Tough Love

ALL TALK AND ALMOST A BITE

A sudden jolt brings Thunderhoof back to consciousness, partially. He knows that he's no longer in the ocean, but the whole process is a blur. The last thing he distinctly remembers was being rescued by some mechs he didn't recognize. He couldn't pick out any details other than their coloration and size, sense of sight not at its best then due to exhaustion and pain.

There's a commotion in the background. Thunderhoof can't make out any words, but based on tone alone, whoever's talking doesn't sound pleased. The whole thing is making his helm ache even worse, souring his already foul mood.

Thunderhoof moans as he shifts awake. The movement must have caught the attention of whoever else is there with him as they suddenly go quiet. He forces his optics open, vision cleared, and what he sees doesn't surprise him in the slightest.

"Autobots," Thunderhoof sneered. "Of course it's fragging Autobots."

He catches flashes of movement from around the Autobots' legs and looks down.

"And humans. Great. I'm assuming yous know I'm a Decepticon?"

The Autobots and humans remain silent, but they don't have to answer. Thunderhoof already knows what they would say, which brings him to his actual question...

"Why'd you help me?"

This time, a red mech stepped forward.

"We're a rescue team," he answered. "It's part of the job description."

"Rescue..." Thunderhoof gave his helm a little shake. "I's thought you were extinct."

"You wouldn't be the only one, believe me. Now, why is a Decepticon all the way out here?"

Thunderhoof snorted in amusement.

"Like I'd tell you! It ain't your business!"

Not like any of you would be much use, anyway.

"Fine by me!" The red mech said. "We'll call Cybertron and have someone come grab you."

"If yous gonna call anyone, make it Bumblebee," Thunderhoof vented.

"Bumblebee?!" An orange and white mech exclaimed. He immediately covered his mouth when all gazes turned to him.

"Uh, I mean, why Bumblebee? That seems awfully specific."

"Cause we have some history," Thunderhoof answered. "I's expect him to hear me out."

The Autobots quickly formed a huddle and discussed what to do, the humans joining in as well. Although, the smallest human seemed more interested in Thunderhoof than anything else. Just at a glance, Thunderhoof could tell that this kid is different, at least compared to the one he was used to seeing back on the outskirts of Crown City. The face, the eyes. This human looked more open-minded and curious, wanting to know who he is. Not just taking him at face-value.

"Then it's settled," a blue and white mech said. "The humans and I will return to the firehouse and get in contact with Bumblebee."

"And the rest of us will stay here to keep an eye on him," a green mech added, politely gesturing to Thunderhoof.

The kid was still staring at Thunderhoof when the sound of transformation broke him out of his trance. He shook his head and looked over at the Autobot the other humans were entering.

"Wait!" The kid called out as he dashed over to the driver's side window. "Dad, I want to stay here!"

Immediately, there was an uproar of protests from both the Autobots and the other humans.

"Cody, having any one of you around a Decepticon, albeit a tired and injured one, is a terrible idea!" The red mech reprimanded, kneeling down to be at eye-level.