Where Loyalties Lie (Epl.) - Soundwave X Dreadwing

"Why come back here, Soundwave?" Dreadwing whispered, glancing anxiously over at the former spymaster.

Time had begun to heal old wounds. The other mech had begun to look and act more like his old self. Strangely enough, it was actually calming to Dreadwing to hear Soundwave's vocalizers less and less; the silence was more natural than the forced words he'd spoken early on in their reunion.  There was no denying they were both different. That wouldn't ever change, but at least he could still love and recognize Soundwave. It was the same at the core, and that's what mattered.

But he was beginning to wonder if the mech was backsliding too far. First, he'd quit his job at the arms factory and refused to explain. If it'd been just that, Dreadwing might have been able to shrug it off. Although he found it odd anyone would want to spend their day idly, having worked to earn his keep his whole life, everyone had their quirks. Admittedly they were both getting old too, even by Cybertronian standards. At first he'd assumed Soundwave just wanted a little quiet. They'd both lived full lives, and he could respect his need to slow down.

Then he began to wear the visor again. Even with new armor, the change was dramatic. He'd looked so much like his old self it'd sent chills up Dreadwing's back strut. He couldn't help but begin to worry after that. Although deep down it thrilled to see the spymaster remerging once again, he knew it wasn't practical. What if someone recognized him? If their identities became public knowledge….

He would face the consequences standing tall; he didn't fear being exposed, but he didn't wish to see Soundwave in danger.

But here?! Chasing ghosts. No, chasing the ghosts of ghosts. Dreadwing's wings crept up and he shuddered. The former stomping grounds of the gladiators, now completely abandoned. It was hard to believe a great movement had been born here, but he knew it had. And he was standing right in the middle of it, an ancient spark in the middle of a crumbling arena. Blasphemous that he should stand where Megatronus had once fought, even if it was now only a rusted slagheap*.

Silently, Soundwave pointed to one of the few uncollapsed tunnels across the arena. A few nanoclicks later a small group emerged from its depths and began to stride confidently towards them. Dreadwing's optics widened and his fuel pump picked up. There were people down here?! Very few were stupid enough to risk their sparks by traveling into the rotting underground; one wrong step could cause a wall to collapse on you. The only reason he'd come was Soundwave's urging.

There was something familiar about them though….

"Dreadwing, it's been a long time," a voice hailed him across the distance.

"Shockwave," Dreadwing whispered.

What was going on here? Was he dead? Was his past coming back to haunt him? But no… if that were so Skyquake would be here. That part of him was still very much missing; he could feel it in his spark. Then he realized…. His optics widened even more and he turned his helm to stare at Soundwave. This was planned. He'd been mistaken all along; the spymaster had been very busy in his time off.

Shockwave paused a respectful distance away from the pair, flanked by at five mechs and a femme. A few of the faceplates he distantly recognized, soldiers who'd once stood among the long-dead Decepticon ranks, but others were completely new and alien.

"I thought you were long dead Dreadwing. I'm pleasantly surprised to learn otherwise; Soundwave has seen to fit to inform me of your journey and how you came to be here. I find it impressive how faithfully you served our former master," Shockwave began.

Old habits began to bubble to the surface. Even though he had no idea where this was going, he knew better than to show his confusion in front of the other "Decepticon." Weakness was weeded out quickly. "It's a pleasure to see you again too, Shockwave," Dreadwing replied.

"I'm glad we're in agreement then, Dreadwing. Soundwave has also seen fit to inform me that you are in possession of the relics. And seeing how Megatron is no longer here to chart our path…. I see fit to respect our Lord's judgement, even if he is no longer here. After your disappearance, Megatron did appoint a new second-in-command, but they are also not here to take his place. So it is only logical that you should be next in line. After all, you were never demoted. Circumstances simply stood in your way. What do you say, my Lord? Will you lead us into a new era? With the power of the relics on our side…." Shockwave finished, stepping up and holding out a servo.

Dreadwing vented sharply in surprise. Had Soundwave really attempted to resurrect the Decepticons? What a stupid question to ask…. The evidence was right in front of his faceplants. For a moment, he hesitated, staring at the proffered servo skeptically. Then he felt Soundwave's elbow joint brush against his side, a gentle nudge forward….