Work Text:
Everyone forgot that the Protectobots were warriors.
First Aid was a gentle soul, tending to the wounded in med-bay, avoiding conflict at all costs. Hot Spot was a calm leader, measured in her words and actions. Streetwise was a soft-spoken explorer, and Groove was a kind dreamer. Rook was a promising, humble student, and Blades was a shy, cautious youngster. Defensor herself was a steady, constant presence.
It was this that made them look like easy targets, and that which made their aggressors regret every decision that had led them to it.
Tales told of steady hands that could disable without injury, leaving you vulnerable until a medic took pity on you…. Of a voice like thunder that chilled the veins…. Of a sharp grin there-and-gone…. Eyes in the darkness that saw to your spark…, the keenest of wits that divined your thoughts before you knew you had them…, and a savage warrior with whirling blades. And, lest one forget, a lumbering giant with the mythical strength of Titans.
Those who knew their reputation on the battlefield had trouble reconciling it with the soft touches and gentle words that greeted them as friends, offered them help.
They were kind.
They were kind because they knew the darkness - had come from it - and would gladly inhabit it once again to protect others from what they knew lay inside it.