Arko

Arko is a human from the Generation 1 continuity family.

Arko not Sidekick. Arko just drawn that way.

Arko is a human from the realm of Menonia, the daughter of Elder Arnak of Valerift. Arko often participates in resistance efforts against oppressors holding power over her realm, but she doesn't always agree with the methods or timing of her compatriots. This leads to Arko going off alone to handle things her way, which usually means faster, harder, and with expert local knowledge. Arko's not afraid of pain nor allying herself with more powerful beings if she thinks this will further her goals.

Arko's a terrible student, and probably not a very good teacher, but if she can learn to forgive herself her mistakes and see the strength in teamwork then she may just have what it takes to lead.

Fiction

Transformers: King Grimlock

The type of person who put more value in personal power than prayer or gods, Arko was initially supportive of her father's attempt to summon Autobot leader Optimus Prime to aid the Menonians' resistance against the Golden One, only to be disappointed when the disinterested Grimlock arrived instead, even after being informed that only Menonian magic could return him to Cybertron. When the Dinobot went off, Arko decided she would make Grimlock help them, following him into the wilderness. Grimlock the Rebel

Nuff said.

Arko found Grimlock in the intestinal cave of a ridge worm being attacked by its tentacular tongues and rows of internal teeth, impressing the Dinobot with her local knowledge of how to escape. Upon exiting, the two had a discussion on gods with Arko revealing to the Dinobot that the Autobot insignia was known as "the face of Soltron" in Menonia, the god whose name the Golden One oppressed them in. After some bantering, the two came to an agreement where Grimlock would teach Arko "true" strength in return for her local knowledge. The two eventually trekked to the fishing village of Angloria, finding it under attack by the Red Wizard's wood-bots. Intrigued by the attackers, Grimlock charged into battle. Though trying to interrogate them, Arko informed them that the wood-bots were soulless constructs of dark magic. Feeling some kinship with the wood-bots, Grimlock signed himself onto Angloria's army to take the fight to the Red Wizard. Insulted that Grimlock had so casually joined a fight but wouldn't fight against the Golden One, a furious Arko stormed off. Grimlock the Defender

Alone on her quest for strength, Arko crafted armor from the wooden plate and sinuous innards of fallen wood-bots. She cursed Grimlock as she worked, disgusted by the weakness she perceived in the Dinobot and her fellow Menonians and even herself. Recalling a time when she'd cowed to her father's weakness rather than charging into battle, Arko started to think that amid so many weak beings there might be one who had true power. Arko traveled to the seat of the Golden One, where she was welcomed into the inner circle, though warning her that she would have to prove herself. Grimlock the Avenger

1984 called.

In the castle, Arko was given a new, golden set of armor and had the face of Solton burned into her forearm. When reminded of her price to pay, Arko intended to sacrifice Grimlock to Soltron. When the Dinobot arrived, Arko watched from above as Clatta and the Golden One's monsters fell to his might. Arko managed to deduce that this was but a distraction only a second too late as the combined Anglorian/Valerift army enacted a solar eclipse, weakening the Golden One's link to Soltron. Though Arko wished to join the battle, the Golden One commanded her to stay behind as he assumed his mighty dragon form and leapt into battle. Arko observed the Golden One fall to the Dinobot in short order, expunging Soltron from the mage's body. With his host dead, Soltron instead turned to Arko, preying on her fear and offering her his power. Grimlock and the Sorcerer

Agreeing, Arko became the Golden One's new vessel, engaging a reluctant Grimlock in battle. Unwilling to harm her, Grimlock changed tactics, tricking Soltron into his own spark where the malicious deity was vaporized. Awakening sometime during the metaphysical duel, Arko bore witness to Grimlock rebooting.

After the Dinobot confirmed that Soltron was dead, Arko questioned why Grimlock had risked so much for her. As they walked, Grimlock confessed that he may have not been the best teacher but that he had now learned that it was better to fight with others. As they rejoined the surviving Menonians, Grimlock pointed out how the people of Angloria and Valerift had come together to use their magic to cause the eclipse. A spell that had shaved years off the life of Arnak and drained the last of their magical supplies. Though it was suggested that Grimlock become the new ruler, he instead proposed Arko, saying she had the strength to conquer her past and the future. After some thought, Arko agreed to lead... if the Menonians would have her.

Sometime later, Queen Arko, in a new dark suit of armor and blue cape, was able to open a portal for Grimlock using a portion of his own energon as fuel to generate a one-way portal back to Cybertron. After some bantering, Arko thanked Grimlock for her lessons, even though acknowledging that she'd been a terrible student. Terrible, Grimlock replied was the best kind of student. Grimlock the Triumphant