*Outback jolts up from his seat the moment he sees Moonracer leaving the Medbay, his hat slipping off his helm and falling to the floor. He doesn’t pick it up—he moves straight to the medic.*
*Outback is nervous and trembling, but for once his plating is nearly spotless. He spent far too long in the wash racks while waiting for the surgery to be over.*
*Outback can’t help but frown at the answer. He knows it’s fair and that it makes sense, but he just wants to at least go in that room and see Mirage. Primus, he’d love to talk to the mech and even hold his servo. Though, simply seeing him alive and healthy would be plenty, especially since all he can think about is the state he found the poor mech in.*
That’s- Yeah. Righto.
He..he really fraggin’ deserves to rest.
*Outback’s engine then stutters at Moonracer’s unprompted and unexpected question, the lights of his optics flaring behind his visor.*
W-What?
…
What am I to him?
Fraggin’ slag, Moonracer. You can’t just- just ask me that!
Not now..
*Outback crosses his arms and turns his head away from Moonracer, his cheeks now visibly flushed. His whole frame tenses as he momentarily ponders the question.*
I don’t know, okay? I don’t fraggin’ know.
Mirage means a lot to me. He’s been there for me and dealt with so much of my slag.
But he’s the only fraggin’ friend I have, and I can’t ruin that by thinkin’ about if we’re anythin’ more than just friends, alright?
{ Moonracer tilts her head, watching his reaction expose every little thought the mech held in his helm. With a hum, she steps herself away from the door. A soft smile dawns on her face. }
Nothing could ruin the trust he has found in you; it’s already hard enough to get him to open up as it is…so to see him have you by his side—I doubt anything could ruin it. Whether if…well—you know…
*Outback falls quiet for a good moment, the sound of air leaving his vents being the only thing heard from him. He’s chewing on his bottom lip and squeezing his arms—so unlike him to look almost distraught.*
Thank you.
*Outback then unfolds his arms and rolls his shoulders, resulting in many concerning popping sounds.*
Just-
*He takes a deep breath.*
Please, don’t fraggin’ mention this to him. I’m not ready for him to know how I feel ‘bout him.
Primus, you’re the only one that bloody knows now, actually..
*Outback was just about to turn and leave as Moonracer’s voice hits his audials once more. He freezes then all of the tension melts out of his frame, happiness flooding all of his systems at the thought of being with him.*
Really? You’d let me stay the night with him?
Frag. I really wouldn’t mind that, Moonracer.
*Outback’s head turns to look at the medbay door, his lips twitching into a barely restrained smile.*
*Outback flinches at the name. His jaw clenches and his hands ball into fists at his sides—the anger resurfaces.*
[Then all of the memories come flooding back.]
[Outback remembers the first time he heard of Knockout, being so intrigued by how that bot was described. He remembers when they first met because he was absolutely mesmerised. He remembers when Knockout accidentally walked in on his and Mirage’s sweet little reunion—that was such a good time.]
[But his thoughts shift to Knockout convincing him to leave, to leave him alone with Mirage. He felt weird about that but he left anyways.]
-Stupid..-
[Then, worst of it all, Outback can vividly visualise the scene of Mirage on the ground in a pool of his own energon. The memory makes him sick—he hates himself for it happening.]
*Outback leans against the nearest wall, crossing his arms over his chest as he stares down at the floor.*
Knockout..
He has a grounder alt mode. Some sort of expensive Earth car, I think.
He..is this bright red. All over, bright red. His optics are the same: a vibrant red.
He has some silver, too. Maybe a tiny bit of yellow..
Pointy helm.
He looks-
*Outback sighs.*
Fraggin’ nice, honestly. Very clean and polished. Bloody perfect paint job.
{ Moonracer’s frame tenses; servos clenching. Her optics flashing between recognition and pain, before snapping away from the minibot. }
I see…
…
I’ll see you in the morning.
{ The mint frame begins to trudge through the halls as only echoes of her steps fill the Ark’s mono-colored halls. Leaving nothing but stiff air behind. }
*Outback waits for Moonracer to leave before moving to enter the medbay. He walks slowly and quietly, making sure to be extra gentle with the door as he opens and closes it behind him.*
*Outback just stands there for a moment, taking in the sight of Mirage resting and peaceful, just as he deserves. He smiles then finally heads over and takes a seat in the chair next to his medical berth.*
*Eventually, while in that uncomfortable chair, Outback manages to slip into recharge, content knowing that Mirage will be okay.*
*Outback jolts up from his seat the moment he sees Moonracer leaving the Medbay, his hat slipping off his helm and falling to the floor. He doesn’t pick it up—he moves straight to the medic.*
*Outback is nervous and trembling, but for once his plating is nearly spotless. He spent far too long in the wash racks while waiting for the surgery to be over.*
*Outback can’t help but frown at the answer. He knows it’s fair and that it makes sense, but he just wants to at least go in that room and see Mirage. Primus, he’d love to talk to the mech and even hold his servo. Though, simply seeing him alive and healthy would be plenty, especially since all he can think about is the state he found the poor mech in.*
That’s- Yeah. Righto.
He..he really fraggin’ deserves to rest.
*Outback’s engine then stutters at Moonracer’s unprompted and unexpected question, the lights of his optics flaring behind his visor.*
W-What?
…
What am I to him?
Fraggin’ slag, Moonracer. You can’t just- just ask me that!
Not now..
*Outback crosses his arms and turns his head away from Moonracer, his cheeks now visibly flushed. His whole frame tenses as he momentarily ponders the question.*
I don’t know, okay? I don’t fraggin’ know.
Mirage means a lot to me. He’s been there for me and dealt with so much of my slag.
But he’s the only fraggin’ friend I have, and I can’t ruin that by thinkin’ about if we’re anythin’ more than just friends, alright?
{ Moonracer tilts her head, watching his reaction expose every little thought the mech held in his helm. With a hum, she steps herself away from the door. A soft smile dawns on her face. }
Nothing could ruin the trust he has found in you; it’s already hard enough to get him to open up as it is…so to see him have you by his side—I doubt anything could ruin it. Whether if…well—you know…
*Outback falls quiet for a good moment, the sound of air leaving his vents being the only thing heard from him. He’s chewing on his bottom lip and squeezing his arms—so unlike him to look almost distraught.*
Thank you.
*Outback then unfolds his arms and rolls his shoulders, resulting in many concerning popping sounds.*
Just-
*He takes a deep breath.*
Please, don’t fraggin’ mention this to him. I’m not ready for him to know how I feel ‘bout him.
Primus, you’re the only one that bloody knows now, actually..
*Outback was just about to turn and leave as Moonracer’s voice hits his audials once more. He freezes then all of the tension melts out of his frame, happiness flooding all of his systems at the thought of being with him.*
Really? You’d let me stay the night with him?
Frag. I really wouldn’t mind that, Moonracer.
*Outback’s head turns to look at the medbay door, his lips twitching into a barely restrained smile.*
*Outback flinches at the name. His jaw clenches and his hands ball into fists at his sides—the anger resurfaces.*
[Then all of the memories come flooding back.]
[Outback remembers the first time he heard of Knockout, being so intrigued by how that bot was described. He remembers when they first met because he was absolutely mesmerised. He remembers when Knockout accidentally walked in on his and Mirage’s sweet little reunion—that was such a good time.]
[But his thoughts shift to Knockout convincing him to leave, to leave him alone with Mirage. He felt weird about that but he left anyways.]
-Stupid..-
[Then, worst of it all, Outback can vividly visualise the scene of Mirage on the ground in a pool of his own energon. The memory makes him sick—he hates himself for it happening.]
*Outback leans against the nearest wall, crossing his arms over his chest as he stares down at the floor.*
Knockout..
He has a grounder alt mode. Some sort of expensive Earth car, I think.
He..is this bright red. All over, bright red. His optics are the same: a vibrant red.
He has some silver, too. Maybe a tiny bit of yellow..
Pointy helm.
He looks-
*Outback sighs.*
Fraggin’ nice, honestly. Very clean and polished. Bloody perfect paint job.
*Outback jolts up from his seat the moment he sees Moonracer leaving the Medbay, his hat slipping off his helm and falling to the floor. He doesn’t pick it up—he moves straight to the medic.*
*Outback is nervous and trembling, but for once his plating is nearly spotless. He spent far too long in the wash racks while waiting for the surgery to be over.*
*Outback can’t help but frown at the answer. He knows it’s fair and that it makes sense, but he just wants to at least go in that room and see Mirage. Primus, he’d love to talk to the mech and even hold his servo. Though, simply seeing him alive and healthy would be plenty, especially since all he can think about is the state he found the poor mech in.*
That’s- Yeah. Righto.
He..he really fraggin’ deserves to rest.
*Outback’s engine then stutters at Moonracer’s unprompted and unexpected question, the lights of his optics flaring behind his visor.*
W-What?
…
What am I to him?
Fraggin’ slag, Moonracer. You can’t just- just ask me that!
Not now..
*Outback crosses his arms and turns his head away from Moonracer, his cheeks now visibly flushed. His whole frame tenses as he momentarily ponders the question.*
I don’t know, okay? I don’t fraggin’ know.
Mirage means a lot to me. He’s been there for me and dealt with so much of my slag.
But he’s the only fraggin’ friend I have, and I can’t ruin that by thinkin’ about if we’re anythin’ more than just friends, alright?
{ Moonracer tilts her head, watching his reaction expose every little thought the mech held in his helm. With a hum, she steps herself away from the door. A soft smile dawns on her face. }
Nothing could ruin the trust he has found in you; it’s already hard enough to get him to open up as it is…so to see him have you by his side—I doubt anything could ruin it. Whether if…well—you know…
*Outback falls quiet for a good moment, the sound of air leaving his vents being the only thing heard from him. He’s chewing on his bottom lip and squeezing his arms—so unlike him to look almost distraught.*
Thank you.
*Outback then unfolds his arms and rolls his shoulders, resulting in many concerning popping sounds.*
Just-
*He takes a deep breath.*
Please, don’t fraggin’ mention this to him. I’m not ready for him to know how I feel ‘bout him.
Primus, you’re the only one that bloody knows now, actually..
*Outback was just about to turn and leave as Moonracer’s voice hits his audials once more. He freezes then all of the tension melts out of his frame, happiness flooding all of his systems at the thought of being with him.*
Really? You’d let me stay the night with him?
Frag. I really wouldn’t mind that, Moonracer.
*Outback’s head turns to look at the medbay door, his lips twitching into a barely restrained smile.*
*Outback jolts up from his seat the moment he sees Moonracer leaving the Medbay, his hat slipping off his helm and falling to the floor. He doesn’t pick it up—he moves straight to the medic.*
*Outback is nervous and trembling, but for once his plating is nearly spotless. He spent far too long in the wash racks while waiting for the surgery to be over.*
*Outback can’t help but frown at the answer. He knows it’s fair and that it makes sense, but he just wants to at least go in that room and see Mirage. Primus, he’d love to talk to the mech and even hold his servo. Though, simply seeing him alive and healthy would be plenty, especially since all he can think about is the state he found the poor mech in.*
That’s- Yeah. Righto.
He..he really fraggin’ deserves to rest.
*Outback’s engine then stutters at Moonracer’s unprompted and unexpected question, the lights of his optics flaring behind his visor.*
W-What?
…
What am I to him?
Fraggin’ slag, Moonracer. You can’t just- just ask me that!
Not now..
*Outback crosses his arms and turns his head away from Moonracer, his cheeks now visibly flushed. His whole frame tenses as he momentarily ponders the question.*
I don’t know, okay? I don’t fraggin’ know.
Mirage means a lot to me. He’s been there for me and dealt with so much of my slag.
But he’s the only fraggin’ friend I have, and I can’t ruin that by thinkin’ about if we’re anythin’ more than just friends, alright?
{ Moonracer tilts her head, watching his reaction expose every little thought the mech held in his helm. With a hum, she steps herself away from the door. A soft smile dawns on her face. }
Nothing could ruin the trust he has found in you; it’s already hard enough to get him to open up as it is…so to see him have you by his side—I doubt anything could ruin it. Whether if…well—you know…
*Outback falls quiet for a good moment, the sound of air leaving his vents being the only thing heard from him. He’s chewing on his bottom lip and squeezing his arms—so unlike him to look almost distraught.*
Thank you.
*Outback then unfolds his arms and rolls his shoulders, resulting in many concerning popping sounds.*
Just-
*He takes a deep breath.*
Please, don’t fraggin’ mention this to him. I’m not ready for him to know how I feel ‘bout him.
Primus, you’re the only one that bloody knows now, actually..
*Outback was just about to turn and leave as Moonracer’s voice hits his audials once more. He freezes then all of the tension melts out of his frame, happiness flooding all of his systems at the thought of being with him.*
Really? You’d let me stay the night with him?
Frag. I really wouldn’t mind that, Moonracer.
*Outback’s head turns to look at the medbay door, his lips twitching into a barely restrained smile.*
*Outback jolts up from his seat the moment he sees Moonracer leaving the Medbay, his hat slipping off his helm and falling to the floor. He doesn’t pick it up—he moves straight to the medic.*
*Outback is nervous and trembling, but for once his plating is nearly spotless. He spent far too long in the wash racks while waiting for the surgery to be over.*
*Outback can’t help but frown at the answer. He knows it’s fair and that it makes sense, but he just wants to at least go in that room and see Mirage. Primus, he’d love to talk to the mech and even hold his servo. Though, simply seeing him alive and healthy would be plenty, especially since all he can think about is the state he found the poor mech in.*
That’s- Yeah. Righto.
He..he really fraggin’ deserves to rest.
*Outback’s engine then stutters at Moonracer’s unprompted and unexpected question, the lights of his optics flaring behind his visor.*
W-What?
…
What am I to him?
Fraggin’ slag, Moonracer. You can’t just- just ask me that!
Not now..
*Outback crosses his arms and turns his head away from Moonracer, his cheeks now visibly flushed. His whole frame tenses as he momentarily ponders the question.*
I don’t know, okay? I don’t fraggin’ know.
Mirage means a lot to me. He’s been there for me and dealt with so much of my slag.
But he’s the only fraggin’ friend I have, and I can’t ruin that by thinkin’ about if we’re anythin’ more than just friends, alright?
{ Moonracer tilts her head, watching his reaction expose every little thought the mech held in his helm. With a hum, she steps herself away from the door. A soft smile dawns on her face. }
Nothing could ruin the trust he has found in you; it’s already hard enough to get him to open up as it is…so to see him have you by his side—I doubt anything could ruin it. Whether if…well—you know…
*Outback falls quiet for a good moment, the sound of air leaving his vents being the only thing heard from him. He’s chewing on his bottom lip and squeezing his arms—so unlike him to look almost distraught.*
Thank you.
*Outback then unfolds his arms and rolls his shoulders, resulting in many concerning popping sounds.*
Just-
*He takes a deep breath.*
Please, don’t fraggin’ mention this to him. I’m not ready for him to know how I feel ‘bout him.
Primus, you’re the only one that bloody knows now, actually..
*Outback jolts up from his seat the moment he sees Moonracer leaving the Medbay, his hat slipping off his helm and falling to the floor. He doesn’t pick it up—he moves straight to the medic.*
*Outback is nervous and trembling, but for once his plating is nearly spotless. He spent far too long in the wash racks while waiting for the surgery to be over.*
*Outback can’t help but frown at the answer. He knows it’s fair and that it makes sense, but he just wants to at least go in that room and see Mirage. Primus, he’d love to talk to the mech and even hold his servo. Though, simply seeing him alive and healthy would be plenty, especially since all he can think about is the state he found the poor mech in.*
That’s- Yeah. Righto.
He..he really fraggin’ deserves to rest.
*Outback’s engine then stutters at Moonracer’s unprompted and unexpected question, the lights of his optics flaring behind his visor.*
W-What?
…
What am I to him?
Fraggin’ slag, Moonracer. You can’t just- just ask me that!
Not now..
*Outback crosses his arms and turns his head away from Moonracer, his cheeks now visibly flushed. His whole frame tenses as he momentarily ponders the question.*
I don’t know, okay? I don’t fraggin’ know.
Mirage means a lot to me. He’s been there for me and dealt with so much of my slag.
But he’s the only fraggin’ friend I have, and I can’t ruin that by thinkin’ about if we’re anythin’ more than just friends, alright?
{ Moonracer tilts her head, watching his reaction expose every little thought the mech held in his helm. With a hum, she steps herself away from the door. A soft smile dawns on her face. }
Nothing could ruin the trust he has found in you; it’s already hard enough to get him to open up as it is…so to see him have you by his side—I doubt anything could ruin it. Whether if…well—you know…
*Outback falls quiet for a good moment, the sound of air leaving his vents being the only thing heard from him. He’s chewing on his bottom lip and squeezing his arms—so unlike him to look almost distraught.*
Thank you.
*Outback then unfolds his arms and rolls his shoulders, resulting in many concerning popping sounds.*
Just-
*He takes a deep breath.*
Please, don’t fraggin’ mention this to him. I’m not ready for him to know how I feel ‘bout him.
Primus, you’re the only one that bloody knows now, actually..
*Outback jolts up from his seat the moment he sees Moonracer leaving the Medbay, his hat slipping off his helm and falling to the floor. He doesn’t pick it up—he moves straight to the medic.*
*Outback is nervous and trembling, but for once his plating is nearly spotless. He spent far too long in the wash racks while waiting for the surgery to be over.*
*Outback can’t help but frown at the answer. He knows it’s fair and that it makes sense, but he just wants to at least go in that room and see Mirage. Primus, he’d love to talk to the mech and even hold his servo. Though, simply seeing him alive and healthy would be plenty, especially since all he can think about is the state he found the poor mech in.*
That’s- Yeah. Righto.
He..he really fraggin’ deserves to rest.
*Outback’s engine then stutters at Moonracer’s unprompted and unexpected question, the lights of his optics flaring behind his visor.*
W-What?
…
What am I to him?
Fraggin’ slag, Moonracer. You can’t just- just ask me that!
Not now..
*Outback crosses his arms and turns his head away from Moonracer, his cheeks now visibly flushed. His whole frame tenses as he momentarily ponders the question.*
I don’t know, okay? I don’t fraggin’ know.
Mirage means a lot to me. He’s been there for me and dealt with so much of my slag.
But he’s the only fraggin’ friend I have, and I can’t ruin that by thinkin’ about if we’re anythin’ more than just friends, alright?
*Outback jolts up from his seat the moment he sees Moonracer leaving the Medbay, his hat slipping off his helm and falling to the floor. He doesn’t pick it up—he moves straight to the medic.*
*Outback is nervous and trembling, but for once his plating is nearly spotless. He spent far too long in the wash racks while waiting for the surgery to be over.*
*Outback jolts up from his seat the moment he sees Moonracer leaving the Medbay, his hat slipping off his helm and falling to the floor. He doesn’t pick it up—he moves straight to the medic.*
*Outback is nervous and trembling, but for once his plating is nearly spotless. He spent far too long in the wash racks while waiting for the surgery to be over.*
Set after the Final Act in the Viole(n)t Conflict Arc where Mirage now lies in blindness and grief.
Content Warnings:
Eye Trauma
Blood but its Energon
Implied death
War
Death ideation? (Implied at best? Saying here just in case)
Transformer Body Terminology:
Digits - Fingers
Servos - Hands
Optics - Eyes
Nano-click - Second
Only @outback-standing may reply.
Enjoy
"You know, you're pretty great at racing—for a regular bot."
"Oh, thank you—"
"You won't beat me, though."
"Really? What makes you think I won't able to climb to the top?"
"Firstly, no has ever succeeded in beating me. Secondly you and your title doesn't mean much here."
"Pardon?—"
"And lastly, if anyone were to beat me, it'd be Moonracer, since she's been working so hard to at least match paces with me."
". . ."
"Wait. Are you the Knock Out that Moonracer has been telling me about?"
"The one and only~"
"Of course. I'm not sure what I was expecting—"
"Don't expect much, here, anything goes."
"I see… I suppose I don't have to introduce myself then."
"You'd be correct, Mirage. Now, let's go meet up with our dear Moonracer, she must be looking all over the place for us."
…
..
.
"You're catching up."
"Thank you, I'm glad you noticed."
"Don't let that inflate your ego, darling, it's a bad look on you."
"Like how it looks on you?"
"Watch it."
"I only jest~."
"Better be."
"Though, I don't jest in surpassing you. I will make it to the top."
"As if. You will be in a wreck before you get a chance."
"Ouch—a bit harsh, don't you think?"
"Not when someone doesn't know what they're trying to get into~"
"I'm pretty sure I know what I'm getting into—"
"Frag you."
"Wow. To think a bot like you could get so crude~"
"You are not helping your chances in avoiding a scalpel in the spark."
". . ."
"Would joining me for a drink help?"
"Only if you're paying."
"I can definitely do that."
.
..
…
"Oh my Primus! You did it! You did it Mirage! You beat Knockout!"
"Hahaha! I did—I really did!"
"I can't believe you beat me."
"I told you. I'd beat you on day—"
"Yeah yeah, whatever. You beat me. Congratulations."
"Oh don't mind him, he's a bit of a sore loser—"
"I am not—I just—ugghh—Whatever. You just got lucky. That's it."
"Of course, only luck. Surely I won't win against you once again."
"Shut."
"Bots, bots, let's settle down! This shouldn't be a heated rivalry, it should be a celebration for Mirage being able to surpass his own capabilities! Come on Knock Out, don't look so sour, you're still the fastest Velcitroian I know."
"Right."
"Of course."
"Alright! Now, let's go get drinks to refuel after that exhilarating race. I'll pay!"
"That won't necessary, Moony—"
"Nuh uh! I'm paying!"
"Okay fine."
". . ."
"Mirage."
"Hm? Oh—uh yeah?"
"Good job. On surpassing me like you said."
"Oh. Thanks."
"Don't get used to it, I will be taking my place back before you even realize it~"
"Oh I'm sure you will~"
"Watch it. I won't be bothered to cut out your voice box."
"I can't possibly imagine being your patient and being comforted to being in your servos."
"Mirage."
"Sorry…we should probably catch up with Moony."
"You would be right about that."
…
..
.
"Now, who are you to dismiss an opportunity like this?"
"Uhm—Someone who has better things to do rather than get back at a couple of bots who don't know what they're talking about?"
"Yeah, bots that blatantly disrespected your name and title. You aren't going to let them get away with that, are you?"
"It's better not to engage. I can't risk getting in trouble again, they won't—"
"They won't cover you for any future incidents, I know. At least come and watch me scratch those dimwits' paint."
"What? No—that's a bad idea Knock Out."
"If you can't fight for yourself, then just allow me to do the dirty work for you."
"No! You don't need to do anything other than ignore them!"
"As if they would stop magically—"
"It's not about making them stop!—"
"So let them go thinking they're allowed to treat everybody else like they're below them? Come on, Mirage, they insulted Moony for crying out loud."
"I...Fine. I'll go, and I'll race if this keeps you from doing something stupid."
"Trust me, dear, I don't do stupid. I just keep a tight ship and show who's really boss."
…
..
.
"Really? A rematch? Do these guys not have other hobbies?"
"Probably not—but it shouldn't be a problem, as we already defeated them once. Why not twice?"
"I can't afford another race; it'll be suspicious enough that I took another trip just after the first one!"
"Just say you forgot a gift from Moony, or something."
"Yeah right."
"If you're too scared, then I have no problem in racing for you."
"Knock Out, no."
"Knock Out yes."
"Seriously?"
"I'm always serious, and I'm serious about showing these bots who's in first place."
"You can't just—"
"I can."
"You're impossible."
"You're a walking rug."
"You—ugh! Fine! I'll race them again! But only because I know won't rest easy if I know you're alone with those two go-bots."
"What a gentleman. Just had to push you."
"Don't make me regret this."
"Don't worry, there will only be victory~."
.
..
…
Pain. All kind of pain washed over Mirage.
Reaching where the most pain had taken its place, his servo came in touch with his optics.
He couldn't see his own servo, but he certainly felt his optics. His digits lightly caressing the ridge of the damage Knock Out's saw; liquid coating his digits that he could only guess was his own energon.
Primus...
Mirage needed to get up. Leave. Get help; but without really knowing if he was truly gone nor being able to see...his chance of survival was more likely to wait and hope someone finds him. Most likely Outback.
Hopefully.
...
Primus. He was a fool.
It was too good to be true; Mirage knew that. Knock Out was never easily persuaded nor easily keen on giving up on what he believed...yet even so, there was a part where he believed had died, wasn't so dead after all. Despite trying to move on, the corpse he had silently carried all this time, had finally gained back its sense of sentiment. A sentiment that belonged in a past he had burned down so long ago. A past that was nothing but ashes now.
And with ignoring all the obvious red signs he looked in the optics of, he became blind for it.
Guess that was karma...
Though one thing was made clear: this has made Mirage sicker than he had thought.
It was normal to miss home.
But Mirage didn't just miss home. He yearned for it.
There was nothing wrong with Earth, really, it was beautiful planet--but it wasn't home. It wasn't brimming with racetracks and culture and everything that was built surpassed any human architecture he's studied.
His estate was large and beautiful, fit for bots who held responsibility strong. Where all his hunting gear sat with his prized medals. Where his sweet Maximum sat there waiting for him from each trip Mirage gone on, or running off on him as Maximum went to catch the next turbo-foxes. Where his Guardians resided in helping him to mold into a perfect noble like they wanted.
Gone.
Lost to the never-ending war that could've been so easily prevented.
...
If only he could go back. Pay more attention to the uprising. Make a stance. Make a change. Keep what he had lost.
...
How does one even move on from losing their home; their family, their friends...or themselves.
...
How does one cure itself from this sickness?
This sickness that seemed to engulf Mirage every time he gazed up into the night sky or when he would hear a sound a bark coming from afar or when he would be on the road alone.
It seemed everything on Earth, despite its opposing life-forms, had reminded Mirage of home every nano-click it got.
Perhaps that's why no matter how much Mirage hated being on this rock...he could never stay mad, as it would quickly turn fume into cries.
...
Maybe this is it.
The end to his seemingly never-ending sickness.
The entrance to perhaps a better time where things can be different. where things are different.
[Outback had been restless, waiting for a call from Mirage saying that he could come back and join the party. But, the day continued to grow later and later, and there was not a single word from his friend.]
[Outback had began to pace at some point, his systems on fire from a mix of engex and anxiety. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.]
[Eventually, Outback decided that enough was enough—he had to go up there and see if everything was okay. It wouldn’t be right for him to sit and do nothing.]
[The drive up the mountain felt entirely too long. The seconds seemed like they took forever to pass by, like the anticipation of it all stretched time out.]
[It was tense and eerily quiet. He knew something was wrong, but he never would’ve imagined just how truly bad things were.]
*Outback transforms into root mode before slowly approaching the area where he left Mirage alone with Knockout. He moves as silent as possible, not wanting to create a disturbance.*
*Outback pokes his head out from around the corner of the rock while reaching for his blaster, his optics instantly landing on the sight of a figure sprawled on the ground, reaching and grabbing at itself. His spark stops the moment he realises who it is.*
Mirage?!
*Outback sprints towards Mirage then drops to his knees at his side. He rolls the blue mech onto his back, and his tough act disappears as soon as he sees all of the injuries.*
Frag. Fraggin’ Primus, Mirage..
What happened? Who the frag did this to you?!
*Outback questions, fury mixing with regret causing his voice to explode and crack, as he reaches out to take hold of Mirage’s hand, not caring about the smeared energon.*
{ Moonracer reaches the two, gazing down at the figure that laid in Outback’s arms. Every joint stilled. Her eyes locked. Her venting hitching. Movement snapped at her, noticing Outback staring down at him. }
We need to get him back to the ARK. Now.
{ She then bends down, glancing at the out stretched hand that laid upon him. Only to then slip her arms underneath and lift him up. }
*Outback quickly pushes himself to his feet, ignoring the energon that is now staining his frame, to help Moonracer with Mirage. The mech is heavy for him, but he can’t let himself be so weak. Not now. Not when Mirage is unconscious and bleeding out.*
