Autobot Angel

Chapter 1: Guardian Angel

Speed frowned a little, looking at the slightly open door. Something was wrong. He pulled his gun, making Horatio look over at him.

"What's wrong, Speed?"

Speed saw them come through the door, guns ready. He swung his nine-mil up, ready. The two goons started to bring their guns up and Speed pulled the trigger. He felt the gun's recoil but nothing happened. No, not again. Horatio's gun started to pull free of its holster as Speed pulled his trigger again, praying. He saw one of the goons fire and everything slowed down.

As the bullet leapt at Speed a black haired stranger stepped in front of Speedle. He was almost transparent but Tim could still see him. For a moment the stranger turned, looking right at Speed. Sapphire eyes met ebony. Time sped up again.

The bullet hurled the stranger, ghost, Speed's mind whispered, back into Speed. They fell together and Speedle gasped as his back slammed into the ground. He looked up, dazed by the fall. The ghost rolled off of Tim but made no noise as he hit the floor. Speed craned his neck to eye the stranger. His gaze snagged on the necklace. A red, stylized robotic face. The ghost pressed down on Speedle's chest and Speed registered pain. Not as much as he'd thought there would be but still there. Gunshots rang out above them and Speed heard running footsteps.

"Speed!"

"H."

"Stay with me!" Horatio ordered. Speed saw his partner reach for a radio. "I need ESU here right now! Officer down!"

Speed sucked in air, struggling to breathe. "H. I'm sorry…"

"Stay with me. Keep breathing!"

Speed's head dropped back and he looked over at the ghost. The ghost gave him a small smile. "You're going to make it."

Speed could hear Horatio calling his name, trying to keep him from dying. Speed eyed the ghost for a long moment. Sirens echoed in the distance. The ghost never moved. Speed gathered himself.

"Who are you?"

The CSI lapsed into unconsciousness before the ghost could respond. Horatio yelled Speed's name, trying to rouse him. The ghost rose and watched the paramedics come in and take over. He watched as they bandaged his young charge and rushed him out to the ambulance. The ghost followed and leapt into the ambulance with the paramedics and the injured CSI. The Autobot laid a comforting hand on the CSI's shoulder as the young man was rushed to the hospital.

It was only then that the Autobot whispered, "I'm your guardian angel."

A/N: Have I infuriated you yet? Never fear, our Autobot hero will be revealed. Next chapter, I promise! Will our mysterious Autobot be joined by other dearly departed comrades? Maybe. R and R, please. Pretty please? with a cherry on top?