Optimus was numb. His spark burned painfully in his chest. He looked over the damage done to the city where the last battle took place. Where he took the lives of his brother and mentor. Optimus barely noticed the pain spreading from his arm which had been torn off over the pain in his spark. "I'm sorry Prime. Sentinel killed Ironhide," was what made him like this. Optimus moved slowly to collect his severed arm. He was still just as numb for the trip back to base.

He jumped as Ratchet pulled on one of the wires that were still attached to his body. He relaxed slightly as Ratchet moved to work on the arm. "It wasn't you're fault. It wasn't even his. It was that slagger of a traitor," Ratchet exclaimed as he slammed his fist off the table making Optimus and Jolt, who was working on the severed arm as well, jump.

"It was my fault. I trusted Sentinel in the first place. If I hadn't, he would still be here," Optimus objected. Ratchet merely went back to work. "I'm going to the wash racks while you work on my arm. I just need to be alone for a little while."

"Alright," Ratchet said waving Optimus away. The leader stood before walking to his room.

Stepping into the wash racks in his room, his thoughts went to Ironhide. He started the water before turning to the Autobot length mirror. As the warm water flowed over his plating and through the cracks, Optimus closed his optics thinking of all the best times with Ironhide. The water felt heavenly as the dirt and pain of the day slipped down the drain. Optimus looked to the mirror. Instead of seeing him self, he saw Ironhide looking at him. "What on Cybertron?" Optimus asked no one in particular.

"What? I can't see a friend?" Ironhide joked. He stepped out of the mirror. Optimus jumped back and slipped on the water and landed on his aft. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

"I am seeing a ghost! Is it really you Ironhide?"

"Yep. You think I'd rest with you not with me? You've got to be kid'n me," Ironhide replied. Optimus smiled before standing and turning the water off. "There's a problem though. Only you can see me, and for me to stay, I've gotta have a body. Yours specifically."

"Mine?" Optimus repeated. He grabbed a towl and started to dry himself which was difficult with one arm.

"We'll just have to share. Don't worry, I'm not gonna be in you all the time. I'll still be able to be outside of ya. Just not a long period of time," Ironhide informed. Optimus nodded.

"Alright," Optimus said. With a grin, Ironhide stepped inside Optimus. A bright light lit the room that would've blinded any one nearby. Optimus cried out as their sparks joined and Ironhide posessed him. His optics went green for a few seconds before he fell unconscious.

"Optimus. Optimus wake up! Optimus!" Ratchet called. He had pulled Optimus close to his body. Optimus' optics slowly opened. "Finally. You're awake."

"W-w-what happened?" Optimus asked. His processor was spinning and his optics had trouble focusing.

"I was hoping you would know. I found you laying there when you wouldn't answer your comm-link," Ratchet replied shifting slightly. He pulled Optimus to stand before they set off back to Med bay. "Do you know what happened?"

"I know you wouldn't believe me if I told you. I'm fine though Ratchet. How are the repairs on my arm going?" Optimus pushed the door open and Ratchet entered.

"Done enough that I can give you your arm back to day."

"Thank you Ratchet," Optimus said. He settled into a chair as Ratchet started to work on giving Optimus back his arm.

When Ratchet finished, Optimus found him self walking to the shooting range. He picked up one of the guns Ironhide always had him use while practising. He started the lane up. "Is this what you want me to do?" He asked.

"Just to make sure that arm of yours works," Ironhide replied. He let him self be seen out side of Optimus. "Can't let you have a dead arm."

"I'm sure it's fine," Optimus objected. He rolled his shoulders to prove it, but winced as pain shot from the repaired areas.

"Really? You had me fooled," Ironhide sarcastically stated. Optimus sighed before taking aim. He hissed in pain as the reattached arm lost grip on the weapon. He pulled his servo close to his chest plates. "You alright?"

"I'll be fine. It just hurts," Optimus replied.

A few days later the wind blew through the open doors as several human soldiers walked in. The moon hung in the air, lighting the tarmac out side with a dull blue light. The planes there were empty, and Optimus was tempted to board them in an attempt to hide from the others on the base. The public knew of the Autobots now. There was no hiding any more. That had doubled the amount of work the Autobots had to do. It was cold out, which Optimus felt in his joints as he sighed. He boarded the plane, allowing him self to sit with his back against the metal. His servo rested against the floor of the plane. His thoughts went to all the times he'd flown in this plane with Ironhide. Said ghost leaned against the wall beside the Autobot leader. Neither said any thing as they cherished each other's presence despite only one being alive. Optimus missed having Ironhide to talk to or spend time with. This, however, felt odd. Knowing simply that Ironhide was sitting beside him despite the black mech's death. Optimus would've preferred Ironhide not tormenting him in this fashion. Optimus listened as the celebration continued in the base. They were celebrating the end of the war. Optimus wasn't in the mood to celebrate any thing.

In the base, Sam stood by the wall. Carly hadn't wanted to come so Sam had gone alone. He looked over every one in the room before catching sight of Lennox who was having a quick drink. Sam walked over. "Will, have you seen Optimus Prime any where?" He asked over the music.

"Now that I think of it, no. I haven't. He isn't here?" Lennox placed the bottle down before looking around.

"I don't see him. May be we should look for him. He did take Ironhide's death pretty hard," Sam suggested. Lennox nodded. They passed Sarah and Lennox gave her a kiss before going out side with Sam. They walked together, finding it surprisingly hard to find the gentle giant.

Sam headed to one of the planes which had it's boarding ramp down. He waved Lennox over before entering himself. Immediately, he saw who he was looking for. "Optimus?" He asked. The Autobot jumped slightly.

"Sam, Lennox," Optimus greeted. Both men got closer.

"Why aren't you in there celebrating?" Lennox asked, knowing that Optimus would tell them what's bothering him.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you," Optimus replied drawing his knee to his chest.

"Try us," Sam encouraged. Optimus sighed. He looked over at Ironhide who nodded.

"Ironhide is sitting beside me even though you can't see him. I don't feel like celebrating because I killed my family and my best friend was killed. I'm now being haunted by Ironhide. I'm pretty sure you think I've lost my mind," Optimus replied smashing his helmet off the wall. Ironhide hissed at him. Lennox and Sam exchanged a glance.