Could there be like a beast mode secret club that the recruits make? So when hoist becomes a dino bot princy, lazier beak, and slash just kid a kidnap him and ask him to join? I think it would be adorable. The other recruits would have no idea. Professor grimlock is their leader.
OMG YES!!! Time for a Hoist backstory rewrite, because your ask made me have a lightbulb moment ✨💡✨
When Hoist was first forged their first alt mode they scanned was reminiscent of a basic Cybertronian tow truck. And as they continued their endeavors at the academy on Earth, they decided to scan an alt mode that they new suited them more. The more Hoist grew into their new alt mode, with its Earth inspired features, the more they felt connected to their personal goal to become a Rescue Bot.
As time passed, everything kept changing for the recruits as they were entering the later section of the school year. They acquired academic advisors, and Hoist’s new advisor was Grimlock. Even if Hoist had an internalized fear of Dinobots, they got along spectacularly; leaving Hoist less and less fearful of their advisor’s more rambunctious nature.
The closer Hoist got to Grimlock, the more Hoist started growing out of their timid nature, and they started embracing a more confident persona. Then as soon as they realized how much potential they’ve grown to have, Hoist decided to give up their recent alt- in favor of an alt that best represented their newfound personality.
Of course, Hoist chose a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Inspiring himself to be more adaptable with their own growing expectations and physical strength.
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As soon as the new school year started, there were new students to be introduced to the rest of the recruits.
And a few of these recruits happen to also have animalistic alt modes. There’s Laserbeak with a raven protoform, Slash with a raptor protoform, and Prince with a two-headed dragon protoform. Unlike Hoist, they were all forged with beast-like protoforms. Thanks to their shared experiences of being subcategories of a traditional Beastformer, they started a little…club. Including a secret special guest.
—-
They were hesitant at first, but they decided to make Hoist an honorary member.
The initiation had begun.
As Hoist was practically carried off to the meeting as the club gave them the full rundown of what was happening. Hoist was flattered, but as soon as they explained that they chose a Dynobot alt, instead of being forged with one, they thought the group would let them go.
Instead of letting Hoist resign, the Beastformer Club chose to keep them there for a bit longer, so that they could put them through phase two of initiation…
Prince bursting through the ceiling vent: I’M BACK! Hey Hoist! Just one thing left to do before your admission into Beastformer Club is official.
Prince pulling out Ambassador Deathsaurus’s old helmet filled with energon: DRINK UP!
Hoist: WOAH- WAIT- W-WHAT? How did you even get that?
Prince: Oh- right, yeah. Back home Deathsaurus lost a fight with King and he left this beaut just laying around. It has a BIG crack in it.
Hoist: O- Okay… so where do I… drink it from?
Slash: I suggest the top left eyehole. Heard on a blog that said it was good luck.
Laserbeak: Obviously the mouth, it lets you consume it faster.
Prince: What? No! Drink it from the crack!
Hoist’s inner voice: What the hell did I get myself into?
Grimlock on the security camera: What the hell did this kid get themself into?