Through Ash and Dust (ROTB)

Chapter 57

Mirage narrowed his optics, as he knew that Nightbird was fishing for information. "I didn't particularly want to get squashed, but seeing as your little minions that Scourge conjured to boost your numbers are easy to slice and dice, I decided to join in." He shifted and kicked Nightbird away and stood up, aiming his canons at her. "I'm not like Optimus Prime."

Nightbird chuckled in agreement. "We all know that!"

Mirage huffed and fired at Nightbird. He glanced over his shoulder briefly to see that Optimus and Primal had resumed fighting the other terrorcons, though Optimus was keeping an eye on Mirage in case he needed help. While Battle Trap was dead, Nightbird wasn't. And she was formidable, and was using her ability to fly to her advantage against the autobot. She flew in the air as Mirage shot at her, and she was clearly amused by the fight.

Though as he turned, Mirage glanced at the bridge and gasped as he saw Scourge had turned away from the fight and was reaching down to grab something. Mirage immediately knew what Scourge was trying to grab, especially as he sensed where the signal of the tracking device was, and knew Saphira had reached the panel. But Scourge was no fool, and Mirage narrowed his optics and shot at Nightbird's jets, successfully hitting her down before he transformed and began to speed towards the bridge.

Meanwhile, fifteen minutes earlier...

Mirage had moved away from the autobots and maximals as he scaled the side of the mountain while he walked up the slope with Saphira sitting in his palm. He could still feel her trembling as she stared at the top. He completely understood the girl's fear, even though he did do his best to try and give her the courage she needed to be able to do this. But he knew she will do her best, and that is all they expected of her.

As Mirage had moved around to the side of the mountain that Scourge would not be focused on, Mirage climbed to the top and ducked as soon as he reached the top. He glanced up as the beam of energy shot into the sky, and Saphira stared to see it was definitely going to take time for Unicron to get through. But it wasn't much time, that was for sure. She swallowed nervously as both of them watch and see that the three terrorcons turn upon sensing the approach of the autobots and maximals.

"Well, we are where we need to be right now," Mirage said, making Saphira jump and look at him in surprise. He smiled at her as he knew he had startled her. "Hey, the scary ones are on that bridge, not here, Saphira." She smiled and looked back at the bridge. "We should wait a little bit before I send you into the tunnel."

Saphira nodded as she was still rubbing her hands together nervously. "I...I just hope that...that I can do it." She looked up at the sky, staring at it as she tried to imagine what Unicron would look like. "Do you really think that I can?" She looked at Mirage uncertainly. "I know I am the only one small enough to get to the antenna without being seen...hopefully...but do you really think I can do it?"

"I do." She looked away as she was unconvinced. "Listen, Saphira, I know that it might seem hopeless right now. But I know you can do it. It really does not matter how large or small someone is, because if they are able to change the fate of their future and save lives, then they are fully capable of doing it. I know you can." Saphira was still unconvinced. Mirage smiled and she was startled as the bot hugged her suddenly. "I think of you like a little sister, Saphira. If anything happened to you, I will be blaming myself for dragging you into this fight. If I didn't let myself be treated like an actual car, none of this would have happened."

Saphira relaxed as she listened to Mirage and hugged him with a smile, appreciating his words. "I think of you like a big brother...an annoying big brother..."

"That's what brothers are for!" She huffed in amusement and Mirage leaned back with a smile. "I know you find me annoying, but it's just one way of showing how much I care about you and love you, Saphira. But when it comes down to it, I am more than ready to stand between you and Scourge, even though that action would likely take my life."