"Why did we let him go out there alone?!" Bulkhead said despairingly.

"It's a risk we all take..." Arcee said sadly. "And pay for it too often," she added quietly.

"A risk, well worth while if it saves the lives of others," came a voice suddenly, and the Autobots turned quickly to see.

Prowl walked towards them from the nuclear power plant. He was battered but in one piece, and wore a well deserved smile.

"You're okay!!" Bulkhead cheered, running towards him. Bumblebee ran over too, beeping excitedly.

"No! Please!" Prowl cried as Bulkhead crushed him in a hug.

"How-how are you here?" Arcee asked, optics still wide.

Bulkhead released Prowl who groaned. "I escaped from the Decepticons' capture and managed to commandeer a groundbridge back here," Prowl explained.

"A brave feat," Optimus said. "We are glad to know you are safe. I am sorry for allowing the Decepticons to capture you."

"Don't feel at fault. I was simply doing what I had chosen to do when I was taken,"Prowl said.

Optimus nodded. "Now. I suppose you would like to go home," he said.

"The groundbridge is ready?" Prowl asked.

"It is. And I suggest you use it soon, as the Decepticons will likely be returning once they realize you have gone," Optimus said. The team saddened at this though.

"I didn't think this would be so sudden. But I guess this is it," Arcee said.

Prowl wore neither a smile nor a happy expression. He nodded, and the team silently walked to the clearing where Ratchet would send the time portal.

"Ratchet, Prowl has made it back to us. But he must return to his own time before the Decepticons have another opportunity to capture him," Optimus said through the com.

Optimus heard Ratchet sigh with relief, hearing Prowl was okay. "Well, we mustn't waste any time then," Ratchet said quickly.

The Autobots all stood waiting then a groundbridge appeared. It looked just like a normal groundbridge would except for being slightly more swirly.

"Hurry up, I can't keep it open for too long!" Ratchet said through the com.

Prowl watched the groundbridge. The moment was too sudden for him to fully grasp it, but he turned to say a final goodbye to team Prime.

Optimus shook his servo. "It is a great peace knowing that Autobots such as yourself are alive in the future," he said, his tone full of respect, and Prowl nodded.

Bulkhead gave Prowl another spine crushing hug. "Take care of yourself out there," he said.

"Will do," Prowl wheezed till Bulkhead let him go.

Bumblebee watched with sad optics. He looked like he would burst into tears at any moment. He waved slowly, and Prowl nodded in response.

Arcee stood, unsure of how to say goodbye.

Prowl took her servo and shook it. "You'll have the mountain top to yourself again," he said and smiled. Arcee let out a sad laugh and nodded.

Prowl took his servo back but felt a small device in it now.

"If you take any longer, this thing is going to explode!!!" Ratchet yelled, angrily through the com.

Prowl flinched and nodded one last time to the team then turned and walked towards the groundbridge. The sun was coming up now and cast an orange glow to the surroundings. It contrasted against the green light of the 'bridge.

Prowl's thin figure was slowly lost in the swirling portal. And then he was gone.