Transformers: Honor and Loyalty

Chapter 16: Returning Home

The drive back to the Sasaki estate is quiet, no one really sure what to say as the streets of Tokyo pass by.

"I'm glad you're alright, Deadlock." Etsuko begins, realizing she hadn't said that yet. "And I'm grateful you came to rescue me."

"Of course." Deadlock replies.

"I don't know what I would have done if you and the other Autobots were not able to help me." Kenji admits, shuddering at the thought of how helpless he'd felt when he realized his precious daughter was in the hands of monsters like the DJD. "You have my eternal gratitude." He takes his daughter's hand, squeezing it gently, almost unable to believe she's beside him, safe and sound again.

"It was the honorable thing to do." Deadlock replies humbly. "And besides, I would never have left an innocent in the hands of the DJD, even if I were not already opposing them."

"You're not like any Con I've ever met, I gotta admit." Moonracer chimes in, chuckling a bit awkwardly. "No offense."

Deadlock chuckles. "None taken, young one."

The Cybertronians transform, the wall barely able to hide them anymore, especially Magnus. "What will you do concerning the destruction at the site of our battle?" He can't help asking.

Kenji sighs. "I'll have to think of something, but don't worry. We've been having trouble with a few vandals and faulty equipment. With any luck, they'll buy that this time the vandals were extra thorough and the equipment worse than previously thought."

Magnus nods. Earth customs are still new to him, but he understands enough. "I see." He turns to Deadlock. "We will need to depart for the Autobot base soon. You will need to say goodbye."

Though Drift and the Sasakis knew this moment would come, it's still hard for them. Drift kneels, hugging his friends gently (really, put his hands on their backs while they hugged his leg) before putting his hands together, one with his fingers up and one fist, bowing his head to them. "I will always remain your friend, even if circumstances keep us apart." He says, unexpectedly emotional. Cybertronians can't cry, but humans can, Etsuko living proof and even Kenji has watery eyes as they hug what part of his arms they can, Etsuko staying after her father had let go.

"I wish you didn't have to go." She can't help saying.

"I wish I did not have to leave, but the information I carry with me is invaluable to the Autobots. I must give it to the Prime." Drift explains patiently.

Etsuko forces herself to let him go. "I know. I'll miss you."

Drift gently puts a finger on her shoulder. "I will always be with you in your Spark."

She smiles through her tears. "You mean heart."

Drift nods, smiling back at her. "If that is what you call it in your carbon-based body."

"Goodbye, Deadlock, and thank you again for everything." Kenji says, hand on Drift's arm.

"I will always be grateful I was given the chance to meet you, no matter what the future holds." Drift replies, then stands. "Before I go, there is one more thing I wish for you two to know; I have decided to take on a new name, in honor of the new life I will now lead. I will be known as Drift from this moment on." He nods at Etsuko. "And I have Etsuko to thank."

Etsuko tilts her head. "Me?"

Drift nods. "You mentioned my drifting during the race, and for an unknown reason, the word 'drift' remained in my mind. I decided to adopt it as my new name." He bows at the waist for a moment. "Thank you."