The Champion's Return

Freedom!

While Hope was delighted to be part of a family again, she soon discovered that the twins stubbornness rivaled her own.

"Come on Sunny, it's not a big deal. I just want to go pick some herbs for the salves I'm making. Even Ratchet said they would be useful on base."

She moved as if to fly off the shelf she was on but Sunstreaker moved to block her.

"Really? Sides talk some sense into your twin. I'll be perfectly safe."

Sideswipe sighed, his normal grin a distant memory. He had a soft spot for Hope but the thought of her wandering the woods worried him to the point that he agreed with Sunny.

"Now Hope, there are still Decepticons hanging around. The war may be over but that doesn't mean we can trust them to leave you alone."

Hope slumped over on the shelf, her wings bent with frustration and disappointment.  The twins hated to see their little sister upset but it wouldn't change their minds.

With a irritated groan, she sat up. "Fine, I won't go right now. How about a prank war than? I'm bored just sitting around."

The twins met her eyes with interest. It had been a while since they last pranked anyone.

"Is Ratchet off limits?"

Hope considered her words. She liked Ratchet but she needed a distraction to get off of base. As fond as she was of him, the twins were driving her metaphorically crazy. Even Optimus wasn't safe from their over protective behavior and they admired him above the rest!

"Fine, but no gluing his tools to the work bench. He blamed me and I wasn't allowed to help heal anyone for a week!"

"Deal" they said in unison. Quickly they turned to planning their latest endeavor. Hope's role was to distract Ratchet while they painted his wrenches bright pink with paint stolen from the supply closet.

Hope shook her head but went off to find Ratchet.  She lucked out when she found him discussing shrapnel wounds with Ironhide.

"Greeting Hope. The twins finally giving you some space?

She smiled at him and remarked off-handly. "Actually, I snuck out. I imagine I have five minutes before they come looking for me."

A dry chuckle came from Ironhide. "I never thought those two would worry about anybot other than each other."

"I think they worry to much. I just wanted to go pick herbs in the forest today and they refused to let me go."

"Didn't they offer to go with you?"

"Well yes, but it would be more difficult to find what I needed on the ground when they won't let me out of their servos."

"Hmm." Ironhide looked over at Ratchet. "As I recall, Optimus was about to go on patrol. Perhaps you can join him"

Her eyes lighting up with excitement,  Hope flew up to Ironhide's helm and hugged him. He patted her between the wings and made a shooing motion.

"Now go before they come looking. We'll hold them off as long as we can."

"Thanks Ironhide and oh Ratchet? I'm really sorry about your wrenches. I hope you like pink!" she called as she flew away.

The two mechs stared after her before Ratchet turned to Ironhide. 

"Did she just say pink wrenches?"

At Ironhides nod, he growled, transformed and roared towards his medical bay. The twins afts were going to be glued to the wall this time!