Unity

Alright! It took me a long while, but I wanted to take the time to develop this slowly. There's a lot of stuff I wanna do with this and I'm eager to share it with you all!

This is Cross-Posted on Archive of Our Own for those who are more familiar with it!

Disclaimer: All rights belong to their respective owner

The Crew

Planet Talos

At the Docks of a Space-Port...

The ocean waves clashed against each other. The orange sun is setting low into the horizons... The setting of this place is quite humble and at the same time dangerous for its many hazardous scenes. Though it has offered a lot of new environment for an iconic few dozen people, who were at a small cabin, trying to kill time while their transport arrives.

...

Natalie Paquette was seen fumbling with her many tools that were scattered in the section of her room. She had a difficult time growing up ever since the passing of her mother and father. Things were so confusing for her. After mourning for them for so long, she realized that she had to move on eventually.

It was then that she decided to join the bloodsport called the 'Apex Games'.

From all around the Core Systems, many audiences have sat and watched through the big screens to watch their favorite players go head to head in an exhilarating match of the last player standing. Bets would be placed onto who would take the most damages, most wins, most assists, and such. Putting in a gamble was always a risk of losing so many credits. It all only came to either one squad or one person.

It has become a trend throughout the entire Outlands.

These competitors were all given a stage name through their unique skill sets and strengths. Their names have sparked through the Core Worlds...

Bloodhound the Technological Tracker

Gibraltar the Shielded Fortress

Lifeline the Combat Medic

Pathfinder the Forward Scout

Wraith the Interdimensional Skirmisher

Bangalore the Professional Soldier

Caustic the Toxic Trapper

Mirage the Holographic Trickster

Octane the Highspeed Daredevil

Wattson the Static Defender

Crypto the Surveillance Expert

Revenant the Synthetic Nightmare

In the ring, these competitors were to think out every scenario needed to be the last person or squad standing. Using their own tactics, they were to work together as a unit to eliminate other enemy teams with the arsenal they gathered. .

Though they weren't anything too fatal of course. That'd be a way to gruesome. Everyone was assigned an armor that is coated with that assures that they were not to be excessively wounded. Once a player is 'eliminated', they were to teleport back at the respawn chambers, whereas their eco-suit expires out.

The competitors would join the events either for the thrill, the fame, the credits, or the glory of it all. A different story lies within each of them.

For them all, they were known as, 'The Apex Legends.'

Though, outside the fields, the Legends were each other's equals. They were each other's companions. They would soon realize they would relate to each other when it comes to certain interests.

Besides that, the arena in World's Edge is closed due to the amount of damage the Harvester has caused to the island. It really wasn't much of a surprise. They guessed right while they were battling in the middle of a few matches. It made it clear it was unsafe.

So, with everything set, all the Legends packed up and are said to start their next match-up in King's Canyon in a few days. As much of a nice fresh Talos has brought, it was a good thing that Natalie will be back home on Solace. Nothing like a sense of nostalgia to help relieve a few feelings.

'Legends...' Natalie, she thought back to that word. There was something about that name that just rung out. She couldn't put it together. It did sound a little silly for a group like them. They didn't really persay... live up to that name. It was just a stage name. Not that it didn't sound cool at all, but she was just a little perplexed by it sometimes.

It's been about four long seasons in the games that they've stuck around. It was a pretty extraordinary experience for all of them. Being around them sure has brought a lot out of her. As well as themselves. Unsure of their approach, they've all made a few things in common. They were made good allies to one another.

Over the other side of the room, she sees Elliot Witt, along with Ajay Che, Anita Williams, Makoa Gibraltar, Octavio Silva, Pathfinder, and Blothhunder, whom were seated around a table having a fit of laughter. They were the most common of the group to chat with. From Gibraltar's calm character to Octavio's burst of exclamations, they've all managed to get along very well.

The other four Legends were in each their own personal space.

Renee Blasey is seen kneeling down, twirling her kunai with her fingers. As much of the skilled fighter she was, she turns out to be a woman with a cool personality. She still has a few answers to uncover, but things are fine as now...

With Alexander, he was over at another table that was filled with paper sheets and beakers galore. He was always found tinkering with his chemicals. She would always tell him to at least clean up every once in a while, but to her disbelief, he would only do that once he's perfected his new 'Nox Gas'.

Meanwhile, Park is on his HUD screen doing who knows what. He used to be so closed up since he joined. At first, he wasn't really the type to carry a few seconds in conversations. Though, over time, he grew quite fond of the group.

Natalie can somewhat say the same to the newcomer, Revenant. He was standing at the other end with his arms crossed over his chest. Having a Simulacrum join them was something they had not expected. But it didn't mean she wasn't gonna greet to him! The only responses she's ever gotten was a few hums and small answers like 'yes' and 'no'. It was slow progress...

"Hey! Nat!"

The blonde turned over at the voice and saw Ajay waving over to her. "Why don't you join in? We got one more to fill for this game!""

Natalie happily took this offer and made her way. She pulled up a chair and sat along with the group, "So what are we playing?"

"Just some good ol' Pokes. We've got a bunch of credits we're betting in. You sure you up for this?" Mirage replied.

"I don't see why not!" Natalie exclaimed in excitement.

Anita pulled a deck of cards from a small box and laid out six for each of the eight players, "Alright everyone, same as always. You get the better card, you've got the better play. You don't? You'll just have to keep on drawing more from the pile. I'll go first."

With that, the group placed their bets and played silently as they tried to strategize from each move they made. It was either win it or lose it when it came to this. It's only this competitive when credits are involved. If it's not, well, it's not as fun one would think.

Seeing that things are a bit too quiet, Mirage cleared out his throat, "So... How is everyone doing in this fine lovely evening?"

"Eh, could be better," Anita said as she slapped an offensive card down. It was Octavio's turn. Though, he had to grab a few cards from the pile, muttering in silence.

Gibraltar chuckled, playing his card, "No worries! A few days from now on, we'll be taking to the skies!"

It was Mirage's turn. He skimmed through his cards and thought out carefully. Almost a minute passed, he laid it on the stack, "Hm... Know what I think? I think... We should have something interesting... Something different..."

Seeing that he wasn't anything after that, Pathfinder replies, "Should we guess what it is? or are you gonna tell us, friend?" He replies, not actually knowing he offended the Trickster. He gets a few chuckles from the group.

Elliot scoffed, "I don't know! Something! Like a new arena or some new tech! Whatever is good!"

"Welp! If you want something new! You have to take it up with this lady over here!" Makoa replied as he pointed over to Natalie.

Seeing that the attention is on her, Wattson shuffles in her chair, "Well, I've been thinking of adding a few types of equipment prior to our own classes... Though, it's gonna take a while before it is due..."

Elliot leaned on the table in curiosity, "Oh! Mind spilling the info? We won't tell!"

Wattson sheepishly smiled, "Pardon. That I cannot say. You will have to wait until then."

"Pft... Alright then. Cool! Cool... Keep the fun to yourself, why don't ya?" Elliot shrugged.

They resumed back to their small game. With many moves being played, the tension rises up as they quartered in a few more currency along to the pile. They've all carefully placed their cards after each play, though they would be left dumbstruck after a ridiculous amount of earnings they lost. Afraid of losing any more of their credits, some of them left out, with only Hound, Anita, and Silva on the table.

Seeing that it was Octavio's turn, he drew from the pile and was able to pull off a Lucky, that goes completely with his set. With glee, he slapped it down onto the table, leaving the rest of the group stunned by his play, "I won! HA! The credits all mine!" He exclaimed. As he was about to slide his hand over to the cash. He was stopped by halting hand by Bloodhound.

"I'm afraid not, friend... For I, have the benefit over your own hand." Hound said as they laid their cards down. A look of shock came over to the speedster and the Legends as they played out Triple of Aces.

Like a child, Octavio slumped into his chair and folded his arms, "Agh! Not like I cared anyway..."

With gratitude, the Hunter took the credits and placed it one of their pouches. Although one of the quiet ones in the group. They were always grateful to use their time with them.

The next half hour, a whirring sound overcame from above. They all exactly knew to grab up all their packs and stepped out of the cabin. At the skies, a transport ship is slowly lowering towards to the pier.

With their last moments on this Planet nearing, Elliot knew to share a few words of wisdom... So he thinks.

Mirage let out an exhale, "I gotta say you guys...," He says, getting a few heads turned to him. He continues, "I'm really gonna miss this place. We've made a bunch of good memories here... Yes sir, indeed. It won't be long till we see this beaut again. I think..."

Crypto raised an eyebrow, "By memories, don't you mean that we were all at each other's necks in the arena...?"

Elliot stammered, "Well, I mean- no! It's not like it was a deathmatch or anything! -Actually, second thought it kinda is- That's not the point here! There were other things too! Heck, probably Revenant enjoyed it, though!"

Revenant gave him a stern look, "Is that a problem?"

Before he can reply, Ajay intervened by giving the Simulacrum a playful shove, "Relax everyone! We've all had our share of fun here! Besides, I think we need this. We gotta move forward somehow, am I right?" She received a couple of nods and such.

Renee shrugged, fixing up her small scarf, "Been meaning to ask... Has anyone been keeping up with the news on Solace? I'm a bit slow on that."

Alexander speaks up, "I've been told from one of the commissioners that we were to have a small arrangement when we are to arrive at the City... The environments there have been quite a little 'erupting' from the past weeks from a few mobs..."

"That still going on? What's up with them?" Anita asked.

"From what I've heard, they've been on strike against the Mayor. Something about unfair businesses and cases with people gone missing... How peculiar..." The Scientist replies.

Hound sighed, "That's sounds excessive... Though, perhaps... In time, things will be better as we go."

With that being said, The spacecraft parked nearby the docks, with the engines still running low, it opened the side entrance. As the twelve Legends boarded upon the shuttle, they each returned to their respective section of the ship. In the next few days, they'll over be to Solace. With World's Edge out of the picture, they weren't sure what to make of next. Things were starting to be a little too different for each day that passes...

...Far away...

...At an unknown base...

A group survivors from the old war have been scavenging across space and time trying to put themselves together. Now, their numbers are really low and there hasn't been much to act on retaliating the IMC. Though, there is still a bit of work to make of.

"This isn't gonna work... You're taking a risk that we can't take." Said from a former commanding officer. She had known that they have been with this argument for months and the pilot she was dealing with just couldn't let up. She knew they all needed this, but it could do great damage to them all.

The pilot sighed, still struggling with his own thoughts. It's been the same thing over and over. They had been running for so long, it was really depressing... But he knew that somewhere out there, there is someone listening... There had to be... He shrugged, "Maybe so... Though, we can't just sit around here any longer hoping for some miracle to happen... We've been doing this for years too long. I think this is our chance to do something about it. Our only one in fact..."

The Commander pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed, "You... Fine. -Alright. You're stubborn as hell you know that?"

"Sure am." The Pilot replied, hooking up to a map on a computer.

"Alright then... We've got enough power to fire off two projectiles. Encoded with the message, they should be able travel any databank they reach to. They're not lethal to injure anyone, so that's a plus. What's your pick?"

"Hm... It's gotta be Solace. It'd be that, yeah." The Pilot said as he pulled out a holographic map of the Core System. He marked down the planet.

She drew a raised eyebrow, "What's so interesting about that place? Other than that it's crowded with the armada... That's the last thing we want now."

The Pilot shrugged, "Well, I've been keeping an eye out on a group for a while. They're not you're ordinary folks to be running around like that every day. They got something to them that the others don't..."

"You can't be serious..." The Commander said in doubt.

"Well, is there anyone else you have in mind? I'm all ears." The Pilot smirked.

The woman rolled her eyes, "Tch... Fine. Let's ready it up. We'll be moving out in an hour..."

This their chance to make a difference. Not for them, but for everyone that were maniuplated by the IMC. It's gone far long enough.