Chapter Text
Jazz was riding next to Prowl, a position that both of them had grown accustomed to as they traveled, when they crested the final hill before the crystal desert. The Polyhexian stopped speaking mid-word and stared at the expanse that spread before them, dust and crystals glittering in the sunlight.
“This is the home of our ancestors,” Prowl said softly. “And our own departed, when we are able to bring their spark crystals home. We will spend the winter here, where it is warmer, while the livestock reproduce.”
“I didn’t know there was anyplace like this on all of Cybertron.” Jazz stared for several more kliks before he shook his head and blinked his optics several times to reset them. “Can’t stare at it for too long, I see.”
“You cannot. Glare blindness is treatable, but Remedy and the others are quite cross when it is required, though your visor should provide some additional protection that the rest of us lack.” Prowl smiled. “We will enter the desert after sunset, when the glare is less of a danger. There are ancient dwellings near the energon spring a few kilometers further in that we will use a shelter for the remainder of the season, and those are walled in to protect everyone from the glare during the day. It is almost like one of the cities in the east when we return.”
“That sounds interesting. I think I'm looking forward to it.”
“I know I am.” Smokescreen trotted up beside his cousin on Prowl’s other side and looked out at the desert with a smile for a few kliks. “Everyone has stopped to rest until sunset. The healers want to know if they can unload some of the coolant and pass it around, though. Apparently some of the ponies overheated during the last kilometer or so.”
“Unload the coolant and the energon cakes. They won’t store much longer, and it is best if we use them now, while the healers are inspecting the zap ponies.”
“The younglings will love that.” Smokescreen smiled again.
“So will Fracture, Glyph and Tap-Out. We didn’t hardly ever get energon cakes in Polyhex.” Jazz grinned for a moment. “I just wish Ricochet was here to enjoy them, too.”
“In the spring, after the wounds have had time to heal, a few of us will travel back to Polyhexian territory and we will find out what happened to your brother.” Prowl reached out and put a comforting hand on Jazz’s shoulder. “Next winter, I hope that you will share this view with him instead of with me.”
“Next winter, for sure.” Jazz tried to smile again, and Prowl ignored that it failed to reach his optics as the other mech turned away from the desert. “C’mon, Smokescreen. Show me where these cakes are stashed and I’ll help hand them out.”