A/N: Thanks for the reviews! I have made revisions to this chapter. A special thanks to TimeLordBud for the homage thrown into "Transformers Prime: Miami". I recommend reading it.
Chapter 46
Aboard the U.S. aircraft carrier, the Autobots, Miko, Raf, and June awaited Jack's arrival to hear what he had learned about Sunny's abduction. Raf had relayed to them Jack's knowledge of Sunny's whereabouts. She was currently being held prisoner by the Shredder for an unknown purpose. The logical conclusion was that she was being used as bait to lure Jack into some kind of trap. However, when in it came to the Shredder, logic just didn't cut it. And right now, everyone was trying to figure out a reason.
Raf tried to concentrate on his work, but his thoughts would go beyond, 'Is Sunny safe?' He was pretty smart for his age, so he knew things others didn't. It was a terrible privilege. On the one hand, his intellect would open doors for that others would have to work for years to even reach. But this also meant he would be forever isolated from the majority.
Before the Autobots, Raf had almost no friends and wasn't able to get through to his family thanks to his height. It wasn't until he met Bumblebee that he found a true friend (one who didn't just want to copy off his notes). And it wasn't until he met Ratchet that he found a mind as intelligent as his own (though it was still funny whenever Raf would outsmart the Autobot medic). He also found friends in Jack and Miko, who weren't the least bit bothered by his intelligence and treated like any other kid. Then, he met Sunny.
She didn't socialize with the others while she was at base, but she and Raf had spent enough time together for him to figure out she was about as smart as he was. She managed to hide very well because not even Jack was fully aware of how smart she was. Raf was glad to have finally found a human intelligence closer to his age to interact with. And Sunny was happy to have found a friend after whatever horrors she went through. Raf never asked about it, knowing she would tell him when the time is right.
They really liked each other, so much so that it seemed to help Jack's paternal side awaken. Like he said, Raf was smart and he caught the ninja eyeing them both when they were together. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what he was thinking. Things were only made worse (or better, depending on your perspective) when she kissed Raf on the cheek. Subconsciously, Raf lifted his hand to touch his cheek, still feeling the ghost of her lips.
He knew that something between the two was brewing; that's why when Fowler's men came to take Sunny away, he jumped on of them. He surprised just about everyone with this action, but he didn't care. Sunny was the first human being he really connected with and he would do everything in his power to make sure she stayed. Unfortunately, Raf was not as blessed when it came to muscles. All his actions earned him was a blow to the head, subsequently followed by a concussion.
Now, she was missing and needed to be found and Raf would do everything in his power to help. He knew Jack could handle the physical part of their task, but Raf would gather as much information as he could on where they were being held. He managed to hack into the MECH base while Jack was off the grid and an energy path left by a hologram. It was the type to be used when you wanted to speak with someone, but not be in the room, so it was more of a transmission. And right now, Raf was tracking its radius.
Meanwhile, the others waited, staring out into the white snow as a figure emerged. ShadowStrike hopped onto the deck and headed straight for the bridge, ignoring the others. He ignored his mother's insistences that he get treated for his wounds as he stormed down the hallway. The officers onboard quickly got out of his way, sensing the venomous aura surrounding him. Finally, he entered the bridge, surprising everyone as he headed straight for Fowler.
He grabbed the special agent by the throat and sent him through a window, holding him above the freezing temperatures. The officers on deck quickly drew their weapons and ordered him to stand down, drop the weapon, etc. He didn't care what they were saying at the moment. Right now, his gaze was fixed on the man before him. Doing his best to ignore the cold weather, Fowler struggled against the ninja's grip, "Jack! You mind letting me down?"
"That's really poor choice of words, Fowler," ShadowStrike replied. "As much as I would like to drop you, I want answers!"
"About what?"
"About how you systems are so flawed, the Shredder got his hands on Sunny when she was supposed to be sent to 'safe' place! That'd be a good place to start."
"I'm afraid we don't know what you are talking about," General Bryce said as he motioned for the officers to lower their weapons. "The girl was sent to a prime family. We did an extensive background check before we decided on them."
"Then either you owe them a kid, or they don't exist," the ninja growled, his gaze never leaving Fowler, his thoughts never leaving Sunny.
"If you want, we can establish a meeting between you and them," Bryce suggested. "Provided you leave the sword and knives behind."
"That won't be possible, General," June said as she entered. "Agent McCloud contacted us and said the couple that Sunny was supposed to go to had a child two years ago. They took their names off the list after that. The Shredder managed to use whatever connections to your office he has and get them back on the list so he could get Sunny."
"What would he gain from all that?" Bryce asked.
"We can worry about that later, but right now, we need to head to Japan and rescue her," the nurse said.
"It's not as simple as that," Bryce said. "We can't just invade a sovereign nation on a whim, especially just to rescue one person. We don't even know if she's being held there."
"I know where she is," Raf came into the bridge and hooked up his laptop. "When I scanned the MECH base, I detected an energy trace left by a transmission hologram."
"Baxter Stockman used it to talk to me," ShadowStrike, still holding Fowler, threatening to drop the man into the icy waters below.
"Whether it was intentional or not, his hologram left a signal for me to follow," Raf continued as he kept working on his laptop. "His signal is coming from a retired JSDF aircraft carrier."
"That doesn't change our situation," Bryce said. "We still can't invade Japan."
"But the ship isn't in Japan; it's in the North Atlantic, making its way to New York. And it's not alone either. I'm detecting several other retired aircraft carriers. General, it looks like the Shredder has his own personnel fleet."
"Good Lord," the general gasped. "If he attacks the city, the government will see it as an act of war from Japan. Then all hell will break loose."
"Shredder's plans might just go beyond that, but that's definitely an issue. We need to stop it and fast," the boy replied.
"But we're too far out to do anything about it!" one of the crew men said. "And there are no friendly carriers near our position. There's no way we can reach it in time."
"There is," Raf said, turning to Jack. "We can use Agent Fowler to get to ShadowStrike half-way there while Agent McCloud gets him the rest of the way."
"Sounds too complicated," the ninja replied. "I can just bridge there myself and-"
"We can't get back to base and your space-bridging ability at this distance would take too much out of you to do this effectively," Raf said. "Our only chance of getting there before the fleet reaches New York and keeping you at your best is to have Agent Fowler fly you half-way in his fighter and let Agent McCloud fly the rest of the way. She's already standing by."
"How do you know?" Bryce raised an eyebrow.
"We talked," the boy replied.
"How old is this kid?" one of the crew asked no one in particular.
"He's twelve and a quarter," ShadowStrike said as he pulled Fowler back inside, "Let's go."
ShadowStrike Rising
As the carrier reached the point where it could send out a jet, Fowler and ShadowStrike headed for the agent's personalized fighter. Neither of them would have to worry about wearing flight suits while inside, thanks to modifications Ratchet made to cabin's pressure. Besides, ShadowStrike's suit would protect him. They entered the cabin and it sealed shut, and they waited for word on when to pull out. Fowler didn't dare say a word to the ninja, not wanting risk the second chance he was being given.
"Agent Fowler," a voice radioed. "You are clear for departure. I repeat, you are clear for departure. The rendezvous coordinates have been locked into your GPS."
"Roger that," Fowler replied. "Heading out." The engines of the jet heated up as he positioned his bird towards the ramp. When the engines reached maximum, the fighter zoomed off the ramp and headed out.
"Agent Fowler," General Bryce radioed. "Once we hit a refueling station, we'll meet you and Agent McCloud once you drop off ShadowStrike. From there, we form a perimeter and keep them from reaching U.S. waters. Provided the ninja can keep them preoccupied."
"Don't worry about me," ShadowStrike said. "All you need to do is get there while I take out the ships. I'm told that once I've determined whether or not Sunny is on the ship, you'll drop a bomb on it."
"That's affirmative," Bryce replied. "Officially, your objective is the destruction of the fleet, but the recovery and extraction of the girl is to be your primary objective, no matter what anyone says."
"Just try and stop me," ShadowStrike replied. The fighter made its way to its extraction point, Fowler looking around for Agent McCloud. Checking his radar, he found her below him in a black JSDF fighter.
"This is Chilling Mist to Blunderfish," she radioed. "Ready to receive the package."
"Blunderfish to Chilling Mist," Fowler responded, "Package on it way." Placing a breathing mask over his, Fowler opened the hatch, as ShadowStrike got into position. Once both jets were in position, the ninja leaped out of the cockpit, allowing Fowler to close it.
"Blunderfish?" Miko giggled over the radio, earning a groan from Fowler. ShadowStrike glided the through in an effort to keep his himself aligned with Mizuki's jet as he got closer. His thoughts remained on Sunny as he made his way down to the aircraft below. As he neared, the cabin opened and Mizuki reached out. Taking her hand, he managed to get into the back seat and allow her to close the hatch.
"Chilling Mist to base," Mizuki radioed. "Exchange successful." Everyone at base cheered in joy and relief as June gave an exasperated breath.
"I swear he does this on purpose just so I can die young," the nurse shook her head.
ShadowStrike Rising
As night fell over the North Atlantic, Mizuki's fighter neared the Shredder's fleet, carrying what was sure to be a pissed off ninja. As they neared, she was met with enemy fire trying to knock her out of the sky. ShadowStrike opened the hatch himself and prepared to head out, "Get to a safe distance and rendezvous with the others!"
She nodded, "Once you get a take out their guns, I should be refueled and ready for drop the bombs one you give the okay."
"Right," he said.
"Remember, Jack," Ratchet commed. "You don't need to search the entire ship. Just plant the bugs Rafael and I created and they will give us access the every room on the ship and let you know who's being held there."
"Acknowledged," he said as he leapt out of the cabin and headed straight for the nearest carrier. Dodging a missile from the battery, he slashed the launcher as he landed. He was quickly met by Foot Ninja, who attacked. Reacting quickly, Jack cut them down, painting the deck red with their blood. Quickly making his way inside, he prepared for whatever awaited him.
As long as they got in the way of him finding Sunny, they would fall.
ShadowStrike Rising
Aboard their carrier, Shredder and Karai waited as Stockman put the finishing touches on the chassis of the Autobot once known as Cliffjumper. Everything they had worked for all these years began to bear fruit, thanks to their latest acquisition. Karai wasn't so sure about it, though, considering it involved using a young girl. She looked up at a tank of energy holding the unconscious girl, a pang of sorrow in her heart. She had always had one thing her father didn't (at least not anymore); humanity.
She cared for those under her command, treating them with utmost respect (except when it came to Stockman). She'd told over and over again about how her father lost her humanity due to the betrayal of the Ninja Tribunal. But they were dead now; did that mean he'd gotten his humanity back? No, it had only served to strip what little remained from his body. Karai wanted to say something before, when the girl was brought to them, but she had been silenced.
Finally, she decided now was as good a time as any, "Father, what do you hope to gain from using this girl?"
"With the girl, we shall establish a new world order," Shredder rasped, not taking his eyes off the monitors. He wanted to make sure nothing happened to her before they began. "We will eradicate this diversified regime and create a world where I reign supreme."
"And what will happen to her once that is accomplished?" Karai asked.
"It is uncertain, but that is not my concern," he replied. "I have waited too long for this to let something as base as sentimentality get in my way." Karai couldn't believe what she was hearing, and she'd seen her father do horrible things. But those paled in comparison to this; this was a child's life at stake! Karai knew that sacrifices had to be made to ensure victory, but a child was too much.
"Father," she said. "You can't mean that! Destroying even one seed in a new generation will result in chaos! Anarchy!"
"Risking one life is a necessary risk," Shredder said. "It makes no difference if it were a man, woman, or child. This girl should feel honored to have a part in bringing about my new world."
"And if it were me in there!"
"It would make no difference! You were born, merely on the whim of some woman. Now remember your place."
"I won't just stand by and-" Karai was cut off by the Shredder hitting in the face, sending her back.
"I said remember you place!" he roared. "Now go check on the monitors and make sure nothing gets in our way."
"Yes," she hissed, exiting the lab. She touched her cheek and it stung as tears of pain streamed down her face. She was not one to cry, thanks to her father's training. He had dared to strike her and now he'd made a new enemy in her.
ShadowStrike Rising
ShadowStrike had leapt onto the third ship in the fleet as he continued to search for Sunny. The previous two didn't have on board, and it only infuriated the ninja even more. The thought of what the Shredder might be putting Sunny through caused his blood to boil and his soldier to pay with their lives. He would find Sunny, rescue her, and kill the Shredder for all he'd done. This wasn't just about the Ninja Tribunal anymore; the ninja warlord had crossed the personal line to the point of no return.
ShadowStrike was met by a group of Foot Ninja racing down the hall that led inside, their weapons drawn. Forming a hand sign, ShadowStrike charged his spiritual energy. The energy swirled into fire as he unleashed the Art of the Inferno on them. They were turned to ash as ShadowStrike made his way inside, only to be met by more. Unleashing the Art of the Dark Void, the ninja sent a black orb of energy toward them.
It hit one of the ninja and turned into vortex, sucking the rest of them inside before imploding. ShadowStrike needed to remember that one; it would safe a large amount of time. He'd entered the control room and was met by several ninja. They drew their weapons as Jack used his Stealth training to his advantage. Moving as purplish blur, ShadowStirke slashed each of them, their blood spattering all over the place.
Planting the bug, he waited for it to transmit the data to Raf and Ratchet. Hopefully, the third time would be the charm and he would find Sunny. He wanted to hold the girl in his arms again and protect her from any who would try and take her away. He knew he'd probably have to deal with Fowler and Bryce again, but this time he had ammunition. He'd point out the flaw in their system and argue that Sunny had been put in danger because of them.
He'd never let Sunny out of his sight again until she found someone Jack knew he could trust with her safety. And it seemed she'd already found it in Raf, judging by how close she'd gotten to him. He also saw how quick the boy was to worry when he discovered the Shredder had Sunny. Indeed, it seemed Raf and Sunny had become quite taken with each other. He knew it would only be a matter of time before the boy revealed his feelings; and when that happened, Jack would be close by.
"Jack," Ratchet radioed. "Sunny is not on that Vessel, but the bugs have increased my scanning radius and found an energy signal coming the next one over. I think they may be holding her there." Without a word of reply, ShadowStrike jumped through the window and climbed to the highest point of the ship. Planting a beacon to signal an airstrike, he waited, knowing what he was about to do was foolish. He saw as Mizuki's fighter neared, its missile's ready for launch. They detached from the jet and fell a short distance before the thrusters kicked in.
ShadowStrike jumped as the missiles hit the ship, the shockwave of the blast propelling the ninja toward the next one over. He'd landed on the roof, only to find himself met by none other than Baxter Stockman. The ninja didn't bother to figure out whether he was real or not, "Where's is she!"
"I'm afraid Sunny isn't ready to play just yet," Stockman sneered.
"Let her go and I'll make your death quick," he marched over to the man.
"Very well," Stockman said as he took a fighter's stance. "I challenge you to fisticuffs!" He took a stance similar to a boxer's and started punching the air. ShadowStrike felt a vein throb in irritation and he drew his sword and slashed at the man, only for the blade to fail. Something on Stockman had prevented Getsuga from cutting through him. Stockmand smirked, 'I forget to mention that while I was in the Artic Circle, I came across something interesting."
His body was suddenly being covered by metal expanding from his torso, covering every inch of him until a helmet with a see-through visor adorned his head to finish the armor. "I've been studying up on Cybertronian for some time with some help and the ancient texts refer to this as the 'Apex Armor'!"
"Scrap," ShadowStrike muttered as he took a stance, ready to fight.
ShadowStrike Rising
A/N: Sorry for not updating a new chapter today, but my mind wouldn't focus on anything else until I added on to this chapter. I hope you enjoyed the extra scene and review. Next time: As ShadowStrike battles Stockman, the ninja finds it difficult to fight the scientist while he's protected by the Apex Armor. For an appearance, watch the episode Triangulation, only slim it down.