Mirage sat on the floor behind Optimus, waiting at the base exit for his brother to return. Mirage fidgeted with his claws, fighting the uneasy feeling in his spark. Hearing footfalls behind him, the youngling looked over his shoulder, seeing the cobalt blue femme.
"You've been sitting here for hours Mirage, don't you want to do something else?" Arcee sighed, beginning to get worried that her mech hadn't checked in yet.
"No." Mirage shook his helm, noticing the femme's concern.
"Okay." Arcee gave a small smile, before approaching the Prime. "Optimus have you heard anything from Soundwave in the last hour?"
"No, sorry Arcee. I have been speaking with Agent Fowler for the past hour." Optimus apologized, as Ratchet pulled up Soundwave's life signature.
Mirage leapt to his peds, hearing the familiar sound of high frequency chirping. Lazerbeak flew past the red youngling, flying around the base like a lunatic, almost colliding with the twins in the process.
"Lazerbeak!" Mirage called, gaining the large surveillance drone's attention.
Lazerbeak dove at the red youngling, twittering madly, as he landed next to Mirage.
"What's going on, where's Soundwave?" Arcee gasped trying to calm the erratic drone.
"Soundwave's life signature has turned off." Ratchet announced pointing to the monitor he read.
"Lazerbeak what happened to Soundwave?" Arcee quickly asked, panic beginning to set in her spark.
Lazerbeak immediately sent footage of violet mech being attacked and grounded by the Decepticon war ship, displaying it on the monitors.
"Soundwave's in trouble, Lazerbeak lead us to where they attacked him." Optimus turned towards the exit, where Mirage was already transformed ready to leave.
"Fragging cons are going to get it!" The twins hissed transforming.
"Ratchet, Bumblebee, stay here and alert us if Soundwave's signature returns. The rest of you roll out!" Optimus ordered, transforming, following the assassin and Drone out of the base.
Soundwave groaned, regaining consciousness as his shielding regenerated. Pushing himself up off the floor, he scanned the familiar area around him. He was in the heavily reinforced brig, on the Decepticon war ship. This prison room was intended for Shockwave's dangerous war creations.
With a heavy sigh, Soundwave walked over to the door to hack it, as he attempted to hack the door, the violet mech received a painful, immobilizing, shock from the room.
"You're finally awake, how grand." The familiar voice of the condescending air Commander spoke through the rooms speakers.
Soundwave hissed regaining his movements, looking up towards the ceiling. "Where are you cowering Starscream?"
"In the safety of the bridge, do you think I would be so stupid as to sit with your mutant frame, waiting for you to wake?" Starscream retorted in reply.
"It's been some time since I've heard your horrible sounding voice. Over all these cycles and it's still creepier than looking into Shockwave's optic." the familiar taunting voice of Soundwave's arch rival laughed over the intercom.
"What am I doing here Starscream? I'm not here to pilot the ship for you, either smite me, or release me." Soundwave demanded, ignoring Makeshift's hurtful taunting.
Starscream snickered venomously. "As much as I would love to extinguish your spark from this existence. You're simply a welcome gift from our Leader when he returns with a trusted asset."
"Where's you're spacebridge?" Soundwave calmly replied.
"Where do you think, completely out of range for any Autobots to reach." Starscream scoffed.
"Just outside of Earth's orbit..." The violet mech thought aloud, hearing the satisfying shocked gasp from the stupid air Commander. "You're clearly forgetting I have the ability of flight." Soundwave retorted, causing Starscream to once again break into laughter.
"You really believe you're one of them don't you? You poor delusional fool..." Starscream's voice dripped with venom.
"You really think yo're getting out of here alive, faceless? You're more delusional than your brother, and that's saying something, considering that sparkling was insane from the get go." Makeshift laughed with the seeker.
Soundwave ignored the rude remarks, attempting to conjure up a ground bridge for an escape. Only to receive another painful shock.
"Your efforts are futile Soundwave! Whatever mutant powers you attempt to use will be retaliated against by this weaponized brig!" Starscream hissed through the intercom.
"So sit tight, we must go welcome our Master." Makeshift cackled, ending the communication to the violet mech's prison cell.
"Fuck!" Soundwave swore under his breath, he had to think quickly. He couldn't allow the Decepticons to gain any of the vital Autobot information he had gathered over the past few months. Sighing deeply, knowing he would have to delete all and any Autobot details in his memory banks. Thinking for a moment, Soundwave realized he had felt a little lighter in his torso area, looking over his own frame he realized Lazerbeak was lucky enough to have escaped the attack. Soundwave knew his beloved pet would've returned safely to the team. He could send Lazerbeak his backup memory files, in hopes that he could regain important Autobot information that he would be deleting from his memory banks. He had never attempted such an act, unknowing to the possible consequences. The violet mech knew he had no other choice. Hearing multiple peds heading towards his cell door, Soundwave quickly voided all memories that could potentially reveal the sensitive Autobot information, including the base location.
Mirage lit up all his advanced scanners, pacing around the desert searching for even the faintest sign of his brother's signature.
"Mirage are you able to pick up on anything?" Optimus asked the red youngling, that was desperately searching for any trace of a trail to his brother's whereabouts.
"No." Mirage sadly shook his helm.
"You think they took him prisoner?" Sideswipe asked, worried for the young mech.
"Megatron must be returning from his voyage. The only reason the Decepticons would take a traitor prisoner, is so that Megatron could have the honour of killing that traitor himself." Optimus thought aloud, staring into the night sky. "Ratchet we need a ground bridge."
"Most likely with Shockwave by his side..." Arcee growled following the Prime through the ground bridge, gaining Mirage's full attention.
"No Soundwave?" Ratchet asked as the team reentered in the base.
"Most likely captured for execution. There was no trace of Soundwave anywhere." Ironhide replied to the old medic.
"If Shockwave's returning with Megatron, won't they just try to convert Soundwave back to their side?" Sunstreaker suggested with skepticism.
"That may be possible, if Shockwave suggests that. But I would be more concerned with the information they can siphon from Soundwave, such as our base location." Ratchet mentioned turning to the Prime.
"I believe Soundwave would not allow that. He's fiercely loyal, and would do anything to protect the team. Even if it means making a grave sacrifice." Arcee replied to the twin's skepticism.
"Fiercely loyal to who though? And even if he didn't tell, surely Shockwave has the ability to crack him open and see." Sunstreaker scoffed, causing Arcee to angrily leave the room before she killed the golden twin.
"Lord Megatron are you sure you want to go in there?" Starscream nervously asked his leader.
"I wouldn't worry my Lord, anything Soundwave does in this brig will be met with punishment." Shockwave reassured the Warlord, making Starscream scowl at him.
Megatron entered the brig with the two mechs in tow. Soundwave stood like a statue, in the middle of the large brig. His back turned towards the door, he listened as the three mechs approached him.
"Welcome back to the Nemesis Soundwave." Megatron's evil voice made Soundwave feel sick to the core. "It's unfortunate that your visit will be short lived!" The warlord scoffed charging his fusion canon.
"Starscream did you interrogate Soundwave, for any of the information he has gained over the time he's been with the Autobots?" Shockwave quickly asked the Seeker, as Megatron took aim.
"No, I have not. Soundwave would've been reluctant to give any information." Starscream replied cringing at the sight of the violet mech.
"Lord Megatron, may I suggest we do a cortical psychic patch, to gain the location of the Autobot base, and any other valuable information." Shockwave interrupted the Warlord's execution.
Megatron growled, with a venomous grin. "Excellent idea Shockwave. Knockout, come to the enforced brig, and prep Soundwave for transport!" The warlord called the medic, as he exited the brig with Starscream and Shockwave.
Knockout hurried to the brig as Megatron exited it.
"Shockwave is going to share your medical facility, Doctor. Starscream help Knockout transport Soundwave." Megatron ordered as he continued down the hallway with Shockwave.
Knockout cringed as he stepped into the brig with the seeker. "Won't he just strike us down!?"
"Not while he sits in this room!" Starscream scoffed, slamming Soundwave down to the ground.
Soundwave hissed, trying to push himself back up, only to have his helm and frame slammed back down into the floor. Soundwave attempted to retaliate against the seeker, but was once again shocked by the room, just for using his physical strength against the mech.
"I don't think so, I've been waiting for deca cycles to do this!" Starscream sinisterly cackled, digging his claws into the violet mech's shoulder drawing energon.
"All those endless cycles of being spied on, getting redircted by your logic, playing second fiddle to your accomplishments! I finally get to repay you!"
Soundwave felt incredibly degraded, as he was manically beaten by the seeker, with no chance of defending himself. Between every blow, Soundwave got a glimps of the Decepticon medic, who watched with a merciless smirk.
"Okay Knockout, knock him out." Starscream said, catching his breath, satisfied with the damage he inflicted on the young mech.
"With pleasure." Knockout continued to smirk as he used his energon prod to electrocute Soundwave into paralysis.
"Indulged yourself did you Starscream?" Megatron raised an optic ridge at the seeker. Noticing the bleeding slash marks on the young mech's frame.
"Just a little bit my Lord, I thought it would be better if he was weakened, just as a precaution if he attempted escape." Starscream sheepishly grinned, as he and Knockout strapped the young mech into the upright berth.
"Don't be ridiculous, you merely scratched his paint. It would take more than your weak attacks to seriously cause Soundwave any damage." Shockwave scoffed, attaching a cord to the back of his helm.
"My attacks are not weak, I'd be happy to give you an example..." Starscream hissed glaring at the one opticed mech.
"Starscream, make yourself useful and check on the troops!" Megatron growled, backing Starscream out of the med bay.
Soundwave tried his best to wriggle free from the berths restraints, as the mad scientist approached him with the cord.
"Don't struggle, this will be quick youngling." Shockwave warned, as he attached the other end of the cord to the back of Soundwave's helm, inducing the cortical psychic patch.
Optimus tapped away vigorously at the monitors console, looking for any sign of his apprentice's signal.
"So what's our top priority Optimus?" Sunstreaker asked walking over to the Prime, who was monitoring for any signs of Soundwave.
"Our top priority is to find Soundwave, get him back safely." Optimus replied to the judgemental twin.
"Can we let Mirage loose now?" Ironhide scoffed gesturing to the worried youngling.
"I don't believe at this moment, that sending Mirage out to find the Decepticons is going to help in this situation. Megatron will no doubt be keeping his ship in flight, with no energon pick ups." Optimus sighed placing a caring servo on his worried son's shoulder.
"This is hopeless!" Arcee cried out in frustration, feeling incredibly helpless and incapable of helping her mech.
"Don't give up Arcee, we're going to get Soundwave out of there." Jazz tried to reassure the upset femme.
"Wait, can't Soundwave just bridge himself off the ship?" Bumblebee questioned, looking over at his father.
"If Shockwave has truly returned, Soundwave's ability's may be limited, if not completely revoked." Ratchet replied to the scout's question.
Lazerbeak had received Soundwave's back up memory data, that he purged from his processor. Lazerbeak had no way to communicate to that to the team, laying defeatedly next his master's berth.
Arcee sighed walking into her room, to see her mech's surveillance drone sadly laying on the ground. "We'll get him back Lazerbeak, we just got to keep some hope." Arcee tried he best to sound confident, stroking the depressed drone, trying to give some sort of comfort to her sparkmate's loving pet.
Shockwave pulled the cord from the violet mech's helm, and his own. Turning to the unhappy warlord. "It seems Soundwave has erased any evidence of the Autobot data including the base. The only memory Soundwave retains, is that he joined the Autobots back on Cybertron, so he may very well think we're on Cybertron still."
"Soundwave must've purged any data he had recorded on his drives..." Megatron scoffed glaring at his unconscious son.
"I hate to be repetitive my liege, but again Mirage is a lost cause, and should be destroyed. But Soundwave has given me a motive." Shockwave began, gaining his Lordship's full attention.
"And what may that be?" Megatron narrowed his optics suspiciously at the mad scientist.
"Since Soundwave's already erased most of his memory banks with the Autobots. I could simply block what is left of Soundwave's betrayal to you, so he will have no recollection of being with the Autobots. Therefore becoming your top soldier once more." Shockwave suggested, causing the warlord to smirk evily.
"Do it with haste Shockwave, I very much have missed your diabolical mind." Megatron praised the evil scientist, as he began to leave the med bay.
"My Lord?" Shockwave called halting the warlord in his tracks.
"What is it?" Megatron looked over his shoulder.
"Going through Soundwave's memories, I found that positive mental stimulation provided by most of team Prime. Along with the close bonds created in a short amount of time being around Prime, Mirage, and the femme, seemed to almost hypnotize, and completely earn the youngling's devoted loyalty and trust." Shockwave explained to the warlords disliking.
"Your point Shockwave?" Megatron hissed turning halfway towards the purple mech.
"May I suggest creating a more intimate bond with Soundwave? I believe it may create a stronger loyalty and keep him from betraying you." The mad scientist warily suggested to the angered warlord.
"Complete your work Shockwave, I do not wish to here about the sensitivities of my own youngling..." Megatron lowly growled, exiting the med bay.
"You think the big M is actually going to listen to your advice?" Knockout casually asked, as he induced Soundwave into stasis, while he began removing the young mech's Autobot shields.
"Perhaps, but I am not going to enforce it. As there isn't enough research behind the subject." Shockwave replied, as he began to tamper with a few of Soundwave's memories.
Every Autobot had turned in for the night, except Optimus. Mirage wanted to assist his father, but the Prime insisted that he rest, so he may be fully alert, and able to find his brother.
Mirage peeked his helm out of his bedroom, seeing his father continuesly scanning the monitors in the main room. His extra sensitive audio receptors picking up soft sobbing coming from down the hallway. Mirage snuck out of his room, following the cries to Arcee's quarters. "Cee?" Mirage cocked his helm at the crying femme as he entered the room.
"Mirage!" Arcee quickly leapt off her berth onto her peds. "What are you doing awake?" she asked wiping away her tears.
Mirage didn't really know what words to assemble in order to ask if his brother's sparkmate was okay. Mirage simply walked over and hugged the femme, to her surprise.
Arcee smiled a warm chuckle. "Thanks Mirage, I really needed that." Arcee promptly hefted the comforting youngling into her arms. "I really miss him..." the femme sighed, sitting herself back on her berth.
"Me to." Mirage said in agreement with the sad femme.
"I know little one. We'll get him back though, we're not the only ones fighting for him to come home. Soundwave will be fighting to come back to us to." Arcee reassured her mech's little brother.
Staring at the unconscious young mech laying on the medical berth, the grey seeker Commander cringed. "Are you certain it's wise for you to allow your freak creation to wake in the med bay, and not in his cage?" Starscream whined, warily watching the unconscious violet mech.
"I'm positive that there is nothing to be concerned about." Shockwave sighed at the whining Commander.
"Starscream activate the ships intercom!" Megatron hissed at Starscream, who quickly obeyed him. "Soundwave is once again aboard this vessel as a Decepticon. He is to be told that he was severely damaged in battle, during the fall of Cybertron, and has been in stasis since. Anyone who mentions his betrayal or the mention of him switching sides, will have their spark removed!"
"Ugh, I'm so glad he's back, keeping up with the maintenance has been such a pain!" Knockout and Starscream both sighed with relief.
"Soundwave is not your work relief!" Megatron snarled, causing both the medic and seeker to back away slowly from the warlord.
Soundwave's visor lit up as he awoke from stasis. Slowly sitting up on the berth, his helm was incredibly disoriented, he tried to look around his surroundings, as the room began to spin. Causing him to fall off the side of the berth, making Starscream and Knockout visibly jump.
"Easy Soundwave, you've been in stasis for quite sometime. You're still recovering." Shockwave said, helping the young mech back onto the berth.
Soundwave held his helm, hoping to stop the spinning.
"How's Soundwave's recovery rate, Doctor?" Megatron turned to the snobby medic.
"Dizziness is just a side effect, you took a lot of damage, but it should only last a small while. I would advise minimal activity until the disorientation dissipates." Knockout quickly told the disoriented young mech.
"Soundwave, since you've been in stasis, Cybertron has fallen, and we have went forward with our plans to find other energon sources. We're now on Earth, a planet rich with energon among other things I suspect." Megatron explained to the silent young mech. "Once you're feeling adequately functional, I would like you to study the Cybertronian history of this planet. The Autobots have followed us here, and I would like to be well prepared with the knowledge of this planet. While the Autobots squander for an advantage over us."
Soundwave cocked his helm at the warlord, wondering why his father was actually showing him some sort of compassion towards his ill situation, and not just putting him straight back to work.
"Is that understood Soundwave?" Megatron asked his listening son.
All optics were on Soundwave, suspense grew as every mech in the room waited to see if Shockwave's little procedure actually worked.
Soundwave turned his helm to face the warlord, his processor finally able to focus his vision on the tyrant. After a few moments of getting his helm together, Soundwave nodded his helm, acknowledging his Master's demands.
There was a noticeable feeling of relief, and satisfaction, that filled the room. Megatron had an ear to ear evil grin. Overjoyed that he had accomplished revoking his brother's next Prime prospect, while regaining his most powerful soldier in the process. "Excellent Soundwave."
"Knockout!" Megatron growled making the fancy medic jump.
"Yes my Liege?" Knockout turned his full attention onto his master.
"Make, aiding Shockwave with Soundwave's recovery your top priority!" Megatron ordered, as he left the med bay with his second in command.
"As you command..." Knockout groaned at being Shockwave's servant once more.
Soundwave felt a vacany on his chest, looking down he soon realized that Lazerbeak was missing.
"He was severely damaged in your accident, and could not be recovered." Shockwave mentioned, noticing the young mech's concern over the vacancy in his torso.
Soundwave's spark fell into the pit of his stomach. His beloved pet, his partner, his best friend, was extinguished. The only one that supported, and comforted him through the toughest times in his life, was no more.
Shockwave and Knockout exchanged gazes, watching as Soundwave visibly sunk his frame into depression.
Knockout almost felt sympathy for the young mech. He knew Lazerbeak was more than just a surveillance drone to Soundwave. Knowing just how much the simple drone had helped the faceless mech through some rough patches.
"Perhaps when I have spare time, I can construct a similar drone for you." Shockwave offered the saddened bioluminescent mech.
Soundwave shrugged, shaking his helm no. He did not want a replacement drone to fill Lazerbeak's place. With a sigh, Soundwave hopped off the berth a small wave of dizziness overwhelmed his processor, throwing him off balance. The bioluminescent mech quickly recovered, making his way towards the med bay exit.
"Do you feel stable enough to begin your work?" Shockwave asked following the dizzy young mech.
Soundwave nodded, exiting into the corridor where the Eradicons that occupied it, feared his very existence.
The Eradicon soldiers that walked the hallway quickly stepped out of Soundwave's path, as the young mech strode towards the bridge.
"Lord Megatron, Soundwave is feeling up to task he's making his way to you as we speak. Please alert Knockout, or myself to his condition if it changes. If Soundwave is still disoriented, he will not be able to function properly enough to work." Shockwave called his master over the comlink, while Soundwave disappeared down the hallway.
"Makeshift I am well aware of your rivalry with Soundwave. I care not about it. But if you as so much taunt him about your last encounter, you will cease to exist in this universe." Megatron threatened the shapeshifter, as the bridge door swished open.
"Understood Lord Megatron." Makeshift nodded, watching as the slender young mech standing in the doorframe.
"Primus, it feels like forever since I've seen him walk through those doors." Starscream scoffed, as the young mech entered the bridge.
Soundwave strode towards the three mechs standing on the bridge catwalk. As a wave of dizziness came over him, he took an off step over the edge of the catwalk. Falling off the platform, slamming his torso on the catwalk platform, quickly using his arms to catch himself.
Both Starscream, and Makeshift snickered as the clumsy young mech attempted to pull himself back up.
Megatron growled, rolling his optics at the snickering mechs, striding towards the struggling young mech. Using one of his massive servos, Megatron grabbed, and lifted his son back onto the platform. "Soundwave are you certain you're ready to begin your work?" the warlord asked, as Soundwave stood up dizzily.
While the wave of dizziness passed, Soundwave cocked his helm curiously at his concerned father. *You sure you didn't take a blow to the helm? Why are you all of a sudden so concerned about me?* Ignoring his thoughts, Soundwave simply nodded his helm at the gunmetal grey mech.
"Alright then." Megatron gestured to the console at the end of the catwalk.
Soundwave walked over to the console without question, activating the monitor he began his work.
Mirage tore down the empty road, his scanners on high alert. Trying to detect either the Decepticon war ship, or his brother's signature. It had been four days since Soundwave's capture, and not a single Decepticon was to be found, not even an Eradicon minor.
"Mirage slow down, speeding down the road isn't going to find Soundwave faster." Jazz called after the speeding Ferrari.
Mirage slowed down so the Porsche could drive alongside him. "Sorry..."
"It's alright lil red, I know you're just determined to find your brother. But since the Cons have gone dark, we're in a holding pattern. We're just going to have to wait and see if the Cons slip up, and reveal themselves." Jazz replied to the determined youngling.
"Hope, Wave's okay." Mirage sighed as they came up to a fork in the road.
"I'm sure he's alright lil red, If he wasn't. Megatron would be after us, and causing chaos without caring about the consequences of us stopping him." Jazz reassured the young assassin as they turned onto the next road.
Arcee paced around behind the old medic and the Prime, both hard at work on the monitors.
"Arcee why don't you go on patrol?" Ratchet sighed growing tired of the femme's pacing.
"I just got back." Arcee retorted, stopping her pacing. "Sorry, I'm just worried. It's been four days, and absolutely no activity from the Decepticons."
"Don't give up hope Arcee, the Decepticons can't hide forever." Ratchet tried to reassure the upset femme.
"I know, but if they're hiding, that means they don't want us to rescue Soundwave. If Megatron returned with his mad scientist, then surely Shockwave convinced Megatron to spare Soundwave..."
"You're worried Shockwave has altered Soundwave back to when he served the Decepticons." Optimus sighed, saying what the femme was thinking.
"Yes, I dread to think of it. But if Mirage has to battle his brother after having him here, it's going to devastate him." Arcee replied trying not to hold back her tears.
"He's not the only one that will devastated. Arcee we understand how upsetting this is for you." Optimus placed a caring servo on the femme's shoulder.
"I'm going to go on patrol..." Arcee sighed refusing the Prime's comforting. Transforming she quickly drove out of the base.
"Optimus, Arcee is not wrong. Shockwave must've altered Soundwave, there's no other explanation as to why Megatron is going to great lengths to avoid us." Ratchet said turning to the red and blue mech.
"I agree, but it will only be for so long. Megatron enjoys flaunting his victories in his enemies face." Optimus lowly growled, as Ironhide walked around the monitors from the med bay.
"Especially if his victory, is one of the most powerful weapons in the Decepticon army. Which in turn, is a major threat to us, and the humans." Ironhide scoffed joining the conversation.
"I'm not one to agree with Ironhide often, Optimus we know what Soundwave's capable of. He caused most of our losses on Cybetron." Ratchet warly added to the weapon specialist's point.
"If we can't get Soundwave back on our team, we may just have to take him out." Ironhide shrugged, as Optimus glared at both old mechs.
"I believe you two are jumping to conclusions. We will get Soundwave back. Even if Shockwave and Megatron have corrupted Soundwave's mind. I believe that Soundwave has always been an Autobot in his spark." Optimus refused to believe the older mechs worries.
Soundwave tapped away at the console keys, reviewing the war ships maintenance scheduled reports. The reports were incredibly bad, and worsening. Sighing in annoyance, Soundwave knew he was going have to do his maintenance rounds around the ship. *Primus, it's like no one kept up on anything, while I was in stasis...*
"Show me your leadership skills... everyone respects your leadership differently... keep an open mind..." Soundwave hissed in pain, grabbing his helm as a sudden flash of pain, followed by a muffled baritone voice washed through his helm.
"Agh!" Starscream yelped as he was hit across the room.
Shaking off his pain, Soundwave turned his helm, watching the seeker tumble to a screeching halt behind him. Watching as Megatron continued to curse at the grovelling seeker.
"How is it you had time to taunt and get your aft beaten by the Autobots! But you couldn't manage to find the time to defend our energon mines from being taken by the Autobots!" Megatron shouted at the sniveling Commander.
"My Liege, I... I... they were small mining operations, a minor victory for the Autobots..." Starscream sheepishly smiled, as the manic warlord towered over him.
"Yes but if you recall, the Autobots struggle with finding energon, since we control most of it. And if they're squandering for energon, they will eventually cease to exist. Maybe that's what you should do!" Megatron snarled winding up to strike the panicking Seeker Commander.
Starscream coward, screwing his optics shut tightly as the warlord's clawed servo swung down at him.
Soundwave winced, as his arm that shielded the seeker from the gunmetal grey mech's might was struck incredibly hard, almost causing Soundwave to lose his footing. *Stop!*
"WHAT?!" Megatron bellowed enraged at his son's actions.
Starscream gasped, surprised to be unharmed. He was completely flabbergasted as he looked to see who his saviour was.
Soundwave slowly removed his arm from in front of the Seeker Commander. The young mech was just as shocked as everyone else was. He had actually protected the seeker, and defied his leader all in one move. "I see the spark of a Prime in you." Soundwave winced in pain, placing a servo on his helm, as another wave of pain shot through his processor.
Megatron's irritated rage, soon turned into a malice expression, snatching his son by the collar. "Soundwave, how dare you interrupt me!"
Soundwave grabbed his father's arm trying to release himself, while shaking his helm in pain.
Megatron tightened his grip his claws piercing the violet mech, about to strike his own son down. The tyrant hesitated, seeing as Soundwave already seemed to be in some pain. Megatron growled dropping the young mech to the floor.
Soundwave slowly picked himself up off the floor, wiping the energon dripping from his collar.
"Uh, clearly Soundwave's not feeling well. I'll take him to the med bay." Starscream quickly jumped to his peds, grabbing hold of the young mech's shoulders. "Come Soundwave, our master needs you in top shape." Starscream sheepishly grinned, hastily guiding the violet mech past the enraged but confused warlord, and out of the bridge.
"What the hell was that?" Makeshift scoffed walking over to the manic leader.
"I'm not sure... Shockwave!" Megatron growled walking over to one of the monitors, calling the mad scientist.
"Yes Master?" Shockwave replied, popping up on the monitor.
"Your mutant super soldier is unconsciously acting out against me! You better check his processor, and make sure the Autobots influences are purged from him completely!" Megatron warned, ending the call abruptly.
Soundwave regained his processor, realizing he was being escorted by the Seeker Commander. *Get off me, I don't need an escort!* the violet mech ducked away from Starscream's grasp, while they entered the med bay.
"Someone's feeling feisty today." Knockout retorted with a smirk.
"Ugh, you have no idea. I thought Megatron was going to snuff us both, after the stunt this youngling pulled." Starscream scoffed folding his arms, watching as Soundwave turned to glare at him.
"What's your problem now?" Starscream groaned glaring back at the visor.
Soundwave shook his helm at the seeker. *Youngling...* he would've rolled his optics if he could.
"Soundwave, can you tell me what's going on with you?" Shockwave asked approaching the young mech.
Soundwave turned his helm to face the purple mech. *Are you serious right now... do you know how many malfunctions are going on in this ship right now?*
"Oh sure now he's silent... you sure had a lot to say when I dragged you back onto this ship!" Starscream scoffed, receiving glares from Knockout and Shockwave.
Soundwave cocked his helm suspiciously at the Seeker. *Dragged me back onto the ship?*
Starscream quickly realized his mistake, as the faceless looked suspiciously at him. "When I pulled you off the battlefield, you broke that vow of silence, sputtering quite a bit of profanity before you went into stasis..." Starscream quickly attempted to backpedal.
Soundwave's confusion continued to grow as the seeker told him he broke his vow of silence. Even when he was in intensely painful predicaments he never screamed in pain, let alone speak. Although he was verbally arguing with his little brother quite often in their skirmishes on Cybertron. *Maybe I did slip up...* Soundwave thought to himself, before Megatron entering the med bay brought him out of his thoughts.
"So how's our Communications Chief Shockwave?" Megatron asked, while Starscream quickly snuck out of the med bay to go to his post.
"Unknown my Lord, Soundwave's keeping true to his vow of silence, and is refusing to explain what's happening to him." Shockwave replied, gesturing to the young mech that stared up at his father in fear.
Megatron groaned rolling his optics. "Soundwave, I revoke your vow of silence. You may speak freely once again." The warlord figured his son had realized the mistake he made cycles ago, and will never make it again.
Soundwave gave a cautious nod in acknowledgment, uncertain as to why his father was once again treating him kindly.
Shockwave once again repeated his question to the young mech. "Please tell me what's happening with you youngling?"
Soundwave continued to just stare in confusion, now at both mechs. *I must've blown a few fuses in my neuro cluster...* he was very confused as to why both bots that were the cause of all his torment, were all of sudden being practical and caring.
"Soundwave?" Shockwave called, once again regaining the violet mech's attention.
"I... I... am not certain..." Soundwave replied unwillingly, very quietly, he didn't want to disobey his Master's wishes and stay quiet. Thinking to himself, it had been four days since he had woken from stasis. Having no pain, or dizziness since his first waking, until now. The oddly familiar voices were a new symptom though.
"Speak up Soundwave, don't play shy, our patience grows thin." Megatron threatened the quiet young mech.
(I'm getting small pains in my processor, it's a little debilitating but not enough to interrupt my work. Which I need to get back to... excuse me Lord Megatron...) Soundwave nervously replied through text, before calmly exiting the med bay to go do the ship maintenance.
"I will monitor him Lord Megatron. Please alert me to any more odd behaviour, I may have to restructure Soundwave's processor to our needs, making him less self sufficient." Shockwave sighed to the gunmetal grey mech.
"See that you do Shockwave, I will keep trying your suggested tactic. But do know my patience is thin, especially with a traitor." Megatron hissed as he exited the med bay.
Soundwave walked down the hallway towards the ship's engine room. Going through the files he had stored on his drives, Soundwave attempted to find a match for the mystery voice. He couldn't really replay the strangely familiar voice, since he had only heard it during a flash of pain. *Perhaps it was some sort of flashback?* the violet mech thought to himself as he entered the ship's engine room. Finding the malfunction engine circuitry, he began his repairs. *Maybe it's a flashback to what had happened to me before I was severely damaged in battle?* he thought to himself shutting the little hatch that covered the engine circuitry.
Soundwave left the engine room, heading back towards the bridge so he may test out the ship's engine functionality. He gave an inaudible groan, seeing his childhood bully walking out of the bridge.
"Soundwave, the overgrown maintenance bot." Makeshift teased turning to see the faceless mech approaching the bridge. "No doubt you've just repaired one of the engines, we're flying a lot smoother now."
Soundwave didn't respond, stopping in front of the shapeshifter, who was blocking the door to the bridge.
"I'm so glad I didn't finish my training, I would've ended up as pathetic clerk, like you." Makeshift continued mocking Soundwave. "To think all that torturous training, and painful upgrades you have. Is all wasted away, because you're nothing more than Megatron's maintenance bitch."
Soundwave sighed in annoyance, something in the back of his mind told him not to beat the living scrap out of his nemesis. (Makeshift, we're not younglings anymore. This petty mockery is immature and unnecessary, don't you think it's about time you grow up?)
"Speak for yourself youngling. I'm eight cycles older than you, and you're the youngest one aboard this ship. So you are in fact a youngling." Makeshift scoffed, rolling his optics at the young mech.
"Maturity isn't just a number..." Soundwave replied verbally unamused.
"Primus, did Megatron actually grant you the ability to speak freely with that hideous voice of yours?" The pitch black mech cringed, making fun at Soundwave's unique vocal print.
Soundwave shut himself up, turning his helm away from the mocking mech. His voice was the one thing he was incredibly self conscious about. It was like no other Cybertronian's, his deep, dark, voice, masked by an auto tuned tone. It had been like that his entire life cycle. He often wondered if it was because he had some sort of trauma to his voice box, when he was a newly sparked sparkling.
"Do me a favour and don't speak to me, your annoying voice makes my audio receptors bleed." The shapeshifter smirked, seeing he had hit a nerve with his nemesis. "You shouldn't just be faceless, you should've been voiceless as well." Makeshift retorted, as he walked away from the young mech he successfully shut down.
"Gah! Soundwave, what are you doing just standing around?!" Starscream gasped in surprise after opening the bridge door, almost colliding with the ashamed young mech.
"Sss..." Soundwave went to quickly apologize to the Commander, but quickly stifled himself, causing Starscream to raise an optic ridge in confusion.
"Uuuh... here, back up a moment." Starscream whispered, backing the young mech a couple steps, so the door would shut behind him.
Soundwave stared curiously at the Commander, who looked like he really wanted to say something to him.
Starscream made sure the door was shut behind him. Then looking left, and right, making sure no one else was in the halls. Before turning his full attention back to the confused youngling. "Alright look, I know we've had our fair share of arguments, and much like everyone else on this war ship, I haven't treated you very kindly."
Soundwave listened intently as the Seeker spoke hurriedly while making sure no one was around.
Starscream sighed with a groan, his optics looking up at the ceiling as he spoke. "Look what I'm trying to say is... Thank you for shielding me from Megatron's abuse..." Starscream cringed as he thanked the young mech.
Soundwave cocked his helm modestly at the thankful Seeker. Before giving a small nod in acknowledgment.
"You risked your own spark for mine, that won't be forgotten. I have endured much of our Lordship's abuse, but not to your extent. I see now that perhaps instead of joining Megatron's abuse... I should've helped you, as you so selflessly did..." Starscream shamefully said, as he walked away from the violet mech, disappearing down the corridor.
Soundwave shook his helm, trying to make sure he was really awake. *I must be in an alternate universe...* Stopping just before stepping into the bridge another thought crossed his mind. *No, Starscream's not sparkless, treacherous maybe... everyone shows respect in different ways... keep an open mind Soundwave...* Soundwave sighed repeating what the voice in his helm had said to him. As he began his calibrations on one of the piloting consoles, Soundwave wondered why Megatron and Shockwave were acting somewhat kind to him as well. "Maybe they're not so opposed to showing kindness after all?" Soundwave unconsciously thought aloud, making the Eradicons next to him look over in disbelief.
"Are we supposed to report odd behaviour to Shockwave as well?" One the soldiers whispered to another.
"No! Just ignore it..." the second Eradicon nervously replied, seeing Soundwave's pitch black visor glaring at them.
Soundwave shook his helm, ignoring the two soldiers, turning back to the monitor he worked on.
Weeks went by and it seemed Megatron was growing more frustrated. The Autobots had been adamant in hunting them down, Soundwave had organized quite a few strategic war strategies, that had worked tremendously against the Autobots. But still Megatron was frustrated, especially when Soundwave was out in the battlefield monitoring their victories.
Soundwave was lost in his thoughts staring blankly at the monitor in front of him. He was having more and more visions and voices flashing through his mind, most prominent was the baritone voice, that seemed to be a voice of kind wisdom. That voice seemed to have a small influence on his actions, mainly causing Soundwave to do acts of kindness, and halt Megatron's abuse on the others around him.
"Damn, I can't figure this calibration out!" One of the nerby Eradicon soldiers growled to another.
"You better figure it out, or Lord Megatron will have your spark." The nerby Eradicon soldiers scoffed back at the now panicked soldier.
Soundwave cocked his helm thoughtfully, before walking over to the upset soldier.
"Soundwave!" The panicked soldier gasped, as the young mech stopped next to him.
"Busted!" The nerby Eradicon almost snickered at his fellow soldier.
Soundwave sharply turned his helm towards the snickering Eradicon soldier, his body position posing great irritation towards the laughing soldier.
The Eradicon quickly shut himself up, turning back to his work.
"Soundwave, please, I'm working on solving this issue, no need to inform our leader..." the nervous soldier told the faceless young mech.
Soundwave would have rolled his optics if he could've, holding his servo up to silence the whining soldier. The mech stared at him warily, as Soundwave began tapping away at the monitors keys, a few seconds later a successful bleep played, confirming the violet mech had solved the Eradicon soldier's problem.
"Oh... thank you sir." The surprised soldier thanked the young mech.
Soundwave nodded in acknowledgment, before returning to the monitor he was working on.
"Since when does Soundwave help us?" The other soldier whispered over to the one that received help.
"Soundwave's been acting differently ever since his return... he has been helping us all, he even repaired our barracks for us, after Megatron angrily destroyed most of it." The other soldier replied back to the nerby one.
"Well I guess these acts shouldn't be too surprising, he did unexpectedly save Starscream from our angered Lord." The nerby Eradicon soldier shrugged.
"I thought Megatron was going to strike them both down when Soundwave did that!" The helped soldier whispered back.
Soundwave did his best not to listen in on the soldiers conversation, once again staring blankly at the monitor in front of him. He began to wonder if he was truly acting oddly, since his awakening. Reviewing his kind gestures he had been doing behind his father's back, over the last few weeks. Soundwave realized he was clearly behaving more like an Autobot, rather then his usual solemn disposition. But it was that barritone voice that seemed to flash in his mind whenever something horrible was either in progress, or had previously happened.
"I don't know Knockout, I kinda got used to the feeling of not having that creepy faceless youngling lurking around here." Breakdown scoffed to his partner as they entered the bridge.
"Yeah well if you really look at it, nothing has really changed, he may as well be one of the monitors." Knockout snorted, locking his optics onto the blankly starting violet mech.
Soundwave deflated with a sigh, trying to ignore the stupid comments sputtering from the two mechs. He focused his attention back to his studies of the planet they resided on.
"Knockout, Breakdown, quit your chatter and listen!" Megatron hissed as he entered the bridge.
"The Autobots are growing ruthless in their efforts. I need you two to guard one of our major mining operations that are in this region. Starscream is already there, I don't intend on allowing the Autobots to claim such a large quantity of energon, it's almost all prepped and ready for pick up. Losing it would cause a dent in our fuel supply and your quality of life."
"Your will be done my Liege. Those Autobots won't know what hit them." Knockout bowed, assuring his Master they could accomplish the job.
Soundwave watched as the two mechs left the bridge. That mining operation seemed quite important, walking up to his father he wondered if he should go to help with the mine as well. "I need you two to guard one of major mining operations." Soundwave played back what Megatron had said to Knockout and Breakdown.
"We have quite a few soldiers down there now, I don't believe it would be necessary for you to join them." Megatron replied, speaking over his shoulder.
"Autobots growing more ruthless, losing it would cause a dent to our fuel supply, and quality of life." Soundwave argued with his father.
Megatron growled, finally turning around to face the young mech. "This is a major operation, you have been monitoring our battles, not joining them! You would need to be cleared by Shockwave first!" the warlord hissed, making up a realistic sounding excuse.
Soundwave nodded, exiting the bridge, making his way towards the laboratory. The closer he got to the laboratory doors, the harder his angst filled spark began to pound.
Shockwave barely looked up from the monitor he was working on when the young mech entered his laboratory. "Soundwave, what brings you here?"
Soundwave froze, staring at all the dreadful, pain inflicting tools sprawled out on a tray, next to the upright berths.
Shockwave cocked his helm noticing the youngling's paralyzing dread. "Do you need something?"
"You would need to be cleared by Shockwave" Soundwave replayed Lord Megatron's words.
"Cleared for what youngling?" Shockwave asked, turning away from the monitor he worked on.
"Guard a major mining operation." Soundwave replied through his audio recordings.
"Soundwave, why do you speak through recordings, when our Master revoked your vow of silence?" Shockwave ignored the violet mech's initial query.
"You're annoying voice makes my audio receptors bleed." The violet mech played the voice recording of Makeshift's mockery.
"Youngling, Makeshift is the last mech you should listen to, he barely holds more purpose than one of the Eradicons. He's just sore that you have superior skills over him." Shockwave scoffed walking over to the faceless mech.
Soundwave didn't respond, still waiting for his original question to be answered.
"You may be cleared for guard duty. As long as you tell me what your plan is if the Autobots raid it?" Shockwave scoffed to the young mech that looked away from him in annoyance.
(I will crush them... what else would I possibly do?) Shockwave sighed in annoyance, while he read the young mech's text, that could only be seen as a sarcastic response. "Soundwave, I know you are more than capable of crushing the Autobots. It's a matter of whether you will crush the Autobots?"
(Why would you even question...)
"As you surely know, your brother is on the Autobots Earth team. And in the past has created a great dilemma for you, considering Mirage had convinced you to retaliate against me and Megatron in the past." Shockwave held up his clawed servo, stopping the violet mech from replying.
Soundwave looked away shamefully, Shockwave wasn't wrong. But the fact was, Megatron was actually willing to allow him on a meaningful mission.
"You need to decide where you pledge your allegiance youngling. Because either way you will be offlined by either the Autobots, or Megatron." Shockwave threatened gaining Soundwave's attention.
"You have a kind hopefulness in your spark..." Soundwave gave a noticeable wince, as he received a sharp flash of pain.
Shockwave cocked his helm curiously at the young mech. "I need you for an upcoming mission, so make haste, and defend the mine until the energon is ready for transport."
Soundwave regained his focus, quickly nodding. Conjuring up a ground bridge to the mining facility, he quickly walked through meetings Starscream and Makeshift on the other side.
"Oh great Shockwave sent his attack drone." Makeshift snorted, as Soundwave made his way over to them.
Starscream rolled his optics walking away from the shapeshifter. "Soundwave, finally someone competent. Makeshift, why don't you make yourself useful, and go check on the mine entrance. Make sure Knockout isn't trying to keep the dust from landing on his finish." The Seeker Commander hissed at the shapeshifter, after Soundwave stopped next to him.
"Fine." Makeshift growled, walking towards the mine lift.
Soundwave to Starscream's surprise, followed Makeshift to the lift. (I'm going to check how far along the miners are.)
"Very well Soundwave, make it quick." Starscream replied watching as the lift went down.
Soundwave stood rigidly, staring straight forward as the lift continued downwards. Soundwave mentally smirked, seeing Makeshift fidgeting uncomfortably, as he tried to inconspicuously watch Soundwave's emotionless frame.
As the lift touched the base of the ground, Soundwave gestured with his arm for the his nemesis to walk off the lift first.
"Thanks..." Makeshift hesitantly walked off the lift, continuing on down the tunnels.
Soundwave watched the shapeshifter disappear down the tunnel, stepping off the lift Soundwave got a sudden jolt of pain in his helm, it actually froze his movements. He hissed in pain, as he got a blurry vision of him standing in a mine, across from Makeshift, who set off a bomb. The explosion jolted him out of the vision. As he recollected his processor, he realized he was being lifted off of the ground.
"Soundwave are you alright?" Starscream asked with concern, helping the young mech off the ground.
Soundwave stood up, his spark beating as if it going to explode out of his chest. Brushing the seeker off of him, he turned to the Commander. (What happened?)
"The moment you stepped off the lift, you collapsed to your knees." Starscream replied taking a step back.
Soundwave stared forward blankly, giving a small nod. He shrugged off the odd vision, continuing his way towards the mining Eradcons.
"STARSCREAM REPORT!" Starscream gasped as screams of Megatron's voice came from the monitor at the top of the lift. "Scrap!" The Seeker Commander quickly transformed flying back up the lift.
Soundwave walked around the nervous miners, noting that a great amount of energon was ready for transport. (I'm going to start sending energon through a bridge, most of it is ready now.) the violet mech sent a text to the Seeker, who gave him the go ahead in return.
Soundwave opened a ground bridge, confusing the soldiers at first. He pointed to the boxed energon, then to the bridge, that was enough to make the miners jump into action. Soundwave surprised most of the miners, as he began passing the energon to them to make things go quickly. Nearly all the energon was transported when an explosion shook the mine, causing Soundwave to visibly jump.
"Commander Starscream, The Autobots are attacking the mine enterance, a few snuck past us, Makeshift is pursuing, but we can only hold Prime and his weapon specialist off for so long!" Knockout panicked over the intercoms.
"Starscream that energon better be moved!" Megatron hissed over hearing the medic's panicked call.
"Argh! Soundwave what's the status of the energon?!" Starscream called out in frustration.
(85% has been moved to the war ship successfully.) Soundwave replied as he directed Eradicon soldiers towards the tunnels, roaring engines echoing towards them.
"Lord Megatron eighty five percent of the energon is on the Nemesis." Starscream quickly reported as shots were fired down below.
"Prime has gotten through and is on his way!" Breakdown hissed through pain, over the intercom.
Starscream peeked over the monitor looking down below, seeing Mirage and Arcee leading the charge as they neared Soundwave's position. "Where the frag is Makeshift!?" Starscream shouted as the Autobots neared Soundwave's open bridge. "Shut the bridge Soundwave!"
Soundwave did as he was commanded, as Eradicons were shot down around him. He took out his own blasters ready to engage the enemy, as the bridge vanished it revealed the thirty foot tall Prime ready to engage him. Soundwave aimed his own blasters right back at the Prime.
"Soundwave!?" Optimus gasped in surprise, quickly taking his aim off the violet mech.
Soundwave tilted his helm in confusion, continuing to aim his weapons at the towering red and blue mech.
"Lord Megatron, Soundwave has made contact with Prime!" Starscream reported dodging shots that were fired up at him.
"Tell him to fall back, and blow the mines!" Megatron snarled over the monitor.
Makeshift yelped as he was thrown across the mine by Mirage, and kicked into a wall by Arcee.
"We're here to rescue you, come..." Before the Prime could say anything further to the violet mech in front of him, an Eradicon soldier jumped at the chance to attack him. Optimus quickly swatted away the attacking Eradicon, while Soundwave continued to stand baffled.
Soundwave was taken out of his confused trance as he was shot at from the side, by an Eradicon soldier that had his arm smacked off aim by Mirage. Shielding himself with his arm Soundwave leapt backwards out of the way, into another bot. Spinning around with his sword aimed, he was met face to face with the end of an arm blade, wielded by a cobalt blue femme.
"Soundwave!" Arcee excitedly smiled, as shots were fired at her, causing her to turn and deflect the shots.
Soundwave turned his attention away from the odd femme. Taking aim at the large brutal black mech who grabbed Makeshift violently. About to fire at large weapon specialist, that was attacking Makeshift. Soundwave was tackled to the ground by a smaller bot.
Soundwave wrestled with the red assassin, tumbling through the battle grounds. Soundwave managed to toss the youngling off of him and into the nerby wall, jumping to his peds as he slid to a halt.
"Decepticons fall back! Soundwave get up here!" Starscream commanded over the blasts of gunfire.
"Soundwave, come home!" Mirage cried pushing himself off the ground.
Soundwave glanced at his little brother, before Starscream yelled for him. The cobalt femme quickly ran over to help Mirage, in the process she glanced at the violet mech with yearning optics.
"Soundwave!" Starscream screamed louder gaining the faceless mech's attention.
"Don't Soundwave, please come back..." Arcee's words were barely audible, her expression full of sorrow and concern.
Turning his helm away from his brother and the femme, Soundwave transformed flying up the lift.
"Knockout, Breakdown, and Makeshift. If you're not clear of the mines you will be caught in the explosion. Soundwave blow the mines!" Starscream announced over the intercoms, as Soundwave landed next to him.
Soundwave took the bomb that the Seeker handed to him, walking towards the edge, focussing on the remaining energon. Activating the bomb Soundwave tossed it at the scattered energon.
Watching the bomb nestle in the pile of energon the pitch black shapeshifter, quickly pushed the femme off him. "Soundwave bridge me out of here!" Makeshift hissed tossing the femme into the red youngling.
Starscream didn't waste any time transforming, taking off out of the mines. Soundwave was about to do the same when he got Makeshift's cry for help.
Soundwave looked down at the pitch black mech, the sound of the bombs timer beeping more rapidly as time ran up. He knew this would risk his own spark, he also knew if Makeshift had the chance to do this kind of rescue he would never even bother.
"Wave!" Mirage went to go for Soundwave, but was pulled away by the Prime, as the Autobots retreated hastily, after hearing the bombs timer.
Makeshift sighed with relief as a bridge appeared in front of him, he quickly ran through it as the explosives went off. Soundwave closed the bridge, transforming he took off upwards to the opening of the mine. Getting pelted by rocks and narrowly evading large chucks of the mountain, as it crumbled. The Reaper flew out of the mine a firey mushroom cloud followed him to the top of the mine singeing him as he narrowly escaped. Scanning the area, Soundwave could see Knockout, and Breakdown driving wildly in the distance, as two identical vehicles chased them.
The Reaper banked sharply lowering his altitude so he could hover just above the dirt road his comrades were being pursued on.
"Slag, cons called for backup!" Sunstreaker cursed as he was shot from behind.
"Fragging hell!" Sideswipe hissed as he was also shot, while attempting to evade the coming fire.
Knockout adjusted his mirror to view who was nice enough to offer them some cover fire. "Looks like the kid stuck around to help us out!"
Sunstreaker growled transforming to see who was firing at him and his twin. "Soundwave, you slagging traitor!" Sunstreaker wasted no time returning fire at the violet Reaper.
"Hold on Sunny, we could get him back on our side! Remember Shockwave must've messed up his processor!" Sideswipe quickly lowered his twin brother's weapon.
"Well for a lost teammate, Soundwave's sure a pain in my aft!" Sunstreaker shouted as the Reaper flew over them.
Soundwave over heard what the twins sputtered, but did not have time to process it. Refocusing on his teammates, he created a bridge for them.
Knockout and Breakdown quickly drove through the bridge, Soundwave flying though it just shortly after.
Megatron and the Shockwave both stood in front of the young mech. Soundwave stood up straight after the bridge shut behind him, setting his visor on his father, and his mad scientist.
"Excellent work Soundwave, you accomplished retrieving the energon, leaving the Autobots with nothing!" Megatron praised his son for his excellent work.
"Yes you accomplished the mission exceptionally well." Shockwave praised, approaching his super soldier. "Are you ready for your next assignment?"
Soundwave was zoned out, trying to figure out his odd encounters with the Autobots. His brother didn't really treat him any differently, but the others completely baffled him, especially the Prime's behaviour.
"Soundwave, I need your tracking abilities. Are you ready to aid me on my trek?" Shockwave sighed, gaining the young mech's attention.
Soundwave quickly nodded at the one opticed mech, waiting for his mission instructions.
"Actually Shockwave, I would like to take Soundwave for a while. I will send him your way afterwards." Megatron said taking Soundwave under his arm.
Shockwave was slightly taken aback by the warlord. But graciously acknowledged his Master's will. "Of course Master. I will be in my laboratory awaiting your arrival Soundwave."
Megatron's smile was terrifying, as he led his son down the hallway. Soundwave tried to look back at Shockwave, as he was guided down the hallway. Surprisingly he was more comfortable with the mad scientist, rather than his own father.
"Soundwave I'm sure you've read the records. But when you were a newly sparked sparkling, I was a gladiator in the pits of Kaon." Megatron began, leading his wary violet youngling into the sparring arena.
Soundwave nodded nervously, as he was nudged into the sparring arena, after he dug in his heels at the doorway.
"When your mother did spectate my matches, she brought you a few times. But you were way to young to create memories back then." Megatron scoffed, stopping Soundwave at one end of the arena. "Now I know you're a very capable soldier, and can scrap better then most. But I know between you and your brother, you struggled with physical combat. I blame Shockwave, and myself for that, because of your incredible intelligence we focused your training more towards the logical side of things, as Shockwave would put it." Megatron rolled his optics, placing his massive servos on his son's shoulders. "I want to show you to show me your fighting skills, I want you to fight just as viciously as your brother does. You up to the challenge?" The warlord grinned at the slightly frightened young mech.
Soundwave nodded, getting an overjoyed look of approval from his father.
"Excellent, you've got a gladiator in your spark, it's time to free it!" Megatron chuckled, as he walked all the way to the other end of the arena.
Soundwave looked around nervously, as his father spun around to face him.
"I'm not going easy on you, so don't hold back youngling." Megatron drew his sword, getting ready to charge at his son.
Soundwave took a more defensive stance, ready for the match to begin. As Megatron charged at him, Soundwave did not move, the colossal mech swung the his sword viciously at the young mech. Blocking each blow with his shield like arms, Soundwave hissed in pain, every impact from the sword felt like his arm was about to be sliced off. Timing the warlords swings Soundwave quickly leapt out of the way as Megatron swung his sword, instead of hitting the violet mech, his sword stabbed into the floor.
Megatron growled as his sword got stuck in the ground. Soundwave quickly kicked the center of the sword, shattering the warlord's sword.
Megatron venomously chuckled, swinging his massive arm, knocking the violet mech back.
Soundwave screeched across the floor, releasing his tentacles he grabbed the gunmetal grey mech, slamming him into the nerby wall. He quickly released his hold on the mech, retracting his tentacles back into his torso, out of fear that Megatron would take that as a chance to rip them off.
Megatron charged his youngling, swinging his arms and fists viciously. Soundwave dodged left and right, only receiving a few blows. The violet mech drew his sword, distractingly striking the warlord with it.
"Is that all you got youngling?!" Megatron taunted as he blocked the sword with his arms, before getting slammed backwards by one of the violet mech's elusive tentacles.
Tackling Megatron with force, Soundwave didn't know what possessed him to make such an erratic move. As they bounced off the floor, he slashed the gunmetal grey chestplate.
Megatron growled, grabbing the youngling's waist, tossing Soundwave across the arena. Before firing his fusion canon at the violet mech.
Soundwave dove out of the way, scrambling to keep out of the line of fire. *Don't hold back...* Leaping towards the shooting mech, Soundwave played a loud, disorienting, high frequency blast. Halting Megatron's fire.
Megatron yelped grabbing his helm, collapsing to his knees, crying out in pain as audio fuses popped in his helm, it felt as if his helm was about to explode.
Soundwave continued to play the deadly sound, walking over to the pained warlord. He fired a few of his own blaster shots at the mech, weakening his father further. Wrapping his tentacles around the tyrant Soundwave squeezed the evil mech in a vice grip hold, slamming him against the ground, then against the wall. The violet young mech pressed his sword into Megatron's chest, threateningly close to the warlord's spark.
"I yield... stop!" Megatron pleaded, no longer able to handle the pain.
Soundwave released his father, who dropped in a weakened heap. Withdrawing his sword, and tentacles, while switching the deadly frequency off.
Once the ear splitting sound ceased, Megatron gave a noticeable sigh of relief. Looking up in surprise at the slender servo offering to help him up. Taking the servo, Megatron groaned as he was pulled up to his peds. "You're a worthy gladiator Soundwave, the only one that has ever bested me at my own game." Megatron scoffed wiping the energon away from his bleeding mouth and chest. "Now, I shouldn't keep you any longer. Shockwave needs your assistance." Megatron escorted the victorious youngling into the hallway.
"Lord Megatron are you alright?!" Makeshift gasped seeing the badly beaten and bleeding warlord.
"Oh yes, I am thrilled to have finally found a worthy gladiator in the arena." Megatron scoffed proudly, gesturing to his youngling.
"Right... Shockwave is waiting for you Soundwave." Makeshift cringed at seeing the warlord beaten and bleeding, while the violet mech barely had a scratch.
Soundwave simply nodded, parting ways with the two mechs. Before Soundwave could activate the laboratory door, Shockwave came through it almost walking into him.
Shockwave didn't give much of a reaction, staring at his glowing reflection in the youngling's visor. "Are you ready for our mission?"
Soundwave nodded stepping off to the side, so Shockwave could continue on his path.
"Excellent, prepare a spacebridge to Cybertron." Shockwave commanded, walking down the hallway with the violet mech in tow.
Unsure of why they were going back to Cybertron, Soundwave did as he was told, setting a spacebridge portal directly in front of them.
Shockwave visibly jumped as the bridge popped up in front of them. "A little warning next time, youngling." The purple mech sighed walking through the bridge.
(Why, you know I create bridges?) Soundwave questioned following the mech into the portal.
"I forget at times, as it wasn't an upgrade I gave you." Shockwave replied emotionlessly as they set foot on their now dead planet.
(What?!) Soundwave turned his whole frame towards the one opticed mech.
"It took me many dece cycles to figure out ground bridging. Spacebridging was the way of the ancients, I studied their technology, and eventually replicated it and others, like the Autobots followed suit." Shockwave began, walking towards Kaon. "As for your ability to conjure up bridges whenever you please, I cannot give a logical explanation for that. I can only assume it's a gift bestowed on you by the Primes." Shockwave explained, trying to make his small gadget that he carried work.
(Why?) Soundwave was very confused by this, he could've sworn Shockwave gave him the ability. And if he didn't then why would he have powers from the Primes?
Shockwave groaned in annoyance, shrugging his shoulders at the young mech. "Youngling, I do not have the answer to that. It's something that you yourself would need to answer." The purple mech transformed into a massive war tank, revving his engine at the young mech who was in deep in thought. "Transform we've got a lot of ground to cover."
Soundwave did as commanded, transforming he took off, following the war tank. Once in Kaon, Shockwave advised they go on foot, he led them towards a passageway even Soundwave knew nothing about.
On their trek Soundwave was reviewing the odd encounters with the Autobots. Mirage seemed more stressed and urgent, saying that his big brother needed to return home? Soundwave was confused by those words, since he had never had a spot on the Autobot team. The femme called Arcee, seemed to want to fight for him just as much as his little brother. She had kind, inviting optics, and a beautiful smile. Just thinking about the cobalt blue femme made his spark flutter with heat. *Weird...* the violet mech thought as a flush of heat and fondness flowed through his frame.
Shockwave jumped, hearing a sudden clang come from behind him, turning to see the young mech rubbing his helm while moving a large hanging pipe out of the way. "Pay attention youngling, this is a sensitive area, we don't want to wake any vermin that may be lurking." Turning back towards their destination, with suspicion, Shockwave wondered what Soundwave was researching, as the young mech was incredibly agile, never unaware of his spacial environment. "Here this signature is going offline on my tracker. Scan it, boost your sensors, you should be able to track this without issue."
Soundwave nodded, scanning the signature he activated his high powered scanner, easily tracking the signature.
Staring at the slender mech's visor Shockwave read the map displayed. "Excellent, this way." he turned, continuing to lead the way.
Kicking the femme out of his thoughts, Soundwave then thought about the Prime. The Prime refrained from shooting at him, he even withdrew his weapon, and adressed Soundwave by his name. Being called by his name wasn't very suspicious as most Cybertronians knew and feared his name. But why would the Prime act as if he knew him like a long lost teammate?
"Soundwave?!" Shockwave looked over his shoulder hearing the Prime's slightly auto tuned voice being played by the young mech. "Is tracking so boring you must entertain yourself by calling your own name?"
Soundwave shook out of his thoughts, returning his full attention back to the mission. (No sir, the objective is directly in front of us.) Soundwave replied passing the purple mech, now leading the way into a very dark, damp, cavern.