A/N: Another chapter. Enjoy. Also, while it does say Orion is adopted permanently in the Notes and Intro, he isn't officially Ratchet and Ironhide's son. Orion doesn't think of them as adoptive creators, only as current guardians. There will be a reason for that much, much later on in the story. Ratchet and Ironhide are pretty much taking care of Orion for now. Wanted to make that clear.
Also, I'm mixing the Aligned Continuity High Council and the Senate members together to make them larger.
Bumblebee/comlink/dreams
:Spark bond:
~sibling/creator bond~
Warnings: Major character deaths, revival and miracles from Primus, fluff, cuteness, sparklings, mpreg, violence, blood, gore, mentions of interfacing and/or rape, abuse, AU (mostly I believe, you tell me), possilbe OCness for characters, torture, tissue warnings (I will tell you when the major ones are since everyone is different), birth, angst, comfort, loving, kissing, and anything else I can't remember. You know the protocol.
Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers. Only Hasbro and others. I only own my characters. Optimus' girl owns Webshocker, Nighthunter, and Darkhunter.
"Soundwave!"
The slim mech trembled as he got up. His optics landed on the Senator in front of him before moving to the ground. He approached the mech, kneeling down on the ground.
"Yes Senator Ratbat?" Soundwave asked, showing his submissiveness.
"I wish to get cleaned. Wash me," Ratbat said, heading into the washrack.
Soundwave nodded, going with his owner. He took a rag, squeezing some solvent on it. Ratbat sat in the large tub filled with liquid. He scrubbed at the purple frame. Every now and then, Ratbat would touch and stroke Soundwave, making the outlier uncomfortable. Suddenly, the Senator slapped the mech, sending him into the wall.
"Enough! To the berthroom!" Ratbat demanded.
Soundwave shook with fear, obeying the command. Ratbat took out a whip, striking the mech down. The outlier muffled his screams, tears coming to his optics. He wanted to leave this slave life. A short chain clipped onto his collar, leaving him attached to the floor.
"No energon for three solar cycles," Ratbat said, kicking the mech before going to his berth to recharge.
Soundwave quietly sobbed. He placed a servo on his chest, scared for the sparkling he carried. When Ratbat was in recharge, three minicons came out of the shadows. Soundwave looked at his children, smiling sadly at them.
~Carrier, what happened?~
~Nothing to fear Ravage. Ratbat is in one of his moods.~ Soundwave said over the bond with his eldest son.
~He's a slagger! I really want to kill him.~
~He must never find out about any of you Laserbeak.~ Soundwave lightly scolded.
~Carrier is right Laserbeak. We must be patient~ Ravage said.
~Easy for you to say.~ Laserbeak said. ~What are your thoughts Buzzsaw?~
~I agree that we need to leave and soon, but also to stay hidden. If Ratbat found out we were here, much less Soundwave's offspring, he would kill all of us.~ the other bird said.
~Carrier, I'm greatly worried about your health. With him sparking you again, and now denying you energon, how will your frame handle it?~ Ravage asked.
~Do not worry. I will deal with it.~ Soundwave said. ~Get some recharge.~
Soundwave hummed a song from his distant past before he was left on the streets. His creators had abandoned him for being an outlier, unable to control his powers. He constantly heard thoughts of those around him, knowing what they were thinking. He still didn't have control over it.
Ratbat had found him on the streets as a dirty youngling drinking recycled and old energon. He took him in, pretending to be nice. Once Soundwave was older, he began to get crueler, using the mech and his gifts to get what he wanted. He just wanted out of this life and had been for a long time now.
'Primus, please, help us,' Soundwave thought, slowly drifting off.
~~~000
"Hurry up!" Ratbat shouted over his shoulder.
Soundwave trotted along faster to keep up with the flier. He was beginning to become overwhelmed by all the bots around. Their thoughts were mocking, hateful. He kept his helm bowed down, not saying anything. However, due to not watching where he was going, Soundwave bumped into a mech, falling to the ground.
"I'm so sorry," Soundwave said quickly, getting to his knees.
"Hey mech, it's all cool. Here, let me help you up," the mech said.
Soundwave looked up to see a handsome mech. He was a larger build, red mainly with some yellow and grey. The mech had his servo stretched out to him, smiling happily. The smaller mech reached up, being pulled to stand.
"There, see? No harm done," the mech said. "The names Blaster. What's yours?"
Just before he could say anything, the question was answered.
"Soundwave! Get your aft over here now! You're making me late!"
Both looked to see Ratbat glaring at them. Soundwave ducked his helm, nodding quickly.
"I must be going. Goodbye Blaster," Soundwave quickly said.
Blaster opened his mouth to say more, but didn't get the chance. He sighed, watching as Soundwave disappeared into the crowds towards his master. He got an idea, knowing how the Senators treated outliers. And he could sense that Soundwave was one. He would put that plan into action when the time came.
~~~a few solar cycles later
Soundwave scrubbed at his frame, hoping to get the grime off him. Ratbat had left for a few solar cycles on important business that he didn't want the mech around for. Soundwave was grateful for it, allowing his children to roam around a bit. A knock on the window startled them, the minicons getting defensive in front of their carrier.
Soundwave went to the window, seeing a familiar form. He opened it, allowing the mech to come in.
"Hey Soundwave, long time no see," Blaster said.
"Blaster, what are you doing here?" Soundwave asked.
"Getting you out of here," said Blaster with a grin. "Come on mech. I already know the Senator is out. He'll just think ya ran away."
"I can't," Soundwave said.
"And why not? Mech, I know you ain't safe here. Sooner or later, Ratbat is gonna kill ya. Your best chance is now. Come with me Soundwave and be free," Blaster persuaded.
~Carrier, we may not get another chance like this every again.~ Ravage sent over. Soundwave thought it over, nodding to the mech.
"Ravage, Laserbeak, Buzzsaw, come. We are leaving," said Soundwave.
Blaster grinned, making sure he left no trace as they disappeared. They walked for some time, the minicons following closely. The larger mech noticed something was off about Soundwave. The slim mech wobbled on his pedes, collapsing to the ground. Blaster caught the mech before he hit the sidewalk, lifting him up into his arms.
"Soundwave? Hey mech, hold on now. I know a friend," said Blaster, taking off for the other side of Iacon.
~~~000
"Okay Orion, we officially got you signed up for school," said Ratchet, looking down at the mech.
"Thank you Ratchet," Orion said.
"No problem. You'll start tomorrow with Prowl and Barricade. Meet up with them after school and Ironhide will come pick you up," said Ratchet.
Both looked to the door when there was pounding. Orion squeaked, hiding behind the medic. Ratchet was on alert, getting his wrench out before going to open the door. He nearly dropped his tool.
"Blaster!? What are you doing here?" Ratchet asked the younger mech.
"I need your help Ratch," said Blaster, motioning with his helm to the mech in his arms.
"Take him to the guest berthroom. I'll be there shortly," said Ratchet.
"What about the minicons?" Blaster asked. Ratchet looked down to see the three bots.
"Have them stay with Orion," said Ratchet. "Orion. Can you do me a favor and stay with the minicons while I work?"
"Yes," said Orion, looking at the mechs.
Ratchet nodded, leaving the younglings to be together. Blaster moved to the berthroom, laying the mech on the berth. He stayed nearby.
"What happened to him?" Ratchet asked.
"He's an outlier slave of Senator Ratbat named Soundwave. I helped him escape. The slagger will think he just ran away on his own," said Blaster. "Will he be okay doc bot?"
"Well, by the scans, he's very low on energon and sparked," said Ratchet, retracting his scanner. "Go to the rec room and get some energon. He must get some."
"Gotcha," the mech said. He quickly left, returning shortly with a few cubes of energon. "Here ya are doc."
"I've got it from here Blaster. Why don't you report in for work and stop by afterwards?" Ratchet suggested.
"Sounds good."
Blaster left the medic to work. Ratchet set up an energon drip, letting the fuel go into the mech. He studied him closely, making sure there was nothing else. He did note the many scars littering his frame that were poorly disguised. The medic sighed, shaking his helm.
"Well Soundwave, you're very lucky Blaster got you here," the medic muttered to himself. "And sparked with twins no doubt."
The medic stayed there for a few groons until the mech woke up. Soundwave was really confused at first, shrinking down submissively at the mech he saw.
"Calm down. I'm not going to hurt you. My name is Ratchet and I'm a medic. Blaster brought you here. You were very low on energon and the twins were taking a lot out of your systems," Ratchet explained.
"Twins?" Soundwave asked.
"Yes. You carry two sparklings," said Ratchet.
"I'm not safe here. He'll find me eventually and take me away," Soundwave said quietly, looking away. "Please, don't let him find me."
"I won't. I may know of a safe place. Or at least one that you will be safer at than here," said Ratchet.
"Where?" Soundwave asked.
"The Gladiatorial Pits of Kaon. My eldest son is there. He'll protect you. It can be dangerous, but it is better than what those sick slaggers will do," said Ratchet.
"I will go. I know what it entails, and I don't care about the risks of death. Anything is better than being a slave to Ratbat," Soundwave said.
"I'll inform Blaster. He lives in Kaon, just visiting for some work reasons," said Ratchet. "I can take you when I go visit my son tomorrow."
"Thank you Ratchet," Soundwave said. He suddenly looked alarmed. "Where are my offspring?"
"With Orion. I'll go get them," said Ratchet.
Soundwave nodded, waiting patiently. He perked up when he heard his sons, smiling at them and hugging them.
"Carrier, are you all right?" Laserbeak asked.
"I am fine. Ratchet has suggested a place for us," said Soundwave.
"Sweet," Buzzsaw said.
~~~the next solar cycle
"Amma, Appa, it is good to see you," Megatronus greeted.
"The same ta ya son," said Ironhide, embracing his son. "How's ya mate?"
"She's getting checked over by EMT and Hyperspeed. She'll join us later on," said Megatronus. He noticed two other mechs nearby. "Who are your friends?"
"This is Blaster. He's the local DJ for some of the bars in lower Kaon. He's always coming and going. We met him a stellar cycle ago when he came in for some injuries after breaking up fight," said Ratchet. "And this is Soundwave. He's staying with you Megatronus. He was a slave to Ratbat."
"Welcome Soundwave," said Megatronus. "You came at the right time. The new owner will be coming later on."
"Take care of him Megs," said Ratchet, lowering his voice. "He's sparked with twins. After he has them, show him the ropes around here and train him. He's also an outlier. I talked on the way here with him. He is a telepath. Blaster will stop by a few times to help him control his gifts."
"Understood Amma," said Megatronus. "Come with me Soundwave. I will show you your quarters and give some verbal lessons as well as a tour."
"Megatronus, can we go see Metalic?" Barricade asked.
"Go on ahead. You know where the medibay is," said Megatronus.
He watched as the three younglings went off. He shook his helm, motioning for the others to follow. Ratchet excused himself to go to the medibay. Once the tour was given and Soundwave got settled with his offspring, they headed for the medibay to get the telepath officially registered in the database before the new owner came.
"About time you came," said Metalic.
"I apologize my love. Soundwave here is will be joining us. EMT, can you register him and his offspring?" Megatron asked.
"Of course. Follow me," said EMT, heading off to his office with Soundwave following.
"The new owner will be here soon," said Metalic.
"We better leave before they get here," said Ironhide.
"Agreed," said Megatronus.
"Awe," the younglings whined.
"Don't whine. They will not be like Darkstrike," said Megatronus.
"Will they be scary?" Prowl asked.
"I do not know. We only know that it is a mech named Whipback," said Megatronus. "Besides, I will bring you a treat or two next time you come visit me."
Ratchet rolled his optics. The small family left, Blaster taking his leave too. Megatronus kissed his mate, really hoping that Whipback wasn't as cruel as the rumors were. He was prepared to send his mate away the moment something bad happened.
~~~000
"Where is he?!" Ratbat screamed.
"Who knows, who cares," Halogen said.
"I do!" Ratbat screeched.
"Calm down," Sherma said.
"Calm down?! My outlier slave is missing!" Ratbat continued.
"Well, I don't blame him," Contrail said. "If he ran away, don't bother with him. He won't last long out there. If anything, he'll end up being a pleasure slave or a gladiator."
"Well, both choices he'll die eventually. Let him suffer Ratbat," Drivetrain said. "We can always get more slaves for you."
"Soundwave was my favorite," Ratbat pouted, anger cooling a bit. "I supposed you are right."
"Enslaving our people isn't the way to go," Shockwave protested.
"You sound like that glitched fool Alpha Trion," Decimus said. "I'm glad he's gone along with that idiotic Prime."
"Nemesis Prime and his consort were what Cybertron and her people needed," Shockwave said, glaring at his fellow senators.
"I think you need a lesson so you know your place," Proteus said, grabbing Shockwave's face. The white, teal, and green mech shuddered.
Momus and Sherma shared knowing looks, staying quiet. They were with Shockwave on this one. Cybertron's population shouldn't be slaves. They should be equal. Yet they dared not say anything. Even Dai Atlas was tired of Proteus and his ways, having become friends with Shockwave. He may not have approved of some of Shockwave's science fascinations, but he still found a friend in him. And he also knew that the Academy Shockwave made, the Jhiaxian Academy of Advanced Technology was a safe haven for outliers. He secretly wondered if Soundwave had made it there, but something told him otherwise.
"Leave him be Proteus," Dai Atlas spoke up. "Now is not the time."
"Fine," Proteus said, dropping his fellow Senator to the ground. "Watch yourself Shockwave. Not even Sentinel Prime will put up with you."
Shockwave shuddered at the mention of the Prime named after Nemesis. The mech was insane and cruel. The Senator nodded obediently. He had a bad feeling about the future. He needed to lay low for a while. He couldn't risk his fellow Cybertronians, especially the outliers in his Academy. And not young Damus, who had Empurata done on him for being an outlier. The young mech had a bright future ahead of him, one that the other outliers may not get.
The outlier had rendered some non-sentient technology useless and the Senate had empurata done on him as punishment and to be shunned. Since then, his name had been changed to Glitch. He was one of the few who had survived the Council's cruelty. And Shockwave couldn't allow anyone else to suffer by their cold servos. He would put himself in front of the blade to protect his people.
"Get out of here. We're done here," said Proteus.
~~~000
"All right fighters, the name's Whipback."
The gladiators studied the teal mech in front of them. He didn't seem mean at first glance, but they got a bad feeling about them.
"The first one to step out of line gets a severe punishment. I'm not like that soft-sparked fool Darkstrike," Whipback said. "I will make sure the weak will be disposed of in death matches. Only the strong survive here."
Megatronus glared at the mech. He did not like him at all, thanking Primus above that Metalic was not there and was resting in their quarters. Whipback walked up and down the line of fighters. He stopped in front of Soundwave.
"You look like you have no experience," Whipback sneered. "Guess that means you'll be the first example."
"Sir, if I may, Soundwave has recently arrived. I will take charge of training him," Megatronus spoke up.
"Megatronus, the famous unbeatable gladiator," Whipback said. "I know about you. Very well then. Let's see how well you can whip him into shape."
"I am not cruel. I will teach him my own way," Megatronus said with a hard glare.
"Challenging me now?" the owner asked with a laugh. "I'll like to see you take me on."
Whipback smacked Megatronus hard, the force of it sending him back into the wall. Megatronus glared more, scowling at the mech. He did not like him one bit.
"Take that as a warning. Next time, you'll find your aft dead with a blade in your spark," Whipback said, turning to leave. "All of you to your quarters! Training starts tomorrow!"
Soundwave helped Megatronus up, worried. The silver mech placed a servo on the smaller mech's shoulder. They nodded silently, departing to their separate quarters.
Metalic looked up, knowing something was up when she saw the split lip Megatronus had. She went to him, frowning at the wound.
"Megatronus, what happened?" Metalic said.
"Sweetspark, I need you to pack your things. I'm taking you to Vos and away from here. It is too dangerous for you to stay here. Rainfall will help you," said Megatronus. "Whipback is much worse than even Whiteout. I don't want you here any longer. I must protect you and our sons until this thing is gone. I know the next owner after him is Darkstrike's brother. If Whipback dies, Airstrike will take over to continue what his brother did."
"Okay," said Metalic.
~~~000
"Thank you again Rainfall," said Megatronus.
"Of course Megatronus," the femme seeker said. "I'll take good care of her."
"We'll even go visit your creators and brothers," said Metalic. "Stay safe my love."
"I will," said Megatronus, kissing his mate deeply. "I love you so much Metalic."
"I love you too," said Metalic.