Chapter 8: Epilogue

Happiness filed the ARK after Katie had been restored to her normal age and it was immediately decided they'd have a party to celebrate. Kreemzeek, who was so happy to have Katie back, danced around, giving off electric sparks everywhere and accidently shocking some of the Autobots too, who gave exclamations of surprise, but didn't get upset, knowing the little electric creature was just happy.

Everyone had set everything up and Rachel and Katie were walking towards the entrance of the base with Optimus, Ironhide, Prowl, Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, Jazz, Red Alert, Inferno, Bumblebee, and the Protectobots following them. The girls were about to run ahead and hug Wheeljack and Perceptor when they suddenly saw a golden light. "What's that?" Rachel asked.

The golden light glowed brighter and two adults walked forward, smiles on their faces. "Who are they?" Jazz asked curiously.

Katie's face lit up when she saw who they were and she ran up to them. "Mommy! Daddy!" She exclaimed, running up to them and hugging them. "I missed you!"

The others were stunned as they watched before Rachel blinked and gasped in realization. "They must be…Katie's mommy and daddy. The ones that died in the Decepticon attack before you guys found us," she said.

She felt two hands pick her up and she looked to see Bumblebee had picked her up and they moved closer to see Katie and her two human parents.

Katie felt her mother hug her. "Katie, our sweet angel," she said, her voice exactly as how Katie remembered it. "We missed you too."

The little girl looked up at them. "I thought you were dead?" She said, her voice unsure.

"I'm afraid we are, sweetie," said her father gently, his voice just like how she remembered it to be. She hugged him and he returned the hug. "But we decided to come see you one more time and to tell you something."

"What?" Katie asked curiously, tears falling from her eyes and off her face. She felt two familiar hands gently cup her face and looked to see both her parents were gently wiping away her tears.

"We want you to stay strong, be brave, and no matter what, you'll always be in our hearts and we'll be in yours," her mother said.

"Can you do that for us, sweetie?" Her father asked.

She sniffled a little, but nodded. "Okay," she said, hugging them one more time. "I love you, Mommy and Daddy."

"We love you too, Katie," they said in unison and gently let her go before beginning to walk away, but then they stopped and turned back to her, Rachel, and the Autobots.

"Please, take care of our daughter," her mother said.

"Protect her and keep her safe," her father said.

"We promise and no matter what, we'll keep her safe," Optimus promised them.

They nodded. "We know we can trust you," Katie's mother said. "And we're glad she has a new family too."

Katie's father nodded as well before the golden glow appeared again. They both walked to it before turning and giving a final wave. "Farewell, our little angel, 'till all are one," they said before they disappeared into the bright glow.

When it died down, they were all standing in shock before Perceptor finally spoke up. "How did they know…that was something we say to each other?" He asked.

"They must be Katie's guardian angels too," Rachel said. "My uncle told me once that when our parents pass on, they become guardian angels and watch over us. They must have learned that phrase from watching Katie with you guys."

During this time, Katie had been quiet but now began singing softly. They all stopped to listen to her. "What song is she singing?" Red Alert asked.

"It's called 'You'll Be In My Heart' and it's in the style of the Celtic Woman," Rachel replied. "It's one of Katie's favorite songs and our uncle found it for her so that she could play it whenever she wanted to."

They were then quiet as Katie continued singing softly and soon finished the song. When she did, the Autobots turned on their holoforms and hugged Katie and Rachel did too, knowing how the young girl felt. "They'll always be with you, Katie," Hot Spot said gently.

"In your heart and your mind, little sister," said First Aid.

She nodded. "I know," she said softly. "But…I miss them."

Rachel placed a hand on her shoulder. "I know what you mean," she said. "I miss my mom and dad too. Especially when the holidays come. That's always hard."

Katie nodded and sniffled. "But at least I have a good family to help me get through the tough times," she said. "If I hadn't met you, Rach, I wouldn't have gained a family in you or the Autobots. I'm so glad we met."

"Me too," the blonde-haired girl said with a smile.

Katie then turned to the Autobots. "And I'm glad we met too," she said. "You guys are the best family ever."

"Kreemzeek!" Kreemzeek cried out happily, again giving off sparks happily. A few gently shocked the Autobots and the girls, but they laughed happily.

For the Autobots, it had been quite an adventure raising a small infant, but one they enjoyed and they were happy to not only have Katie back to her normal self, but also glad to call her and Rachel family.

Even though they were humans and the Autobots were robots, they were one.

And that concludes "Adventures In Raising A Little One". :)

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