Two days later, the machines on which Silverstreak was hooked still beeped away, giving no indication of any change in the young bot's condition. In the meantime, Professor Sumdac expressed his sympathies, even apologised that he couldn't provide the repair-bot he had promised. As he said, the thieves that broke into his laboratory left no traces, so it would be impossible to find them.

Nevertheless, the Autobots thanked the human, realising that he only meant well. After all, they already suspected who were the thieves, and the Decepticons would pay for it in the very next battle.

Sari, on the other hand, asked her father if she could stay at the Autobots' base, for she wanted to be there when Silverstreak came online. Since Professor Sumdac couldn't find it in his heart to deny the girl's request, he gave her permission. So, the girl was now at the base, hoping, like everyone else, that the young bot would come online soon.

During that whole time, Prowl hardly left his brother's side. He merely sat on the chair, staring at the lying form and waiting patiently. He didn't seem to acknowledge anyone anymore, not even Ratchet, who came into the repair-bay every few hours to make sure the machines that supported Silverstreak's systems were operating properly.

Even so, there were times that either Bumblebee or Bulkhead heard Prowl talking to Silverstreak. Neither of the two young Autobots could make out all the words, but they were sure Prowl was recounting some old story from his law-enforcing days. And, once, Optimus saw Prowl curling his fingers around Silverstreak's unresponsive ones, looking like he was about to break down.

It was only natural. The worry and anxiety started to prove nerve-racking, even for a stoic bot such as the ninjabot.

On the third day, Ratchet convinced - or rather, threatened - Prowl out of the room so the motorcycle could get some energon into his systems. The medic himself walked inside the repair-bay to check on the life-support machines, and he was stunned when he saw Silverstreak stirring.

"Kid?" Ratchet asked before he could help it.

Silverstreak's optics flickered on. A small gasp escaped the blue bot's lips and he tried to sit up, but Ratchet held him in place.

"Easy, you're only going to hurt yourself."

Silverstreak stopped squirming. He locked his gaze on the other bot, recognition reflected in his optics. "Your voice… You're one of Prowl's friends, aren't you?"

The medic nodded with a small smile. "The name's Ratchet. And, yeah, you really can see, in case you were wondering."

Silverstreak frowned at that. "So you know."

"Yeah, I do," Ratchet replied, "I had to scan you when you got injured, so I found the ultrasound circuitry on your chevrons."

"Injured?" Silverstreak echoed. He checked himself in confusion. "Why can't I remember?"

Ratchet looked at the young Autobot curiously. "What's the last thing you remember?"

Silverstreak thought hard. "My talk with the little Earthwoman and Prowl."

"When was that?"

"In the morning. The sun was warm, but I could still feel some dew clinging on my motion pistons." The blue bot faced Ratchet, a frowning expression on his features. "You make it sound as though I talked to them again."

"You did. Just before your processor got corrupted," Ratchet said. He shook his head when Silverstreak flinched. "No, don't worry. Apparently, your self-repair systems worked around the problem by deleting your most recent files. That's why you have that memory-lapse."

Silverstreak relaxed a bit and let out a sigh of relief. "I see. So what happened exactly?"

"A lot of things," Ratchet answered, affording a small smile. "I guess it's a blessing you don't remember."

"And Prowl? Is he okay?" Silverstreak asked, his tone quite worried.

"I'm fine. Thanks to you."

Both Silverstreak and Ratchet turned to see Prowl standing at the doorway.

"Brother…" Silverstreak breathed out.

Prowl nodded, a wan smile on his lips at last. "Hello, Silverstreak."

---------------------

The news about Silverstreak's recovery spread fast. Soon enough, all the Autobots gathered inside the repair-bay, wishing to see for themselves that the blue bot was all right. Sari especially beamed with joy when she found out that her key fixed Silverstreak's sight. Silverstreak, on the other hand, was glad that he had the chance to match the voices he knew with actual faces, and he even shook hands with Optimus Prime. As Silverstreak stated, half-teasing half-serious, anyone who could handle Prowl deserved respect.

So, a couple of hours after night settled in the city of Detroit, all the Autobots and Sari were sitting in the main room of the base, engaged in conversation. The bots sipped some energon, whereas Sari settled with some orange juice.

"Silverstreak, can I ask you something?" Optimus said after some time.

The blue bot's lip components tugged to a small knowing smile. "You want to know how I got blind?"

Optimus nodded, his optics locking on Prowl for a brief moment. "I think we all do."

Silverstreak understood. Taking another sip of his energon, he started telling his story.

---------------------

They both hid behind a rock formation, watching Oil Slick from a distance. After going through with the plan one last time, Prowl was the first of the two to leave. His instructions were clear and simple: when Silverstreak heard Prowl and Oil Slick's clash, he would hurry to the ship and take control of it.

That was precisely what happened. A few minutes later, Silverstreak picked up the sound of fighting, so he jumped at the chance; he totted his gun and ran towards the ship. Shooting the lock was easy, and Silverstreak smiled inwardly when the door opened. Nevertheless, he still stepped inside with caution. Prowl had warned him that Oil Slick could have the ship booby-trapped, so Silverstreak didn't want to risk anything.

Silverstreak wasn't prepared for what was to come though. While he was walking, he heard something triggering to his left and he turned around, his optics wide in surprise.

Green vapours spewed all over his face, making Silverstreak stagger backwards with a gasp. He tried to wipe his optics, but it was too late. The vapours seeped through the optical seams and started eating away the sensors from the inside. Maddened by pain and fright, he tried to fumble his way out, but it was impossible. He couldn't tell which way to go.

He didn't realise the ship exploded until he was all of a sudden thrown a good three feet away, surrounded in smouldering heat. He didn't even register his gears twisting out of shape as he crashed on the ground. Next thing he knew, Silverstreak heard rapid footsteps approaching him, and he did the only thing that made sense at that moment. He pulled the trigger.

He was relieved when he heard the other fall down with a thud; it meant his aim proved good. But his relief quickly changed to horror at the sound of a voice congratulating him on a job well done, for it wasn't his brother's voice.

The cry that tore out of his vocalizer carried a far greater pain than the one tormenting his optics.

------------------

Silverstreak paused for a moment to take another sip of his energon. The room was quiet now, and everyone present couldn't help but feel sympathy for the young bot. As the story progressed, Silverstreak's voice gradually became more strained, until he could barely get the words out of his vocalizer. Still, Silverstreak persisted.

"I don't know when Oil Slick left after that; I was more focused on finding Prowl. I fumbled my way to the direction I fired, and I found him a little farther away from me. He was unconscious, but thankfully functioning." He turned to his brother, looking at him sadly. "My transmitter wouldn't work, so I used one of our emergency flares. Fortunately, another law-enforcer on patrol saw it and carried us to the nearest repair-bay." He lowered his gaze to stare at his energon. "The medic took care of my wounds, but he said there was nothing he could do about my optics. The damage was too extended and complicated."

"Well, not complicated for Sari's key," Bumblebee noted with a grin, patting the girl on the head. She just swatted his hand away in mock indignation.

Silverstreak managed another small smile. "Apparently not." He tapped his chevrons. "It feels strange not having to use these anymore, but I'm not complaining."

"I bet you aren't," Bulkhead said, "And the Decepticons won't stand a chance against your guns."

"Decepticons?" Silverstreak echoed.

"Yeah, things aren't exactly peaceful around here, as you may have noticed," Ratchet said. "We could use some extra help, and you're certainly qualified for the job."

Optimus nodded his agreement and held up his energon cube in a 'cheers' gesture. "Welcome to the team, Silverstreak."

Everyone followed Optimus's example, holding up their own cubes amid much laughter and cries of: "Welcome."

No one noticed Silverstreak's clouded expression.

----------------------

"Well, what do you think, Silverstreak?"

Silverstreak didn't answer at once. He rested his back against the bark of the tree that was growing inside Prowl's room and looked at his surroundings. He barely kept his gaze in one place, as if trying to see everything at once, making up for all that time he had been blind.

Finally, the younger motorcycle smiled. "I can see why you like it. The quiet is almost soothing." He lifted his right hand at optic level, watching almost mesmerised the plating glinting under the shower of moonlight.

Prowl smiled a bit from his comfortable perch amid the branches of the tree. "That from someone who wanted to have protoforms running around his house one day."

Silverstreak let his hand drop at his side. "Things change."

Prowl shifted a bit, feeling embarrassed for the first time in a long while. "You never told me how you found out I was missing."

"Though you said you didn't want to see me again, I still wanted to hear from you," Silverstreak replied with a shrug. "So Kup always told me of any news he heard of you."

Prowl sat up. "You're joking."

"Nope," the blue bot said, chuckling. "He even kept me in the force as his personal assistant in spite of my condition."

Prowl couldn't help it. He chuckled as well. "Impressive. I never thought he would ever go out of his way to help any us, subordinates or not."

"I'll say," Silverstreak said. He bowed his head, a rueful expression settling on his features. "He was even sad to see me go."

"You resigned?"

"I had to look for you," Silverstreak explained. "And since the higher-ups of the so-called Elite Guard didn't care for my appeal, I decided to take matters into my own hands."

"What puzzles me is who was insane enough to sell a ship to a blind bot," Prowl mused aloud.

Silverstreak winced. "Somebody who didn't know he was selling a ship to a blind bot?"

The black motorcycle hooked his legs on the branch and lowered himself close to his brother. "You didn't."

Silverstreak scratched his head in an embarrassed manner, looking very much like a protoform caught red-handed into stealing an energon-goody. "Well, you know what they say… what you don't know, can't hurt you."

Prowl raised an optic ridge. "And you actually piloted it?"

"In a way, yes. I'd type the coordinates on the controls and the auto-pilot would do the rest." Silverstreak answered. "The trip was kinda bumpy, I can tell you that."

"Just bumpy?" Prowl let out a dramatic sigh. "Show off."

"I like you too," the blue bot said. His tone was playful, but it was clear something bothered him. After a moment of silence, he looked up at his brother. "Prowl?"

The ninjabot let go of the branch and landed next to Silverstreak, a very serious expression on his features. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing!" Silverstreak said at once. "I just…" He paused briefly, considering matters. "Will… will you tell me about your life here?"

Prowl relaxed. "Of course," he said. Sitting by the roots of the tree, he rested his head against the bark and told his story from the moment he and the others found the All-spark. He did his best not to omit anything, wishing to share everything with his brother.

Silverstreak, on the other hand, also sat and listened, keeping his optics on his brother's face.

--------------------

Optimus sat on the sofa, reading a datapad. His gaze drifted momentarily to one of the windows, and saw the grey cloak of pre-dawn covering the city. It wouldn't be long before the sun rose, signifying the start of a new day. He got back to his reading, but a sound behind him made him turn around. He smiled when he saw it was Silverstreak.

"I expected you to be with Prowl."

"I let him meditate," Silverstreak replied, walking up to the young leader. "I told him I wanted to stretch my legs for a while."

Optimus regarded Silverstreak curiously. "So what's the real reason you're here?" he asked.

"To see you."

Optimus frowned in confusion, but he decided to indulge the blue bot. He beckoned Silverstreak to sit down on the couch.

"What's this about?" he asked, as soon as Silverstreak settled across him.

The motorcycle didn't look up at Optimus. In fact, Optimus could tell that Silverstreak was acting strange. The motorcycle was wringing his hands nervously, as though unsure as to how to approach the matter.

Even so, Optimus knew better than to try and press Silverstreak. He simply watched the blue bot patiently, allowing him to build up enough courage to speak up; until, finally, his patience was rewarded.

"Prowl told me of everything you've done. Not just for him, mind you, but for the others as well," Silverstreak said. "Thank you for that."

Optimus nodded, accepting Silverstreak's thanks graciously. "I only tried to keep our team together."

Silverstreak smiled. "With all due respect, you did more than that," he said. "You've earned Prowl's trust and loyalty. There aren't all that many bots who can claim that sort of thing."

Optimus raised an optic ridge in disbelief. "Did Prowl tell you that?"

"Hardly," Silverstreak replied with a chuckle. "I saw it in his optics when he spoke of you." His mirth died down, however, and his optics reflected his saddened expression. "It makes it more difficult for me to say what I have to say."

"And that is?" Optimus asked, not really understanding.

Silverstreak sighed and looked down at his hands. "When I joined the force, I did it in the belief that I would use my guns right. That I'd shoot the bad guys and protect the innocent. I ended up shooting my own brother instead." His hands closed into fists. "Now, every time I touch a gun, I remember the sound of Prowl's body hitting the ground and Oil Slick's words ringing in my audios. Even worse… I remember the smell of Prowl's burnt circuits while I was holding him, begging him to stay with me till help arrived."

Optimus lowered his datapad and stared at Silverstreak in sympathy, for realisation caught up with him. "You can't fight."

"Not yet anyway," Silverstreak replied. He heaved a sigh. "I'm sorry. I don't expect you to like it."

"You're right. I don't," Optimus said. He winced when he saw Silverstreak's optics shut in a pained manner, so he prodded the blue bot to look at him.

"That doesn't mean I don't understand," he said softly, "And you can still stay if you want to."

"We both know that I would only be a burden in this case," Silverstreak said.

Optimus shook his head, wishing Silverstreak didn't feel that way. "I don't believe that."

"But you will eventually. All of you will."

A sigh flowed out of Optimus's lips. It was obvious Silverstreak's mind was made up, and Optimus wouldn't be able to talk him out of it.

"So what will you do now?" he asked.

Silverstreak shrugged. "This planet looks like it has many surprises. I might as well go see them with my own optics."

"The others will be sad to see you go," Optimus pointed out.

"That's why they won't see me go," Silverstreak said.

"Are you too afraid to say goodbye?" the young leader asked, disapproval ringing in his words.

"If I say goodbye, it will only mean I won't be coming back," Silverstreak replied.

Optimus understood what Silverstreak told him. "And Prowl?"

The former gunner smiled wanly. "I've already left him something in his room. Hopefully, it will serve as a promise." He looked outside, just in time to see the first light of day bringing colour to the world once more.

"I should go." He stood up and bowed his head. "Look after Prowl, Optimus. My dear brother is a good bot, but a bit hard-headed at times."

"I know," Optimus said with a nod. He stood up as well and extended his hand toward the blue bot. "Come back when you feel ready, Silverstreak."

"I will," Silverstreak promised, completing the handshake. He cast a brief glance in the direction of Prowl's room and then turned on his heel to walk away. In a matter of moments, he was out of the door and out of sight.

-----------------------

Silverstreak stood outside the factory, taking in the sight of sunlight before his optics. He remained there for some time, savouring the brilliance he had missed for more than fifty solar cycles.

Before realising it, he shut his optics. His second nature kicked in, and his chevrons let out a barely audible clicking sound, sending it to all directions.

The outline of buildings jumped to life in the darkness. More than that, he could discern a familiar form perched on the roof of the factory, something that made Silverstreak smile.

"See you, Prowl." With that, he transformed and drove away into the sunrise.

Prowl stayed on the top of the factory, watching Silverstreak go. When he could no longer detect the blue motorcycle's form in the horizon, he uncurled his right hand and looked at it.

There, shining brightly in his palm, was a small badge. A badge that his little brother left him at the root of the tree. The very badge Prowl had to give up when he was dismissed from the force.

Prowl smiled, hope swelling in his spark.

"See you, Silverstreak."

The End.