Key-
"Normal Speech."
Thoughts.
"Radio or Sugar/Sheila speaking."
Sign language.
(Spanish Translation)
Grif hadn't been expecting three things when he and Simmons had showed up in the Warthog.
"What's the hell going on here?" The man in orange asked, looking baffled at the soldier in front of him.
"You, know what, I honestly don't have an idea. One moment, I'm being attacked by a guy and girl in green armour with paint, and next thing I know, I've got real bullets flying at me. To top it off the guy and girl aren't on either team. I've come to the conclusion that everyone in this damn canyon is insane." That was number one.
The second thing was the fact that a green blur raced past him, jumped onto the bars over the Warthogs cab and kicked the machine gun so it turned along with Simmons aim, sending fire towards Red Base. (And an unsuspecting Lopez who dived into base to escape the unexpected rounds).
"I don't think so!" The green and orange figure hissed when Simmons corrected his aim and went for her. She jumped in the air and away from Simmons bullets leading to the figure landing on the machine gun barrel, sending Simmons flying off the back of the Warthog due to her weight driving the back of the butt of the machine gun upwards.
"Fuck that hurt!" Simmons groaned as he rolled over from where he'd landed on his back. The stopped machine gun fire caused the two Blue soldiers to come out just in time to see the girl in green and orange standing on the machine gun with one foot standing solidly while the other was bent. Hands on hips, the figure (who was standing in a very feminine way) was looking down at the Reds like she owned the jeep.
"Holy shit! Who is that!?" Tucker shouted looking at the figure he missed when he arrived through the teleporter.
"Quinn! What are you doing!?" Donut shouted in surprise before the figure once again disappeared in a blur of green.
"GRENADE!" Grif shouted as he saw the familiar object rushing towards him. Dragging Simmons (who'd finally gotten back on his feet) and Donut to the ground with him. And that there was the third thing.
The resulting 'Boom!' didn't come but the splatter of green paint did.
"I JUST CLEANED MY ARMOUR!" Grif shouted as he stood up to see green paint dripping onto his visor.
"What do you mean you cleaned your armour, you had Lopez do it for you." Simmons said as he stood up.
"Where'd they go?" Donut asked as he looked around for the pair who'd been arguing with him.
"I don't care. Donut, take the flag back to base, we have to deal with the Blues." Grif growled as Simmons hopped back up on the machine gun. "Our base you moron!"
"Shit!" Church and Tucker jumped back into cover while across the canyon, three figures were being joined by two green ones.
Quinn's POV-
"What did you think you were doing out there!?" Future-Church demanded as I slid to a stop beside Hunter, letting Hallows off my back.
I could hear the machine gun fire again. I hadn't actually thought I'd land on the turret, but man was it fun!
"I went to annoy the Reds, duh." I said like it was a simple thing.
"You fucking jumped on a machine gun! You could have been shot!" I rolled my eyes before turning to watch Sheila and Caboose driving around the canyon. How the Reds and Blues didn't notice I don't know.
"And why is it important I not get shot?" I asked, I'd seen the rate of fire from the machine gun, and truthfully, I felt as if it hasn't been going all that fast at all. I'd wanted to move all the bullets around but I felt that was pushing it a little.
"Because!" I stared at him flatly from behind my visor.
"Dude, don't start a because war with Quinn, it doesn't get you anywhere." Baggins grumbled before shouldering his rifle.
"Give me one good reason why it's bad I get shot." I said to the AI.
"You're a kid! All of you are!" Church said and I blinked. "I don't know what idiot put you here but a group of teenagers in combat? That's wrong."
"We have a job to do Church," I said with a sigh, turning away and looking towards where Sheila and Caboose were terrorizing Lopez. Looks like we had a bit more time before we put part two into motion. We'd have to let Church die, so the time line would stay intact, but it still didn't sit right. We'd just delay it. "We're here to guard the Alpha, we'll have to do what we have to."
"Why though!?" I was starting to wonder what had happened between my team and the Blood Gulch crew. Why was Church so protective of us? It didn't make sense.
"There's no one in the known Universe who knows what we do Church. We're bad asses, just you watch." Hallows said before my team was looking to me.
"Strike formation Vortex. Sheila and Caboose are nearing the idiots." I barked and I felt both the hesitation and excitement from my team before they took off to do what we'd planned.
It's do or die now. I pray this works.
Back With the Blues-
"My god, doesn't that thing ever run out of bullets?" Church asked as he and Tucker sat crouched behind their newly claimed rock. Tucker was watching the canyon (where there wasn't machine gun fire) and he thought he saw something shimmer out in the canyon.
Figuring it was an effect of the heat, he returned his attention to his comrade. "Ya know, in hindsight, we should have brought the tank."
Church scowled at his friend. "Hey, Tucker, what good is the tank gonna do us if nobody here knows how to drive it? On top of that, Command didn't tell us there was a third team in the canyon. They must be Freelancers."
"Yeah, I can see how hiding behind a rock is a much better strategy. Now, did you say earlier one of those green guys is a chick?"
"Ugh, I should have known." Church said with a groan. Suddenly a three different explosions had them ducking further into cover.
"The tank?!" Church said, as he looked out from his hiding spot and towards where the tank was firing in random directions. The Reds were hiding behind their over turned jeep while a gold dome covered them, deflecting any fire their way. Church spotted Caboose in the tank and was going to call out until the tank fired over his head and sent him back into hiding.
"What's going on out there?" Tucker asked trying to peak around the rock.
"The rookies down there with the tank and firing like a maniac!" Church growled. "He came to save us and now look."
"Eh, Church..." Tucker said as he looked at the rather disbelieving sight below.
"What?" The cobalt painted spartan snapped.
"That green and yellow dude is taking on the tank." Tucker was soon joined by his fellow teammate, watching as the green and yellow man who'd been throwing grenades at them earlier was dodging canon fire.
"He's running at the tank?!" Church shouted.
Quinn's POV-
I watched Hallows running at Sheila while Baggins was keeping the Reds safe. I think he was having his own fun only speaking in Spanish to them. They were getting beyond frustrated but they seemed to realize that he was the only thing keeping them and their already hit jeep form getting blown to bits.
"YOU'RE MOTHER WAS A TOASTER!" Hunter was having too much fun with invisibility. You couldn't see her, but she was running around Sheila yelling insults and banging small dents into the tanks armour plating.
"Must you antagonize the tank?" Hallows hissed as he jumped in the air and used his jet pack to avoid getting hit. Watching this was going to give me a heart attack. He landed on the tanks turret and I nearly freaked out as he started to taunt the tank while his feet were magnetized to it.
"Alright, paint time." I thought before taking the pin out of the grenade that Hallows had lent me. In mere seconds I was in front of the tanks barrel and I'd placed it on the tank before disappearing once again. Running up to stand behind the two soldiers in blue who were watching Hallows.
"That guy's fucking insane!" Tucker said before ducking back into cover as a rocket collided with the other side of the rock they were hiding behind. I huffed.
"I think all of my team are a bit nuts, but insane... Nah. That's you guys in this damn canyon." The two jumped, spinning around with weapons drawn and aiming at my head. "Yo, I wanted to tell you that now would be a good time to get out of here while my Private keeps the tank busy."
As if on cue there was another blast and this time, right above my head. I don't know why I didn't flinch, I didn't even register the fact a tank round had just hit the wall above my head while the two in front of me dived back into cover. I just simply dusted off the few stray rocks on my armour. My god, maybe I was going crazy... Can you catch craziness?
"Why should we trust you? You're buddies were throwing paint at us." Church demanded.
"Either a) stay here and hide and I call my team back, or b) move you're ass and get out of here. I don't care either way, my job is to protect the Alpha and that's all I should really care about. I should leave but I don't like watching idiots nearly get themselves blown up." I crossed my arms over my chest. Both shrunk back at the heat of my glare.
Baggins's POV-
"Dere er fullstendig og absolutt idioter." (You guys are complete and utter morons.) I stated flatly, looking at the two Reds who thought they were arguing with me. I just kept insulting them.
"English, dude, English!" Grif growled. I just huffed, checking my shields once more.
"Yo podría tomar una lección de López y que insultar a idiotas algunos productos de la misma." (I might just take a lesson from Lopez and insult you morons some more like this.) I grinned, making a random gesture.
"NO! We have to get out of here! If we don't we'll die!" Simmons said in panic and I had to hide my laugh.
"Do you even understand us?" Grif asked in desperation and I wished I had a camera. A quick look around the jeep had me filling with a small sense of dread. It was nearing the time.
A random punch was sent my way and I caught it in time. Grif had tried to punch me? Idiot. Shoving him away I turned towards the jeep.
"Yo realmente no tengo tiempo para esta mierda." (I really don't have time for this bullshit.) I growled before flipping the jeep back over. The two Reds squeaked as I turned back to them.
"Alright you two morons, here's the deal," I growled, pointing at the tank from over the jeep. "My shields can handle two more blast from that tank before they give out and they need a five minute recharge cycle. As of right now, two of my best friends are trying to save you and the Blues from utter destruction by tank, so I will say this once. Run like the devil's on you're heels and don't stop or else I'll sick Quinn on you."
I paused long enough to sink in before growling.
"MOVE YOU'RE ASSES SOLDIERS!" I blinked as the two ran for it and shrugged before dropping my shields. I could hear Quinn arguing with Blues.
A few shots nearly hit them and you could hear them cursing as they got away.
"Reds are out of the line of fire and running for their base. You ready Quinn?"
"DO YOU REALLY FUCKING WANT TO DIE YOU STUPID IDIOTS?!" I winced at the harsh noise.
"I'll take that as a yes." Hunter sighed before I saw a dust trail leading away from the tank. "You're turn Hallows."
The man standing on the tank taunting it paused and groaned before jumping into the air and activating his jet pack once again.
"I'm gonna die." He whined before taking off back towards our base while Church, Tucker and Quinn appeared from behind the rock. Sheila was pointing right at them.
"I swear to god if you die Quinn one of us will resurrect you're sorry ass." Hunter hissed and you could hear the smirk in our Sergeant's voice.
"Will do Corporal Hunter." Then the tank fired.
Quinn's POV-
"DUCK!" I shouted, dragging Tucker down with me. Church had been ahead of us and hadn't been able to get out of the way in time. Blood splattered everywhere but it was clear that Church's armour had taken the brunt of it. I had no doubt though there was shrapnel and other random pieces of metal inside the mans body. I was no doctor but I'd seen enough action movies I suppose.
"Holy fuck! CHURCH!" Tucker shouted scrambling to his feet. "Church talk to me!"
Church groaned pitifully and I mentally sighed.
"YOU SHOT CHURCH YOU TEAM KILLING FUCKTARD!" He shouted, and you could feel the man glaring at the tank. I was still on the ground trying to process what just happened. I knew it would happen, but something was wrong here. I didn't know what, I just kept staring at Church's body trying to figure it out.
"Tucker... Tucker..." Church groaned and I slowly stood up.
"Church! It's going to be okay man!"
"No... Ah- Ahm not... gonna make it... Tucker... There's something... I need... To tell you..." Church groaned and I frowned.
"What is it?" Tucker asked hesitantly. I could hear the sadness in his voice. Even though Alpha wasn't actually a human, could this be the first time he actually saw a friend die? Very possible. We all knew Tucker and Church could definitely be considered best friends.
"I just want you to know... I always hated you... I always hated you the most..." Tucker growled (and did I hear a hitch of breath?) before saying the line I knew I'd heard before.
"Yeah, I know you did, now hurry up and die you prick."
It wasn't venomous like in the series, it was sad.
"Okay..."
That moment, the think that was bugging me hit me like a runaway Warthog.
This was the first time I'd seen someone die. I could see the blood and the flesh and broken armour.
Why wasn't I nauseous like I should be? Where was the regret for my actions? For letting Church die?
I felt nothing.
Worry creased my brow for a moment before my attention was caught by a silent sob from Tucker.
"This is all you're fault!" I flinched back as the aqua armoured man turned to glare at me. "You told us to run and look what happened!"
Still nothing.
"You're the reason Church is dead."
I know I am, but without Alpha doing this, he'd never be able to find his potential. Alpha and Epsilon. I thought sourly as I straightened my back.
"Like I said my job is to protect the Alpha." I stated mechanically before turning around and away from the man. Sheila's auto lock seemed to have returned to the jeep since the Warthog was now doing flips all over the canyon.
"Where are you going?" Tucker demanded and I heard a click of his Magnum's safety going off.
"I have to return to my team. We risked our lives to try and protect you and the Reds." Simple and sweet but apparently not enough for Tucker.
"That's not an answer. Why were you protecting both of us?"
"Because maybe I see something in you that you're higher ups don't," Turning around to come face to face with a pistol. "Maybe I see a fact that this canyons group of idiots has something the other Reds and Blues don't have."
"Yeah? And whats that?" Tucker snorted. I smirked from behind my helmet.
"I'm sure in time, you'll figure it out. See you around." I was gone as soon as the words had left my mouth, returning to my team's side. Church was looking over at me.
"Boss?" Hallows said in worry as Baggins placed a hand on my shoulder and I heaved a sigh.
"I'm sorry I couldn't save you Church." He shrugged.
"You tried. Beside's apparently I'm the team killing fucktard."
"Welp, I say, we grab lunch." Baggins suggest right before four stomachs growled simultaneously.
"That works, I have to go get my Sniper Rifle, I have to go kill that pink guy. You four go stay out of trouble." He emphasized and we all crossed our fingers behind our backs.
"Sure thing!"
"Kay."
"Whatever you say."
"Okey-dokie!"
Church left and I heaved a sigh.
"Let's get out of here. Texas is going to be here in a few hours and I think we all need a bit of a rest." I wrapped an arm around Hunter's shoulders and we walked towards our base with the boys flanking us.
"...Did you really call Sheila a over grown oven on steroids?" Baggins asked only to dodge a flying rock sent his way.
"Oh fuck berries." I growled as I glared at the screen in front of me. The sandwich I'd been munching on forgotten as I watched Texas walk towards Blue Base.
"I'll get my gun." Baggins said, walking out of the room as he threw his apple core into the garbage can with a perfect shot.
"Ya know, I kinda want to find out if the four of us could beat Texas." Hallows said as he looked at the screen and I shared a look with Hunter.
"I'd rather not get my ass handed to me." She said flat, throwing her bag of chips at his head.
"You're the best fighter of all of us. I think we could take her." Hallows was going to get pulverized. I could see it.
I rolled my eyes, and walked out of the Control Room. The short walk to the Armoury was spent humming to Thousand Foot Crutch's Untraveled Road. It was good battle theme music if I said so myself.
"You look cheerful." Baggins smirked as I got my DMR off the rack.
"Just thinking, I need to plan our next move. This on the go right before it happens stuff isn't going to work forever. Plus we don't know what will happen after the end of Season 13." I reminded and he nodded with a frown.
"If I may Ms. Quinn?" Sugar pipped up as the holoprojector in the Armoury flickered on to reveal the short midget that was our AI. Sugar was all purple and looked like a German Shepard. "Austin-776 left a file designated Red and Blue Seasons. Should you wish to catch up on you're series, they are available for you."
I nodded at the AI before huffing. Baggins sighed.
"Couldn't you have told us that before Sugar?"
"And ruin the surprise Mr. Baggins?"
I giggled as the two started to argue before turning around and grabbing my helmet off the table behind me. Putting it onto my head as I walked out of the Armoury and flicked on the radio.
"Quinn to Hallows and Hunter. Baggins and I'll go keep our eyes on the idiots."
Hunter was first to answer. "Sure thing. I'll keep Hallows from blowing up the base."
"Just the two of you? I'm wondering if that's safe."
"Get you're head out of the gutter you pervert." I called, walking past the Control Room where Hallows was managing to keep Hunter in a choke hold just to mess up her hair.
"Do you think he'll ever grow up?" Baggins asked as he caught up to me, Rifle over his shoulder.
"...Nah, wouldn't be Corvus if he grew up. Wise he may be, mature, not so much." I giggled. "Now come on, we got to go spy on a Freelancer."
"-Caboose is gonna die if she misses."
"I see what you mean."
I looked through my scope carefully watching as Tex reloaded her Magnum and started firing once more at the blue spartan she was using for target practice.
"Ya know, it's still a mystery to me on how Caboose lived so long." Baggins said as he lined up a shot on Tucker.
"Eh, no sho-" Baggins fired and you could see Tucker stumble forwards from the hit to the back of the head.
"Shit, move it!" I cried, hauling my best friend to his feet and making a run for our base.
"Why are we running!?" Baggins asked as I dragged him to a stop in front of our bases front door.
"Because they have Texas with them and she has a very good chance of hitting us with real rounds." I huffed, releasing my friends wrist as he held it tenderly. Oops.
"You're a worrier, I had my shields a the ready if she returned fire." He said, patting the top of my helmet before grabbing my wrist. "Now, come on Tess, we have to get our guns back that you left on the cliff."
I groaned. NO! NOT MY DMR!
Blue Base-
"That stupid little fucking asshole!" Tucker cursed, turning to glare up at an empty cliff. Texas paused. "Those fucker's don't fucking stop, we've pretty much lost Church and their already back at it!"
"Who is back at what?" Texas asked, spying the red paint on the mans helmet. Worry gripped her slightly as she looked at the paint then up to the cliff face where the blue was looking.
"There's a separate team that's been attacking us with paint for the last week or so. Church figure's they were special forces like you. There's three of them. A red and two greens. One of green ones is a girl. She was with us when Church died. If she hadn't told us to move Church would still be alive."
So, the girl wasn't lying. They really are here. She must have been trying to save the Alpha. Texas thought as she spied a pair of green and red armoured figures creep up on the cliff grab some weapons and disappear again back from where they came from.
If she wasn't lying about this, then there is a good chance that they won't know already... They won't know why York and North disappeared all those years ago...
Dreamer: Hehe cliffhanger! There you have it ladies and gents! Chapter Four!
Baggins: *Comes in with Hallows and hides behind Dreamer*
Hallows: SAVE US!
Dreamer: Oh no you don't! *Kicks boys out of room* Anyways, I want to say thanks to everyone who's checked out Team Vortex and to my best friends who inspired this crazy team!
I also want to thank:
-Rebekah Redwolf
and everyone else for their reviews, favs and follows!
*Two shadows creep up on Dreamer and grab her before disappearing with her*
Quinn: *Pops out from behind the couch with a snickering Hunter* For more on Team Vortex, review, fav and follow!
Hunter: Till next time guys!
Dreamer: *From somewhere in the house* HOWLIN' MAD AND LOV- GET YOU'RE HANDS OFF ME!
Quinn and Hunter: Howlin' mad and Lovin' it! ;3