Notes: Not Beta-read.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Transformers, Hasbro does I think.
Prowl stood on the edge of the ruined city. Darkness surrounded him, light from the heavily damaged moon cast only enough light to dimly highlight the destroyed buildings. Ever present fog swirled lazily about, adding to the haunted image the once beautiful city now portrayed.
Optics turned off, he stood unmoving, his doorwings drooping on his back. He came here every cycle. It was risky, standing out here in the open. But he couldn't stay away. Illogical as it was, this was the closest he could get to the place where he had said goodbye to his best friend. And where he had finally realized too late that he loved that friend deeper then he would have thought possible.
Lost in thought, he paid no attention to the soft tremors running through the planets surface. They were almost constant now. Sometimes just a vibration, other times the planet shook hard enough to bring down any walls that might remain standing. There was no denying that Cybertrons cycles were numbered.
A noise sounded softly behind him, and Prowl turned on-lining his optics to search the shadows. Finding nothing there, he shifted back to gaze out across the landscape. He should be recharging. But he found his mind constantly returning to those last few moments that he had spoken to Jazz. Almost three vorns ago now. Had it really been that long?
"Prowler, where are you? The 'Cons are attacking and we have to lift off soon" There was an almost desperate quality in Jazz' voice that the tactician had never heard before.
"Jazz..." He hesitated, his battle computer telling him it was the only way. "We can't get back, the decepticons have every route blocked. You have to take off without us."
There was silence across the comm line for a couple klicks. "No! We can't just leave you there. Ill send out a team to clear the way."
"Mirage and Sunstreaker have already confirmed that the decepticons have even more reinforcements on the way. Get the Ark out of there. That's an order!"
Prowl terminated the communications regretfully, unable to listen to his friend try to find a solution that didn't exist. Turning to his team, he explained the situation, preparing himself as he did so for their objections. There were none. Just sad acceptance. Quietly he suggested they contact anyone on the ship that they wished to while they could.
Standing a little ways apart from his team, he watched as each opened a private comm line to those they cared about. He wanted to re-establish his own line with Jazz, yet he forced himself to remain still. He had no need for good byes. He hated that they sounded so final.
His gaze narrowed on the twins that First Aid was trying to keep a grip on while talking on his own comm line. Their small forms curled tightly against the medics. One was a dark blue with black highlights, while the other was a solid black. He had no idea how they had gotten out here alone, and he doubted he would ever know. He only knew that if Mirage hadn't found them and called him, that they would have offlined due to low energy. They may still offline. He may have only delayed it.
He jerked as his comm line beeped at him and he activated it automatically.
"Prowl, we are almost ready to leave." Jazz hesitated, then continued on hurriedly. " You should head for Praxus. Get away from Iacon."
"Why Praxus?"
"The 'cons consider it haunted. They avoid it at all costs. It would be the safest place for your team."
"Thanks Jazz. As soon as everyone is ready we will head out."
Silence reined for a few moments before both spoke softly.
"Jazz..."
"Prowler..."
A hesitation again then prowl spoke up. "I don't like goodbyes, Jazz. You have been my best friend, and for that I am truly grateful. I will miss you until the next time we meet. Even if it is in the well of Allsparks."
"Until next time, Prowler" Jazz hurriedly cut the connection, but not before prowl heard a softly whispered "Love you."
"Prowl."
Sunstreaker's voice jerked prowl out of his thoughts and he whirled to face the frontliner. His optics widening at the sight of the blue sparkling curled against the mechs chest plates. Up until now, Sunstreaker had ignored the sparklings completely. He growled at prowl, daring him to comment. The tactician wisely remained silent.
"Wheeljack and Mirage are back. We should finalize the plans for tomorrow."
Prowl nodded then turned back to gaze out over the landscape once again. "Ill be there shortly."
He paid no attention the other mechs leaving. His processor already drawing him back into the past, replaying the Arks departure behind closed optics.
Tomorrow was a new cycle. And it would either mean the start of a new journey to find the mech he loved, or it would mean the end of his life. Either way, he would not regret it.