Hoofling

Chapter 3- Clingy

Little Mackie was mostly seen as the little, worthless Squishie he is, but everyday he was amazing his silent spectators. For only a week was Mackie finally able to be seen as an existing life form amongst the other Decepticons.

If anybot wanted to get Mackie to do something, he did it. He was very eager and almost did it without whining. Of course, he could not perfectly execute everything he was told to do. Clampdown considered him the energon hopper; unlimited supply of energon that kept little Mackie's legs running.

He was very interested in what Thunderhoof was preoccupied with. If Thunderhoof needed to carry supplies that were gathered from one end of the mill to the other, he would help without asking. With Mackie's small size and limited strength, he could only help in picking up small branches that were in Thunderhoof's way. It came unnoticed by Thunderhoof because he thought Mackie was not watching where he was going and he almost stepped on him a few times.

Out of all the things he could do, Mackie was learning the Cybertronian language as they spoke amongst each other. It did not came to their processors that Mackie could be listening to what they were saying, and he was. He was beginning to understand a few words as Thunderhoof gestured everyday conversation to the others in hopes that the little boy could not hear him curse in Cybertronian. Mackie was learning more than Thunderhoof's language...

It was another Earth summer day when Steeljaw was arranging another meeting, with instructions from "Megatronus."

It was becoming more alarming as Steeljaw frequented these visits with his imaginary friend. Talking into the open air even though nobot was there would cause concern for anybot who knew that was not of the norm for their leader. Mackie would almost fall off Thunderhoof's pede, laughing hysterically at the sight. Thunderhoof laughed along at one of the meetings, where Clampdown had his claw possessed and turned it against himself.

"Alright Decepticons. We need to increase our speed in recovering our listed items for the SpaceBridge. Even if it means no sleep for anybot!"

Nobot dared to grumble as Steeljaw glares at his pack. Mackie noticed the tension and hid behind Thunderhoof's pede. Steeljaw turns his attention to Mackie and shifts his optics elsewhere.

"The Thing is still here," says Steeljaw.

Thunderhoof brushes off Steeljaw's comment and awaits his orders. Fracture shifts awkwardly in his position. Steeljaw sends a warning gaze towards Fracture. Divebomb and Airazor shiver.

"Pairs are as follows: Clampdown and Fracture; make sure we have the components we do have for the SpaceBridge and none are missing. Underbite, Thunderhoof and I will be gathering the other items listed," says Steeljaw.

Fracture and Clampdown return to the building and the other three Decepticons head over to the gate. Mackie runs after Thunderhoof who looks over his shoulder.

"Yous gotta stay put!" demands Thunderhoof.

Mackie drops to the ground dramatically and begins to sob before it becomes loud wailing. The Decepticons turn their head to the loud, spluttering cry of Mackie.

"What's wrong with the sparkling?! Is its vocal processor broken?!" says Steeljaw annoyed.

"Hush Mackie!" demands Thunderhoof.

With tears filling his eyes, Mackie slowly reaches out to Thunderhoof, gravely distressed. Thunderhoof looks at Underbite and Steeljaw with an embarrassed look. Mackie gapes his mouth open without making a sound as he hardly breathes.

"Let's leave, we got no time to spare," says Steeljaw.

They turn their backs to Mackie and they leave the premises. Thunderhoof gives a glance, wondering why Mackie was making a big scene. Mackie sucks in air between his cries and lies on the ground.