#MegaSoundWeek

[jaysdoodlehell]

Small thing I managed to make for Megasound week! :3

[axiondelta]

The only one left.

Megasound Week 2024 - 02: LOSS

Soundwave misses his other symbiotes. He won’t let anything happen to Laserbeak.

[orion-archives]

MegaSound Week - 2024

Day 4: Dreams / Nightmares

Frag

Soundwave onlined his optics, looking around in confusion and panic. He realized he was no longer standing on the bridge, surrounded by the Nemesis’ computers but laying on a berth… in Megatron’s personal chambers?!

How long had he been on recharge? How could HE have fallen on recharge on the job? How did he even get here, in his leader's room?

Soundwave, cursing internally, was lifting his body from the berth, ready to run back to the bridge and continue his work when, suddenly, someone pulled him by the arm, grabbing him tightly.

“Don’t get up,” spoke a deep, raspy voice in the dark. “I found you knocked out in the bridge and brought you here.”

Soundwave immediately recognized who the owner of said voice was and his frame relaxed a little bit. He then looked to his side and spotted Megatron’s giant frame beside him. The warlord was staring at him with drowsy optics, an indication Megatron had been recharging too.

The silent Decepticon was about to use a clip from someone else’s voice to ask Megatron to let him go so he could return to his duties, but before Soundwave could even make a noise, the warlord answered his question:

“You need to rest, stay here and recharge…” Megatron then changed to his usual commanding tone, making clear he wasn’t taking no for an answer. “That is an order.”

Obedient as always, Soundwave returned to laying on the berth. Megatron pulled him closer, his arms hugging Soundwave as the warlord nuzzled his head on Soundwave’s visor. He started to purr, making the silent Decepticon relax his frame, slowly starting to fall asleep again.

“Rest now, Soundwave,” hushed Megatron, feeling Soundwave’s spark beating, “you deserve it.”

Soundwave didn’t raise any objections. As he slowly fell back into recharge state, the TIC started to record the sound of Megatron’s vents and sparkbeat as he let the warlord snuggle with him.

Soundwave then thought: Maybe he should fall asleep on the job more often; it came with very good benefits…

I like to think Soundwave dreams of a peaceful place where he can rest without worry and has no pending duties, just total silence to enjoy.

Megatron's dreams are him exploding Optimus with his mind.

[artificial-absinthe]

Megasound/megawave week day 1: Earth /Cybertron

The globe with the Earth within is rather a symbol. Of devotion, surrender in a way. Soundwave's unwavering loyalty and persistence aims to please Megatron, to gift him with the power that they both believe he deserves. Among other things.

@mega-wave-superior

And this symbolic piece was suggested to me by the one I worked with in the tf mini bang, @vsphelix, who kindly still bears with me whenever my puddle condition gets exacerbated and I require of their ever very active mind. ☠️

[cavycaptain]

02 - Joy - MegaSound Week 2023

Canonically, Laserbeak is Megatron’s favorite warrior and fierce warriors deserve a lil cowboy hat

[mega-wave-superior]

MEGASOUND WEEK 2024 PROMPTS! MegaSound Week starts September 23rd-29th -- just a week after the global premiere of Transformers: One!

AGAIN these prompts are OPTIONAL -- you're free to create whatever you want!

[tubinator]

MEGASOUNDWEEK DAY 1 || LOYALTY/ TREASON

I have returned for the MegaSoundWeek >:}

And first Day First Idea brought me back to my favorite level in WFC.

It's the Prison riot Level in the Autobots Campaign, but I love it mostly for Soundwave being there 🌟

And fitting to the prompt, I immediately had to think about Soundwaves 'treason' to the Senate while or underlining his 'Loyalty' to Megatron 🌟✨️(Combining these prompts will be a theme this year I fear 💪)

So yeah~

A little less of Megatron, but something nice still.

✨️of course, while playing the Audiolocks, he made of Zeta's conversation his Husband only heard him cursing out his Wife✨️

🤣 going by the text, it's quite obvious I don't like Zeta|| I'm 10000% sure he would say stuff like that---

[heliopauseentertainments]

Another Day

Part of MegaSound Week 2023 - Hosted on Tumblr by @mega-wave-superior Prompt: Day 5 - Protect/Attack

Continuity: IDW1

Rating: Teen

Relationship: Megatron/Soundwave

Characters: Megatron & Soundwave Warnings: Mild violence & gore, canon-typical disdain for organics

Summary: In which Megatron has to decide between the mission and saving Soundwave.

Crossposting: AO3 | Dreamwidth

Fic under cut. See AO3 for complete notes.

The organics of this world, large and muscled purple things with far too many eyes and limbs, put up a valiant effort against the Decepticons. This planet had escalated into the fifth phase more quickly than usual.

Smoke from the burning city filled the air around Megatron as he stepped over a greasy smear of an organic, recently sublimated from biology to physics via the touch of his fusion cannon.

Three more of the organic’s former comrades scrambled down a crumbling elevated gangway towards a shuttle, their precious cargo in hand. An ornate cube was wrapped in some cloth and hugged against a fleshy chest.

They still thought they could get away.

Funny, as the gangway’s damaged cover looked like it could give at any moment, exposing them all to the planet’s acid rain.

Strangest of all, the Autobots had not—yet—intervened in the conflict. Perhaps they did not care for this particular world, swampy and sulfurous. That was unlikely. The leave to do as they pleased was most unusual, but Megatron wouldn’t spit in the face of opportunity.

Normally, he wouldn’t have considered a world like this, uniquely offensive to their mechanical requirements, a candidate for cyberforming. Sterilization of the organic inhabitants, sure, but not for future Cybertronian colonization.

However, this planet was unique. It had once been a barren rock, terraformed into an organic paradise.

A powerful artifact had been identified by Decepticon agents: a controller for the world’s terraforming system. Megatron could use such an artifact. With it, he could wipe away the noisome swamps and turn this world into a place for his people, a homeworld perfect for phase seven when that glorious day would arrive.

The theft of such an artifact could not be left to his men. This required his personal touch.

Soundwave ran ahead of him on the gangway, knocking stragglers aside with the pressure waves of his powerful speakers.

The way was cleared for Megatron to advance as their enemies plummeted to their squishy deaths far below, pelted by the acidic rain all the way down.

Soundwave had been the only companion Megatron had deigned to bring with him on this mission, the only one he could trust with a matter such as this. No one else would have done.

The organics with the artifact reached their shuttle, fumbling to get its doors open.

Megatron raised his arm, aiming the cannon squarely at the shuttle’s engines to charge a blast.

This needed to end.

One of the artifact bearer’s companions suddenly turned and lobbed something at the gangway’s cover. It exploded above Soundwave, the supports giving way.

For a moment, Megatron felt time and his spark freeze.

Two choices remained: disable the escape shuttle or…

He lowered his arm with a growl before charging towards Soundwave.

His arms stretched up overhead, Megatron caught the fragment of the heavy cover before it could crush his comrade.

The acidic rain cascaded over the sides and trickled through the cracks of the broken structure, burning sharply wherever it came in contact with his plating.

The engines of the shuttle could be heard firing up behind them.

Soundwave, his expression inscrutable as always, looked up at him, safe and secure under his suboptimal umbrella.

“The organics—the artifact is getting away.”

“For now,” he said.

“Shall I pursue?”

Losing this battle did not equate to losing the war. There would be another day to win, another day to take control of this blighted world.

And that day would be worth it because Soundwave would be there to see it.

“No, that won’t be necessary, Soundwave.”

[cyber-neptune]

Late Megasound week art

It was supposed the be for the loyalty/treachery one except I decided to mic it with the Joy/grief one.

So basically, Soundwave is showing loyalty…by giving his babygirl a ring pop. And from the small things on the top, Megs is clearly happy to get a ring.

[kiyotaka-kinnie]

MegaSound Week 2023 - Operation: LOYALTY

It’s also on Ao3 if you read better there! ^^

[ Continuity: Transformers Prime. Pairing: Megatronus/Soundwave. Pre-War! Word count: 3,216] Got a few pretty irrelevant Original Characters! Circuitwringer who goes up against Soundwave. Crazanity who has processor issues and gets abused by some corrupt guards.

Also just in case Soundwave and Megatronus seemed slightly out of character, I want to clarify that it’s due to them being rather young and not yet fully mentally maturing. It’s why Soundwave is so skittish after being thrown into Kaon, and Megatronus is pretty easygoing.

Summary: It was love at first match viewing for Megatronus.

⟡⟡⟡⟡⟡⟡

Everyone knew, but nobody cared.

That’s the first thing Megatronus came to realize.

Perhaps watching Superior Soundwave—the new mech who transferred to his section—combat against someone three times his size wasn’t the best moment to become entrapped in his philosophies. Megatronus couldn’t help himself.

But it was true. Everyone knew the mech was a Host to four Symbiotes. He had been exiled from some other fragged up small city for whatever crimes the government deemed against him.

Survival, Megatronus thought bitterly. Doing his best to survive in this unjust society is the crime he has committed.

Soundwave had himself and his younglings to take care of, and all the Systems could think to do was punish him for trying to keep them all alive? They sent him away to the Gladiator Pits in Kaon, where Megatronus, and various other unfortunate mechs, resided in, claiming he didn’t have a better purpose than to be trained to earn them some shanix and ratings.

What a joke. What an absolute fragging joke. Megatronus scowled fiercely, servos clenched and claws piercing into his armored palms.

He was jolted out of his thoughts when—the mech who said thoughts had been revolved around—crashed into the arena’s divider wall that protected the spectators from the ongoing fights, in front of Megatronus’ stands.

“Come on, Superior, get the frag up before he murders you.” Megatronus muttered. He was definitely rooting for him. His optic ridges were narrowed as he stared determinedly at Soundwave’s back, as if the lithe gladiator would be able to read his thoughts and become motivated by them.

Circuitwringer—an idiotic designation in Megatronus’ opinion—went charging towards Soundwave’s crumpled form, a rabid snarl emitting from his alarmingly wide maw full of enormous, sharp dentae.

Megatronus vented with a frown. Soundwave was doing exceptionally so far. He had hoped he would win. And not….

Before Megatronus could resume his train of thought, Soundwave leaped out of the way before Circuitwringer could, well, live up to his name.

Megatronus couldn’t resist giving a bark of laughter when the damn oaf slammed face-first into the same divider Soundwave had a klik ago.

Soundwave released a cable, and it whipped forward to latch onto the back of Circuitwringer’s exposed neck wiring. Before he could react, the tip of Soundwave’s appendage crackled to life with energy, and proceeded to electrocute the massive mech, wrenching an agonized scream out of him. It lasted a good 10 seconds before Soundwave relented and left Circuitwringer twitching on the arena’s unforgiving ground beneath them. Megatronus found himself impressed.

The stands were silent, watching with bated ventilation as Soundwave stared down at his now unmoving opponent, cable withdrawing back to its containing with a Click! Slowly, the smaller gladiator approached the fallen mech, and proceeded to climb on top of him to stand on his back.

He looked up at the crowds, firm glare present on his scarred and energon splattered faceplates. His golden optics—a hue the likes of which Megatronus had never seen on another mech—glimmered with smug triumph.

The intercom started up, and the faint sound of static filled the otherwise silent arena. Then,

“And…. AND THE VICTOR IS SUPERIOR SOUNDWAVE! HE REMAINS UNDEFEATED WITH 56 STRAIGHT WINS IN UNDER THE THREE DECA-CYCLES SINCE HIS ARRIVAL!”

“Damn.” Megatronus grinned. In the background, the stands erupted into cheers.

****

A few joors passed since the prior match. Megatronus had a harsh day ahead of training for his own upcoming fight, so he chose to spend the remainder of his free time relaxing.

Well, at least he was trying to unwind. Instead, his pedes led him around his station, passing by his fellow gladiators. A hysterical Crazanity was pinned helplessly underneath two laughing guardsmechs. Further along, someone Megatronus was not too familiar with held his arm in one hand, trudging in the direction of the infirmary with a lost look in his dim optics. In the corner, a trio was engaged in a brawl. Megatronus could distantly hear the shouting of more guardsmechs, no doubt going over to break up the fight.

Megatronus wasn’t interested in the madness at the moment. Usually the treatment and conditions of his low-caste peers always darkened his mood, got him thinking dangerous ideas that could get him into some deep slag.

But not now. He tramped forward with purpose. He needed to find Soundwave.

It didn’t take much longer to do just that. The mech was sitting on the ground, slumped against the wall. His chinplate rested on his kneeguards, and he had his arms wrapped around his legs, making him appear more small than usual.

Megatronus frowned in concern. Could the poor mech not even make it to his quarters? The designated gladiator rooms were in the same hall he was sitting in. It would only take a few more steps to reach Soundwave’s.

Perhaps he is in need of fuel. Excellent, Thought Megatron. He had brought along some delectables, because what use would a mech have if he didn’t have something to offer? He was already going to bother him, he might as well make it worth his while.

“Ah, Soundwave, just the mech I wanted to see.” Megatronus greeted. He advanced towards him, and promptly silently thanked the Allspark that the difference in heights wasn’t so immense and he didn’t have to awkwardly crouch as he extended his servo.

Soundwave looked up. Still dazed from the earlier fight, he stared at the treat in Megatronus’ large servo, confusion apparent.

“Congratulations for the victory,” Megatronus explained. “I know the rations aren’t enough to satisfy the hunger of a Host and his symbiotes. This would be wasted on me. You should have it.”

Tentatively, the smaller gladiator reached out to Megatronus’ offer. He stopped just before he could take the energon, clearly hesitant. When Megatronus nodded and gave an encouraging smile, he made his decision. He snatched up the nourishment, and to Megatronus’ surprise, hissed.

Soundwave curled into himself, shielding the energon dessert protectively.

“It’s yours.” Megatronus assured. “I won’t take it from you.” Cautiously, he took a step forward, only to backtrack when the other mech pressed himself more into the wall.

“Forgive me,” Megatronus apologized for making him uneasy. “I shall take my leave. Enjoy.” He turned around, and began to walk back to his quarters. He still had about half a stellar cycle left to rest, and that’s what he intended to do. In his haste, he forgot about the other snacks he had saved in his subspace.

Megatronus realized too late when something flew straight in his direction. He whipped around in time to be struck in the chassis.

Okay, perhaps not struck. More like a light Thwack. A tap, even.

He stared at the culprit questioningly. The mech had detached a cable from his midsection. Megatronus supposed the swat was an attempt to garner his attention. He tilted his helm to the side, prompting Soundwave to clarify his intent.

The mech merely shrugged, golden optics darting side to side as his cable retracted and snapped back into its place. Megatronus waited patiently.

“Megatronus may stay, if he so desires.” Finally came Soundwave’s laconic statement.

Megatronus knew an invitation when he saw one. He nodded and went over to sit beside Soundwave, who initially flinched. He slowly but surely relaxed.

“Where are they? Your Symbiotes, I mean.” Megatronus asked. He had been wondering about the Younglings. He knew they existed, but he had never seen them before.

“Recharging.” Soundwave simply replied. Then, he hesitated, helm canting downward so that he was looking at the ground.

“….They are very exhausted.” He continued, fidgeting with the energon snack as he spoke. “They were ravenous, so, to save up their energy, I had them go into emergency stasis. Soon, they will have recharged decently enough to safely awake. And then they will eat.”

Megatron nodded in understanding. “What about you? I know you are also starving.”

“I will not eat without my Symbiotes.” Soundwave snapped. Megatronus’ optics ridges raised in surprise. Soundwave’s cheekplates tinted blue, and he receded into himself once more with a grumble. “Apologies. I became unnecessarily defensive.”

“No apologies needed.” Megatronus chuckled, batting a servo in the air dismissively. “I did not mean to push. I suppose I was merely—“ He cut himself off.

Soundwave stared at him.

Megatronus reboot his vocalizer, “…concerned.”

The smaller mech was quick to look away, startled. “Concerned, about me?”

Megatronus found himself grinning faintly, “Perhaps.”

There was a moment of silence between them. Megatronus willed himself to remain casual. He wanted to kick himself for his previous words, but if he did that, it was most definitely make the moment more awkward.

Soundwave kept glancing at him. Megatronus pretended not to notice, until one gaze lingered a second longer than the rest. He turned his own helm to finally face him.

Soundwave immediately leaned up against the wall, suddenly finding the ground fascinating.

“Are you alright?” Megatronus questioned, vaguely amused. It was hard not to be, when Soundwave kept on reacting so eccentrically.

No response.

“Soundwave?”

“Query!” The smaller mech blurted out. He looked more embarrassed at his outburst than even previously.

Megatronus cracked a half smile. “Hmm?”

“D-Does…” Soundwave paused, and his digits dug into his arm anxiously. Megatronus knew it was a way to ground oneself, but he also knew it was harmful, evident by the dents that now resided in his frame once Soundwave released himself. Megatronus frowned. He wanted to grab his servos and lecture him to not do it again, but that’d be too familiar of an action, and he didn’t want to scare him off. He stayed silent instead, allowing Soundwave to gather his thoughts.

“Symbiotes have recharged sufficiently. Would Megatronus be interested in meeting them?”

Megatronus sat up straighter, crimson optics exhibiting his curiosity, “I’d be honored to.”

Soundwave gave him a smile, one of genuine content. Megatronus had never seen him look anything other than exhausted, apprehensive, or that expression of hostility that comes with kicking aft in the arena. Megatronus found he liked Soundwave’s smile. So much, his vents stuttered, and he had to quickly regulate them as Soundwave, oblivious to Megatronus’ predicament, stood up and put some distance between the two of them.

“Symbiotes; Eject.”

Megatronus watched in awe as the bulk on both of Soundwave’s arms detached, launching upwards. In the air, they span, almost playfully, and transformed.

Small, they were so small. Megatron expected as such. They landed by his pedes—Which, they didn’t even make it up to his knee joints—and stared up at him.

Red and blue. Blue and red.

The red one turned back to his creator, “Boss? Who’s this guy?”

Soundwave gestured to the large mech. “Meet Mighty Megatronus.”

Then, Soundwave turned around so that he was facing the wall with his back exposed. Another mass of confined metal detached itself from his back with a spring. A cybercat landed gracefully on its feet.

It spared Megatronus less than a glance, preferring to stretch out and rub against the red twin affectionately. “R-Ravage!” The sparkling laughed, and enveloped the feline in a hug. He then promptly froze, remembering Megatronus’ presence. He gave him a sour look, but Megatronus didn’t notice as he was focused on the Gladiator title Soundwave had used.

Megatronus scoffed, but he was grinning. “Please, just Megatronus is fine. Unless you want me to address you as Superior Soundwave?” He chaffed.

“Oh, no, such courtesies are not need—“

“Yeah, ya totally should!” The blue Youngling nodded eagerly, interrupting his Host. “Soundwave’s the best there is, y’know! Soundwave Superior!”

“Everyone else? Inferior as frag!” His red counterpart finished, and the two bumped fists.

Soundwave shook his head, but couldn’t resist a quiet laugh that he politely hid behind a servo.

Megatronus had another urge to pull his servo away, but this time for a different reason than preventing the mech from marking himself.

He ignored it.

“Absolutely,” Megatronus agreed with the twins. “I’ve seen your Creator fight. He’s an excellent combatant. I assume you’re proud of him?”

“Pit yeah!” They exclaimed simultaneously. "56 wins in a row, mech!" Frenzy added smugly.

Megatronus chuckled. The sparklets were so excitable. It was a refreshing change of pace from the dread and cynicism that were the mechs Megatronus associated with on the daily.

“What are your designations?” He asked them. He crouched slightly, placing his servos above his knee joints in an attempt to match their height.

“Uhh…Name’s Rumble….” The blue one nudged his twin to introduce himself, who only crossed his arms defiantly and looked away.

Megatron quickly discerned that he was extremely stubborn. And rude. Megatronus didn’t mind too much, he was only a Youngling after all. Not to mention all he and his kin might have had to endure before being forcibly moved to Kaon. He couldn’t fault him for being abrasive to anyone outside of his small circle.

When Rumble got the sense that the other Miniature wasn’t going to respond, he shrugged at Megatronus apologetically. “My bro’s name is Frenzy…He ‘on’t really like strangers.”

Frenzy merely grunted.

“Don’t worry ‘bout ‘im, though. He usually ain’t even like me!” Rumble sniggered. Megatronus snorted, going back to standing up straight.

Rumble turned to give the mechanimal a pat on its little head, who leaned into the touch with a purr. “This here’s Ravvy! Well, his real name’s Ravage. Only I call him Ravvy, heh.”

“Yeah, ‘cause Ravvy’s a dumb fragging nickname, Stupid!” Frenzy snarked. Rumble immediately glared at him. The feline gave an irritated flick of his tail.

“Frenzy, language. Do not speak to your brother that way.” Soundwave firmly scolded. Frenzy scoffed in reply, causing the Host to frown disapprovingly.

“Anyways, before I was so damn rudely interrupted…” Rumble directed his attention to Soundwave, and trailed off for dramatic effect.

Ah, the last Symbiote. Megatronus made a noise of appreciation at the mechabird perched proudly on Soundwave’s shoulder. He must have  missed the transformation when he was conversing with the twins—conversing which quickly turned into an argument between the two.

“Laserbeak!” Rumble concluded, outstretching his arms towards Soundwave and the taloned Miniature in a grandiose manner.

“Excellent,” Megatronus chuckled. Rumble was quite entertaining. “Pleasure to meet you all.”

Rumble smiled up at him, “Nah, nah, pleasure’s all ours, mech! Any friend of Soundwave’s is a friend to us.”

“Friend?” Frenzy frowned scornfully, but wasn’t heard due to Rumble’s exclamation.

“Energon?! Ay, Laser says this big guy got us some grub!”

Megatronus nodded, and the twins stared at him hopefully. “I have more.” He un-subspaced two rust sticks, three cubes of energon, some crystal bits, and an energon gelatin—similar to the one he had given Soundwave earlier.

“Rust sticks! He’s got rust sticks, Frenz!” Rumble  whooped, happily bouncing in place. Suddenly, Ravage appeared by Megatronus’ pedes, sitting still and staring up at him expectantly.

“It’s so much. I deeply apologize for becoming such a burden, Megatronus.” The other mech bowed his helm.

“What? Aw, c’mon, Boss. He came ta you, remember?!” Rumble tried to protest.

Megatronus nodded, and before Soundwave could say anything else, gave Rumble a cube. He drank some enthusiastically before passing it to his reluctant twin. "Rumble is correct."

“But….” Soundwave hesitated.

“You are no burden. I did this on my own accord. I wanted to.” Megatronus clarified, and set another cube on the ground. Laserbeak flew down to meet Ravage, and they took turns consuming the substance.

“Y-You are so kind….I must repay you somehow.” Soundwave whispered.

The taller gladiator approached his new…friend, and placed a reassuring servo on his shoulderplate. “You are not obligated to do anything of the sort. I have no ulterior motive. Please, I only wish for you to enjoy. I know how it is to starve for stellar cycles, with no one who cares enough to even pity you. It pains me to know that you and your Creations suffer the same way. I want to help.”

Soundwave finally looked up, moisture causing his remarkable optics to shine.

“Thank you, Megatronus. I greatly appreciate your understanding.”

Megatronus called the fact that he didn’t jump when Soundwave reached up to cover his large servo with his own spindly one a victory. He gazed into the other mech’s optics. The poet in him was so, so close to complimenting those resplendent, vent-taking aureate optics of his when—

”Ay, Mighty Megs!” Rumble called out, snapping the two mechs out of their stupor. Soundwave recoiled, allowing Megatronus to withdraw and turn to face the sparklet.

With neither Soundwave nor Megatronus looking at each other anymore, the deep shades of azure that had rushed to their faceplates went unnoticed.

“Think we can snag a rust stick? Those things smack! Oh, and maybe som’a those crystal bitties?” Rumble asked with a smile, wiping away some energon that dribbled down his chinplate.

“Rumble, it’s impolite to—“ Soundwave started, but Megatronus waved him off.

“Of course, I brought this for you all anyway. Here.” He handed each twin a rust stick, making  sure to place the container of crystals into Rumble’s awaiting servo.

“Thanks, mech!” Rumble was already opening the container. “We owe ya big time for this, huh Frenzy?” He not-so-subtly jabbed his twin in the side with his elbow. It wasn’t an appreciated action, seeing as how Frenzy gave him a mean glare.

“Frenz, fer real, stop bein’ an aft and jus’ eat!”Rumble talked with a mouthful of bits. “Mmmm!”

Frenzy stared suspiciously at the rust stick in his servo, as if it had done him a great disservice. “I’mma just give it ta Lasa’ an’ Rav.” He crouched down and made a few clicking noises with his glossa. The mechanimals were in front of him in an instant. They sniffed at the snack before deeming it worthy enough to eat. They bit into it, pulling out chunks and scarfing it down. Frenzy smiled softly at them.

Rumble shook his head as he munched on his own rust stick. He caught Megatronus’ optic and grinned, playfully jutting his chinplating in Frenzy’s direction, as if to ask Can you believe that guy?

Megatronus chuckled fondly. Soundwave walked on light pedes, stopping to stand next to him. He offered his half full cube of energon.

“I’ll be fine.” Megatronus declined. “But thank you, Soundwave.”

“I insist.” Soundwave said. He took Megatronus’ servo in his, and Megatronus was swiftly rendered helpless to do anything but watch as Soundwave maneuvered his digits to grasp the cube.

Unfortunately, Soundwave ended up pulling away, and Megatronus lifted the cube to his derma, tipping his helm back and allowing the liquid to glide smoothly down his intake.

Also unfortunately, that was the moment Soundwave decided to speak. “You are wonderful, Megatronus.”

The silver mech choked on the energon, intake constricting uncomfortably and forcing him to cough. He managed to hand back the cube to Soundwave, and brought up his arm to hack into.

Slag, why did he keep embarrassing himself in front of this mech? Primus, I'm pathetic.

“You alright there, big guy?” Frenzy asked, an unimpressed look of his faceplates.

“Yes, fine, fine.” Megatronus grunted, and loudly reboot his vocalizer.

Soundwave shot him a knowing smile, a gleam of mirth present in his optics.

Hmm. Perhaps he could deal with the embarrassment, so long as Soundwave continued to smile for him.

⟡⟡⟡⟡⟡⟡

[axiondelta]

MegaSound Week 2024 - 07: Free Prompt

I thought I’d doodle a nice basic pose for prompt seven. I like to imagine it’s a tired Soundwave leaning on Megatron.

I had so much fun working on all the pieces for this year’s prompts list. It’s great to see new content for this ship.

[orion-archives]

MegaSound Week - 2024

Day 5: Pride / Regret

Soundwave swings a roundhouse kick that takes Bumblebee in the side. Bee goes down, falling among the wreckage that was his friend.

"I'm saving you for last, Autobot," Soundwave tells him. "You've earned special treatment.” He pauses to look at the vast wall of attack ships nestled beneath the battle cruisers. With firepower such as this, any remaining resistance from the Autobots, from humanity—from anyone or anything—would be brief. "Better have our fun while it lasts."

He steps forward and kicks Bumblebee viciously several more times, and still Bumblebee does not cry out.

Then Soundwave looks toward Megatron to see if his lord is entertained by his actions.

Megatron gives him a pitying glance and then looks away.

Suddenly the enjoyment of his actions ends for Soundwave.

TRANSFORMERS: Dark of the Moon by Peter David. Pages 368-369.

I had done this prompt before, but didn't like how it was turning out so I rushed a little bit and experimented with brushes and a different canvas. I really like how this one turned out! It may be my favorite piece for MegaSound Week so far!

Original (warning, it's ugly lmao):

Bayverse MegaSound has so much angst potential aND I INTENT TO CHANGE THAT

WHO'S WITH ME?

[artificial-absinthe]

Separated limbos

For what starts badly ends up worse.

Soundwave trapped in the shadow zone and Megatron... wherever he is now, errand and as alone.

I know the Shadow zone is a pocket dimension, but I've always thought of it as into the other side of the mirror.

I know all I deliver on them is either angst or tragedy, but can you blame me?

In the next drawing I'll let them have each other ;_;

This was meant to be delivered for the Solidarity/Solitude prompt, along with a fic still in progress. (Shame on me) Let us pretend this is not two hours late for the Megasound week.

Better quality at deviantart and super resolution at patreon

[cavycaptain]

01 - Loyalty - MegaSound Week 2023

[mega-wave-superior]

MegaSound/MegaWave Week 2023

These prompts are simply optional. Everyone is free to create their own prompts and challenges. Thank you to everyone in the MegaSound community who helped!

[saltysaltdog]

This wasn't made for Megasound week, but in honor of it, here's a fic:

The fear comes baked in.

1700+ words.

Megatron laughed.

"Still spying on him, Soundwave?" He sauntered up behind him. "Oh, what's he doing now? Oh I see, yes I see your point," he mocked with feigned sincerity, "eating a bagel is highly suspicious behaviour. Keep your eyes on him. This one's tricky." 

Soundwave shrugged him off and Megatron cackled again. 

"Megatron: suddenly unaware of the risks he poses."

"Not unaware, no. Anyone can pose a risk at any given moment, you and I know that best. But I find it ridiculous that you're spending your efforts on this and not something more beneficial." 

"My efforts are not wasted." 

"If you say so, Soundwave. If you find the idea of risking your minicons to spy on an archivist stuffing his face worthwhile I will have to believe you." Megatron swung himself into the little alcove on top of the shelves and made himself comfortable on the bunk.

"Megatron's lack of caution will prove deadly. A better solution is to doubt everyone. Even those you think you can trust."

Megatron's breath caught for a second and thinking he'd been sufficiently warned, Soundwave turned back to watch Orion Pax in what the bot thought was a completely private corner, stuffing his face with a chalky bagel. Quite literally, as the food item was bigger than his entire helm and it made his cheeks puff out to accommodate chewing it. The scene was rather undignified for someone of his status.

"Have you ever considered that fear isn't just a consequence of functionalism, but a feature?" 

This time it was Soundwave's turn to pause. He turned to look at Megatron, who gazed at him with no judgement, no spite for having challenged him; but with a stare that met him as his equal and wanted his opinion.

"Clarification needed."

Megatron hummed in that way he did when he was trying to compose a thought he'd never needed to put into words before. Soundwave hadn't heard it in a while. 

"Say I am a low caste labourer," Megatron propounded, without irony. "I have an issue with my boss, my job, or any higher status cohort. Let's say I take this issue to them directly and they lash me to near death for it. Naturally I would hesitate to bring a similar issue forward ever again."

"Affirmative." 

Megatron was quiet for a long moment. 

"I need to reframe my argument," Megatron declared. "I made my hypothetical situation too assertive. Let's say my issue was them asking me to do something for them, like I was their servant. The outcome remains the same upon my refusal." Megatron waved his hand idly, a gesture he only did when he felt embarrassed by a mistake.

Soundwave dutifully nodded and said nothing.

"Now, with that in place: let's say that story and others like it constantly circulate the datanet. What would you expect an average worker to do when presented with a similar scenario."

"Acquiesce."

"Right? It's the safest thing to do. Now let's give the chance of this happening in reality an extremely low probability, as in, only one out of ten thousand people would ever commit violence. Even if the rest of society abhorred the behaviour and the perpetrators went to prison, the fear would remain."

Soundwave nodded. 

"And without ever intending on lifting a finger, the higher castes have access to free labour from anyone of lower caste."

"Fear: a powerful tool," Soundwave agreed. 

"It goes further than that," Megatron smirked grimly. "Perhaps they, the higher castes, are ignorant of the choice being made altogether. They are just asking for an innocent favour. After all, who would risk informing them? Even if all the low caste mechs stopped risking whatever scenario was most prevalent it would only be a matter of time before a new one arose; then the next."

Megatron had his hands behind his head now, bouncing his leg as he stared at the ceiling.

"Eventually there would just be a wall of fear between the two groups, with the lower caste bearing all the burden from it. And if that's the case, naturally you'd assume everyone was functionalist, and if you were targeted by that one out of a thousand, how could you imagine asking any high-caste bot for help: How could you imagine your case to be the one taken seriously when this was probably happening to everyone?"

"Soundwave: wouldn't trust anyone." He wasn't admonishing himself for it, it was just a fact.

"Yes, and that's just how insidious it is. It's logical, reasonable even. Especially if in our fear we keep our oppressor ignorant, they probably wouldn't see the issue at first and give the mistaken impression that they are just the same, even if they would never act the same way.

    "If they cannot be warned, they don't know and cannot learn, they cannot recognise or act. And if they do not act, then the offences continue unhindered and functionalism goes unimpeded." 

"And Megatron is certain that the probability is low." Soundwave asserted eye-contact, meeting Megatron's firm gaze again.

"They're too cowardly to even attempt it," Megatron said darkly. "Oh I have no doubts the majority fantasise about obedience or inflicting violence, but acting it out is beyond them."

Megatron held up a hand, stalling Soundwave's argument. "They don't have the reinforcement required. I'm sure if a room full of people was demanding it or if they knew nobody would ever find out, they might, but by themselves, they wouldn't know how to crack a whip and the potential reward isn't worth the attempt to learn. It's a fantasy, nothing more."

Soundwave stared at him while he tapped his finger and popped up a blank data-net search page.

"If everyone who spat slag on the net went out and did something we'd be seeing far more Iaconian labourer frames getting smelted."

He had a point.

"Megatron: will not make Soundwave like Orion Pax. He's a liability."

"So is everyone else who roams the gladiatorial pits." Megatron slid off the bunk finally and leaned on Soundwave again. "If you believe it's worth watching him on his lunch break I'll believe you," Megatron intoned his voice with something Soundwave didn't dare name. "But…" his claws played with his plating, "at least let me make fun of you for it."

Soundwave jerked his elbow back and Megatron laughed as he dodged it. 

"Megatron wants to prove his theory with Pax: foolhardy. Orion Pax: ignorant, indoctrinated, indecisive."

"I don't need him to prove that the higher castes can be more than just functionalists." He stepped around to stand in front of him and put his hand on his plating: Sincere. 

"I have you." 

Soundwave froze, his spark spinning wildly.

"We both know what you look like under all your minicon attachments, Soundwave. If I never gave you a chance I wouldn't be able to put these kinds of things into words. I wouldn't have gotten this far without you."

"Incorrect: Megatron would have."

He chuckled, a new type of laugh, one that perhaps even expressed a certain fondness.

"You have more faith in me than I do myself, Soundwave. As always."

And there it was, what he didn't dare name Megatron did with ease. 

He took advantage of Soundwave's silence and stepped even closer, leaning forwards to rest his helm on his shoulder. It was an action that left him vulnerable not only at the neck joint, but his very spark. 

Megatron didn't presume to put his arms around him and Soundwave had to do it for him, suffering his warmth in the sweltering heat of Kaon.

"You don't have to believe the same things I do, Soundwave. I've always granted you that," Megatron said as he pulled back. "But get back to me on your thoughts on this, won't you?"

Soundwave nodded and Megatron returned to the bunk to rest.

Soundwave fixed his attention to Orion Pax again and tried, for a moment, to view him as Megatron must. A rather naive but particularly privileged bot who'd gone out of his way to find the largest bagel he could.  Who had the sense to leave the workforce area to eat it, but not enough to rip it into smaller bite sized chunks.

Truly, a great use of resources, he thought snidely.

"Cease surveillance mode," he conceded. 

Lazerbeak's wings fluttered before the minicon swooped down, squawking and startling Orion Pax into dropping his chalky bagel. Said bagel was then snatched up and Lazerbeak fled the scene. 

Megatron laughed so hard he nearly fell off the bunk and quickly had to fix himself. 

He ended up falling anyway with a mighty crash. 

"Uhgh, stop laughing, Soundwave. It's not funny." He said, displaying the uncanny ability to tell exactly what Soundwave felt without any visual or audio cues. 

"I believe it was," he teased back.

Perhaps on a smaller, more flexible faceplate the twitch Megatron displayed would have been a pout. Soundwave enjoyed the reaction anyway. 

He didn't trust Orion Pax but Megatron was right: Fear was driving him to behave unreasonably. There were better targets in Iacon and more important tasks for him to directly supervise. He didn't need to follow Orion Pax on every lunch break: this wasn't going to bring any certainty to the issue. 

He allowed Lazerbeak to flee with the ill-gotten snack and terminate the livestream.

"Ah, Soundwave. Orion just messaged me. Apparently-" Megatron cackled and Soundwave could guess what it said. 

—

Years later, Soundwave observed Breakdown's new eyepatch with something approaching guilt. Statistically: the chance of Breakdown trying to desert had been higher than him being captured. Those stats had since been recalibrated. 

It was at times like this, when mistrust led to the wrong conclusion, that Soundwave thought back on that conversation.

If he'd continued on his path, if he had obtained evidence and proved to Megatron that Orion Pax couldn't be trusted, what would have become of them?

But then, if he hadn't believed in Megatron words that day he knew he wouldn't have followed him after. That was a fact. 

The thought sequence had no business existing since it always came to the same conclusion. But even so he missed the idealism their cause, Megatron, held back then. 

It was something Soundwave was incapable of replicating for him.