Maya was thrown from her feet, flying backwards to slam into the wall. Hard. She saw spots and the breath rushed from her lungs. All around her she could still hear explosions, people screaming, dying. This was all their fault. She blinked hard to clear her vision and pushed herself from the wall. HQ, she needed to get to the HQ.

She sprinted down the street, ducking into an alley to shield herself from another explosion. The ground was shaking with the intensity of the bombardment. Her clothes were stained with soot and blood, she already had a few cuts and bruises. Her heart was pounding in her chest. Sweat was dripping down her face, mixing with the blood from a cut just above her eye. Navigating the city was hard but she pushed on. She needed to find the others.

Lilith was at the center of town, probably about to do something crazy, considering she was demanding eridium. Axton and Salvador had run off to the HQ while Zero and Gaige went to assist Scooter. Maya had initially been with the other Siren but it was taking Axton and Sal way too long so she had gone to get them.

She came to the HQ, seeing that it had suffered at least an indirect hit, park of the ceiling had caved in. Just when she was about to take a step inside both Axton and Sal came barrelling through the door, each holding a large chunk or eridium.

"Move!" Shouted Axton, running past her with Sal.

Maya quickly followed the two men, not bothering to ask what had taken them so long. Now was not the time for that. They had to dodge half a dozen more explosions but they made it back to Lilith, who took the eridium without a word. The Siren gripped a chunk of the purple ore in each hand.

"What are you going to do?" Maya asked, slightly concerned.

"Probably something really dumb." Lilith replied with a faint grin, although worry was still written all over her face. "Best step back."

The three of them did as they were told. That was when Maya noticed something.

"Where are Zero and Gaige?" She asked, looking around desperately.

Before anyone could reply they all scattered as an incoming projectile shot right towards them. Axton and Salvador dived to the right, taking cover behind a nearby dumpster. Maya rolled to the left, barely making it behind a wall. Fear gripped her when she realized that she hadn't seen Lilith move. She spun back around the wall but saw Lilith standing their completely unscathed. How had she…now wasn't the time, she needed to find Zero and Gaige.

Maya was about to turn when she saw Lilith's hands erupted in a brilliant purple light. The light spread, erupting from her tattoos, her eyes, everywhere. It nearly became blinding. Maya raised her hands to shield her eyes. Whatever Lilith was doing she needed to trust her, right now she needed to find the others.

The ground was shaking even harder than before but she paid it no mind as she began moving forward, still trying to protect her eyes from the brilliant light. Just when she had turned away from the light and opened her eyes she saw them. Zero and Gaige were running towards her at an incredible speed. Zero's long legs were carrying him quickly over the ground. She couldn't help but smile at seeing him. He was alive and unharmed.

"Maya!"

She almost froze at her name. It was Zero who had called her. He said her name. He never said her name. Maya found herself smiling at the realization. Explosions be dammed. For some inexplicable reason this one action had actually made her- there was a deafening noise behind her and Maya felt her feet leave the ground. She was just beginning to feel an unbearable pain in her back before everything when black.


Blinding light. Disorientation, weightlessness it all lasts for three seconds. Everything comes flooding back. Anxiety, concern, adrenaline...something I cannot identify. My heart rate increases, limbs feel heavy and breathing has become difficult. My eyes cannot look away. The image is burned into my mind.

Maya looking towards me, she smiles. A streak of fire falls from the sky, heading towards her. The shout escapes my lips without my permission. Time slows as another explosion rocks the ground. She is lifted from her feet, flying forwards. A blinding purple light disrupts everything. I can feel her weight slamming into me as I catch her limp body.

I cannot move as I look down at her. Eyes closed, hair messy. Smoke and blood are smudged on her face. I can feel the wetness of blood through my gloves. I lift my hand from her back, seeing the cuts and burns that have torn through her suit. My heart rate spikes and I feel more adrenaline flood through my body but I do not know the cause. It's like being in battle, the rush of danger and kills...but different.

"Zee? What happened?" The voice snaps me from my trance and I look over at the mechromancer. "Where are we-oh my god Maya!"

She is instantly by my side, on her knees as she looks at the wounded Siren in my arms.

"Is she..."

I shake my head, still unable to find my voice. The hand I have around her neck allows me to feel a faint pulse. I quickly look around to examine our surroundings. We are in an area teaming with lush green grass. Our elevation is raised allowing us to look over the landscape. In the distance I can see a collection of buildings clustered on a cliff. Both the commando and gunzerker are missing.

"Shit!" Exclaims the mechromancer. "I am all outta meds. Do you have any?"

Once more I shake me head. I have begun carrying a few for the others but none of us got a chance to restock before the attack. I do not know if Maya has any, only she would be able to access her digistruct inventory.

"Where are Ax and Sal? What the hell even happened?"

Too many questions that I do not know the answer to. Nor can I care to answer. My mind is consumed with Maya. She is wounded, perhaps dying. I almost flinch at the very thought. Something deep within me stirs at the thought of her death. I...do not want that. Shelter, we must find shelter and something to treat her wounds. My eyes fall on the town.

"Follow." I say quickly, rising to my feet. I don't even look back as my long legs begin moving. My pace is quick, acutely aware of the blood still seeping from the wounds under my fingers.

The mechromancer has to push herself harder to keep pace with me, but she does so without complaint. I know we are of the same mind. Maya needs help.

It takes us seven minutes to reach the town. We are greeted by no one. The streets lay empty. I move to the first of the shacks. Shifting Maya's weight to my left arm, I ready my pistol with my right and kick the door open. The shack is small, dusty, deserted. My eyes fall on the bed in the far corner.

Pulling the blanket aside I lay her on the relatively clean sheet, face down, taking care to turn her head to the side. There are a half dozen cuts running along her back, slowly seeping blood. Burns mar other areas. The wounds are concentrated between her shoulders and mid back. Her shirt is torn and burned, exposing the majority of her back to the air.

I can hear the mechromancer shouting outside, calling for help. No one answers. It is likely this town is deserted. With a gesture my sword is in my hand. I cut away the lower half of the sheets. Taking them in hand I move to the sink and turn on the water. Within moments it begins to steam, something which causes me to sigh in relief. I soak the sheets in the water, ringing them to get them as clean as possible.

Tearing a smaller section off I move back to Maya. Kneeling by the bed I carefully begin cleaning her wounds. Every so often her muscles will twitch but she does not wake.

"There isn't anyone here." Says the mechromancer, entering the hut. She walks up behind me and peers over my shoulder. "Is she gonna be okay?"

"She needs instahealth." I try to keep my voice flat as I speak. Luckily my helmet accomplishes that for me. I have never felt this before. Not only this unknown cause of adrenaline coursing through me. But also a feeling of...helplessness.

"I didn't see any machines. But we could check the houses, see if anyone left anything behind."

"I-"

"There you three are!" The voice cuts me off and I can feel myself growl in anger as I hear it.

"What the fuck do you want?!" Shouts the mechromancer.

"Look I know I am probably the last person you want to hear from right now-"

"Ya got that right bitch!" Despite everything I can feel a grin tug at my lips. I like this girls attitude.

"Look, I am risking everything by talking to you. Please just listen to me."

The mechromancer glances at me and I simply shrug in response. I return my attention to wrapping Maya's wounds.

"What do you want?" Growls the mechromancer.

"Lilith managed to do...something. She moved Sanctuary with her powers, but also scattered you all about."

"Where are Axton and Sal?"

"They are further away from you, I have already talked to them. Sanctuary is no longer on the fast travel grid. We need to get you an unregistered fast travel unit. I can hack in and bring Sanctuary back onto the grid."

"Why the hell should we even trust you?"

"I know you have no reason to. But I am begging you. I wasn't lying when I said you are the only hope of defeating Jack. I want that just as badly as you. Let me help you."

Once more the mechromancer looks at me and my reply is another shrug. I have already decided to kill this Angel. She may was well be useful before she dies. While I still do not trust her, I recognize that our situation is grim. Maya needs to get back to Sanctuary, she needs help.

"Your death will be slow if you betray us again." I don't even bother forming a haiku. I mean every word. I will drag her death out for days if she puts Maya's life in any more danger.

I almost freeze at that sudden thought. Why do I care so much? Why am I this...distraught over her current state? After all I have been thinking about fighting her since we met. Now that her death is a real possibility, now that she lays wounded before me such thoughts have become...unsatisfactory.

"I understand." Angels says, her tone serious and almost apologetic. "Axton and Salvador are already on their way to retrieve the beacon. I'm sure they could use some back up."

"But Maya-"

I quickly hold up my hand to silence the mechromancer. "Show us where."

"Creating a way point now. Once you have it return to your. Current location. The elevation will give us the best signal."

"Understood."

"Zee, Maya cant move." The mechromancer says as the call ends. Concern is thick in her voice.

"Stay with her." I say, rising from my crouch and heading to the door.

As much as I do not wish to leave her, I know that I can get this done far faster. I am stronger, quicker and more skilled. Not only that but I am motivated. I do not know what by, but right now I care little for that. My body is still pumping with adrenaline. I will use it to kill everything in my way.


Everything was quiet, far too quiet. Normally she would expect an ambush but Hyperion forces weren't capable of being this silent. Regardless, it was a town and she needed supplies. She had hit a squad of Hyperion soldiers headed towards the dam. There had been quite a few of them. Her shotgun was almost out of ammo and her grenades were all gone. Pistol and assault rifle were completely dry. She should have stocked up before the fight but that wasn't exactly easy to do around here. She only hoped this town had some place to get supplies. And no Hyperion troops. She readied her blade just in case though.

Rising from her crouch, Athena jumped off the small rise and quickly crossed the open ground. As she neared the town she still saw no one in the streets. Pressing herself up against the nearest building she took a moment to listen. It was no longer silent. She could hear...a rustling noise...now a loud crash and a lot of cursing.

Athena looked around the corner to see a figure emerge from one of the huts. She was short and had bright red hair that was pulled into two tails. Athena recognized the young girl. She was part of the group the assassin had been with. Was he here too? She couldn't help but grin faintly at the idea of their duel.

Taking a deep breath she rounded the corner and decided to announce herself.

"Uh...hello."

The girl spun around with a yelp, a rifle digistructed in her hands and she aimed it at Athena who did not even flinch. She knew this girl was no threat, even if she did attack. Although she was wary of the fact the robot was not in sight.

"Who are you?" There was more genuine curiosity in the voice rather than hostility.

"I'm Athena," She answered, resisting the urge to get the weapon off her. "I...uh...the assassin that you know, is he here?" It would be alot easier to convince this girl she wasn't a threat if the assassin could vouch for her.

"You mean Zero?"

"The assassin who speaks in haiku's, yeah." At least now she had a name. However odd it may be.

"He...isn't here. How do you know him?" The rifle lowered and the girl approached. Seemingly totally at ease. Although that could have been because of the robot that was now floating a few feet behind Athena. Still, she trusted far too easily.

"We met. I was uh...watching you guys when you attacked the train."

"Oh that was you? Zee mentioned someone was following us, but he said not to worry about it."

"Yeah. I'm not an enemy. I'm fighting Hyperion too."

"Awesome! Nice to meetcha!" The girl stuck out her hand. "I'm Gaige."

"Hello." Athena replied somewhat awkwardly as she shook the girls hand. She wasn't used to people being this friendly. Well nobody apart from Janey anyways. And this girl wasn't hitting on her right away so it was still different.

"Hey, you don't happen to have an instahealth do you?"

"I do, why?"

"Can I have it, please?!" The girls eyes went wide as she pleaded. "My friend is hurt really bad."

"Yeah, of course." Athena quickly produced the red vial from her inventory and handed it to the girl. Its not like she needed it right now. Besides this group was an effective force, she didn't mind helping them out. As long as Lilith didn't hear about it.

"Ohmygodthankyousomuch!" The girl shouted as she wrapped both her arms around Athena.

She literally had to fight every muscle in her body to stop from striking out in reflex. Instead she just stood perfectly still until the girl released her and dashed towards one of the huts.

Athena followed her, curious who had been injured. She doubted it was the assassin, Zero. She stepped inside the open door, aware of the robot that still followed her. Gaige was kneeling down beside a bed where a single figure lay on their side. Athena instantly recognized the blue hair and tattoos of the Siren.

Gaige wasted no time injecting the syrum into the obviously unconscious woman. Within seconds the vial was empty and tossed to the ground. Silence overcame them.

"What happened?" Athena asked, curious as to what could have injured the Siren to badly. "And where are the others?" Namely the assassin, but there was no need to say that.

"Hyperion bombed the shit out of Sanctuary." The girl replied, still looking at the Siren. "Lilith did some crazy Siren shit and managed to move the city. She also ended up transporting us out of the city. Me and Zee ended up with Maya near the town. She got hit by one of the explosions. He left to go find Axton and Sal and retrieve a unregistered fast travel so we can get back to Sanctuary."

Athena simply nodded as she listened, leaning against the wall right beside the door. She remembered seeing the bombardment coming from the space station. She had simply assumed Sanctuary's shields had held it off. Apparently not.

"So are you a vault hunter too?" Asked Gaige, turning around to look at Athena as she still sat next to the Siren.

"No," Athena shook her head. No need to mention her past experience with vaults. "Just someone who really hates Hyperion."

"Welcome to the club," Gaige answered her with a grin. "What did they do to you?"

"You mean besides being run by the biggest asshole ever?"

"Yeah, obviously." Gaige chuckled faintly as she replied.

"I've just seen all the horrible things they have done. So I am determined to cut Jack's head off." Although she may actually drag his suffering out. He was scum and deserved to die. After everything he had done...everything she had helped him do. He needed to die and she needed to be the one to kill him.

"You may have to fight Zee for that," The girl giggled slightly.

Athena felt herself grin at the idea. "Oh I plan on it." The girl gave her a concerned look so she decided to quickly clarify.

"A friendly duel, of course. Its not often I find someone who can provide a challenge."

"Now thems fightin words. Maybe Moxxii will have to start up another betting pool."

"She already has one going?" Athena could only imagine what the flirtatious bartender was getting people to bet on.

"Yup! We are all betting on what Zero looks like." Gaige had a big smile on her face as she answered. "My money is on him being a cyborg from the future or something!"

"Interesting..." She had been expecting something far more...sexual. This actually made sense. Even she was a bit curious as to what the assassin actually was. Not human, that was for certain.

"Lilith thinks he is a tiny green alien controlling a robot body. She may have been drunk at the time."

"Sounds like her."

"Oh you know her?"

"Yeah...although I would appreciate it if you didn't mention running into me. We aren't on the best of terms."

"Hey you helped out Maya. You are okay in my books!" Once more the girl gave a beaming smile. "My lips are sealed."

"Thank you." She glanced around the shack for a second. Noting the layers of dust and absence of anything but the bare essentials. "So I take it there isn't an ammo vendor or anything around here?"

"No, nothing. You running low?"

"Yeah, took out some Hyperion grunts. Ate through my supplies."

"I'd offer you some of mine but I am pretty much tapped out too. We didn't have time to restock before the attack. You could come to Sanctuary with us, stock up there."

"Probably best if I avoid that place..." Athena sighed at the words. She was used to operating on her own. But at the same time she was used to having a resource base to fall back on. Doing everything alone was getting tough. She never had anywhere that would always be safe, somewhere she could always count on to get supplies.

"Look, I know you said you and Lilith have your issues. But Roland seems like a good guy. I'm sure he wouldn't turn down your help. Plus I will vouch for you."

"Seriously? You don't even know me." How could this girl trust her enough to let her into Sanctuary? She was an assassin, she could be working some kind of angle. Of course that was never her strong suit, but Gaige didn't know that.

"You gave me some valuable supplies not knowing if you could get them back. You didn't even ask for anything in return." Gaige simply shrugged as she answered easily. "You haven't attacked me despite the fact you could obviously kick my ass. Zee let you go way back in the gully so he obviously doesn't think you are a threat to us. In fact I bet he would vouch for you too."

"I"ll...think about it." She probably wouldn't take up the offer but it was still...nice. "Thanks." She said after a moment. It was weird, having people actually being nice to her.

Her heightened hearing picked up the increased breathing of the Siren, the faintest moving of her legs.

"You should check on your friend." She nodded towards the Siren.

Gaige quickly turned around. "Maya?"

The Siren's breathing increased further and slowly her eyes opened to reveal bright blue orbs.

"Gaige?" The voice was weak, hoarse. Likely from smoke.

"You scared the shit outta us." The girl replied, the relief in her voice was clear.

"What happened?"

"Explosion hit you pretty good. Lilith pulled some crazy Siren stuff and transported the whole city. Of course she also transported us too. You, me and Zee all wound up together, by this village."

"Zero? Where is he?" Maya started the sit up bit cringed, obviously in pain. Those instahealths may have closed wounds good, but it still left them hurting like hell.

"Easy lover girl," Gaige replied, easing the Siren back down.

Even though Athena couldn't see it, she knew Gaige was grinning. Hell, even she had been able to see the sudden change in the Siren at the mention of the assassin. Was something going on between them?

"I know you got the hots for him, but take it easy." Gagie was outright giggling now.

"I do not!" Maya shouted, her voice fading out halfway through.

"Mhm," Said Gaige, still giggling. "I've seen you staring at his ass." The girl got up and moved to the sink, filling a glass with water.

"Who are you?" Maya asked, finally noticing Athena.

"Athena." She said politely. Although it probably came off far more curt.

"She is the one who gave me the insta health to heal you. Neither me or Zee had any left." Gaige explained as she handed the Siren the water.

Maya drank deeply, cringing slightly at the first gulp. It likely burned her dry throat. Once she had downed the whole glass she looked at Gaige.

"Thanks."

"No problem!" Gaige said happily, returning the glass to the sink. Maya's eyes moved to Athena again.

"Thank you too."

"It's no big deal." She replied with a shrug. True she had just been frustrated by her lack of supplies earlier today, but still. The more people out fighting Jack the better. It wouldn't be good for such a strong fighter to die for no good reason.

"So who are you exactly?"

Athena sighed internally, she hated repeating herself.

"Remember that person Zee said was watching us during the train heist?" Maya nodded "Well this is her! Maya, Athena. Athena, Maya." The ever happy girl gestured between the two of them, a smile on her face.

"Oh...I kinda assumed Zero killed whoever that was."

Athena felt herself grin faintly at that. Although even she was aware her grins and smiles showed as nothing more than a twitch in her lips.

"We parted peacefully."

"They're gonna have a duel!" Gaige said excitedly. "I'm gonna get Moxxi to put a betting pool together!"

"Really?" Maya raised an eyebrow, giving Athena a slow, appraising look.

"It's been a while since I have had a challenge." Athena answered with a shrug. The only real challenge she got anymore came from being seriously outnumbered all the time. Even that wasn't really a challenge though, she was very used to it.

She could still feel the Sirens eyes on her. "My money is still on Zero." Maya smiled faintly.

"Of course you would bet on your boyfriend." Gaige said with a wicked grin.

"He is not my boyfriend!" Shouted the Siren, glaring at the girl. A blush had entered her cheeks though.

"But you wish he was." Gaige giggled and gave the Siren a wink.

"There-"

Any reply was cut off. Athena only managed to pick up the sound of footsteps a heartbeat before the door flew open. She tensed, ready for battle. How had someone managed to get so close without her-

Zero barrelled into the shack, skidding to a halt in the middle of the room. His visored head scanned the room, taking in all the occupants. Athena could see the red insta health vial gripped in his hand. A red question mark projected from his visor as he looked around the room.

"Hey Zee," Gaige said with a laugh. "I hear you and Athena have met." The visor swung to Athena, the red question mark still being projected. "She gave Maya her insta health." The visored head snapped to the Siren.

Athena could see around the tall assassin, she could see the blush still on the Sirens cheeks. She smiled at the assassin, slowly sitting up from the bed. If anyone was going to say anything they were once more cut off.

This time Athena easily heard the approaching footsteps, along with the laboured breathing. The first to run into the hut was the soldier, followed by the short, stocky man. Both were breathing heavy and dripping sweat.

"Dammit man." Said the soldier between breaths. His hands were on his knees as he gulped in air. Wrong. He should be standing straight with his shoulders back slightly to increase airflow.

"Hey Ax, Sal." Gaige had a big smile on her face as she waved at the two men. "You guys look tired."

"That's because we had to keep up with him!" The soldier flailed a hand at the assassin as he continued his heavy breathing. "Would have been slower to drive here!"

All eyes turned back to the assassin. He still stood in the center of the room. The red question mark had dissapeared. The red vial was still gripped in his hand, half held out to the Siren. The two of them were still looking at eachother. Well at least the Siren was looking at him. It was hard to tell exactly what he was looking at due to the helmet.

"Aww you were worried about Maya! That's so sweet!" Gaige was giggling loudly as she watched the two.

Once more the Sirens blush increased, painting her cheeks a vibrant crimson that stood out on her alabaster skin. The assassins head snapped to the younger girl. After a second it returned to the Siren. He set the red vial down on the bed next to her before turning and leaving the hut. The room was quiet, apart from Gaiges giggles.

"So who are you?" Asked the soldier. Athena groaned internally.


I'm back baby!

Sorry for this stupid delay. No real excuse other than getting sucked into the world that is LOK and The Witcher 3 being released.

This was a super fun chapter to write! I adore Gaige. I kind of enjoyed writing her interactions with Athena, alot. There will have to be more in the future. It actually got me thinking that they would make a pretty damn cute couple. Don't know it I will actually do it...in this story. The odds of me writing a separate, one shot series are pretty high. Did the same thing with my ME/SW story. It's alot of fun. Okay, I'll just say right now that it's going to happen, ha ha. I'll just post random drabbles and stuff there that doesn't fit into this story. I will take requests on it so feel free to pass them along once it goes up.

I can't actually remember if the town was abandoned or not. It felt like it was. So I made it so. Also removed all the vendors, because why would an abandoned town have those? Also, needed to increase the drama. Ha ha.

I hope you all enjoy this chapter! The next one is just about completed. I am going to try and finish it tonight and get it posted by tomorrow before I go on holidays for a week.

Thanks for your patience and kind words of support! I truly do appreciate it. You are all awesome people!

As always feel free to leave a review, follow or fav. They all make me so happy!

Stay Classy!