First meeting with Megatronous

[Rewritten 8/NOV/2024]

The match ended after nearly a joor of fighting, Soundwave and her opponent were familiar with one another for a friendly fight rather than to the death. Those were reserved for cocky and out of their depth fighters—those that thought themselves above the experienced and well-known.

As Soundwave exited the arena waiting room, she managed to slide through the crowd of pit fighters without too much of a problem. Most were off in their own little groups, few of her acquaintances nodded their helms at her in greeting, and she returned the gesture.

From the corner of her visor, she noticed one of the newer pit fighters, he was doing extremely well and wasn't cocky about it. He was gaining the respect from many of the higher-ranked gladiators already, they predicted he would go far… and he was currently making his way towards her, his red optics locked onto her form. Soundwave felt a wave of annoyance wash over her. She did not want a repeat of what-ever-his-designation-was.

So, she turned and swiftly made for a deserted alleyway. She locked onto the coordinates of her home and the ally, and opened a ground bridge, which she immediately fled through with the bridge closed behind her. Once she arrived in the designated ally near her home, she slid her face guard back but left the visor which lightened in colour, allowing her optics to be visit to others.

Stepping out of the alleyway, Soundwave walked the familiar path toward her apartment complex where her family resided. Her armour was a little scratched up, but it was not something serious and Soundwave could easily tend to it once her mechlings were in recharge.

Opening her front door, Soundwave took a moment to appreciate the laughter that welcomed her. But the cheekiness within it…Soundwave gave a fond exasperated cycle of her vents and a smile curled her lips.

Entering the living room, she was met with the sight of a slightly stressed Harmonious and hyperactive Rumble and Frenzy—mouths covered in energon, Ravage was trying to nap in the corner with little success.

Harmonious turned at the sound of her entrance, his yellow optics lighting up at the sight of her that sent confusing flutters through her tank.

"Soundwave," Harmonious greeted warmly.

Rumble and Frenzy both freeze at the sight of their carrier, all hyper-activeness leaving their frames.

"Inquiry: Rumble and Frenzy haven't caused too much trouble?" Soundwave looked to Harmonious, his stressed look returned, his shoulders slumped before putting on the best smile he can.

"As good as normal." there's a slight jesting tone but it was obvious he was too tired to do much else.

"Frenzy, Rumble: clean up. I'll come to put you to recharge in a moment," Soundwave commanded lightly. The mechlings shared sheepish looks before scattering from the room. Once gone, Soundwave's optics returned to Harmonious.

"I did not think they knew where the energon treats were," Soundwave voiced apologetically.

Harmonious laughed lightly, doorwings flicking in a sigh of his merriment. "It's alright! I enjoy looking after them, even if they are trouble most of the time."

"I'll make sure to hide them elsewhere next time, however," Soundwave murmured. Harmonious chuckled, patting her shoulder.

"I think they'll just find them again," he grinned before a worried look took over as he glanced her frame over. "Not too much damage tonight?"

Soundwave shook her helm. "Friendly fight."

Harmonious smiled again, most of the worry that filled his optics lighten but it still lingered. Soundwave twisted her body to fully face the mech. "Harmonious: a drink before you leave?"

He shook his helm, "Thank you but no. I'll see you tomorrow." He gently tapped his forehelm against hers before making his way to the front door and leaving.

Soundwave cycle air through her vents before turning her attention towards her mechlings, who over their bond, nudged to get her attention.

~Coming~

Soundwave managed to avoid the mech she now knew as Megatronous for several more solar cycles before he finally caught her off guard enough to approach her.

"Greetings," he said.

Soundwave turned her helm towards him but didn't say anything, she titled her helm in question.

"My apologies, I've been wanting to meet you for several solar cycles now," he answered with a sheepish grin.

Ah, that answered it then. Well, at least he didn't plan on challenging her. Yet she still did not speak, tilting servo in a continue gesture.

"I was wondering if we could train together?" Megatronous asked nervously, fidgeting on the spot.

He wanted to… train with her?

No one had asked her that before.

"Inquiry: why?"

Megatronous's shoulders visibly jerked, and a look of surprise took over his faceplate at the speech pattern—and the femininity of it, but he quickly got a hold of his emotions.

"You are a very skilled fighter," he complimented. "And I want to be able to advance into higher ranks and thought perhaps a teacher would be the best option."

A teacher? But why her? There were plenty of other high-ranking gladiators to teach him the necessary skills needed. Especially ones that matched his frame type. With a gently mental prod, she managed to catch the top thoughts that were bouncing around his processor. Soundwave did not enjoy her telepathic abilities, reframing from using them after learning to control them. It hurt to hear other peoples thoughts bounding around inside her helm.

There was nothing malicious or devious, he spoke the truth of his earnest request.

"Time required: shall answer by next meeting," Soundwave voiced before continuing her way, not waiting for Megatronous' reply.