Disclaimer: All Transformers characters belong to Hasbro. Any made up characters were created by me.
Summery: (Post DOTM) Ever since Annabelle was a little girl, she believed someone was watching over her once in awhile after Ironhide's death. She thinks it's Ironhide but no one believes her until she meets an Autobot who does.
"blah" – Normal human speak
"blah" – Cybertronian speak
blah – thinking
'blah' – Comm. Speaking
blah - flashbacks
Guardian Sparks
By Yami-Yugi
Chapter 1
The ride back home was quiet, Will missed having Ironhide drive him home and now he's coming home all by himself. He even missed having someone drive him and he didn't have to do a thing. His mind was racing this day. He knew his little girl would ask him where Ironhide was, but Will was unsure how to tell her that he's never coming home. As soon as he pulled up to the house and got out, his little six year old girl was running up to him with a smile on her face. "Daddy!"
He took his daughter into his arms. "Hey Anne," he said with a small smile "were you being good for your mother?"
Annabelle nodded her head. "Yep." She said then noticed the car her father had driven home. "Daddy? Where Ironhide?"
Will was once again unsure how to put it. Telling a six year old someone close to her is dead, might not go over well. She might get upset, confused, or just not understand. "Ironhide..." he started slowly.
"He's playing Hide and Go Seek with me?" Annabelle asked as Will put her down and she started running around the yard trying to find her favorite Autobot "Ironhide, come out wherever you are!"
"Anne..." Will called out to her as he followed. She headed to the shed where Ironhide made his home when not doing NEST business.
"Ironhide is a good hider," Annabelle said when she noticed the shed was empty.
"Annabelle..." Will sighed, rubbing his face with his hands "Ironhide... Ironhide isn't coming back sweetie..."
"Ironhide staying on base?" Will sighed. He knew it wasn't going to be easy. He now felt awkward in her presence. How could he possibly even begin to explain to his daughter that even giant alien robots went to heaven in the end? Well at least their version of it anyway. "Daddy?" Will sighed deeply. He readied himself for the conversation he was about to have with his daughter that he knew was going to end up with her in tears and heart broken.
"Annie, Ironhide's not coming back because he ..." He quickly cleared his throat when his own grief began to present itself "... he's gone to heaven to visit the angels up there."
Annabelle looked up at him before tears slowly started to fall. "Ironhide not gone!" she cried. "Ironhide just hiding good..."
"Annie I'm sorry. I wish he was, I really do," Will replied as he knelt down in front of her so they were almost at the same height. Annabelle just cried more as Sarah came out of the house wondering why her little girl was crying.
"Will?" she started, "What's wrong? Why is our little girl crying?"
Will glanced away feeling slightly guilty and to gather his own wits before he pushed himself up fully and met his wife's gaze. "Ironhide's gone."
"Oh Will…" she started "What happened?"
"He was killed while trying to protect a mech they thought was their ally at the time." He replied.
"Oh dear…" Sarah said. She looked down at her daughter, still crying. She then looked back at her husband. "So, what happens now?" she asked.
"I .. I don't know."
"Anne, sweetie," Sarah said "Want to come inside for some milk?" Annie simply nodded her head as she made her way over to her mother and tucked herself against her left leg, one small hand seeking out one of Sarah's. Sarah took her hand and led her daughter back inside the house. Will sighed deeply, that certainly could have gone a lot worse. He couldn't help but feel guilty for devastating his child like that. Still, like his wife asked, he had no clue what was going to happen next. He was unsure if they should take a new guardian or not as well. He wasn't sure whether Annabelle would take to another after Ironhide as his daughter had been completely enthralled with the weapons specialist and loved him like an older brother. Will sighed again before heading inside the house himself.
"...Mommy...is...is Ironhide...weally gone...? H-He's just...just hiding... Daddy's lying..."
"He wouldn't lie to you about something like this, sweetie," Sarah replied with a solemn smile as she handed Annabelle a glass of chocolate milk.
"No, I wouldn't. Annie... I miss him too," Will said as he came and sat down next to her. Annabelle sniffled some more as she slowly drank her milk. Will pulled the chair closer and put an arm around his daughter. "I'm sorry...I wish there was something I could have done...to stop it..."
Sarah placed a hand on his shoulder. "We know dear." she said sadly.
He took a deep breath, trying not to cry in front of his daughter. "...Daddy...?"
"...Y-Yes Annie...?"
She reached over and hugged him, crying in his arms. "...I-I sorry too... Y-You can cry...it's okay..."
Will could not hold it in anymore. He hugged Annabelle close and cried into her hair. "...H-he's...He's really gone..." Annabelle sobbed.
"I wonder how the other Autobots are holding up to this." Sarah wondered out loud as she hugs the two of them.
Back at the base, everyone stood in silence. Some had energon falling from their optics, others did not. The remains of Wheeljack and Ironhide were lying in the center on large metal platforms with wheels. Wheeljack's body was mostly intact except for battle wounds and the large, fatal blow to his torso. Ironhide was mostly in rusted pieces, his head the only thing recognizable. Optimus sighed, he was going to miss his old friend dearly. "...First Jazz...N-Now...Ironhide... And Wheeljack..." Bumblebee sobbed.
Gadget, the red femme and adoptive sparkling to Wheeljack, hugged Bumblebee closely. "...I...I know..." she sniffled.
Ratchet sighed sadly. "I could have done something to save both of them..." he said.
"...N-no..." Optimus sighed.
"There...there was no way..." sobbed Bumblebee, "that you...could have stopped...a-acid rust..."
"Ironhide...didn't stand a chance..." sighed Sideswipe.
"...You couldn't have saved Wheeljack either..." Mirage spoke sadly, no sign of tears on his face. "Soundwave was ruthless and quick. It was too close...to his spark..."
Gadget let go of her best friend Bumblebee and rushed over to Wheeljack's body. "GRANDPA! YOU CAN'T LEAVE ME HERE ALONE!"
"Gadget, Wheeljack wouldn't want to you to be upset or sad." Ratchet said as he place his hands on her shoulders.
She turned and sobbed into her teacher's chest. "He was...was all I had...!"
"I know..." he sighed, hugging her close. "It's hard to lose a father... I miss him too, Gadget..." He just held her as she sobbed there.
"...He...He was the best teacher... Even when I took on the Twins and taught them... I was still learning..." Sideswipe said as he hovered a hand over Ironhide's head. Energon started to fall from his optics, even though he tried to stay strong. Prowl, who had been silent this whole time, decided to step forward and say a few words about his friends.
The second in command had recently arrived on Earth but he had felt the change in the air. "They were the best soldiers, mechs, and Autobots this army has ever had." he spoke "Primus will watch over their sparks in the Well."
"...Wheeljack... Ironhide...your suffering was not in vain. We have gained a new home because of them, and won the war to protect it. Everyone take the time to deal with their loss. For now, no one should be working. We must bury them properly. I will contact everyone once arrangements have been made. Ratchet, you're in charge of preparations. Take all the time you need. I know you need time to heal too. They are at peace now and so are we." With that, the mighty Prime left to heal in his own way. Prowl walked over to where Gadget and Ratchet were standing.
"...Grandpa..." Gadget sobbed.
"I know... He's with Primus now..."
"I'm sorry about Wheeljack, I know you will miss him." Prowl said, his golden optics in a solemn expression.
"...Th-thanks...Prowl..."
"...It's hard to believe it... My best friend is gone..." Ratchet sighed.
Prowl at first thought he should tell them about Wheeljack's spark coming to him to relay a message to Ratchet and Gadget for them, but he was unsure if he could. Not many Autobots knew of his special ability. "...-sob-..."
"Come on, Gadget. Let's go to my quarters. It will be more comfortable."
"Wait." Prowl said "...I'm sure if Wheeljack was still around he would say don't worry about him, that he would be fine."
"...Yes...I'm sure he would say that. He would want us to let him go and move on. He's in a better place with no more suffering."
"...And...And that he loves you Gadget, and he's proud of you."
"...Th-thanks, Prowl...for giving me his words...of encouragement..." Gadget sniffled.
"...You...You saw him...didn't you...?" Ratchet asked.
"You knew?" Prowl asked a bit surprised.
"I always did," he replied. "You have a unique spark signature that only special Praxians have."
"I'm surprised you didn't say anything. Even back when the Decepticons destroyed Praxus."
"Medic to Patient Confidentiality. Besides, I was new to the game back then. I also didn't want to endanger anyone's life. If the Decepticons had gotten word somehow, it would have created an even worse fate for those chosen by Primus to have your ability."
"I guess you're right. Bluestreak nearly had that ability but that changed after Praxus fell."
Ratchet nodded and sighed. "...You can't...can't bring sparks back...can you?" Gadget asked.
"Sadly no." Prowl said "Mechs like myself can only see and talk to them before they go to Primus."
"...I...I thought so..." she said before burying herself against Ratchet in new sobs.
"It's okay Gadget." Prowl said "Primus watches over everyone, even the ones that do return to him."
"...Come on...let's go..." the CMO spoke gently as he led the red femme away to his quarters.
Prowl watched them go as he felt something on his shoulder. He turned to look at what it was, or rather, WHO it was. "Why are you still here? You should return to Primus." Prowl said.
'Aww... I can't just pop in to say hello to my favorite mech?'
"Jazz, you've been offline for six years. You should have gone to Primus by now."
'Had to make sure my Bots were alright... Besides...I missed you. I had to see ya.'
Prowl couldn't hold back the small smile that come on his face. "I had missed you too."
Jazz laughed. 'I knew ya would. So how's about I stick around and kick it with you?' he smirked.
"Jazz that is illogical and besides I'm sure Primus is waiting for you to come home."
Jazz was pushed back a little as Primus tugged at his spark. He sighed and put an arm around Prowl. 'Gotta go...Big Boss Bot is callin. I know you'll be just fine, Prowler. You take care of yourself.'
Prowl smiled sadly again. "I will. But I will miss you, Jazz."
'Yeah... I know... See ya...' With a bright light he was gone for good, joining the other sparks with Primus.
Prowl sighed, he would miss Jazz. They were the best of friends but he also know Jazz is in a better place back home with Primus. "Prowl? Who were you talking to?" Bumblebee asked as he came over.
"...No one, Bee. You alright?"
"Yeah I guess..." Bumblebee said.
"Want to talk about it?"
"...I... I just miss everyone... Jazz... Arcee... And now Ironhide...and...and Wheeljack..." he sniffled, starting to cry again.
Prowl place a hand on the young scout's shoulder. "I know but they are with Primus now and not hurting anymore." Prowl said.
"...I know...but...it hurts...because they're not here..."
"Yes when people you care for are gone it leaves a void in your spark but it will heal in time." Bumblebee hugged Prowl and cried on his shoulder. "Come on, Bee. Let's go to your room and I'll keep you company." Prowl then gently guides Bumblebee towards his room.
In Ratchet's quarters, Gadget was curled up on his berth as he sat next to her. "...I know... It's like half your spark is gone... I feel the same way, Gadget. That was my best friend..."
"...I-I'm sorry... I wish...I wish I could have stopped...Soundwave too...! I...I'm glad my charge isn't around... I...I couldn't forgive myself if...if she saw me like this..."
"But you should... Miss Jackson would more than understand. She's lost loved ones too..." he said as he stroked her helm. "I'm sure even Optimus is shedding a few tears. He was very close to Ironhide."
"...You think...Prowl saw Ironhide too?"
Ratchet blinked a moment. "...I'm sure he did. I'm sure Ironhide wishes the best for us all too. Gadget...?"
"...Y-Yes...?"
"Wheeljack left everything to you. He wanted you to know that. He also left me with the responsibility of looking after you. I know you're a grown femme, but if you ever need anything..."
"...I...I just need...comfort right now... Can...Can you make a spark stop hurting so...so badly...?"
"...Not right away...but I can help it heal... You're not alone, Gadget. I'm still here and I will always be until my spark joins Primus."
"...Th-thank you..."
"Do you want to stay here for the night?"
"...Please...it just...it hurts so badly..." she sobbed, curling in on herself.
"...I know... My spark hurts too..." he said as he lie down next to her and put an arm around her. He sighed heavily, both from his own pain and hers. He knew he could never replace Wheeljack as her father, but he was going to do his best to follow his best friend's wishes.
The next morning, Ratchet was up before Gadget. He carefully got up and let her recharge. He got his morning energon and headed to the meeting area where Ironhide and Wheeljack's remains still were. He looked things over really well, doing his best to keep his composure. He sprayed Ironhide's remains with a special substance to stop the body from corroding any further before sorting the pieces into piles. "...Ironhide..." he sighed heavily. "I wish there was more I could do for you... You're a slagging mess..." Prowl had come into the room after making sure Bumblebee was still in recharge and saw him. Ratchet shook his head as he poured the rust and dust that used to be his comrade into a glass container.
"Are you going to be okay Ratchet?" Prowl asked as he walked over.
"Prowl?" he started. "...Yes and no... Look at him. Half of him is nothing but metal dust. All I have to work with are his head, torso and an arm."
Prowl placed a hand on his shoulder. "You two were close friends." he said.
"Yes...but I was closer to Wheeljack... Thank Primus Soundwave killed him instead. HOW WERE WE SUPPOSED TO BATTLE ACID RUST?"
"Acid rust is deadly." Prowl said. "I believe it's the same type that is used in my acid pellets."
"...Probably... That slagger! We respected him! He turned against us quicker than Starscream when Megatron falls ill."
"I wish I was here sooner to help."
"...There was nothing you could have done. I couldn't even save them..." he sighed. He scooped up the rest of the dust into his hand and poured it into the now full container. He closed it tightly, making sure it sealed. "...Prowl...?"
"Yes Ratchet?"
"...Could you do me a favor and help me wheel these two to Medical?"
"Sure."
Ratchet smiled a bit. "Go ahead and take Ironhide. Maybe you can see if he's gone home to Primus yet." Prowl nods. Ratchet stored the container for the moment and wheeled Wheeljack's body down the hall. Prowl followed as he glances down at Ironhide's body, or what's left of it. He never saw Ironhide's spirit leave for Primus, nor saw him around his body at all. He thought that maybe he had missed him. Ratchet took deep intakes as they walked towards the Med Bay. He tried not to look at Wheeljack's prone form as they went. He couldn't stop the energon from flowing down his face.
"It's going to take time Ratchet." Prowl said.
"I'm fine, Prowl," he said wiping his face. "I...I have to be."
"I know." Prowl said. "I some times have to do it as well."
"I've seen death many a time... This time... This time..."
"Is closer to your spark," Prowl said.
"Yeah..."
"Like I said, Wheeljack wants you to be happy and knows it'll be alright." Ratchet nodded as the doors to Medical opened. "Where did you want them?"
"Over here where I usually treat people," Ratchet said as he parked Wheeljack next to a work berth. He carefully lifted him and transferred him over. Prowl gently did the same for Ironhide. "Wait, wait! Be extremely careful," Ratchet said as he rushed over to help guide the remains. "I sprayed a preservative on him, but he's still fragile."
"I was trying to be careful." Prowl said.
"...I know..." Ratchet said as they successfully moved Ironhide onto a repair berth. "Thanks for helping. I've got it from here."
"You're welcome Ratchet."
"I've got some work to do now. I'll let someone know if I need anything."
"Are you sure, Ratchet?"
"Yes, I'm sure."
"Very well." Prowl said as he turned to leave. Ratchet went into the storage closet and brought out a storage box of spare parts and metal. He took in a deep intake and sighed heavily as he went over to Ironhide. Prowl stood at the door and watched sadly before leaving Ratchet alone.
Ironhide had been watching this the whole time. He had slept inside his body overnight to convince himself he was still alive. When he woke up to find he was still just a glowing spark in a spiritual body, he finally accepted it. He was dead. 'I can't stay here and hope that I come back online. That's obviously NOT going to happen. Slagging Sentinal... I would haunt him into fragging oblivion if Prime hadn't slagged him first... Annabelle... I can't leave her... Sorry Primus. You're not getting this mech!' With that, he flew out of Medical Bay, past Prowl and out into the open. He flew fast towards the one who's heart was wrenching at his own.
Prowl raised his door wings when he felt it. He was unsure what it was at first. "...Ironhide...?" He looked around trying to find the old warrior but he was no where to be seen. He just sighed, brushing it off. He knew he could not force the old mech. He had to wait until Ironhide came to him and wanted to go.
Back at the Lennox household, Annabelle was still upset and missing her guardian. She was cuddling a black teddy bear the weapons specialist had given her for Christmas. It had an autobot symbol on its chest, embroidered silver. She was sobbing into the big bear as she lay on her bed. She then felt someone touch her gently on her head. "...I...Ironhide...?"
'It's alright, Anne. I'm right here.'
Annabelle looked around her room. "...I...Ironhide? Where are you?"
'Right here,' he said as he sat down on her bed. His form was now only seven feet tall to be able to fit inside the house. He put an arm around her, pulling her next to him. 'I'll always be right here.'
"But where? I can't see you..."
'Huh? But I'm... Well... I guess you humans can't see sparks. I guess that would be ghosts to you. You can't see dead people.'
"Nuh uh. Grandma and Grandpa in Heaven with Jesus now. Ironhide! That's where you s'posed to be!"
'No, my place is here with you.'
"Ironhide...you died... You s'posed to be with Primus and God and Jesus."
'...No, I'm staying with you Annabelle.' He pulled her into his lap and held her close. 'I won't leave you alone. You still need me, Annie.' Annabelle smiled a bit as she "nuzzles" into him. Ironhide smiled. She still needs me, Primus. I can't leave yet.
"Annabelle? Who are you talking to dear?" asked Sarah.
"Ironhide, he came back mommy." Annabelle said happily.
"What? No, honey. He's with Primus and God and Jesus. He's watching over with Grandpa and Grandma."
"Ironhide is right here."
"Right," Sarah smiled. "He's there in your heart, Annie."
Ironhide sighed heavily. "No mommy! He's here! Sittin on my bed!"
'Annabelle...calm down... She can't see me or hear me, little one...'
"But Ironhide..."
"That's sweet, honey that you believe he's here with you. You talk to him all you want. He's there in your heart and he's watching you from Heaven," Sarah smiled. She kissed Annabelle on the head before leaving the room.
"Why don't mommy believe me...?" she sniffled.
'She doesn't hear me, see me, or feel me Annabelle. I'm here to protect YOU. She believes I crossed over already. I WANT you to see me and know I'm here. Adults take more to understand. It's alright.' Annabelle nuzzled into him again. 'I care about your mother too, but she doesn't need to see me to know I'm alright. I know you still need me, Annie.'
"Okay Ironhide..."
He hugged her closely and then sat her down on her bed. 'So...what should we do now?'
"Tea party?"
'Yes,' Ironhide smiled. 'I'll be able to play a lot better and not break your tea set.'
Annabelle blinks. "Your our size now?"
'Well...not quite. Seven feet tall is not normal for a human, but yes. Since I'm pure spark, I don't have to be huge anymore.' Annabelle smiled happily.
Back at the Base, Ratchet had almost finished patching up the remains of Ironhide's real body. The remaining arm, chest, part of the waist, shoulder, and partially rusted head had patches of new metal on them. Ratchet sighed. He double checked his repairs before putting everything away. He set everything up next to Wheeljack before going back over to Ironhide. He cleaned up the repair berth and everything around him. He took a can of polish and a polishing cloth and worked his way down from top to bottom. Ratchet then checked over his work. Ironhide gleamed like new. Ratchet cleaned off his hands before carefully moving Ironhide over to a softer, patient berth until a coffin was made. He took a deep intake and wiped at the energon that threatened to fall down his face. He then started to head to Wheeljack's body. He couldn't stop the energon from falling anymore. Wheeljack's dark optics and open mouth made his spark ache for the pulse of his best friend.
"...Teacher... Why didn't...didn't you wake me...? Oh Ratchet!" Gadget sighed as she came up and hugged him from behind. Ratchet tried to wipe the tears from his optics. "...No...it's alright. You can cry," smiled Gadget. "I won't blame you. I...I miss him too..."
"...I shouldn't..." Ratchet said.
"...Says who? Some stupid Medic's code?"
"..."
She let go to come around and hug him from the front. "Ratchet... It's alright..." she smiled, new tears forming in her optics. Ratchet still tried to hold his in. "You don't have to be strong for me. Wheeljack would understand..." she sniffled. Ratchet then couldn't hold it in anymore, as tears ran down his face. Gadget let herself cry against him. "...We...We miss him... And...and we wish...he was here..." Ratchet only nodded, sniffling a little.
"Ratchet are-... I'm sorry..." Optimus said as he walked in but quickly turned to walk back out. "...I'll come back later."
"...N-no...it's...it's alright..." Gadget said, composing herself. Ratchet did as well.
"I...I was just checking on the progress is all."
"...I was...just about to get started...on Wheeljack..." Ratchet choked, clearing his throat to hide it.
"There's no rush. I understand this is hard for us all. Are you both alright?"
"...Yeah...just missing the both of them..."
"...Yeah..." sniffled Gadget.
"...We should...be asking you...if you're alright," Ratchet sighed, still calming down.
"I'm hanging on." Optimus said "A lot has happened..."
"You know...you can...cry...if you...need to..." Gadget smiled.
"..."
"Prime you can cry." Ratchet said.
"...I'm fine... I have already grieved for them..."
"Optimus just because you are Prime doesn't mean you should hold in your emotions in front of others you know."
"...We all have our own ways, Ratchet."
"Alright..." he said. "You can go if need to, but you're welcome to stay."
Gadget smiled and came over to him. "I'm sure you cried already," she said as she hugged him.
"Thank you, Gadget. I'll leave you two alone." Optimus then left the medical bay.
Gadget sighed and came back over to Ratchet. "You work on Grandpa, I'm going to start on the coffins."
"You sure you can?" Ratchet asked.
"...Yeah... Oh wow! Ironhide looks great, Ratchet."
"...It was the best I can do."
"It's great."
"You think so?"
"Yep." She left Medical Bay. "...I'll...be in...Grandpa's lab...if you need anything..." Ratchet watches her leave before turning back to Wheeljack. He started cleaning and patching the wounds from Soundwave. He remembers him begging for his life before the shot. He sighed heavily, wiping at his eyes.
Meanwhile, Prowl headed towards Optimus's office. He had a data pad with a list of new guardians for the Lennox family. He walked up to the door and walked in, expecting it to open for him automatically. What he didn't expect was what Optimus was doing at his desk. Prowl blinks his optics a bit in surprised. "Sir...are you okay?" he asked.
Optimus raised his head from out from behinds his hands. "Oh, Prowl. It's you, I'm fine." he said.
"...No... You aren't... I can see the energon on your face. It's alright, Prime."
"No, it's not alright. I shouldn't be doing this."
Prowl walked up to his desk. "Sir even a Prime doesn't have to hide it from everyone." he said "Tell me what's on your processors."
"...The betrayal and death of Sentinel... The loss of so many comrades before our final victory the other day..."
"From what I read in reports you had to do what you did." Prowl said "I do wish I was there to help."
"You were needed on Cybertron. It's alright."
"But I know I was needed here more."
"No, you were where you were for a reason. Don't blame yourself. If anyone is at fault...it's me. Ironhide...Wheeljack...they could have been prevented... I...I should have known Sentinel was going to turn on us!" he said as he pounded his fist on the desk. He couldn't stop new tears from falling.
"But you didn't. Even I could never have seen it with all my tactical training."
"I trusted him..."
"I know sir." Prowl came up behind the desk and shyly reached a hand around. He hesitated a little in the awkwardness of professionalism before hugging the Prime. "...It's going to be okay, sir..."
"...I know... It's just all finally hitting me..."
"Then I guess I shouldn't ask you about the Lennoxes."
"The who?" Optimus asked, forgetting about them in his grief.
"The Lennoxes." Prowl said "Ironhide's old charges..."
"...Oh... William and his wife and daughter..." Prowl nodded. "...Oh! You want to appoint them a new guardian?"
"Yeah, I know it's a bit rushed but logically a new guardian is needed for them."
"...I suppose so. Will and Annabelle should have the final decision."
"I heard that the little human cared for Ironhide." Prowl said.
"...Yes... He adopted her as his own in many ways..." Prowl slowly handed him the data pad he was holding. "You've come up with a list already?"
"Yes..."
"...Well...I suppose you should go talk to them then. You can meet with the Lennoxes whenever you feel necessary or have the time. I'm leaving the job of presenting the list to you. Prowl, my one request is that you let Will and Annabelle make the final decision. Whom they choose is who they will receive. I respect them enough to honor Ironhide's wishes and theirs."
"I understand sir." Prowl said.
"Prowl?"
"Yes sir?"
"Thank you. I feel better now."
Prowl smiled a bit. "You're welcome sir."
An hour later, Prowl left the base and started driving towards the Lennox house. Annabelle was still inside her room playing tea party with Ironhide. "Annie!" Will called upstairs.
"Yes daddy?"
"What are you doing up here?" he smiled as he made his way up the stairs.
"Playing tea party with Ironhide."
"Ironhide? Anne, sweetie. He died, remember?" Will tried to get his daughter to explain. Part of him wanted to believe her and keep his best friend still around.
"I know daddy but Ironhide came back." Annabelle said with a smile.
"If he did, I can't see him or hear him, Annie."
"I can hear him daddy."
'I'm right here, Will. I came back for Annabelle.' Will came over to Annabelle and looked at the empty space next to the play table. Ironhide put a hand on Will's shoulder. He closed his eyes and he could just barely feel his old friend there.
"I believe you, Annabelle. He's here with us, isn't he sweetie?" Annabelle nodded with a big smile on her face. Will smiled back. He was still unsure, but he knew Ironhide was there somewhere. He may be there in the room or in Heaven, but he knew he could sense some part of his friend close by. "Oh! Before I forget, there's an Autobot coming here in a little while. He's on his way to help us pick out someone to watch the house." He knew if he said "new guardian" Annabelle would NOT have anything to do with the process at all.
"Okay daddy."
"Mom and I want you to finish playing and come down to meet him, alright?"
"Okay."
Will smiled and walked downstairs. 'I can go with you if you want, Annabelle.'
"You know who coming?" Annabelle asked.
'No, I'm not sure. Your father didn't say.'
"Let's go meet Autobot, Ironhide." Annabelle said with a smile. He smiled back and headed downstairs just as Prowl pulled up. He transformed as Will and Sarah walked outside. Ironhide froze when Annabelle walked into the kitchen to go outside. "Ironhide?"
'It's alright, Annabelle. I'll just stay inside. I'm sure you can go meet him all by yourself.'
"You sure?"
'Yes. It's alright. Go on,' he smiled.
"Alright, Ironhide," she replied with a shrug. She walked outside and looked up at Prowl.
"Sweetie, this is Prowl. He's Optimus Prime's Second in Command. He's very important."
"Guess what?" Sarah smiled. "He knew Ironhide."
"Then why he not want to meet him?" Ironhide floated upstairs quickly and watched from Annabelle's bedroom window.
Prowl smiled down at her. "What do you mean, Annabelle?"
"Don't mind her," Sarah smiled. "It's her way of coping. She believes Ironhide is still here with her." Prowl looked around, his door wings twitching as he tried to sense Ironhide. He sighed and looked back down at the Lennoxes, giving up for now.
"Annie," Will smiled, "You can tell Ironhide about it later. I'm sure he's watching right now." Annabelle just shrugged and turned her attention to Prowl again.
"Now…I've got a list of possible candidates. This may take awhile. Is there somewhere we can all sit?"
"Yeah, there's Ironhide's favorite tree…well… I guess it's not anymore…" Will sighed.
"Yes it is, daddy."
"That will work. We can all fit under its shade," smiled Sarah. Prowl sat down in Ironhide's old spot. He looked around again, feeling him near but not seeing him. Come on, Ironhide… You can't stay and guard them forever… He sighed heavily, turning back to the matter at hand.
"So…shall I just go down the list or are there certain qualities you're looking for?"
"Why don't you start by just going down the list and telling us about each one?" Sarah asked.
"That might work better," agreed Will. So, Prowl started. He would say the name and tell the family of each one's personalities, like and dislikes, and other important information that might be useful for the family to know when they chose the new guardian.
"...I don't know most of these Autobots mommy..." Annabelle sighed.
"Some are new to the planet." Prowl explained.
She cuddled into Will. "...Daddy...I don't want a new guardian..."
"But Annie sweetie..." Will started.
"I know it's a bit early but there are still rogue Decepticons out there." Prowl said "Also some humans who still don't want to side with us."
"We still need protection," said Sarah. "I know no one will ever replace Ironhide, but you need to stay safe," she smiled as she rubbed Annabelle's head.
"But mommy..."
"You're mother is right," Prowl said. "Ironhide would have wanted it that way."
"...Really?" she asked, looking towards the house where Ironhide was. Prowl nods as he looked towards where Annabelle was looking. He was hoping the old mech would accept it finally and go back to Primus.
Ironhide just watched from the bedroom window. He wanted badly to go down and comfort Annabelle.
"If I know old Ironhide like I do he would want you to, little one." Prowl said.
"...If...If Ironhide wants me to..."
'I do, Annie. I cannot protect you physically,' he said as he floated down from the bedroom and stood behind the tree. Prowl felt it as he raise his door wings.
"Ironhide..." smiled Annabelle. Prowl wanted to talk to him, but he didn't want to scare or worry the family.
'It's alright, Annabelle. You need someone to protect you and the family. I can only watch over you. I can't fight off any real danger.'
"Okay..." Annabelle said. Sarah and Will smiled as Prowl went through more Autobots. He looked back towards where Ironhide was sitting under the tree from time to time. Once he was finished with the list he waited for the family's decision.
"What do you think, Annie?" Sarah smiled. The six year old thought for a few minutes.
"I'm sorry Mister Prowl... I don't like anyone on the list..."
"But there has to be someone." Prowl said.
'You won't hurt my feelings, Annabelle,' Ironhide smiled.
She sighed and took a deep breath. "...Mister Prowl...why can't YOU become my new guardian?" Ironhide's eyes widened and his mouth hung open.
Prowl looked surprised as well. "But...I cannot..."
"That's a good choice, Annabelle," smiled Sarah. "He sounds like he was close to Ironhide."
"Why not?" Will asked. "She chose you."
"...I'm not suitable for it...I'm second in command, and if I did there will be more danger for you."
"What danger?" Annabelle asked as she went over to him. "Ironhide knew you. You're nice and I like you. I want you to protect me."
'But Annabelle, Prowl is right. He can't always be here if he has Second in Command work to do. He's very high in the rankings. Someone might hurt you to get information from him. There has to be someone else,' he persuaded. He did not want Prowl around, knowing the Praxian would spend his time coaxing him to leave.
"But I want Mr. Prowl." Annabelle said.
Ironhide sighed. He knew he couldn't argue with her for long, let alone win. 'Alright, Anne, it's up to you.'
"Prowl, are you sure? Annabelle has chosen you," Will said. Prowl was unsure, as he looked down at Annabelle.
"Please Mr. Prowl? You're the only one I want, 'sides Bumblebee." Prowl sighed but he knew if he stayed he could try to convince Ironhide to go back to Primus.
"...Alright, Annabelle. I shall stay as your new guardian." Annabelle smiled happily as she hugged his leg. Prowl couldn't help but smile. He patted her on the head. "Alright. I need to go report to Prime and get everything ready."
Ironhide kicked the tree and growled a moment. He sighed heavily as he noticed how happy Annabelle was. I suppose I'll just have to avoid Prowl as much as possible.
Sarah and Will went inside the house as Prowl drove away. "C'mon, Annabelle. I'll make your favorite for dinner," smiled Sarah.
"Okay mommy."
Both parents disappeared inside. Ironhide came over and hugged Annabelle from behind. He sighed. 'Why did you have to choose Prowl?'
"I like him and you know him."
'Annie...he can see me, just like you. He's going to try and take me away from you.'
"Why he do that?"
'Because I want to stay here and protect you, but he wants me to go up to Heaven and be with Primus.'
"He won't do that."
'How can you be sure?'
She hugged him back. "Cuz I don't want you to go. If I want you to stay with me, he can't make you go. You don't want to go, do you Ironhide?"
'Of course not.' Annabelle smiled again. He let go of her and let her go inside. Ironhide then started to come up with ideas on how's to stay out of Prowl's radar.