I would like to thank my reviewers Harry Apprentice, Wicken25, Alalaya2, Chibi Oro for giving me my first 4 reviews on this story, 4 more might I add that I had never expected to receive. Now on with the story! Oh and I do not own Transformers or any character sadly.

"Hey Anna, remember all those stories I used to tell you when you were little?" Will asked quietly, as he and his daughter sat on the edge of the drop off looking towards the stars.

"Yeah, the ones about the Autobots coming to save the earth from the decepticons. Those were always the best stories you told. Especially about mission city." Anna stated excitedly hoping to hear another one of her father's stories.

"Well, those stories are true." Will stated carefully, turning to his daughter to gauge her reaction. At first he couldn't read his daughter but slowly a smile spread across her face as she turned back towards the GMC Top kick. The reason she wanted the GMC Top kick, and the reason she wanted it black was that her favorite character was the same truck.

"Ironhide?" Anna asked hesitantly, hoping to finally get to meet the hero her father told her stories about.

"You can come out now 'hide." Will stated with a small smile. He watched as his daughter stood quickly when the first part of the transformation happened. He wanted to laugh at the awe on her face; it was just like when he told her his war stories. Once the transformation finished, Ironhide knelt down in front of Anna.

"Ironhide's the name, shooting guns is the game." He stated gruffly while making one of his cannons whirl to life. An excited giggle escaped Annas' mouth as she started to circle Ironhide. After a few trips around Anna sat down beside her father and stared up into the mechanical face of Ironhide.

"This is so cool!" Anna squealed. "But why did you give me Ironhide? Isn't he his own being?"

"Yes I am, but I have taken guardianship over Major Lennox and thusly you and your mother. Major Lennox wishes that I kept an eye out on you and your mother, but especially you." Iron gruffly explained but his voice held compassion.

"Why would I need guardianship?" Anna asked.

"Annabelle, you may be strong but you need protection. I'm not always here; Ironhide will be unless the other Autobots need him. I couldn't bear it if something happened to you. I love you too much." William stated as he drew his daughter into a tight hug.

"But nothing's happened yet." Anna stated confused. "The only thing is that I'm sick a lot."

"I know Annabelle, but the decepticons are going after who we care for most now. I can't take you to the military base with me like I want but Optimus has allowed a few of his warriors to protect our families." Will said into his daughter's hair.

"Ok." Was all Anna could say, fear of her father's death lodging itself in her throat making her unable to speak.

"I hate to ruin this…moment," Ironhide started with a small cough. "But it is dropping in temperature and getting "late" as you humans say."

Anna giggled, "He's just like you made him out to be in your stories."

"I never forget details." Will whispered to his daughter. Ironhide transformed back into his alt mode and opened his passenger and drivers side doors.

"Let's get home before your mother has a fit." Will laughed. Anna nodded but climbed into the passenger's seat while her father climbed up into the driver's side.

"Thank you daddy." Anna whispered before she promptly fell asleep leaning against Ironhide's window.

"You're welcome peapod." William whispered. He allowed Ironhide to drive them home.

"Sarah we're home." Will stated as he opened the door. A half awake Anna held onto his neck as he piggybacked her inside.

"I can see that." Sarah laughed. "Did Anna enjoy her birthday present?"

"She did, but I think it's time that she settles down. I'm sure you'll let her get to know Ironhide tomorrow." Will said with a small smile as he laid Annabelle in her bed. He pulled the black covers up to her shoulders before he kissed her forehead and left. Sarah added her own kiss before following her husband to their room.

Annabelle sat up in bed quickly grabbing her phone and turning it on for light. She was sweating horribly and unchecked tears running down her cheeks. Throwing the covers off her legs, Anna began to make her way through the house to the back door.

Stepping out into the cool summer air, Anna calmed slightly before she started to head out into the field behind her house. They were surrounded by open land not a house for about half a mile. As she neared a rock in the field, a sound caught her attention. It was the engine of her new guardian Ironhide.

"Miss Annabelle, what are you doing out at this time of night, and why are your eyes leaking?" Ironhide asked after he had transformered.

"It's nothing, just a nightmare." Anna stated quietly as she sat down on the rock. Ironhide sat on the ground beside the rock looking down at her shivering form. He ran a quick scan on her and found her body temperature to be normal and the air wasn't cold enough to be causing the girl to shiver.

"Why are you shivering?" Ironhide asked after not being able to find out why she was.

"Just the after effects of the dream." Anna had said it as if it occurred all the time.

"Do you wish to speak of this dream?" Ironhide asked. He held out his hand for Anna to climb on. Anna, grateful for not being alone after her dream, crawled into his hand and curled up against his fingers.

"My parents already know of it. They think that once I have a real relationship it'll go away. I don't know I just know that it affects my ability to trust guys. On bad days I can't even stop myself from flinching from my dad." Anna sighed enjoying the warmth that radiated from Ironhides hand.

"You're getting tired again." Ironhide stated.

"I know, but momma and daddy let me sleep out here sometimes. I'm just glad I have you now so I don't feel as scared." Anna whispered as she drifted off in Ironhides hand. Ironhide sighed as he realized he was stuck with holding the girl or the rest of the night.

"Goodnight Miss Annabelle." Ironhide stated quietly but gruffly as he settled down into a light recharge.

Short I know but I ended up with a headache so I tried to finish as quickly as I could. I hope you all like this chapter. Sorry if Ironhide is OOC I tried to make him as gruff but caring as possible. I hope to have 2 more reviews, and once again than you too my first 4 reviewers who are stated at the beginning!