The large shepherd dog barely moved a muscle, his eyes fixed on the prize that was several feet away. He couldn't see it, since the grass was almost as tall as he was. But he could definitely smell it and hear it. The violent rustling of the leaves reached his ears only too clearly, and his nostrils twitched at the scent of the two 'bad meats', still fighting between themselves. It was a scene that he had witnessed a lot lately, unsure what caused it. This wasn't about fighting for a mate, or even fighting about food or dominance. This was about fighting for the sake of fighting, anger and hatred filling the air. It was wrong, unnatural… and frightening.

That was why he had kept himself hidden for so long, afraid and uncertain, even as hunger and thirst kept tearing his insides. For he had been aware that those foes were beyond him, and if he had tried to engage in combat, he wouldn't have survived the encounter. Thankfully, though, that had changed with the appearance of the metal companion. He had smelled right. More importantly, he had been kind, his tone and touch gentle as he had given him the food and water that he had longed for. Someone who could provide so much so generously was a worthy alpha, and the least he could do was stay close and offer his services. That was how they had become a pack, with each their own part to play in order to survive.

He took another step, slowly and carefully so as not to make a sound. Not that it would have mattered. The 'bad meats' were more interested in fighting rather than anything else and this time was no exception. Still, he didn't want to mess things up. Fetching 'bad meats' unharmed was something that pleased his metal alpha.

Another step brought him closer, the scent filling his nostrils now. This was his chance. He was at the perfect distance to lunge and catch them by surprise. He was going to bring his prize to his alpha, one way or another. Failure wasn't an option. With that, his whole body snapped into action, his weapons bared and putting them into good use for the sake of the pack.

Bluestreak looked up at the sound of light footsteps, only to smile gently as he saw Max returning with an infected rabbit in his mouth. The dog seemed very proud of himself as he trotted towards him with his tail held high, not seeming to mind the struggle that smaller creature put up as it tried to escape his grasp.

"What have you got for me there, boy?" the large mech asked. Though he kept his tone light, he took extra care while putting on his gloves. Rabbits were small and, worse, with quite the sharp teeth; all it would take was one small tear and then Bluestreak would be in danger. "Okay… drop it."

Max complied, loosening his jaws. Though the rabbit got ready to bolt, Bluestreak turned out to be faster as he closed his palm around it carefully, and then confined in the small cage that he had prepared for it. Max wagged his tail in a happy manner, glad that the hunt had gone so well.

"Good boy," Bluestreak said, stroking the dog's head gently. "Here's the treat."

Max cocked his head, and then barked happily as he noticed the small bowl in his master's other hand, full with dog food. His mouth watered quite visibly and he got ready to dig in.

"Wait," Bluestreak instructed.

The dog looked up, something that made the mech smile. Dogs always seemed to live in the present. You could give them an order about a dozen times and still act surprised.

"Sit."

The dog's expression seemed to change one of understanding as he obeyed.

"Shake," Bluestreak said again, holding out an index finger.

Max placed a paw on the finger, eager to please.

"The other paw."

Max shifted, putting on the large finger his left paw.

"Play dead."

Max instantly lay flat on his back, all four legs dangling in the air.

"Silly dog…" Bluestreak said affectionately before giving his final command. "Okay."

Max practically jumped back on his feet and started eating as if there was no tomorrow. Not that Bluestreak blamed him really, considering how scarce food was. Fortunately, Bluestreak still had the maps of the city downloaded in his database, and he knew which places were worth scanning for supplies. As for Max… well, his nose managed to pinpoint the building with the most food or fuel and then retrieve them just fine. It was easier for a dog to go in through an open window and pick up things of interest with his mouth than a mech to just tear down a wall and rummage unsuccessfully around, after all. If that didn't already make Max invaluable, the second thing that Bluestreak had discovered about the dog certainly did the trick.

The infected rabbit continued attacking the latched door, making his cage practically shake. Bluestreak sighed at the sight and he picked it up, deciding it to put it aside with the rest of the other specimens that Max had been able to collect for him.

Max didn't so much as lift his gaze as Bluestreak got up from his makeshift seat and headed to the entrance of the cave. In fact, he didn't even flinch as the large mech pushed away the large rock covering the entrance. It was a ritual that he had grown accustomed to and, besides, his master's business wasn't necessarily his; he would be called when needed. At least, that's what Bluestreak supposed went through his companion's mind.

"Okay, in you go," he said, addressing the infected rabbit as he put it in one of the ledges, currently serving as shelves for his own private storehouse. He didn't let the shrieks and growls distract him as he looked around at the other cages and counted them silently, reaching at number twenty.

"Not bad," he murmured with a weak smile, and then activated his datalog. "Gunner Bluestreak's log, 27th June, 2006. It took a few weeks of care and training, but Max has become strong and able to help me in my research. His natural immunity to the Hate Plague has provided me with hope for the future, for now I know that I have a chance to create an antidote with his blood. I've taken a sample yesterday – though he didn't like the needle, poor thing – and I now have enough specimens and materials in order to start the experimentation anew. It's… It's a long shot, I have to admit; I'm not even sure I know what I'm doing, despite the knowledge Perceptor has passed down to me. Nevertheless, the prospect is a lot better than it was till a month ago."

With that, Bluestreak turned off his log and stepped outside once more. He and Max were going to visit the cave tomorrow, after making sure that no one was watching them. For in this last month, he kept picking up signatures of the Infected every which way, a sign that not they were tracking down, but their web closed around him slowly and steadily. His only solution was to keep moving, to keep them guessing as to where he was… and hope he'd have enough time to fix things before it was too late.

Ah, there it was. Max was tense once more, his ears pricked up and his eyes wide. He had sensed what Bluestreak easily detected, his sense of smell – or instinct of survival, take your pick – just as strong and infallible as Bluestreak's scanners. At least one Infected was close by, and they had to leave before they were discovered. Without losing much time, he closed the entrance of the cave with the large rock, and then beckoned Max silently to him.

Max complied, his food forgotten. Already used to the routine, he had settled on the stretched palm and allowed Bluestreak to place him on the hard surface of his right shoulder. It wasn't the best spot for a pet unless they were a parrot, but it was nevertheless ample and comfortable enough for the dog when they were on the move. Besides, Bluestreak didn't intend to transform. It was far too noisy and there was the matter of the fume trail to be considered. No, this was the time for subtlety and discretion. That's how Prowl would have put it anyway…

"Shh…" Bluestreak instructed the dog and, using the cover of the rocky terrain, they treaded silently and swiftly away from the cave, very much like shadows.

Night fell swiftly, bringing thunder and rain along with it. Fortunately, Bluestreak had learned Portland like the back of his hand after so much wandering and exploration, and he knew just the right for him and Max to spend the night. An abandoned factory could provide a warm, cozy nest, even if one of the walls was crumpled down; at least the roof was intact.

"Here we go…" Bluestreak murmured at Max, lowering him down on the floor. "Ready to call it a night?"

The shepherd dog wagged his tail in apparent affirmation, so Bluestreak took out of subspace a small blanket, placing it right next to him.

"Lie down then."

Max trotted happily to the blanket, making a couple of circles around it before finally settling down with a small croon of content. Bluestreak couldn't help but smile at that, and he gently stroked the dog's back.

"Good dog."

Max simply closed his eyes, the affectionate petting swiftly lulling him to sleep. Bluestreak wished he could have done the same, but, alas, he had to keep an optic open for any Infected. The thunderstorm blocked almost all noise, and the flashes of light could easily blind him at the most inconvenient moment. On the other hand, he wasn't sure if he'd be able to sleep even if he tried…

His thoughts were cut abruptly when, as lightning brightened everything in the briefest of moments, he saw Hound standing just outside the cracked wall, his blazing optics locked on Bluestreak – he had seen him! Gasping, Bluestreak reached for his gun, but Hound was onto him in a leap, hands stretching out as claws ready to rip him in shreds…

Bluestreak online his optics, arms flailing as he continued struggling a foe that, as realization slowly dawned on him, wasn't there. Just the rain, the dark, and himself.

When had he fallen asleep and why hadn't he even noticed?

A whine snapped him out of it and looked down. Poor Max was regarding him with an expression that could only be described as worried. Before he realized what he was doing, Bluestreak gently picked up the dog and cradled him close.

"Just a dream," he murmured. "I'm okay now."

Except… he wasn't. Not really. For it now looked like that, if the Infected didn't get to him, fear and insanity would.

Primus, let Max's blood work... Bluestreak thought desperately. I don't think I'll be able to take it much longer…

Little had he known that Primus had other plans in store.

TBC...