I own nothing, except for Leigh and now the sparkling.

14. Protector

Alex stared at Leigh, then up at the Peterbilt. She had made her choice. "I wish to be Leigh's protector."

Leigh stared at Alex. She had only gotten dragged by her here with no explaination. "You sure?"

Alex nodded. "Lets just say that I needed a good kick in the right direction." she smiled dryly at that. She looked back up at Prime. "So, lets get started."

The rec room was bustling with activity, and both Sideswipe, and Sunstreaker were poking fun at Thundercracker's now organic form. Which he took surprisingly well, aside from the evil glint that occasional came to his eyes that was suspiciously similar to Alex.

All activity died off though when Optimus came in carrying Alex and Leigh, the former having a cold pack pressed to her forearm of the fractured hand. "Autobots, may I present High Lady Protector Nova, the new ptotector of the Allspark."

Dozens of optics zeroed in on Alex, who looked at them defiantly. "I dare one of you to say anything."
There was a beat of silence.

"What's with your arm?" Thundercracker asked finally.

Alex removed the ice pack to reveal red glyphs stating Alex's new position and name. What brought the most attention was the fact the glyphs were seared onto her skin. Alex shrugged. "It's just something to let you all know what I am now."

Rathchet suddenly swooped in and took Alex into his palm. He let his scanners examine the burns on her arm. "Alex, why did you burn these into your arm?" he asked thinking she couldn't have been stupid enough to actually do it.

Alex smiled brightly as she put the compact back to her arm. "I didn't. Optimus did it after I asked him too."
There was a united intake of air as Ratchet gave Alex an incredulous look. He then gently picked up Leigh and gave them both to the closest bot, who happened to be Jazz, and he prompty backed away. With eery calmness, Ratchet then took out a wrench from subspace and whacked their Prime on the helm, shouting in Cybertronian all the while.

While Alex couldn't understand it, she knew none of it was good. Thundercracker though let out a whistle and Leigh stared in morbid fasination.

Leigh was sleeping peacefully when a sudden glow caused her to wake up. She opened her eyes and focused in on a transparent figure leaning on her desk. She gasped and her eyes widened. The figure had light brown hair, and golden green eyes. "P-Peregrine?"

The figure smiled softly. "It's me, Avril."

Leigh sat up, still staring at him shocked. "I thought you would've passed on."

Ghost-Peregrine's smile turned sad. "I couldn't. I'm sorry , my arrognace cost you your childhood." he said quietly.

Leigh's mind was in turmiol. On the one hand, she wanted to scream and rave at him for abandoning her, but on the other hand, she'd never once heard him apologize to anyone, and he certainly did look more remorseful than he ever had when he was alive. In fact, it seemed to surreal... "Please don't let this be a dream." she whispered.

Ghost Peregrine sat down on her bed. "It's not a dream. I'm really here, just like Justin."
"Justin's still around too?" Leigh asked surprised.

Ghost-Peregrine nodded. "Yup, who do you think gave Alex the proverbial kick?" he asked softly.

Leigh sighed. "At least she still has someone." she said before lying back down and closing her eyes.

"I'm really sorry." Peregrine said remorsefully.

Leigh half opened her eyes. "Stop apologizing." she snapped sleepily. "Be the caustic, arrogant bastard of a brother that I know and love."

Peregrine grinned. "You got it, Avy."

"Don't call me that." Leigh snapped smiling.

Peregrine smiled before fading away. "Whatever."