Sacrifice for Freedom
The Autobots were back on their ship with the dragon riders looking over the data of the Space Bridge that was in the transmission that Perceptor gave them.
"According to these readings, the Space Bridge requires a massive amount of Energon supply in order to function." Ratchet said. "Luckily that makes it much easier for us to track it."
"Great, so where is it so we can take it down?" Snotloud asked.
After pressing a few buttons, the image above the console showed the Space Bridge above the Earth. "High above Earth's atmosphere. Out of our range." Ratchet said grimly.
"What are you talking about?" Ruffnut asked.
"Yeah, can't you just use that tunnel thingy." Tuffnut asked as he pointed to a circular ringed tunnel on the side.
"The Ground Bridge, unlike the Space Bridge, is limited to only being able to transport us to areas on Earth." Ultra Magnus answered.
"And with the Space Bridge in Earth's orbit, Ground Bridging there would risk the possibility to scattering us across the stars." Ratchet continued.
Optimus continued staring at the Ground Bridge before coming to a conclusion. "That is a risk we have to take. Prepare the Ground Bridge."
Ratchet nodded and began to prepare for launch.
"So, what do we do?" Astrid asked.
"Uh, why should we do something?" Snotloud asked.
"Snotloud, this battle may be the most critical one we have ever faced. We have to do something." Hiccup said.
"Snotloud is correct." Optimus said.
"He is?" Everyone asked incredulously.
"I am?" Snotloud asked with equal surprise.
"Humans and dragons cannot survive in space, and we do not possess the necessary time to prepare for breathing equipment for you all." Optimus answered. "We must take the Decepticons down, and we must do it soon."
Ruff and Tuff walked up to Bulkhead. "Awe man, wish we can go." Ruffnut said.
"Yeah, how cool is it that you're going where no dragon rider has gone before." Tuffnut said with excitement.
"Don't think about following me you two." Bulkhead said before rubbing both heads of Barf and Belch with his finger.
"You take care of yourself Smokey." Snotloud said as he fist bumped the Autobot on the leg.
"Aw, don't worry. You're looking at an Autobot Elite Guard, I got this." Smokescreen said with determination.
Astrid walked up to Arcee. "You be careful okay."
"Don't worry. I'll be fine." Arcee assured as she patted Stormfly on the head.
Hiccup and Totthless walked up to Bumblebee. "Thanks again for saving me and Toothless again Bee. I wish I could go with and watch your back." Bumblebee gave a few beeps. "Yeah, it probably is going to be too intense. You just watch yourself out there." Bumblebee nodded and patted Toothless on the head.
"Optimus," Ratchet said getting his leaders attention, "if you leave me hear on a planet with humans, I will never forgive you."
"No need to worry doc, we've got his back." Wheeljack assured.
"Until we meet again old friend." Optimus said. Pretty soon the Ground Bridge activated. "Autobots, roll out!"
All of the Autobots transformed and drove through the Ground Bridge, heading off to the upcoming battle to determine the fate of Earth.
/
The Autobots were soon up in space and were able to see the Space abridge floating.
"Autobots, transform and gravitize!" Optimus ordered.
They did as instructed and transformed. When they were close to the Space Bridge, they gravitized their feet to the surface of the Space Bridge so they could walk along its side in zero gravity.
Bulkhead had a bit of difficulty keeping balance. "Whoa, don't look down, or up."
"Graceful wasn't always your strong suit Bulk." Wheeljack joked.
"You know me, Jackie. I always preferred to use my fists than my feet." Bulkhead said
They surveyed their surroundings and soon spotted the Decepticon warship heading right towards them.
"So, what is the plan sir?" Ultra Magnus asked.
"We cannot allow Megatron's army to plunge this world into darkness the same way he did to Cybertron." Optimus said strongly. "So, until we find a way to hault his forces, nothing gets in or out."
Everyone deployed their weapons, getting ready for the battle to come.
Megatron was on the Decepticon bridge overlooking the Space Bridge. He has been waiting for the opportunity to end the Autobots, now with this Space Bridge and the resources of this planet, his goal will soon be realized. He looked up at the monitor and spotted the Autobots waiting for him.
"Ah Optimus, you never cease to disappoint." He cast a glance at Starscream and glared at him. "Unlike you Starscream."
Starscream gave a nervous laugh before speaking. "Yes, well, Soundwave is currently locking onto the coordinates of Cybertron, per my instructions. Due to being so far from our end of the galaxy it may take a few moments, but I am every bit of confident he will accomplish it."
Megatron growled knowing his plans were slightly delayed. He slammed his fist onto the button that turned on the speakers of the ship. "CRUSH THEM!"
The top of the ship began to open up and several Vehicons in jet mode flew right towards them.
"Here comes the welcoming committee." Bulkhead said.
"Good, I was beginning to feel insulted." Wheeljack said eagerly.
The Vehicons began to fire upon the Autobots and they, in turn, returned fire. They shot down a significant number of enemies, but more continued to pour on. The Vehicons that didn't get shot transformed and began to fight in close combat with the Autobots.
A Vehicon lunged at Optimus, but he grabbed it by its head and slammed him onto the ground then tossed him aside. Another Vehicon charged at Arcee, but she deployed her wrist blades and began slashing and hacking any Decepticon that came too close. Wheeljack and Bulkhead worked in perfect sink taking down any Vehicon that came too close as well. When one came in Wheeljack used his swords to cut its head off then kicked it towards another one knocking him down. Bulkhead in turn used his mace to crush the down Decepticon and delivered a nasty haymaker onto one charging at him.
Two Vehicon tried shooting at Bumblebee, but he rolled out of the way and shot them right in the chest of his adversaries. Seeing them down he charged at another Vehicon and punched its head, ending him. Ultra Magnus deployed his swords and started slashing away at the Decepticons. He used his strength and grace to avoid the attacks and to end the threats.
Megatron looked on from the bridge of the ship and was not liking the outcome of the battle. "Starscream, what is the report on the Space Bridge!"
Starscream looked towards Soundwave and saw that everything was ready. "Soundwave is locked on to Cybertron my liege."
"Then by all means. Activate the Space Bridge!" Megatron ordered.
The Autobots have soon dispatched all opposing forces and were prepared for the next wave of enemies. It never came, but the Space Bridge soon activated.
"Now what do we do?" Smokescreen asked.
"Any moment now an army of Decepticons is going to come through that portal and bring about chaos and destruction onto the humans." Ultra Magnus said. "What is the plan Optimus?"
"Optimus, I am picking up a large mass approaching through the Space Bridge. I can only assume that the plan has failed?" Ratchet said over the comms.
"Ratchet, is it possible for us to destroy the Space Bridge?" Optimus asked after a moment of silence.
"There is a way, but Optimus I must warn you." Ratchet said. "If the Space Bridge goes, so does our hope of returning to Cybertron. Are you sure it is the only way?"
"I'm afraid so old friend." Optimus answered.
"Then by all means, let us light our darkest hour." Ratchet said firmly.
"Autobots, take your positions, and follow Ratchet's lead." Optimus ordered. The Autobots turned towards the directions Ratchet gave them, but Optimus stayed behind as he spotted Megatron flying straight towards him. "While make my stand."
Megatron landed in front of Optimus. "Your followers are wiser than I anticipated, to run away from the might of my legion, which will soon arrive in mere moments."
"I hold no illusions of facing your army Megatron, but I may diminish its strength..." Optimus activated his blade, "...by removing its head." Optimus said strongly.
Megatron laughed mockingly. "You could not destroy back on Cybertron Prime, what makes you think you can destroy me here?"
"Because at this end of this day one shall stand, one shall fall."
Not wasting anymore time both combatants charged at each other. Their swords clashed again and again with both of them using their arms as a means of defense. Optimus delivered a mighty punch Megatron's face, knocking back a few yards. Optimus charged at him while he was down and delivered a downward slash, but Megatron raised his sword to block the attack.
Megatron got up and delivered his own punch to Optimus' head and sent him back. Optimus got up and both of them had a heated stare down, but they eventually charged at each other again. Both of them were unaware of the mass of Decepticons making their way through the Space Bridge.
/
Back at the Autobot ship, the dragon riders were watching the screen on the main console and saw that a large mass was heading its way through the vortex.
"Uh, these things are getting closer." Fishlegs said fearfully.
"That's bad right?" Snotloud asked.
"Yes." Everyone answered.
Something that Ratchet said came to Hiccup's mind so he decided to ask. "Hey Ratchet, what did you mean that the Space Bridge was the only hope you had from returning home?"
"Yeah, doesn't this vessel that carried you here have the means of returning you home?" Astrid asked as she was curious as well.
Everyone noticed the sad look on the medic's face. "Our ship took severe damage when it crash landed here. Unfortunately, it will never fly again, and the Ground Bridge can never reach Cybertron." Ratchet answered.
"So, then that means...your stuck here." Hiccup realized.
"If that is the sacrifice we need to make to save the human race, then so be it." Ratchet said.
"Why would you do something like that for us?" Tuffnut questioned.
"Yeah, you hardly know us." Ruffnut said.
"Because we Autobots follow a code that Optimus has taught us for eons, that freedom is the right of all sentient life." Ratchet answered.
Everyone looked on surprise, but also in awe that these Autobots were willing to do so much for their home that they are even willing to give up the opportunity to go back to theirs. They just hope that the Autobots can succeed, otherwise there will be no home for anyone to go back to.
"Ratchet, we are in position." Arcee said over the comms.
"Arcee, pay very close attention." Ratchet answered.
/
The battle between Megatron and Optimus was just as heated as all of their other battles. Each of them was trying not to give an inch. However, due to Optimus already participating in a battle, he was starting to lose his stamina. Megatron, sensing this, delivered a nasty punch to his adversary sending him back. Megatron grabbed Optimus by the leg and slammed him on the hard metal ground.
Optimus got back up and tried defend himself, but his sword was sliced in half by Megatron's blade. Megatron delivered another punch and sent the Autobot leader skidding back and kneeling. Megatron stalked towards his longtime foe and was about to finish him off until he received a call from the warship.
"Master." Starscream said.
"What is it Starscream?!" Megatron snarled, not liking the interruption.
"I do not wish to impede your all-knowing wisdom, but I believe the Autobots are up to something. I have already sent Blitzwing and Lugnut to take care of it." Starscream said.
"Ah, misdirection. You would have made a fine Decepticon, Prime." Megatron taunted.
Megatron went to attack, but even with a broken sword Optimus still defended himself. "I chose my side Megatron." Optimus said firmly as they continued their attack.
The rest of the Autobots continued to work on the Space Bridge to try and destroy it, but they stopped when they heard a noise in the distance.
"Uh, what is that?" Smokescreen asked.
Ultra Magnus used his optics and zoomed in the distance and saw Blitzwing and Lugnut flying right towards them. "Decepticons incoming!"
"Guess it was too much to hope for us to slip by unnoticed." Wheeljack grumbled.
"Wreckers you're with me, the rest of you continue working on the Space Bridge." Magnus ordered.
The two Decepticons transformed and landed before the Autobots. Blitzwing used his monocle to enhance his vision on the Autobots. "It appears they are trying reverse the flow of Energon in the Space Bridge to cause it to implode."
"They will pay for their impudence!" Lugnut shouted before he charged at them.
Wheeljack and Bulkhead intercepted the larger Decepticon while Ultra Magnus engaged the smaller one. Bulkhead and Lugnut's fist collided and and created a small shockwave. They struggled to overpower each other, but they didn't need to because Wheeljack came in low and delivered a kick to Lugnut's midsection.
Lugnut staggered back and Wheeljack capitalized by delivering a couple of punches, but they hardly did any significant damage. Lugnut retaliated by punching Wheeljack in the midsection, then slammed both of his fists into his back. He was about to deliver another punch, but a Bulkhead came in and punched him in the face.
Blitzwing face changed into his Unpredictable face and started firing both flamethrower and ice blasts at Ultra Magnus, but he was able to avoid them. He hid behind one of the ice patches from the ice blasts and returned fire.
Blitzwing ducked from the shots. "Miss me, miss me, but please don't kiss me!" Blitzwing's changed to Hothead. "I am sick and tired of you Autobot!"
Blitzwing only fired flamethrowers now and melted the ice cover that Ultra Magnus was behind causing him to above the flames, while continuing to fire at the Decepticon.
Arcee and the others were continuing their work on the Space Bridge.
"Alright Ratchet, what's next?" Arcee asked.
"Now follow the line to the flow regulator to the Energon pump, there should be a valve." Ratchet instructed.
Arcee did as told and found the valve. "I see it."
"Good, now all you need to do to turn all of that power against itself is to reverse the current"
Arcee turned the valve and it started glowing. "Current reversed."
All of the battles between the Autobots and Decepticons ceased when the entire Space Bridge started to glow and bits and pieces of it began to explode.
Using the surprise to their advantage, Wheeljack came up with a plan. "Hey Bulk, you haven't lost your lobbing touch, have you?"
Bulkhead was confused by the question until he figured out what he was thinking. "Let's find out."
Bulkhead held out his hand and Wheeljack hopped right on it. Bulkhead spun around, then tossed Wheeljack right towards Lugnut. The Decepticon didn't see him coming until Wheeljack kicked him right into face, which the force of it caused Lugnut to fall through the Space Bridge.
Ultra Magnus capitalized on his opponents distraction and delivered a powerful right hook at Blitzwing and caused him to fall through the Space Bridge as well.
"I regret nothing!" Blitzwing shouted his final words.
Megatron looked on in shock and horror as his plan was now ruined. He turned around in order to return to his warship, but found that the Nemesis was nowhere in sight.
"Starscream, where is my warship?!" Megatron exclaimed.
Back on the warship, Starscream looked on through the main console and witnessed the destruction of the Space Bridge. "We would never make it Lord Megatron! Don't be a fool, get out of there!" Starscream yelled through the comms.
What no one on the ship noticed was that Starscream secretly pressed a button on the console. Outside on the side of the warship a lone turret activated and fired a powerful shot towards the Space Bridge.
Megatron looked on as his Space Bridge was slowly being destroyed, unaware of Optimus rushing towards him. When Megatron finally noticed his enemy, it was too late as Optimus fired his Energon cannon right at him point blank. Megatron grunted in pain and floated up at the entrance of the Space Bridge vortex.
Megatron was about to fly off, but the shot from the Nemesis hit him square in the chest and sent him crashing through the vortex.
"Optimus, the Ground Bridge is open." Ratchet said.
Optimus looked to the side of the Space Bridge and saw their exit. "Autobots, jump!"
All the Autobots jumped off of the Space Bridge and into the Ground Bridge. They did it in just the knick of time as the Space Bridge imploded in on itself, creating a large explosion.
The destruction was viewed by all of the Decepticons from the Nemesis. Starscream was standing on the bridge and had a solemn look on his face.
"Decepticons, it is with great sorrow that I must note for the logs, Megatron's spark has been extinguished." Starscream's face took a turn as he now sinisterly smiled. "All hail Starscream."
/
The Autobots exited the Ground Bridge and were back at the Autobot ship. Ratchet and the dragon riders walked right up to them.
"So...is it done?" Astrid asked.
Arcee nodded. "Megatron won't be sending an army through there any time now."
"As well, his reign of terror has finally come to an end." Optimus said. Everyone was confused so he elaborated. "Megatron has finally fallen in battle." Everyone was shocked at this revelation.
"I can't believe it." Smokescreen said in amazement.
"After eons of conflict, it's finally over." Ultra Magnus said.
"Awe, and we didn't get our first crack at him." Ruffnut complained.
"I know, we always get left out of the good parts." Tuffnut said.
"How about this, next time a tyrannical warlord from our planet comes along you can have first crack at him." Bulkhead said.
The twins looked up at him with excitement. "Deal!"
Hiccup walked up to Optimus and Bee. "Ratchet told us the consequence of destroying the Ground Bridge. I'm sorry you won't be able to go back home." Bee gave a series of beeps that Hiccup knew he was saying 'thank you.'
"Somewhat are you guys going to do now?" Snotloud asked.
Optimus looked at all of the Autobots and dragon riders as they interacted with each other. It may have been short, but they have made bonds with the humans, as well as their dragons.
He knew what was next for them.
/
It was the next day on the island of Berk and everyone was bustling and very busy. All of the vikings were working on all of the buildings that were damaged during the battle with the Decepticons, but it seemed to be coming along nicely.
However, things were a little different.
Helping out with the construction were the Autobots as they set up wooden pillars and hammered them together. Bulkhead and Wheeljack were the ones that set up the wooden pillars while the vikings did the hammering. Arcee used her wrist blades to cut up the wooden pillars to the size that they needed.
Gobber used the fire from his workshop while Ratchet used his blow torch to weld the metal that they needed to reinforce the houses. Stoic, Optimus Prime, and Ultra Magnus were going over some designs for new houses while also overseeing the construction.
A Ground Bridge opened up on the center of town and Bumblebee, Smokescreen, and the entire dragon riders came out carrying a bunch of equipment from the Autobot ship. The Autobots carried large metal crates while the dragon riders carried wooden boxes that had smaller pieces of metal equipment from the ship.
Tuffnut continued to marvel at his Energon rifle. "I will admit, these weapons may not be good for hacking, slashing, or bashing, but these are good at making our favorite kind of sound sis."
"I love the sound of boom." Ruffnut said with glee.
"This Loki day is going to be awesome." Tuffnut said as he continued to twiddle with his rifle. That proved to be a mistake as he accidentally fired a shot.
Everyone ducked as the shot soared over their heads, but it managed to hit the equipment that Ratchet was using. Ratchet glared at him and gave a low growl. "Tuffnut, I needed that!" Tuffnut rubbed his head nervously while the others chuckled at that.
Later on, that afternoon, Hiccup was flying on a Toothless and they were zipping through the trees. He laughed as they started racing each other. He looked to his left and saw Tuffnut, Ruffnut, and Snotloud flying next to him with Bulkhead, Wheeljack, and Smokescreen driving behind them. He turned to his right and saw Astrid and Fishlegs flying on the other side with Arcee, Ratchet, and Ultra Magnus behind them. Hiccup looked down and saw that Bumblebee was keeping up with him from behind.
Hiccup laughed at their little race with each other and increased Toothless' speed, the others soon followed.
Optimus looked on with a smile as he stood on top of a hill, knowing that they have made the right decision. He set his sights towards the sunset and enjoyed the beautiful view, before turning his gaze towards the sky.
"Without a means of leaving this world, we Autobots take strength in the bonds we have formed with our human friends, as well as their dragons. I have witnessed their capacity for courage and though we are worlds apart, like us, there's more to them than meets the eye. I am Optimus Prime, and I send this message to any Autobots taking refuge amongst the stars: we are here, we are waiting. However, should you choose to come to this planet with hostile intentions, know this: we will defend humanity, we will defend our friends, we will defend...our home."
/
And here is the next chapter everyone! I don't know what it is, but I am on fire with this story.
So Megatron and his army are finished...or are they? And we see Starscream has taken over.
Now I have been asked that, because I haven't been getting that many views, favorites, and follows for this story, will I be deleting it? The answer is no, I will not be deleting this story, even with the low favs and follows.
The thing is, whenever I was down and a little depressed, I would always read some fanfiction and it would lift my spirits and brighten my day. The fact that this story does have favs and follows, means that I must be doing something right. If I can brighten just one person's day, just like how my days were brighten up, then that's good enough for me.
Now the next couple of chapters will be originals and then we'll get into Race to the Edge and I have big plans for that. I've got pretty good ideas for the next few chapters.
New dangers, new Autobots and Decepticons, and all the fun that comes with writing them.
See you next time everyone!
And remember...
Transform, and roll out!