Bonds of Steel

    By davidsifuentes410+deep

    Bonds of Steel cover image

    08 Aug, 2023

    In the vast and mechanical expanses of Cybertron, Shockwave, the Decepticons' mad scientist, could often be seen lost in his work. He was known for creating monstrous military machines, implementing devastating weapons of mass destruction, and weaving intricate webs of deceit. But Shockwave was about to embark on a new, unexpected project.

    This project was different, it was personal. He aimed to create a sentient being, a Predacon, that would not just follow orders but also possess independent thought, which was a revolutionary idea for a Decepticon.

    Using the latest Cybertronian robotics and his vast knowledge of science, Shockwave created Ripclaw, a female Predacon. As he saw Ripclaw's red optics flicker on for the first time, he felt a strange sense of attachment, something he was unaccustomed to.

    Ripclaw was a sight to behold. She was fierce, brave, and loyal. With her razor-sharp talons and formidable size, she was an efficient warrior. But what made her special was her ability to think independently and creatively, unlike many others in their cold, calculated Decepticon ranks.

    Shockwave found himself spending more and more time with Ripclaw, teaching her strategies, showing her how to navigate Cybertron, and feeding her thirst for knowledge. In his heart, he felt a budding bond, a bond that was more familial than functional.

    As the days turned into cycles, Shockwave began viewing Ripclaw not just as another weapon in the Decepticon arsenal but as a daughter. His cold, logical heart warmed every time Ripclaw showed signs of learning or expressed curiosity, her optics glowing brightly.

    Ripclaw, too, had a deep respect for Shockwave. She admired his intellect and the way he seemed to know everything. She viewed him as a father figure, a guide, and a teacher. It was a bond that was unique and special, a bond that was unshaken by the turbulent wars that raged outside their lab.

    However, this father-daughter relationship did not go unnoticed by Megatron, the ruthless leader of the Decepticons. He saw this bond as a weakness, a distraction that was pulling Shockwave away from his duties and work.

    Megatron, with his calculating mind, could see that Shockwave's growing affection for Ripclaw was becoming an issue. He worried that it could potentially jeopardize their goals and the Decepticons' mission.

    Megatron confronted Shockwave, expressing his concerns about his divided attention. However, Shockwave defended his bond with Ripclaw, stating that their relationship did not interfere with his commitment to the Decepticons.

    Despite Megatron's disapproval, Shockwave continued to nurture Ripclaw, teaching her and watching her grow stronger and smarter each day. Ripclaw also continued to impress Shockwave and the other Decepticons with her intelligent decisions and bravery on the battlefield.

    It was during a perilous battle, where Ripclaw's instinctive strategies swung the tide in Decepticons' favor, that Megatron began to view Ripclaw differently. He realized that Ripclaw's independent thinking, a product of Shockwave's teachings, could be an asset rather than a liability.

    However, despite this realization, Megatron remained a strong believer in discipline and order within the Decepticons. His concern regarding Shockwave's bond with Ripclaw didn't completely fade away, still viewed as a potential weakness.

    Tensions continued to rise as Megatron tried to deal with Shockwave and Ripclaw's bond while maintaining order within his ranks. On the other hand, Shockwave and Ripclaw focused on strengthening their bond and their contributions to the Decepticons' cause.

    Eventually, the tension reached its peak, leading to a confrontation between Megatron, Shockwave, and Ripclaw. During the argument, Shockwave reiterated his unwavering loyalty to the Decepticons and defended Ripclaw as a valuable asset.

    After the confrontation, a strained peace was maintained within the Decepticon ranks. Shockwave continued to serve as their scientist, and Ripclaw proved her worth time and time again on the battlefield. Their bond, after enduring Megatron's scrutiny, emerged stronger, reflecting their mutual respect and affection.

    Megatron, despite his misgivings, began to grudgingly acknowledge the benefits of Ripclaw's unique abilities and her bond with Shockwave. He started to understand that relationships, even in a faction as cold as the Decepticons, could fuel motivation and loyalty.

    So, in the heart of Cybertron, under Megatron's watchful optics, Shockwave and Ripclaw continued their journey. Their bond, although viewed as a potential weakness, proved to be strength, shaping their paths and their contributions to the Decepticons.

    Ripclaw, under Shockwave's guidance, grew to be one of the most formidable Predacons in the Decepticon ranks. Her courage on the battlefield was only matched by her thirst for knowledge and her respect for Shockwave.

    Shockwave, for his part, remained the Decepticons' mad scientist, creating and innovating. But his most significant accomplishment, his most personal project, remained Ripclaw. His creation, his student, his daughter.

    Shockwave and Ripclaw's story serves as an unusual chapter within the violent annals of Decepticon history. A story of a bond formed in the heart of a bleak battlefield, a bond between a mad scientist and his creation, a bond as robust as the strongest Cybertronian metal.

    It was a bond that taught the Decepticons, and perhaps even Megatron, that relationships don't always signify weakness. Sometimes, they can be the source of incredible strength. In a universe of war and chaos, Shockwave and Ripclaw found solace in their bond, in their very own corner of the cosmos.

    In the world where loyalties are tested, and alliances are fleeting, Shockwave and Ripclaw's bond stood the test of time. They reminded each other and everyone else that in the midst of chaos, connections could be made, and bonds could be formed.

    And so, within the cold, calculating ranks of the Decepticons, Shockwave and Ripclaw found something warm and valuable. They discovered a bond that went beyond function, a bond that was familial. And in the end, this bond was their greatest strength, their most significant achievement.

    Their story serves as a reminder that even in the harshest of environments, bonds can be formed. Bonds which are not a sign of weakness but a symbol of strength. And these bonds can make all the difference. A difference that can change the course of a war, the fate of a planet, even the destiny of a galaxy.

    So, even in a universe filled with war, conflict, and unending chaos, don't underestimate the power of bonds. The bond between Shockwave and Ripclaw was one such example. And who knows, there may be many more out there in the vast cosmos, waiting to be discovered, waiting to make a difference.