Guys! I got fanart of 'Che! It's so cute I love it! XD

After 'Che's sneaky little plan went through, it was fair to say the cousins were pretty much even. Gadg' was still annoyed about being taped to the ceiling. Ratchet was mad at 'Che for doing it. If she wasn't 4 years old he probably would've wrenched her. Ricochet herself was still immensely pleased with her work and had no regrets. And Ironhide was quite proud of his daughter.

But, moments like this rarely last long no matter what world you live in.

A day later, there was a visitor to 'Hide and 'Che's home. Someone who Ironhide never expected to see again, stood in the exact same place he saw her last.

There was a knock at the door, and Ratchet and Ironhide looked towards the door with a sigh. Little Gadget and Ricochet were playing in the room next door and also heard the noise. Being the curious little kids they were, they gave each other an agreeing look and peeked around the doorframe to watch. Ironhide sighed and rose from the table, not noticing the kids watching as he went and opened the door. Once he did, his spark almost stopped. Because she was stood there, scowling at him and seemingly having trouble standing.

Ricochet's mother.

"Hello 'Hide." She sneered aggressively, wobbling ever-so slightly. Ironhide guessed she was intoxicated, or high on some Cybertronian drug. Or both. It was hard to tell.

Ironhide narrowed his optics and growled lowly. "How dare you come back here, and in such a state."

She glared back at him, her optics having trouble focusing because of whatever she'd taken. "She's my kid too." She glanced inside and went to step inside. "Now where is she?.."

Immediately 'Hide blocked her path with his arm, gripping the doorframe tightly. "You are not seeing her. Ever."

"I have rights-"

"You have no right!" He yelled angrily and shoved her away from the door. "You gave up your right the day you abandoned her. Now go."

In response, she too growled, and just as she was about to leave, she caught sight of Ricochet and Gadget peeking around the doorframe. They'd been watching the whole time. Her optics landed on 'Che, who flinched under her gaze.

"There you are." She said directly to her with a sickening smile, looking her over. "Huh. I thought you'd be prettier."

'Che whimpered, as did Gadget slightly. There were only young and didn't understand, and this was really scary for them.

"Aren't you gonna come say 'hello?'" She said expectantly, glaring at Ricochet.

Ironhide, who had no idea they'd been watching, turned to see both kids looking terrified. Seeing them like that because of her made him even more angry.

"Gadget, 'Che, go to Ratchet." He said calmly to not scare them further. Ricochet didn't need telling twice and darted away at full speed, Gadg' following closely. Ratchet, who was still sat at the table, saw them both charge in and couldn't even tell them to slow down before 'Che jumped up onto his lap and hugged him tearfully. Gadget joined her and whimpered.

"Daddy.." Gadget said fearfully and cuddled closer.

"Easy now." Ratchet said gently and held them both closer. "What's the matter?"

'Che sniffed and looked up shakily. "Scawy femme at the dwoor Uncwle Ratch'.."

Ratchet sighed, not realising who it really was. He hugged them and hummed. "It's alright, 'Hide will get rid of the 'scary femme'."

And Ironhide did. He wasn't gonna let her anywhere near his little 'Che. He would protect her, and Gadget. He would protect them from her.

"If you come anywhere near my daughter, or my nephew again, I will kill you."

Ricochet doesn't really remember this as an adult. Neither does Gadget. All they remember is a 'scary femme' coming to the door. Ironhide never told them the truth, he just said it was some 'crazy femme'. He only ever told Ratchet who it really was. He lied to protect them from the truth.