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Zoanthropy has been around for as long as homo sapians have roamed this Earth. Around 20-30% of the population have this condition, whether for better or worse. Among those Zoanthropes, around 60-65% of them are werewolves.
The term "werewolf" comes from the Latin terms "lykos" for wolf and "anthropes" for man or human being. The first instance of a Lycantrope comes from the Paleolithic period, where it is said that a man who turned into a wolf during the full moon had the ability to curse others into his own condition.
For centuries, there have been numorous attempts to kill these Zoantropes, especially the Lycan kind. People called "Zoan Hunters" or "Lycan Hunters" are the ones to do the deadly job in which they hunt using the creatures' biggest weakness: silver.
"What are you reading, Chase?"
The cop-bot yelped with surprise hearing Heatwave speak to him.
"Don't interupt a bot while reading! At least whisper for that!"
The fire-bot's voice went lower with that. "Sorry, Chase. I was just checking in on you. You kinda disappeared on us as soon as you were finished patroling with the chief,"
"I did?"
"Yeah, you did. Now let me see what you're reading,"
The Rescue Bot sighed before showing his leader the cover of the book. "I've been interested in this book for quite a while. Have you heard of Zoanthropy?"
Heatwave nodded. "Yes, but why invest your time into reading about it? You aren't one to read up on the supernatural,"
Chase was reading again as he spoke. "This isn't just some story. You see, Zoanthropy is a real condition in which people are able to shapeshift into different animals. The most common and most hunted ones are Lycanthropes,"
"Werewolves?"
"Exactly! I was just about to read this part in which it talks about the hunts that they are victims of,"
Heatwave scoffed. "So what? Werewolves are dangerous, so there has to be a way to stop them,"
Chase gave an offended gasp. "Heatwave! Do you realize the unethicality of hunting Zoanthropes?!"
"They kill people, though! They use their shapeshifting powers to prey on unsuspecting humans,"
"That's the stereotype that gets people..."
The cop-bot paused before he started explaining. "Many believe that all Zoanthropes, especially Lycanthropes, condone violence against those who aren't Zoanthropes themselves. The truth is, Heatwave, that all Zoanthropes have the capability of knowing not to hurt others unless they intrude in their territory or hurt their young, just like actual animals,"
"So... as long as you leave them alone, they won't hurt you or anything?"
"Not a single scratch. In fact, the harmful stereotypes about Zoanthropes come from serial killers who have hunted and killed people using their animal form. They give these shapeshifters bad reputation,"
Heatwave raised an optical ridge at that. "Really? What evidence do you have of these shapeshifters being less violent that percepted?"
Chase grabbed his datapad to show footage he found of a Lycanthrope encounter that went well. When he showed his leader the video, it consisted of the cameraman getting nervous around a brown-haired werewolf, begging it to spare his life. The Lycanthrope just growled and left him alone. Once the camera switched to the shaken up cameraman, the police bot paused the video.
"The Lycanthrope you see here knew that the man was scared scrapless of him, so he growled at him as his way of calling him a coward before leaving him alone. Despite the Lycanthrope smelling fear in him, he didn't kill the cameraman, showing that he had the humanity in him to show some mercy,"
"Do you know who he is?"
Chase pulled up another article, showing an interview with a man regarding construction in a English town. "The Lycanthrope is theorized to be a British construction worker, according to Zoanologists. He has no confirmed kills as a Lycanthrope according to his friends who usually accompany him in roaming during the full moon. The reason why this is even shown is because Zoan hunting is illegal in that country,"
"You know what?" The fire bot replied. "Maybe the sentience is making sense..."
"Now you get it. The Zoanthrope killers make him look bad to others, which is why this power is kept a secret, even in places where hunting Zoanthropes is illegal,"
Heatwave thought for a moment before asking another question. "What is Griffin Rock's perception on Zoanthropes?"
Chase shivered before replying. "...they have a terrifying amount of Zoan Hunters with silver weapons... they're one of the most armed towns for Zoanthrope hunting in Maine... it is said that a serial killer in the 1800's killed half of this town's population in a Lycan form, which is why they arm themselves like this..."
The leader scoffed. "If they react like that to Zoanthropes, Primus knows what they'll do to us aliens..."
The cop-bot sighed before he continued reading from the book.
Heatwave gave a small nod to Chase before leaving.
When the fire-bot left, the police bot started whispering to himself.
"The moon... she will be full tonight, reigning in the edge of darkness to give light to human, Zoanthrope, and alien alike..."
Chase suddenly had a realization as he slammed his book. "WAIT!"
-----<3-----
In the garage, Blades and Boulder were discussing about the Burns family's next overnight trip to the woods, which was happening tonight.
"What I don't understand," Blades said. "Is why they seem to go into the forest in a random day every month! I know it could be a family bond time, but why not bring us?"
Boulder was pondering as he replied to Blades. "Maybe they just need time for themselves... we already spend a lot of time with them, so they might be thinking that we'll also enjoy time to ourselves,"
The copter bot shook his head. "Uh-uh, that can't be right! It gets soooo lonely without Dani! She knows it!"
The construction bot sighed. "I'm honestly unsure about anything if it's not that. It's strange, but if they don't want us to see why, we should respect it. I trust them,"
"Ugh! You sound like Chase!"
As soon as Blades said that, the police bot had risen up from the bunker.
"Ah, speak of the devil!"
"Eh... I'm not the devil, I am Chase,"
Boulder turned to the cop bot to let him join the discussion. "Hey, buddy. We were just discussing about the camping trips that the humans do once every month. Do you have ideas of why they do this in a random day per month?"
Chase paused as he was faced with a problem. He was sure why the Burnses left, but his theory may be dismissed since the two bots wouldn't believe they hide secrets.
"I... I don't want to invade their privacy..." He murmered. "Can we drop this conversation?"
"I told you, Boulder!" Blades shouted. "He won't be involved in this!"
While the two of them were arguing, Chase slowly tried to go back to the bunker so he could avoid the uncomfortable conversation he was being dragged in.
"Hold up!" Boulder said as he sprung up.
Blades grumbled before he responded. "What now?"
"...have you noticed that the Burnses only leave during a full moon?"
That got Chase to stop himself from going down. "You noticed, too..?"
"Um, excuse me..?" The copter bot asked with a confused look.
The cop bot walked up to the two bots and pulled out a paper with dates in which the Burnses left for their camping night.
"It is true that the humans only leave during a full moon. According to the dates I remember them leaving, it was always when she shone bright,"
The dates on the paper showed exactly that, full moon dates aligning with when the Burnses left. Blades was getting intrigued now.
"If they go out every full moon... it has to mean something important!"
Boulder pondered as he replied. "We know Zoanthropes exist, maybe they go out to look for them-"
"Wait," Blades interrupted. "Are you saying they're Zoan Hunters?!"
"What- no! They would show the insignia if they were! It's required by Griffin Rock law to do so!"
"Then what would they do?!"
"Maybe they try to protect Zoanthropes?"
Chase vented before he spoke. "Actually... maybe they're the ones being hunted..."
Blades and Boulder turned to the police bot. The construction bot was the first to respond. "Are you implying that the Burnses are Zoanthropes?"
Chase nodded. "Indeed. How they managed to keep it a secret for so long surprises me..."
"Actually, I think your theory is false!" Blades said. "That secret thing? Based on how ruthless Griffin Rock's Zoan Hunters are, no way they would've survived for that long!"
Heatwave interfered when he showed up. "If the Burnses could hide us from the public for so long, then they could hide their wild sides, too,"
Blades yelped at his leader's sudden appearence before replying nervously. "Ah... you're right... still, if the town found that out, Griffin Rock would go into anarchy because the entire town is against Zoanthropes!"
Heatwave shook his head. "If we were to help the Burnses, it's us versus the town. We could prevent them from killing our partners,"
Blades sighed pitifully before he heard sounds of packing from the Burnses.
"Today is a full moon day, June 23rd! Right?!"
Chase nodded again. "Yes. I've heard that Zoanthropes call this particular moon the 'Strawberry Moon' because that's when the fruit ripens. It's also a spiritual symbol of compassion and love,"
"Wow," Boulder murmered in awe. "Facsinating!"
The cop-bot smiled with that. As he was about to continue explaining about the spirituality of the moon, the Burnses were in the garage. Charlie turned to the Rescue Bots when his family showed up.
"You know the drill. We're headed out for the night in the forest. Stay in the firehouse and keep quiet,"
Heatwave sighed. "Come on... if you're going to keep going out like this, at least let us help you out. It's dangerous out there,"
The chief narrowed his eyes. "You know this, Heatwave. We always come back fine no matter what, and we know how to deal with a Zoanthrope encounter,"
"Sir," Chase said. "We really care about you and your family's wellbeing. If you need out help, you can contact us,"
The family patriarch shook his head. "Sorry, Chase. Even if you really insist, we have to do this alone,"
Blades sighed again. "Heatwave, Chase... it's not gonna work,"
Boulder shrugged. "If they want to do it alone, it's their choice. Just be careful, guys,"
"We will!" Cody replied with a cheerful tone.
"Especially you, Cody," Heatwave responded with a slight smile. He was always protective of the kid. It's hard not to like him, after all. The boy had a kind heart and determination like no other, making him invaluable as a human partner.
Cody smiled sheepishly. "I will, guys..."
Charlie nudged Cody so they could leave with the other siblings.
All of the Bots watched as their partners left the firehouse. When the Burnses were out of sight, Heatwave gathered all of his team into a circle.
"Okay... enough is enough. We'll have to go and see if our humans are the hunters or the hunted. We'll follow them to the forest,"
"What?!" Chase exclaimed. "There is no way we're following them! It's Chief's orders to stay in the firehouse!"
Blades counterpointed his Amica's argument. "Didn't you say that the Burnses would need the assistance they get?!"
"Yes, but-"
Boulder finished for Blades. "If our partners are the hunted, then we'll be able to give them protection from their town's Zoan Hunters. They're the enemies, right?"
Chase quietly nodded.
"Then you should follow us," Heatwave responded.
The police bot sighed. "Okay. I'll go,"
-----<3-----
It didn't take long for the Bots to catch up with the Burnses as they set up camp. They put up their tents, made a campfire, and were having some food to eat.
Blades and Boulder were on one side of the camp, just watching in silence and hidden by greenery and their auditory receptors listening in the comms.
Chase and Heatwave were on the other side close enough to see their partners, but far enough to not have them hear their voices.
"The moon will take her full force soon," The cop bot whispered.
"You always refer to the moon as 'she' or 'her', Chase... why?"
"The Zoanthropes refer to her that way because many things percieved to be beautiful are referred to like that. It's been like that for human centuries,"
"How interesting..."
"Oh! Shhh! Something is happening! She's almost here..."
The Burnses looked up at the moon as she was taking her full power. Heatwave, Chase, Blades, and Boulder were locked on sight to see what would happen.
It was just one single minute, and the reaction was instant. It was Cody that dropped to his knees first, then Graham, then Dani, then Kade, and finally, Charlie.
The Bots watched in shock as they saw their humans transform in real time. It all would look painful, but it also feels like they've been through all of it time and time again.
The first part was the shift from plantigrade to digitigrade. As this part was occuring, there was fur developing all over the family's bodies as they grew to a larger size.
The result of this was the tearing of their shirts in some areas, but not enough to completely come off their rapidly growing bodies.
The shouts that the Burnses made were turning into growls and howls, and that was what was making the Bots realize just how painful it must be to be a Zoanthrope.
Or better yet... a Lycanthrope.
The last things to show up on the transforming family were their muzzles, then their tails, and then their wolf ears. Their human ears were basically absorbed into their bodies at that point.
Everything went quiet. The Bots were speechless as the Burnses stood up, one by one, opening their eyes to reveal those of wolves.
The family all had slightly different structures, but it seemed they were still similar, just like a wolf pack.
What was vastly different was their fur color, all like their humam hair color. Charlie's fur was a silver like grey, Kade was bright orange, Dani was dark brown, Graham was light brown, and Cody was golden.
"Whoa..." Heatwave thought to himself. This was all interesting and a little bit terrifying at the same time. Now he really understood Chase's interest in Zoanthropes.
Blades was just about to nope out when he suddenly saw Cody act first. He was yipping with a happy tone as he lept onto Charlie.
It definetly seemed that the boy was more playful and a bit mischivious as he messed with his dad, who wasn't too bothered by his rough play, but still held Cody down to calm him.
The copter bot stopped and realized how adorable the scene was. "Awww!"
Chase smiled in his alt mode. "It seems that my research still stands that young Zoanthropes like Cody are like animal babies when they're in their animal form,"
While Charlie and Cody were interacting, Kade and Dani were playfighting with each other while Graham admired the scenery around him.
"It also stands that there is sentience in Zoanthropes," The police added. "They still have aspects of their personality when they are in their animal form,"
"Man.." Heatwave murmered. "You really opened our optics,"
"Yeah," Boulder agreed. "How haven't I explored this before? And why does everyone want Zoanthropes dead when they're this friendly?"
Chase sighed sadly. "Unfortunately, this is from harmful stereotypes about them having murderous intent. Many stories involve that type of mess,"
The construction bot frowned. "It's a discriminantory thing, yes?"
"Indeed,"
While the Burnses were at their camp, Cody and Graham started sniffing in specfifc directions. The youngest werewolf was on sight of Heatwave and Chase while the second youngest was on sight of Boulder and Blades.
"Ah scrap..." Heatwave sighed. "Do they smell us from afar?"
"Lycanthropes have incredible sense of smell," Chase replied. "Don't be scared. They'll recognize us,"
"I'm not worried about an attack. I'm just worried about Chief's scolding,"
It didn't take long before Cody, Charlie, and Kade found the fire bot and cop bot.
"Um... hey, guys," Heatwave said with a uncharactaristicly nervous tone.
Cody yipped loudly as he excitedly ran circles around Heatwave's vehicle mode, obviously happy to see him.
"Whoa, slow down, don't hurt yourself!"
Charlie gently grabbed his youngest by the scruff with his teeth. It didn't hurt the pup, but it did make him bark and squirm a bit.
When the alpha wolf let go of Cody, he looked at the two bots with a bit of disapproval. Meanwhile, Kade was growling at Heatwave for not following the rules.
"We're sorry, Chief..." Chase sighed with shame. "We were just curious and we couldn't help but search for you..."
Charlie put a reassuring paw on his partner's car hood before he gestured to come back to the camp.
Meanwhile, the interactions between Graham, Dani, Boulder, and Blades were a little less confrontational as the wolves cuddled up to their Rescue Bot partners' servos and let them bring them back to camp.
"Dani's adorable like this!" The copter bot exclaimed.
"Graham's cute, too. Look at him!"
The werewolf engineer was a bit sleepy as he was craddled by Boulder, so the pilot barked at her brother to wake him up.
Graham growled with some annoyance, but he let it slide.
"Don't worry, buddy," The construction bot whispered. "You'll get plently of sleep,"
The wolf yawned in response as he curled up.
Once everyone was back at the camp, the Bots were with their partners while Cody was running around Heatwave and playing in the area.
Blades and Dani were playing with each other, Boulder let Graham sleep, Heatwave and Kade were being a little rough with each other, and Chase talked while Charlie listened.
When the sun rose in the horizon, the Burnses shapeshifted back into their human forms. Seeing their slightly torn clothing, they went into their tents to change into fresh, untorn ones.
Once all of then were out, Charlie crossed his arms at the Bots, who were all smiling nervously.
"I guess we have a lot to explain?"
"No, Sir," Heatwave replied. "We both have secrets to keep, and we'll make sure they stay that way,"