Hello Readers! It has been a looong time since I've worked on this! But if you follow me, you might know that I have been working on other stories. But I've missed writing this one, and are back at it! I promise you are going to get way more story about Nora's past in future chapters.
I am also working on a a side-shot story on when Nora was little, growing up with the Autobots, so look out for that! :)
As I said before, I do suck a bit when it comes to spelling error. I try my best, but that's all I can really do, so please don't hold it against me.
I hope you enjoy chapter 7!
No POV
-Starscream's log-
Day 37
The subject Nora Prime, as she calls herself, has been unsuccessful in any giving information on what she is, nor the location of the Autobot's secret base.
She surprisingly can withstand great pain, as we preform experiments on her. Unfortunately we do not have a proper medic with us at the moment.
There have been times where she has tried to escape, but thanks to Soundwave tracking her, she never gets far.
With her being half organic, she needs resources in order to stay alive. Gathering the supplies is tricky for the Autobots could track our location.
She is a mystery, in what she is. A fusion of Cybertron and human. There has never been something like her, and the dark energon that flows through her veins is simply remarkable.
Lord Megatron is determined to find out, without killing her in the process.
-END-
Chained inside the brig, Nora hanged in the air, going in and out of consciousness. She had only gotten a few hours of rest after excruciating experiments. Stuck in her tencho-form, without her helmet and mask on, her armor and skin-suit had scratches all over, exposing some of her skin, which was slowly healing itself.
The doors slid opened, and the commander walked in, accompanied by two Vehicons. Arms behind his back, Starscream stood in front of the girl, smirking at the state she was in, "And how are we feeling today?" Nora didn't respond, "I can imagine that you are in grave pain right now. You did just go through hours of testing. However," He admired his razor fingers smugly, "I could offer you a painless procedure. If you tell me the whereabouts of the Autobot base." He leaned in closer.
Nora softly groaned, and started mumbling.
"Speak up! I can't hear you when you're mumbling." Starscream frowned.
"G-get, fragged!" She spat, glaring up at him.
Starscream was taken aback, but laughed, finding her vulgar attitude amusing, "Such fowl language, coming from a young girl," Sliding a sharp finger under her chin, "You know what happens when you don't cooperate~." There was a slight purr in his voice.
But instead of caving, she bit down on his finger, hard. Starscream cried out, pulling away. He glared at the Techno-Organic, lifting his hand, talons sharp, ready to do damage, "You need to know who your dealing with human!"
Nora kept glaring showing no signs of fear, "Maybe, but you're not Megatron!"
Starscream's ego cracked. But just before he made contact with her face, he heard from behind, "Starscream!"
Halting, an inch away from Nora, Starscream tense up, "Ah, Lord Megatron," He started to panic, he was about to attack her without his master's consent, "I was just," he turned around but didn't see Megatron, rather Soundwave, playing Megatron's voice. He frowned, "Oh, it's just you Soundwave. What is it?"
Soundwave started playing back Megatron's orders, "You are not to perform on the girl, unless I say so. If I find out you've been doing things behind my back, I will give you the same treatment, she goes through."
Starscream growled. He knew if he ignored what his master told him, Soundwave would tattletale. But luckily for him, he knew how to talk his way around things. And the prisoner still needed to be punished. The commander smirked, "Yes, I understand the rules our lord said. However, She did not cooperate yesterday, I think it's time for her punishment. "
Nora frozed. She didn't want to go through it again, not so soon. She didn't know if she could take it anymore.
Starscream ordered a Vehicon to grab the prod for him, once in hand, he held it up to Nora's face. He grin widened, seeing the fear in her eyes, "Last time we did this, it was at 4. Shall we take this to 8, maybe 9?" He taunted, turned over to Soundwave, "What do you think Soundwave?" He didn't reply, and that's just what Starscream wanted.
The prod sparked, he put it right up against Nora's spark chamber. Nora screamed in agony, her hole body getting electrified. She felt her cyber muscles burn, as her spark chamber took the most damage. Starscream grinned wickedly, seeing the girl in pain. He pressed harder on her chest-plate. Nora's lungs started to burn, and her nose bleed purple energon. It lasted for a solid two minutes, before her body went limped. Starscream pulled away, thinking she passed out again.
"Now then, I think you've learned your lesson," He chuckled feeling quite pleased with himself. But it was short lived when he noticed she wasn't breathing. His optics widened, now he was worried. Was it too much? Did he kill her?! Oh scrap, what will Megatron... He panicked. He tried poking at her, be she was limp to the touch. He turned to Soundwave, who was not reacting to any of this, "Soundwave, Get the med-"
Suddenly, Nora's head shot up, but something wasn't right. She had no emotion to her face, and her eyes, glowed solid purple. Starscream stumbled back in shock. She looked up at the chains that restrainted her, transforming her wrist into her master-blades, she cut the chains. Using her jetpack, she floated in the air. Staring right at the four Decepticons in the room, Starscream was beginning to panic, "Don't just stand there, with-strain her!" He pushed the Vehicons in front of him, like a shield.
They pulled out their blasters, waiting to see what her first move would be. Nora glanced down at their guns, and suddenly, like a rocket she charged at them. The Vehicon didn't have time to react, she swung her blade between his arm slicing the blaster clean off. She then aimed for his face, and stabbed his optics with both blades, he went offline insistently. Pulling her blades to the side Nora sliced the head in half, the body fell to the ground. The other Vehicon started shooting at her, Nora serpentine, transforming her blades for basters. She shot both his arms off, before finishing the final blow into the spark-chamber. The amount of foce from her blast left a hole in his chest-plate.
Starscream gasped fear, as she took down two Vehicons in seconds. She was like a mindless puppet, only out to kill. He scrambled out the door running down the hall. Nora flew after him, ignoring Soundwave, who watched. Starscream turned back, and aimed his missile at her, "Stop where you are, mutant!" He fired. In slow motion, Nora front-flipped over the missile, planted her foot down on it, and pushed off, sending her flying faster at him. She crashed into Starscream, sending them both to the wall. The commander groaned in pain falling down in a sitting position, opening his optics, he gasped in fright. She was right in his face, she stared at him, with her eyes glowing. Starscream was shaking. How...? I gave her a shock, and she comes back to life indestructible?! She took down two troops in under a minute... she's not capable of doing that! not even the strongest of Autobots! Nora stared him in the optics, before looking down at his chest-plate she was standing on. Transforming her blasters into blades again, she aimed for his spark-chamber, This is it... I'm gonna die. by the hands of this mutant monster...
Nora plunged her blades through the armored chest, Starscream could feel her cutting through, in just a split second she'll hit his spark and he'll die. But just before Nora could reach his chamber, she was suddenly shot off him. She tumbled down the hall, resting on her side. Starscream trembled, turning to look at the con responsible for saving him. Lord Megatron lowered his arm blaster, glaring at the techno-organic, then at his commander, "Starscream, Soundwave informed me there was a distress with Nora Prime. I didn't think that I would come and find you pinned down, being stabbed by an organic." He turned his glare at Nora, she was slowly getting up, "So while I was absent, you seemed be having fun with her. Should I let her continue?"
"N-no please, master! I didn't mean to go against your command!" Starscream scrambled to get up.
Megatron wasn't listening to Starscream babbling on, He was more focus on the Techno-Organic. She took a direct hit from him, and yet she stands up, without a scratch. He finally got a look at her eyes, Dark energon...it gives her this power, and indestructibility. All inside this organic human. No, not human, with all this power...she could be a god...extraordinary. Megatron chuckled, then went into hysterical laughter as Nora flew at him, aiming for his spark-chamber, "And to think, YOU BELONGED TO THE AUDOBOTS!" He fired a second time. Just like last time, it didn't effect her, but it sent her back, landing on the floor again.
"Soundwave," Following his master's orders, Soundwave wrapped his tentacles around Nora, holding her down. In his hand he clutched the prod, and very quickly gave Nora a shock in the back. She screamed out, before she went limp. Megatron walked over, Soundwave handed the girl to him. He held her in his hand, his sharp talons wrapping around her body. He could see her breathing, carefully lifting her eyelid, to see that her eyes were back to normal. He turned to Starscream, who stiffened up, "Take her back to the infirmary, make sure she is in full health, before putting her back in her cage. She will not be going under any experiments for a few days," he dropped her in the commander's hands, "And Starscream. From now on, you are not to be around her unless I say so," Megatron got right in his face, "Or I let her finish where she left off."
"N-no my l-lord, I completely understand." Starscream shuddered. Still glaring at him, Megatron headed back to the bridge, with Soundwave following behind. Starscream looked down at the sleeping girl in his hands. I never thought I'd be terrified of a little human girl. But that's not what she is...
Three Years Later
Starscream watched the recorded video of Megatron's demise, over and over again. But he rewind it back further, to when Megatron was battling with Optimus Prime, and Nora. He stopped right when he saw her eye color changed, and zoomed in on it. He traced a signal finger down to his Decepticon symbol, where Nora had cut through it. He could still feel the sharp blade pierce through, "How is it even possible, that Optimus managed to bring her back to sanity by just saying her name? Or is that "father/daughter bond' really that powerful?" He wondered. Going back to watching Megatron's death, getting quite an enjoyment out of it, "Such a shame. But I applaud you, Megatron. You certainly made a grand exit," He smirked. Hearing someone come up from behind he turned to see Soundwave, or rather, the new second in command, "Soundwave, cue the audio/visual. I wish to address the troops."
Doing as he was told, Soundwave automatically set it up the visual, for Starscream to use for his speech. The Vehicons stopped working listen, "The loss of Megatron, leader of the great Decepticon uprising, is certainly a blow to our cause. Yet we mustn't despair over his tragic demise. But instead embrace his ultimate sacrifice, and build upon the foundation he laid. With an even mightier hand." Starscream went on, until a Vehicon spoke up.
"With all due respect, commander Star - uh, Lord Starscream."
Starscream rolled is optics, "Yes, yes, what is it?"
"If we failed to conquer earth under Lord Megatron's command, what hope do we have now while the Autobots still defend it?"
Starscream sighed in frustration, "Allow me to be crystal clear," he continued on, "I studied for millennia under our former master. Thus, I am equipped to lead you. I, Megatron's true heir, Lord Starscream. Emperor of DESTRUCTION!" He pronounced triumphantly. However the Vehicons weren't so sure, mumbling to each other. Not getting the response he wanted, Starscream scoffed, stomping off the platform, "What use are troops who can't rise to the task of inflicting unspeakable destruction in my name?" He said to himself. Suddenly he remembered something, "Bu wait. Legend tells of one capable warrior, one who exists here, upon this very planet. One who can be student to my master." Grinning.
Optimus' POV
Today was a new start, for peace on this planet. However, my mind went back to last night, with Nora, "I know why you kept this from me. You didn't what me to get hurt, or be scared. But it's over now, we won. Megatron is gone and there is no more dark engeron, we should be celebrating." Even then, I couldn't tell her the truth. Megatron might be gone, along with the dark engergon, but the Decepticons were still a threat. And that meant she was still in danger.
"Optimus, why so glum?" Ratchet asked, walking up behind me, "This planet - all planets, are finally free from Megatron's tyranny."
"I do not disagree, Ratchet. It's just...a small part of me hoped to change Megatron's mind, not extinguish his spark." I frowned.
"Optimus, his vileness was not slain by your hand, but by his own twisted arrogance!" I knew it was true, but I still didn't like being reminded of it, "I'm sorry. I know the two of you had quite a history."
"But the Megatron whom I once fought beside, perished eons ago. The day he chose to become a Decepticon. The Decepticons may be in disarray, but they aren't without leadership." I turned to look at my friend, "and white Starscream is no Megatron, he is far from predictable."
Suddenly there was a loud explosion, shaking the base. We saw smoke on the other side of the room, "Decepticons!" Ratchet yelled, "We're under attack!" We ran over, but it was a false alarm.
As the smoke cleared, we could see Nora, Raf and Bumblebee working on a small scale volcano, "It's no attack Ratchet. It's my volcano," Raf coughed. The volcano lost it's shape and flatted out, "Was..." He sighed, disappointed.
"Maybe we wouldn't *cough* try to use energon powder." Nora covered her mouth. I raised my brow, wondering where she even got energon powder in the first place.
We heard Miko talking to Bulkhead on the railing, "Hold still Bulkhead. Jupiter needs it's red spot." We saw Bulkhead holding a replica of earth's solar system, as Miko was painting it, while spilling on the floor.
What...in the allspark, is going on in here?" Ratchet asked, I could see him trying to hold in his temper.
"Our projects are due tomorrow." Jack explained. He and Acree were trying to build a motorcycle from spare parts.
"Maybe it needs one these doohickeys." Acree handed him a part.
"You're a motorcycle, Arcee. Shouldn't you know how to build a motorcycle engine?" Jack asked.
"You're a human, Jack. Can you build me a small intestine?" She asked back. I heard Nora giggling.
"Well, you can't work on these projects in here. You're making a mess." Ratchet tried to think up a reason. But what he really wanted was to have peace and quiet. Being acceptable in allowing the three new humans to come over to our base was hard for him. But he said he'd do it for Nora, because they were now friends. But he never liked commotion.
"But the science fair's a big part of our grade." Raf tried to tell him.
Miko also joined in, "Yeah, if Bulkhead doesn't help me finish this model of our solar system-"
"Oh?" Ratchet interrupted her, "And what does Bulkhead know of your solar system? Or Bumblebee and Nora of your volcanos? Or-"
"Arcee of our motorcycles?" Jack asked, finishing his sentence.
Ratchet put his hands on his hips, "Precisely! We're not earthling. And they're not scientists."
"But don't I count as being half earthling? Considering I was born here?" Nora asked, raising her hand.
"That's different." Ratchet said, not making anymore comments about it. Nora frowned.
I decided to step in, "But the Autobots are their guardians, Ratchet. Would it hurt to learn more about earth, by helping our young friends with their schoolwork?"
"Well, maybe our young friends should try learning more about Cybertron. Like Nora," He then turned to my daughter and smiled, "As a matter of fact, that's not a bad thought. Nora, maybe you should join with your human friends."
"Ah..." Nora looked to the side. It had been a few weeks since she last did her studies. When she was much younger, I had discussed with Agent Fowler about whether she should enroll in public school. In the end, we settled on homeschooling. Fowler and his wife would teach her basic earth lessons, but the rest of us taught Nora about Cyberton history, and the language. As well as battle tactics and strategy, though I didn't want her to join the fight. But after her first meet with Megatron... I had to show her how to protect herself, "Well...I think I should be helping the others first with their-"
"Nonsense, You should join along side them." Ratchet smiled, thinking positive. When Nora was younger, she would help him with medical work, and he would mostly teach her. And she was a very cooperative, and very interested in work.
"Well - I... uh, Dad?" She turned to me. I could see she wasn't too thrilled on the idea, but I had to agree with Ratchet this time.
I smiled down at her, "I think thirty minutes of schoolwork today would be fine." She let out eh biggest sarcastic groan I had ever heard from her. I frown, which made her stop.
"Okay, I'll work on my Cybertronian writing." Nora she got up, walked to her room to get her books. I smiled, proud of her.
Nora's POV
I couldn't really complain to Dad about schoolwork. After what happened yesterday; disobeying him a second time, getting in a fight with Soundwave, and flying through the ground-bride into space, and fighting Megatron. I was just thankful I wasn't grounded for the rest of my life. But I didn't mind it, I knew how to read Cybertronian, and spelling, so it was easy. When I was little I was very proud with myself when I wrote every ones name in Cybertroian. Plus, I kind of wanted to show off in front on my new friends.
I went to my room to grab a notebook, pencil, and a homemade Cybertron dictionary. (Because there were no holograms) I came back and sat down on the tv couch.
Miko was the closest to me, "Whatcha doin' Nora?" She asked, while putting on Saturn's rings.
"Writing Cybertroian."
"Really? Cool! So can you spell my name?" She was getting exited.
"Sure." I wrote the letters of her name in Cybertron on the paper, and handed it to her.
Miko raised her brow, "Umm..." To humans who've never seen Cybertroian wording, it looks more like ancient symbols.
I rolled my eyes, "See, that's M.I.K.O." I pointed each letter with my pencil.
Looking at it again, she nodded, "Oohh!" I could still tell she didn't get it.
"Uh, Miko," Bulkhead called, from behind getting our attention, "Is the paint supposes to run like that?" He was still holding the planets up, the paint started running off the spheres.
Miko panicked, running back over, "Oh scrap! Where's the hair dryer?!"
On the floor, I could hear Bumblebee talking to Raf about his rank back in the war, "The warrior class was extremely tough," he explained, Pulling out his blasters, "you have to always be on your guard!"
"Really Bumblebee? Then how do you make warrior class?" Raf asked, while rebuilding his volcano.
"Well, actually...I didn't..." He hung his head down.
"But I've seen you in action, you're awesome!"
"Yeah, well.." Bumblebee was trying to doubt himself, when Dad put his hand on the scout's shoulder.
"I second your opinion, Raf. But Autobot life cycles are much longer then humans. And though it may be hard to believe, our young scout still has much to experience."
I smiled, agreeing with the two. I've only ever seen Bumblebee in battle a few times, but we've hung out way more.
Suddenly the holo-monitor's alert went off. Ratchet went over to the screen, "Exposed energon, and it's on the move." The other Autobots gathered.
"And since we ain't moving it, guess who must be." Bulkhead added.
"Decepticons." Acree narrowed her optics.
"With out Megatron?" Miko asked, looking over the railing.
"I could take a guess who took over the role." I frowned. I remembered back when I was a prisoner on the Decepticon ship, Starscream would never shut up about wanting to be the leader. I guess it was a good thing that he went on in front of me, because I used it against him when he threatened me.
"Unfortunately, Megatron's legacy will live on. As others rise to take his place," Dad said, looking at the team, "Autobots, you have projects to complete. Ratchet, I may require aid."
I was quite surprised with Dad, allowing Arcee, Bulkhead and Bumblebee to stay and help out. I noticed Ratchet glancing over at Raf's work, and I got that uneasy, "I must help in order for them to succeed." in my gut, "Science fair is a big part of their grade. Perhaps I'm better suited to remain behind and advise." He mentioned.
"Well, kiss your grades goodbye guys." I frowned.
Dad, was skeptical, but allowed it, "Very well. Bumblebee, let us see about this energon in transit."
I could see the shine in his optics. This was one of the few occasions where it was just Bumblebee to join Dad in a battle. And I also saw an exit out of my studying! I ran down the stairs, right up to Dad, "I could be back up!" I smiled up at him. Dad had an uneasy look on his face, but Bee stepped in.
"If you don't mind my opinion, sir. Nora has shown great strength and courage, last week. I think she could join us."
I felt my cheeks blush, as Bee stood up for me. Dad glanced at us, after giving it a thought, he nodded yes. Still smiling, I wrapped my arms around his leg. "Thank you! I won't disappoint you, Dad!"
He smiled, kneeing down, lightly hugging my with his hand, "You never disappoint me. But this time, You will listen to orders, understand?"
Moving out of the hug, I nodded yes. I transformed, and flew on Bumblebee's shoulder. Ratchet sent the coordinates to where the signal was and opened the bridge. As we walked through, I whispered to Bumblebee, "Thanks for backing me up, Bee."
Bee nuzzled his head against my left side. "Of course, Nora. I always will..."
Exiting the bridge, we found ourselves in a desert canyon, "I feel uneasy." I mentioned, "Like, there's something here. Something...dark."
"I feel it too," Bumblebee agreed, "it doesn't feel like we're wanted here."
"No Bumblebee, it does not," Dad narrowed his optics, "You two, hold your position and await my command."
As we walk onward, we heard loud metal sounds, like a door that hadn't opened in years. followed by a booming voice, "Skyquake serves only one master." I heard Dad say, "Oh no." I knew that couldn't be good. Coming around the right corner, we saw Starscream, and standing in front of him was a tall bulked-up Decepticon in green. In my head, I started wondering if maybe we should call Bulkhead for help.
I glanced at our leader, "Dad, you know that con?"
"Unfortunately I do." He replied.
"What's a Decepticon doing in a hole on earth?" Bumblebee asked.
"A very long time ago, during the late war, both Autobots and Decepticons began hiding engeron on different planets."
"That's why engeron is found here?" I asked.
"Yes. Megatron would send Decepticons to guard over them. Skyquake is very dangerous, and is hard to reason with. You two wait here, do not attack unless I give the orders." We hid behind bolder, while Dad stepped forward. I stood up on Bee's shoulder, so I could get a better look. I listened in on what Starscream was saying.
"Excellent, your loyalty and devotion will set a fine example for the troops. No need to be timid, Skyquake. You may bow." I couldn't help but roll my eyes, not even 24 hours and already his ego has taken over.
"Wow, you weren't kidding about his ego." Bumblebee whispered, I nodded in return.
"You fail to grasp my meaning. I am here on a mission assigned to me by my one master, Megatron." Skyquakes voice was so loud that it echoed through the canyon.
"Yes, him... Sadly, Megatron is no longer with us." Starscream tried to sound sympathetic, but I could tell he didn't mean it.
"Impossible." Skyquake's optics went wide, having a hard time believing it. And I had to agree, after with his reputation, and living for millennia, Megatron's sudden death really took it's toll.
"Why is this so difficult for everyone to accept?" Starscream growled, losing his patience, "Skyquake, I located you. I awakened you. Thus I, Lord Starscream, an now your master!"
Skyquake leaned forward in Starscream's face, growling. Starscream stepped back, suddenly feeling trapped by the large Decepticon.
I wish Dad didn't step in at that time, because I would have loved to see Starscream get clobbered, "It has been a while, Skyquake."
The Decepticons turned to him. Skyquake roughly pushed Starscream out of the way, "Optimus Prime. I haven't seen you since the battle of Technar. Megatron ordered me to annihilate you." He growled.
"That was a long time ago." He stepped closer.
"That may be, Prime, but my orders still stand."
Bumblebee, leaned in closer, we were both ready when the fight starts.
"Is this ancient war still worth fighting? When so many comrades have been lost and worlds destroyed?" Dad was right; Megatron was basically the dictator for the Decepticons, he continued to command the war. Which resulted in their home planet being destroyed. Now that he was gone there seemed to be no reason to continue the war. But knowing Starscream, he wouldn't give up being ruler so soon, "If you want to be a true leader, Starscream, then stray from Megatron's path. And lead the Decepticons towards peace." Dad pointed at him.
Starscream gave a smug smirked, "I would be willing to consider a truce...If you would be willing to bow before me, Optimus Prime."
I growled a the seeker, wanting so badly to punch that grin off his face. if Bumblebee had grabbed my leg, holding me back. "Keep it together Nora."
Skyquake turned to Starscream, "Again?! Bow to this!" Very quickly He swung his giant arm, smacking Starscream in the chest, and sent him flying into a canyon wall. Starsceam grunted in pain, as he stood up. Seeing as things were not going his way, he transformed into his jet-mode and fleed.
I was covering my mouth with both my hands, trying to hold in my laughter. Bumblebee raised his brow, "H-he back-handed him..." I giggled.
Dad tried again to reason with the green con, "Skyquake, this is a new era on another world. Side with the Autobots, and help me end this conflict forever."
"I will never side with a PRIME!" Skyquake roared, charging him. He slammed Dad just like what he did with Starscream, into the wall. He then grabbed his shoulders and threw him again. Bumblebee still had a hold on my leg, stopping me. I wanted to help, but I had to follow orders! It was killing me, watching Dad take a beating. Dad transformed his hand-blaster and shot Skyquake in the chest, but it didn't leave a mark. The Decepticon grabbed his weapon from behind his back, it was a large machine gun. It fired at Dad multiple times, knocking him back from the firing.
"Dad!" I cried, kicking my leg out of Bumblebee's hand, I charged. Bee followed my lead, pulling out his blasters.
"Nora, Bumblebee, no!" Dad yelled at us, but we didn't listen. Bee jumped in the air, getting two direct hits in Skyquakes back. He turned to us, and started firing his machine gun. Good thing we were both really agile, I flew serpentine, while Bee bounced off the canyon walls. Bumblebee tried to attack from above, but Skyquake, grabbed him in mid-air and threw him into a wall. He was about to shoot him, but Dad grabbed his gun, pointing it away.
At that moment, I saw my chance. I transformed my master-blades, and flew directly at Skyquakes face, aiming my blade to his neck-wires, stabbing him. He yelled out in pain, reaching out he grabbed me, throwing me down on the ground, hard. I gasped out, as I bounced off the ground a little. Pain shot through my body, as the wind was knocked out of me. I had never thrown that hard before. Grunting in pain, my eyes widened as Skyquake lift his foot up over me, in an attempt to squish me. Luckily Bumblebee jumped on him again, just in time for my to roll away. But the con just wouldn't stay down, he threw Bumblebee again.
Dad ran up to him, and started brawling, punching him in the face. Skyquake did the same. Dad took at step back, standing next to me and Bumblebee.
"Why doesn't he take to the sky, have the advantage?" Bee asked.
"Skyquake had not yet acquired a vehicle mode." Dad explained.
"So he can't fly," I wheezed out, my legs shaking as I tried to stand, "Then that means we have the advantage!"
Skyquake grabbed his gun again, and charged at us. "Fall back!" Dad ordered, Bumblebee quickly grabbed me, as they both transformed into vehicle-mode.
I sat in Bee's passenger seat. turning to look at Dad from my left side, "So now what, Dad?" I asked through Bumblebee's intercom.
Behind us I could hear Skyquake yell, "So time had made you a coward, Prime?!" The two vehicles kicked up dust, blinding him.
"We need to lure him into a corner," Dad explained, "Bumblebee, you must lead him away." He ordered.
Following Dad's command, Bee slowed down his speed, while Dad went ahead. We waited for Skyquake to run catch up, once he was close enough we took off again. I looked from behind Bee's rear window, watching the Decepticon follow us, "It's a good thing he can't fly, otherwise we'd be royally screwed." Bee buzzed in agreement. Speeding though the canyon, going a sharp right, until Bumblebee came to a dead end. I looked back, Skyquake was right behind, "Alright, let's hope this works." Bee transformed, with me on his shoulder.
Skyquake stomped towards us, "It will be a shame to crush the two of you. But it is my duty."
I frowned, "Was that meant to be a comment?" I sassed back. Honestly, the war driven Decepticons make no sense!
Suddenly we heard loud horn blares. Turning around Skyquake saw Dad speeding up, he grabbed his gun again, and fired. Dad pushed though, transformed and did a front-flip, before leaping up and "falcon punched" him right into the rock wall.
Bumblebee walk next to him, "Woah, Dad! nice punch!" I cheered.
"Excellent strategy, Bumblebee," Dad complemented the scout. I patted the side of Bee's helmet. Skyquake fell down hard on the ground, but he wouldn't quick. moving fast he slashed Dad's truck windows on his chest-plate. Dad glared, "Skyquake, stay down." he one-punched to the jaw, knocking him back down. But just as it looked like the fight was over, from up above the canyon we heard a jet sound.
My first thought was that Starscream came back, but when we looked, the jet was more bulkier, "Follower?" Dad called out.
My face went pale, "Oh no..." I turned back to Skyquake, he gave a wicked grin. His eyes shot out green lazier-lights, reacting to the sky and onto Follower's jet.
"Agent Fowler, fall back!" Dad ward him on his intercom, but it was too late.
Skyquake scanned Follower's jet, he now had a vehicle mod. Standing back up, he transformed and rocketed up. He did a U-turn, flying back at us, "Air superiority achieved." Lock onto his coordinates, he fired at us.
"Uh, Dad. What do we do now?" I asked, starting to panicked. I was grabbed off of Bumblebee's shoulder by Dad, and they made a run for it. They transformed again, driving as fast as they could. I sat in Dad's driver seat, clutching my seat-belt. We swerve back and forth, trying to dodge to bullets. My chest felt tight and I was holding my breath. My mind kept racing. I need to do something. We're at a disadvantage, and worn out. Dad and Bee have done all they could, now I have to do something! I...I can do something... I could finish him...I could... kill him... I suddenly was feeling sick, going in and out of consciousness. And every time I slowly blinked, my vision would go fuzzy, and I would see purple. Just like yesterday...
"Nora, stay calm," Dad softly spoke, or at least he tried. That snapped me out of it. He turned on the ac, feeling cool air blow in my face. I retracted my mask, taking deep breaths. It helped, only until Skyquake fired a missile at us. It exploded behind Dad, we flew forward. I screamed out, he quickly transformed, and grabbed me in his hand. Holding me to his chest, he planted his feet in the ground and came to a halt. I was trembling, hugging close to him, "Nora, are you okay?" I didn't reply, just nodded yes. That certainly scared me.
Skyquake flew right by us, and starting attacking Bumblebee. I watched him dive up to a rock ramp, transformed and climbed up to the top of the canyon. He waited for Skyquake to come back, and leaped off the cliff and landed on the jet. My eyes widened as Skyquake smashed Bumblebee against the canyon wall, trying to shake him off. He went higher, I had to squint my eyes from the bright sun, "Agent Fowler, we require immediate assistance!" Dad intercom him.
I tried to see what was happening, there was some flailing and suddenly black smoke coming from Skyquake. Very fast they started plummeting back to the canyon. I watched in horror, Fowler was flying right next to him, but Bumblebee wouldn't jump,"PLEASE JUMP BUMBLEBEE!" I screamed to him through the comlink. Very swiftly Bee jumped off and landed on Flower's jet riding it. Dad and I watched as the Skyquake flew past us, and crash landed.
Bee did a back flip off the jet, back to the canyon. Dad walked over to Skyquake's body, still caring me in his hand. Skyquake tried to transformed, but only half of his body was formed. I shivered by the sight, finding it gruesome. Bumblebee came up from behind us. I shot my head and him, glaring. Bee stiffened up. I flew up to him, he shield himself with his hands, as I lightly punched him. "Idiot! Don't ever to something so stupid again! You jerk!"
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry Nora!" Bumblebee pleaded, giving me puppydog optics. I frowned, givng him one more punch but this time hard in the chest. I wheezed out, "Okay, I deserved that."
"Hell ya you do!" I crossed my arms.
Dad was still looking at Skyquake, frowning, "Had Skyquake chosen to stray from his master's path, we might not be burying him today."
I let out a relief sigh, it was over. The three of us stayed longer because like Dad said, we should bury him. Though as we were piling rocks over his body, I felt uncomfortable. Why am I doing a burial, to a war crazy maniac? He's the bad guy, he chose his path, why do we have to give him a peaceful memorial. Frowning, I threw the last rock on the top of the pile, "Okay, he's buried, can we go home now?" I looked up at Dad. He looked at me for a moment, before calling Ratchet to bridge us home.
Optimus' POV
When we got back to base, Ratchet did his check-up on Nora and Bumblebee. Thankfully she only had scrapes and bruises. She went to her room to clean off and change, while Bumblebee took a decontamination bath. "Bumblebee, putting yourself at risk was perhaps not the wisest of strategies, but you performed admirably." I smiled at the scout.
"Thank you, sir." Bumblebee nodded, stepping out of the tank.
By that time, Nora had come back out of her room, in gray sweats and a hoodie, her hair was damp, "How are feeling Nora?"
"I feeling like I got in a fight with Saitama and fractured my internal hard-drive." She said in a sarcastic voice, clearly not in a good mood. So I decided to let it slide this time.
"Is that another anime reference?" Bumblebee asked, looking down at her.
"I'll show it to you later."
We heard Bulkhead and Arcee returned from their school pick up. Ratchet seemed very exited, as the kids got out and stood together, "Well? How were my-uh, our projects received?" They exchanged uneasy looks. "Well..." They told us that not only did their projects were not only incorrect, but also cause damage to the school, "Well, on our Planet, you would have been awarded the highest honors," Ratchet growled, offended by being rejected due to school rules. He stormed away, grumbling under his voice, "Absolutely no gratitude. See if I help them..."
Bumblebee shrugged to me. "Control freak."
I chuckled, "Indeed, Bumblebee. Our human friends would have been wise to stray from Ratchet's path."
I looked down to Nora, who was giggling. The kids frowned at her, "It wasn't funny Nora! In fact, it was probably the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to us." Jack frowned at her.
"Eh, I count it as number four." Miko shrugged.
"Yeah, but the fact that you let Ratchet take full control is way to hysterical." She giggled, before laughing out loud.
I noticed Arcee smirking, "If you kids want, we can tell embarrassing stories about Nora~." My daughter stopped laughing.
"Oh yeah!" Bulkhead joined in on conversation, "There was that one time when she was tree, she accidentally crawled through the vents-"
"BULKHEAD!" Nora whined, her face turning red. I chuckled.
It was latter in the evening, Jack, Miko, and Raf stayed for a few hours, watching tv together with Nora. But at 9pm, they had to leave. Nora stayed up a bit longer, when everyone had gone recharged. still sitting on the couch watching TV, I was looking at her from behind. I kept thinking about what happened earlier today, when we were burying Skyquake, "Okay, he's buried, can we go home now?" She sounded so aggressive. Did the situation bother her? What it because it was the same that we did with Cliffjumper? I needed to know, if it was bothering her.
"Nora, may we talk?" I asked. She turned around to look at me, before pausing the TV.
"Sure, what do you want to talk about?" She sounded uneasy., probably already knowing what the situation was.
"It's about the incident after the battle with Skyquake. During the burial, you seemed stressed. Is everything alright?" I asked, leaning closer to the railing.
"Well...I um.." Nora pulled at her pajama shirt, not looking directly at me. Was she afraid to say something?
Frowning, I gently cupped my hand to the right side of her body. I rubbed fingers on her back. "Sweetspark, You don't have to be afraid to speak your own mind. I won't be mad at you, or think any less of you." I assured her.
She leaned into my hand, nuzzling her head. She took a breath, before replying, "It...It didn't feel right. To bury someone who tried to kill us," Her eyes narrowed, frowning, "Why did you keep trying to reason with him. Sometimes, I think there's no point in trying! Every Decepticon is horrible! And don't deserve mercy!" Her voice picked up, her eyes glossed over, close to tearing up.
I never liked seeing her cry, she always tried so hard not to, ever since what happened three years ago. That's when I thought; were these feeling coming from when she was kidnapped by the Decepticons? Even after three years, she refused to tell us anything that happened to her while she was there for months. Maybe now, I could try and ask her again. "Nora-"
"They're awful, and cruel! Everyone of them! They do whatever they want and get away with it!" She wiped her eyes, as she went on, "They don't care about what happens to us, to me and Cliffjumper-" Her eyes widened, covering her mouth. She didn't want to bring him into it. She hid her face in my thumb, refusing to look a me, "Dad..." She whimpered.
I scooped her up in my palm, bring her to my chest, "You can tell me, if you want. But if you're not ready, I understand."
"I'm sorry... I not." She sniffed.
"It's okay. I wish it never happened to you..." My mind flashed back to tree years ago; Megatron had her in his grasp, Nora was crying for help. We were surrounded, I wasn't able to get to her in time. He transformed and flew away, with my daughter, "It was my fault." I hug her closer.
"No, Dad, it wasn't your fault. I was stupid, and sneaked along. I wanted to join you guys so badly..." I pulled my hand back, looking down at her. Nora glanced up, wiping away her tears, "I kinda understand; that want to direct Decepticons in doing the right thing, and ending the war. It's just, if they decided to join Megatron thousands of years ago, what are the chances of any of them, wanting to join the Autobots?"
"Maybe, but I can still hold onto hope," Bring her up close, I rubbed our foreheads together, closing my optics, "And one day, this long war will be over... But there is one good thing that came out of it."
"What's that?"
I chuckled, opening my optics to look her in the eye, "If this war had never happened, then we would have never come to earth. And I would have never found you. My beautiful sweetspark."
Nora blushed, and she quietly giggled, "Yeah, I guess that's a good thing. Then I would never have an awesome, loving family." She smiled, before yawning.
"Tired?" Nora nodded yes, "Okay, lets get you to bed." I carried to her to her room.
"Dad..."
"Yes?"
"Thanks for understanding. I love you." She snuggled in my hand.
I smiled, "I love you too, sweetspark."