Hello there! I don't tend to go back on my word, so when I said that the sequel to Someone Else was coming, I wasn't kidding you just because I took a week to upload it. I have exams coming up soon, so I was forced to divert my attention away from this and towards revision and whatnot.

However, before you read this I strongly suggest you read the prologue to the story, which is Chapter 36 of Someone Else because I didn't want to mess up the numbering of this story.

With Borderlands 3 on the horizon, I suppose this has become an AU.

I'm only saying this because not a lot of people read it. Not that you are obligated to.

Anyway, it feels good to get back into this, so I hope this is good! Review if you feel compelled to, but don't feel forced to. It's still nice to get reviews to I have an inkling on how this story is going from the eye of the beholder, as it were.

See what I did there? Whatever. Here's the chapter.

1: Eye of the Beholder

USER: GAIGE_THE_MECHROMANCER

ECHO unit sequencing…

Sound Unit: Active

Video Unit: Active

Audio drivers active…video drivers active…

Booting OS: ...ECH-OS X calibrating…

Loading… 20% …40% …80%...Load successful. Modem link established.

Network: Connected (ECHOnet)

Signal strength: Strong

Initialising broadcast…

Hello, my faithful 100,000 subscribers! Wow…I never thought I'd reach that number…er, anyway, this is my double upload for the week, so I'll just go ahead and high-five myself for that one.

*Clapping sound*

I hope you guys saw that.

So, there're celebrations going on outside. You might be able to hear it in the background. They're celebrating because they just came back from a Vault! The Vault of the Martyr on Divaloca. I think Aurora, Mordy, Zer0 and Maya just got back from it, and they said it was craaaazzy!

Apparently, they had to fight some giant snake monster. Nasty.

All the loot is being sent to Karabraxis, to be dispersed amongst the Raiders, but I'm still holding out that I'll be able to snag a few items from the collection. I've been wanting a shock Norfleet, and apparently, one dropped for them.

… *sigh*

But that's not what's on my mind.

Today is the 4-year anniversary of the Vault of the Dreamer. Turns out it's also Matt's birthday. Dunno why he never mentioned that.

It's been a while since Matt went away. At this point, I don't know if I'll ever get to see him again. He said he would come back when the time was right, but he never gave any more information other than that.

He could come back in 3 days or 3 years, and there's no way I'll ever know. Not until he hauls his ass back to Sanctuary… *cute snigger*

Lilith told me that there's gonna be a ceremony to celebrate what Matt did back then, right next to his statue. Every time I look at that statue, I'm reminded of that guy I fell in love with.

Even though I can confidently say I've moved on, I still miss him. Of course I do.

I also know, however, that when he comes back, it means that the war is coming. That's the only reason they'd send him in. To say I'm scared is an understatement!

We needed him so badly during the turmoil of the Associated Constellations, but he wasn't there. I think that was our most desperate hour. But he never showed his face. If he didn't then, why would he now?

So I'm not even sure if I WANT him back yet. Because I wouldn't even have him for long. Either he would have to go back, or I'd be dead – or both. But hey, I'd still have him beside me, even if it's only for a moment.

So maybe it's not the end of the world. Yet, anyway. If this war REALLY IS what they said it will be, then God help us all.

Until then, there might just be hope yet.

*Doorbell ringing*

"Gaige! It's me! Can you answer the door?"

Er…just a second.

'I'll be there in a minute!'

It looks like I'm gonna have to sign off early. Thank you all for actually watching me and listening to my ramblings! Bye!

ECHO broadcast terminated.

ECHOear shutting down…

Gaige sat up from her chair in her workshop. Matt's ECHOear rattled on her metal worktop, even after she retracted her fingers from it.

The past few years had definitely given rise to her ECHO streams and uploads; she remembered her loss of subscribers from twelve to one, when she first started, and it certainly put things into perspective. Comparatively, her growth had skyrocketed, though she wasn't entirely certain why. The subject and style had mostly remained the same, although the Mechromancer had been more frequent with her broadcasts.

The Vaults were often covered in her broadcasts, which she supposed may have interested people, since the Eridians were a subject of great mystery – and mysteries intrigued people. However, Gaige was never clear on the details, since Lilith had told her she could not reveal too much, for fear that Gemini may target them somehow. The Siren always seemed to have an element of paranoia about her, which she would call prudence, though it was evidently more psychologically rooted than that.

If Matt had not given her his ECHOear, the Mechromancer probably would not have risen to the steady popularity she had. Broadcasting was more advanced on the device, as the Anomaly had claimed, which made her streams easier to watch at length. In the grand scheme of things, one-hundred thousand wasn't too much, but it was respectable and Gaige would be pleased to have even a quarter of that. Or less. Considering the population of the Medusa sector (where her viewership pertained) was roughly two-hundred billion, she wasn't a large influence on the ECHOnet, but one-hundred thousand still seemed like a lot to her.

Earlier that day, Gaige had recorded a lengthy game of Bunkers & Badasses that Tina had once again enthusiastically suggested they all play. Gaige didn't think it was particularly amazing content, but it turned out the ECHOnet had a large market for people who liked the game. It was a good game, but it just didn't seem like something people would want to watch other people playing. It's no fun watching somebody else play an RPG, but, it turned out a significant portion of the ECHOnet begged to differ on that.

Gaige eventually stopped procrastinating and got up from her chair. She opened the door that led into her living room, and walked towards the door. The translucent glass displayed a dark silhouette outside the door, likely rolling on their feet – explaining the changes in height constantly – with impatience. It had been a few minutes before she claimed she was about to get the door, but the knocker should've realised how understandable it was for Gaige to want to think about it before she answered.

With nagging reluctance, the Vault Hunter twisted the doorknob and pulled it open.

On the other side, it was a person slightly annoyed at the delay. However, she also knew it was Gaige, and Gaige liked to procrastinate. Though, the long wait made her want to pull out her revolver and shoot something. Like maybe the test dummy in Marcus's shop, or just a random wall.

Aurora Lux the Fable

New title; new me!

(Still likes purple)

Aurora rose an eyebrow.

'Do you usually take that long to answer?' She enquired with a smile.

'Well, you know, I planned to wait longer, but then I realised it was you,' Gaige replied with equal cheek. Aurora sniggered, and embraced the Mechromancer with a hug. 'So, how was the Vault of the Martyr?'

'Not that bad, despite what Mordecai would tell ya,' Aurora admitted.

'I heard the Vault Monster was gigantic serpent thing.'

'Well, yes…and it had potent venom…' Aurora revealed, scrambling to prove her own conclusion. 'Bu-uh-ut, um, it wasn't particularly strong. It was also weak to incendiary damage, and had a pretty big weak spot on the sides of its head.'

'Aurelia told me how Mordecai has been rambling about the Martyr's venom ever since he got back,' the Mechromancer commented.

'Yeah, well, we're all still alive,' the Fable reminded her, not-so-fondly remembering when Mordecai was bitten by the cold-blooded Vault Monster.

The two friends immediately started laughing about the whole argument. Once they had both finished, Gaige adopted a more serious look.

'That's not what you came to me about though, is it?' The Mechromancer effortlessly figured out. The Fable caught on and became a lot more serious.

'No,' she confirmed. 'We may be having festivities about the whole Vault thing, but most of that is taking place in Karabraxis. It's gonna be a little more quiet around here. So, that's why we're holding a ceremony around Matt's statue, since it's the anniversary today. Everyone would like you to come.'

'I knew that's what you were here for,' Gaige responded. 'I saw what you were all doing out my window. And my answer is: I dunno. It's been ages since I've seen Matt, so looking at that statue really hurts. The sculptor was incredible, because the likeness is perfect.'

'This is difficult for me too,' Aurora told her.

'I know, but we're not emotionally the same person.'

'This is as hard for you as it is for me,' the Fable informed her. 'I'm just better at hiding it. And wouldn't it be besmirching Matt's legacy for you not to go to his ceremony to remember him?'

'I'm certain half the people there don't know who he is.'

'He has a statue, Gaige. I'm pretty sure everyone knows who he is.'

'I meant as in, what he was like. Many of them have heard his story, but not all of them know what it was like to be around him.'

'That's not their fault,' Aurora criticised. 'Matt was gone very quickly and he was mostly around us Vault Hunters. It's not fair to say others can't be there just because they didn't personally know him. They still want to pay their respects to someone who sacrificed everything to keep the Crimson Raiders safe.'

Gaige sighed.

'I know, I know. It's just…I'm worried that Matt won't ever come back. I don't trust the Enlightener, and Matt doesn't really get a choice about what happens to him. So when either of them says he's coming back, I don't know how true that actually is. And with two Eridians warning us of a war – of which we don't even know if that'll happen either – I don't know what to think.'

'Those are perfectly justifiable concerns, Gaige. I wish I could just say that you're completely wrong on all of them, but you aren't. You just need to have faith. The Eridians want to survive this war, and they know Matt will be a powerful asset in doing so. So, logically, they should want to send him back eventually.'

'Even so, you don't know when that will be,' the Mechromancer pointed out.

'No, I don't. But I have faith it will be soon. And if it isn't, it is best we honour his memory, don't you think?'

'Maybe you're right,' Gaige finally accepted.

'C'mon on then,' Aurora signalling, putting a hand on her shoulder and jerking her head to her right. The Mechromancer nodded, and walked beside her. Together, both of them strolled down the streets of Sanctuary, mostly staying silent. Gaige did not seem to be in a conversational mood, unsurprisingly, but Aurora did attempt to inject some kind of chattiness within the girl. Eventually, the Fable gave up in her attempt, and just remained quiet.

'How many?' Gaige inexplicably asked, catching her friend off-guard.

'Huh?'

'How many casualties?'

Aurora fell silent, stopping dead in her tracks. She had hoped Gaige would not ask that. The Vault of the Martyr may have ended well, with the Martyr dead and all the Vault Hunters returning home, but only a few Raiders survived.

'Fifty-nine. I counted the bodies.'

'Do you ever wonder if this job is even worth it anymore?' The Mechromancer abruptly asked her, disregarding the answer to her own question. 'How do you know this isn't some fool's crusade?'

'I do, to be honest,' Aurora admitted. 'But it's about survival now. If hunting all these Vaults is meant to prepare for the war, then I'm willing to do it. If it means we live, then it's worth it.'

'And after that?' The Mechromancer persisted.

'We're greedy people, Gaige,' Aurora replied, only half-serious. 'There's infinite knowledge out there – so much mystery behind the Eridians. Who wouldn't want to learn about that?'

'At the expense of so many people?'

'Foot soldiers. Soldiers who already offered their lives to the Raiders. They knew – we knew – what they'd got into – what we we'd got into.'

'That doesn't mean we can go around depleting our workforce!' Gaige argued. 'How are we going to survive the war if we're down on our soldiers?'

'Is this why you're so reluctant to participate in our raids?' Aurora demanded. 'Because you're scared that we're all gonna die?' The Mechromancer sighed, walking again towards the statue on the other side of town. Aurora pursued after her.

'All I'm saying is that Vault Hunting isn't what it used to be,' she complained, hunching her shoulders.

'You're not a teenager anymore, Gaige,' the Fable reminded her. 'Grow up a little bit, alright? Vault Hunting has always been the same!'

'It's because I've grown up a bit that I'm seeing the world differently!' The Mechromancer reasoned. 'A lot more like Matt did…'

'Matt liked being a Vault Hunter.'

'Yeah, but he didn't like unnecessary deaths.' Aurora sighed.

'I don't want to have an argument at the ceremony,' she told her, putting a hand on her shoulder. 'Trust me – Matt would want you to keep up the gig.'

'I'm not planning on retiring,' Gaige assured her. 'I was just…wondering what it really meant to be a Vault Hunter.'

Sounds like retiring talk to me, Aurora thought.

'Then let's not keep them waiting,' she suggested, to which the Mechromancer nodded. Both them resumed normal walking place, eventually arriving at the plaza steps which were now the centre of town. Sanctuary had been expanded, so the previous entrance near Scooter's – now Ellie's – Garage was only the centre of town. The whole city had doubled in scale factor size.

Matt's statue stood tall above the other buildings, which had also increased in size over the years. Matt was posed with his arm out, and streaks of lightning around his arm. The presence was imposing, but also had a sense of familiarity behind it, and welcoming safety. It reminded Gaige of what it was actually like to be around the man, but in the end, it was just a mere shadowy impression of what the Anomaly was truly like.

There were a few Vault Hunters standing around it, quietly, but there were a few noticeably missing. Gaige supposed it out of respect, since they did not know Matt in the slightest, and had only heard the rumours and legends from the average citizen.

Several Crimson Raiders stood in a circle around the statue, silenced and uniform. Whether any of them knew Matt, they could not be sure.

Despite how pleased the Mechromancer was that it was mainly only the friends of Matt were present, it was equalled by Aurora's sense of devalue in that Matt was not being properly acknowledged for what he did.

They walked down the steps, catching the attention of the Vault Hunters, whom all said nothing. Not yet, anyway. When Gaige joined them, she could feel restlessness in her delayed arrival, but none of them would dare speak up about it.

One red-haired individual finally stepped forward, separating herself from the group.

Lilith the Siren

What are you staring at?

She sighed pointedly.

'We are gathered here today for the purpose of remembrance,' the Siren addressed. '4 years ago today, the Vault Hunter known as Matt Rye the Anomaly sacrificed himself to, as unbelievable as it sounds, save the entire universe from utter collapse. This is something he chose without much thought, but it is not to be taken lightly. Leaving everything you love behind – it's not easy. Of course, Matt believed in the greater good, so he was willing to if it would ultimately mean well.

'The Anomaly led a troubled life, constantly questioning his own nature and morality. When I first met him, I'll be honest, I didn't think much of him. When he told me he could slow time, even then I was not overly impressed of him. I had him fight me – and he won. Still, though, he didn't make a massive impression on me. Anyone can get lucky, and I am certainly not unbeatable. The thing is, though, a person's true nature is shown when they are put under duress. So, that's why I took the Anomaly on a mission with me to raid the Gemini Armoury.

'Needless to say, I was impressed with him. He was incredibly efficient at getting in and out. He was strategic, quick and masterful at using his powers.

'But what was perhaps most impressive about Matt Rye was his humanity. I won't lie, the Anomaly always struggled with what was good and what was right. However, he always made a decision in the end, and always returned to focus. Even when faced with the worst of humanity, Matt saw the best in them – he saw redemption. I wouldn't have in many, and I often doubted his decisions. Yet, he continuously proved me wrong.

'Some may call that a weakness; some would say it was his greatest strength. Me? I consider it a commodity. What I mean by that is that Matt saw it not as a power, rather a duty – a service he lived by. I do too.'

There was a scoff amongst the crowd. Someone, evidently, was not satisfied by her description of the Anomaly.

'You're looking at it completely wrong,' a voice criticised, stepping out amongst them. Lilith frowned in annoyance.

'Well, if you'd like to correct me, be my guest…'

The man had short blonde hair and a scar across his face. His stern expression elicited gasps amongst the remaining citizens of Sanctuary.

Caine the Executioner

Swingin' ma axe

'…Caine.' The Executioner smirked.

'I'd love to,' he audaciously remarked. 'You see, what's so…interesting…about Matt Rye is his power.' Lilith folded her arms at him angrily. 'He had a lot of it. But it never went to his head. Somehow.' The Siren's expression lightened. 'The Anomaly never had a lust for power, resenting those who desired it greedily. He's dead because he detested James Sharp's obsession for supremacy, as it was that very thing that lead to the birth of his Chronokinesis. He wanted to put an end to that, and, at first, the option was to use the Infinite to do so.'

'What's your point?' Gaige demanded, stepping out furiously from the congregate. 'It's all well and good that you're saying such kind things about my boyfriend, but I know you still have a begrudging dislike towards him. I'm sensing a "but" at the end of your little speech.'

'You sense incorrectly. My point is that Matt had the choice of forcing peace among the galaxy, but didn't. In that moment, where he had access to the Infinite, he had godlike powers. Yet, he chose not to warp reality. It's questionable how much he could've anyway but he had the entire universe at his fingertips, however Matt relented from the opportunity. I don't know many others who could resist such a possibility, just for the greater good.'

'Are you done?' Another voice asked, walking to beside Gaige.

Maya the Siren

Likes: Fun, violence (same thing, aren't they?)

Caine sighed.

'No need for the aggression, ladies,' he condescendingly advised. 'I'm done.'

'Well, thank you for your riveting input, Caine,' Lilith sardonically praised. 'This ceremony is for us to say our piece about Matt Rye. That's why I'm not punching Caine for interrupting. Not like he's wrong, either.' Gaige ignored her, and walked towards the statue. The Mechromancer put a hand on the podium, reading the plaque.

MATT RYE

SAVIOUR OF SANCTUARY

Maybe "Saviour of Sanctuary" was too much, but Gaige didn't care. She just wanted him back, no matter how selfish it seemed. But it had been four years. It hardly seemed hopeful. Why would he return now? They needed him just as much as they did a few months ago. Hell, it would have been nice if he was there when the Associated Constellations burnt.

What difference would it make?

'Idiots,' she seethed. 'It doesn't matter how great of person Matt was, or the responsibility he had with the power he acquired. What you should remember about him is that he wasn't perfect.'

'Certainly,' Lilith interjected. 'As I said, he frequently questioned his own morality and –'

'Shut up, Lilith,' the Mechromancer scolded, standing up and turning to address the collection of people. 'That wasn't what I meant. He was a human, you shouldn't be commending his humanity. Don't remember Matt for being so incredible, because he made mistakes just as we do. It just so happened that he didn't die from them. Until he went into the Infinite. Yeah, Matt did great things. But he also did terrible things. Things he regrets more than anything. So have we.'

There was a sound of absentminded chatting out in the distance. It was getting louder. Everyone searched for the source.

'Who even is this nobody, anyway?' Someone, male, demanded in frustration.

'The guy who prevented Sanctuary from being destroyed,' a female answered, evidently annoyed. 'And you know, saved the entire universe?'

'Pff, I do that every week. From home.'

'If it weren't for him, you wouldn't have a home to go to.'

'We're worshipping someone we don't even know.'

'It's not worship. You might as well show some respect.'

'Oh, so it's like Bossanova, right? …Right?'

'Shut up.'

The two arguers appeared around the corner, walking down the steps to approach the statue.

One was wearing a red overcoat, sort of like Aurora's coat back in the day, except it had a different design and it tapered off into strands at the bottom. There was a yellow lining underneath the coat, which exposed itself in the wind as she walked. Her waistcoat was crimson, with a neat floral pattern emblazoned across the top of it. She wore a white shirt under that, buttoned up, and a smart cravat over the collar. The woman wore a hat, bowler in design, with a red lining on the outside and black as the primary colour.

Fiona the Artist

Life's a long con.

The man beside her looked wimpier in appearance, given his feeble arm and anorexic-looking metal one. He wore a business suit, with an "A" inscribed on it in metal, although it was clearly a "H" before. It was an expensive black, sleeveless jacket, and a blue striped shirt sat underneath. A somewhat out of place red tie was attached loosely to his white collar, and it swung lightly in the wind. His trousers were black and comparatively boring; they were simple but expensive, as were his black non-lace shoes.

Rhys the Corporate

The most business-like Vault Hunter.

(How would a suit protect you anyway?)

Lilith and Gaige practically growled.

'Rhys! Fiona! Why are you late?!' The Siren demanded.

'Oh, um, sorry!' Fiona profusely apologised. 'Rhys didn't want to come; he said he was more focussed on his "investments" than this whole ceremony thing.'

Gaige walked aggressively towards Rhys, causing him to go slightly lily-livered.

'Uh, yeah…it's not like I don't care, but Atlas's income was projected to increase by four-hundred percent if I made this deal. You see, I thought it would help the Crimson Raider investment so –'

Gaige stopped him in his tracks as he tried to walk past her. She picked him up harshly with her metal hand, holding him up in the air.

'Did you dare to compare my boyfriend to Bossanova?!' The Mechromancer yelled wrathfully, tightening her hold on the Corporate. Rhys failed to prevent a sole bead of sweat from slipping down his face.

'Uh-um, no! Tha-that's not what I meant, you see…' Rhys stuttered, stumbling for an excuse.

'I think what he meant to say was –' Fiona jumped in desperately.

'No!' The Mechromancer interrupted her. 'I wanna hear his excuse for calling Matt a nobody.' Rhys had no answer, or at least couldn't provide one before Gaige shook her head and spoke again. 'Actually, don't bother. Look, I may have said that Matt was just like any of us, and I believe that – but make no mistake, Matt is not a "nobody". He did more in a few months than you have in the past few years, Rhys!'

'I think we all need to calm down,' someone told them carefully. He walked towards them, his darkening hair moving only slightly in the wind. His turret, old and decrepit, lay attached firmly to his back.

Axton the Commando

How is HE the voice of reason around here?

Gaige sneered at his advice.

'As if telling me to calm down is gonna make me calm down, Axton!' She disparaged, quite rightfully. 'I'm not letting this dickhead slander Matt's name!'

'You're slandering it by being overly aggressive! Do you honestly think this is what Matt would've wanted?!' The Commando rebounded on her. Gaige dropped Rhys to the floor, who was tended to (and slapped by) Fiona.

'Are you kidding me?!' The Mechromancer bellowed, with utter rage. 'I'm the bad guy here? I'm knocking sense into idiots like these! I loved Matt, and now I have to see people saying such unfair things about him? Seriously?'

'Were you not listening to what Lilith was talking about?' Axton argued. 'We all know he was a great man, a good one too. If people are thinking less of him than they should, then we'll talk about it. Violence here is just unnecessary.'

'That's not the point!' Gaige continued. 'You all go on and on about how amazing Matt was, but the fact of the matter is that he wasn't half of what you guys are saying about him. He was one of the most wonderful people I had ever met, but he was by no means as superior as you think he was! He was real! A real human being; not some kind of fairy tale! You all need to get the right idea of him. He wasn't amazing, like you think' – she then turned to Rhys, who was still on the floor – 'and he wasn't some nobody like you think.'

She turned to leave the ceremony, which by now had completely dissolved.

'When he eventually does come back,' the Mechromancer addressed conclusively. 'Don't be surprised if he's not as great as you think he is.'

Ah, nice to get into this. I didn't want everyone to be all like "I miss Matt", so I had multiple people have multiple different ways of dealing with his absence, with Gaige choosing not to glorify it as though Matt was the greatest thing ever made. Because he wasn't. Some are even angry about the whole situation.

Hence why she didn't want to go to the ceremony. From her perspective, while Matt was great and all, she did not feel it necessarily warranted a whole fucking ceremony on him.

Hope you like the introduction of Rhys and Fiona into the story. You might think I did it too early, but really, I had no reason to wait. They do serve a purpose in a few of the plot threads in the future.

Also, Aurora's title name was purposefully changed to Duke Minoosh's former title. He is retired now, after all.

Finally, I'm aware this chapter is not very long, but they will get quite long as time goes on. I've mentioned this before, however I'll repeat it: these chapters will vary from 4k all the way up to 7k words.

To conclude, I hope you feel inclined to stay tuned for the next chapter!