Authors Notes-Well, here I am with yet another chapter to Until I Break You. As you have figured out by now I don't own Transformers that belongs to Hasbro. I only own the plot. Now that we got that out of the way here is Chapter Six. I hope you enjoy.
Chapter Six.
Of course. Miko thought, as she looked up at the big green Autobot from before. Bulkhead, she recalled his name being. A frown on her face as she looked up at him, her heart thundering in her chest as she took a few steps back, and looked around.
"What are you looking for?" Bulkhead asked, also looking around, the corner of his mouthplate turning upwards. "You lookin' for you 'Con friends?" He asked, crouching down before her chuckling, as Miko took another couple of steps back. Her back pressing against a tree behind her. "Looks like it's just you and me sweetspark." His smile turning cold as he reached for her.
Letting out a small cry Miko leaped out of the way as he did so. Biting down on her bottom lip as she darted past the green wrecker.
"Hey!" Bulkhead shouted, enraged, as the girl darted down the path behind him. "Where do you think you're going?" He roared, as he moved to chase after her. "There's no one to help you, kid." He said, upturning as he tried to chase her. "It's just you and me."
Miko glanced as she saw the green wrecker struggled to catch up with her. Only to be hindered the trees and other foliage. Smirking to herself Miko knew with him having as much trouble as Bulkhead was having it would be a cinch to evade him. If her luck continued to hold out. And maybe she would run into the Decepticons, and then they would be able to take the big lug out once and for all. Her legs ached, her lungs were burning, and Miko wanted nothing more than to stop, to catch her breath, but Bulkhead, despite his hindrances was still on her tail.
He was determined, Miko would give him that. But she wasn't about to give up, memories of those thick fingers closing in around her spurring her on. She growled as tree branches snagged at her clothes, and scratched at her arms and legs she she burst out of the forested area, and into a clearing. Her foot catching on a rock, sending her stumbling forward. Miko crying out as she hit the ground, rocks and gravel digging into her hands, her leggings tearing as she hit the ground.
Get up, Miko! Get up! Get up! She thought, stumbling to her feet, forcing herself to not look over her shoulder, as the ground shook as Bulkhead drew closer, calling her name. Sweat matted her hair to her face, as she found herself coming across a cave. Perhaps this was the energon mine the Decepticons were talking about earlier. Miko hoped so, she knew she couldn't keep this up for much longer. As she heard this she heard Bulkhead coming up behind her and shouting for her. Heart pounding violently against her ribcage Miko disappeared into the darkened cave.
Seeing several glowing cubes of what she could only assume was energon. Skidding to a stop Miko looked around, and saw that the place was empty, whoever had been working this mine had been long gone. Miko was glad, she didn't know what she would do if she had to contend with more Autobots than the one currently pursing her. And as she had previously thought this turned out to be the energon mine Starscream and the others were looking for. Perhaps that would mean that they weren't far behind?
Miko bit down on her bottom lip so hard she felt the taste of blood blossom across her tongue, some of it trickling down her chin, as she ducked behind a stack of energon cubes. As she heard someone step into the mine.
"Where are you?" Bulkhead called out, the ground shaking as he entered the mine, blue optics glowing in the darkness. A dark look on his faceplate as he moved further into the mine, occasionally glancing around various stacks of energon cubes. A growl of frustration escaping him when he saw no sign of Miko.
"I know you're here, kid!" Bulkhead called out, voice echoing. Sending chills down Miko's spine, as she crept around the other side of the stack of cubes she was hiding behind. Sweat trickling down her forehead as she peeked around them, seeing Bulkhead moving further into the mine. Perhaps it would be a good idea for her to make her escape.
Looking over her shoulder she saw that Bulkhead was busy searching for her further in the mine. If she was careful and quiet she would be able to sneak out without him noticing. Slowly and quietly she crept to where the exit was. However, the moment she had stepped out of her hiding spot, her phone went off, nearly making her jump out of her skin as it did. The sound of it echoing through the mine.
Great, the one time she forgot to put it on silent, and it was the one time she was being chased by a homicidal Autobot. Bulkhead whirled around at the sound, his optics settling on Miko, who froze where she stood. Honey colored eyes wide as she looked up at him.
"So, there you are." Bulkhead said, moving to where she stood.
Miko looking around for a place she could run to. However, before she could even think of running off once more. Bulkhead quickly snatched her up. Miko crying out as metal fingers squeezed around her a bit too tightly, as he brought her up to his faceplate. Miko tried in vain to break free, earning a chuckle from Bulkhead.
Bulkhead looked on in amusement, as Miko ceased struggling long enough to shoot him a glare. A look he never thought he'd see on a helpless, little human. A look of pure, unbridled rage. Funny, he had expected to see fear, to hear her beg for her life, and yet she was silent as she continued to glare at him. Bulkhead chuckled, the girl was fearless as she balled her fists and took a swing at him. Her tiny fist missing his optic just barely. Not like she could have done any harm to him, and hey, after her little stunt the first time he had met her, he was certain she would soon know fear before the day was over. Right before he ended her life. Bulkhead hoped she wouldn't die too soon, he wanted to have his fun with her before that happened.
Miko as she resumed her struggles, arms straining against metal fingers, anger blazing in her eyes as she looked up at Bulkhead. "Look," she growled, eyes narrowed. "If you let me go, I'll make sure to show you some mercy."
At that Bulkhead had to laugh. Oh the bearings on this little human. To think that she could stand a chance against him. How... adorable. "Kid," Bulkhead said, brushing a blunt finger against her cheek, making her flinch. "I would like to see you try..."
At at that moment Miko felt dread form in the pit of her gut. Something told her that she might not make it out of this alive.
Megatron glanced at Jack as the boy tried his phone once more, before looking up at him, and shaking his head. Confusion etched on Megatron's faceplate, where could Miko be? One moment she was there with them and the Decepticons, and the next she was gone, in fact Jack had commented that she had disappeared the exact same time the others left.
Dread formed in the pit of Jack's stomach, she wouldn't have gone with them, would she? She couldn't be that stupid. Lowering the arm that held his phone Jack looked to Megatron, worry gripping him as he shook his head.
"She's not answering her phone." Jack said.
Megatron placed a hand on his chin. Much like Jack he, too came to the conclusion that Miko must have accompanied the Decepticons on their mission. Maybe without their knowledge. Growling, he turned away from the two boys and contacted Starscream.
"Starscream," He spoke, hands clasped behind his back. "Is Miko with you?"
"No, why?" Starscream asked, as he and the others continued on their mission.
"It would appear that the one called Miko has disappeared." Megatron spoke.
At that Starscream arched an optic brow. Why was Megatron contacting him about this? "Perhaps she went home?" he suggested, with a shrug of his shoulders.
"Soundwave says otherwise, there is no indication, and there is no way she would be able to without some assistance from one of the other Decepticons."
As Megatron told him this, Starscream took in his surroundings, as if expecting Miko to suddenly appear before him, and yet nothing. Nothing except for endless trees, and grass, the SIC grumbling as he picked some leaves from his joints. He was beginning to wonder if this whole mission just wasn't an trap or a complete waste of their time and dwindling resources.
And on top of that, apparently Miko was missing. Starscream rolled his optics. He just knew the girl would be nothing but trouble. Giving his head a shake he sighed. "I'll be sure to keep an optic out for her, Starscream out." He said, trying to keep the annoyance from his voice as he said this.
Letting his arm fall to his side, he heaved a sigh, it was just one thing after another. Just as Breakdown tapped him on the shoulder, catching his attention.
"What?" Starscream asked.
"Found our energon mine." Breakdown said, pointing ahead of them. Seeing the forementioned mine they had been tasked with searching for.
Finally, after what seemed like forever they had found what they had been looking for. And who knows, maybe he would find Miko there too. Starscream scoffed at that, unlikely there was no way she would have bee careless enough to follow them here. Where there could be Autobots lurking about. Perhaps Megatron was merely being too cautious with their new human companions.
The Nemesis was a big ship, and he knew humans could be rather curious creatures. He was certain that Miko would turn up eventually. At least, that's what he told himself, to be honest Starscream really wasn't in the mood to play hide and seek with some human child.
Looking to Dreadwing and Breakdown he jerked his head in the direction of the mine, blasters trained as they moved towards the mine. Silently the three Decepticons stepped into the darkened mine, and were greeted by the sight of Bulkhead. The green wrecker had his back to them, and was talking to himself, or so it seemed. Until he turned to face them, and Starscream's optics widened when he saw Miko clutched in his hand.
"Well," Bulkhead said, the corner of his mouth turning upwards. "Look who's finally arrived, Miko." Bulkhead said, glaring at the three Decepticons before them. "Your knights in shining armor are here." A dark look soon replaced the smile, his grip tightening on Miko slightly, making the girl wince.
However, despite everything there was no fear in Miko's eyes in fact, to Starscream, she looked rather angry. Starscream turned away from the spit-fire of a girl to scowl at Bulkhead.
"Let her go, Bulkhead." Starscream heard Breakdown growl.
Bulkhead growled, as he took a step towards them. "If you want her back so badly, you're gonna have to fight me for her." He said, grip tightening her a little more.
So much for this being a pointless mission, Starscream thought as he glared at Bulkhead. "Very well," he growled, moving towards Bulkhead. Talons extended as he slashed at Bulkhead.
Catching Bulkhead off guard as his talons caught him in the faceplate. Energon welling in the wound as Bulkhead dabbed at the wound, his fingers coming away wet. Glaring at Starscream, anger radiating of the Autobot in waves. Glancing down at Miko, he took a moment to place the girl on a precariously stack pile of energon cubes. The girl crying out and fighting to keep her balance as they almost toppled over as Bulkhead charged at Starscream.
Miko watched as Starscream fired on Bulkhead. The missile hitting Bulkhead square in the chest. Sending him flying, and crashing into the ground a few feet away from them.
"Well, well," Bulkhead chuckled, picking himself up, wiping away the energon that trickled down his faceplate. "Looks like you're taking this seriously, Screamy." Starscream bristled at the nickname, a low growl escaping the seekers lips. "So, I have a proposition for you." Bulkhead continued on, looking to Miko. The girl watching intently at the two circled around each other.
While Dreadwing and Breakdown moved to join the fight, only to have Starscream hold up a hand, stopping them. "And that is?" Starscream asked, mentally kicking himself for actually entertaining Bulkhead.
"If I win the girl comes with me. If you win," Bulkhead chuckled, as if the idea of Starscream being able to defeat him was hilarious. "Then not only does Miko go back with you, but all this energon in here is yours for the taking."
At this Breakdown stepped in. "That's not like you, Bulk. Surely, Lord Prime will be upset that you failed your mission."
Bulkhead glared. "Like I give a scrap about what he thinks, besides it's not like he'll know anyway. All he'll know is that I snuffed out the spark of one of Megatron's most loyal lackies. In fact," Bulkhead rubbed her chin in thought. "Maybe I'll just rip it out and offer it to him. He could keep it one display, maybe some place where everyone could see it."
"That's never going to happen." Starscream growled, advancing on Bulkhead. His talons raking across Bulkhead's chestplate, catching him off guard once more.
Both Dreadwing and Breakdown moving in once more, ignoring Starscream's orders as the moved to join the fight. A fight they thought would be easy, as it would be three against one when-
"Watch out!" Miko shouted, as she caught movement behind Breakdown, before a blast caught him off guard. The blast sending the bulky Decepticon flying.
Dreadwing whirled around, cannon aimed at the two new Autobots, standing in the mine entrance, Bumblebee and Cliffjumper stepped into the mine, glaring at the Decepticons. Now, things are even. Miko thought as she looked around.
Her gaze settling on Bulkhead and Starscream. She was impressed, ol' Screamy seemed to be holding his own against the much larger Bulkhead. Miko continued to watch the two of them, but occasionally she would glance to the others. Seeing that Dreadwing was handling Cliffjumper quite easily, and Breakdown seemed to be handling Bumblebee with some difficulty.
A scream from Starscream caught her attention, as she saw Starscream cradling his twisted right wing. Energon dripping from it, exposed wires dangling limply from the open wound, sparks flying from them. A look of pain on his faceplate, as he dropped to his knees before Bulkhead. A sadistic look on Bulkhead's faceplate as his hand transformed into a wrecking ball. Miko watched as Starscream looked up at him, optics wide.
She had to do something. Biting down on her bottom lip she looked around, eyes settling on a strange drill type machine tucked away in one darkened corner of the mine. Now she just needed to find away off this teetering pile of energon cubes. Looking around, she slowly and carefully climbed down onto one of the smaller stacks of cubes, eyes glued on Starscream. Who, to his credit, held his own against Bulkhead despite his injuries. And to top it off, Bulkhead wasn't looking too good either. Energon spilled from his various wounds on his chassis. His other hand pressed against his side, energon spilling from between his fingers.
Miko hummed, it would seem that she had been wrong about him. Watching as Starscream dodged Bulkhead's wrecking ball. It slamming into the ground where Starscream once stood, shattering the ground upon impact. Looking away from the battle Miko slowly climbed down, grunting as she hit the ground, landing on her knees, bruising them further. Looking over her shoulder she moved towards the drill, climbing up it with some difficulty. Once she reached the top she looked over the strange controls. Biting down on her bottom lip, she tried in vain to figure them out, noting that it had that same alien language on the machine. No doubt Cybertronian, not surprising as this was where the Autobots had been digging.
Just press something! She told herself, angrily. Biting down on her bottom lip she pressed a button, and released the breath she hadn't realized she had been holding as it roared to life. A triumphant grin splitting her face as she drove it in Bulkhead's direction as he had his back to her.
He couldn't keep this up for long. Starscream panted, pain lancing through his entire body as he fired on Bulkhead once more. Singeing the green wrecker's armor as he advanced. A blast catching Bulkhead in the faceplate. Shattering his optic, energon spraying from the wound, Bulkhead letting out a pain filled howl as he clutched at his face. Energon spilling from between his fingers. Anger radiating off the Autobot as he glared at Starscream, before charging at Starscream. Fist flying, catching Starscream in the faceplate, sending him flying.
Dust kicking up as Starscream hit the ground. Energon dribbling down Starscream's lips as he let out a pained groan as he struggled to his feet. Just as Bulkhead slammed into him, fists flying once more. It took all Starscream had to keep Bulkhead from turning his head into a bloody pulp. He thought that this was his end, that Bulkhead would live up to his threat and extinguish his spark. When the familiar grinding roar of a driller reached his audios, followed by the sight of it slamming full force into Bulkhead. The drill bit digging into Bulkhead's side, energon spraying everywhere as Bulkhead roared in pain.
Getting to his feet Starscream watched as Miko drove the drill deeper into Bulkhead. The Wrecker struggling to push the machine off of him. An enraged roar came from Bulkhead as he pulled the drill from his body, unbridled rage shining in narrowed optics. A low, animalistic growl as he glared at the human girl, before beginning to upturn the driller. Starscream's optics widening as Miko let out a terrified scream as he did so.
"Miko!" Starscream shouted, forcing himself to move. Racing to save her as Miko fell off the side, and hit the ground. Hard.
Bulkhead watched as Miko hit the ground with that satisfying thud, his optics glued on her as she lay motionless at his feet. Blood pooling around her head, her eyes closed. A cruel smile forming on his lips as he turned to the battered Starscream.
"Well, so much for me keeping her." Bulkhead said with a shrug of his massive shoulders. "Looks like I squished the little bug, but that's her fault she should have stayed out of our business." And with that Bulkhead turned to where Cliffjumper and Bumblebee were.
Scowling when he saw them limping out of the mine, a ground bridge open before them. Growling Bulkhead shook his head, as his comrades beat a hasty retreat, before looking to Starscream and the others. Starscream scooped up the prone form of Miko, as he glared at him. "Looks like you win this round, 'Con." Bulkhead grumbled, as he turned and limped away. "Enjoy that victory while it lasts."
And with that Bulkhead disappeared through the ground bridge. Energon trailing behind him as he did. Leaving the three Decepticons and Miko alone, surrounded by energon cubes. A worried look etched on Starscream's face as he looked down at her, as she let out a pained groan and shifted slightly.
Starscream's optics lighting up as she moved. "S-she's alive!" He gasped before contacting Soundwave. "Soundwave, I need a ground bridge now!" Before looking to Dreadwing and Breakdown, noting both in a little better shape than him. "Dreadwing, Breakdown, I want you to gather up these energon cubes and return to base when you're done."
Both Dreadwing and Breakdown nodded, and moved to comply. Just as the ground bridge opened up, allowing Starscream to step through, with an injured Miko in hand.
He just hoped he wouldn't be too late...
Authors Note- And thus concludes Chapter Six of Until I Break You. Sorry it took me a little bit to post this, work you know. But other than that this is The Exhausted Writer signing off. Have a goodnight.