As the wedding came to a close the family and a few others worked on cleaning up. Ratchet scolded chief Burns for trying to help and had him sit down. Optimus sat with his friends as the others worked. They wouldn't let him do anything either. Piper walked over and hugged her father tightly around the neck then kissed his cheek.

"See you later Papa, I'm going to hang out with Brooke. Call if you need anything." She grinned and ran off. Ratchet blinked a couple times in surprise and watched her go then looked at the other two. He had lipstick on his cheek from her kiss. Charlie Burns chuckled softly as he watched the confused doctor.

"Tell me how you managed to get your children to... accept you." The ex Chief said as he shifted in his chair and winced. Cody looked at him then took his paralyzed hand and carefully rubbed it to ease the pain. His father looked at him then smiled a little.

"I... it wasn't easy... then again it sort of was." He mumbled and sighed shakily as he looked at Optimus. "It turns out their step father isn't the best person." He muttered bitterly. "When Piper was ten she found out he was her step father. She told Grimlock she wanted to find her real father, and started to search." He chuckled softly.

"Though at that time... her... Jennifer... and her husband started going on long trips." He corrected his ex wife's name. "They just left.... them when Piper was only eight... when that started... it became a regular occurrence... Grimlock dropped out of school to watch his sister. Didn't get the education he needed, but made sure his sister did." He sighed forcefully and buried his face in his hands. The two cops looked at each other then at the doctor. They knew it had to be hard for him, to know what happened to his children, but not be able to help.

"Piper and Grimlock always hoped to find... their real father... to be free from their nightmare." He muttered bitterly and clenched his fists tightly. "I wasn't there for them... I'm no better than my own father." He rasped quietly. Optimus glared and shook his head as he gently gripped his shoulder.

"No... you aren't." He said seriously and the doctor looked at him.

"They're going to leave me Optimus..." he muttered bitterly and stared at his hands. "Just wait... it'll happen..." he sighed forcefully. Burns looked at the two and stared blankly then glanced at his son.

"Then they found you at the hospital... after the explosion and Jennifer identified you." Optimus said gently as the chief looked back at them. "She showed how much she hated you... which made Piper realize what really happened." He finished. Ratchet nodded slowly as he smiled a little.

"Such... a bright girl..." he rasped and sat up straighter. "I told them what happened.... how much I loved them, and how devastated I was when she took them. Jennifer called me a liar, and told them how mad she was that I abandoned them." He said as he sighed again. He smiled a little as he blinked back tears.

"Piper realized she was lying and called her out on it. I felt bad for Grimlock... he didn't know what to think." He mumbled. "He was hurt and confused as to why... everyone was angry." He said as he trailed off. He stared at his hands and remembered that night.

~

Grimlock watched as Piper argued with her mother about how wrong she was for taking them from their father. She then told her she should have at least told them. Her mother argued that Ratchet didn't deserve to be their father and they should forget the whole thing. The argument continued as Ratchet and Knockout glanced at each other. Unsure what to think about the situation and unsure if they should say something.

"Stop it!" Grimlock boomed as he gripped his head and set his elbows on his knees. He gripped his ears as he squeezed his eyes shut. "Just stop fighting..." he pleaded. Piper looked at him and remembered when their mother and step father would argue. He hated it.

"I'm sorry Grimlock..." she whispered quietly and her mother pulled him into a hug again as she degraded him with 'comforting words'.

"Mother knock it off." Piper snapped angrily and glared at her. Grimlock just stared blankly at the wall. He was trying to process what was happening. Ratchet hesitated then slowly stepped towards them.

"Would you just go away?!" Jennifer yelled angrily. "I don't want you around and neither do my children!" She shouted and Grimlock pulled away from her. He glared darkly as tears filled his eyes.

"Hey... don't cry my special boy." She cooed and set a hand on his cheek. He shook his head angrily and pulled away.

"I... it's because of you... I'm stupid and an idiot." He said as he smacked the side of his head with his palm. "Larry dropped me... when I was little... I didn't stay in school... so I could be smart." He explained slowly.

"I... I just wanted..." he trailed off and looked at Ratchet for a moment. He stared at him for a while then stood slowly and walked over to the doctor. The two stared at the other for what felt like an eternity. Neither saying a word.

"You... didn't abandon us...." Grimlock said quietly and looked at the floor. "Pip... believes... she believes you... but I don't know... I'm so confused." He said as he rubbed his head. He stopped and stared at the doctor.

"I'm... I'm too stupid to know anything..." he said as he smiled sadly. "I was dropped as a kid... didn't stay in school either." He chuckled bitterly but sounded more like he was choking back a sob.

"Grimlock... I'm sorry I wasn't there for you... I wanted to be so badly. I searched everywhere for the two of you." Ratchet whispered gently.

"And I don't know if it means much to you... but... I'm proud of you anyway. For doing what you knew was right." He said seriously. Grimlock stared at him blankly for a few minutes then looked at Piper. She smiled slightly to let him know the man was alright.

"He is our Dad... I know he is Grim." She insisted as she smiled more. "I can see how you both look similar in some ways." She whispered. Her brother looked at the doctor again and hung his head a little, almost as if he was afraid to look at him now.

"You... you're okay... with a... stupid son? Even though you're... really smart and stuff?" He asked hesitantly. Ratchet furrowed his brow and shook his head a little as he hugged him tightly. Grimlock gasped quietly in surprise and hesitantly hugged him back.

"Don't believe those lies, Grimlock." Ratchet said. "You aren't dumb like they've been telling you. I'm proud to call you my son." He whispered. Grimlock choked back a sob and buried his face in his neck as he cried silently. His father smiled a little as he looked at Piper. She grinned and ran over then hugged them both tightly.

~

Ratchet smiled a little at the memory and looked at the others. He finished explaining how his children wanted to spend time with him. They had moved into an apartment next to him and he loved having them over. He was teaching Grimlock a few things to help him with his confidence in himself. The doctor just wanted them to feel loved and wanted by their father. He in turn found that they filled the hole inside his heart. But he still feared that they would leave him. That was just something he struggled with.

Optimus and Chief Burns gave him advice on how to be a parent again, and how to deal with young adults. The only thing that bothered the doctor, was how easily his wife gave up on the two. He felt it had a great effect on them, but they didn't show their emotions on the matter. He was just glad to spend a little time with them. Before they left...

~

Soundwave hummed softly to himself as he walked down the street. He shoved his hands in his pockets as he closed his eyes for just a moment. His life was peaceful now and he didn't have to worry about too much. He had recovered quickly from the explosion, about five months he figured. He had a slight limp at the moment and several scars that he hid easily. He didn't care though. He walked to a theater and stopped at the entrance. He smiled more as he stared at the place and how beautiful it was now.

He had started working here only seven months ago, but business was booming. He loved it here and had a name for himself now. The Silent Musician. He didn't come up with the name, his fans had because he never spoke to anyone after his performance. He was finally living his dream. He closed his eyes for a moment as he remembered how he even came to this place. It was one of his darkest days.

After Shockwave had reformed the mafia, he called Tarn and his team to their hideout. Soundwave had figured out his mother was alive only a day ago. He was silent during the meeting as he thought about what she said. He glanced at his brother and father as he thought about why he was here. The silent man took notes but didn't say anything to the others. Once it was over he asked his father to speak with him in private. Tarn raised an eyebrow then followed him into a separate room.

"What's wrong?" He asked bluntly but Soundwave didn't respond as he just stared at him. He made sure there was no emotion evident on his face.

"I have a question that's been bothering me for a while now." He said seriously and stood taller. He waited for a moment as Tarn nodded slowly, indicating for him to continue.

"Have I ever done anything to make you proud?" He asked, keeping his expression blank. Tarn stared at him then furrowed his brow a little.

"No, nothing I can think of." He said seriously and turned to leave. "You aren't anything like your older brother, who makes me proud everyday." He muttered and looked back at him. Soundwave still didn't move or indicate he felt anything.

"Now if you excuse me, I have some things to take care of." He said and left the room then closed the door. Soundwaves shoulders slouched immediately and he hung his head. He fought back tears as he clenched his fists tightly. Was nothing he did good enough?

He shook his head and stood taller as he went to ask Shockwave. He wanted to know that what he was doing wasn't just for his sake. He wanted someone to actually be proud of everything he accomplished. Megatron was proud of him, but he was dead now.

Later that night he was alone with his brother and his father's words swirled in his head. He sighed shakily and looked at Shockwave, the one he felt he was trying desperately to be like. He cleared his throat and the older man looked up at him with a blank expression.

"What?" He asked slightly annoyed for being interrupted. Soundwave again kept his expression blank.

"I have an important question for you." He said seriously. "Have I ever done anything to make you proud?" He asked without emotion. Shockwave furrowed his brow and stood up from leaning over the desk.

"This is an illogical question." He said bluntly as he narrowed his eyes.

"I simply need the answer, then I won't ask anymore questions of that nature." He responded. Shockwave thought for a few minutes and Soundwave found himself holding his breath.

"No." He said coldly and looked at him again. "You haven't done anything to be proud of, nor will you ever." He said seriously. Soundwave stared blankly then nodded a little. 

"Understood." He mumbled and left the room. He felt he needed to go destroy something and let his anger out.

He walked down the street and looked around at the abandoned buildings. They were boarded up and eerie looking. He stopped suddenly at a theater and stared at it. He felt angry for some reason and started ripping the boards off. He then used them to hit the outside.

He was furious that he spent so many years trying to make his brother and father proud of him. He could have spent that time doing what he wanted and possibly even more. He panted heavily as he stared at the mess he made.

He grunted angrily and threw the boards through whatever windows were still intact. He hit the building again with a long piece of wood. A part of the plank broke off and hit him in the head. He growled angrily and kicked the door in then panted heavily as he looked inside. He stared blankly for a moment then slowly walked in with the plank.

He pulled a lighter out of his pocket and flipped it on, then stared at the flame. He could easily burn this place to the ground. He was tempted to and looked at the wood in his hand. He glared darkly and flicked the lighter off then went to the auditorium. If a fire started in there, no one could stop it in time.

He kicked the door open and clenched his fists as he hit anything and everything. He beat on the chairs and everything else as he made his way to the stage. He was filled with rage and pain as he hit things. He wanted to hurt his father and brother but knew he shouldn't. He loved them too much, but he was still angry with them.

He yelled angrily and threw the wood at the stage. It slid across the flat surface and stopped under a grand piano that sat there. Soundwave stared at it for a long time then slowly walked over. He picked up the plank and raised it to smash the piano. He couldn't do it though as his mind flashed to the past.

"Why do I have to practice?" Soundwave asked as he looked at his mother and pouted cutely. Beta smiled slightly and knelt by him as he sat on the piano bench.

"Because my little musician..." she said as she rested her forehead against his. "You have a love for music like my father did, and you told me once you wanted to play the piano." She whispered.

"That was before I realized I was too small to play..." he mumbled and hung his head.

"But you'll grow, big and strong. Then you'll thank your mother for not letting your dreams die." She teased as she nuzzled her nose against his. The small child giggled and looked at her.

"I'll be just like daddy?" He asked innocently. Her smile faded a little and she forced it back up. "Yes... you'll be just like daddy." She rasped. The five year old grinned excitedly and started to practice again.

The memory faded and Soundwave slowly lowered the plank. He stared at the faded white keys and dropped the wood. His mother taught him at such a young age and he played from five to eight. Up until his father tried to kill his mother. After that he only played for her and practiced in secret. Now he was a man with a broken heart and an old forgot talent.

He sat down on the bench and gently ran his fingers along the keys. He smiled a little and slowly started to play. It felt different to get his emotions out through music. He found it more soothing than destroying things. He played with all his heart and soul, letting everything out. He slowed a little as he calmed then started to actually play a song.

"I'm tired of being what you want me to be... feeling so faithless, lost under the surface..." he sang softly as he played. "I don't know what you're expecting of me... put under the pressure of walking in your shoes. Caught in the undertow, just caught in the undertow..." he sang as tears filled his eyes.

"Every step that I take is another mistake to you. Caught in the undertow, just caught in the undertow..." he whispered and blinked back tears as he played harder.

"I've become so numb, I can't feel you there. Become so tired, so much more aware... by becoming this... all I want to do is be more like me and be less like you... Can't you see that you're smothering me?" He sang as he played harder.

"Holding too tightly, afraid to lose control... 'Cause everything that you thought I would be... has fallen apart right in front of you..." he realized how true those words were, and that simply made him play the rest of the song, with the same solemn feeling.

"I've become so numb, I can't feel you there, become so tired, so much more aware. By becoming this all I want to do, is be more like me and be less like you." He sang as he played with his soul and his tears fell. He didn't want to fail anyone anymore. He didn't want to be what he was.

"And I know I may end up failing too... But I know... you were just like me with someone disappointed in you! I've become so numb, I can't feel you there. Become so tired, so much more aware. By becoming this all I want to do, is be more like me and be less like you!" He sang with anger as he tried not to sob. He was hurt and tired of everything his father was putting him through.

"I've become so numb, I can't feel you there... I'm tired of being what you want me to be. I've become so numb, I can't feel you there... I'm tired of being what you want me to be..." he sang then sighed shakily as he finished the last few notes and hung his head. He felt so much better. He suddenly heard slow clapping and he quickly looked to the auditorium entrance.

"That was amazing..." the man said as he slowly walked down the aisle. Soundwave jumped to his feet and backed away from the piano. "Wow easy there. I'm not going to hurt you." He said seriously. Soundwave didn't respond and glanced at the plank of wood.

"I'm guessing you're the one that trashed my theater. But I've never had a vandal stop half way through to play the piano." He chuckled softly as if he was used to the break in's. Soundwave stared at the man then looked at the floor in slight shame.

"Are you looking for something different? Besides being in the mafia I mean." He muttered and the silent man looked up at him in surprise.

"I can tell when you kids are in that gang. Plus I know who you are." He said seriously as his expression became unreadable. Soundwave felt slight panic and he jumped off the stage then walked quickly to the side door to leave.

"I want to help you. Give you an opportunity to be a musician." He said loudly and the other man stopped suddenly. "Let me be your manager. All I ask is you meet me here tomorrow night, and clean up the mess you made. I'll know your answer by then." He said. Soundwave glanced at him from over his shoulder then left the building.

He walked down the street as he shoved his hands in his pockets. He thought about the offer but felt he wouldn't be able to do it. He hung his head as he sighed forcefully.

The next evening he decided to go back and help the man. Between visits with his mother and the man at the theater, who's name was Jim, he felt a change taking place inside him. He wanted to be something else. Something more.

Soundwave opened his eyes as he came out of the memory. He smiled slightly and looked at the satchel he was wearing. He smiled a little and peaked inside then gently rubbed the animal sleeping in his bag. He looked around then went into the theater. Jim walked over and smiled slightly as he hugged him in greeting.

"Where have you been?" He asked as he furrowed his brow.

"I found a little friend last week and wanted to bring him by." He said as he smiled slightly. He reached into the bag and pulled out a young kitten that was all black.

"I've named him Ravage." He grinned as the sleepy kitten purred and he held it close.

"Soundwave... no." Jim said seriously as he looked at him. "I was fine when you started working here and... found that baby raven... but the cat will only make a problem." He said.

Soundwave shook his head as he smiled then looked around before he whistled. A beautiful black raven cawed in return then swooped down and landed on his shoulder. The bird nuzzled him and pecked at his hair.

"I've missed you too Laserbeak. Were you a good girl?" He asked and she ruffled her feathers before noticing the cat. She cawed angrily and pecked the feline. Ravage hissed and tried to claw her as his back arched.

"Ah no!" Soundwave said and tapped the birds beak then moved the cat away. "No fighting." He said seriously and went to the auditorium.

"Your jealous girlfriend missed you." Jim teased as he took the cat and held it. Soundwave rolled his eyes and went to the piano. He winced as he heard banging and he glanced at Jim as Laserbeak flew away somewhere.

"Sorry about that. He wants to be like you and insisted on practicing." Jim chuckled softly as he held the cat. "I'm telling you... stop bringing strays to my theater. We'll be over run in just a few weeks." He teased. Soundwave stopped suddenly and looked at him.

"I was technically a stray to you." He said as he smiled slightly and walked to the piano. Jim stood there as he watched him then looked at the cat.

"Yes... yes you were...." he whispered quietly and smiled a little. Soundwave walked to the stage and covered his ears as he winced.

"You're going to kill it!" He shouted over the noise. The small boy stopped suddenly and looked at him. He grinned excitedly and launched off the bench then hugged him tightly.

"Soundwave!" He cried as the man grunted and stepped back. He chuckled softly as he held the small four year old boy.

"Hello Frenzy." He whispered quietly and hugged him tighter. Jim smiled slightly and watched the young man. He remembered when he found the boy in an alleyway.

He was digging in the garbage for food and was extremely skinny at the time. Jim had looked around for his parents while Soundwave worked on gaining the boys trust. He was almost wild and acted as such, like a frightened animal. Soundwave managed to get the boys trust and the latter clung to him for dear life. The silent man was extremely careful and held him close as Jim called the police.

When they arrived, they couldn't find anyone that knew who the boy was, or where he even came from. The child refused to let Soundwave go and they took him to the hospital. The two men stayed there for a while as the boy was treated. The cops in the mean time looked for his parents or anyone that might know him.

After a week they didn't find anything and the child had grown attached to his rescuers. Soundwave said he would watch over him until they found his family. He hated to see the child stuck in the hospital, especially since he was so afraid. The boy had been with them for six months and loved being at the theater. Soundwave loved the boy, and gave him all his attention when he wasn't practicing.

"Look what I found." The man smiled as he walked over to Jim. Frenzy looked at the cat and smiled brightly as he carefully pet it.

"He's so cute." He grinned as he looked at them. Soundwave worked on flattening the boys wild and curly dark brown hair.

"His name is Ravage." Soundwave informed him as he smiled a little. He loved the boy so much and wanted to give him the world.

He hugged him as the child pet the cat and giggled happily. Soundwave smiled as he closed his eyes for a moment again. He felt his life was complete in a way.

This was his home and his sanctuary.

~~~~~

Wow... so much inspiration....

This is the song Soundwave plays. Well the version.

Except his voice probably isn't that deep. I picked this version because of how it is sung and because of the piano. Special thanks to Tenshineko01 for finding this version.

Wow.... 4240 words...

Okay I'm done with this book for a while. :) XD