A/N: At long last, we reach the end of the road.

Epilogue

New York City was in the process of repairing itself after a major earthquake hit, destroying several buildings and injuring hundreds. Thankfully, no one lost their lives in the disaster, but no one could remember what happened during the quake. All they knew was what was told to them by an agency of people in black suits. Some thought there was more to it than that, but others just believed what they were told. At the New York General, a young man waited to hear about the condition of a girl he brought in.

He looked like he'd been through Hell, so the doctors went about stitching his wounds and giving him some medicine. Despite their questions, the young man's focus remained on the young girl he brought in. He said he'd found in her a collapsed building and was injured trying to save her. Despite the evidence that suggested there was more to it, the doctors treated him and moved on. Jack waited patiently as he waited for word on Sunny.

He'd hoped the experience of being inside of that tube hadn't left its mark on the young girl. He'd come to some time after it all ended to find the other Autobots there, hauling the lifeless remains of their fallen comrade, Cliffjumper, through the ground-bridge. It didn't take a rocket scientist to know that they wanted to give their friend a proper send off. Jack elected not to attend as he felt it wasn't right, considering he mutilated the body himself. From the looks he got from Ratchet and Bumblebee, he could tell they felt the same way.

The medic had always taken any excuse he could to berate humanity, despite his growing friendship with Mizuki and Jack figured that Bumblebee was also close to Cliffjumper. He was more worried about Arcee and her state of mind at the moment. It couldn't have been easy for her to just sit back (though in reality she was fighting) and watch as her partner mutilated his predecessor's body. Especially consider she loved him; that was one of the times Jack wished his hearing wasn't among his heightened senses. It seemed all Jack could do in their partnership was hurt Arcee, no matter how hard he tried to do the opposite.

He continued to wait on Sunny until a familiar voice called out, "Hey, partner." Jack flinched at the last word as he turned to face Arcee, once again in a human body.

"You didn't hurt yourself again, did you?" he raised an eyebrow.

"No," she replied. "I thought this would be easier for me to come see you while you were here. Besides, this body helps to conserve energon, so I might be using it a bit more often when I don't have to go into battle so often." She sat down and leaned on his shoulder, "How's Sunny doing?"

"The doctors haven't told me a thing," he sighed.

"I hope she's okay," Arcee said. "To have to go through all that at such a young age."

"Are you talking about her or me?"

"Both. You've been through just as much pain as she has, if not more. I'm sorry for not being there when you needed me to."

"How did the 'funeral' go?" he asked, surprising her. She expected him to change the subject in order to avoid talking about what had happened, but this was surprising. She had been told by Optimus that Jack didn't want to come as he felt it would disrespect Cliff's memories. Ratchet and Bumblebee were both upset at the sight of his body, the medic going off about how barbaric humans were. 'Bee simply sat in a corner, Raf doing his best to cheer his best friend up.

At the service, everyone said their piece and let their feelings be known, even the usually stoic Optimus. Arcee didn't think Jack would want to know, but she decided to answer him, "It was hard. We already had to bury him once, then again at the mine. Hopefully, the third time will be the charm and he can rest in peace."

"I hope so," the boy replied, standing. "We might as well go wait outside Sunny's room and save the doctors the trouble of coming to find us." He offered her his hand, which she took, and they walked to the third floor and waited outside of the room she was in. The door was closed and it didn't have a window, so they couldn't look inside. They stood in an awkward silence until Jack spoke, "How are you doing?"

"Fine," she replied, hoping he wouldn't try and see past her lie. She really didn't want to have to talk about how hard it was for her basically sign off on Cliff's execution (even thought his spark was long gone). She didn't want to talk about the things she wanted to say to him when he was still alive or about how much she wished he was here. She knew it wouldn't be fair to Jack, even though he asked the question. She'd decided that it was time to move on from the past; she loved Cliff, but Jack was here partner now.

He may have been in love with someone else, but that was fine; it wasn't like they were sparkmates. And yet, her spark hurt at thought of being unable to have such a relationship with Jack. Even if they were in a relationship, Jack would never agree to bond with her, even if they could. Bonding meant being loyal to your significant other forever, even if one of you dies. If Jack knew that, he'd never want to bond with her because he wouldn't want to put such a responsibility on her shoulders; he was stubborn that way.

She would gladly forsake a relationship with another if it meant having part of Jack's spirit with her for all time, keeping her from falling into darkness. As she mused on these thoughts, she failed to notice Jack approach her. Her thoughts were distilled when the boy snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her close. At first, she thought an enemy had shown up and she looked around, but found nothing. No one, not even medical personnel, was in the hall at the moment.

Turning back to Jack, she found his blue eyes staring into hers intensely, a hidden emotion behind them. It didn't take Arcee long to realize what was on his mind and she tried to pull away, but her body wasn't complying. "Let me go," she said, trying to sound cold, but failing, like before. She averted her gaze from his, but still felt his eyes on her. She tried to push against his chest, but found that her strength had chosen now to forsake her, "Let me go."

Instead of granting her wish, he leaned down until their faces were inches apart from each, forcing her to look at him again. It would take just one more movement for them to cross that line; the line that would take them beyond the realm of partnership. It wasn't like Arcee didn't want to cross that line and see where it led, but she was so afraid of rejection, especially after finding out about Jack's other relationship. She couldn't help him betray Chikara, even though she was gone. Then again, she felt like she would betray Tailgate and Cliffjumper by taking on another partner, but she did so anyway.

She could feel Jack's breath on her skin, causing the hairs on her body to stand up. All it would take is one more movement and neither party would be able to resist anymore. It was then that Arcee realized; Jack wanted her to be the one to do it. He knew if he crossed the line for the both of them, she would try to resist and say it was a mistake. If she did it, it would prove that she felt the same way about him; and in truth, she did.

All of her year of training for military life and the horrors she'd seen on the battlefield forced her to box away her emotions. She wouldn't let anyone see them under any circumstances, not even Optimus despite what they'd been through together. Tailgate, Cliffjumper, and Jack were the only ones to ever get a small sample of her emotional side, but the latter had gotten even deeper. Humans were emotional creatures, afterall. Finally finding her voice, she spoke, "Please. Let me go."

She unintentionally let her lips brush against his as she spoke, sending waves through her. Arcee could feel her spark beat increase with each passing moment as their breaths mingled. She tried once more to pull away, but her body wouldn't budge. Finally she tried to dissuade him, "You love her."

"And you love him," he finally spoke, brushing against her lips yet again. Her eyes widened as she realized that he must have overheard her. What did he feel when he heard her profess her love to Cliffjumper, even though he was gone? Did the same feelings of jealousy and hurt cause his heart to ache like it did hers? Is that why he was doing this?

Was he trying to see if he was the only one who wanted to risk what might happen if they crossed that line? Did he also fear losing the love he held for Chikara by doing this with Arcee? For the second time in twenty four hours, a million thoughts raced through Arcee's mind at once. She looked into his eye one more time, registering their intensity. Finally reaching a decision, Arcee closed what little distance remained between them.

Jack wasted no time in responding by wrapping his other arm around her back. The feeling of her lips on his was without description. Sure, he kissed girls in the past, but they paled in comparison to Arcee. It felt like they were swapping energy through the kiss; as if trying to convey all the emotions racing through them at the moment. They both knew what this meant; they could no longer be partners; now, both of them would want something more.

It wasn't like most kisses, where the man and woman would twist their tongues together. Jack and Arcee simply pressed their lips together, trading every fiber of their beings with each other in that one single action. Finally pulling back, both panted heavily as she looked into his eyes, questioning on why he had done this to her. "I almost lost Sunny. I couldn't bear to think what would happen if I lost you without trying this. The night you almost died, I said something I should have said the moment we we're reunited." Before he could say it, she pecked him on his lips.

"I love you, too," she smiled at his surprise. "I remember hearing those words when I almost died. When I was brought back, I thought it was just a dream, especially after I found out about you and Chikara, but now I know it wasn't."

"This is why we work," he smiled. "We're always surprising each other."

ShadowStrike Rising

Oni-Kage returned to the Nemesis, being greeted by a Vehicon who told him Megatron had "requested" his presence in the bridge. The ninja didn't care much for the Lord of the Decepticon's command, but he complied nonetheless. After the battle, the Cyber-Fiends stopped appearing, making it easy for himself, Karai, and the Autobot, Wheeljack, to dispatch with them. When they found his brother lying on building with the child a few feet away from the Shredder's body, Oni-Kage took his leave. He had informed Karai to pass on the message that he would duel ShadowStrike another day.

At least something eventful came out of all this chaos; the Shredder was dead, which meant one less distraction. It would make it all the more easier for Oni-Kage to duel his brother uninterrupted now. Karai expressed no desire to avenge her father, so the ninja wouldn't have to bother with killing her (at least for now). He almost felt happy knowing he'd removed a major obstacle in both his and ShadowStrike's paths. The two, admittedly, made a good team when the situation called for it, but it changed nothing.

This had only added fuel to fire that drove Oni-Kage and his desire to duel ShadowStrike in the future. The times they had already clashed were enough to increase his patience, but he knew it wouldn't be long. He could tell that his brother wanted to fight him just as badly. His warrior's spirit was strong indeed. Entering the bridge, the ninja was met by the sight of Megatron and his lieutenants: Dreadwing, Soundwave, and Knock Out.

He'd heard rumor that another of his lieutenants had been found and was now healing in med bay (I'll give an explanation at the end of this), but he paid it no mind. One more machine among the rest mattered little to him. Megatron stepped forward, "You were very much aware of my alliance with the Shredder, yet you aided the Autobots' pet in fighting him."

"I have never hidden my reason for being here machine," the ninja sneered. "I will duel ShadowStrike and any who stand in my way will die. Count yourselves among them."

Rather than react with his usual rage, the Decepticon leader gave a raspy laugh, "And that is the tenacity that reminds me of myself in the Pits of Kaon. You commit yourself to a goal and allow no one else to hinder you. You are truly a Decepticon in human skin!"

"So it would seem," the ninja replied. "I am guessing you desire something of me."

"My troops managed to fish the Shredder's scientist out of the sea," Megatron explained. "I need you to monitor him as he works. If he attempts anything that jeopardizes my plans, execute him."

"As you wish," was the ninja's reply as he walked away, leaving Megatron to talk with his lieutenants.

"Lord Megatron," Dreadwing spoke with the highest sense of respect. "I do not wish to question you wisdom, but is aiding the enemy and all those related to them not a capital offense?"

"Yes, Dreadwing, but I find myself intrigued by this boy," Megatron said as he looked ahead. "He possesses a certain fire; a drive that is similar to my own. For some time now, I have been looking for someone to pass on all of my knowledge to, but few have proven worthy of even my trust, save yourself and Soundwave of course." He continued, ignoring the insulted look on Knock Out's face, "If Optimus Prime can train a human to become a Prime, then I can train one to become a bold Decepticon leader."

ShadowStrike Rising

Jack and Arcee stood against the wall as they waited to hear word on Sunny's condition, their hands intertwined. The two were now in the beginnings of a relationship and both felt strong about their future. Jack knew a normal life eluded him as long as he remained with the Autobots, but he didn't care; normal was overrated. He knew he would be happy as long as he was with his family. For so many years, it was just him and his mother; now, he had several people he considered family.

Raf, Miko, Bumblebee, and Bulkhead, were his siblings, always being the ones he could immediately count on if something went wrong. Ratchet and Fowler were like grumpy uncles; annoying, but reliable. He wondered what that made Mizuki now that she was part of their little family. His mother and Arcee were his "go-to-gals" for any kind of trouble that needed a feminine solution. And Optimus was someone Jack would be proud to call a father.

He'd always felt that way about all of them, even before this whole thing began. The Liege Maximo had tried to take that away from him, but he held on to it. Now, there was someone new to add to his kin; Sunny. He'd met her and swore to protect her as part of her father's wish, but he couldn't deny that she had become his own. She was his daughter, whether she accepted it or not.

If she didn't choose to acknowledge it, Jack would be fine, so long as it did not affect their relationship. He could take it if she didn't want to see him as a father, but if she left him, then he would most definitely fall into the darkness once again. He needed her just as much as he needed the others and he would no longer deny that fact. He'd protect her no matter what until he could trust her to protect herself, as well as someone to watch out for her. Again, his thoughts shifted to Raf, but that was another matter for another time.

As he pondered these thoughts, General Bryce walked up to him and Arcee. Jack released Arcee's hand as he moved to intercept the General, who seemed to be heading for Sunny's room. If the man was here to take away Sunny, he'd have to go through Jack. The boy wouldn't be separated from his daughter yet again. General met his composed stare with one of his own, "Mr. Darby."

"General," he said coolly. "If you're here to take Sunny, that won't end well for you or the soldiers who accompanied you."

"That," the General ignored the boy's threat, having received many in the past, "is precisely why I am here to talk to you about. You see, after I explained to my superiors the severe vulnerability of our systems, they decided to take a more active role in choosing who can adopt. After explaining to them the service you provided for us during our "earthquake", they've agreed to this." He handed Jack some papers, allowing the young man to look over them.

"Wait, I thought earthquakes didn't happen in New York," he raised an eyebrow.

"It also didn't snow in Hawaii until a few months ago," he pointed out. "I think we can safely assume that logic was thrown out the window during that who 'Unicorn' business."

"Unicron," Arcee corrected, but the General shrugged.

"Any who," he continued, "On behalf of the United States government, I would like to thank with those papers of adoption."

"Adoption?"

"I you so choose, you may adopt Sunny as your own daughter, making it illegal for us to take her from you unless she is not being provided the necessities needed to grow up." Jack looked over the papers to make sure this wasn't some kind of hoax, but they looked official enough.

"Thank you," he replied.

"It was Agent Fowler's idea to get the five stars off both our backs, especially since ShadowStrike is listed as an Autobot, so Jack Darby's in the clear." Jack smiled as Arcee took his arm affectionately as a doctor walked out.

"Sorry for the wait," he said. "We just wanted to make sure she was okay before letting you see her."

"So she's okay?" Arcee asked.

The doctor nodded, "She'll be just fine. If anything, she's in better shape than me. You can check her out anytime, provided you're her legal guardians."

"We are," Jack hid the papers behind his back. "Both of us." Arcee glanced at him, but said nothing. The doctor stared at them for a moment before inclining his head towards the room and leaving. Nodding in thanks to the General, Jack and Arcee entered the room, the latter hanging back. Sunny was sitting up in her bed when she met Jack's eyes, a large smile adorning her face.

"Jack!" she exclaimed happily as he took a seat beside her bed.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"I am," she nodded, her smile never faltering as tears brimmed in her eyes. "I thought I'd never see you again."

"Me too," he said softly. "I was so…worried when you were gone. I didn't know if you were safe and then I heard the Shredder captured you."

"I was so scared," she said, still smiling, "but I knew you'd come for me. You're a hero after all."

"I'm no hero," he replied.

"I beg to differ," Arcee said, taking a seat beside him. "You're the second most heroic person I've ever met."

"Second?" he faked disappointment.

"Sorry, but you're no Optimus."

"I'm close," he playfully pouted, earning a laugh from the two girls. Jack's face then became serious, "Sunny, I know you've been through a lot. You've seen things someone your age should never have had to. But you've never lost your spirit and that's more than I can say about me. When they took you from me, I was… sad. The thought of never seeing you again was too much to bear."

"I'm sorry," she said, her smile faltering a bit.

"It's not your fault," he said. "It's mine for getting you involved in all of this. I should have given you the choice; if you want to live a normal life, then I'll talk to government about finding you a nice place to live. But if you want to stay, then there is one way…"

"What is it?" Jack sighed as he handed her the papers, "What are these?"

"These papers will let me adopt you and make you part of my family, even though you already are. If you want, you can sign them and that will make me responsible for your wellbeing, even though I already am. Officially, it would make me your… your father." He took a minute to register the look that crossed her face as she took everything in. Her smile was gone as she realized what it meant and Jack felt a pang in his heart. He remembered her words from the first night Fowler tried to take her. She didn't want anyone to try and pretend to be her mother and father, Jack included.

He knew what he was risking by doing this, but he would never move on unless he knew how she saw him. He felt Arcee squeeze his hand in support and he squeezed hers in thanks. He saw as tears formed in Sunny's eyes and he knew the answer. She didn't want Jack to be her father and he was alright with that. All that mattered was that she was safe and-

"Yes."

Jack took a minute to regain his sense of thought as he looked at the girl," I'm sorry, what?"

"Yes," she repeated. "I want you to adopt me. I want you to be my daddy." Jack's eyes widened at her words as a warm sensation filled his heart. He'd hoped she wouldn't be angry with him for suggesting adoption, but this was unexpected. She wanted him; she wanted him to be her father. She trusted him to take Bryan's place and raise her like his own, which is what he had practically been doing. Arcee smiled at the scene before, a warm sensation in her heart for the first time in so long.

ShadowStrike Rising

The ground-bridge illuminated the base as Jack, Arcee, and Sunny were greeted by the others. Miko and Raf watched from the cement plateau, the twelve year old happier than he should be. Bumblebee gave a happy whir at the sight of Sunny as the others (including Ratchet) smiled. They were happy that their little family was growing larger after all this time. Before anyone could say anything, a ping on the computer caught their attention. "How's it humming over there?" Wheeljack's voice came through.

"We are fine, Wheeljack," Optimus spoke. "How goes your exploration of the Earth?"

"Better now that I've got some company?" he replied as he and Karai drove down a dirt road. "Just thought I'd see how the rest of you were doing."

"Fine Jackie," Bulkhead grinned.

"Optimus," Ratchet said, "I'm picking up an Autobot signal… emanating from outside the Earth's atmosphere."

"Are you saying…" Raf started.

"More Autobots are coming!" Miko finished excitedly.

"This is Autobot Outpost Omega One," Optimus said. "Please identify yourselves."

"Nice to hear you're still functioning, Optimus," a gruff, southern, voice answered. To everyone's surprise, Optimus' optics widened in shock before a smile adorned his face.

"It is good to hear from you again after all this time, Ironhide," he said.

"Is Chromia with you?" Arcee asked. Before Jack could ask her, a new voice answered.

"Why don't you ask her yourself, Sis?" A large smile appeared on Arcee's face, much to the others confusion. "We should be landing on this rock soon enough, see ya soon?" The communications line cut off, leaving the others excited and confused.

"Who were they?" Jack asked.

"Ironhide is my weapons specialist and one of the few other than Ratchet who knew before I was a Prime."

"Yes," Ratchet said. "I recall he always said you would be a great leader. Who knew he would be right?"

"Chromia is my sister," Arcee said. "And Ironhide's sparkmate."

"Then it sounds like things are getting a lot more interesting," Jack smiled.

The End

A/N: I hope you guys enjoyed this as much as I did. I have spoken with the writer on this site who requested the fic a few months ago and they have agreed to allow me to incorporate it into a semi-sequel to Rising. Breakdown will appear, though he will be injured heavily thanks to Airachnid. I hope the ending was to your satisfaction. Next Story: ShadowStrike: Terra Breaker. It won't be up right away as I need to consult on few things, but I will put a up a one-shot to help introduce Ironhide and Chromia.