FalcoLombardiUltimateHD, who owns Max, asked for this one. Here you go, Amigo! :) Enjoy! :)
Transformers Prime belongs to Hasbro. Kristin and Jay belong to EmeraldMoonGreen. I only own Camilla.
Showing Mercy Can Lead To Something You Didn't Expect
Max put on his winter gear and smiled. "What's up, Max?" Camilla, the lady spy, asked as she saw him.
"I'm going to enjoy some fresh air and the view," he said. "It snowed last night and I wanted to see how the mountains looked with the snow."
She smiled and gently adjusted his scarf. "Okay, but be careful out there," she said, her face taking on a serious look. "The rogues have been a bit too quiet lately. Hopefully they are not waiting to ambush us."
"They still try even though the war is over?" Max asked.
Camilla nodded. "Yes," she said.
The boy felt a bit sad at that. "Is that why everyone is so busy right now?" He asked as he had come to hang out with them.
"That's partly the reason," the lady spy said. "We're also dealing with some people that are trying to have Jay taken away from Optimus and put in a foster home and bullies at the schools."
Max didn't look happy about the news of people trying to take Jay away. "But Optimus is a great dad to Jay and that wouldn't be right to take him away from here," he said.
"That's what we're trying to prove," Camilla said. "I asked Chief to let me handle this case personally since those people are after my nephew."
Footsteps sounded nearby and Bludgeon and Lugnut, two former 'Cons that had recently joined the combined crew of the Autobots and other former 'Cons, came into view. "I don't understand how humans think they can lie to win," Lugnut said.
"We just found some of those people looking to take Jay to a foster home," Bludgeon said. "But Miss Camilla, you are Jay's aunt. Those people should know that."
"True, but they don't because once I became an agent, my records were sealed," Camilla said. "So even if they tried to search for other family members, my name wouldn't come up. It's for safety reasons, but my boss is letting me work the case since it's a family matter this time."
Max nodded. "Good luck," he said. "I hope you guys can stop them."
"We will," Lugnut said before noticing Max's winter outfit. "Be careful out there. Some spots are a bit icy."
"Will do, Lug. Thanks," the boy said with a smile before heading out.
He was enjoying the view of the snowy mountains when something caught his eye and he looked to see it was a Scraplet. Quickly, he ducked down to avoid being seen by it, though he knew from what Knockout had told him that Scraplets left humans alone. Still, he didn't want the thing to see him and possibly try to follow him back to the base.
Seeing the Scraplet was going in one direction, the boy grew curious and decided to follow it, seeing it head for a cave and he went inside, but he didn't expect to see what he saw and it filled him with both shock and horror.
Shockwave was in the cave and he was badly injured, leaking Energon everywhere and he had bite marks all over his body and his left arm and right leg were detached from his body with frayed wires and was mostly devoured. The boy was horrified to see the 'Con in such a state and saw his head move, indicating he was still alive. Just then, the lone Scraplet came in and began chattering eagerly, which made Shockwave afraid. "Stay back!" He cried out, took weak to defend himself as the small pest began chomping down on him, making the one-eyed 'Con scream in pain.
Hearing him scream, Max made a quick decision and grabbed a good-sized rock, quickly moving up behind the Scraplet and throwing the rock down on top of it. The rock crushed the little pest instantly, destroying it as Shockwave moaned in pain. After a bit, the 'Con moved his head and was shocked to see the boy and he quickly deduced that the boy had hit the Scraplet and destroyed it. He also noticed the boy was standing before him fearlessly, something that didn't compute with his logic.
"Why did you help me, boy?" He asked. "I should be dead now."
"Why do you feel that way?" Max asked.
Shockwave looked at him. "Do you not know who I am, boy?" He asked. "I'm the one many 'Cons and 'Bots fear because I've done some horrible things."
The boy had heard of some of the things the scientist had done, but that didn't make him afraid. "Because I believe everyone deserves a second chance," he said before seeing that Shockwave's wounds. "I'm going to call Knockout and Ratchet. You need help."
"They won't help," Shockwave said to him.
"Yes, they will," Max said. "I'll ask them to. You have my word."
Shockwave was surprised at that, but didn't protest again as the boy put in the call. "Optimus. Megatron, Soundwave," he said urgently. "I need you guys to meet me at the coordinates where my phone is. There's someone here who needs help. He's losing a lot of Energon and he's been attacked by Scraplets."
"Are there any more of those pests there, Max?" Megatron asked.
"No. I destroyed the one that led me here."
"Good boy," Soundwave said in approval as he got Max's coordinates. "Alright, we're locked on your location. Stay right there and we'll be there shortly. Looks like it'll be a small hike since the best place to set the groundbridge is away from your location."
"It's okay," the boy said. "Just please hurry. I don't know how much longer he can last."
"We'll be there soon, Max," Optimus said soothingly. "Try to keep him awake, alright?"
"Yes, sir."
After ending the call, Max climbed up to Shockwave's eye, making the 'Con watch him as the boy fearlessly moved closer and gently rubbed the area around the singular eye, which to Shockwave's surprise helped him calm down and ease a little bit of the pain. "You're Shockwave, right?" He asked.
"Yes, I am," Shockwave said. "And if my logic is correct, you are called Max."
The boy nodded before looking curious. "How did you end up here, Shock?" He asked.
Curious at the nickname, Shockwave took a deep breath. "After I threw that girl into a portal to send her away, I went far away, but during that time, the war was ended. I didn't know which 'Cons had defected to the Autobots or how many 'Cons had gone rogue, but I ran into Arachnid, who wasn't too happy about Megatron declaring peace, something I wasn't aware of until she told me." He paused. "But it's illogical. Megatron declaring peace."
"But he did," Max told him earnestly. "It's the truth."
Shockwave looked at him. "Then...some 'Cons defected?" He asked.
"Well, I don't know if defect is the right word," the boy said. "But they did join the 'Bots and they help a lot of people like the 'Bots do." He then paused. "Huh, I guess defect is the right word then."
The 'Con nodded. "Your deduction is logical," he said.
Max then looked worried. "Did Arachnid hurt you?" He asked before seeing the damage that had been done. "Cause it looks like Scraplets got to you."
"She attacked me, damaging my eye and chest area, but she wasn't alone," Shockwave said. "There were other 'Cons who apparently had gone rogue, which is illogical. Loyalty to Megatron would not allow going rogue."
"Guess the gloves came off with Megatron declaring peace," the boy said.
Having heard the human term before and understanding it meant that nothing mattered anymore, the 'Con nodded. "I managed to escape and came here, but the Scraplets found me too," he said. "I couldn't escape and passed out from their eating on me, but I managed to survive, which is illogical because...I deserve to die for all the things I've done."
"No, you don't," Max said firmly.
Just then, he heard Optimus call his name and he ran out to greet them. "Guys, over here!" He called out, seeing Optimus, Soundwave, and Megatron coming towards him and they were soon at the cave, shocked to find Shockwave there and he was badly injured.
"Shockwave," Soundwave said in worry, kneeling beside his friend.
"Soundwave, my friend," Shockwave replied, glad to see his friend before looking at Megatron. "Milord," he said in respect.
Megatron gently shook his head. "No need for that, Shockwave," he said gently. "The war has ended."
Optimus looked at the scientist. "He needs medical help now," he said. "Though...I fear Shockwave won't be completely welcomed at the base."
"But he needs help, Optimus," Soundwave said, sounding worried.
Optimus held up a hand. "I didn't say we wouldn't help him," he said reassuringly. "I'm saying that this situation will have to be handled delicately."
"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," Megatron said. "Right now, getting Shockwave repaired is more important."
A few more Bots and former 'Cons appeared and were shocked at the sight before them and worked quickly to help get the injured scientist to sick bay. Ratchet and Knockout, though worried about Optimus' decision, quickly got to work on repairing Shockwave, sticking by their vow to always help when someone needed medical attention.
After a bit, Shockwave was stable and resting and Knockout told everyone that the scientist would recover. "He's actually lucky that Max found him," he said. "If he hadn't, I don't think Shockwave would be alive anymore."
"So...what do we do with him?" Smokescreen asked curiously. "I mean...Shockwave isn't exactly...well...friendly with us."
Though his wording was delicate, the others knew what he meant and they were split on what to do. "Shockwave could be a good ally for us," Megatron pointed out. "His strength is near mine and he can create things to help us in the future."
"Perhaps Shockwave can change for the better good," Bumblebee said. "After all, Kristin proved that some of you all could change when given the chance to prove it."
Kristin nodded, but looked worried. "True, but...this is Shockwave we're talking about," she said. "I still haven't forgotten that he threw me into a portal."
"And he's been described as a cold scientist," Jay said, standing beside Starscream in his bot form.
"Some of us have had bad experiences with him," Starscream said, recalling how he had nearly lost an eye to Shockwave.
"That's an understatement," Arcee said, shuddering. "I don't know how I didn't break from that torture he put me and Cliff through."
Soundwave looked at them all. "Please, Shockwave has no where else to go," he pleaded. "He's like a brother to me. We can't turn him away."
Red Alert went up to Soundwave and hugged him. "But...what can we do?" The paranoid bot asked.
Camilla was deep in thought before she looked at them all. "Hey," she said, getting their attention. "I get it. A lot of you are uncomfortable with this, but I think right now, the pros and cons of the situation are the same and if that's the case...then maybe we need to take a chance and give Shockwave a chance to prove he's changed. He could have easily hurt Max, but he didn't." She paused. "Unless...could he have taken a code of honor where if he is saved by someone, he's in debt to that person until he returns the favor?"
"Not all 'Cons took that oath, but it was somewhat of an unwritten rule among the Decepticons," Megatron explained.
Drift and Bludgeon didn't speak for a bit until the samurai spoke up. "The best thing to do to see if someone has changed is to wait and see what they do," he said. "As humans say, actions speak louder than words."
Jay looked thoughtful. "He's right," he said. "How else do you know if someone can be trusted unless you watch what they do?"
"Exactly," Soundwave said, looking a bit relieved.
Jetstorm and Jetfire looked at their father, who looked at them and nodded. "It's only fair he's given a chance," Breakdown said.
"But how will we be knowing if he has changed or not?" Jetstorm asked.
"And how we be knowing it be genuine?" Jetfire asked.
"You guys all have a good point," Camilla said.
Optimus and Megatron looked at each other and nodded, coming up with an idea. "I think the best thing to do is to monitor Shockwave for a week and place a chip on him. If he does anything wrong, we'll be able to track him easily."
Everyone looked at each other and nodded, deciding that was best, but the tension in the air was very thick. Max went to the med bay, feeling a presence behind him and he saw Soundwave was following him and the former 'Con reached out a tentacle to pick up the boy and place him on his shoulder. "Thank you for saving Shockwave, Max," he said.
"Just doing what was right," the boy said.
In the med bay, Shockwave awoke and was surprised to see Max was beside him, as was Soundwave. Ratchet nodded. "Well, we've repaired you, but if you feel any pain, please inform us at once," he said.
"I will," Shockwave said.
Optimus and Megatron came in then, explaining the situation to Shockwave, who accepted the terms and when Max asked to be his human partner, he accepted and Optimus allowed it, seeing the boy was eager to give Shockwave a chance to prove himself.
The next few days were a bit tense as the ones that had had a bad experience with Shockwave before avoided him, though he did apologize to them for what he had done. He could see they weren't ready to forgive him yet, which he understood, but it also was tough to see their reactions to him coming into the room. Seeing he was sad one day after getting the same reaction from the others, Max decided to speak to him.
"Hey, Shockwave," he said, going up to him in his room. "You doing okay?"
"For the most part, yes," Shockwave said, gently picking up the boy. "Just...trying to get used to everyone's negative reactions of me coming into the room."
"They'll come around," Max said to him. "Don't give up."
Soundwave, having heard the conversation, came in. "He's right," he said. "They just need a little more time."
Megatron, who came in with Camilla, nodded too. "It took a while for the Autobots to trust me when I first joined them," he admitted. "Even with Kristin showing them I had changed, it was still almost four months before they wouldn't flinch when I walked into the room."
Camilla looked at Shockwave. "Just keep doing what you're doing," she said. "Trust takes time to build, but each day that you prove you're a changed mech, that builds a little bit of trust."
Shockwave sighed. "At least I have a few of you that believe in me," he admitted.
That night, all was quiet in the base save for Soundwave, who jumped awake and fell out of bed with a 'THUD' as he glanced around fast before sighing and holding his head, having had the same nightmare he had been having for a while now. It was him being stuck in the Shadow Zone and no one, not even his beloved cassettes, could hear him and it scared him badly. Sighing, he tried to go back to sleep, but wasn't able to, so the next morning, when an attack came up, Red Alert turned on the Groundbridge and Soundwave panicked as they went through the Groundbridge.
"I can't," he said.
"Soundwave, what's wrong?" Kristin asked as she had been about to go to school and Sideswipe was going to drop her off.
"Nothing," he said.
But when she kept insisting, he snapped. "It's nothing!" He yelled before teleporting away without any explaination, making them all wonder what had happened.
Back at the base, Max was telling Shockwave about some video games when they saw Soundwave running towards them, but he tripped. The scientist quickly caught him and helped him up. "Soundwave, what happened?" He asked in worry.
"I'm fine," Soundwave said. "Excuse me." He moved around them and went to his room, shutting the door.
Max looked at Shockwave. "Wonder what that was all about?" He said.
When they got to the Command Center, they saw everyone was gathered around. "Thankfully it was an easy battle," Arcee said. "But...Soundwave got a bit freaked out."
"It was odd," Smokescreen said. "I've never seen him get so scared."
"I wonder what spooked him," Predaking said.
Camilla looked thoughtful. "You know, I've noticed that Soundwave looked really tired and it's not the first time," she said. "I've noticed it for the past week. I think he's having a hard time sleeping."
Max looked worried. "Maybe he's having nightmares," he said. "That would make it hard to sleep."
Red Alert nodded. "I know how he feels," he said.
Kristin and Jay looked worried. "I wish he could tell us," the girl said.
"But we can't force him to do that," the boy said.
Shockwave was quiet as he got an idea, but decided not to say anything to the others, but he hoped his idea would work. After all, Soundwave was like a brother to him and he wasn't about to let him suffer needlessly anymore.
That night, Soundwave had the same nightmare, only it was worse. Everyone was happy he was gone and he fell to his knees in sadness, tears gathering in his optics as he tried to block out the words, but that didn't work. Suddenly, it all grew quiet and he looked to see Shockwave was standing there, to his surprise. "Soundwave," the scientist said, his voice soothing. "It's alright now."
Soundwave was a bit scared by this, but then saw Shockwave hold out a hand to him. "Please take my hand, Wave?" He asked him nicely. "Let's get you away from here."
The tendriled Cybertronian looked a bit worried, but he did want to get away from the nightmare, so he carefully reached out, taking Shockwave's hand a bit hesitantly. Feeling fingers gently close around his hand, Soundwave felt himself being gently pulled to his feet and he allowed Shockwave to lead him away and into a peaceful place that looked like the Golden Age of Cybertron. He paused in shock before looking at Shockwave, who nodded.
"I created a cortical psychic patch so that you could join me here in my dream," he said. "I realized you were having nightmares and wanted to help you."
Soundwave nodded. "Those nightmares are the reason I can't sleep at night and I'm scared to go through the Groundbridge," he said. "I...I don't want to be trapped, alone, and forgotten again."
Shockwave pulled him into a hug. "Soundwave, that won't happen again," he said gently. "I'll help you pass through the Groundbridge tomorrow to help you with your fear, okay?"
That sounded good and the tendriled Cybertronian nodded before he felt himself slip into a dream-like state and then wake up to find he was in his room and Shockwave was laying down beside him, but also waking up. Carefully removing the cables from the back of their heads, Shockwave nodded to his friend. "You doing okay?" He asked.
"Mostly," Soundwave said before looking a bit embarrassed, but taking a deep breath. "Shockwave, is it okay if I stay with you tonight?"
"Of course," the scientist said before a smirk could be heard in his voice. "After this."
Soundwave had no time to react as he was suddenly tackled by his friend and when he felt fingers wiggle into his stomach and tendrils, he squeaked and began laughing, squirming around, but Shockwave chuckled, enjoying seeing his friend/brother starting to feel better. After a bit, he stopped and they two fell asleep with Shockwave holding the tendriled Cybertronian protectively to keep him safe from any nightmares.
The next morning, everyone was surprised to learn that Shockwave had helped Soundwave, especially when Soundwave not only apologized to Kristin for snapping at her, but also told them about his nightmare. "We were wondering why you had that reaction," Red Alert said, hugging him.
Soundwave nodded. "Shockwave agreed to help me with my fear of it," he said.
That surprised everyone. "Maybe Shockwave does have some good in him," Kristin said softly, feeling that perhaps she had been too quick to judge the scientist.
Camilla looked at Soundwave with concern. "Are you sure you want to try going through the Groundbridge?" She asked. "I just don't want you to freeze up in the middle of it."
He nodded and Shockwave held out a hand to him. "I'll be with you all the way, Soundwave," he said. "I won't let go until we are safely on the other side."
Grateful, Soundwave took his hand and nodded to Camilla. "I'm sure," he said.
Nodding, she looked at Red Alert, who entered the coordinates and the two went through the bridge without any trouble, which made Soundwave feel better. "Soundwave, even if you do get trapped in the Shadow Zone again, you won't be alone," Shockwave promised. "And we'll find a way to get you back if that does happen."
"Thank you, Shock," Soundwave said, grateful to him.
Things began to get better at the base too and even on the field as Shockwave worked with them to catch the Vehicons who were not only trying to bring back Unicron but also use a blueprint to build a machine to destroy Earth. That had been quite a battle with Shockwave and Max working together, especially when Shockwave got doused with oil because the Vehicon pulled a sneaky move by dropping oil and even set the oil around them all on fire, trapping Max and Shockwave, but Soundwave jumped in and pulled them to safety. While no one got seriously hurt and the Vehicon got away, Shockwave revealed he had the real blueprint, having sneakingly switched it with a false one to the Vehicon during the fight.
"One thing is certain," he said. "None of us want Unicron to come back."
"Agreed," Megatron said with a shiver.
Barricade nodded solemnly before they headed to the base and Soundwave and Max helped Shockwave get cleaned up, something he appreciated. "Careful not to get any of the oil on yourself, Max," he said.
"Sure thing," the boy said with a smile.
A few days later, Shockwave was humming happily to himself as he rolled up to Max's school in tank mode, deciding to see if the boy wanted to build snowmen over the weekend as there was a snowfall scheduled to happen and it was only about a week before winter break. But as soon as he rolled up to the school, he saw something that made his Energon boil.
Max was being pushed around and punched by some bigger kids and he was trying to get away. Shockwave pulled up and fired his cannon, being careful to not hit any of the bullies, but he wanted to give them a good scare. It worked and the bullies ran away, to which Shockwave turned slightly to Max. "Max, hop in," he said.
They headed for the base where Shockwave not only told the others what happened, but he helped to wrap up Max's injuries, but he was a bit worried about some bruises on the boy's side that looked rather painful. He then saw Max in tears and placed a finger gently on the boy's shoulder. "Max, does anything else hurt?" He asked.
"My ribs," he admitted before looking sadder.
Shockwave could tell something was bothering him. "Max, what is it?" He asked gently.
The boy looked up at him. "Those bullies were calling you a loser and weak," he said. "They said you wouldn't last in a battle against anyone."
The scientist shook his head. "Max, I assure you, they are wrong," he said. "It is illogical of me to lose in a battle, though it has happened. But I am quite strong and can hold my own in battle." He then brightened. "And I know just how to prove it."
He carried the boy to the Command Center, having already decided to take the boy to Ratchet and Knockout to check on his ribs. He gently set Max down nearby in a spot where the boy would have a good view of what Shockwave had in mind. "Watch this," Shockwave whispered to him before going up to Optimus and Megatron, who were in the Command Center and paused at seeing him.
"Hello, Shockwave," Megatron said with a smile.
"Hello, Megatron. Hello, Prime," Shockwave said before looking at the leader of the Autobots. "And Prime? I'm sorry."
Optimus blinked. "For what?" He asked in confusion.
"This."
Shockwave tackled the Prime and held him in a firm hold. Optimus tried to escape, but couldn't, to which Megatron was a bit worried, but then saw Max and the boy was giggling a little. "Get him good, Shockwave!" The boy cheered.
Megatron now saw the hint. "Ah, I see," he said as Shockwave pinned Optimus for a bit and then let him up.
"Sorry, Prime. Just helping Max cheer up," he said. "He dealt with some bullies today."
"Again?" Ratchet asked with a shake of his head as he came in, but after he scanned Max, he looked worried. "You've got some bruised ribs there, kiddo."
Shockwave looked worried. "None of them are broken or fractured, right?" He asked.
"Thankfully, no," Ratchet replied. "But Max is going to need bedrest for the next few days."
"Guess it's a good thing the teacher let us take our final projects home," Max said. "I just have this science project to do along with some other science work, but I'm not looking forward to it."
"Why not, young one?" Optimus asked gently.
"I'm not good at science," the boy said.
Shockwave perked up, getting an idea. "I could help you with your project, Max," he said. "And your science homework."
"Shockwave is one of the best scientists," Megatron said.
Perceptor nodded as he was nearby with Camilla. "I would offer to help myself, but I'm afraid Camilla and I are backed up on cases at the moment, but should you need anything from my lab, you're welcome to use it," he said.
"Thanks, Perceptor," Max said before looking up at Shockwave. "Shockwave, are you sure?"
The scientist nodded. "You've helped me and stuck by me, Max," he said. "Now it's my turn to do that for you."
And Shockwave was true to his word. Not only that, he didn't leave Max's side while he was in the infirmary for his injured ribs. Ratchet and Knockout had found that one of the ribs did have a small hairline crack and decided that the boy should rest for a few days, even letting the teacher and principal know. While the principal wasn't happy about Max being out for a few days since it was so near winter break, the teacher understood. "As long as he turns in his science work and project, it's fine," she said. "And I hope he has a quick recovery."
While Max was a bit bummed about being on bedrest for a bit, he didn't argue and with Shockwave helping him out with his science homework and the project, which the boy had decided to make a model of a galaxy complete with some super novas and shooting stars. Shockwave had been ecstatic about his choice and helped the boy out by creating the items he needed to put the model together. At first, Max was worried that he was asking Shockwave for too much help, but the scientist assured him it was alright. "Just tell me what you need me to create for your model," he said. "Think of me as the helper that is helping your idea come to life."
Knockout and Ratchet smiled as they saw this interaction, seeing the scientist had a soft spot for Max. "I think just as Kristin helped some of us to change, Max has done the same for Shockwave," the red medic said.
"Never would have guessed it would happen in a million years," Ratchet said, smiling. "But it seems to be doing them both good. Max feels safe around Shockwave and Shockwave seems intent on keeping his word about being a changed mech."
Three days before school ended, Max was discharged from the Med bay. "If you feel any pain, come see us at once," Knockout told the boy.
"I'll keep a careful eye on him, Knockout," Shockwave said.
"You better," the doctor said, his voice a little stern before he softened his tone. "Max thinks the world of you. Please don't disappoint him."
The scientist nodded. "I won't," he promised before taking Max to school, sticking around to make sure the bullies didn't bother the boy. He even asked Optimus if he could patrol around the school, to which Optimus agreed.
This went on for the next two days until it was the final day of school and the day the projects and homework were due. Max took a deep breath as he was nervous about going to school, but then felt a hand brush his shoulders and he looked to see Shockwave's hologram smiling at him. "Hey, Max," he said. "Prime gave me the day off and I asked your teacher if I could observe the class for today. She said it was fine, but I think she knows I want to make sure those bullies don't pick on you again."
The boy smiled. "Thanks, Shock," he said, hugging him.
Shockwave smiled, hugging the boy back before taking him to school, going with the boy to the classroom. The other kids noticed and began whispering. Even the bullies looked a bit surprised and one was about to approach them, but one of his friends held him back. "Dude, that's Shockwave," he said to his friend.
"So?" The bully sneered. "Just because Max has a babysitter doesn't mean he's out of my sights."
"Nor are you out of my sights," came a voice that made them look to see Shockwave was right then and glaring at the group. "If I see any of you even so much as give Max the stink eye, you'll be very sorry."
The bullies didn't look too confident and one of the girls, deciding to get in a bit on the revenge game, pretended not to notice as she tossed the wad of bubble gum she had been chewing over at the bullies' feet, the gum landing on the floor by the lead bully's shoes and he stepped in it without realizing it until he went to life his foot away and noticed it felt stuck. He looked and was shocked to see the gum stuck to his shoe. "Oops," the girl said, trying not to laugh. "Sorry, I guess I missed my target."
Shockwave, seeing the girl was having a hard time holding in her giggles, looked at her. "And what was your target, young lady?" He asked curiously.
"His hair," she said with a mischievous grin. "As payback for the glue in my pigtails a couple weeks ago. Thankfully, my mom knew a trick to get the glue out."
Suddenly, another wad of chewing gum landed on the lead bully's head and he was shocked as he reached up and it got stuck in his hair and on his fingers. "And that's for making my little sister cry," said another voice as they all turned to see it was a young man from the higher classes and beside him was a girl with Down Syndrome. The man glared at the bully. "No one hurts my sister. She may have Down Syndrome, but that doesn't make her any less of a human being."
"It simply means she is smart in her own way," Shockwave said before noticing the bully had a necklace of a unicorn around his neck. "And I don't take you as one to like unicorns, so you give that young girl back her necklace."
The bully was quite as the young man looked at his sister and noticed her necklace was indeed missing. "Sis, did he take your necklace?" He asked.
The girl nodded. "He said...he would destroy it if...if I told anyone," she said, tears filling up her eyes.
Shockwave glared at the bully and looked at the highschooler who was glaring at the bully too. "Hold him for me," he said.
"With pleasure," the young man said, grabbing the bully and keeping him from struggling as Shockwave removed the necklace carefully from the bully's neck and the highschooler released the bully. "Next time you even lay one finger on my sister, you will regret it," he said.
The bully got to his feet and noticed his group of friends had backed away, not wanting to be on the receiving end of things. The bully tried to back out, but the students he had bullied blocked him. "What's wrong?" One girl asked. "Don't like the taste of your own medicine?"
The school security guard came then and frowned before taking the bully away. "His mom is waiting and believe me, she is not happy," he said.
"Good," Shockwave said before going up to the girl with Down Syndrome and smiling at her in a friendly way. "I believe this is yours, young one," he said gently, carefully placing the necklace around her neck and fastening it securely behind her neck.
She looked up at him with tears in her eyes. "Thank you," she said, touched by his kindness.
Max grinned proudly before he headed to class and Shockwave arrived a moment later. "That guy that stood up for his sister is the star player of the basketball team," the boy said to the Cybertronian. "And he's very protective of his sister."
"I could see that," Shockwave said. "And it looks like you won't have to worry about that bully anymore and hopefully his friends will remember this too."
The school day went fantastic and to Max's happiness, he got an A on both his homework and science project. Excited, he hugged Shockwave, who chuckled and hugged him back. "I knew you could do it," he said to the boy.
Back at the base, Optimus and Megatron spoke with Shockwave. "Your act of kindness to that girl with Down Syndrome is all over the internet," the former leader of the Decepticons said with a smile.
Shockwave was surprised and Optimus smiled. "Megatron and I have spoken and agreed that you have proven yourself, Shockwave," he said. "Therefore, we've asked Ratchet to remove the tracking chip on you and you can create anything in your own laboratory as long as it's for the greater cause."
"Thank you both," the scientist said before hugging Max. "I couldn't have done it without my partner helping me out."
The boy grinned and Drift, who had caught what Shockwave said, smiled. "Looks like your act of mercy led you to something unexpected, Max," he said.
The boy grinned. "And now I've got a cool friend and partner," he said.
Shockwave smiled, vowing that he'd never let the boy down. Ever.
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GoldGuardian2418
