I'M SO SORREEE!"

Miko wasn't certain, but just before everything went black it almost appeared like the faces of her friends and family all turned to look straight at her.

Then everything grew dark.

Miko's head sagged against Raf. She was unaware of anything at that point, in particular the sudden burst of swirling emerald light just outside the ruins of the church.

She also did not hear the sound of urgent murmuring, the noise when the door to the church was forcefully opened, or even the strangely recognizable voice that shouted with relief.

"I FOUND THEM!"

Only when she felt the sensation of two strong arms encircling her did Miko suddenly stir to a painful half-awareness. Her eyes fluttered open and through the haze she saw a familiar face looking down at her.

"A-Agent…Fowler…?"

He smiled kindly, "Easy, Miko…easy. I've got you, soldier."

She reached out blindly and cried, "R-Raf…Raf…y-you can't just…we-we've gotta…!"

"RAF!"

Miko suddenly started awake. She looked around and found herself in an unfamiliar room. She was clothed in a soft gown and lay in a medical bed. When Miko noticed that she was hooked up to an IV, she realized she was in a hospital.

"Hey, kid."

Miko's head whirled to see the smiling face of Agent Fowler. He was seated in a rather uncomfortable-looking chair next to her bed.

Fowler grinned, "Glad to see you're still with us. The others also wanted to come but I asked them to - "

Miko suddenly lunged and tightly latched onto Agent Fowler. She began sobbing as the memories of what had happened finally overwhelmed her.

Fowler was startled but didn't object. He gently held her and said, "Heyyy…what's all this, now? Where's my favorite Junior Wrecker, huh? Remember, big girls don't cry, Miko…"

"THEY DO, TOO!"

He chuckled and continued to hold her until the emotional storm finally subsided.

When she finally pulled back her face was flushed and tears streaked her reddened cheeks.

"R-Raf…h-he…"

Fowler abruptly stood to his feet and walked over to the other side of the room. He reached out and took hold of the large plastic sheet that separated Miko's room to another adjoining room. He pulled back the sheet and revealed Raf, alive and resting peacefully in his own bed.

Fresh tears trickled down Miko's face as she whispered his name.

Fowler walked back over to Miko and gently took her hand.

"C'mon…I'll help you."

Glowing, she beamed and whispered, "Th-thank you."

He eased her out of her bed and supported her weight while carefully pulling her IV stand along with her. He walked them over to a chair next to Raf's bedside and helped her sit.

Raf sensed them and slowly began to stir.

"Up and at 'em, soldier. You've got company."

Raf's eyes opened and he put his glasses on. Turning to face Miko, he immediately smiled a very tired but very happy smile. He swallowed painfully and managed to rasp, "H-hey."

Miko murmured, "Hey, yourself."

She shyly took hold of his hand and it was all she could do not to break down. She blinked back the tears and basked in the sweet relief that Raf was still alive.

The door opened and a doctor entered the room. He checked their vitals and nodded satisfactorily.

Fowler asked, "Entonces, cómo son ellos, Doctor?"

The doctor scratched his head and answered, "Nunca he visto nada remotamente paracido. Ambos deberían estar muerto, especialmente el chico. La mordedura de serpiente por si solo debería haberlo matado. A este ritmo ambos serán lo suficientemente bien como para salir mañana por la mañana."

Fowler smiled, "Son sobrevivientes. Son resistentes. Nunca se rindieron y nunca voy a renunciar a ellas." Under his breath he muttered, "Nunca más."

The doctor turned to leave and said, "Así, por favor, hágamelo saber si necesitan algo."

Fowler nodded, "Voy a. Gracias, Doctor."

The doctor closed the door behind him. Miko and Raf stared agape at Fowler. He looked back at them and smiled innocently.

In spite of his sore throat, Raf managed to speak, "Y-you speak Spanish…?!"

Fowler laughed and shrugged, "Spanish, French, Arabic, and Swahili…besides English, that is. What can I say…? I get around."

Miko asked, "Speaking of getting around, how did you find us?"

Fowler paused for a moment before replying, "What's the last thing you remember?"

She struggled as she tried to recall her last thoughts. It was mostly a blur.

"I…I remember seeing…faces. I-I called out to them, and…wait…"

She suddenly looked at Fowler. He smiled.

"Y-you mean…"

Fowler smiled, "…I heard you, Miko. We all did."

Miko stammered, "B-but...but you were hundreds of miles away! How…?"

He said nothing, patiently letting her figure it out.

Finally she whispered, "…Orion…?"

He nodded gravely and said, "Seems my Grandson did more than just create a bond between us and our better halves."

"But why would he…?"

"I don't know, and frankly it concerns me. In addition to the intimate sparkbond we 'couples' share, it looks like we all share some kind of strange…connection. It doesn't run nearly as deep, but it's there. We're bound together…all of us…in a way I don't pretend to understand."

Miko cautiously asked, "Agent Fowler, you and Jack's Mom…wh-what's it been like for you two?"

As he sipped at some water to soothe his parched throat, Raf silently watched Fowler's reaction. He noted that for just an instant Fowler hesitated, his guarded expression darkening slightly.

Fowler finally answered, "We're still…adjusting."

Suddenly uncomfortable, he quickly changed the subject. "But that's enough about me! Hey Rafael, I thought you might want to know…that old church you were in? You two might have accidently stumbled onto a previously unknown mission established by Father Kino."

Raf's jaw dropped and for an instant he forgot how much it hurt to speak as he shouted, "Padre Kino?!"

Miko asked, "Am I missing something here? Who is Father Keanu?"

Raf shook his head and suddenly leaned over to fondly kiss Miko on the lips. His voice was practically gone so he whispered, "Father Eusebio Francisco Kino was an Italian priest and missionary from the 16th Century. He spent the last years of his life establishing over twenty missions extending from Arizona to what is now known as Sonora. In his travels he covered over 130,000 square kilometers, working alongside the native peoples and teaching them how to raise cattle as well as introducing them to various new crops from Europe. He was also a writer, explorer, geographer, mathematician, cartographer, and astronomer. He's always been one of my heroes."

"Wow…" Even Miko was impressed.

Fowler pulled over a chair and sat down before adding, "He was a good man. He died in 1711 and his remains are now in Magdalena de Kino, Sonora."

Raf hoarsely said, "Agent Fowler, earlier when you were speaking with the doctor you said 'Never again.' Exactly what were you talking about?"

Fowler's eyes had a haunted, faraway look as he slowly answered.

"Before I became the government liaison to the Autobots, I was a soldier. I was on a mission with my unit behind enemy lines and we got separated. The enemy was closing in so I did what I could to lead them on a wild goose chase."

Miko chirped excitedly, "I remember hearing about this! You told Bulkhead this story years ago while he was getting rid of that Tox-En, right?"

Fowler nodded, "I tricked the enemy by leaving a false trail. It gave me the chance to regroup with my unit…" He closed his eyes before continuing, "…but what I didn't tell Bulkhead is what happened next."

Raf nervously asked, "Wh-what happened…?"

"I rejoined my fellow soldiers, only to learn that the enemy had managed to find them first." Fowler grimaced at the memory. "Th-they never had a chance. They had been exposed to an experimental biological weapon the enemy had been developing, a-and they died screaming in agony."

Horrified, Miko's hand covered her open mouth as Raf reflexively crossed himself.

"I lost three of my closest friends that day. Steinberg, Graves, Pulaski…all good men. I still have nightmares about it. I guess I'll always wonder if what I did even mattered…" Fowler suddenly opened his eyes and looked intently at Raf and Miko. "…but I promise you this: as long as I'm alive, I will do everything in my power to protect my fellow soldiers…my friends…my family."

Miko wiped away a stray tear and said, "Scrap, we've got the coolest family in the universe, don't we?"

Fowler chuckled and replied, "You know, the sparks that Orion gave us…they transformed us. Not just mentally, but physically. I don't know if you two have noticed the change yet but we're stronger and tougher than any human on the face of the earth, and I suspect it helped keep you alive in that hellhole. That snakebite alone had more than enough poison to kill a grown man several times over. Normally anyone who managed to survive a bite like that would've at the very least been hospitalized for well over a week. At the rate you're healing, you'll be out of this hospital by tomorrow morning."

Raf asked, "Wait, exactly how long have we even been in this hospital?"

Fowler grinned, "You've only been here for a couple of hours, son. Pretty amazing, huh…?"

Miko giggled, "That's awesome, Raf! That means we can still make it in time for the Day of the Dead festival!"

Raf rolled his eyes and whispered, "Don't forget that other little thing we have to take care of, Miko."

Miko playfully bonked herself on the head and stuck out her tongue.

"Oops. Heh…almost forgot."

Fowler shook his head and laughed.

"By Uncle Sam's suspenders, you two are something else."

He slowly stood up and smiled, "Look, I should be going. I'm sure you two wouldn't mind having some privacy. Oh, one other thing…we were able to locate your car in the desert and the 'Bots managed to fix the engine. It's waiting for you in the parking lot when you're ready to check out of here. If you need anything - anything at all - don't hesitate to call me."

Miko suddenly jumped to her feet and kissed Fowler on the cheek. She grinned, "We will. Thank you so much, Agent Fowler. You're the best."

Suddenly embarrassed he straightened up and fiddled with his tie, gruffly muttering, "Blasted kids…"

Fowler opened the door and ordered, "Get some rest, soldiers. You earned it."

Before the door closed Miko shouted, "Give our love to the others!"

She turned to look lovingly at Raf. His exhausted eyes had begun to droop heavily.

"Sleepy?"

He nodded, "Mm-hm."

"Raf?"

"Yes, Miko…?"

"If you ever do this to me again, I will make you live to regret it."

Raf's eyes widened. He opened his mouth to respond but Miko immediately shushed him. She pointed a finger directly at him as her body began to tremble.

"N-never…again."

Raf saw the suddenly vulnerable look in Miko's eyes. He understood and offered his hand. She took it and he gently pulled Miko into a tender embrace as she began to cry.

He smiled and softly whispered, "Yes, ma'am."