Implied time skip, possibly a few stellar cycles. Things have picked up and other cities are hearing about Megatronous and his cause for change.

This chapter is Ravage's POV and set over a few solar cycles.

[Rewritten 8/NOV/2024]

Ravage had been at his charge's side for a long time. Before that, he had been one of the few cyber-felines to be employed by the Guard to be the companion of an Enforcer. He had worked beside Prowl just short of how long he had been with Soundwave.

But Ravage, formerly known as Feline-B01 of the Guard, found while he had enjoyed his time as Prowl's companion, he much preferred the quiet and relaxed pace that came with being the Guardian of a young Soundwave. Even now, standing beside a long since fledged Soundwave, Ravage adored their familial unit. Soundwave's sparklings, Frenzy and Rumble, who were a few stellar cycles off from being considered true younglings, airborne companions Ratbat and Lazerbeak, and Harmonious all helped Soundwave grow, flourishing into a wonderful femme that she had been deprived off.

And he had been able to witness it, had been a parent where her own failed to be. He made sure she ate, went to recharge, walked her to school—all the things a carrier or creator should be doing.

Of course, then she met Harmonious that last year of school and he had managed to worm his way into Soundwave's life and Ravage had adored seeing his Charge finally have a friend that would later turn into more.

But admittedly, Ravage was wary of Megatronous. He did not say as such because he knew Soundwave was fond Megatronous and had befriended him easily. But something about the mech just rubbed Ravage the wrong way.

Sure he was friendly, but he was also from Kaon. Maybe it was Ravage's… prejudice coming through but there was no denying the people of Kaon could be savage. Kaon was known as the underbelly of the Underworld for a reason.

(Had Soundwave not been originally identified as a mech, Ravage knew the likelihood his Charge would have ended up as a pleasure bot was incredibly high in the unlikely event she could not have escaped.)

It makes him worry whenever Soundwave goes, knowing she might not return from a fight one day. But now Megatronous has dragged his charge into a cause. Something that could risk her livelihood. It could have her stripped of her job, of her sparklings if it got out.

Megatronous wanted to help his people—there was no doubt about it, and Ravage admired that, understood that but he didn't believe Soundwave should be so involved. To be a figurehead. If anyone from Iacon found she was fighting in the pits, they might shrug it off but helping Megatronous? A femme parading around as a mech, sure that's fine, whatever—but a femme that works at the High Pavilion? That occasionally helped theCouncil?There would be no way that would fly. She would lose everything and spend the rest of her life locked away in prison if Ravage knew the Council well enough.

Harmonious—he had a sensible helm on him. Maybe he could get his Charge to see some sense?

"I understand," Harmonious agreed, hesitating a beat. "Truthfully, it's been plaguing me too."

That brings Ravage relief.

"Megatronous has all of Cybertron's attention and while Soundwave hasn't been a public figure but it's only a matter of time," the bot continued, digits absently tracing the keys of his piano. "Soundwave's done more than enough for him."

"So you'll speak with her?"

"I will."

The apartment was tense. Soundwave and Harmonious'…conversation about Megatronous hadn't gone over well. It was their first argument. Period.

Ravage hates how he's helped cause it.

But the sparkmates give each other some space and soon Ravage heard another conversation. This time with even tempers, with more understanding and with apologies on both sides. He was relieved. Both that they made up and that Soundwave has admitted to the dangers her involvement could cause her family.

Soundwave promised to draw back on actively participating in these protests and rallies. Promises to speak to Megatronous about their worries.

Ravage continues to worry anyway

(Vorns from now, Ravage would regret not doing more.)