A/N: Thanks to those who have reviewed so far. Just saw the new trailer for Metal Gear Rising. Looks like it's gonna be good game.
Chapter 42
In the abandoned factory where MECH was thought to be hiding, Bulkhead searched through the area as quietly as he could. The Wrecker may not have been the best when it came to stealth, but that didn't mean he couldn't try. Right now, he was looking for Bumblebee, the scout having gone missing while searching this area for MECH and their man-made Transformer, Nemesis Prime. Bulkhead kept an optic out for the machine, trying to figure out a way to make sure it was him and not Optimus. Though, it's not likely that the Prime would attack Bulkhead, even if he attacked him by accident.
He crept around as stealthily as he could, given his size and weight. The Wrecker's hammers were drawn and he was ready for a fight while he mind wandered. MECH managed to create this thing from just scanning Breakdown. Primus knows how many of these things they would have made had they fully deconstructed him. And it would have been because of Bulkhead's stubbornness.
He still didn't feel any sorrow for the mech, not after all he'd done during their history together. Breakdown had offlined dozens of Autobots, several of them Wreckers, during the War for Cybertron. Being the tightknit group they were, Bulkhead took each loss to his spark, vowing to offline the Brute himself. After years of battle, he was forced to put their rivalry on hold when he first arrived here on Earth to protect the humans. While the Wrecker never thought much of the "fleshies", he followed Opitmus' orders without fail.
After meeting Miko, he came to care about her like and often thought about making her an honorary Wrecker, but that would only give her more reason to follow him into battle. When he first encountered Breakdown after all these years, Bulk's first instinct was to protect the girl at all costs. When she wasn't around, he would focus all of his rage on Breakdown, doing whatever he could to send the Brute to the scrap heap. When he was captured, Bulkhead knew in the back of his mind that Optimus contemplated saving him. When the Prime announced it to the others, Bulkhead was less than pleased.
Despite the good reasoning behind the rescue, Bulkhead still thought Breakdown deserved what he got, regardless of the consequences. After some goading from Miko, he rescued him. He noticed that Breakdown was somewhat hesitant to attack him on Starscream's order, but that didn't change a thing. They were still enemies and they would try to kill each other during their later encounters. Speaking of which, Bulkhead hadn't seen Breakdown on the battlefield for some time now.
'Must be stuck in the med bay with Knock Out,' Bulkhead thought to himself, unaware of the figure approaching from behind. He heard large footsteps approaching him quickly, but it was too late. Nemesis Prime tackled Bulkhead into the shadows, punching him in the gut. The Wrecker fought back, slamming his maces into the robot's chest, hoping Silas was in there. He was wrong as the robot kneed him in the gut and slammed him into the ground.
Stomping on the Wrecker's head to ensure he was down for the count, Nemesis Prime quickly went in search for Optimus Prime. All it had to do was wait and the Prime would come to him.
ShadowStrike Rising
In the Autobot base, Ratchet monitored the situation while attempting to trace the radio frequency Silas was using to control Nemesis Prime. Meanwhile, Arcee paced around base, anger swelling in her. She couldn't believe that while the others were facing MECH's lab experiment, she was stuck here, unable to do a thing. It was frustrating to know just how useless she had been during these last five months. It made her all the more eager to return to her body, knowing it was only few days off.
Jack watched as the medic triangulated the search, a plan formulating in his mind on how to deal with Silas. He knew the man was smart, but not too smart. If Ratchet was right and Silas was controlling the machine from a remote location than it would be easy enough to neutralize them both. It was almost laughable at how easy it would be to stop him, but Jack wasn't in a laughing mood. Finally, Ratchet spoke, "I've triangulated the source."
"Then fire up the bridge and send me there," Jack said, apparently beating Fowler to the punch.
"Jack," Ratchet said. "You know that Optimus doesn't want any of you putting yourselves in harm's way. It is best that we send word to the others."
"For all we know, MECH could already have the others busy with Nemesis Prime," Jack said. "As for 'harm's way', I've been through much these last five months, believe me."
"Jack's right," Arcee said. "The only way for us to get this done is to use more unorthodox methods. That's why I'm going too and I don't want to hear any 'ifs, ands, or buts'." Sighing, Ratchet relented, activated the bridge and the two partners stepped through and found themselves inside the factory. Putting an communicator in her ear, Arcee radioed, "We're here."
"The signal is emanating from a location 100 kliks from your current positions," Ratchet responded.
"Let's roll," ShadowStrike said, assuming his ninja form. They headed for the signal source, ready to take on whatever obstacles stood in their way. Deciding it might be best to stick to the high ground, they climbed up the ladder and ran along the railings that connected the silos. The two moved in a comfortable silence, knowing how dangerous it was for them to speak and risk getting caught. As they neared, they came across something strange.
To their right, a MECH soldier lay motionless on the ground, blood seeping from his wounds. They examined his body, Arcee kneeling down to look over it, "Looks like we're not alone."
"Look like it," the ninja replied, fearing the worst. They were about to continue when they heard the sound of metal smashing against metal. Looking over to the far distance, ShadowStrike focused his eyes and saw Optimus and Nemesis Prime fighting each other, "We've got to hurry." Nodding, Arcee made a move to continue before ShadowStrike pulled her back, pressing her body to his. Before she could question him, she saw him looking over to side.
Following his gaze, she saw the ninja who had infiltrated their base a few months ago, letting them know Jack was in place that couldn't be found unless you knew where it was (whatever that meant). She could feel a dangerous killer intent emanating from him. She could feel anger emitting from Jack; anger and …excitement? "Oni-Kage," ShadowStrike growled; so that was the ninja's name?
"Greetings, brother," Oni-Kage replied. "I see you've brought an escort. Feeling lonely after losing your precious Chikara?" Arcee felt Jack's body tightened, both in shock and anger. She looked up to see his masked red eyes widen, then narrow dangerously.
"What's he talking about, Jack?" she asked.
"Get moving," he growled. "I'll hold him here while you find Silas. He won't go after you since you probably don't mean squat to him."
"What are y-"
"Go!" he shouted. Taken back slightly, Arcee spared the two ninja one more glance before running off to find Silas, knowing she was close. With her gone, ShadowStrike drew his sword, ready for a fight. Oni-Kage unsheathed Uramasa and took his stance, ShadowStrike doing the same. Gleaming underneath the moonlight, ShadowStrike's mask and eyes seemed to glow, as did Oni-Kage's.
"I don't have time to deal with you," ShadowStrike spat.
"Yet you prepare for battle," Oni-Kage snarled. "I can see it in your aura. You want to fight me just as much as I want fight you. We are both warriors who seek the ultimate challenge. We both seek to finish what was started in Japan and we will do it here and now!"
"So be it," ShadowStrike growled. "One shall stand. One shall fall." Without another word, the two ninja charged at each other, their blades meeting with a thunderous clash. Quickly separating, ShadowStrike and Oni-Kage clashed their blades together, sparks flying from their swords. They stopped, their backs to each other.
"You'll have to do better than that!" Oni-Kage snarled.
"I'm just getting started!" ShadowStrike growled, twirling around and meeting Oni-Kage's blade yet again. Expertly dodging each other's attack, the two ninja manage to land small cuts on one another. Finally, Oni-Kage managed to slice his opponent's side, drawing more blood. ShadowStrike responded by cutting Oni-Kage's torso. Letting out another animalistic snarl, Oni-Kage attacked again.
He couldn't have asked for anything more than this moment. His technique was flawless, expertly switching from one hand to the other to throw him off guard. Such master maneuvers were only seen once in a generation, but no generation could produce a worthy opponent for him and Uramasa until now. Finally, after years of tension built from frustrating patience, he could unleash his power. And unleash it, he did, his sword glowing a dark purple.
ShadowStrike was pushed back by his more powerful swings, his sword's energy clashing against his blade. Quickly responding, ShadowStrike unleashed Getsuga's energy to match Uramasa's. The two quickly found that their duel had been taken to the next level.
ShadowStrike Rising
Arcee ran across the railings, taking out any MECH soldiers she came across, trying to find out which silo was housing the terrorist. All the while, her mind was focused on her partner and Optimus. She was worried that the Prime wouldn't be able to handle Silas' onslaught as she realized something. Nemesis could not only dish out pain, but take it as well. He could handle any blow Optimus threw at him because he felt no pain, being a true robot.
It was an ingenious move by MECH; create a robot chassis that could be controlled, place an expert (in this case, Silas) at the controls, and let things run their course. She had a feeling that MECH knew a thing or two about combat training, as they acted like any other military group. Silas probably had combat training from his years of terrorizing people. Put that at the helm of a robot chassis that felt no pain, and you've got a real problem. In the distance, she could hear Optimus battling it out with Nemesis, which only pushed her to find the bastard faster.
The scanner Ratchet provided her with allowed her to finally pinpoint the silo MECH was using as cover while controlling Nemesis Prime. The femme wasted no time in looking for an entrance, her thoughts shifting to Jack. She knew that he could handle himself better now that he was ShadowStrike, but she couldn't help but worry for him. Whoever this "Oni-Kage" was, he had a killer aura that would make Airachnid shiver. And what did he mean when he mentioned Jack lost 'his precious Chikara'?
While she tried to remained focus on finding an entrance to the silo, Arcee couldn't help but wonder just who it was. It sounded like a female's name, but with Earthlings, anyone could be named anything. Still, she wondered just who it was, and why would it anger Jack so much when Oni-Kage brought it up. Could this have happened during the five months he was gone? Was this Chikara as important to him as she was?
These questions raced through her mind as she finally came across a roof top entrance, entering it. Climbing down the ladder, she could see a chair in front of a computer system. On the screen was what appeared to be Optimus, several systems pointing out what she assumed were targets to strike at. She could hear Silas bragging about the how MECH had achieved the perfect meld of man and machine, causing her to roll her eyes. Reaching the ground, she noticed several MECH soldiers watching the fight take place, their backs to her.
She used this opportunity to silently take them all down while Silas continued to preach about MECH's achievements to Optimus. On the screen, Optimus and Nemesis had apparently reached a stalemate, their bodies struggling against each other. She then heard Silas again, "You know the key difference between you and me? My body can't feel pain!" Her fears were realized as she heard a blade piercing metal and saw Optimus' optics widen and dilate in pain.
As the Prime fell to the ground, Silas continued to boast, "Just imagine. An army of transforming titans at my command. With power like this, no one will be able to stand up to the newly rebooted MECH."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that," Arcee called from behind, getting his attention. The scarred man turned to face her, confused by her appearance.
"And who might you be?" he raised an eyebrow.
"Someone who's got a bone to pick with you," she hissed, taking a fighting stance.
"I'm too much of gentlemen to fight a woman," he turned back and was about to continue his onslaught when Arcee charged from behind. Silas dodged her attack, moving from his chair and glared at her, "It seems you've left me no choice." Taking a stance, the two attacked each other. Arcee threw a kick, which Silas caught. He did a leg sweep, knocking her off balance.
She kicked him in the side of the head with her free leg, freeing her other one so she could stand. Quickly recovering, Silas blocked her next attack and punched her in the stomach, but she returned with a punch to the face. Taken back, Silas spat out some blood, "Military training?"
"Something like that," she smirked. "Believe me when I say I've been at this a lot longer than you."
"Even so," he replied, smirking as his men surrounded her, aiming their rifles at her. Arcee simply widened her smirk, much to Silas' confusion and irritation. "What are you smiling for?"
"You said that robot of yours was the 'perfect melding of man and machine'?"
Slias smirked, 'I did. Impressed?"
"Blown away," she scoffed. "So I assume it has an autopilot." Her smirk turned into a full blown Cheshire grin as Silas' eyes widened. He turned to find Optimus Prime recovering from his wound and preparing to attack. He quickly darted for chair, reaching one of the controls as the Prime went on the offensive. Though Nemesis was able to block a few blows, Optimus overpowered the imposter and slammed it through the roof.
Crashing through the silo, Nemesis plummeted down towards the people below. The MECH soldiers scattered and Arcee jumped for cover as Silas stood frozen in place. "No, no, no!" he cried as his man-made machine landed on top of him, destroying the control system. She watched the light fade from the imposter's optics as it went offline.
"Arcee?" Optimus called from above. She looked up at him and smiled, but it quickly faded when she heard choppers in the distance.
"Bridge yourself back to base," she said. "I'll get Jack and we'll meet you back there." Rather than argue, Optimus gave a small smile before requesting a ground-bridge.
ShadowStrike Rising
ShadowStrike and Oni-Kage were still locked in combat as their unleashed energy threatened to destroy the silo they were atop of. But neither man would give in, wanting nothing more than to end this once and for all. For all of Oni-Kage's boasting, he was right about ShadowStrike needing this duel. The ninja wanted to put an end to his growing list of enemies and he would be a good start. Besides, there was something about Oni-Kage that made ShadowStrike want to fight him.
They were vastly different, yet there were a few glaring similarities. It would seem that Jack had found his own Megatron, but he wouldn't be like Optimus and offer him mercy, only for him to cause more pain. He would cut the head of this snake before it had a chance to poison anyone else. As they clashed, the sound of a chopper in the distance drew their attention.
"Attention!" a voice boomed. "By order of the United States government, I order you both to stand down! Put down your weapons and put your hands in the air!"
"Be gone!" Oni-Kage roared. "This is not you concern!"
"This is your last warning! Drop your weapons or we will open fire on you!" Rather than risk a fight with the army, both ninja retreated in opposite direction, angered that their duel had been interrupted yet again. ShadowStrike found himself in shadows as Arcee approached.
"You okay?" she asked, noticing his wounds.
"I'm fine," he waved it off. "Did you stop Silas?"
"Yeah," she said. "I don't think we have to worry about him anymore. Where's Oni-Kage?"
"He and I ran off when he army reared in," he replied. "Is Optimus alright?"
"He'll be fine," she smiled, "Just a mesh wound. What was Oni-Kage talking about earlier?"
Jack sighed, "It's a long story."
"Long night," she said firmly. The ninja sighed as he began recounting how he met the Ninja Tribunal, his struggle master Strength, and his…relationship with Chikara. Arcee listened with both interest and slight hurt. Jack had fallen in love with someone else? She didn't know why she was so upset at the thought, but she was.
He stated that it was because he thought she was dead and that the relationship was purely semi-physical at first. But told her that he grew to care for her deeply, causing Arcee's spark to ache even further. She saw the faraway look in his eyes as he described her and it just killed Arcee. Did he have the same look when he described her to Chikara? Did he even mention her once?
A million questions and so many emotions ran through Arcee's mind at the same time, so much so it hurt. She didn't know how to react to this, or why she should react at all. It wasn't like Jack was her sparkmate. He was free to be with anyone he wanted, no matter what Arcee thought. In the back of her mind, a voice told her she was lying to herself.
"Arcee," Jack spoke, breaking through her thoughts. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," she said, her voice betraying her at the moment. "I just wish I could have met her. Sounds like she would have been a better partner to you than I was."
"Arcee," he reached to touch her shoulder, only for her to pull away. It killed Jack, knowing he'd done this to her. He'd wanted to tell her about Chikara for so long and now that he had, he'd hurt her. He'd already decided that for the sake of their partnership, he wouldn't act on the feelings building inside of him, but that didn't mean he wouldn't want to hurt her. "Please, listen. Let me explain."
"There's nothing to explain," she said, trying to be cold, but her voice betrayed her yet again. "You thought I was dead and you were lonely. It's not like we're bonded anyway." Before Jack could say anything more, Arcee called for a ground-bridge, stepping through it as soon as it appeared. Sighing, Jack followed, remembering how he promised he'd never hurt her again if she survived that ordeal five months ago.
"Way to keep your word, Darby," he sighed.
ShadowStrike Rising
A/N: After watching the latest Metal Gear Rising trailer, I just had to write a new chapter. Next time: Jack and Arcee return to base, only to discover something has happened.