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Warnings ahead for this chapter: Violence and slight minor abuse.

Flashback several munities ago from Bulkheads point of view!

The last words Bulkhead ever expected to here from Optimus where "Bulkhead, accompany Miko home." Optimus ordered him. Bulkhead stiffened in shock. Slowly he looked over at Optimus who wore a blank expression, making sure not to give anything he was thinking away.

His optics glanced from Miko to Optimus then back again. She seemed to be more than thrilled that he was to be her guardian. He gulped nervously, the youngling was to brave for her own good. She had proven that earlier by climbing up the couch, a fall from that height could have seriously injured her. He bet if she faced Unicron himself, she probably wouldn't bat an eye. This was one of Optimus's worst ideas yet. Quickly Bulkhead activated the com-link *Optimus, are you sure its a good idea to make 'me' her guardian?! You know how often I brake things! Don't you think we should avoid putting the younglings in dangerous situations! I thought that was the whole point in brining back to base!*

Optimus looked at him determinedly *I would not have chosen you for the job if I did not think you could handle the responsibility fully. You do not give yourself enough credit Bulkhead.*

*But Prime! I-*Optimus held up a servo and interrupted him *Earlier today I sent you off with the human younglings for a reason. I wanted to make sure you could handle them on your own without any of our help. I knew that we may have to assign them a guardian at some point. I just didn't know how soon. Since we where so close at servo, I concluded that it would be safe enough for you to watch over them.*

Bulkhead stood there shocked. Finally he blinked and came to his senses *You where testing me?!...But why Miko? Didn't Ratchet say that the femmes on this planet where more delicate than the mechs? Why not assign Jack or Raff to me instead?*

*That may be true but I have a feeling that you will be able to take care of her better than any other Cybertronian here...* Optimus's optics shown brightly in amusement. *Also she seems to have taken a strong liking to you Bulkhead.*

Bulkhead gowned over the com *Your basing your reason of a feeling?! Prime please! I would feel terrible if something where to accidently happen to her. Just chose someone else, someone whos not a klutz.*

*I have made my decision, Bulkhead. You will accompany Miko to her home and watch over her. If I find any reasonable reason to change my processor later I will see to it that she is removed from your watch and put under someone else's care...* Bulkhead slumped. *Do not worry Bulkhead, tonight all you have to do is deliver her to her family unit and watch over her until the sun rises. If you wish we can discuss this more at a later date*

Bulkhead sighed in defeat. He glanced over at Miko who was looking at them curiously. Maybe he could do this, after all he just had to get her home and then sit there until tomorrow right?...Easy as poring a cube of energon...He hoped. He looked back at Optimus and finally gave in "Curbside duty. Got it."

Bulkhead only half paid attention as Optimus assigned Jack and Raff their guardians. All to soon as this was accomplished and Miko bounding down the steps and up to his feet and stared up at him excitedly. He nervously smiled down at her "Well I guess we should get going, huh?" He asked. She nodded eagerly. This was it. It was now or never. He took sever wide steps away from her and made sure she stayed put as he transformed down. Once he was finished, he popped open his passenger side door for her.

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Flashback ended! Miko's viewpoint up to present.

Miko puled herself up into the hummer and the door shut behind her. Bulkhead was a higher car than she was use to but it excited her to be riding in such a large powerful vehicle. Correction, she thought, a large powerful vehicle who was an alien robot! The windows where darkened so that no one could see in. Probably pretty hard to stay undercover if the car appeared driverless, Miko though.

Bulkhead 'started' the car with a loud rev and began driving forward. He exited the base then got onto the road that lead back towards town. It was dark out and she doubted they would see anyone else on the road until they got closer to civilization. She shifted in her seat and noticed that it was extremely conferrable. It was warmer than she expected and the seat almost seemed to mold to her body whenever she moved around. She did find it a bit odd when she glanced over to see the drivers seat empty and watched as the weal turned on its own...That would take some getting use to. She jumped in surprise when a seatbelt carefully wrapped itself around her and clicked into pace.

"Uh sorry about that. Didn't mean to startle you..." Bulkheads voice filled the cabin.

Miko glanced around unsure where she should be looking when addressing Bulkhead in this form. "No problem Bulk, just wasn't expecting it...So do you know where my house is or are you just driving?" Eventually she settled on the radio.

The radio flashed when Bulkhead answered her. She made her decision wisely hehe. "Oh yeah." He nervously laughed "I guess that is something I need to know."

Quickly she rattled off her address and relaxed back in her seat. "So what do you think of Earth so far? I mean excluding the time you spent fighting the cons." She asked "Do you like it here?."

"Its not that bad. It certainly is different from what I'm use to, although our sunsets are almost the same...Back home almost everything's made out of some type of metal and we don't have rainstorms."

"Really?" She asked in surprise

He chuckled and Miko felt her seat shake causing her to grin. "Not with water no. We did have acid rain storms that could melt your frame if you stayed out in them to long."

"We have those too but they're really uncommon. What else is Cybertron like?" She asked.

"Well we once had oceans of energon before the war and there where many different cities all over the world...Actually where I grew up was in a city that was just becoming prosperous. That made it a great place to live if you where a construction bot like I was. What attracted bots was the popularity of the coliseum, bots would come from all over Cybertron just to visit my home town. It had its ups and downs at times but it tended to be peaceful most days, almost everyobot got along...That quickly changed though after a few eons. Unfortunately we had a corrupt system that could only last so long and it finally broke down causing the war to start...After that most places where destroyed...My town was one of the first to go. I've never really called another place home since but I can say that home is with my team now. I know Prime and the rest of the Autobots got my back!"

Miko smiled sadly in sympathy. Cybertron sounded pretty cool, if only the war hadn't happened she would have loved to visit...Then again she Bulkhead wouldn't be here if the war hadn't happened. She stared out the window, they interring into Jasper now. It wouldn't be to long until she was back in her own temporary home. Her phone vibrated quietly in her bag. She dug it out and wrenched when she saw she had twelve missed messages. She was so dead! The best she could do was prepare herself for the scolding she would receive when she got back. She turned the phone off and put it in her back pocket.

"Your awfully quiet, is anything wrong?" Bulkhead asked worriedly.

Miko bit her lip nervously "Well~ I'm kinda in a lot of trouble with my host parent right now...Knowing the circumstances, I probably wont be aloud out of the house until I'm an old lady."

"Is this because of what Jack said? You missed your what was it called? Curfew?" He questioned.

Miko laughed dryly "If only...I had a fight with Catherine, that's one of my host parents I'm staying with...I just got so mad at her and when we stopped at the red light, I may have jumped out of the car and run off...That was when I ran into Arcee and Jack...I didn't mean for all this to happen, it just did."

Bulkhead was really quiet, making Miko slunk down in the seat in shame. "That sounds pretty bad..." He finally said "The best thing you can do is apologies. I would say tell her the truth about what happened but for obvious reasons...If you don't mind telling me, what was your fight about?"

Miko hesitated "I-I go to counseling a lot because I have a certain...problem. Catherine said I wasn't trying hard enough to fix the problem...The thing is, if I fix the problem...I wont be myself anymore...I don't know what to do."

Bulkhead thought for a moment before answering her "At one point in my life for a vary long time I once tried to live up to other bots expiations and you know what? It never worked. You can try and try but you cant make everyone happy...And you know what? After I stopped pretended to be somebot I'm not I ended up a lot happier. I'll tell you this Miko don't let anyone change what makes you you. Its the best thing you can do for others and yourself. As long as your doing what you where created to, your not harming anyone else, or yourself then let your true self show though. Don't let anyone change the true you."

Miko sniffed "B-but what if I don't know who the true me is?"

Bulkhead laughed "Well that's part of the fun isn't it? You get to discover who you really are...We never stay the same Miko, we all change over time. It might be a big change or just a little change. Either way you just need to be happy with the way you are that's the important part." They pulled up in front of Miko's house. "If you ever need anyone to talk to Miko know that I'll be there for you? I'll listen anytime you need me to." She smiled at him gratefully and the seatbelt unbuckled. She felt the seat nudge her forward gently and she couldn't help but smile. "Now get on in there. I know it wont be pretty but you'll feel better once you do."

"Thank you Bulkhead." Miko gratefully said. She grabbed her bag and put her hand on the door to open it but paused "Bulk?" "Hmmm?" He responded "I-If by any chance I'm not grounded...Do you think we could hang out a-and maybe go dune bashing tomorrow?"

He chuckled "That's fine by me. I just have to check with Prime first."

Miko smiled as she slid out of the car. Bulkhead closed the door behind her and turned around Miko hugged his side. "Thanks Bulkhead, your the best."

She felt the metal get warmer under her and Bulkhead stuttered in embarrassment "S-sure no problem." Miko giggled to herself quietly and let go. She waved at him before she turned around and walked towards her house. Little did Bulkhead know was that he would later regret not asking Miko what dune bashing was before agreeing.

Nervously, Miko walked up to the front door she got her key out and held her breath. She turned around and nervously looked back at Bulkhead who flashed his lights on and off in encouragement. Turning back aground she was about to put the key in the lock when the door flew open. She was crushed in a tight bear hug as Catherine yanked her inside "Oh my word Youko! Where were you?!" Catherine yelled. Miko was released from her tight grip but she was still held onto by the shoulders tightly. Tom, her other host parent was standing over Catherine's shoulder with a scowl on his face.

She nervously looked down at her feet in shame "I-I'm sorry Catherine...Tom. I-I just got so angry and I needed some time to myself...I didn't mean to stay out for so long! Its just one thing lead to another and before I knew it, it was already after ten."

Catherine scowled as she dropped her hands. Miko rubbed her sore shoulders. "But for half a day?!" Catherin's voice rose "Youko, something could have happened to you! We searched everywhere and tried calling you! Why didn't you pick up your phone?! I understand that you where mad but that was not the way to handle it!"

Miko shifted on her feet nervously "I didn't know where trying to call me. The place I went to didn't have cell reception."

"And where did you go?" Tom demanded angrily.

"I-I was j-just walking around town." Miko stammered.

Toms face reddened "Around town?! Your telling me that you spent all that time just wandering around town?! I don't think so! We looked all over the place for you! Not did you run off but now your lying to us!" Miko cringed and flinched back. Catherin looked at her disapprovingly. "Your becoming vary irresponsible Youko! We gave you some leeway the first few months but after this little stunt your not getting off the hook." Tom growled.

Catherine shook her head "What where we suppose to tell your parents if something had happened to you! You know how stressed they are with the situation right now?!"

Miko's felt her emotions turned from guilt to anger. "All my parents care about is what happens to Youko! If I where to suddenly disappear and Youko came back they would be thrilled! So long as her body's not hurt to badly they could care less what happens to me!"

Catherine nervously stammered "T-that's not true. If that was the case they wouldn't have sent you here! Your just being unreasonable Youko!"

Miko stuttered "I'm being unreasonable?! Are you kidding me?! They sent me away because they couldn't deal with a stranger living in their house!"

Catherine opened her mouth to argue but Tom yelled "Enough!"

He suddenly snatched her bag that held sketchbook her shoulder. She felt a since of panic as she gasped and try to grab it back. "Until you actually show us some progress in your counseling sessions and learn how to behave, you wont be aloud to have your sketchbook or phone back!"

"Are you sure that's a good idea Tom?" Catherine looked service "The councilors said that we shouldn't separate her from anything that connected her to her past...I can see taking the phone but shouldn't we leave her the sketchbook?"

Miko fumed as stood there listening to them.

Tom shook his head. "If its that important to her then she'll start behaving so she can get it back sooner. Everything else we've tried hasn't worked and she's only gotten worse."

"I cant believe you two!" Miko yelled "You think punishing me will accomplish anything! Are you my parents or my host parents?! I'm having trouble deciding which one of you two are worse now! What are you going to do next, start throwing plates at me like my mom did?!" She screamed. So many emotions where welling up inside her that she felt like she would brake down any second.

Catherin and Tom looked shocked "We would never do such a thing!" Catherine stammered "Why didn't you ever tell us about this?"

Miko scowled at them both angrily "Because you never took any interest in finding out! All you cared about was helping 'Youko' to return! You don't care about luring about who I am!" She tried to snatch her bag away from Tom again but he pulled it away. "Give me my bag back!"

Tom looked at his wife and she bit her lip before shaking her head. Tom turned his focus back to Miko "We're sorry to hear about how your mother treated you before you where sent to us but I'm afraid I'm still going to have to keep your bag. You still need to be punished for what you did earlier and you need to improve your attitude...I wont ground you other than this so if you want you can go out and spend times with any friends you made at school."

Miko felt body quivered from how upset she was "Ok fine, I understand what I did earlier was wrong. And I apologies but please! Just let me have my stuff back and chose a different punishment. Wash the car, clean the house, do the dishes, listen to classical music while wearing a dress! I'll do them all! Just chose anything but this!"

Tom shook his head firmly "No Youko, I've made up my mind."

Tears begun to run down her face for the second time that day. She pushed past her host parents and sprinted down the hall, up the steps, and into her room, slamming and locking the door behind her. She couldn't run over to the bed fast enough. She scrambled under the covers and hugged the pillow tightly, finally letting all her emotions out. Sob after sob escaped her as the conversation downstairs kept replaying in her mind. Most people would think that she had gotten off easy with just her sketchbook and phone being taken away...But they just wouldn't understand how important those things where to her. Ever since she became Miko she always kept them by her side and never let them leave her sight. They where extremely important to her! She didn't know why, she just knew...Maybe one day she would remember.

Sniffing and she buried herself deeper under the covers. That argument had made her remember all the things she had gone though. It was just like before she had been sent away by her father. All the angry words, everyone blaming 'her' for being there. It felt like she cried forever until she finally ran out of tears. The next thing she knew she had drifted off to sleep.

"Youko! Its time for dinner! Come downstairs and wash up." Her mother called. She walked down the stairs feeling uneasy. Her mother never made dinner anymore, not unless she was trying to get her to be her old self again. Quickly she did as she was told then sat down at the table. All kinds of foods where placed on the table.

Her mother sat down and smiled weakly at her. "I made your favorites today! Go on try some." Her mother said with a fake smile. It was a test she knew, her mother had put things on the table that 'Youko' hated in with her favorites. Nervously she picked up her chopsticks and reached for some stir-fried carrots. She hated them but she knew they where safe to eat. "Try something else." Her mother pushed a bowl towards her. She eyed the fish uneasily, it was a type of food she didn't recognize as 'Youkos' favorite or not.

Her mom looked expectantly so she figured that it might be safe. She reach forward and took a peace. Her mom watched her as she ate sever large bites of the fish. Suddenly her mom scowled and she froze, knowing that she had made a mistake. "Youko, hated tuna." Her mom growled. "Youko, never would have eaten the tuna! She only liked salmon!" Her mom stood up. Fearfully she dropped her chopsticks and stood up, causing the chair to fall backwards. "Your not Youko! Where has Youko gone?!" Her mom cried as she swept the food off the table, causing it to go flying.

"I-I-I don't know!" She trembled as she tried to back away.

Her mom began to advance towards her angrily. "What did you do with Youko?! Why did you take her away from me?!"

"I d-didn't do anything with her?" She cried in fear, all the while somehow looking for an exit.

"Your an imposter! A fake! Give me my daughter back!" Her mom grabbed a plate and though it at her. She held her hands up to protect herself but the glass plate sailed over her head and hit the wall shattering. Her mom grabbed another plate and continued advancing forward. She backed away trying to escape. Shards of glass cut into her feet making her cry out. Her mom raised the plate about to though it right at her when suddenly her Dad walked in the room. There was a lot of yelling as he ran over to her mom and wrestled the plate from her hand. "She's not our daughter." Her mom screamed. "She's trying to replace her! Cant you see! She's not Youko!" Her dad yelled at her to get out and she fled the room. She ran to the front door and snatched her bag up before throwing it open and running out barefoot.

She didn't know how long she ran but finally she had to stop. The pain in her feet was just to much. She looked around and found herself by a river, as fast as she could she limped over and sat down, sticking her feet in. The pain shot though her but then lessened as the cold water numbed her cuts. Sighing in relief she looked up at the sky. Trimers shook though her body. Her mom had never reacted so violently before. She had yelled at her yes but this time was the worst. Tears gathered in her eyes and soon she found herself sobbing. The sound of the creak barely drowned out her cries as she sat there late into the afternoon.

Miko blinked several times sleepily. Apparently she had been dreaming about her past and had begun to cry in her sleep. That was what had woken her up. Her side hurt and it felt like she had been asleep for a few hours. Something uncomfortable was poking her in the hip. Groaning, she rolled over and looked at the clock 4:33 A.m. She shuffled around until she managed to pull the thing out from her pocket and much to her surprise she saw her pink phone. Miko smiled, she had forgotten that she had taken it out of her bag before going inside. She felt so grateful that she still had it.

The phone was flashing, indicating a new message. Curious, she flipped it open. Someone had sent her a text message. She clicked on it and saw the name: Bulkhead. Smiling she opened it to see what he had sent her. Hay Miko! I went ahead and saved my number to your phone in case you ever needed to call me if I wasn't ever around! I know it must be ruff for you right now but hang in there! Cheer up femme! I'll see you tomorrow! Miko giggled Femme? And what was with the crying and smiling faces? She made sure to save the message and then send the text to her computer along with the photo she took of Bulkhead earlier.

Maybe tomorrow wouldn't be so bad. It hurt, but maybe she could get though the day if Bulkhead helped her. She snuggled down into the covers feeling slightly better. Clutching the phone to her chest tightly she whispered "Goodnight Bulkhead" and fell back asleep with a smile on her face.

Crying — Description
Warnings ahead for this chapter: Violence and slight minor abuse.

Flashback several munities ago from Bulkheads point of view!

The last words Bulkhead ever expected to here from Optimus where "Bulkhead, accompany Miko home." Optimus ordered him. Bulkhead stiffened in shock. Slowly he looked over at Optimus who wore a blank expression, making sure not to give anything he was thinking away.

His optics glanced from Miko to Optimus then back again. She seemed to be more than thrilled that he was to be her guardian. He gulped nervously, the youngling was to brave for her own good. She had proven that earlier by climbing up the couch, a fall from that height could have seriously injured her. He bet if she faced Unicron himself, she probably wouldn't bat an eye. This was one of Optimus's worst ideas yet. Quickly Bulkhead activated the com-link *Optimus, are you sure its a good idea to make 'me' her guardian?! You know how often I brake things! Don't you think we should avoid putting the younglings in dangerous situations! I thought that was the whole point in brining back to base!*

Optimus looked at him determinedly *I would not have chosen you for the job if I did not think you could handle the responsibility fully. You do not give yourself enough credit Bulkhead.*

*But Prime! I-*Optimus held up a servo and interrupted him *Earlier today I sent you off with the human younglings for a reason. I wanted to make sure you could handle them on your own without any of our help. I knew that we may have to assign them a guardian at some point. I just didn't know how soon. Since we where so close at servo, I concluded that it would be safe enough for you to watch over them.*

Bulkhead stood there shocked. Finally he blinked and came to his senses *You where testing me?!...But why Miko? Didn't Ratchet say that the femmes on this planet where more delicate than the mechs? Why not assign Jack or Raff to me instead?*

*That may be true but I have a feeling that you will be able to take care of her better than any other Cybertronian here...* Optimus's optics shown brightly in amusement. *Also she seems to have taken a strong liking to you Bulkhead.*

Bulkhead gowned over the com *Your basing your reason of a feeling?! Prime please! I would feel terrible if something where to accidently happen to her. Just chose someone else, someone whos not a klutz.*

*I have made my decision, Bulkhead. You will accompany Miko to her home and watch over her. If I find any reasonable reason to change my processor later I will see to it that she is removed from your watch and put under someone else's care...* Bulkhead slumped. *Do not worry Bulkhead, tonight all you have to do is deliver her to her family unit and watch over her until the sun rises. If you wish we can discuss this more at a later date*

Bulkhead sighed in defeat. He glanced over at Miko who was looking at them curiously. Maybe he could do this, after all he just had to get her home and then sit there until tomorrow right?...Easy as poring a cube of energon...He hoped. He looked back at Optimus and finally gave in "Curbside duty. Got it."

Bulkhead only half paid attention as Optimus assigned Jack and Raff their guardians. All to soon as this was accomplished and Miko bounding down the steps and up to his feet and stared up at him excitedly. He nervously smiled down at her "Well I guess we should get going, huh?" He asked. She nodded eagerly. This was it. It was now or never. He took sever wide steps away from her and made sure she stayed put as he transformed down. Once he was finished, he popped open his passenger side door for her.

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Flashback ended! Miko's viewpoint up to present.

Miko puled herself up into the hummer and the door shut behind her. Bulkhead was a higher car than she was use to but it excited her to be riding in such a large powerful vehicle. Correction, she thought, a large powerful vehicle who was an alien robot! The windows where darkened so that no one could see in. Probably pretty hard to stay undercover if the car appeared driverless, Miko though.

Bulkhead 'started' the car with a loud rev and began driving forward. He exited the base then got onto the road that lead back towards town. It was dark out and she doubted they would see anyone else on the road until they got closer to civilization. She shifted in her seat and noticed that it was extremely conferrable. It was warmer than she expected and the seat almost seemed to mold to her body whenever she moved around. She did find it a bit odd when she glanced over to see the drivers seat empty and watched as the weal turned on its own...That would take some getting use to. She jumped in surprise when a seatbelt carefully wrapped itself around her and clicked into pace.

"Uh sorry about that. Didn't mean to startle you..." Bulkheads voice filled the cabin.

Miko glanced around unsure where she should be looking when addressing Bulkhead in this form. "No problem Bulk, just wasn't expecting it...So do you know where my house is or are you just driving?" Eventually she settled on the radio.

The radio flashed when Bulkhead answered her. She made her decision wisely hehe. "Oh yeah." He nervously laughed "I guess that is something I need to know."

Quickly she rattled off her address and relaxed back in her seat. "So what do you think of Earth so far? I mean excluding the time you spent fighting the cons." She asked "Do you like it here?."

"Its not that bad. It certainly is different from what I'm use to, although our sunsets are almost the same...Back home almost everything's made out of some type of metal and we don't have rainstorms."

"Really?" She asked in surprise

He chuckled and Miko felt her seat shake causing her to grin. "Not with water no. We did have acid rain storms that could melt your frame if you stayed out in them to long."

"We have those too but they're really uncommon. What else is Cybertron like?" She asked.

"Well we once had oceans of energon before the war and there where many different cities all over the world...Actually where I grew up was in a city that was just becoming prosperous. That made it a great place to live if you where a construction bot like I was. What attracted bots was the popularity of the coliseum, bots would come from all over Cybertron just to visit my home town. It had its ups and downs at times but it tended to be peaceful most days, almost everyobot got along...That quickly changed though after a few eons. Unfortunately we had a corrupt system that could only last so long and it finally broke down causing the war to start...After that most places where destroyed...My town was one of the first to go. I've never really called another place home since but I can say that home is with my team now. I know Prime and the rest of the Autobots got my back!"

Miko smiled sadly in sympathy. Cybertron sounded pretty cool, if only the war hadn't happened she would have loved to visit...Then again she Bulkhead wouldn't be here if the war hadn't happened. She stared out the window, they interring into Jasper now. It wouldn't be to long until she was back in her own temporary home. Her phone vibrated quietly in her bag. She dug it out and wrenched when she saw she had twelve missed messages. She was so dead! The best she could do was prepare herself for the scolding she would receive when she got back. She turned the phone off and put it in her back pocket.

"Your awfully quiet, is anything wrong?" Bulkhead asked worriedly.

Miko bit her lip nervously "Well~ I'm kinda in a lot of trouble with my host parent right now...Knowing the circumstances, I probably wont be aloud out of the house until I'm an old lady."

"Is this because of what Jack said? You missed your what was it called? Curfew?" He questioned.

Miko laughed dryly "If only...I had a fight with Catherine, that's one of my host parents I'm staying with...I just got so mad at her and when we stopped at the red light, I may have jumped out of the car and run off...That was when I ran into Arcee and Jack...I didn't mean for all this to happen, it just did."

Bulkhead was really quiet, making Miko slunk down in the seat in shame. "That sounds pretty bad..." He finally said "The best thing you can do is apologies. I would say tell her the truth about what happened but for obvious reasons...If you don't mind telling me, what was your fight about?"

Miko hesitated "I-I go to counseling a lot because I have a certain...problem. Catherine said I wasn't trying hard enough to fix the problem...The thing is, if I fix the problem...I wont be myself anymore...I don't know what to do."

Bulkhead thought for a moment before answering her "At one point in my life for a vary long time I once tried to live up to other bots expiations and you know what? It never worked. You can try and try but you cant make everyone happy...And you know what? After I stopped pretended to be somebot I'm not I ended up a lot happier. I'll tell you this Miko don't let anyone change what makes you you. Its the best thing you can do for others and yourself. As long as your doing what you where created to, your not harming anyone else, or yourself then let your true self show though. Don't let anyone change the true you."

Miko sniffed "B-but what if I don't know who the true me is?"

Bulkhead laughed "Well that's part of the fun isn't it? You get to discover who you really are...We never stay the same Miko, we all change over time. It might be a big change or just a little change. Either way you just need to be happy with the way you are that's the important part." They pulled up in front of Miko's house. "If you ever need anyone to talk to Miko know that I'll be there for you? I'll listen anytime you need me to." She smiled at him gratefully and the seatbelt unbuckled. She felt the seat nudge her forward gently and she couldn't help but smile. "Now get on in there. I know it wont be pretty but you'll feel better once you do."

"Thank you Bulkhead." Miko gratefully said. She grabbed her bag and put her hand on the door to open it but paused "Bulk?" "Hmmm?" He responded "I-If by any chance I'm not grounded...Do you think we could hang out a-and maybe go dune bashing tomorrow?"

He chuckled "That's fine by me. I just have to check with Prime first."

Miko smiled as she slid out of the car. Bulkhead closed the door behind her and turned around Miko hugged his side. "Thanks Bulkhead, your the best."

She felt the metal get warmer under her and Bulkhead stuttered in embarrassment "S-sure no problem." Miko giggled to herself quietly and let go. She waved at him before she turned around and walked towards her house. Little did Bulkhead know was that he would later regret not asking Miko what dune bashing was before agreeing.

Nervously, Miko walked up to the front door she got her key out and held her breath. She turned around and nervously looked back at Bulkhead who flashed his lights on and off in encouragement. Turning back aground she was about to put the key in the lock when the door flew open. She was crushed in a tight bear hug as Catherine yanked her inside "Oh my word Youko! Where were you?!" Catherine yelled. Miko was released from her tight grip but she was still held onto by the shoulders tightly. Tom, her other host parent was standing over Catherine's shoulder with a scowl on his face.

She nervously looked down at her feet in shame "I-I'm sorry Catherine...Tom. I-I just got so angry and I needed some time to myself...I didn't mean to stay out for so long! Its just one thing lead to another and before I knew it, it was already after ten."

Catherine scowled as she dropped her hands. Miko rubbed her sore shoulders. "But for half a day?!" Catherin's voice rose "Youko, something could have happened to you! We searched everywhere and tried calling you! Why didn't you pick up your phone?! I understand that you where mad but that was not the way to handle it!"

Miko shifted on her feet nervously "I didn't know where trying to call me. The place I went to didn't have cell reception."

"And where did you go?" Tom demanded angrily.

"I-I was j-just walking around town." Miko stammered.

Toms face reddened "Around town?! Your telling me that you spent all that time just wandering around town?! I don't think so! We looked all over the place for you! Not did you run off but now your lying to us!" Miko cringed and flinched back. Catherin looked at her disapprovingly. "Your becoming vary irresponsible Youko! We gave you some leeway the first few months but after this little stunt your not getting off the hook." Tom growled.

Catherine shook her head "What where we suppose to tell your parents if something had happened to you! You know how stressed they are with the situation right now?!"

Miko's felt her emotions turned from guilt to anger. "All my parents care about is what happens to Youko! If I where to suddenly disappear and Youko came back they would be thrilled! So long as her body's not hurt to badly they could care less what happens to me!"

Catherine nervously stammered "T-that's not true. If that was the case they wouldn't have sent you here! Your just being unreasonable Youko!"

Miko stuttered "I'm being unreasonable?! Are you kidding me?! They sent me away because they couldn't deal with a stranger living in their house!"

Catherine opened her mouth to argue but Tom yelled "Enough!"

He suddenly snatched her bag that held sketchbook her shoulder. She felt a since of panic as she gasped and try to grab it back. "Until you actually show us some progress in your counseling sessions and learn how to behave, you wont be aloud to have your sketchbook or phone back!"

"Are you sure that's a good idea Tom?" Catherine looked service "The councilors said that we shouldn't separate her from anything that connected her to her past...I can see taking the phone but shouldn't we leave her the sketchbook?"

Miko fumed as stood there listening to them.

Tom shook his head. "If its that important to her then she'll start behaving so she can get it back sooner. Everything else we've tried hasn't worked and she's only gotten worse."

"I cant believe you two!" Miko yelled "You think punishing me will accomplish anything! Are you my parents or my host parents?! I'm having trouble deciding which one of you two are worse now! What are you going to do next, start throwing plates at me like my mom did?!" She screamed. So many emotions where welling up inside her that she felt like she would brake down any second.

Catherin and Tom looked shocked "We would never do such a thing!" Catherine stammered "Why didn't you ever tell us about this?"

Miko scowled at them both angrily "Because you never took any interest in finding out! All you cared about was helping 'Youko' to return! You don't care about luring about who I am!" She tried to snatch her bag away from Tom again but he pulled it away. "Give me my bag back!"

Tom looked at his wife and she bit her lip before shaking her head. Tom turned his focus back to Miko "We're sorry to hear about how your mother treated you before you where sent to us but I'm afraid I'm still going to have to keep your bag. You still need to be punished for what you did earlier and you need to improve your attitude...I wont ground you other than this so if you want you can go out and spend times with any friends you made at school."

Miko felt body quivered from how upset she was "Ok fine, I understand what I did earlier was wrong. And I apologies but please! Just let me have my stuff back and chose a different punishment. Wash the car, clean the house, do the dishes, listen to classical music while wearing a dress! I'll do them all! Just chose anything but this!"

Tom shook his head firmly "No Youko, I've made up my mind."

Tears begun to run down her face for the second time that day. She pushed past her host parents and sprinted down the hall, up the steps, and into her room, slamming and locking the door behind her. She couldn't run over to the bed fast enough. She scrambled under the covers and hugged the pillow tightly, finally letting all her emotions out. Sob after sob escaped her as the conversation downstairs kept replaying in her mind. Most people would think that she had gotten off easy with just her sketchbook and phone being taken away...But they just wouldn't understand how important those things where to her. Ever since she became Miko she always kept them by her side and never let them leave her sight. They where extremely important to her! She didn't know why, she just knew...Maybe one day she would remember.

Sniffing and she buried herself deeper under the covers. That argument had made her remember all the things she had gone though. It was just like before she had been sent away by her father. All the angry words, everyone blaming 'her' for being there. It felt like she cried forever until she finally ran out of tears. The next thing she knew she had drifted off to sleep.

"Youko! Its time for dinner! Come downstairs and wash up." Her mother called. She walked down the stairs feeling uneasy. Her mother never made dinner anymore, not unless she was trying to get her to be her old self again. Quickly she did as she was told then sat down at the table. All kinds of foods where placed on the table.

Her mother sat down and smiled weakly at her. "I made your favorites today! Go on try some." Her mother said with a fake smile. It was a test she knew, her mother had put things on the table that 'Youko' hated in with her favorites. Nervously she picked up her chopsticks and reached for some stir-fried carrots. She hated them but she knew they where safe to eat. "Try something else." Her mother pushed a bowl towards her. She eyed the fish uneasily, it was a type of food she didn't recognize as 'Youkos' favorite or not.

Her mom looked expectantly so she figured that it might be safe. She reach forward and took a peace. Her mom watched her as she ate sever large bites of the fish. Suddenly her mom scowled and she froze, knowing that she had made a mistake. "Youko, hated tuna." Her mom growled. "Youko, never would have eaten the tuna! She only liked salmon!" Her mom stood up. Fearfully she dropped her chopsticks and stood up, causing the chair to fall backwards. "Your not Youko! Where has Youko gone?!" Her mom cried as she swept the food off the table, causing it to go flying.

"I-I-I don't know!" She trembled as she tried to back away.

Her mom began to advance towards her angrily. "What did you do with Youko?! Why did you take her away from me?!"

"I d-didn't do anything with her?" She cried in fear, all the while somehow looking for an exit.

"Your an imposter! A fake! Give me my daughter back!" Her mom grabbed a plate and though it at her. She held her hands up to protect herself but the glass plate sailed over her head and hit the wall shattering. Her mom grabbed another plate and continued advancing forward. She backed away trying to escape. Shards of glass cut into her feet making her cry out. Her mom raised the plate about to though it right at her when suddenly her Dad walked in the room. There was a lot of yelling as he ran over to her mom and wrestled the plate from her hand. "She's not our daughter." Her mom screamed. "She's trying to replace her! Cant you see! She's not Youko!" Her dad yelled at her to get out and she fled the room. She ran to the front door and snatched her bag up before throwing it open and running out barefoot.

She didn't know how long she ran but finally she had to stop. The pain in her feet was just to much. She looked around and found herself by a river, as fast as she could she limped over and sat down, sticking her feet in. The pain shot though her but then lessened as the cold water numbed her cuts. Sighing in relief she looked up at the sky. Trimers shook though her body. Her mom had never reacted so violently before. She had yelled at her yes but this time was the worst. Tears gathered in her eyes and soon she found herself sobbing. The sound of the creak barely drowned out her cries as she sat there late into the afternoon.

Miko blinked several times sleepily. Apparently she had been dreaming about her past and had begun to cry in her sleep. That was what had woken her up. Her side hurt and it felt like she had been asleep for a few hours. Something uncomfortable was poking her in the hip. Groaning, she rolled over and looked at the clock 4:33 A.m. She shuffled around until she managed to pull the thing out from her pocket and much to her surprise she saw her pink phone. Miko smiled, she had forgotten that she had taken it out of her bag before going inside. She felt so grateful that she still had it.

The phone was flashing, indicating a new message. Curious, she flipped it open. Someone had sent her a text message. She clicked on it and saw the name: Bulkhead. Smiling she opened it to see what he had sent her. Hay Miko! I went ahead and saved my number to your phone in case you ever needed to call me if I wasn't ever around! I know it must be ruff for you right now but hang in there! Cheer up femme! I'll see you tomorrow! Miko giggled Femme? And what was with the crying and smiling faces? She made sure to save the message and then send the text to her computer along with the photo she took of Bulkhead earlier.

Maybe tomorrow wouldn't be so bad. It hurt, but maybe she could get though the day if Bulkhead helped her. She snuggled down into the covers feeling slightly better. Clutching the phone to her chest tightly she whispered "Goodnight Bulkhead" and fell back asleep with a smile on her face.