Empty

The silence is broken

You weren't too surprised by the living quarters that Megatron provided you. It was bland and dull, just like the rest of the warship.

You sighed, leaping up onto your berth and curling up. You set your head on your paws, your audials flicking slightly. Life seemed different now that you finally found the Decepticons.

You had your place amongst the ranks, at least you think you did. Even though you were technically a cassette, you still outranked the average Vehicon foot soldier.

That reminded you that you haven't transformed into your cassette mode for quite some time. There was no need for it, you were always on the move. Also, there was nowhere for you to be stored, whether it be in someone's subspace or safely tucked away on a shelf.

Your mind immediately went to the thought of Soundwave. The silent mech that you had longed for this entire time. Your one true master, at least you thought so.

Suddenly, you couldn't bear to wait any longer. You just had to see him, your processor compelled you to.

You hopped off the berth and broke into a quick trot down the empty corridor, your optics scanning every nook and cranny. You picked up on Soundwave's signal and took a right down another corridor, your tail swaying gently behind you.

Finally, you reached a strangely lit room filled to the brim with technology and screens. It was almost too much for you, but you knew that Soundwave was in that room somewhere.

You cautiously set foot into the room, your audials perked and alert. You froze when you heard a slight noise and you scanned the room again.

"Nothing.." you mumbled, relaxing your shoulders a bit and continuing to explore.

You rounded around an old computer hub, peering past the edge. There, standing at the largest computer screen, was Soundwave. He seemed to be decoding something indecipherable to you. Your audials flipped forward with interest and you took another step forward.

Soundwave whipped around suddenly, scaring you out of your wits. Your backstrut arched and you pinned your audials against your cranium in fear.

Soundwave seemed to sigh in relief and relax, turning back to his computer. You tilted your head, wondering why he didn't act aggressively towards you.

"Maybe it's because he knows I'm not a threat... should I try talking to him?" You thought, your tail flicking curiously as you slowly walked up beside him. "Um... hello Soundwave..." you mumbled, looking up at him.

He paused his work and looked down at you, his blank screen showing no emotion.

"I-I'm sorry for bothering you, but I just wanted to fully introduce myself... I'm Y/N..." you said carefully, trying not to provoke him.

As if something clicked in his processor, Soundwave froze. He stood there, unmoving, for a few minutes, his frame tense and stiff.

You shrunk away from him and whined softly. "I'm sorry... I was just... I'll leave now if you want..." you went to turn and leave, your head lowered.

"Y/N...?" Soundwave's deep voice was staticky and rough from misuse. It still sounded like a computer that was droning on about safety protocol, but you could hear a sense of life in it.

You turned around, your optics widened in surprise. "You... you just spoke..." your jaw dropped and you stood there in awe. Soundwave the silent mech just spoke to you!

Soundwave glanced away, gently rubbing his throat with his long fingers. "Y/N, Soundwave's companion?" He tilted his head when he asked the question, looking like a sparkling asking it's Carrier for something of interest.

You slowly nodded, relaxing your body and sighing. "Yeah... I'm supposed to be your companion... didn't Shockwave tell you?"

"Negative. No information presented." Soundwave's voice was a little clearer by now and you could really hear the computer-like tone to it.

"Huh... I wonder why he didn't tell you..." you mumbled, glancing away. You sat back on your haunches and looked up at Soundwave. "Are you really my master?"

"Instruction: change form." Soundwave replied, seeming like he wanted you to change form.

"You want me to transform? Okay... I haven't done it in a while so here it goes..." You gulped nervously and stood up. You felt your parts begin to whir and flip into place. Mechanical pieces and circuitry fused together and clicked, forming a solid piece.

After a few seconds, you were fully transformed into your cassette mode. It felt strange to be in this mode after so many eons, but something made you feel like it had a purpose.

Soundwave tilted his head, bending down and picking you up. His fingertips tickled your sensitive circuitry as he examined you curiously. "Alt mode scanned and downloaded... Correct match: Soundwave."

You sighed in relief when he answered. "So... you are my master?"

"Correct."

"I can't believe it! I've finally found you! After all these eons... I can finally feel at home again. You don't have to be silent now!" You exclaimed, transforming out of your cassette mode when he set you down.

"Acknowledged. Current emotion: joy." Soundwave spoke again, lowering his hand to pet you.

You purred, pressing your forehead into his palm and rubbing your head against his hand. This felt good to you. No more wandering, no more emptiness. You finally found your place in this vast universe.

And it was by Soundwave's side as his loyal companion. Just like Ravage.