"Rodimus," he repeats, mouth curing up at the ends. "Named himself after a trend, didn't he. Nominus, Optimus." Well he wouldn't be a match for Optimus in Shockwave's mind - but no one could, so it's hardly a slight against Rodimus. And as they'll never meet because I play them both, he won't be able to judge the shit out of him either.

But onto the meat of the matter. Energon. What have you. Ignoring Val's words, even if they motivate him, Shockwave moves to lessen the amount of space between them, one arm smoothly sliding in Optimus' so they can lock elbows.

"Walk with me? I'll explain as we go."