Nothin's Gonna Stand In Our Way

Part 5

Carry On My Wayward Son

By Nick Maro

Taking the pry bar and wedging it between the two pieces of wood, Techrat opened the crate. He moved the packing material that was protecting its contents. He shut the lid and sealed the wooden crate back up. "I need this taken to where the Autobots are stationed," he told an EDF soldier that accompanied him. Techrat got into the cab of the truck and waited for the soldier to join him.

Starting up the truck the soldier put the truck into gear and pulled away from the airfield. "What's in the crate, Mr. Techrat?"

Looking out of the corner of his eye, Techrat gave the soldier a tired glance. "It's a gift for the Autobots. Something I acquired that I feel they should have. It might help with whatever damn thing is going on now." The two men sat in silence for the rest of the trip back to the Arashikage home.

Pulling through the gates, Techrat jumped out of the truck before it could come to a full stop. He ran to the back and opened the door to the truck bed. Techrat pulled the wooden crate out easily on the antigravity platform. He pushed the crate to where the Autobots were getting ready to help plan the assault on Soun Matsuo's home. Techrat looked up at the green Autobot he knew as Hound. "I have something here for Optimus Prime and Wheeljack."

"Wheeljack is back at the shuttle and Prime is in the meeting. If you want I can radio Wheeljack for you and let him know you're coming."

"That would be great, Hound." Techrat paced as he waited for Hound to contact the Autobot scientist. He turned when he heard Hound transform into his military Jeep mode. Techrat attached the wooden crate to the hitch on the back of Hound. "Just be careful. What's in the crate is very sensitive."

Hound's dashboard lit up a light blue as he let an electronic laugh. "Oh don't worry I'm used to pulling sensitive equipment around for Wheeljack and Grapple." He pulled up to the back of the shuttle where Wheeljack was waiting with an Autobot that Techrat didn't recognize. Hound waited for Techrat to get out and unhitch the crate before transforming. "Our friend here has a gift for you, Wheeljack."

Bending down to look at the crate Wheeljack turned to the Autobot with him. "Well, looks like we won't be as bored as we thought we'd be, Perceptor." Wheeljack reached down as small instruments came out of his fingertips. Techrat watched amazed as Wheeljack carefully removed the wooden lid, then removing the top layer of foam from the crate. "Huh," was all Wheeljack could say as he looked at the inactive form of the robot ninja Nightbird.

"Indeed," Perceptor getting closer to the still form of Nightbird. "I am curious as to why you've brought us this, Techrat."

"I recently acquired this robot in a buyout of a tech firm. I studied this Nightbird robot and discovered that it contained some unique properties."

"Yes, I seem to remember being most impressed with its abilities." Perceptor transformed into his giant microscope mode. His scope slowly passed over the Nightbird robot. "And I see what you are talking about. Wheeljack, this robot seems to be Cybertronian in origin. The shell isn't but the internal mechanisms are not of this planet."

Wheeljack nodded and turned to Techrat. "Thank you. This might be useful after all."

Sticking close to the shadows, David led his team of Arashikage ninjas along the perimeter of the Caustic Brothers camp. Storm Shadow led his own team on the opposite side of the camp. While the G.I. Joe team and the Autobots waited to crash the front gate to provide a distraction for the two teams. David pulled the night vision binoculars from his eyes and turned to Yukio. "[Soun is in the main room with his men. I haven't seen the Caustic Brothers leader yet.]" He pressed the earpiece he was wearing, "[Ryo, anything on your end?]"

"[Nothing yet. I know my brother is in there, I see his bodyguards.]" Ryo toggled the wheel on his binoculars to zoom in and focus. "[Wait, I think I just spotted him in what looks to be a recreation room. Let me get to a better position.]" Ryo moved over ten feet to the left. He brought the night vision binoculars back to his eyes. "[Yes, I'm almost one hundred percent sure that's him. I recognize the birthmark on his forearm.]"

"[Keep an eye on him.]" David readied his swords. "General, we're ready whenever you are." He turned to Yukio and the Arashikage ninjas. "[No mercy. But leave Soun Matsuo for me. His life is mine.]" He glanced at the main gates as they exploded inward. Alarms sounded all around the compound. David rushed through the trees his swords at his sides. He sliced the air as he ran, killing Caustic Brothers as he made his way to the house.

Yukio stayed close to David providing extra protection as they mercilessly cut through the enemy. She blocked a strike against David while he kicked in the door to the house. They both ducked as they entered avoiding the gunfire. Together they struck their attackers. Yukio nodded as David gave the hand signal to split up. She tapped the headset she wore and whispered, "[Maiyumi, what's Soun's location?]"

"[I lost sight of him once the attack began. But it looked like that he made for a secure room near his bedroom.]"

"[On my way, thanks Maiyumi.]" David fought his way through the bodyguards that blocked his way. He ducked and weaved, parried and thrust with his swords. He barely noticed the minor cuts and injuries he suffered. His thirst for revenge of Kyoko's death fueled him on. Thrusting his swords up, he killed the last of the Caustic Brothers in the room. He stood before the secured door and studied it. He found an access panel next to the door near the floor.

David opened the panel and discovered a confusing mess of wires. He knew that he'd have to cut them in the right order or face being locked out. "[Maiyumi, there's a jumble of wires here. I have no idea what order to cut them in.]" He listened carefully as Ryo's wife walked him through the process. He gave his thanks and opened the heavy door. Ducking on instinct, David avoided a gunshot. He dove at Soun and immediately punched him.

Soun brought his knee up to David's midsection and shoved him back. David looked up at Kyoko's uncle with rage burning in his eyes. He feinted lunging at Soun again and caught the older man's leg as he tried to kick David. He twisted Soun's leg sharply and smiled as he heard the wet snap of his knee breaking. Soun screamed in pain and fell to the ground. He put his hands up in surrender. "[No more! No more! I give up! I know you want revenge for Kyoko, but I give up.]"

David stopped and looked down at the injured man, he picked up his swords and stood over him. "[You surrender? You think I give a fuck about your surrender? You're going to pay for the murder of your niece.]"

"[Think of your honor!]" Soun screamed desperately. "[Do you think Kyoko would want you to forget your sense of honor by murdering a man who has surrendered to you?]"

Lowering his swords David thought about what Soun had said. "[Actually, I think she'd want me to do this.]" He reached behind his back and pulled a gun out of the back of his suit. He pointed the gun at Soun's head. "[For the record, she'd want justice.]" He pulled the trigger and emptied the clip into Soun's body, saving the last bullet for his head. David tossed the gun on the dead body and let out a sigh.

The screech of static in his ear brought David out of his reflection. "[...vid are you there? Ryo is chasing his brother through the woods. He could use your help]."

Touching the headset, David nodded. "[I'm on my way.]" He gave the body one last look before picking up his swords and running through the ravaged house. He heard explosions from the battle on the front lawn. He glanced at the GPS on his arm and saw where Ryo's last location was. The window before him shattered as he jumped through it. David rolled with the impact and got to his feet running. He made a sharp turn into the woods.

Jumping over fallen branches David found Ryo quickly with his sword at his brother's throat. Ryo turned when he heard David's approach. "[This is my brother Takeshi. He's the leader of the Caustic Brothers and the man who ordered the assassination of your mother. His life is yours to take.]" Ryo pressed the blade to the man's throat firmly, drawing a tiny amount of blood.

"[Please, I have information that can help you. I know where Cobra is located in Japan.]" Takeshi pleaded desperately.

David raised his katana to strike the man before him. Rage burned in his eyes as he watched the other man's face. He began to lower the weapon but a flash of his mother's face went through his mind's eye. He raised the sword again and started to bring it down but stopped. He sheathed his swords and grabbed Takeshi by his red uniform. Ryo removed the sword from his throat. David brought his face to mere centimeters from the man he swore to kill.

Before David could speak, a familiar battle cry rang out. Cobra forces began to swarm Soun's property. David shoved Takeshi to Ryo. "[Bind his arms. He's coming with us.]" David tapped the earpiece. "Fall back. Everyone fall back. Mission accomplished. Retreat and meet back at the stronghold." Drawing his swords David ran to the rendezvous point.

The flight back to Autobot City was a smooth one. Kaori looked out the window as the shuttle flew above the clouds. She turned when Stormer sat next to her. "I'm sure David is okay. He made the right call to send us all back to Autobot City for our safety. This is something he needs to do right now." She put her arm around Kaori's shoulders and smiled.

"Yeah, I know he does." Kaori turned from the shuttle's window and folded her legs under herself. "We plan on going on a long vacation when this is over. He told me that the whole thing with Cobra and the Decepticons would be the last time for him. The Autobots and G.I. Joe team will have to do without his help from now on. He swore that running Misfits Music would be his only focus." She gave Stormer the private smile she only shared with David and then dropped her voice to a whisper. "I'm pregnant."

Stormer let out a loud squeal then quickly covered her mouth. She whispered quieter than Kaori had. "Have you told him yet?"

Kaori shook her head quickly. "No, no one knows except for you and Mariko. I'm having the Autobot doctor Ratchet check me out when we get to the City. I want to make fully sure." She hugged Stormer tight and rested her head on the Misfits' shoulder. "Obviously I don't have to tell you to keep this a secret."

"My lips are sealed." Stormer just smiled and held her sister in law.

Sitting with a hard flop Roxy gave the two women a quizzical look. "What you two whispering about? And what's with all of the damned hugging?" She sat a back a little and frowned. "You two are weird," she teased.

"It's nothing, Rox. We've just been talking about David finally running the company." Stormer sat back and played with her hair. "And it's about damn time, too." She poked Roxy in the side and smirked, "I thought you hated flying."

"I do, I'm just a little bit drunk. Trust me, I'm freaking the fuck out on the inside." Kaori noticed that Roxy was avoiding looking out the shuttle window. Roxy reached over and pressed the control button to bring the window blind down. "Sorry, I was just getting nervous."

Kaori took Roxy's hands in hers and gave a soft squeeze. "We'll be on the ground shortly."

A few days had passed since the assault on the Caustic Brothers and the Matsuo clan. The Autobots helped the G.I. Joe team vacate the Arashikage stronghold to a refitted military base. David and Ryo kept watch on the building that Ryo's brother Takeshi was being kept in. The building was solid concrete with the only opening being the doorway. Ryo stood on one side while David was on the other. "[Tommy told me a story about how he once escaped the Joes in a bunker like this.]" David glance at the building and arched an eyebrow. "[But he had a higher ceiling and didn't have cameras watching him from every angle.]"

Ryo glanced at the computer tablet he held, it was on the camera feed from inside the building. "[I believe it was the Joe member Gung Ho who told me the story. He said at the time it was highly embarrassing but now he tells it with great pride.]" He tapped the screen that made one of the screens larger. Takeshi was sitting in the middle of the room with his eyes shut. "[My brother is meditating, yet I do not trust him.]"

"[That feeling is mutual.]" David leaned over and took a look at the tablet. "[I almost let you kill him.]"

"[I still may do so. What Takeshi and his Caustic Brothers have done is unforgivable.]" Ryo looked up at David with a pained expression. "[I was once a part of them, his sins are mine as well. I may ask you to punish me for everything I have done to you, your friends, and your family.]" He looked past David toward the barracks and command buildings. What looked to be jets were coming toward them. None of them looked anything like what the G.I. Joes or EDF forces had.

Turning when he saw the confused look on Ryo's face, David tapped the goggles he wore and magnified the horizon. The aircraft coming for the base bore the insignias for the Decepticons and Cobra forces. He saw the barrel flashes of the guns before either man heard them. "[how did they find us so quickly?]" David asked quietly. He took the goggles off and opened the door to the prison cell. Rushing in before Takeshi could react. David grabbed him by the throat and slammed him against the wall. "[How did they find us?]"

"[Wh-what are you talkin' about?]" Takeshi gasped. He glanced over David's shoulder at his brother.

"[The Decepticons and Cobra both have found our base. How did you contact them?]" David squeezed Takeshi's throat tighter.

Ryo put his hand on David's shoulder. "[You're choking him and he can't respond. Ease up.]"

Loosening his grip on the Caustic Brothers leader, David let the rage burning in his eyes speak for him. Takeshi tried to shake his head and spoke in a gasp. "[I-I don't know. You have to believe me!]"

"[He's telling the truth, David.]" Ryo put the tablet in David's face. It was showing a signal coming from Takeshi's body. "[They must have put a RFID chip in him and had it on a delay.]" Ryo looked back at the tablet and pulled out his knife. He stabbed Takeshi in his leg and pried up. A small capsule flew out and landed at his feet. Ryo stomped on the chip and the transmission showed it had stopped on the screen.

David dropped the man to the floor and stood over him. "[We need to get him out of here. Neither Cobra or the Decepticons will let him talk.]" Ryo nodded and helped his brother to his feet. David held his hand up as he looked out of the doorway cautiously. To the east he saw smoke rising from some of the buildings. Further north he saw the flashes of the firefight that had broken out. Deep down he wanted to rush in and help out, but getting the leader of the Caustic Brother to a safe hiding place was more important.

Ryo finished putting a bandage on Takeshi's leg. "[You've had worse.]" Takeshi smirked at his brother and chuckled softly. They both ran when David gave the signal that the way was clear.

Knocking on the metal door, Pizzazz waited few a moments before opening it and giving Kaori a big smile. "Hey, the girls and I are going to check out Autobot City. Then maybe get some food. I was wondering if you wanted to come with." She leaned against the door frame and watched her sister in law unpack.

"I'll catch up to you. There are some things I need to do first." Kaori zipped up her travel bag and gave a smile. "I want to call David, contact my publisher and let them know I might be delayed." She held up her right arm and gave a shrug. "Plus, I want Ratchet to take a look at my arm and leg. They're acting up a bit. But I'll definitely join you later. Just let me know where to meet you."

Pizzazz gave a slightly concerned look but nodded anyway. "Sure thing, hope nothing is too serious with your prosthetics. And tell David we said hello." She flashed a quick smile and went to her room to change and shower. After her shower, Pizzazz picked up her phone and called Riot. The phone rang a few times before he picked up. She could hear his smile over the phone. "Hi baby, we just landed in Autobot City and I was thinking I could send transport to get you and the girls."

Riot chuckled deeply. "That would be lovely. Phoebe and Ingrid were just complaining that they had nothing to do. Plus, we just finished laying down a few tracks. The new album is shaping up perfectly. Excuse me a moment." Riot covered the phone as best as he could but his voice was slightly muffled. "Pheebs call Ingrid and tell her to get a bag together. We're heading to Autobot City for the night."

Pizzazz heard the confused tone in Rapture's voice. "I thought they were in Japan?"

"I'll explain in the way there." Riot's voice went back to normal. "Still there? We'll be out in a few hours." His voice changed slightly and Pizzazz heard the genuine concern. "Is everything okay? I know you put the rest of tour on hold. And I saw the news reports of the attacks in Japan. Should I be worried?"

"Maybe," Pizzazz sighed. "It's just more insanity that has caught up to us. Honestly, I kinda want you here to hold me. But I'm worried about David. We can talk when you get here. Love you." She smiled as he said the same to her and hung up the phone. Doing a final check in the mirror Pizzazz left her quarters and met up with the rest of The Misfits.

Sitting in the waiting room, Kaori waited for Ratchet to call her into the examination room. She watched a news report on her built in tablet. She and David both had tablets installed into their prosthetic arms on their second visit. David said they'd come in useful if they ever needed them. She smirked and saw his logic. The news report was a live feed of an assault on Hashima Island in Japan. The Autobots were attacking the Decepticons new base.

"Kaori," the soft, all too human voice of Ratchet brought her out of her thoughts, "I'm ready for you now. I just had to readjust the room to your size. I usually don't examine humans I leave that to First Aid. He's a Micromaster and more your height."

"Well, thank you for seeing me." Kaori gave her arm a quick shake and the tablet screen vanished. "I was just watching the feed about the Autobots taking the fight to the Decepticons. I hope they're okay."

No matter how many times she saw it, seeing a robot laugh was a surreal image. "I'm sure everything will be just fine. Optimus is a great leader and strategist. Now, hop up on the table and let's get your arm and leg off. You said you were having stiffness?" Ratchet carefully took the limbs and examined them thoroughly. He peeled back the fake skin, exposing the circuitry. Picking up an air compressor nozzle, Ratchet blew a stream of air into each joint of arm and leg. He added a bit of new lubricant as well. Once finished, he put the skin back and handed the limbs back to Kaori. "That should do it. There was a bit of dirt and dust build up."

Kaori reattached her artificial arm and leg then hopped down and tested her leg. The stiffness was gone and felt more fluid her arm as well. She gave the Autobot surgeon a smile. "Thank you. Now I have another favor to ask." She lowered her voice even though she knew they were the only ones in the room. "I took a pregnancy test while I was in Japan and it came back positive. But I don't fully trust them could you scan me and see if I really am?"

"Of course, lay back on the table and I'll run a scan." Ratchet put his hands up when Kaori started to undress. "No need for that. It's just a simple medical scan." He turned and pressed a few buttons. A metal arm came out at the head of the table. The light blue beam slowly washed over her body as it moved up and down at a steady pace. The arm vanished after two passes over her body. Multiple images of her body appeared on the monitors before Ratchet. He turned with a smile on his face. "Congratulations. You're pregnant." Covering her mouth Kaori let out a soft squeak of happiness.

In the distance David, Ryo and Takeshi heard small skirmishes continue. It had been a few hours since the start of the sneak attack. The Decepticons left after the first few assaults on the base. David watched the Autobots pursue their age old enemy. He turned to Ryo and Takeshi. "[We should get to the command building. We need to let Hawk or Duke know what's going on.]" He picked up the computer he'd found after encountering Destro and the Baroness.

Ryo looked back at their unconscious bodies. "[I still say we kill them now. Letting them live will only be more misery for us later on.]"

Slipping through the door quietly Takeshi crouched next to David. He winced slightly where Ryo had dug out the tracking chip. "[I found a working vehicle. We can take Destro and the Baroness with us now.]"

David took a final look out the window and went to where the two Cobra agents were bound. He pulled out two pairs of restraints. "[Okay cut the ropes, Ryo.]" He watched Ryo cut the ropes on Destro first David quickly put the restraints around the arms dealer's wrists, and then did the same for the Baroness. He picked up Destro and put him over his shoulders and carried the computer in his left hand. "[Ryo, you take the Baroness. Show us what you found, Takeshi.]"

Takeshi led them to a truck that was two buildings over. Ryo and David put their captives in the backseat. Ryo sat in the back while David sat in front with Takeshi. He still didn't trust the man. David started the truck after a few minutes and slowly drove to the command center. In the back, he heard Destro groan and sit up a bit. Ryo flicked his dagger out and put it to the Baroness' throat. He leaned in to Destro and whispered, "You try anything and I slice her throat." He saw Destro's eyes narrow through the metal mask. "Now tell us what Cobra's plan is?"

Looking around the truck Destro threw his head back and laughed loudly. "Oh you truly are a group of fools! Do you honestly think Cobra Commander or Destro would send some of his most valued people into combat? The world will see! The world will see!" Destro and the Baroness turned gray and began to melt before their eyes. David slammed on the brakes of the truck and looked back. He immediately recognized the gray protoplasm in the back. Cobra had synthoid technology again.

Sitting at the table in the interrogation room, Takeshi looked up at the command heads of G.I. Joe, David and Ryo. He cleared his throat and adjusted his wrists that were bound in the restraints. "I'm not sure what else I can tell you. I don't even know what a synthoid is, just that it's gray protoplasm. I'm sorry but that's all that I know."

Muttering curses under his breath, Beach Head left the room while General Hawk looked at both Ryo and David. "You believe he's telling the truth? There's no way that he could have information but doesn't know it?"

"It's possible, Hawk," David said giving a slight shrug, "But we'd have to know the trigger word or phrase to get him to talk. And I'm sure you know the odds of that are monumental." He began to pace then nudged Ryo. "Does your ninja clan have a hypnosis method? The Arashikage clan does but I don't think it will work with Takeshi."

Ryo thought for a moment then nodded. "We do, but it's a long shot. It might work, though." He turned to Duke and gave a flicking motion. "Could you get the lights?" Ryo pulled out his flashlight and set it on strobe mode. Duke turned off the lights and the entire room flashed with the flickering light. Ryo put his hands in front of himself and made varying gestures in time with the strobe light. "Takeshi, watch my hands. Feel them entering your mind all locked doors in your mind are open. What is Cobra planning to do with the synthoids?"

Takeshi stared blankly at Ryo's rapidly moving hands; his voice was a low monotone. "Cobra has plans to take over the world. They have plans with the Decepticons to take over the world with them. I overheard Cobra Commander talking about setting up synthoids in capitols around the planet. Destro saw me and thought he had erased my memory of this plan. But I have the ability to hide and lock away memories. This is all I know." His eyes rolled to the back of his head and Takeshi slumped in his chair unconscious.

Turning on the lights and shutting off his flashlight, Ryo turned the G.I. Joe officers. "I guess it worked, if it's true."

"Contact Washington immediately!" Hawk yelled as he ran out of the room. Duke followed closely, breaking into a full run as Hawk did.

"[What do we do about Takeshi?]"

Ryo looked at his brother's unconscious body then at David. "[We do what needs to be done.]"

The persistent ringing of her cell phone brought Roxy out her deep sleep. Groaning at the growing headache, she reached over Jetta's sleeping body and grabbed the phone. Blurry eyed, she looked at the caller ID. She pressed the answer button and searched for her robe. "Hey David, what's going on?" She found her robe, quickly put it on and opened the balcony door.

"I'm just checking in with you. I already talked with Kaori and my sisters." Roxy could hear the exhaustion in David's voice. "I'm almost done here in Japan. There are things going on with the Joes, EDF and the Autobots. But it's really not my place to get involved. See, I told you that I wasn't going to get involved anymore. I don't always have to save the world."

Roxy let out a loud laugh. "Well goddamn, Gabor, you're actually surprising me. And it's about time you stopped being the martyr all the time. So are you coming here or are we going to resume our tour?"

After clearing his throat, David's tone, "I want everyone to come out for Kyoko's funeral. I read her will the last night and she wants to be buried next to Shin. She also wants us to throw a party in her name. So it won't be a traditional funeral." David's started to break down as he talked about her. "She never did anything to tradition. I really loved that about her." He held back a sob.

"Don't hold it in with me you never have before." Roxy heard David break down into tears. "I loved her, too. She was a great woman and an even greater friend. I told her so many secrets and she never told anyone. She also had the most wicked sense of humor. Fuck, I'm gonna miss her." Roxy wiped a stray tear from her cheek.

"I'll let you know when it's going to happen." David cleared his throat a few times. "And Rox thank you. You really are my best friend. And I need to go. Yukio just joined Ryo and me here at the base. We were waiting for her to join us. Give Sheila a kiss for me. Love you." David hung up after Roxy said her good bye. She leaned on the railing of the balcony and watched the sun rise.

"I miss Kyoko too, luv."Jetta hugged Roxy from behind and rested her head on Roxy's back. The two lovers watched the sunrise in peace and quiet.

David put his phone into his pocket and hugged Yukio. "[I was just talking to Roxy. Also got a hold of my sisters and Kaori, I told them about Kyoko's funeral plans.]" He opened the door and let Ryo inside. Takeshi was still in his restraints. "[But first things first, Takeshi has confessed to planning and giving the orders for the attacks against the Arashikage Clan and my family. Including the being the man who mortally stabbed Kyoko.]" He turned to look at the leader of the Caustic Brothers.

"[While the Joe team, Autobots and the EDF deal with Cobra and the Decepticons, Tommy is deciding the fate of Takeshi,]" David continued as he walked slowly around the man. "[Despite helping out the G.I. Joe team it looks as if the sentence will be death by seppuku.]" David brought his eyes to Yukio. "[I was asked if you could act as kaishakunin.]"

Yukio looked at David slightly astonished. She wasn't expecting a decision like this from the Arashikage Clan. "[It would be my honor, David-san.]" Her eyes flicked over to Takeshi who looked reserved and almost accepting of his fate. She wondered if this was how the ninja of old acted when being sentenced.

The door to the waiting room opened and one of the Arashikage elders bowed to David, Ryo and Yukio. "[Master Arashikage is ready for the prisoner. You may escort him to where we have assembled.]" He led them down the hall and out of the building to a small clearing. Tommy knelt on a pillow wearing the robes of the leader of the Arashikage Clan. Sitting around him were his advisors. David noticed that Snake Eyes, Scarlett and Jinx were also present. The elder advisor bowed deeply to Tommy. "[The prisoner Takeshi Nakamura as requested.]"

Bowing his head Tommy thanked the elder. "[David, Yukio, please take a place beside me.]" He gestured to the two empty spaces next to himself. "[Ryo, remove your brother's restraints and then take your place next to your beloved Maiyumi.]" Tommy stood when Ryo knelt next to his wife. He spoke in a loud and clear voice. David thought he sounded like a true leader. "[Takeshi Nakamura you have confessed to your crimes against the Arashikage Clan and Clan Ikari. You have made no secret that you gave the orders and helped commit them. As a result it is required that you commit seppuku to clear your family name.]" Tommy knelt down on the pillow and watched Takeshi closely.

Takeshi stood perfectly still with his eyes looking at each person carefully. He then nodded at his brother. "[May I request that I perform the jumonji giri?]" This request shocked even Takeshi's brother. "[The cross-shaped cut is one that my ancestors always chose. I wish to honor them this way.]" He remained rigid in his posture as Tommy studied him.

"[It's your choice to waive the kaishakunin.]" Tommy stood and motioned for the rest to follow. "[The ritual will commence in the morning. Ryo, David, take Takeshi to his cell.]" Tommy slowly walked away to the building that served as his quarters. Jinx, Snake Eyes and Scarlett followed him. Ryo and David walked beside Takeshi to his holding cell. None of them spoke a word.

The next morning, Takeshi was washed and scrubbed down. Afterward he sat down for his last meal. He requested something he never had before rather than his favorite meal. He was served a variety of hamburgers he'd always heard of but never tried. Once finished, Takeshi meditated until Ryo brought him his white robes. He knew it was time.

"[It didn't have to be like this, brother,]" Ryo said laying the robes on the bed.

"[Yes, it did. The Caustic Brothers are finished and broken on the field of battle.]" Takeshi slipped on his kimono and Ryo helped tie the obi. "[Even though you betrayed our clan, I do not blame you. You saw the end coming and chose life.]" He looked at his reflection in the mirror. "[I want you to take Maiyumi and leave this entire life behind. You each deserve happiness. I took your childhood, but now I give you your adult life. Become a teacher of our family style, not the philosophy we were taught.]"

Ryo simply nodded and stood next to his brother in the mirror. Maiyumi knocked on the door frame. "[They're ready when you are.]" She walked up to Takeshi and kissed his cheek. "[I know that goes against tradition but I'll miss you.]" She turned and walked out the room.

"[We were never close with our emotions, but I'll miss you as well.]" Ryo hugged his older brother and then backed away. "[You were my teacher, but you'll always be my brother and I love you.]"

"[I love you too, Ryo.]" Takeshi straightened up a little while he let his face go blank. "[Please let the guards know that I'm ready and take your place on the podium.]" Ryo silently left the room and signaled to the guards outside that his brother was ready. The guards walked on either side of Takeshi as they led him to where Tommy knelt in waiting. Takeshi bowed to Tommy. "[Instead of the death poem, I wish to make my apologies to David Gabor and everyone else I have hurt. I have no excuses for what and why I did those things. Just know that I regret what I have done. I go into the afterlife with a clear mind.]"

Standing and speaking in a clear voice Tommy stood over Takeshi. "[You have waived the right of a kaishakunin and invoked the jumonji giri. Please kneel so that your legs may be bound.]" Tommy watched as Takeshi knelt and the two Arashikage guards tied his legs together. "[Your tanto is before you. You may begin when you're ready.]"

Takeshi lifted the blade and stared at it for a moment. He then looked up at his brother and nodded. Plunging the dagger's end into his midsection, Takeshi dragged the blade across then gave a sharp jerk upward. He muffled his cry of pain as his entrails spilled out on the floor before him. Dropping the tanto, Takeshi put his hands over his face and bent over. A coldness washed over his body as shock set in and his blood drained out.

Watching in silence Ryo held in his grief as his brother died before him.

The next week was a blur of activity on the base and around the world. David helped his Arashikage Clan brethren move their people back to their old clan home. The stronghold was a mess but the Autobots and EDF construction crews were helping to fix and repair the walls and homes. David was helping rebuild the wall with Yukio when he spotted something in the bushes. He slowly made his way to the bush and reached in. "[Hey Yukio, come look what I found!]"

Yukio set her tools down and rolled her eyes. "[Now isn't the time to be showing of wrecka—]," she stopped midsentence and covered her mouth when she saw David holding her pet lynx. "[Nekobaka!]" Yukio took the lynx from David and hugged him tightly. "[I thought you were lost in the attack! You must be starving!]"

"[Go get him something to eat.]" David turned back to the wall and stretched. He finished reinforcing the wall and took a break himself. Taking a few steps back, he admired his work and smiled to himself. David knew that not getting involved with the G.I. Joe team taking on Cobra or the Autobots going after the Decepticons was the right choice. They were handling their affairs just fine without him.

Finding a place to sit in the rebuilt recreation building, David listened to the workers talking about the G.I. Joe teams that went after Cobra. "From what I heard, Cobra's new synthoids were perfect to a point. The Joes couldn't neutralize them because the frequencies were different. But the synthoids didn't have all of the mannerisms or distinctive marks of the world leaders. Like the Prime Minister from England cut his hand the week before he was replaced. The synthoid had no healing cut or scar."

"I heard that the Cobra had no control over the synthoids either. Megatron didn't trust old Snake Face and didn't tell him about the new frequency. I also heard that Cobra tainted the energon supply that they gave the Decepticons. Only the first batch was any good." The worker's friend chuckled to himself. "These alliances always fall apart. I don't know why the Joes or 'Bots get involved. They should just play referee and protect the innocents."

"They get involved because innocents are involved." David sat at the table with them. His Arashikage tattoo was showing. Both men cleared their throats and looked down at their food. David gave a kind smile. "The men and women of the G.I. Joe team and the Autobots both sacrifice a lot for us. They're never asked to do it, they just do." David saw how he embarrassed the two workers. "I only know from experience. And I'm not saying they're more important than you. Without the construction crews that are helping here, the Arashikage Clan wouldn't be rebuilding as fast."

David and the EDF construction workers sat and talked through their break. After a half hour Yukio came over looking slightly annoyed. "[Come on, this wall is not going to build itself!]" David excused himself and joined his clan sister in the rebuilding.

A week after the stronghold was rebuilt David held the funeral for Kyoko. He was surprised by the turn out of people who had come. All of her friends and those who considered her family were present. The entire Arashikage Clan had shown up for her. But David was shocked to find members of G.I Joe and the Autobots in attendance. She was given a heroes ceremony complete with a twenty-one gun salute by the G.I. Joes and Autobots.

After the funeral, Mariko invited those closest to Kyoko to her home for a memorial. David sat in the back of the limo with Kaori, Stormer and Pizzazz. He held his wife close who was still wiping tears from her eyes. He watched out the window as Pizzazz and Stormer quietly talked. Time seemed to pass by quickly as they were driven to his childhood home. David climbed out first helped the women inside get out. "You're always the gentleman, David. Don't ever change," Pizzazz said as she took his hand.

"Well, I was the one who was raised properly," David joked and held the door to the house for them. Inside he could hear the voices of laughter of those he called family. It pleased him that they were all remembering the good times with Kyoko. He went inside to join them in the celebration of her life.

The air outside was cooler than it was indoors. Pizzazz listened to the hum of what was soon to be an overworked air conditioner unit. She leaned back in her chair and sipped her drink slowly. She was studying her engagement ring, when the door opened behind her and David sat next to her. Neither said anything as they sat together. Finally Pizzazz leaned over and gave David a buzzed grin. "So David Gabor has finally giving up saving the world. Will miracles never cease?"

"Yeah, I know," David chuckled. "I got a lot of shit from Roxy about it already." He looked at the watch that was built into his android arm. "Kaori and I are heading out. Mariko said The Misfits can all crash here if you don't mind the crowd."

"Mariko is awesome!" Pizzazz exclaimed a bit too loud and drunkenly. "And no more booze for me. This may have been Kyoko's favorite, but I'm a fucking lightweight on it." She leaned over and hugged her twin brother and kissed his cheek. "Go on and do your goodbye rounds. I'll see you tomorrow."

David stood up and hugged his sister and kissed her on the cheek. "Sure thing. Love you, Phyllis."

Pizzazz ran her hand through his hair and messed it up. "Love you."

After returning the gesture, David went inside the house and said his farewells. He also thanked everyone for coming. He hugged and kissed the cheeks of each of The Misfits. He waved as he headed out the front door with Kaori to his car.

Stormer held the sides of her head and grunted in pain. She staggered to the front door and opened it. David and Kaori were already inside the car. She saw David begin to turn the ignition switch. She yelled out to him, "David! Stop! You're both in dang—" Her warning was cut off as David's car exploded into a fireball. Pieces of car debris rained down on the lawn he had called home for most of his life.

TO BE CONCLUDED IN "IMA DEMO… (Translation: Even Now…)"

THE MISFITS: THE SERIES FINALE