Elliot knocks on the door three times, and a minute passes buy. Some footsteps are heard approaching it, while the door automatically slides open. They are greeted by a lady who appears to be about to lose her patience. "Who could possible be knocking on my door, at 1AM in the... morning...". Perplexed, the lady stared into Elliot's eyes. Tears began to run down, and her hands slowly started to reach his face. A sense of huge relieve fell upon her as she embraced him. Yet deep down, watching only him alone knock on her door at a time light this, she knew what really happened. She was happy, but she was also broken. Both Elliot and his mother tightly hugged each other as she came down to her knees. She let out sobs that pierced Elliot's heart, as he got on the floor with her. Of all her sons, only one came home that night. All that Pathfinder and Wraith could do was watch and have a sense of pity for the suffered loss she was having.
Elliot helped her walk inside as he was giving the other two gestures of invitation as well. Both came inside the appartment. Simple kitchen with dining table by it's side. A living room with a sofa, TV, and a window with the view of the distant city and everything else surrounding it. And in between, a door leading to what it seemed her room. Elliot brought her there, and softly said to the rest, "Please... give us, a moment..." as he closed the door. Wraith and Pathfinder slowly made their way to the living room and sat down in the sofa. Pathfinder looked down with a sad face in his monitor. Wraith just sat there besides him, next to the window. As she looked outside, she began to think if she even had a family of her own. Or someone who cared for her. The voice did not respond to that thought either, since it was in deep though as well. Pathfinder, while feeling bad about what happened, he could not help but think about his creator. Maybe it was as sad as Elliot's mother, he thought to himself. But he would never know.
Elliot softly opened the door and closed it behind him. "I-I'm sorry I-", said Elliot but was quickly interrupted. "N-no it's fine" "You don't have to be, friend" Wraith and Pathfinder spoke at the same time. "We are the ones who should be sorry, Elliot" said Pathfinder while standing up and reaching his shoulder. Wraith a stood up and slowly approached them as well, figuring out what exactly could she say in a situation like this. But she was relieved when Elliot said, "Thank you... Both of you," while softly punching Pathfinder in his shoulder as a friendly gesture. He then went to the kitchen and got a kettle from a cabinet at the top. He started heating water with the electric oven, as he prepared mugs on the table. He poured the steaming water in the mugs and placed tea bags as well. "Guys, be at home, and feel free to get anything from the kitchen," said Elliot while giving one mug for Wraith.
"I'll stay with mother tonight. There's blankets under the pillow if you get cold...". Elliot approached the door and turned again, while everybody else started watching each other. "I guess... I'll see you guys tomorrow." "Wait Elliot," Wraith quickly said. "I think I should go. You have so much in your hands right now, I-" "No way," responded Elliot. "You said it was your first time in a city, right? You won't even last 3 minutes without getting lost, guaranteed. And besides, we're a squad now... right?" Wraith sat there, staring at Elliot speak. "Listen, I-I-m ok. I just need, time... tomorrow morning we'll move out of here and see if we get recruited for the games... that way, Path can help you out with, whatever it is that you're looking for, while I get the kills... Deal?" Pathfinder and Wraith looked at each other, then Pathfinder said, "Sounds like a plan to me, friends...". Elliot nodded, went inside the door and slowly closed it, while tears were running down his cheeks. Wraith sat on the sofa to look outside the window, while sipping from her mug.
"Don't worry friend," said Pathfinder, "I'll do the best I can to help you on your adventure." Wraith turned and said, "But what about you? I appreciate your help and all, but If there is anything I can do..." "Not to worry. I won't stop searching. Not when I have my friends helping me out!" The voice responded to this and said, "Man. Even though it's just a robot, there's something about it...". "Yeah, I get what you mean," Wraith murmured. "Wraith, I hope you don't mind me asking," Pathfinder said. "Since you let us out of the prison back in the I.M.C. station, I've couldn't help but notice you talking to yourself frequently. It's just out of curiosity, but is it one of your powers?" "I-I..." "Oh, maybe you are lonely. I understand. But don't worry" "N-no, it's..." "If you ever want to talk, I am here for you." "N-no it's not that I..." There was silence for a second. "Just tell him," said the voice. A expression of surprise appeared on Wraith's face.
The voice said "I mean why not...?" Wraith thought about it for a moment, then went for it. "Ok, but I won't guarantee your understanding... I... have, a voice, in my head..."
"So what, now I'm crazy?" "Oh, no no no! Not at all!" said Pathfinder waving his hands. "So it was one of your abilities, right?" Wraith responded, "Yeah, I guess you can say that. You were right, when you said I was talking to myself. This voice... it's just another me, from another time. She's trapped her with me now. Searching for the same answers..." "Then I will have to do double the effort, for you and your friend, friend!" "I-it's fine... thanks, Pathfinder" said Wraith as she couldn't help but smile at the harmless robot. Thinking about being harmless, Wraith began to have doubts about Pathfinder being fit for combat due to being... "too nice." But he was highly determined on helping her, and the games were her only chance, so she just let it pass for later. "I'm going to let you rest now. Goodnight!" Pathfinder made his way into one side of the living room besides a wall, stood there for one second, and turned off. In his monitor the words "SLEEP MODE" appeared in a soft blue color.
Wraith placed her mug down on a small table besides the sofa, got her blanket and laid down after a long day of many events. Now it's when she realized how exhausted she was, and quickly fell asleep. If she could have stayed awake a little while longer, she could have seen a beam of light falling from the sky. But she was asleep.
Voices. Multiple ones. Flashing lights. Monitors. Undistinguished sounds. People. Wearing, robes, white ones. Scientistslet me sleepTalking to each other. Faces. Just watching. Watching me. Can't move. Restrained. Pain. Pain. Pain. They just watchleave me aloneI can't breathe. The walls shrink and the floor sinks. In between of it all. The space keeps disappearing. Can barely move. A window. Darkness follows through. A face through the other side. Just... watchinghelp meI need to breathe. Yet I can't. I need to leave. But I'm trapped. Where I met my fate. And where I overcame itDid I?
Wraith jumped out of it, falling from the sofa. A robot turned on automatically after hearing this, and ran after Wraith. "Ah! N-no, leave me!" Pathfinder rapidly stood back, raising his hands meaning no harm. "Wraith calm down!" The voice said. "Friend, it's only me!... Are you ok?" The robot slowly approached her. Wraith stared at him back, with shaking hands. Pathfinder slowly extended his hand, and Wraith did the same. When he grabbed hands, he knew she was alright. He helped her get up on the sofa, while Wraith spoke, "I-I... I-I'm sorry, I... nightmare..." Wraith said while trying to regain herself. Pathfinder chuckles and says, "I'm pretty sure that was a night terror, friend. But you're ok now!" A man with morning eyes rushes through a door with a gun on his hand. "Hey what's, going... on...?" He stands down and walks over to them. "What happened, you ok?" Elliot said while looking at both. Pathfinder taped him on the shoulder and brought him to the kitchen to talk for several minutes.
"So, about that little voice of yours...", "You wouldn't understand, I-" Wraith said. "No, I would've. I mean, I saw what you did there. In the station, when you let us out. What you did to those guards, and how you came behind them like that. That's not normal..." Elliot said while looking at the window. Then he turned to Wraith, chuckled, and said, "Just imagine what you could do in the games!" He began making his way towards the kitchen while saying to himself, "Man, this is gonna be great." Wraith was surprised by the reaction, but did not have any objections. He began preparing breakfast, as a lady came from the door. She took a look at both Pathfinder and Wraith, "O-oh my. I'm... I'm sorry. For yesterday, I-" Wraith and Pathfinder jumped in. "No, we are sorry for your loss, ma'am," Pathfinder said. "Yeah... and sorry for intruding in, at this time," Wraith said. "Thank you... did you two atleast sleep well?", the lady asked while joining Elliot in the kitchen.
"Yes, thank you. I feel recharged!" Pathfinder said. The lady turned and said, "And what about you?" gesturing at Wraith. "Y-yeah... I did... thanks." However, she knew she didn't. After some minutes passed by, the lady came into the living room and gave Wraith a classic breakfast plate of pancakes with scrambled eggs and bacon. "Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Alice. Alice Witt, Elliot's mother," she said with a warm smile. "Th-thank you," said Wraith while reaching for her plate. Finally, something except rations, she thought to herself. But she was still figuring out what exactly was on her plate. As she began taking her first bites, even though her face did not show it, she was enjoying the cakes and the so-called bacon very much. "Oh my gosh," Elliot said to himself while chuckling and watching Wraith go through her plate. "First time?" he said while Wraith stared back. She slowly nodded, and Elliot responded "I figured."
"Eli?" said Elliot's mother. "Mom, don't call me that. We talked about this!" The rest could not help but smile at their interaction. The lady handed him over technological gear that looked like pieces attached to each other with wiring of all sorts. Elliot just stood there, looking at her and what was given to him. "I finished it for you..." the lady said. "Figured you were going to the games, you were going to need this. I inputed some new perks as well that I think you're gonna like. I just hope it fits." "Mom..." Elliot looked and contemplated the gear carefully yet with excitement in his eyes. "Thanks mom," they hugged each other. "This is great, I can't wait! You're going have the best seat and-" the lady interrupted. "What? Oh, no no. Haha, I'm not going." Elliot stood there for a second, "b-but-" "Elliot, you know I'm old. I'm not that type that lives in the excitement, and I like my peace and quiet. I have the nice view, and I have my good neighbours too. Besides, I got my TV." They looked at each other. Elliot was a bit shocked since it was unexpected, but he understood.
His mother placed her hands on his cheeks. "Go. Follow, your dreams. This is your moment. My Mirage." They hugged tightly, while Elliot whispered, "Thanks, mom. And I promise, I'll be back to visit after the season ends."
"I know you will."