The whispers in his mind have been growing, teasing him as he paces, tempting him to toss aside his guards and rend their metal from their frames. The taste of it, earlier...it had been heady, to give in.

It had felt right.

There had been an interruption then, however, just as there was an interruption, now: a presence, both calming and inciting.

Before, Soundwave had managed to remind Megatron of who he was and what he'd stood for by attacking his mind, prompting him to retaliate by reliving the past. It had worsened the taint.

It had also spared him from succumbing to it, entirely.

He knew he wouldn't last forever, but it had granted him this much reprieve. He, as much as he hated to admit it--owed the inverse Soundwave.

"Come here," he spoke, calling out to where the other waited, obviously unsure. "I will not harm you, now."

He reached a hand into his subspace, and pulled something out.