Alternate Endgame

Requested by Ishimura

Cybertron. How long had it been since he had last been here? He hadn't set foot on his home world since he left after Master Yoketron's murder. He had missed it, he couldn't deny it. True he loved Earth, and that planet was more his home now than Cybertron, but it was still nice to be back. Or it would have been. The crowds were certainly excited to see them. But that was because they were thrilled that they had brought home Megatron and his forces in chains. He doubted it was because they were personally glad to see any of them.

He glanced at his comrades. None of them shared the joy of the masses. Bumblebee was smiling, but he could tell that the smile was fake. Jazz hid behind his visor, not expected to show emotion. The best of the Guards came off as emotionless. It served Jazz well now. Bulkhead was crying, but Prowl was unsure if anyone else had noticed his tears. The giant was doing his best to hide them. Ratchet's scowling face was lined with sorrow. He looked older now than he ever had before. Prowl himself remained blank, one hand gently resting on the glass pod that held the body of his leader. The once vibrant blue and red frame was grey, regal features slack. Ratchet had patched up the gaping hole in his side, courtesy of the explosion. It wasn't fair. Megatron had been just as close, if not closer. Why had the tyrant survived while his friend did not? Why had Optimus saved his enemy?

The ninjabot paid no attention as they were led through the city in a procession of honor. It seemed that all of Cybertron was there to watch the downfall of the great warlord. They quieted in respect as the body of his leader passed by, before resuming their exuberant chatter. Prowl just wanted to get to go home. Back to Earth, where things were simple. Back to when he could sit in silence with Optimus, sometimes in the park, or during one of his nature shows. He knew his friend didn't particularly care for nature, not in the way he did, but he had reached out through Prowl's interests, trying to connect to him. That had touched Prowl. No one had taken the time to care for him like that, not since his Master's death. No one except Optimus. He had sat through shows that held no interest for him, had taken the time to learn about nature so that he could talk to Prowl about his hobbies. In return Prowl had studied history, so that their discussions – and wasn't it nice to be able to have an intelligent discussion again – weren't all about him. From there, their friendship had grown, until they could talk about a broad range of subjects. They could debate the meaning of life for hours, or sit in silence. They would train together, Prowl attempting to teach Optimus Circuit Su, while in turn he was taught the Academy style. Prowl had begun to open up slightly, confiding in the quiet bot. He knew his leader was insecure, he just hadn't known the depth until Optimus explained it to him one night. In turn he had told him about his guilt for not being there when Yoketron was killed. He had found a kindred spirit in the seemingly perfect cadet. And now he was gone.

Jazz's hand on his shoulder startled him from his reverie. He did not jump, nor move away from the pod, but he did not brush the hand off, silently accepting the comfort. He knew Jazz was hurting too. They all were. Even the Decepticons seemed subdued, and not just because of their capture. He knew that there at the end, they had respected Optimus. That, coupled with the shock that an Autobot had died to save their leader had led to a very quiet trip back to Cybertron.

Prowl was relieved when the imposing headquarters building loomed in front of them. It would be a relief to get out of the public's sight, and to finally let down his guard. He, and the rest of the team, would mourn their friend in private, and when they emerged to attend the funeral, filled with mechs giving flowery speeches about a young soldier whom they had never known, they would be silent. They would honor their friend, their leader, their brother, in peace. And then, then they would ensure that Optimus' dying wish was fulfilled. Never again would there be war on Cybertron. Not so long as they still functioned.