It was roughly around 9am, I had asked Miko what time the Knockout Burger opened, wanting to be the first person there. I was waiting in the parking lot, riding Arcee. I kept flexing my fingers over her handle-bars, like two stress balls. I was nervous, surprisingly more nervous then the last time I apologized to him. Maybe it was because I had to apologize and try and convince him to come back.
"Hey," Arcee spoke up, snapping me out of it, "Take a deep breath, you're not here alone." She assured me. I took deep breath, in and out.
When I noticed the drive in menu lit up, and the sounds of the window sliding open, I knew that was our cue. Arcee rolled up to the speaker, and we heard Jack's voice, "Welcome to KO drive-in, may I take your order?" He sounded depressed.
I took another deep breath, "Yeah, can I get the pancake bowl, with I side of, 'I'm sorry'. And hopefully make that to go?" I had come up with that apologetic/joke all morning, but now saying it out loud just made me sound stupid. I banged my head on Arcee's dashboard, "Kill me..." I whined.
"Wait- what?" Jack was flabbergasted, sticking his head out the pick-up window. He didn't look to thrilled to see us, Arcee pulled up next to him, I didn't make eye contact at first, tucking my hair behind my ear, before looking directly at him. We didn't say anything for a moment, good thing we were the only ones.
Jack sighed out, "Nora, Arcee. Miko already tried. Tell your Dad I respect him big time, but if you're at war with the Decepticons, there's nothing I can do to help." He turned away.
"Jack, Dad didn't send us, and no one's asking for your help." I assured him.
"Okay, so if we all agree that I'm not warrior material..."
"Jack, Nora and I just lost someone we cared about," Arcee spoke next, "Maybe it's the grief talking. Maybe you're growing on me. Whatever it is, I'm just not ready to say goodbye." Jack glanced down at the motorcycle underneath me.
"Same here," I added, "Just before you three humans came into my life, I never thought I needed anyone else but the Autobots. I hated being half human, it made me feel weak, but because I met you guys and open and honest you were... help me accept the organic part of me. Arcee is right, you, Miko, and Raf have all grown on me. The way you came to help, even though there was probably nothing you could do, you still came, because you cared. I'm not asking you to be a warrior, I'm just asking...if you'll still be my friend, and Arcee's." I meant every single word, my only hope now was that he would believe us.
We stayed in uncomfortable silence for a while, He thought about it, but then closed the window and walking out of view inside. I gave out a sad sigh, I guess it didn't work. But before we could make it out of the parking lot, we could hear Jack calling out for us. Arcee halted, turning around to see Jack running towards us with a take out bag. He stopped I front and with a smile on his face, holding out the bag.
"One pancake bowl, to go I believe?" He asked, making me laugh.
Optimus' POV
Ratchet was hard a work locating the Decepticon's new space bridge. Earlier Bumblebee and Bulkhead had picked up their human companions, so they could see Nora. She did quickly greet them, before leaving with Arcee, saying that they had to take care of something. I was quite proud of Nora, she was really opening up to the three children, and was showing an effort on wanting to stay friends.
"Optimus, I've pin-pointed the location of Megatron's space bridge," Ratchet announced getting everyone's attention, "High in earth's orbit."
"Out of our reach." I narrowed my optics.
"Okay, so you guys don't fly. But can't you just ground bridge there?" Miko asked.
"The ground bridge has limited range. Stretched all the way into orbit, it's vortex could snap, and scatter us to the stars." Ratchet tried to explained.
"Since Megatron is likely already in transit, I'm afraid we must take that risk. Reaching the space bridge first is our only means of stopping him." I turned my attention to our ground bridge.
"And Nora?" Raf asked. I felt my frame go stiff, "Will she come along with you?" Sitting on Bumblebee's shoulder, looking at the scout.
Bulkhead and Bumblebee exchanged looks, while I could feel Ratchet staring at me from behind, "Nora... has never been out is space before." Bulkhead told the children.
"Wait, really? But isn't she just like you guys?" Miko asked.
"You're forgetting that she's also just like the two of you," Ratchet reminded them.
"We don't know what would happen to her," Bumblebee buzzed, with a worried look on his face, "Like you, she breaths oxygen."
"If she were to be opened to the elements in space, her organic origins might give out and suffocate. We may have raised her for years, but we still know so little on what she is." Ratchet turned back to me, as if hoping I would speak out.
I turned back to them, "While Nora has shown her strength in battle, I know of her strengths and weaknesses. This is one fight she will not be joining." I spoke sternly, remind them that even though she was my daughter, I was still the leader of us.
That's when we heard Arcee driving in, with Nora and Jack. They climbed off, giving us a smile, "Hey, guess who's back." Jack sheepishly smiled.
I gave a welcome nod before turning back to the group, "Autobots, prepare for departure." I ordered.
Acree asked, "Here to." Looking confused, as well as Nora and Jack.
"The final frontier." Miko remarked.
"Space." Jack realize, taking a glance at Nora before looking back to the others, "B-but I thought they didn't have any way to get there."
"They don't, really..." Raf said, climbing off Bumblebee's shoulder, setting back down on the ground.
I glanced down at my daughter. Her head was down, with wide eyes, her body was slightly shook, and her mind seemed to be racing. She was scared, but at the same time, I knew, she was ready. And I had to tell her to stay, like I always did. I knew she had the spirit to fight, that she could stand on her own. She was strong, in both body, and spirit. But with Megatron now able to control dark energon, if she were to get too close... Primus knows what would happen. I had to keep her safe. So I decided, if I didn't make it back, I would give her the most important order I had ever made.
Very quickly, she transformed, except for her helmet and mask. Walking right in front of me, she lift her head up, so our eyes met. She straiten her posture, balling her hands into fist she spoke the words I never wanted to hear.
"I'm ready."
I could sense everyone looking, but this didn't concerned anyone. This was about me and her. Over the past seventeen years taking care of her, we had grown a special bond, one that I never thought I could or would be able to have during this war. As Father and daughter. Through out this war, after thinking there was no end, she suddenly appeared, it didn't matter what she was, I didn't care- I still didn't, none of us did. She was my Nora Star Prime, my daughter, my sweetspark. And as her father, I had to protect her, even if it meant lying to her for the rest of her life. I will do what I think is right, no matter the cost.
I got down on one knee, leaning in close to her. I reached out my hand, and very gently with one finger, brushed her bangs out of her face, "Nora," I started, already seeing a change in her face, "I-"
"No," she cut off, trying not yell, "Dad please no. I have to go, I need to be there with you - for all of you! I can fight, I promise! Please, I have been ready to this moment my hole life! I can't stay a watch helplessly by sidelines as you all risk your lives out there!" Her eyes glossed over, grabbing my finger with both hands, squeezing hard, "Please Daddy..."
My spark ached seeing her beg me to let her her come with. All her life she wanted to be strong for me, to show that she was as strong as we were, "Nora...I am sorry, that I never gave you a chance. I know you are strong, very strong in body in sprit. But you can not follow us. You must stay."
She mood changed in seconds. Angry she pushed my hand away, glaring glossy draggers up at me, "So what?! I'm just supposed to wait here, and pray that you'll come back alive?! You can't do this to me!"
"I know!" I shouted, startling everyone. Is sighed, calming down, "I know...which is why I have a special job for you," Scooping her up in my hands, I stood up so we could be at eye level, "If I do not survive this... I leave the role as leader to you."
She gasped, seemingly holding her breath. Her jaw feel, and eyes were wider then ever. The announcement through her off, along with the rest of the team, "I-I...I..." She looked down, unsure of what to say.
I smiled and leaned down, nuzzling my forehead against hers, "I have faith in you sweetspark. I know you will be a strong leader. You have the potential," I felt her tiny form shake in my palm. She leaned her body closer, placing her hands below my optics, and started to cry. "I know, I know..." I shushed, trying to calm her, "It will be alright."
She took heavy breaths, once she calmed herself down, she leaned back and looked dead in my optics, "Then, as future leader, my first order... is that you - all of you, come home alive..."
I noticed everyone looking at us with sympathy. I gently placed her down on the railing, as she transformed back into organic-mode. Ratchet opened the ground bridge, ready for our departure. After the children wished their guardians well, my troops all turned their attention to Nora. She didn't dare look up at them, worried that her eyes would start leaking again..
Bulkhead spoke first, using one of his giant finger, he playfully ruffled her hair, "Hey now, no tears Nora. You know how this goes, good triumphs over evil all the time." He chuckled, getting her to smile, pushing his finger off.
"We'll be back before you know it," Arcee promised, fixing Nora's hair, "And make sure Ratchet doesn't lose his temper and tries to operate on the kids." Arcee smiled, getting Nora to giggle at her joke.
Bumblebee stared down at Nora for a few moments, before reaching out his hand, cupping the side of her face. He gently rubbing his thumb over her cheek, wiping her tears away. She grabbed his thumb with her hand, nuzzling herself further in his palm, "Keep us strong in spirit, okay? Like Arcee said, we'll be right back...we'll never leave you Nora. We promised, remember?" Bumblebee buzzed softly.
Nora sniffed her nose, wiping her face. She nodded, "I know, and I have faith in you all. Good luck, and kick Megatron's ass for me." She smiled, causing us to chuckle.
I was the last, to say my goodbye. Kneeling in close, I wrapped my hand around her, as she hugged my lower face the best she could, giving me a kiss, just above my mouth, "I love you Daddy." She whispered.
"I love you too sweetspark, with all my spark." It pained me to pull away from her, as this uncomfortable feeling set in my spark, that this might be out last goodbye. We were ready for departure.
"Optimus, if you leave me and Nora stranded on a planet teeming with humans, I will never forgive you." Ratchet swore.
"Until we meet again old friend," I smiled, pulling my face-mask on, "Autobots, roll out!" On my command we transformed, and following my lead through the ground bridge, "Maximum overdrive." I instructed, pushing our speed to the limit. The operation was successful, reaching the end of the bridge, made it into open space. We came apron the Decepticon's space bridge. "Autobots, transform and granitize." We transformed and landed safely on the center of the bridge, magnetizing ourselves to the floor.
Bulkhead stumbled at first before before getting stable on his own feet, "Don't look down. Or up. Or left." He instructed himself.
Turning our direction back to earth, we saw an all too familiar sight. The Nemesis, approaching us, "So Megatron's packing enough dark energon to rise Cybertron's dead?" Arcee, surmised in disbelief.
"And since we don't possess ready means of disabling the space bridge..." I pulled my blasters, as did the others, "Nothing gets in, or out."
Nora's POV
As I watched them drive through the ground bridge, it felt like time suddenly slowed down on me. I never took my eyes off them, till they disappeared. I balled my fists, holding them together, my body was shaking. Why was I acting like this? They'll make it back, they always do! Ever since I was a kid, watching them exit through the bridge, they all came back.
But then again... Cliffjumper didn't. The image of him being covered in dark energon, dead yet zombified... Suddenly I imagen Dad and the others turning into that. I felt like I couldn't breath, Please...please come back alive... I begged in my mind. Closing my eyes, I hung my head low, trying not to cry again.
I felt a hand on my left shoulder. Gasping out, I turned my head, to see Jack. He squeezed my shoulder, giving me a reassuring smile, "Don't worry, they'll come back, they always do. That what you said." He reminded me of yesterday inside the Nemesis.
Two smaller hands gently grabbed my fists. Raf smiled up at me, "It will be okay..."
"They're way tougher then those cons, you of all people should know that." Miko smiled with confidence.
They were right, I knew the Autobots better then anyone on earth, I have to have faith in them. I allowed myself to relax, calming back down, I looked at them and smiled, "Thank you...thank you very much. I really couldn't ask for any better human friends like you guys."
Just then, we heard Dad's voice come through the comlink. A wave of relief washed over me, they made it, they're okay, "It appears the Deceptions have sustained serious damage to their interstellar navigation system. Without the dish, Megatron will be unable to aim the space bridge at Cybertron."
"Don't the Deceptions know where their own planet is?" Raf asked.
"Naturally," Ratchet snarked, getting our attention, "But Cybertron is many light-years away. To reach their target, their aim must be astronomically precise."
"If Megatron went to the trouble to rendezvousing with his space bridge, he must have a alternative targeting system, remote one." Dad said.
Ratchet scoffed, "From what I know of earth's technology, I doubt there exists a single radio-telescope dish on this planet powerful enough to pinpoint Cybertron."
"What about a whole bunch of linked radio-telescope dishes, like the giant size array in Texas?" Raf mentioned, looking it up on his laptop.
Ratchet babbled in gibberish, trying to silence the youngest human, "This is not child's play."
"Good thinking Raf," Dad said, "Ratchet, have Agent Fowler alert the array staff to the security hazard."
Suddenly Fowler sat up from his bed, "You, soldier! You're out of uniforms! Put on some pants." He babbled on, before passing out again. He was clearly still not in the best state for missions.
"That may be... Challenging." Ratchet remarked.
Raf turned back to his laptop, "I can't get past the array's firewalls. They're too thick."
"You actually think you could keep the Decepticons out?" Ratchet was not subtle. He doubting my younger friend.
"Maybe. If I could get in."
"Wait," Jack piped in, "Raf, what if we could get you all the way in, like inside the building in?" We all gathered around the laptop.
"I could walk into their internal network on the other side of the firewall."
"The risk is to great. The Decepticons will be there, perhaps even on site." Dad mentioned.
"Optimus, with all due respect, you said it yourself. This is bigger than the safety of three humans." Jack said.
"Yeah. If we let the cons win, we're fragged along with everyone else on our planet," Miko added, "And don't worry, we have Prime jr leading us in." She turned to me with a grin on her face.
"Wait, what?" I gasped, not expecting that, "G-Guys, I've never lead anyone before. Plus you heard my Dad, the Decepticons could be there. I can't risk your lives."
"Nora," I heard Dad speak to me, "I did not give you the role of leader out of sympathy. You can do this."
I thought for a good long minute. I had always watched Dad, and even tried to mimic him for practice/fun. But he had eons of experience, not to mention everyone was skillfully trained for war. But we were just a couple of kids, who barely made it out of the Nemesis alive! I was taken down so quickly, I could hardly keep them safe. So what are the chances of me - with barely any experience, and the others who had NO experience!
But as I looked to my friends, I could see the determination in their eyes. They wanted to help, and were willing to help out. Narrowing my eyes, I glanced at the youngest, "Raf?"
"I want to give it a shot" They all nodded in agreement.
"Alright, but you stick with me, you follow any order I give, and it I say run don't wait for me. Got it?"
"You got it boss!" Miko gave me a thumbs up.
"Alright," I turned to Ratchet, "Bridge us there Ratchet."
Ratchet gave me a hard stare; though he rarely ever showed emotion, I knew he was just as worried for me. But Dad made me the knew leader, and he knew he couldn't argue with that. Sighing out, he opened the ground bridge, "You stay in touch at all times, got it?" He raised his voice, getting me to smile.
Walking down the railing, we took our stance in front of the open bridge. I transformed again, fully covered.
"So cool..." Miko sighed, always excited when I transform.
"You all ready?" I asked, nodding their heads, "Okay. Human-Autobots, roll out!" We charge through the bridge.
Seeing the end, we jumped out. Jack, Miko and Raf all groaned feeling sick, trying to get a proper footing. I couldn't help but smile under my mask, I remember my first ground bridge transport.
"That'll take some getting use to." Jack groaned, hold his head.
"Don't worry, takes about five times," I assured them. We turned to see we were over the gated fence, and were behind the building, "Alright, let's go." Entering the back door, I transformed my hands into blasters. I went in first, checking the perimeter. It was clear, which was good and wired, there was no security. I kept checking every corner, guiding Raf to a computer room.
Miko checked one more time down the hall, before closing the door. "Security sure is lax in this place." She commented, and I had to agree.
While Raf started hacking the computer, I decided to retracted my mask, "I'm in. And so are the Decepticons." He announced.
"What?" Me and Jack gasped.
"How can you tell?" Miko asked.
"Schematics with the same alien math we saw on their ship, but this time, I can download it." Raf plugged in his flash drive to the commuter.
"It's got to be the space bridge." Miko said, pointing out the obvious.
"The Decepticons are syncing it to the dishes, but I can sync to them."
"Will they know?" Jack asked.
"Even if the they see that I'm in the system, they'll have no idea, I'm in the house."
I was really impressed with Raf, he maybe twelve but he hacks like a professional. While we watched him work, I suddenly got an earring feeling, like something bad was near by. Raf did say the Decepticons were already in, quite possibly one is in the building. I needed to act fast!
Stepping back, I pulled on my mask, sneaking out of the room. I ran down the hall, if we headed run into any humans now, it was very likely that there were none. Right now I had to pin-point where a Decepticon would be. I held my breath, listening closely, I heard the sounds of clicking down the hall in the other room, and the sounds of someone stepping on broken glass. Sneaking up to the door, I took deep breath, preparing myself. I kicked the door opened, and aimed my blasters at the first thing that caught my eye.
My eyes widen as a saw the eyes and ears of the Deceptions: Soundwave. The busting of the door, got his attention, turning his head, he looked down and saw me. On his screen face, for a split second a saw a picture of Jack, Miko, and Raf in the other room. He was using the security cameras, he knew they were here! I had to stop him! I had faced multiply Vehicons, and at one point even Starscream and Megatron, though if was honestly a memory blur, but I had never faced the third in command. And out of all the cons I have met, he creeped me out the most!
"Soundwave!" I yelled, taking aim I started fired. But he didn't even flinched, like it had no effect on him. Using his wire-tentacles, he lashed out. Dodging quickly, I took to the sky thinking if I had the high-ground, I would have the upper hand. As the tentacles reached out to grab me, I pulled out my master-blades. I curled around me like snakes, I swung my arms around at any that got too close. Slicing the metal before actually cutting one in half, it leaked energon, but he hasn't phased but it. Soundwave pulled back, but then charged every tentacle at me with full force. I tried to block them, but he pushed me back, crashing me against the wall. I cried in pain, but no sooner had one wrapped around me in a vise grip, and started viciously pounding me into the wall, as it debris crumbled away..
I grunted in pain, every time my back it the wall. I was powerless and he was showing no mercy on me. Soundwave moved in closer, my reflection showed in his screen face, like he was studying me. I growled, and spit at him. He was like a rock, totally unfazed, "What are you... gonna do now?" He tilted his head. I watched out of the corner of my eye as one of his tentacles slithered out the room. I felt my energon go cold, he was going to attack the others!
No POV
Jack, Miko and Raf, had no idea Nora left the room, or the peril she was in, "They're locked on to Cybertron, but not for long," Raf smiled, tipping away. Taking control, he rerouted the radio-telescope dishes away from the signal. But within seconds they were back up again, "The dishes are heading back towards Cybertron. I'll just undo that again." Raf grumbled, though it wasn't a big deal.
"What happens when the cons realize they're being punked?" Jack asked.
"It's only virtual combat. You know, like online gaming."
"Yeah, Jack. What are the cons gonna do? They're probably, like, a thousand miles away." Miko smirked.
Suddenly they heard blasters firing, followed by wall smashing. It was faint, but they could make it out, "Hey, do you guys hear that?" Jack asked, walking away from Raf and pressing his ear up against the wall.
"Yeah, sounds like a fight going on," Miko agreed, copying Jack. "Hey Nora, do you hear-AAH!"
They boys looked and screamed out, a giant wire-like tentacle hand slithered into the room. It lunched at Jack and Miko, they grabbed it, trying to wrestle it away from Raf, as he continued to take down the dishes. The tentacle easily knocked the two humans off, throwing them against the wall, then it turned to Raf. Downloaded as fast as he could, Raf leaped on the desk and grabbed his flash drive. He jumped to safety when the tentacle smashed the computer. Miko then grabbed an fire-axe that was hanging on the wall and charge at it, she tried to swing for it, only to be knocked back into the wall. The tentacle picked the axe up, waving it above their heads.
"You handed it an axe?!" Jack screamed.
"No good." Raf gulped.
But instead of using it on the humans, it retreated, taking it with.
"Follow it! Nora might be in trouble!" Jack yelled, as they quickly ran out.
Nora's POV
After a couple more body slammed in the wall, Soundwave started to squeeze tighter. I cried in pain, as the air left my lugs. But I still stayed strong showing no fear, "That all you got?! You... won't make me cave!" I grunted. The tentacle came back, but this time, holding a axe. My spark stopped, "What did... you do?!" I screamed in his face, but again, he ignored me. Using the axe to cut the hard wires, before retracing his tentacles. He leaped onto the roof, with me still in his grasp, "L-let go..! You're not taking me!" I struggled hard, trying to see if I could use my master-blade a second time.
Suddenly the doors burst opened, "Nora!" I heard my friends calling me. I smiled down at them, relied that they were okay. They froze at the sight of Soundwave, know looked down at them. And for some reasons Miko thought it would be a perfect time to pulled out her phone, and snap a picture of the faceless con.
Though ridiculous, it was a good distraction! Wiggling my hand lose I pulled out my master-blade, and stabbed the tentacle. Soundwave finally reacted, with his tentacle leaking energon, he uncoiled around me, and I fell back into the building.
"Nora!" Jack cried, ran with opened arms, catching me, but force knocked us both down. Miko and Raf ran over. Pushing myself up, I glared at Soundwave, pulling out my blaster. But instead of attacking, he snapped a picture of us, before transforming and flying off.
I groaned, getting back on my feet, "A-are you guys okay?" I asked, the pain in my back still stung, but it was manageable.
"We're fine, but you don't look so good." Miko frowned.
"It's nothing major, I'll live." I assured them.
"Why did he leave?" Miko looked back to the broken roof.
Raf walked over to the cut wires, "He cut the hard wire. The dishes are locked on to Cybertron...for good." He frowned.
"No..." I breath out, 'I'm sorry Dad...we failed..."
Optimus' POV
While waiting for the space bridge's activation, Megatron sent out some of his soldiers to stall us. I'll we could do was hope that Nora and the others were able to outmaneuver the Decepticons. But that hope was crushed when the space bridge started vibrating under our feet, as it activated from behind us. I held no ill-will towards the children, they did all they could. Turning back to the Nemesis, I watched as Megatron used all of his strength to hurl a dark energon crystal that was the size of an asteroid. I tired firing at it, but all we could do was watched as it was sucked through the bridge.
"So, how do we beat a whole planet of the undead?" Bulkhead asked.
"Optimus," Ratchet comlinked, "I'm registering a rapidly expanding mass in their space bridge vortex, one with a peculiar energy signature."
"Dark energon," I growled, "Ratchet, we must destroy the space bridge. There's enough live energon coursing through it to achieve detonation, but we lack the firepower to ignite it."
"If I knew how the space bridge was engineered, I might find a technical way of accomplishing that feat."
"Um, would schematics help?" I overheard Raf ask.
Taking a moment to think, Ratchet asked, "Optimus, I must say the space bridge is our sole hope of ever returning to Cybertron. Are you certain its destination is the only option?"
"I am afraid so." I said with no hesitation. We all knew, that buy destroying the space bridge, we would be permanently stranded on earth. Even though we wanted to hold onto hope, that there might still be a way of reviving our home planet, in my spark it would be the same home without her in it. The image of my smiling daughter brought me happiness in that time of peril.
"Then by all means, let us light our darkest hour!"
Turning to the other I ordered, "Autobots, take your position and follow Ratchet's lead..." Nodding they hurried, "While I make me stand." Turning around, glaring at the flying jet coming towards me.
But just before the comlink ending I heard a bloodcurdling scream, followed by Jack shouting, "N-Nora, what's wrong?!"
My spark stopped beating. Nora, something wasn't right! I looked over my shoulder at the space bridge. The dark energon, could she be... feeling it's power all the way from earth?! There wasn't anything I could do to help her, all I could do was hope that if our mission succeeded it will help her.
Megatron transformed and landed, "Your Autobots our wise, Optimus. They know when to retreat." He remarked.
"I hold no illusions about engaging your army Megatron. But I might derail its objective by removing its head." I growled, pulling out my hand blade.
He laughed right my remark. "Highly unlikely Optimus, as I am infused with the very might!"
And in my final words, "One shall stand. One shall far."
It was a stand off, waiting to see who would take the first move. Pulling out his hand blade, and roaring like a beast, Megatron charged straight at me. Our blades collided, blocking and attacking as sparks flew. We were evenly matched, but I managed to get the first hit, knocking him back. He dug his blade to the ground to stop himself from flying backwards, there I saw my chance, running at him a leaped into the air and swung down, but he quickly blocked it. Glaring murderously, he pushed me back. As our fighting seemed to be endless, from up above the bridge I could hear the haunting roars of undead Cybertronian.
Nora's POV
After our failed mission in trying to stop the Deceptions from locking onto Cybertron, I called Ratchet to retrieve us. I was battered so badly, but I was able to walk through the bridge. Ratchet immediately patched me up. I was suffering internally, but luckily it wasn't too seriously, I should be find in a few hours.
But as Ratchet was talking to Dad, I felt this sudden overwhelming surge go through my body. It was so intense that it almost knocked me down. I leaned forward, grabbing onto the railing, while also grabbing at my head. I screamed as this pain kept building in my head, like the worst migraine, "GRUAAAAAAHHH! AHHHH!"
"N-Nora, what's wrong?!" Jack cried in shock. Everything was suddenly on hold, as everyone seemed to come to my aid.
I was hyperventilating, and at some moments I'll I could see was purple. I heard screams and roars echo in my head, like you'd hear from a horror film, "SHUT UP! SHUT UP! MAKE IT STOP!"
Miko took one look at me and stepped back, "W-Woah- your eyes are glowing purple!"
"EVERYONE MOVE!" Ratchet shouted, pushing my friends away. He leaned forward, examining me, "Nora, focus on me. Can you hear me?" I kept squinting my eyes, my vision was going blurry. Lifting my head, I looked straight into Ratchet's optics. He was worried, but he kept calm, "Good. Now, focus on the others."
I blinked in confusion, "W-What?" I body felt like it was going limp, but he used his hand to support me.
"Don't think about where they are right now. Think about the ones you who love you. Focus on the thought of them, the way they make you feel."
I had no idea what he was talking about, but with out much pain I was in, I was willing to try anything. Closing my eyes, a focused on erasing every negative thought that was running through my head. All the 'what if they don't make it home', The thoughts of Megatron returning, destroying the earth. The thought of Cliff-... No, erase it all! It my mind was nothing more then a blank canvas. Then, I filled it in with every happy memory I would think of; playing videogames with Bumblebee, watching Japanese monster-wrestling movies with Bulkhead, sleepover nights in Arcee's quarters, off-roading with Cliffjumper... My Dad's hugs and kisses... My new human friends. All of it filled my spark with joy, it was complete and utter bliss. I felt myself smile, as just as sudden as when it came, the pain went away.
Inhaling and exhaling, I opened my eyes, no longer seeing purple, I looked up a Ratchet, who seemed to be holding his breath the hole time, as did everyone. I smiled, "Thanks, Recovery Girl." I joked. Everyone took a big sigh of relief.
Ratchet frowned at the nickname (not getting the anime refence), "You feel better now?"
"Yeah- I do," I rubbed my head again, "I don't know what happened though, I suddenly felt this pain go through me."
"We can try to figure it out later," Ratchet said, "Right now, we need to get back to the matter at hand!" He rushed back over to the monitor screens.. Glancing up at one, I saw millions of undead Cybertronian signals, surrounding Cybertron ready to enter through the space bridge.
Fowler had seemed to finally recover from his torment by Starscream, and hobbled over to us, "These things are getting closer. That's bad, right?" He asked, pointing to the screen.
As I started counting down the seconds in my head, I kept thinking I had to do something! Anything! I know I did take a beating from Soundwave, and just a while ago had an excruciating headache, but I was suddenly had this adrenaline rush, like I was ready to get back in the ring! But what could I do...?
I glanced over at the ground bridge, the gears started to turn. It worked last time to get the others to space... what if it could do it a second time? I could fly, gravity wasn't a problem, but what about breathing? I had human lugs, what if I suffocate before reacting the end of the bridge? And even if breathing wasn't a problem did I still have the strength to fight back? I knew for a fact Megatron was out there right now fight with Dad, and if the others are busy with Ratchet, he was fighting alone
I didn't think twice, I had to fight by my families side. Looking at Jack and Miko, I nudged my head telling them to come over. While Ratchet, Fowler and Raf were busy, we talked in private by the ground bridge controls.
"What is it Nora? What are you doing?" Jack asked, watching me set the coordinates to the ground bridge.
"I need you both to do me a favor. Like a really big favor," I whispered. They looked at me with concern, "I need you to open the ground bridge and distract Ratchet while I fly to the others."
"WHAT?!" They both gasped.
"N-no, Nora you don't know if you'll survive out in space!" Jack panicked, And didn't you just have a migraine ten seconds ago?!"
"Not to mention how will you breath?!" Miko added, also worried.
"I'll just keep my masked on the entire time," I shrugged, "And I feel fine now, don't worry! Guys please, my family is risking their lives out there right now, I can't just stay here and do nothing. Please help me do this, as a friends." I begged, and I knew gilt tripping them was wrong, but it worked.
They exchanged looks before turning back to me, "Alright." Jack nodded. I smiled, pulling them into a hug, as they hugged back. Pulling away, Jack placed his hand on the bar, waiting for my cue.
I transformed again, making sure my helmet and face were on place. But before I took position, Miko blocked me, glaring down, "If you come back, you own me a song, vocalist." She pointed right in my face, expecting me to say 'I promise.'
Instead I placed my hand on her shoulder and said, "It was nice knowing you guys." I smirked. Like hell I would sing, I'd rather die on the battlefield then sing in front of people! Her jaw dropped as I pushed her away.
Getting into a running start position, I glanced over my shoulder I nodded. Giving the single Jack pulled down the bar. The ground bridge opened and before Ratchet could react, I blasted off threw the bridge like a rocket.
I didn't stopped, keeping a steady breath, I could hear my spark beating. The atmosphere started to feel weird, but I pushed through, till finally I made it. Exiting out, I flailing my arms around trying to halt. I looked around in awe; space really was bigger then it looked, I could nothing but beautiful stars in a black universe. I turned around I saw earth, my home, it was so big and blue I could see the patches of green land. It was gorgeous. I was choked up by the endless night sky and I didn't realize I was still breathing! Caching my breath, I held it for a second like a fish out of water, then slowly blew through my nose. I could breath, I could breath in space.
My face lightened up, "YES!" Screaming excitedly, punching the air. I felt hipper active like a dolphin, adrenaline was pumping through my body like a steam engine! "Wait! Nora focus!" I slapped my face, getting serious. Looking around I spotted the Decepticon's Nemesis, and their GIANT space bridge! Ready for action I rocketed past the ship, looking down at the bottom of the space bridge I spotted Dad, fighting Megatron, and...he was losing!
"Dad!" I cried, glared angry I flew faster, "I'm not gonna lose! NOT THIS TIME!"
No POV
Optimus took punches to his face, and stomach, growing weaker with every blow. Megatron wheeled his blade and sliced the half of Optimus's clean off. With one more strike to the chest Megatron sent him flying. Not done with him, he grabbed his boot and slammed Optimus hard on the ground before throwing him. Optimus rolled across the space bridge, standing on his hands and knees, his body sparked. It was a struggle just to stand, and it seemed... he wasn't going to make it back home like he promised. Megatron stood in front, raising his blade to finish him off. Nora...I'm sorry. I love you...
But as Megatron was about to end the fight, he was interrupted by his second in command, "Master?"
"STARSCREAM WHAT IS IT?!" Megatron roared, being robbed of his victory.
"I do not wish to question your all seeing wisdom, but I believe the Autobots are up to something, beneath your bridge this tim,." Starscream announced, looking at the bridge's monitor screens seeing Arcee, Bulkhead and Bumblebee, "Shall I-" Suddenly just out of his peripheral vision, a red dot flew right past. Though fast, he was able to identifie it, "What is she doing here?!" He was dumbfounded.
But by that time Megatron had ended the intercom, not caring what else his second in command had to say, "Ah, misdirection Optimus." He smirked down at Optimus, "You would have made a fine Deception." Raising his blade ounces more he brought it down.
Suddenly from out of nowhere, he was shot right between the optics. Roaring in pain he stumbled back, his vision was a little blurry but he could make out the red.
"GET AWAY FROM HIM!" Nora screamed, with her master-blades out, she cut right at his chest, leaving a small but noticeable gash on his Decepticon symbol.
Megatron was pushed back again, vision returning, he glared at Techno-Organic who put herself in front of her father. He chuckled, straitening his posture, "Nora, how nice to see you again. I heard of your little misfortune on Cliffjumper."
She gritted her teeth, growled low. That joyfulness that Ratchet helped her, burned into ashes. Pure hatred and rage filled her spark, wanting to rip his out. Her eyes went solid purple and a dark purple ora surrounded her. that evil part whispered in her head, "Finish him... This is all his fault... HE was the one that kidnapped you... HE was the one that tortured you... Because of him, Cliffjumper died... All this suffering...this war... ALL OF IT IS HIS FAULT! But YOU'RE stronger then him... he thinks he can control 'it', control 'YOU'!
Optimus watched in fear, as his daughter was losing control, while Megatron grinned, this is exactly what he wanted to witness, "Just like three years ago..." He chuckled.
Retracting her blades for her blasters she took aim at his spark -chamber. But just as she was ready to slaughter him, she heard a voice, "Nora." It was gentle, kind, and familiar. Gasping out, she blinked a few times and looked behind. Her father looked at her with gentle optics, he didn't say a word.
"Daddy..." She gasped out, the fire in her mind was burned out, and reality came back; he was okay, he was alive, and they were going home. The ora vanished and her eyes went back to normal. She flew down to him, smiling through her mask.
Megatron was not so thrilled of their 'love conquers all' bond. For THREE years he had waited to see Nora unleash her true power, and when she's about to explode, Optimus pulls her back to sanity. Roaring he charged at the Techno-Organic, but before he could strike her Optimus pulled her to the side and blocked him with is broken blade.
"I made my chose Megatron," Optimus glared at the warlord, "And so has she." Pulling out his blaster he fired, striking Megatron's chest-plate, the force sent him flying back. Following her dad, Nora joined the shooting. Seeing is how he was now out numbered and his army approaching, Megatron retreated, transforming he flew to the other side of the bridge.
Once he was gone, Nora turned to her father. Tears leaking from her eyes she threw herself on him, wrapping her arms around his neck as tight as she could "Dad! I'm so so sorry! I know you said to stay and not follow but I just couldn't!" She cried, babbling on, "When we failed back on earth I just-"
"Nora," Optimus hushed her, holding her in his palms, he smiled, "Though you have disobeyed a direct order, you have shown true courage. I am very proud of you." Nora smiled, unable to stop the tears. Suddenly the space bridge started to give away. Ratchet's plan worked! Holding Nora to his chest plate, Optimus ran towards the edge. "Autobots, jump!" As they all fell in a free fall, diving into the ground bridge.
Back the base, Ratchet and the humans waited anxiously for the others to return, "Do you think..." Raf glanced at Ratchet, who looked down at his monitor.
"Five life signals, one very faint."
Everyone held their breath. Optimus walked through, with Nora on his shoulder. They exchanged looks, smiling at each other. Nora retracted her mask and helmet to see her three friends, all looking very relieved. Right behind them Bulkhead came through, Miko cheered, running to hug her guardian, Nora flew over and hugged his neck. Bulkhead was startled, but quickly wrapped his other hand over the girl.
They cut it short when they heard the last of their team came running through, but when Nora looked back, her smile dropped to fear and dread. Bumblebee was caring Arcee, she had been shot.
"Arcee!" Nora cried slipping out of Bulkhead's grasp and flew down joining Jack, who was also grieving. She got right up to Arcee, grabbing her hand in her two tiny ones, "Arcee please don't...don't leave me. I've already lost Cliffjumper... Please..." She wept, tears falling again.
Everyone circle them, "We lost one this week. By the Allspark, don't let it be two." Ratchet begged.
Jack came up to Nora, placing his hand over her's, he watched as he friend cried. suddenly her hand twitched, and Arcee slowly opened her optics. She lightly smiling down at them and wrapped her fingers over their hands, getting their attention, "I'm not going anywhere Nora... After all, we promised..." she then glanced at Jack, "Come on Jack, there are other motorcycles in the world."
"But your my first." Jack smiled. Nora slowly calmed down as she hugged the bot to her side.
"And Megatron?" Ratchet asked looking at Optimus.
"Not even he could have survived ground zero." Optimus frowned.
"Prime!" Fowler called out. Everyone turned to see the agent fixing his suit, standing at the elevator, "I didn't get the thank you bots for the save. I owe you one. We all do." And with that, he stepped into the elevator.
Bumblebee helped Arcee stand, as she smiled down at the four kids. Everyone smiled, they won a war. But there celebration was cut short when Miko walked up to Optimus and asked, "So, is this the part where you say goodbye and tell us we need to forget we ever saw you?"
The kids glanced to Nora, who had the same sad expression on her face, she looked up to her dad. He looked down at the four children, seeing the bound they have grown in one week. There was no way they could break it now. One smile, let them now that they were welcomed to stay. After all, they were part of Team Prime now.
"Hey Nora~" Miko called to the blonde getting her attention, giving off an evil grin, "We had a deal~" she sang, "You came back alive, so you have to sing in our band!"
Everyone looked at the poor Techno-Organic, who face became red and shy.
"You're going to sing Nora? Great! we love hearing you sing!" Bumblebee buzzed happily, Bulkhead and Arcee nodded in agreement.
"N-no I didn't! W-well I did but-I-I..." Nora babbled trying to find a way out of this.
"Oh no, you promised! Come on! Sing! Sing! Sing!" Miko chanted over and other, as did Bumblebee and pretty much everyone else.
Optimus chuckled watching the group. As they were bickering, Ratchet came over, "Did it happen?" He whispered.
Optimus frowned but nodded, "Was it the first signs back at base?" He was referring to the sudden intercom cutoff. Ratchet nodded yes, "How did you manage to pull her out of it?"
Ratchet chuckled, turning to his friend, "It's like you said, 'we must have faith and love.'" The two bots looked back at Nora who was arguing between Miko and Bumblebee about singing, "It worked this time, but I am unsure if it is the solution to keeping her stable."
Ratchet was right, they were lucky this time. This surge was the first time they ever witness lose control, but the way Megatron was taunting him, meant that this wasn't her first outburst. Primus only knows how the warlord was able to keep her stable. After finally recuing her, she seemed to be in a burnout; drained of energy and memory lose. But... she was conscious when her migraine attacked. Optimus frowned, hearing Megatron's voice echo, 'You can only lie to her for so long~'.
Optimus' POV
It was very late into the night. After our intense final battle, I felt the need to be alone. Finding peace and quiet on top of Outpost Omega One, I stood next to Cliffjumper's burial staring up at the starry night sky, "Dad?" I heard a voice behind me. Turning around I saw Nora in her pajamas, wrapped in a blanket, "You okay?"
"Nora, it is very late." I reminded her, kneeling down.
"I've been up later then this," She smirked all cocky, which I didn't find funny, "Heh heh, anyway, I couldn't sleep, and I saw you go up to the roof, and well..."
I could sense something was bothering her, and I had a good idea on what it was. Maybe now... was a better time then ever, "Nora...about the dark energon-"
"I know why you kept it from me," She interrupted me. I held my breath, "You didn't what me to get hurt, or be scared," She smiled, "But it's over now, we won. Megatron is gone and there's no more dark engeron, we should be celebrating."
My spark ached, watching her smile, oblivious to the truth. And wanted to tell her, right then and there, but her smile broke my confidence. And once again guilt washed over me. Megatron was right, someday she will find out what she is destined for... and I can only hope that she will forgive me.
Offering my hand she climbed up, and rested on my shoulder, enjoying the night sky together, "I had wish you'd consider singing. You have a lovely voice." I saw her blush a little.
"I get too embarrassed..." She mumbled, pulling at her blanket, "Especially when it's in front of a lot of people," She then looked at me, "But if its just us, I don't mind singing for you." She smiled softly.
I smiled back, "I would be honored." I turning on my radio, I found her favorite song. Mumming to get the melody, she started singing softly.
~Like a small boat, on the ocean
Sending big waves, into motion
Like how a single word, can make a heart open
I might only have one match, but can make an explosion
And all those things I didn't say
Wrecking balls inside my brain
I will scream them loud tonight
Can you hear my voice this time
This is my fight song
Take back my life song
Prove I'm alright song
My power's turned on
Starting right now I'll be strong
I'll play my fight song
And I don't really care if nobody else believes
Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me...~
Finishing her song, she sighed before giggling, which made me chuckle. Mumming again she rested herself on my shoulder as we stayed out a little longer.
"Without a means of leaving this world, we Autobots take strength in the bonds we have forged with our three young friends. True warriors, if not in body, then in spirit."
I looked at my daughter as she slowly drifted to sleep, leaning her body against my head.
"My name is Optimus Prime, and I send this Message. Though we did not choose to be of earth, it would seem that we are here to stay. If you approach this planet with hostile intent, know this. We will defend ourselves. We will defend humanity. We will defend our home."