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Christmas had arrived once again in the town of Jasper, Nevada.
Even though the Autobots had been on earth through a few Christmases now, the kids were finding out just how grossly uneducated the bots were on the subject. Since they didn’t normally frequent places with humans, they had absolutely no clue whatsoever as to what all the commotion this holiday seemed to bring was about; except what strange tidbits Arcee and Bumblebee would tell from their patrols.
But this year was different as they now had three Christmas enthusiasts in their midst. It was all the children could talk about and the bots were quite interested in hearing what all this bustle meant. Soft Christmas music playing from the radio and a small fresh pine tree in one corner of the main room’s platform told their education was well under way. Miko had insisted they must have a Christmas tree in the base which the Autobots had readily acquired, courtesy of the ground bridge. She had wanted to get one bot-sized, but wiser heads decided for them to simply start small (plus Rafael pointed out they would have needed to start long ago making decorations that would cover the entire tree). Miko had grudgingly agreed and was already deep into making plans for next year.
While the kids decorated their tree with a few homemade ornaments and some extras June had supplied, they explained some of the finer points of the season. Even Optimus and Ratchet had come to listen and watch, though the medic appeared less enthused about the subject.
They were nearly done garnishing their little tree and it did look quite nice with the twinkling lights, colorful ornaments, and bits of tinsel. All bots were still gathered around the platform where Miko was just reaching the end of telling all about the story of Saint Nick and Rudolph.
“And so Rudolph led the way through the storm and Christmas was saved for the entire world!” finished dramatically.
“Yes! I knew Rudolph would save the day!” Bulkhead cheered, having been totally fascinated by the tale. Bumblebee clapped applause, apparently having enjoyed it as well.
“So this is actually a big thing?” Arcee asked skeptically.
“Of course!” Miko chirped. “Everyone knows the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
“It’s one of the most famous Christmas stories,” Rafael added, hanging a glitter snowflake on a branch.
Arcee’s faceplate scrunched a bit. “I mean, isn’t it … kinda weird? Talking flying reindeer with a florescent red nose?”
Miko’s arms spread, hands full of tinsel and face beaming. “But that’s what makes it fun! It’s the magic of Christmas!”
Ratchet huffed from his slumped position with arms folded. “Bunch of hooey. Who thinks up this stuff on your planet?”
Jack smirked. “Just wait till you hear Frosty the Snowman. Now that one’s actually kinda creepy in a way.”
The medic just stared in his grump manner. “Oh I can’t wait.”
“It is the small things like lore and tales that can help us understand the human way better,” Optimus spoke up for the first time since joining the group.
Ratchet side-eyed the Prime. “Puh-lease. You can’t tell me you didn’t find that all a little strange?”
“Each world has their own way of expressing itself. We should be grateful to learn about what makes Earth culture.”
“That didn’t answer my question.”
There was a pause. Optimus’s optics flickered a bit uncomfortable at all the stares on him. He drew in an inhale. “It was … unique. But all stories have their merit if one only stops to truly look and enjoy it.”
“Yeah c’mon, Ratch,” Miko pattered over to the corner closest to the white and orange mech. “You can’t get into the Christmas spirit if you keep being such a humbug.”
Ratchet blinked, expression blank.
“A what-bug?” Bulkhead asked.
“It’s a term to describe a person who doesn’t care for holidays and stuff. Rafael spoke up, balancing on tiptoes to hang the last bulb higher up. “It’s mostly associated with another famous Christmas story called ‘A Christmas Carol’. It’s about a grouchy man named Scrooge who hated Christmas and everyone else and just liked to live alone and had no friends.”
Bulkhead whispered to Bumblebee behind a servo. “Sounds like Ratchet alright.” The two unsuccessfully tried to hold back snickers.
“I can hear you, you know!” barked from the medic’s direction.
The snickering stopped. “Oops.” The two quickly broke up, though still grinning.
Jack continued, helping Rafael hang the ornament, “But Scrooge later learns about the true spirit of Christmas when he’s visited by the three ghosts of Christmas.”
“Ghosts?” Arcee smirked.
“Ghosts!” Bulkhead and Bumblebee stiffened with wide optics.
Ratchet shook his helm. “And I thought the glowing red nose was bad enough.”
There was a strange twitch at the corner of the Prime’s mouth, but stayed quiet. Half of him was fascinated by all this; while the other half was not quite knowing how the heck to analyze it.
Miko giggled at the reaction. “Yup. They visit him in the dark dead of night and take him on a journey through time. I’ll have to tell that one to you some time.”
“Yeah, sure,” came edgily from the wreaker. Wanting to get off the subject of ghosts for the moment, Bulkhead leaned in, optics once again round with excitement. “So what else do you do during this Christmas?”
“Lots of stuff!” Miko began to name them off. “Besides putting up Christmas trees and decorating them, there’s shopping for gifts in all the stores and buying and wrapping presents in colorful paper and bows that you put under the tree, and also baking gingerbread men and Christmas cookies shaped like Christmassy things and decorating them with frosting, and gingerbread house building competitions, and hanging up stockings, and going to family parties that last all night and seeing old friends, and watching Christmas movie marathons while drinking eggnog and hot chocolate and cider, and putting up decorations of garland and wreaths and tinsel and stringing bright lights everywhere!” It ended in a fling of arms as Miko flopped back into the armchair. She inhaled deep after the speedy run-on.
Arcee blinked. “Sounds … kinda crazy.”
Miko wiggled in the chair. “Yeah! Isn’t it great?!”
“I am surrounded by madness,” moaned from the medic.
Bulkhead chuckled. “C’mon, Ratchet. Don’t be a dumb-bug.”
“Excuse me?!”
Bulkhead cringed, “Uhhh…” He whispered towards the kids. “Did I get that wrong?”
“It’s ‘humbug’,” Jack corrected, trying to fight the laughter.
“Oh yeah.”
“I must admit,” Optimus started, breaking up the medic’s death glare boring into the wreaker, “all your customs do have a certain spirit to them, as you have called it. And you say you do these … activities each year?”
“Yup,” Jack nodded, taking a seat on the couch to admire the finished tree. “And humans just never grow tired of them.”
“And normally a lot of places have snow and people do lots of stuff with that as well. Like making snowman,” Rafael put in, also sitting down.
“And having snowball fights,” Jack added.
Bulkhead chuckled. “Okay now that sounds like fun.”
Bumblebee buzzed in agreement with vigorous nodding. He then bleeped something excitedly with a wiggle.
“Great idea, Bee!” Bulkhead smacked the scout on the back, making him nearly fall forward. “We could have a snowball fight too! We’ve got the ground bridge so we could just go to someplace that has snow!”
“Awesome!!” Miko leapt off her chair with double fists. She perked up suddenly. “Oh! I forgot one other important thing! The mistletoe!”
Bulkhead’s optics ridges went up. “You … blow things up?” This produced quite a snickering from the children.
“Not that kind of missile,” Rafael kindly explained. “Mistletoe is a type of plant that stays alive all year around.”
“Ohhhhhhh! Yeah. That makes much more sense.”
Bumblebee bleeped questioningly.
“You hang it up as decoration,” Rafael answered. “It represents love, peace, and life. The idea comes from ancient Celtic and Norse traditions because of its ability to stay green in winter.”
Miko leaned on the railing. “And if you stand underneath it then someone has to kiss you.”
“Ewww!” Bulkhead exclaimed and Bumblebee bleeped simultaneously.
“Why would you want to do that?” Arcee asked with faceplate scrunched.
Miko spread her arms. “Tradition!” Then a glint came to hazel eyes. “Should we hang some up? We could put it right over the entrance where everybody comes through.”
“NO!” Ratchet objected with horrified optics.
Jack and Rafael nearly rolled off the couch laughing. All expressions weren’t far off from the medic’s, a few faceplates suddenly tinted a shade darker with a flush of energon while a smug Miko looked more than pleased with the reactions.
Optimus cleared his throat pipes; the idea of being dragged into snowball fight suddenly looking very good. “I believe there are some traditions that we are more suited to simply learn of then act upon.”
Miko shrugged. “Well if you really want to miss out…”
Having gotten the giggling under control, Jack’s expression turned thoughtful. “But Christmas isn’t just about all those things. It’s also about being together with family and friends, and experiencing the joy of love and giving to others. Celebrating the gift of life and all it gives us and being thankful for what we have.”
“Now that seems a bit more normal,” Arcee smirked in Ratchet’s direction (who was refusing to make optic contact).
“It is indeed something we should all be reminded of. No matter where we are from,” Optimus said. The other bots nodded in agreement.
“Did you guys have anything like Christmas from where you come from?” Rafael suddenly asked curiously. The bots never spoke excessively about their native world.
Miko suddenly snorted a laugh. They all looked at her strangely. “Sorry,” she snickered again. “I was just imagining a Cybertronian Christmas where everything was made out of metal. Metal Christmas tree, metal wreaths…” A finger tapped her chin, “Don’t know how wrapping paper would work out though. Would they have metal snow too? Can you imagine the snowballs?!”
“Anyway,” Jack interrupted. “Do you have anything like that?”
At that, Bumblebee looked up to the larger Prime and bleeped something that Jack and Miko didn’t understand.
Optimus nodded. “Quite right. We did have one day of celebration that could be considered a close correlation to your holiday. It was called Allspark Day. Though it did not occur annually as yours does, but every seven cycles.”
Miko’s face screwed. “Uh… how long is that?”
“A little over seven Earth years,” Ratchet answered, arms still crossed.
“Seven years!” The girl wilted into the chair. “I’d never be able to wait that long for Christmas!”
“So what does it celebrate?” Rafael asked, visibly interested.
An air of reminisce crossed Optimus’s faceplate. “It’s a day for the celebration of all Cybertronian life. To reflect on one’s spark and be grateful for what one has.”
“Not to mention the biggest party you’ve ever seen!” Bulkhead quickly added; which instantly had Miko’s attention. “There would be music and story telling and the biggest fountain of energon for everyone to drink from! Oh and there was the big parade of metals at the end too!”
“That sounds like it rocks!” Miko’s eyes suddenly brightened. “Say! You guys should totally come and check out our parade!”
Bumblebee beeped with a questioning air.
“It’s the biggest parade in Jasper that they have every Christmas Eve night,” Rafael answered his guardian. “They have a marching band and cars all lit up in lights and all kinds of Christmas floats.”
The scout’s door-wings wiggled in excitement, round optics wide in fascination.
Miko thrust a finger in the air. “But! The best part is the huge float at the end with the big Christmas tree on it! And it’s covered in presents that they pass out to all the kids as it goes by!”
Jack chimed in. “And then they pull it down to the hospital where they give the rest of the presents to the children and other patients there. My mom even helps organize the event and get all the presents people donate wrapped and ready.”
Rafael nodded. “Everyone at the hospital looks forward to it each year. It really help lift their spirits. You guys should come see it. In vehicle form you could sit at the road and watch.”
“And you wouldn’t blow your cover that way,” Jack added.
Miko had jumped up from her seat to lean on the railing. “Yeah! It’d be so much fun!”
“Gotta admit,” Arcee hummed glancing at her teammates. “Does actually sounds pretty nice. What do you think, Optimus?”
All optics turned to the Prime. The chrome faceplate seemed in thought.
“Can we go?!” Bulkhead asked excitedly. Bumblebee beep-bleeped in the same tone, door wings wiggling. Jack and Rafael leaned forward intently. Ratchet just stood quietly.
Miko’s eyes went puppy dog, hands clasped under her chin. “Pleeeeeeeeeeeeease???”
A very faint upward curve appeared over Optimus’s lipplates at the eager displays. “Very well. Since Decepticon activity seems to be at a low, I believe it may do us all some good to enjoy our time for a day.”
At that all three of the children jumped up as their bots made fists of victory. “Yes!” all chimed together.
“I can’t wait!” Miko bounced on her toes.
Chatter began anew as kids and guardians began discussing the coming event. Ratchet turned to Optimus.
“So … we’re all going?”
Optimus looked to the children excitedly conversing with their bots about plans. “This is a main event in their world. And since this is our home now, it is only right that we attend it as well. Plus it would seem to mean much to our human friends for us to do so.”
Ratchet followed the Prime’s gaze to the merry scene. He couldn’t help the twitch at the corner of his mouth. “They do seem rather excited about it.”
“And besides,” Optimus turned to start away, an unusual light in aqua optics, “I am curious to see this myself.”
“Mm hm.”
Arcee spoke up from the side, who had noted the song on the radio. “Why are they singing about a tannon bomb?”
“That’s ‘Tannenbaum’,” Jack answered. “It’s German for ‘Christmas tree’.”
“The rest of the song’s in English. Why don’t they just make it all the same?”
“Uhhhhh… I don’t know.”
Ratchet shook his helm. “Typical.”
…
The sun had already set and the sky twinkled with its own Christmas lights as the town of Jasper was abuzz with excitement. The sidewalks were crowded with citizens old and young; the faces of children shining in anticipation for the parade that was soon to begin. Around, Christmas lights and garland hung on storefronts and streetlights added to the festive spirits.
Near one intersection, Jack, Miko, and Rafael stood with cups of sweet cider in hand. It may have been over 75 degrees, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t enjoy a treat even if it wasn’t hot chocolate.
Miko wiggled in excitement. “Ooo! It’s gunna be starting soon!”
Rafael looked around at the crowd. “I think there’s even more people here than last year.”
“By the way, I thought your mom was going to join us?” Miko asked the raven-hair teen beside her.
“She’s coming later,” Jack answered, taking a sip of cider. “She called me a bit ago and said she’s helping load the float with all the gifts.”
Rafael looked mildly perplexed. “But wasn’t Agent Fowler supposed to be here too?”
No sooner had he spoke that a dark-skinned man in a suit came squeezing his way through the crowd. He finally made it to the kids and huffed breathlessly.
“Did I miss anything?”
Jack grinned. “Just in time, Agent Fowler. The parade will be starting in just a little bit.”
“We thought you were going to be late,” Miko grinned.
Fowler folded his arms. “You try finding a parking place at an event like this. I had to park nearly ten blocks down! Should’a brought the helicopter.”
Miko sighed smugly. “That’s what happens when you don’t have a transforming car to get you places.” She took a loud sip of her drink.
Fowler just rolled his eyes, then turned his attention to the packed sidewalks. “Looks like quite a turnout.”
Jack nodded. “Mom said it’s going to be the biggest parade yet.”
“Even the Autobots came to watch,” Rafael smiled wide, inwardly glad to be sharing the season with his best friend and guardian.
Fowler was a bit surprised at this. “Really? Didn’t take them as the type. Well I hope they aren’t planning on standing at the edge of the road to watch.” Miko snickered at the mental picture.
“No worries, they’re all in vehicle form,” Jack answered. He pointed off towards some of the nearby buildings. “They’re parked just in the alley over there so they can see the parade as it goes by.”
“Oh. Well, I don’t see any harm in that. Might do them good to see a little old-fashioned Earth Christmas spirit.” Fowler eyed the cup of cider in Jack’s hand. “Say, where’d you get that?”
Jack’s mouth opened but Miko was the one to speak. “Hey, here comes you’re mom.”
On cue, June Darby appeared walking up the edge of the road, bypassing the packed sidewalks. Jack waved.
“Hey mom!”
“Merry Christmas, Mrs. Darby,” Fowled politely greeted as the nurse stopped next to them.
“Same to you, Agent Fowler,” June replied, though her voice didn’t sound too cherry.
“I thought you were helping out with the float?” Jack asked.
“I was.” Smiles dampened when the group noticed the glum expression.
“Something wrong?” Fowler asked.
“Well, I’m afraid there isn’t going to be a Christmas tree float tonight.”
“What?!” all exclaimed in unison.
“What happened?” Rafael asked concerned.
June sighed. “We were nearly finished getting the presents on the float when the driver called. He said the truck that’s supposed to pull it broke down and he won’t be able to make it.”
Miko gasped. “Oh no!”
“Can’t they fix it?” Jack asked.
“Not in time,” June shook her head sadly. “And there isn’t another truck large enough to pull the float available. It’ll take over two hours for one to arrive and the parade’s going to start in just a short while.”
“It’ll be long over by then!” Miko wailed with a slump.
“But what about the hospital?” Fowler asked.
June’s face fell sadly. “We’ll just have to reschedule and bring the presents on another day. Though I hate making all the kids wait. They’ve been so looking forward to this and it would have been such a nice present to all the other patients as well.” Her arms crossed, hugging herself slightly. “I hate having to tell them Christmas is going to be delayed.” Fowler awkwardly put a consoling hand on her shoulder.
The kids all looked to each other dolefully.
“How can this happen now?” Jack frowned.
Rafael looked down at his cider which didn’t seem so sweet anymore. “I wish there was something we could do.”
Miko frowned. “Well, unless one of you’ve got a secret truck stuffed in your pocket–”
Suddenly three heads came up as if on cue. They all swung to each other, eyes shining.
“You thinking what I’m thinking?” Jack grinned.
“Oh I’m thinking it!” Miko beamed back.
“I think I’m thinking it too!” Rafael laughed. “It’s a great idea!”
“What’s going on?” June asked, not catching what was happening here.
Jack gestured excitedly to all of them. “C’mon! There’s still time!” The three kids suddenly rushed out across the empty street.
“Jack! Where are we going?” June called out as she jogged to keep up with excited feet, Fowler right behind.
“To save Christmas for Jasper!”
…
In the secluded alley between two shops, five vehicle sat watching the bustle. Through the opening ahead a squirming crowd could be seen lining the street.
“Thanks for the balcony seat, Bulk,” came from Arcee who was perched in her alt mode on top of the green SUV’s rooftop.
“No problem,” the wreaker chuckled. “Figured I could at least help you actually see the parade. You are the shortest.”
“Hey, in bot mode I’d be able to see just fine.”
“Still the shortest though.”
“But I can get into places you can’t, Mr. Wide Load.”
“Oo, touchy little two-wheeler.”
“You know I could do a burnout right up here?”
“Okay okay. I get it. No more short cracks.”
“Thank you.”
Bumblebee buzzed in excitement, front tires swiveling.
“I think any time,” Arcee answered. “Jack told me it starts around 9pm and it’s nearly that now.”
“Wow! Look at all the people!” Bulkhead mused as even more of the chattering humans packed themselves onto the sidewalk. He chuckled. “They all seem as excited as Bee.”
The yellow Camaro bleeped sarcastically.
Bulkhead laughed. “Okay okay. So I’m excited too.”
There was a grunt from the ambulance parked at the end of the line.
“Now what?” Arcee inquired with a hint of amusement.
“I just don’t feel comfortable around this many humans,” a less than thrilled Ratchet grumped. “Having three constantly around is more than enough and now I’m dragged into this where there’s swarms of them.”
Bumblebee bleeped at the medic.
“Yeah, Bee’s right,” Bulkhead chimed in. “You need more Christmas spirit. Don’t be a–”
“Call me that one more time and I’ll take a dental plate drill to you!”
The wreaker instantly clamed up, nearly shivering with the dreadful thought.
From just behind the line of vehicles, the large semi spoke up. “Why not try to focus on what makes this time of year enjoyable for the humans, Ratchet? You may find it most enlightening if you allow yourself to understand it.”
“Glowing noses and talking snowmen and ghosts aren’t my definition of ‘enlightening’.”
“I thought the nose thing was kinda cool,” Bulkhead mused innocently.
The conversation was cut short by several human’s running around the corner into their alley. They instantly recognized the children, June, and Agent Fowler trailing behind.
“Optimus!” all three kids yelled at once.
The bots were suddenly very alert.
“What’s wrong?” Arcee asked tensely.
“Did you see a Decepticon?” Bulkhead quickly added.
“Easy two-ton,” Fowler puffed after his sprint. “This ain’t a Con problem thankfully.” His brow went up as he noted where the motorcycle’s perch. “And why is Arcee on top of you?”
“Never mind,” Arcee muttered.
“Hehe,” the SUV underneath snickered.
The semi’s front tired twitched slightly, implying they had his attention. “So what is wrong?”
“Christmas is about to be ruined!” Miko wailed with fling of arms, making a splash of cider escape her cup.
“Huh?” hummed from the SUV.
Jack explained the outburst. “You remember the big Christmas tree float we told you about?”
“Yes?” Optimus replied curiously.
“Well the truck that was going to pull it broke down and there’s no time to get another.”
“So there’s no way to get the presents to the hospital,” Rafael added.
“Buuuuuut,” Miko drew out with a wide smile, free hand gesturing towards the red semi before them, “it so happens that there’s one mighty available truck sitting right here.”
“Me?” came in surprise.
“Sure!” Jack grinned at the plan. “You’re more than strong enough to pull the float. And like Miko said, you’re pretty available.”
June’s eyes lit up. “That’s a wonderful idea!”
Fowler scratched his head. “Now why didn’t I think of that?”
“C’mon Boss Bot,” Miko piped up towards the Freightliner. “You gotta save Christmas!”
“You can do it!” Rafael cheered on.
The others teammates kept quiet, silently almost enjoying the moment and curious if their leader would agree.
June stepped pleadingly up to the semi, hands clasped. “We would be ever so grateful if you would, Optimus.”
There was hardly a pause before the Prime spoke. “Very well. It is for a good cause.”
The kids sent up a cheer and even Fowler joined in.
“YES!” Miko jumped in the air, spilling more cider. “Optimus to the rescue!”
June let out a breath of joyful relief. “I don’t know what we can ever do to repay you.”
“There is no need,” the Prime replied. “Let us simply call it a gift of this season.”
June smiled wide. “Thank you so much.”
“It is my pleasure. Agent Fowler, I shall need a driver for cover.”
“You got it!” Fowler turned to the beaming woman beside him with a courteous bow. “Nurse Darby, would you care to accompany me?”
June smiled with a dip of her head. “I’d be honored.” Jack rolled his eyes when he felt Miko elbow his ribs.
Fowler helped June up into the Prime’s cab before coming around to the driver’s side as the door popped open for him. He climbed in and the mighty engine rumbled to life.
“Good luck!” Rafael called out and Bumblebee bleeped something similar.
“We’ll be watching!” Miko said, waving enthusiastically.
As the large semi pulled forward slowly to allow the crowded street time to part for the ten-wheeler, they heard June speak through the open window. “If we hurry there’s just enough time to transfer all the decorations to Optimus.”
“I beg your pardon?” came from the semi.
Anything else that may have been said could only be speculated as the crowd parted enough to let the Freightliner through and they disappeared around the side of the building.
Miko snickered. “That I wish I could see.” Then she wiggled in excitement. “Optimus is actually going to be in the parade! How awesome is that?”
“C’mon! Let’s get a good spot by the road!” Jack said and the others quickly followed as the teen jogged off.
Behind the bots watched them go, a bit surprised by it all.
“Well that was certainly a turn of events,” Bulkhead chuckled.
“I wasn’t sure if he’d do it or not,” Arcee mused.
There was something of a flatly amused huff from the medic. “Puh-lease. I already knew how that was going to go as soon as they asked him.” He had accompanied the Prime long enough to know the compassionate spark would never turn away any genuine plea for help.
…
It was definitely the biggest parade in Jasper yet. Marching bands played lively Christmas music as dozens of smaller floats decked out in blinking lights, decorations, and glitter galore made their way down the middle of the street. Some were supporting charities, others advertising the many businesses and stores; even the school had one made by all the students. Santa’s in fat red costumes and bushy beards waved to cheering spectators from prop sleighs while others dressed as elves passed out candy; there were even a few dressed as reindeer with glowing noses strapped on. And being in the middle of the desert didn’t stop a few plastic and blowup snowman from making appearances on several floats.
Jack, Miko, and Rafael had gotten good spots right along the roadside where they could see everything perfectly. They had already refilled their cider twice more and had pockets full of sweet treats.
“This is great!” Miko beamed, licking at a candy cane which had a good point on it by now.
Jack stuffed another taffy in his cheek. “Sure is! I think most of it’s gone by now, it shouldn’t be long now before–”
Suddenly a big cheer went up from the crowd just down the street and the kids leaned as far put as they could to see. A bright glow of headlights appeared behind a band marching ahead of a few girls carrying a banner bearing the hospital’s name.
Rafael pointed excitedly, nearly jumping up and down. “There he is!”
Coming slowly down the street, the large familiar red Freightliner came into sight. And what a sight he was! Optimus had been hastily decked out in the original semi’s Christmas decorations with stings of colored lights glowed all along his cab and wheel rims and even spiraled up both exhaust stacks. Green garland sparkling with silver tinsel and glitter draped across his hood sides and front fender; a large wreath with a bright gold bow hooked on the gleaming chrome grill. There were even lights on his hubcaps!
Behind the Prime carefully pulled the huge flatbed float he was hitched to with streamers and garland all around its edges. Strapped securely in its middle was the large gleaming Christmas tree; trimmed with ribbon and bulbs and as brightly lit as the semi with a shining golden star perched on top. Around the bottom were piles upon piles of presents of all shapes and sizes, each wrapped in colorful paper and bows. Hospital volunteers were grabbing some closer to the edges and passing them out among the children with beaming smiles.
“Wow!” all three kids awed at the sight.
“He looks great!” Rafael nearly laughed out of sheer joy.
Miko grinned. “I must say, Optimus wears Christmas lights pretty well.”
They could see Fowler and June through the windshield, smiling from ear to ear and waving to the people through the cab’s open windows. Fowler had a hand on the steering wheel, but it was more than likely that Optimus was doing the driving. The kids couldn’t stop their cheering at they came closer.
Jack waved high above his head. “Way to go Optimus!!”
Miko cheered as she waved both hands (along with the candy cane) while jumping. “Our hero!”
“Hooray!” Rafael joined in.
Their delight was heightened all the more when the semi flashed its four ways as it slowly rolled past. A silent gesture in reply just for them.
Miko suddenly began to laugh. The boys looked curiously at her.
“What’s so funny?” Jack asked.
She answered between snickers. “I was just wondering if Optimus transformed right now if he would get tangled up in the Christmas lights.” They all couldn’t help but join in with her laughter at the mental picture. It was kind of funny.
The float had nearly passed by and one of the volunteers came up, several small gifts in her arms. “Merry Christmas!” she greeted and handed each a package.
“Thank you!”
The lady continued down the line of people, emptying her arms. Miko shook hers next to her ear. “I wonder what it is?”
“Let’s wait until we’re back at the base to open them,” Jack suggested and the others nodded in agreement.
With the parade finale passed by, many people in the crowd began to make their way down the street to the near park where there would be a speech by the mayor and other activities would take place before the night was over.
“They’re going to be announcing the best float winner soon. Are we gunna go see?” Rafael asked.
Jack thought a moment. “How about instead we go down ahead to the hospital? We can watch them pass out the gifts.”
“That’s a great idea!” Miko nearly bounced. “I want to see Optimus and the float again. The bots could get us there quick.”
“Great idea,” Jack nodded and the three rushed again for the alleyway.
They found the bots right where they had left them, except they were talking excitedly among themselves about the different aspects of the parade. Bulkhead was saying something to Arcee and Bumblebee (who was on the ground once more).
“Did you hear the noise those big tube things made when the humans blew into them?!” The SUV made a low blowing sound, trying to imitate the tubas.
The yellow Camaro began to whirr in laughter. Ratchet was quiet, only listening and seemed to be in thought.
Arcee saw the kids running up. “Hey guys. You were right, that was quite a parade.”
“I knew you’d like it,” Jack grinned as he came up to the motorcycle. “Right now we’re going to go watch them pass out the presents at the hospital. Think you guys could give us a lift?”
Bumblebee bleeped excitedly and his engine revved alive as the driver door popped open.
The raven-haired teen chuckled. “I’ll take that as a yes.” He hopped on Arcee as Rafael and Miko got into their respective guardians.
“Pedal to the metal, Bulk!” Miko chirped. “If we hurry we can get there first and watch them drive up!”
“You got it!” the transformed wreaker said and all of the Autobots backed out of the alleyway to use the backstreets to avoid going through the still crowded streets.
A short time later they pulled into the large parking lot of the hospital. In front of the large building were at least over a hundred of its patients, many in wheelchairs or being assisted by nurses. All who were able had been allowed outside just for this one special occasion and those who weren’t able could be seen with noses pressed against windowpanes. In the front of those gathered outside, were lined dozens of children, all waiting with expectant faces. The Autobots parked to one side so to be well out of the way but able to see. The kids hopped out.
“Perfect! We’re in time!” Miko stated.
Just then there was a honking of a horn that was unmistakable, drawing their attention to the front entrance.
“Just in time,” Rafael said and pointed. “Here they come now!”
Optimus, still brightly lit, came rolling in pulling the float behind and a cheering went up among the gathering. The semi pulled up beside them and a gentle hiss of air brakes sounded as he parked. All eyes were wide and smiles bright at the sight of the lit tree, glowing through the night in all its radiant silver beauty. The volunteers jumped off the float as June and Fowler climbed out of the cab. June then stepped in front of the waiting group.
“Merry Christmas everyone! I’m so glad we were able to be here today and I’m so happy to see so many were well enough to be able to come out. As you might have been told, we weren’t sure if we were going to make it but thankfully we were able to. And now I’m sure you’re all excited for what comes next. Are you kids ready?”
There was an excited shout from the kids in front, those who could clapping eagerly.
June laughed lightly. “Good. And don’t worry, there’s more than enough presents for all of you!” She turned to the other helpers. “Alright, let’s give these gifts a home!”
Soon presents were being handed down from the float and passed out, the kids first from a special pile and then the older patients. As they did, several others began singing soft Christmas hymns in the background.
Jack turned to the others. “Let’s go help.”
“Sounds fun!” Miko agreed and Rafael nodded.
The three scampered off, leaving the Autobots to watch from the side. They came up to the float where June and Fowler were refilling nurses’ arms with gifts.
“Need some help?” Jack asked.
June smiled at her son. “Of course.”
The kids loaded up their arms and were soon passing them out to eager hands, giving each with a smile and Christmas encouragement.
The parked semi sat silent, but those who knew what lie hidden inside, knew Optimus was aware of everything around him. The Prime watched as children tore open paper and gasped in delight at the various toys and treasures tucked inside. Even though some faces were pale with sickness or injuries, there was no dulling the sparkle in their eyes, whether they be young or old; or the ring of happiness in their voices. And even if he was unseen, Optimus was glad to have been a part of making it happen.
Soon the bottom of the tree was nearly bare and all patients were joyfully showing off their newfound gifts to one another.
Fowler emptied another armload and was about to see if there was anyone they missed when he felt a small tug on his suit jacket. Below a dainty girl of around five-years-old with short cropped chestnut hair stood in a night gown and little pink slippers, hugging a new teddy bear with a velvety red bow around its neck. Bright brown eyes looked up with a sweet smile.
“Thank you for my present,” the small voice came.
Fowler recognized her as one he had given a package to. He leaned down closer. “You’re very welcome young lady.”
“They told us you might not be coming. I’m glad you did.” Arms squeezed the bear tighter with love.
Fowler was about to simply say “you’re welcome”, but breath paused before it came out. Inside, he knew the true reason they were there that night. He smiled as he directed her attention over. “Well you can thank this fine truck here. It came at the last minute to make sure that you wouldn’t be disappointed.”
“Really?” Brown eyes widened as they looked to the semi.
“Yup. That’s the real hero who saved Christmas.”
The chestnut head tilted looked up pleadingly. “Can I say thank you to it?”
Fowler chuckled. This was too cute to pass up. “Of course. Go ahead.”
With a happy giggle the little girl pattered over to where the Freightliner sat. The being inside sensed and observed her approach, noticing the unusually short thin hair and pallor of her skin. The thin body so tiny compared to the powerful vehicle that towered above.
Without hesitation, the girl hugged a corner of the wide chrome grill beneath the Christmas wreath, a sweet smile on her face. “Thank you truck!”
Optimus felt the tiny human arms squeeze against him. From the soft warmth pressed so close, another type of warmth seeped through every circuit of his frame as a deep appreciation rose within. Even though believing this truck was unable to hear or understand her words, she was still willing to give thanks despite that. To give tribute where it was due; no matter to what or who it might go. An innocence that glowed through smile and actions as the little girl pressed close to metal beneath. Unaware how her small voice had touched a battle-weary soul.
Within, the mighty spark was smiling.
…
From the side, the Autobots watched in silent disguise. There was a muffled sniffling.
“Bulkhead, are you crying?” Arcee asked, amused.
“No!” came back. Bumblebee whirred something. Another sniff. “Okay maybe … a little.”
Had she been in bot mode, the femme’s smile would have been seen. Though lumbering and bulky, the wreaker had one of the softest sparks she knew – just like their leader. Arcee’s attention turned to the ambulance parked on the other side. There hadn’t been so much as a peep from the medic.
“You’ve been awfully quiet since the parade ended, Ratchet. You good?”
A beat went by before he replied, a bit softer than normal. “Yes. Just thinking.”
The presents all distributed and the carols sung, it was time for all patients to return to their rooms. Many heartfelt thanks and “Merry Christmases” went around, faces and eyes glowing with renewed spirit. The medic gave a soft hum of thought.
“Still upset about having to come along?” Arcee asked, having heard.
Ratchet’s optical sensors went to the scene before him as the little girl gave the semi one last wave goodbye and trotted back to where her nurse waited. “No,” came low and sincere. “After seeing this, there might just be more to this Christmas spirit than meets the eye after all.”
…
A while later found the entirety of Team Prime back at Autobot headquarters. The main room was once again filled with Christmas music and chatter as the humans worked on removing all the décor that still garnished the red semi. Arcee helped where she could but most of it required small human fingers to un-tape and unhook everything.
It took a bit, but together the job was finished in record time and the Prime had finally been freed to transform back to his full thirty foot self. As he straightened, the wide shoulders stretched with a hush of decompressing works. Several hours on end spent in alt-mode made one a bit stiff.
Bulkhead chuckled. “Welcome back to the land of moving parts.”
The Prime gave no comeback, but there seemed to be a brighter glow in the aqua optics.
Miko snickered. “You’ve still got a piece of tinsel stuck on you.”
Optimus saw the bit of silvery streamers stuck on his window and picked it off, letting it flutter down to where it was already littered with strands of loose tinsel along with garland needles and glitter that had come off decorations. Miko playfully tried to catch them before they hit the floor.
June looked around at the mess they were currently trying to pick up, noting the sparkling ground. Clearly the floor was going to need a good sweeping later on. “This glitter is everywhere.”
“Which is why I hate it,” Fowler frowned as he wiped vigorously at the front of his shirt and tie, ineffectively trying to swish off what had decided to stick to him.
Jack grinned, pausing his attempts to roll up a strand of lights to observe the Prime. “I’m thinking we’re going to have to give you a wash later too. You’re a bit … sparkly.”
There were spots across the mech’s polished frame that glittered in the light where the stuff had rubbed off. Optimus gave a swipe across chest plates, but noted the glittery substance only shifted locations and somehow multiplied onto his servo.
Miko couldn’t help laughing and even a few of the bots couldn’t retrain the grins.
Leaving the glitter for later, Fowler drew in a satisfied breath with hands on hips. “Well, I gotta admit, it’s been a pretty good night.”
Miko threw two fistfuls of tinsel into the air, letting it flutter around her. “It was great!”
June looked gratefully up at the giant red and blue mech. “Thank you so much. I can’t tell you how much this meant to those children – and the entire town.”
Above, Optimus allowed a light smile as the blue helm nodded once. “I am honored to have been of service, Mrs. Darby.”
Miko grinned up at the thirty foot Prime. “He may not have a glowing red nose, but he still saved Christmas just the same.”
Jack couldn’t fully contain the snickers behind his hand and Fowler let out a cough into his fist.
“Hey guys!” Rafael called out, looking at his watch. “It’s after midnight! It’s Christmas morning!”
Miko leapt in the air with arms wide. “Yahoooo! Merry Christmas everyone!!” She suddenly ran over and flopped herself across Bulkhead’s tread in a hug attack, bits of tinsel still stuck in her pigtails. “Merry Christmas, Bulkhead!”
Bulkhead chuckled. “Merry Christmas, Miko.”
Jack dropped the roll of lights to the floor and hugged his mother. “Merry Christmas Mom!”
June hugged her son tightly back. “Merry Christmas, Jack.”
One arm still around her, the teen turned to Arcee knelt on his other side. “Merry Christmas, Arcee!”
A slender servo laid on his shoulder as the femme smiled back. “Merry Christmas.”
Fowler put an arm around June’s shoulders. “Merry Christmas, Mrs. Darby. It was a pleasant drive with you.”
June laughed lightly. “It certainly was.” She looked up at the white and orange mech beside them who had hardly spoken a word since their return. She gave a kind smile. “And Merry Christmas to you, Doctor.”
Her only answer was a nod of the helm, but there was a clear smile on the medic’s faceplate; giving away the bit of Christmas spirit that had crept into the grumpy demeanor. A softer side showing through.
“Merry Christmas, Bee!” Rafael hugged the digit the scout had lowered to him.
Bumblebee gave a happy bleeping, returning the salutation in his own way.
As hugs and cheers were passed about, Optimus stood to one side. Though quiet, a soft smile graced the chrome faceplate as he watched the glowing faces and twinkling eyes of not only the humans, but his own team. Even at a distance, their warm cheer spread over to him as well. He may not involve himself as directly as the others, but that didn’t mean the reserved Prime didn’t enjoy the moment just as deeply. Perhaps even deeper than most realized.
No matter how much time passed, he would never forget this Christmas night; or tiny words spoken. All memories that would be locked inside and cherished for years to come.
As he looked upon each of those who meant so much to him, a brighter glow filled his spark. Inwardly, Optimus added his own voice silently to the chorus of others.
Merry Christmas, my friends.
~~~
Hope you all liked it. 💙🎄❤️
I also drew a special picture for this story of the little girl with Optimus titled: A Christmas Hug. I'm in love with it! You can also see it on either my public Instagram or my TF OC Lucky's Cara profile.
Also hopefully sometime soon a narrated audio version of this story will be posted on Lucky's YouTube channel. Read by Lucky along with added music and maybe even a few sound effects.
As a bonus, here's a TFP picture I also drew for the holidays. "
"Optimus and the Christmas Star" - Instagram
"Optimus and the Christmas Star" - Cara
I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas whether in 2025 or ones yet to come ❤️💙✨