The tendrils ran through her hair. She was staring at the mirror. Her dress was the most girly thing she owned… It was also the most proper outfit she owned. She wanted to look nice for her grandparents. Soundwave was happy to help. His tendrils held small hair brushes and combs, her hair was combed back and then was sprayed with something to make it stay that way. She paused as a second tendril reached down with a cleansing wipe, she scrunched up her face as it was forcefully cleaned. Even though she had already cleaned it, Soundwave wanted to make sure she was perfect. That tendril retracted and then pulled a chair forward. Miko sat. The tendril pulled over her newly cleaned boots. They slipped onto her foot and then laced up for her. She at least got to apply her make-up on herself… Though said make-up was her putting as much concealer and foundation that she could on the scars on her arm. She didn't want to freak her grandparents out. She glanced over at Megatron, he was in a similar state. Knockout was running a buffing machine against the mech's helm. Megatron turned and snarled at Knockout, who immediately moved back in response. The medic rolled his optics and grabbed a wet cloth. He started to clean Megatron's arm, getting all the dirt off. The other two mechs had already cleaned and shined themselves. Breakdown was explaining to Airachnid and Starscream the duties they had to take over for the day, the specific reasons to contact and what to do if they called for help. Miko paused as a third tendril appeared, presenting her a few different pairs of earrings. She frowned as she examined them.
"Oh- If you go to my bedside. There is a pair of obsidian earrings my grandparents gave to me." The tendril retracted. Then the box she told about was shown. She smiled as she took it and then slid the earrings in. All the tendrils looked away. Miko smiled as she posed in the mirror. She looked awesome! Her outfit was proper and neat, but still unapologetically her. Her mullet was slicked back and sat proper. She smiled as Soundwave's single digit patted her on the head. Megatron pushed Knockout away, he stood and marched to her. She smiled as she hopped over to the edge of the desk. He tilted his helm as he examined her. Without a word, he extended his servo. She jumped onto her perch. She smiled as he lifted her up to his optic level. There was something warm and comforting about this, about him. She could feel the waves of comfort and the overwhelming feeling of pride. He smiled down at her. Bearing his teeth. His optics were half lidded.
"You look beautiful my dear." He hummed. She blushed at the flattery, "Absolutely ravishing." She looked away and giggled. She looked at the two Grounder mechs, they were shiny and they looked eager. She gave them a thumbs up and they copied. Megatron carried her delicately to the door. She was like a precious bird. The three mechs and the femme bowed to Megatron as he, Soundwave and Knockout walked out of the open door. It had been kept open to allow easy traffic in and out. Megatron looked down at Airachnid and Soundwave, he snarled as he eyed them.
"I am entrusting you two to run off the ship… Do remember Soundwave will be here to monitor and report back to me. Behave." The warning was met with silent nods. They knew better than to piss him off, today of all days especially. Breakdown and Knockout were ahead of Miko and Megatron as they marched down the hallways. Soundwave was following silently behind. Miko was bouncing as she waited. She had never been so excited by the idea of getting back to Japan. Breakdown and Knockout were talking amongst themselves, deciding who would be the vehicle Miko would arrive in. She looked at Megatron, they had been working on his Japanese. They were repeating phrases to each other, what proper honorifics to use when talking about people or animals. Miko smiled as they entered the Groundbridge room. The three mechs stopped just before it while Soundwave went behind and typed in coordinates. Knockout transformed, it seemed Miko would be arriving in style. She whooped as Megatron set her down. She smiled back at him. Before she departed, she turned. She hugged Megatron's digit. He stopped, staring at her. She smiled as she looked up at him.
"Thank you Megatron, thank you so much for all of this." She pulled away and took her seat on the passenger seat inside Knockout. The door closed for her and even her seatbelt was buckled for her. Knockout drove first, ahead of the others as the Groundbridge opened up. The swirling lights were amazing. She closed her eyes as they entered the vortex, she always felt just a little sick when going through it.
"Excited to see your grandparents again?" Knockout hummed. Miko admired the interior of the Aston martin. The middle console had three screens. The bottom screen controlled the radio, the second showed volume or maybe what radio signals had the most traffic and the top was a map. It was a GPS, an overview satellite image that slowly crawled with how he moved. The interior lights were red, making it glow. The seats, the steering wheel and the middle console were all black.
"Yeah! Even more excited for you guys to meet!" She winced as they exited the Groundbridge. She opened her eyes and saw the tall hills covered in trees. The Japanese midday sun shone bright on top of them. Tall, fluffy white clouds rolled past, overlapping each other and disappearing behind the hills. The tinted black windows gave the colourful countryside no justice. Miko pressed the button, the window rolling down. A warm breeze rushed into the Aston Martin. She poked her head out. She smiled. Either side of them were two arching hills, covered in thick tree brush. A distance ahead the trees disappeared to make room for rice fields and even further you could see some dotted villages. The closest was on the other side, the drivers side. It was at the bottom of the hills, it was densely packed. If you strained your eyes you could see the sign for a large supermarket on the roof of said store. But a distance from that village, much, much closer was an arching entryway. The sign on the side, beside an old post box, had 'Nakadai residence' carved into it. A wide, black tiled, curled roof peaked out from the tree line. Breakdown and Megatron stood behind them. Looking around, the trees covered and hid them from anyone who was downhill.
"Okay! So me and Knockout will go and then only come in when I go to get you." Miko explained the vague plan she had in her head. Well, vague was a strong word. It was more than vague, it was non-existence. Megatron tutted as he knelt beside her. He reached out his servo, gently stroking her cheek. She leaned into it and beamed. Breakdown kissed Knockout's roof wishing him luck. The Aston martin's engine revved in response.
"We will patiently await that then. Be safe." He pushed her to Knockout. She nodded and went back to her seat. She closed the door. Looking in the rearview mirror as they drove forward slowly, she saw Megatron and Breakdown retreat into the brush. They were really good at disappearing, she realised. Robots in disguise truly.
The road was bumpy, just a dirt track with smooth rocks lining it. A few trees back was a water mill and a small river. It was coming down from the taller hills. The road bent and there on the side of it, beside the dead end was a house. An old couple stood on the porch. Knockout stopped and Miko lunged out of the car. She had never moved so fast. Her heart was skipping beats. She watched her grandparents' eyes widen, delight clear. Her grandad outstretched his arms. Her legs almost failed as she hugged him. His embrace was strong, it was warm and it was full of love. Her grandfather's thin, boney hands gripped onto her shoulders and back. He chuckled as she hugged him tight.
They pulled away but she was soon captured in her grandmother's arms. While the hug was just as full of love. Her grandmother's hand was much colder, it was shaky and frail. A weak and fragile body. Her grandmother had brown splotches, like massive freckles on the back of her hand. Her grandmother kissed the top of Miko's head, the warmth ebbed through her and it made her laugh. She pulled away and took a deep breath. She took in the sight of the two grandparents. Her grandmother had white, candy floss-like hair that sat just above her neck and no further. Her grandfather had shafper, silver hair that he had let grow long. He had it tied into a ponytail. Her Grandmother, Sobo, was wearing a soft pink cardigan and a blue, ankle-length dress. Her Grandfather, Jiji, had a white sweater and brown khaki trousers on. His loafers were a darker brown.
"Look at you! Look at your hair- You're so beautiful!" Jiji laughed. She smiled, her grandfather placed a hand on her arm. He paused as he looked at her arm. She felt a tinge of fear. He ran a hand over the scars, he could feel the change in texture. He looked at her, a worried and suspicious look in his eyes. He pulled up his sleeve and spat on it. Sobo reeled back in disgust, she slapped her husband on the other arm. Jiji ignored her and rubbed the wet cotton on Miko's arm.
"Mh! Jiji- It's okay, I can explain. I promise!"Miko watched as some of her scars came revealed. Her grandfather stared in horror. He dragged Miko inside, she only got a quick glance back at Knockout before her grandmother covered the doorway. Sobo closed the door, very confused about what was happening. Jiji frowned as he looked at his wife, "... Sweetheart… How about you do this… I'll go make some drinks and food." He knew Sobo and Miko had a close bond. He took off his shoes, left them beside the others and walked deeper into the house. Miko undid her laces and placed them beside Jiji's, and her grandmother copied. Sobo slipped on her glasses and examined Miko's arm. She took out her handkerchief and gently started to wipe the make-up off. Miko sighed, closing her eyes. She was part of a war now, she couldn't hide that from her grandparents. She couldn't hide the large scars on her arms, why she tried was a question that would plague her for the rest of the day. Her grandmother finished cleaning off the concealer and foundation, the old woman gave a sigh of disbelief. She gently touched the healed and well kept scars. She readjusted her glasses and frowned. She looked back at Miko, chewing at her faded and wrinkled lips.
"Did you do this to yourself?" The old woman asked in Miko's preferred language. She had noticed that when being first greeted. They greeted her in English. Miko looked at the rather large scars. She could have laughed. How could she even have hoped to do this to herself? She looked back inside the house, down the hallway Jiji had disappeared in.
"No… An accident happened and- Eeerrm… I… was thrown into some glass, I had kinda fallen and the shards… That's what the scars are from." She wasn't sure how to explain it. Her grandmother sighed and took Miko into the sitting room. The large sliding wall-like doors were open, revealing the beautifully kept gardens. Neat grass, organised flower and veg garden and at the very edges, the river that trickled beside the entrance to the land. Miko stood on the balcony. Her grandmother watched her as she sat on the couch. She pulled her blanket over her lap as she watched the young girl.
Miko stood on the balcony, the air brushed through her hair and kissed its chilly kiss against her cheeks. Her dress's skirt was fluttering as the wind darted indoors. She only had her socks on, but the grass was blessed by morning dew. It was glistening. She sat on the edge of the light wood porch. She slipped off her socks, pure, snow white socks. They only reached up to her ankles- School uniform rules. With bare feet she dropped herself into the soft grass. She giggled at the ticklish feeling, and with some anxiety she took cautious steps away from the safe house. When no harm came, her child wonder and joy took over. She laughed as she ran forward, her arms spread out to either side. She ran in circles. The flowers were blossomed, fresh and newly sprouted. Not once did her feet find a pebble or stone. She spun around on the ball of her feet, almost falling as she did so. Her black hair bounced and swayed, it brushed past her shoulder blades and didn't reach that much further. She took a few deep breaths as she looked at the almost cloud-free sky. The sun was hiding just behind the tree branches. The wind pushed past her again. She frowned as it calmed again. She didn't like the wind passing her, and so walked to the east edge of the garden. The way the wind was coming from.
There she waited, she watched the trees with diligence. She could wait, she could always wait when it came to winning or beating something. Her patience seemed infinite when it came to games. Her patience was quick to be rewarded however, she soon saw the wind pushing past the trees a few metres behind her. She bent her knees in preparation as she watched it. It touched the trees just behind her starting line and like that she was off. As fast as little legs could carry her. The wind was just behind her, snapping at her heels. But she just kept running. She felt like the fastest thing on planet Earth! She was faster than the wind! Though, in reality, she ran a little faster then the average eight year old and the wind was a lazy one, that could be outrun by a fat squirrel. She ran and ran and ran. Miko laughed and cheered as she got closer to her end goal. The wind got further and further from her and she had wo-
The river was a gentle slope down. But it was pebble and rock covered. Her feet failed to hit the ground that had fallen away. She fell knees first. Her stomach and back, as she twisted, landed in the cold, fresh water. Her head somehow remained untouched, her hands in a similar state. She laid there, staring at the sky. Then she felt the wind, it danced across her stunned face. She had won the race. She whooped and fist bumped the air. She had won the race! She sat up, she couldn't see either of her grandparents. She frowned and then looked down. Bare knees that were decorated in multi-coloured bandaids. But now, there was a new cut. A crimson red was trickling down to her ankles, it stained her ankles. All of a sudden her knee was enveloped in the worst pain she had ever experienced. Every cut was the worst for a child, it was even worse with blood involved. She stared at the trickling substance. A wail escaped her, a snot-nosed childs wail. She, messily and clumsily, got to her feet. She ran, ran faster than she had when racing the wind. She almost tripped a few times, stubbing her toes a few times on the dirt. She clambered onto the porch and ran through the house. Blood drops being left.
She ran into the back of her grandmother, the older woman gasped in shock. She spun around, dropping the clean washing basket. She saw the weeping state of her granddaughter, she sighed and knelt down. Her greying black hair was tied tightly in a bun. Even when she was at the house, she had a full face of make-up. Miko admired her so much. She gave Miko a warm smile. She brushed the tears away from Miko's red cheeks. She kissed her forehead. She didn't care if her dress got bloody. She carried the small girl to the kitchen, to the first aid case in the cabinets. Miko's tiny, stubby fingers gripped onto the cloth of her dress. The tips of her fingers being buried by the pale pink material. It was soft and smooth. Her grandfather was working and the house showed it, it was unbearably tidy and silent. Miko broke out in sobs as the pain ebbed, she was set on the counter.
"So strong… So rowdy yet cannot roll with the punches…"Her grandmother teased. Miko just sniffled. Her grandmother knelt and got the med-kit out. She first got the wipes. Miko hissed in pain as her knee was cleaned, "Ssh, ssshh my brave little fox… No tears are needed." She wiped the fresh tears away. Miko smiled at the nickname. She was her grandparents' little fox. They had gotten her a teddy of a fox when she was first born. She would be told it was because she was a little trickster, always getting in trouble, always looking for fun. She smiled as her grandmother brought out a bright purple band-aid. She applied it to the cut knee and then kissed it better. That kiss did it, it all felt better now. The kiss was magic, Miko had decided. It was the ultimate healing spell. Her grandma was magic. Her grandmother sat up, brushing off her knees. She smiled down at the little girl. She cupped Miko's cheeks and sighed, her thumbs rubbing circles gently on the top of her cheeks.
Miko smiled. She was happy, she was warm and she was content. She was back on that porch, the wood not even more worn. She had black, knee-high socks on now. Her short, bright pink hair swayed only barely by the air. She stared at the grass, at the neat garden and the swirling stream. She turned back, the decorations of the house had not changed at all. The starkist change was her grandmother, that once proud woman that could carry a chubby toddler. Now she was frail, grey and just sat on her couch, smiling at Miko. So much had changed and yet stayed the same. Miko and Sobo, Minato Sato, wife of Akira Sato. They had only one daughter, Miko's mother. Miko turned her body to face her Sobo, she closed her eyes and sighed.
"Do you ever miss me?" Miko's voice cracked. Her grandmother sat up at this, her dark eyes widened in surprise. She sat up, readjusted how she sat as she considered the question.
"Of course! We miss you every day. We worry about you everyday… Especially with those scars now." Her grandmother gestured. Miko nodded, she looked at the ground.
"Do you remember that night… When you found me on the school roof?" The words left her like a lifeless breath. Her grandmother's lips tightened into a grimace. Her grandmother looked away, to a photo Miko couldn't see, across from Sobo. Her grandmother just silently nodded. That was the most Miko was going to get. Miko knew it. Miko rubbed at her arms, she looked away, into the forest, in a stupid attempt to hide her shame.
"It happened again… I was at the edge of a cliff this time. Nevada has a lot of cliffs." Miko's voice cracked. Her grandmother went awfully silent. Miko gripped the back of her head, her fingers entangling with the stiff and hardened locks of hair. She sighed and crossed her arms, "But… I found someone. Or well he found me. He helped me away from the cliff and he's been… A constant ever since… But… It's complicated." Miko had no idea how to explain it all. How to explain that the man at the cliffs was a giant alien robot war tyrant. Her grandmother sat up, her eyes had an electric effect as she stared down her kin. Miko could have died under that hard gaze. Miko hugged herself tight. Her grandmother leaned on one arm, her index scratching its side against her chin.
"What has happened to you, my clever little fox?" The old woman turned her head away, an abrupt coughing fit escaped her body. Miko parted from her safe area and knelt by her grandmother's side. She held the ill woman's hand. She felt helpless, no amount of cough drops or mixtures would strengthen the weak lungs. It was an undefeatable enemy, a terrifying march that all those who were bound by time took part in. And Miko was helpless as she watched her grandparents march further and further away. She stroked the back of the woman's hand, doing all that she could. Her grandmother finally regained herself, she turned to Miko, "Whose car was that? The one you arrived in?"
Miko sat up a little, ah yes, Knockout. She had almost forgotten about the mech in her excitement. Her grandfather entered with a tray, there were two mugs and a teapot, a can of soda, a plate full of biscuits and chocolates. He set it down on the low table, centre of the room. Miko helped her grandmother up and helped her to the table, her grandmother happily knelt. Miko knelt with her back to the garden and her Grandfather sat across from her grandmother. Her grandfather poured the tea and gave his wife the first drink. Then he popped open the soda and poured it into the glass with ice in it. He gave that to Miko and then he got his own drink.
"Itadakimasu- Right, now. The car I came in." Miko nodded to her grandad before gesturing to both Grandparents. Her Grandad perked up in surprise. He held up his hand, "And the scars."
"And the scars."Miko repeated. She rubbed at her arm, feeling the hardened skin under her fingers. She closed her eyes. She knew she had to word this carefully. She knew she couldn't let them freak out. She placed her hands in her lap, she sat with her legs crossed. She interlocked her fingers as she stared at her palms. She was frightened, of course she was. She didn't want to choose between her families, because both sides really were. Her Grandparents were her genetic, the family she was born to. The 'Cons were the family she had found and she got to choose. She didn't know who she'd choose. But… The endura connection ebbed, like a force field around her.
She couldn't break away from her Amica Endura.
"Do you believe in aliens?" The question shocked and baffled the two. Her grandmother rolled her eyes and sipped her tea. But her grandfather just narrowed his eyes, he was seriously considering her question. Finally he nodded, "Of course why?" Miko ignored his question. She huffed and continued hers.
"Do you believe that those aliens know what war is?" She winced as it came out of her mouth. Her grandmother stopped drinking, she looked at Miko. Her grandad seemed stuck on that question. Her Sobo pursed her mouth and then spoke in a dry and questioning tone. Miko felt a shiver run down her spine.
"Miko… Miko my dear. Where is this going?" She leaned forward. Miko sighed. She closed her eyes trying to figure out how to tell them. She opened her eyes to take a drink of her soda. She placed it down, swallowed. She felt the sting of the bubbles and the fizz at the back of her throat. She winced, that was new. She checked the can, checking to see if there were any ingredients she wasn't aware of. Carbonation, sugars, synthetic flavours… She shrugged. Nothing she could figure out. She turned back to her grandparents. She grabbed two of the biscuits, they were crumbly and had a thin layer of chocolate on top. She broke one in half, she ate it slowly. Her stomach didn't cry out and so she ate the rest of the two cookies. Her grandparents waited in silence, thick, vicious, horrific silence. Her grandmother was about to speak, Akira lifted up his hand and that silenced her. His wife stared death into him but he just shrugged.
Miko grabbed another biscuit and ate that too. She then drank again. She smacked her lips, taking in the refreshing feeling.
"... It's better if I showed you." She admitted she couldn't find any other words. She was ready to do the build up but then she didn't know where else to go. This was why she was an illustrator, not a writer. She watched her grandfather take large sips of his drink, his fingers were tapping the mug. He was excited. He put down his mug and then quickly stood, he grunted as his knee popped quite loudly. He grunted in pain and then marched into the other room. Sobo sighed, shaking her head. She didn't bother with any of her tea, "Help me up dear." Sobo called. Miko was quick to jump up and help her grandmother stand. The old woman muttered thanks. She hobbled in the same direction as her husband. Miko tidied the cups and her glass. She then walked into the thin hallway. She walked down the hall to find Akira putting on Minato's jacket for her.
He circled her, planting chaste kisses on the back of her head. She waved him away, slapping him on the nose. He stumbled back, chuckling but she was in shock. She reached up and was crying apologies. But he just hushed her, kissing her forehead. They both giggled silently. He grabbed his cane, a dark oak with a golden handle and a black loop connecting the two pieces. He smiled at their granddaughter, Minato nodded to her. Together the older couple came out to their granddaughter. Akira gestured.
"Lead the way."
Miko marched to the front door. She scooped up her grandparents' shoes and laid them on the mat for them. Miko sat on the floor, lacing up her boots and messily making knots. Her grandparents slipped on their shoes. Miko opened the door, the car was still there. The cherry red Aston martin's engine was purring but there was no exhaust. Miko helped her grandmother down the step. Her grandfather hopped down and held his wife's hand. Miko gestured for them to stop.
"Wait- Stay this far." She gave a thumbs up, with that she turned to the Aston martin. She stood right beside it and opened the driver's door. No one was inside, there was not even an Aston martin symbol on the wheel- Instead, there was an odd insignia of a masked face with spikes coming out the top. Miko took a step to the side, allowing her grandparents to see that. Her grandfather tilted his head. The change in language was jarring enough, but the lack of driver was just confusing. Miko closed the door in the most polite and gentle fashion anyone could conceive. She gave a thumbs up to the driverless car, she smiled back at her grandparents. They frowned, her grandfather about to shout but her Grandmother lifted her hand up and silenced him. He glanced at her confused.
"Let her do this… She's been through so much… Let her have her games."
Miko didn't seem to notice her grandparents talking. She was scanning the trees, making sure there were no loose branches. She then checked the nearby rocks, making sure the car was not too close to the plant pots. She then went back to the bottom of the front door. She gave a shout in a language neither understood. It sounded like a hiss from the back of her throat and a click of the tongue. Miko was bouncing up and down. Her grandparents looked at the cherry red Aston martin. Then the door started to move, it didn't open. It instead started to slide upwards. The other doors copied. Then the entire car broke in half. The machine twisted and transformed. The car transformed. Knockout stood as his shoulder pads clicked in place. His dark red optics glowed down at them. Miko clapped her hands. Knockout stretched and smirked. He was not that much taller than them. She turned back to her grandparents. Her grandfather had dropped his cane, he had taken some slow steps forward. Her grandmother was frozen to her place. Miko held out her hand, her grandfather looked down at her. His mouth hung open, he stuttered in shock.
"Knockout doesn't bite." Miko giggled. Her grandfather took a deep breath and took her hand. He was led down the steps, to be beside the mech. In his eyes was awe, a long time theory held correct. Knockout grunted as he dropped to both knees. The old human let go of his granddaughter's hand, he reached out. He offered his hand to the mech, his fingers shaking. Knockout smiled and extended his own servo. Dark grey, clawed metallic digits gently wrapped around the frailer flesh, the two shaking hands. Knockout chuckled and spoke, "A pleasure to meet the two who raised our dear Miko." Her grandmother cried out. She covered her mouth with her hands. Miko looked at Knockout and then went back to her Grandparents. Jiji started to chuckle as he looked at his wife.
"Did you think it could not spe- I'm sorry, let me introduce myself!" Miko's grandad turned back to Knockout. He placed a hand on his chest as they let go of each other's hands. He fixed his hair as well, "I am Akira Sato, Miko's Grandad. The lovely lady is my wife, Minato Sato." He bowed to the mech. Knockout stood, he remembered what Miko had taught him before they came. He bowed back to the old man, placing a servo above his spark chamber.
"I am Knockout, Doctor Knockout of the Decepticon army!" He looked at Miko. She smiled and nodded to him. She looked at her grandad who was in awe of the robotic giant. He looked at the house and frowned. It was obvious the house was too small to fit the huge mech. Minato just stood there, staring at the mech. She hugged herself, looking at the mechanical alien. She looked back at her granddaughter. Miko was bouncing, she was beaming as Knockout and Akira chatted. She had never seen her so happy. So herself. She sniffled as she watched. Miko laughed as she joined the conversation. Minato's english was not the best, when she wasn't concentrating, her mind did not translate it well. But she could make out her little fox's joy. Miko jumped onto the mech's arm, hugged it. He laughed and lifted her up. Her grandad chuckled and watched with interest. Miko jumped down. Minato smiled. It was something she always feared how alone Miko would be after they were gone. She knew her daughter… Her daughter was never meant for motherhood. And that man she married? A cannibal monkey could do a better job. Perhaps, though unconventional, this alien would be better.
She chuckled as she watched her husband and granddaughter. The laugh turned into unsteady breaths and then-
Miko spun around as Minato began another coughing fit. The elderly woman leaned against the door. Akira sighed as he walked to his wife. But he froze as the mech stepped over him even easily. The height difference was not lost on him. The mech knelt beside Minato, she stared up at him. With some fear and some suspicion. But her coughing was occupying most of her attention.
"Sobo, it's okay. Knockout has been taking care of me." Miko helped Sobo get closer to Knockout. The old woman pouted but as her coughing subsided she just waved them both away.
"I have not gone to a Doctor for… Ten years! I do not need to now!" She picked up her husband's cane and walked it over to him. He thanked her, kissing her on the head. Knockout snorted as he looked down at Miko. She shrugged as she looked at him. He tilted his helm, leaning in to whisper to her, "Am I doing well?"
"Well grandad is star struck."
"Obviously! Who could not be star struck with me?" Knockout flashed his 'nails', examining the tips of his claws. Her grandfather's spluttering laugh cut through. Knockout turned as Akira gestured, "I like him- Ya know we could use a good sports car to go get shopping." Minato pushed him, but he just laughed. Knockout snorted, leaning down to Miko again, "I like him too." Miko beamed, her giddiness was hard to contain. She wondered how much better this would get when they meet Megatron. They were whispering to each other, nodding and agreeing with whatever the other one was saying. Her Grandmother quickly waved to her husband, Akira quickly went to the side of the house. He opened the double gates that he used to get the delivery truck in and out when he got new plants. Minato bowed to Knockout.
"Please, join us inside." She gestured to the open gate. Knockout looked down at Miko. She gave a thumbs up and walked over to the gate. Knockout followed. He looked around impressed by it all. Minato walked with Knockout. She looked up at the mech. Miko ran ahead to assist her Grandfather drag the table over to the balcony.
"How is she? Doctor? Has she been behaving?" Her grandmother called up. Knockout smirked, he slowed his pace so he didn't walk too far away from her. He bowed himself, allowing him to speak quieter but still be heard by her. She stopped, looking up at him, she had a warm smile on her face. He then knelt and talked almost like a whisper.
"She has been fantastic. She is so bright, though academic testing has shown otherwise." Knockout hissed the end. Miko's grandmother nodded as she watched her granddaughter pull too much and fall into the grass. Akira looked down and laughed at her. With a strength and athleticism new to Miko, she jumped back up into the house - Making her grandad cry out in surprise and almost fall himself.
"The school system was never good to her… What have you been teaching her?" She clasped her hands together, letting them hang just in front of her stomach. Knockout smiled as he thought for a moment before answering. They'd learn about the others soon anyway.
"Well, myself, I teach her biology of both races, humans and Cybertronians. My co-worker, Soundwave, has been teaching her how to read and write in one of our languages, Kaonian Cybertronian." He explained. The woman seemed to be taken aback by Miko learning a third language. She frowned, examining Knockout. He allowed her. Miko explained that it would take her grandparents a while to get used to the aliens.
"So there are others… Miko mentioned a war, how many are there of you?"
"... Well, there are two sides to the war. Us Decepticons and the Autobots. Miko will explain about them in her own time. On our side there is myself, my husband Breakdown, Commander Soundwave, Commander Starscream, Airachnid and," Knockout stopped. The woman tilted her head as she waited for him to continue. He looked at Miko and then continued, "And then Miko's 'partner', Lord Megatron, our leader." He finished. Minato's eyes widened. She looked back at Miko. She and Akira had sat down, Akira had opened his beer can cooler and was drinking one. She rolled her eyes, they were meant to be saved for dinner.
"Partner in what way?"
"Symbiotic."
She stopped, turning to Knockout confused. She repeated that word a few times until he explained, "A charge and a Guardian. Megatron protects Miko, transports her and is the one who found her by those cliffs… They work together, she seems to relieve his stress, he's certainly less angry." He smiled. She nodded, glad that the term was platonic. Miko was young and despite the pig and his family's demands, too young for a marriage, arranged or not. She frowned as she looked at Knockout, wondering if he was the largest or smallest of these 'Cybertronians'. It would be nice for Miko to marry in the future, and if she had someone as impressive as a military leader… If the mech was a good height of course, not too big.
"I'm glad, Miko always struggled to make friends. Does she ever talk about Japan?" It had broken Minato's heart with how obsessed with America she had become. Miko rejected everything about her home land, guided by her Grandfather's love and her father's horridness… And perhaps Minato's daughter's carelessness. Miko, by the age of twelve was refusing to speak her native tongue and by thirteen she even refused to acknowledge the words spoken to her in Japanese. By the time she got the brochure for Nevada, she had decided before even opening it… And then she was off to America. She had called them in the start, but as time went past. Miko had abandoned her family, her homeland. Yet it seemed Miko had found something far greater than a new land, she found a new world.
"To me? Not much, we do not speak much of the past. She does say thanks in your land's language, much of her food supplies are also from your land." Minato smiled at this, and they entered the garden together. Knockout looked around in admiration, the neatness and the order of it all. Each vegetable was in its tight lane, every flower was in its area. No weeds or wild plants grew in the garden. Miko and Akira were sitting on the edge. Minato pouted as she looked around to see how she could get up. Akira sighed, preparing to throw his back out to help his wife up. Instead, Knockout knelt down and laid out his palm to Minato.
"Need a lift?" He chuckled. She paused, frowning and looking at him. Silently she sat on his palm, he was careful and slow, lifting it up to be high enough. He tilted her inside of the house and she easily slid off. She brushed herself off, and thanked the mech. Akira kissed his wife's hand as she knelt down. A fresh cup of tea was poured for her. She thanked him and sipped her drink slowly. Knockout sat beside the edge. Miko was beaming, ecstatic about how well this was going. Knockout watched the humans eat and drink.
"So, what is this war Miko has told us about?" Akira looked at the human and robot Decepticons. Miko looked at Knockout who crossed his arms. He was never the best at explaining the war, history never his strong suit. So Miko cleared her throat and began.
"So, Knockout… And the others. Their aliens…. Their planet is called Cybertron, it's so far, far away. Like several galaxies."
"Aprox 8,742,000 miles. Probably more." Knockout added. Miko's grandparents sat up at this.
"Anyway, their planet was stuck in a class system. Slavery, countries used for materials… Slaves thrown into gladiator pits to fight for higher up classes to watch. Totally fucked!"
"Miko!" Minato snapped, slapping her hand. Miko reeled back, realising she swore in front of her grandparents. She started to repeat apologies to her grandparents, bowing her head over and over again. Knockout was cackling. Akira placed a hand on Miko's slapped hand, defending her from more slaps.
"Yome, my dear. I believe that to be an accurate word for a thing of that horrifying nature." He nodded for Miko to continue. She sighed and did so.
"So, Megatron… A friend of mine. was one of those slaves, he then became a Gladiator and then with the funds he got… He taught himself to read and write, he became a poet and then a socialite… Politicians too. I'm not too sure, but he was friends with someone. But his friend was from the place that controlled Cybertron so it all got… Messy. Next thing, the revolution turns into a military… And Megatron's people became Decepticons and those who didn't became Autobots." Miko frowned as she explained. Knockout was impressed by her. Megatron most of disclosed his past to her at some point… Surprising, it was hard to pry anything from the mech. Especially something as personal as his history. Minato stopped drinking her tea. So this Megatron man… He was an impressive man indeed. Revolutionary, soldier and poet? He must have been speaking English which meant he was multilingual. Miko took a deep breath and continued.
"The Autobots are led by Optimus Prime. He's a good man, a good mech. I mean… Both sides have good ideals… Autobots liked humans better… Still do. And I…" Miko gripped her head as she remembered. She sniffled, her shoulders shaking. It hurt her head as she remembered. Her brain throbbed, like it was trying to escape its body. She couldn't blame it. She would want to get away from herself too. She always did. Miko didn't even feel her grandparents touch her arm. She didn't feel the sun or the wind. She just felt this throbbing headache. It hurt. She remembered the… She remembered the train. The rushing wind, the slowly approaching broken track… Or, or… Or the zombie con. Miko didn't feel Knockout gently nudge her, she didn't hear the voices of the worried watchers. Miko closed her eyes, to try to make it go away.
A flash appeared before her eyes. It was dark red with white ringlets. They were glowing, warm and soft. They were optics. Megatron's optics. He was looking down at her. She felt the spark energy surge, it warmed her, calmed her beating heart. She felt a claw, metallic and cold. But it was human sized. Miko sized. She closed her eyes and let him. The palm she usually sat on cupped her cheek, it seemed to fit perfectly like a glove. His thumb rubbed circles on the high side of her cheek bones. She nodded, her hands shaking as she knew what he meant without a word. They didn't need to speak. He was just a few metres away, just a short distance. She was safe, she was okay. She stared into his optics and let her mind go quiet.
"Miko!" Knockout snapped. She groaned as she rubbed at her head. She was laying on the ground. Her grandparents were watching over the table, looking down at her. She sat up. Her head no longer hurt and she was calm. She grabbed her drink and took a large swig of her soda. Akira sighed in relief but Minato was less impressed.
"What was that? Why were your eyes glowing!?" Miko paused. She held a hand over her eye, and saw no glow. She had never seen her eyes glow before… If you didn't count that nightmare. She shook her head and looked at her grandparents.
"... A lot has happened since I met the Cybertronians, the glass stabbing my arm being one incident. But… Knockout isn't the only Cybertronian here. There are others waiting." She explained. Her grandparents sat up. Minato was not satisfied by the dodge of her question, but she listened patiently to Miko. Miko looked at the food, "And meeting one of them in particular is really important to me… So I'll let you take your time before we go." Her grandad was more than happy to finish his tea and biscuits. He stuffed his face and took a drink with a goofy smile. Minato however had a feeling she knew who this person was. She took her time eating and drinking. She wanted to formulate her questions carefully. She wanted her points to be exact. If Megatron seemed to be a part of Miko's life so much, Minato wanted to know this mech in and out. Miko smiled as Akira and Knockout were talking about the difference between America and Japanese street races. She giggled as it turned into a fierce debate. Watching the mech and the old man shout at each other over simple things like tarmac and weather conditions. It was funny, her grandfather had never street raced in his life. But he'd be damned if he didn't defend his homeland.
Miko drank and ate with her grandmother, silently watching. She smiled at the older woman who nodded back with a cheeky smile of her own. Miko wondered if they'd like Megatron. She wondered if the other two mechs were getting bored waiting.
The biscuit tray was empty and the sun had reached mid-day. Miko and Knockout stood at the gate, watching her grandmother slip on her jacket and her sun hat. Knockout smiled as the old couple linked arms and began to walk. It was slow, they were old. They came to Miko and Knockout, Knockout nodded as he marched forward and disappeared in the trees. Miko stood a few metres ahead of the old couple. She was bouncing with excitement. Minato held Akira's hand, he gave her hand a squeeze for comfort. They had seen a lot of things throughout their life, living that long did that to you. Akira had met Minato after the Korean war, she was her brother's neighbour. It was odd, your first date being a funeral. They had been together ever since. She had tamed the wild American boy he was. He in return gave her an adventure she could only dream of. He'd take her across the globe on holidays, she'd ride on his motorcycle. He made her feel complete, even when she did not wear make-up. He once fist fought her father because she wanted to go to work and her father threatened to take her away if she did.
They could have never conceived that they'd meet aliens together. They figured they were about to be a part of the best kept secret in the whole world. It was an odd comfort, knowing you're not alone in the universe. It truly was.
Though that comfort was about to disappear.
Knockout re-emerged from the brush. He was holding a larger mech's servo. The blue mech was a lot taller and larger than Knockout. He was bulky, a huge chest of armour. He had two, grey, rock-like stubs coming out of his helm. It looked like cat ears. He had an orange faceplate and a singular yellow eye. He was rounder too. He smiled, waving to Miko and her grandparents. Minato put the clues together and realised that he was Breakdown. She looked at Knockout, she tilted her head. Yes, yes. She could see it. They were nice together. Rough, blue and tall vs sleek, red and short. Very good together. And then they heard a tree groan as it was tipped over.
Akira pushed an arm in front of Minato, protecting her. There were more cracks and groans, different trees breaking and collapsing. Knockout and Breakdown looked at each other and were quick to go beside Miko. Breakdown knelt down. He had a gruff, almost strong American accent.
"The boss is pissed, kid. What did you three do for Miko to have a panic attack!?" He whisper-shouted. Akira and Minato looked at each other. Akira moved Minato back. But she refused to budge. She knew who was coming. Miko stood there, she looked back at her grandparents and there was fear in their eyes. Knockout looked like he could pass out. He looked at Minato and Akira. He placed a servo on his chin, he rubbed at it. Thinking. More trees broke, louder. The 'Boss' was getting louder.
"We were talking about you! When she talked about the Autobots- She… She started to shake." Akira explained. He looked at the forest, the old trees that were collapsing. They could see a mass, large and larger than Breakdown or Knockout.
"... Familiar environment, Japan, the grandparents house… Touchy subjects, being pressed for answers, stressed, reliving memories… Scrap." Knockout rubbed at his faceplate. He looked down at Akira and Minato, he then looked at Miko, "Miko- You go up front, he calms down when he sees you. I'll keep your grandparents safe." Knockout and Breakdown pushed Akira and Minato a distance back to the gate. Placed their servos in front of the older couple. Miko looked at them. Her grandmother reached out, trying to save her grandbaby.
Miko closed her eyes and turned her back on her family, she turned towards Megatron and accepted her fate.
The trees broke and shattered. She heard a sharp gasp as a metallic helmet reared itself upwards. Blocking out the sun. A shadow covered Miko, the grass turned dark, dark green compared to the sunlit blessed almost lime green blades. A two-pronged pede smashed a young oak tree that sat on the border of the brush. He stood up straight, tall. His Decepticon insignia was dark purple, rock-like. His demonic red eyes had halo-like white eyes, blood against snow. He had a dark grey, scarred faceplate. His helmet was almost human-like, and didn't look as attached as the other two mechs' extra helm pieces. His clawed hands were the size of Knockout's helm. They were clawed and looked almost rusted -or bloodstained- at the joints. He had a large cannon attached to his arm. Everywhere that could be was spiked and sharp. Miko heard her name be screamed as Megatron stood in front of her. Her grandparents were screaming her name. They were scared for her, little did they know… They would soon. Everyone would know, even the Autobots. Everyone would know the bond she had, the beast she was tied to. That Miko was no longer someone that could be bullied or pushed down stairs for some, stupid grades. She clenched and unclenched her fists. Megatron knelt down, he knelt before Miko. His helm continued the downward direction, his clawed servo swung around behind her. The clawed, battleworn servos blocked her from view of her grandparents.
Miko leaned against and then sat on Megatron's palm as he tilted his servo. She could see the anger and the worry in his faceplate. She could feel it. It was a hot and pricking feeling. He brought her close to his faceplate. She placed a hand on where his nose should have been, she placed the other to the side. He huffed, his optics softened.
"What happened? Are you alright?" He rumbled, it was quiet yet made her shake. She giggled at the feeling. It was so familiar it made her feel safe. She nodded as she looked back but only saw Megatron's palm. She looked around. She was completely surrounded by the mech. No Earth to be seen. Just the mech.
"I'm fine… Just the memories of being with the Autobots, it hurt. The idea of admitting how much I got hurt… My grandparents don't deserve to be hurt by that."
"You didn't deserve to be hurt, my dear pet. Your grandparents deserved to know, they love you and you need the support. You deserve to be supported." He corrected her. She sighed and nodded. She felt a pulse of reassurance. If only she knew of the envy underneath. Megatron envied them for getting to be that connected. The off chance Miko had somewhere to go to bar the Nemesis, a place where he couldn't keep her safe. It filled him with anxiety and anger. He became almost uncontrollable when he felt her have that panic attack. How dare they!? How dare they cause his pet to suffer such a plight… Pathetic fleshbags meant to be her kin. A pathetic excuse… He looked at Miko who just smiled at him. Unaware of his darker thoughts. She paused, chewing her lips remembering her panic attack. Her eyes had glowed apparently.
"Do my eyes glow when we connect?"
"... Not that I've noticed. Then again you had a tint of purple after we first connected."
"Then we could have restarted that glow when you connected to me like that."
"Plausible my dear pet. Plausible indeed. Now, shall I meet your grandparents?" Megatron teased. Miko laughed at his purr. He leaned in close to her, knocking their helms together. She patted his faceplate and sat back.
"Yeah! Calm down, calm down. Don't mess up my hair." She fixed her hair. She had the biggest grin on her face. Megatron snorted as he stood to his full height. He then lowered his servo, he saw Knockout and Breakdown crouched, protecting two humans. He realised that they were her grandparents. They looked absolutely terrified of him. But then, Miko's head appeared. She was sitting on his palm, he lowered it down better for them to see her. She waved and laughed. Megaton's spark fluttered as he watched the joy she got from showing him to her grandparents. Like she was proud of their relationship, he hoped she was.
Akira and Minato stared, they stared in shock, in relief, in horror, in fear, in happiness and mostly in awe. The same way the followers are in awe of the prophet. In the same way the man stared at the split atom with awe. The same way Megatron watched Miko. Said girl gestured to Megatron, she wanted to go down and so he lowered her. She hopped down and hugged her grandparents. He envied them, being able to embrace her so easily. Then again he despised the idea of being that small and weak… Weak, mortal flesh.
"Grandma! Grandad! Meet Megatron, my Amica Endura! My companion and my partner!"Miko gestured. Megatron stood to his full height. He bowed to them. Minato let go of her husband's hand.
"Good day Minato-san and Akira-san Sato. I am Lord Megatron, leader of the Decepticon army. It is an honour to meet you." The two humans seem to be taken aback by Megatron speaking their tongue. They looked at each other and it was Akira that spoke first.
"It is good to meet you too, flattered that you learnt the language to introduce yourself." Akira joked. Minato arched an eyebrow as she watched the large mech. She guessed he was slightly good looking. He was obviously a battleworn mech, a man who had been through a lot and knew a lot. Megatron snorted as he tilted his helm back. He crossed his arms behind his back.
"I like to believe Miko-chan has taught me more than how to say hello. I have been studying since I met her." He explained. The grandparents made noises of surprise and delight. Minato cupped Miko's cheek, pinching them slightly.
"Aaah! I'm so proud, such a clever girl! You haven't forgotten your roots yet!"She clapped her hands in delight. Miko rubbed her sore cheek. She looked back at Megatron who snorted. Rolling her eyes, Miko turned back to her grandparents. Akira was checking his watch.
"Here. All of you, come inside. We have much to learn and much to talk about." He gestured for them to all follow him. His wife watched Megatron as she took a step to the side to let their guests go first. Miko smiled as she patted the large mech on the leg and led the three aliens inside. So that was Megatron… Mh. She looked back to the destroyed forest. He was strong, had a temper on him, but that was not all. He had a gentleness to him, he calmed Miko and protected her. It was obvious Miko cared a lot about him. Why wouldn't she? Miko had been saved from suicide by the mech. Minato just wished she had learned about it sooner, that she could have been there for Miko more.
She found it likely that Megatron knew of the pig that was Miko's father. As much as she hated the man, she feared for his safety. She didn't want him to die. If he were to even look at Miko again, dying by Megatron's hand was guaranteed. She frowned as she followed them all back into the home. She wondered if Megatron ever wrote Miko a poem. His use of honorifics had not gotten past her. '-San' for herself and Akira was fine. It was standard to use to someone you had not met before... But '-Chan'... It was an honorific you used for someone you were truely close to, the other way of showing it was not using an honorific at all. '-Chan' the honorific used for children, close friends and pets. Though Minato never guessed that the reason for the mechs use of that honorific was indeed for the last example. She could never conceive that her granddaughter would allow herself to be the pet, the songbird of an alien tyrant. No, instead she figured that he used in the 'close friend' context. She decided that they were close friends and so she wondered about other things. If Megatron was a warrior, she had no doubt he was teaching Miko. She smiled. Her frail hands collapsed together.
Good, her bow had been put away for far too much time. It longed to be used again, longed to strike targets again. It seemed it would soon enough.