Chapter 3

A/N: So far, this story has had only one steady reviewer. Hey Thanks to you Chewie Cookies! For your support! It has spurned me on to make even more chapters. And you other guys that don't review, I don't mind. The fact that you favorite the story despite it not being the category you are used to really warms my heart! So I look forward to your future voices!

To michael the mecromaster: Ha, even if he did, she already has one that she's rather attached to the point where she can carry less guns because of it.

To theprincedonte: Don't worry, the others will join in on their own accord. Sanctuary's citizens will make sure Claptrap recovers them.

To Chewie Cookies: Thanks for your continued support!

Location: Pandora, Dr. Zed's

Date: Approximated Ten Months and 29 Days Before The Awakening Of The Warrior

"…found her with Claptrap of all things. Maybe Roland can…"

Gaige felt herself dropping in and out of consciousness, several voices surrounded her as she awoke, only to be replaced moment later with another voice.

"…poor dear's in shock, and judging by how young she is, I can probably assume that…"

"…too dangerous! Didn't you see those Hyperion colors flying under that…? "

"…priority is to find Roland! Without him we might as well let Jack walk right into Sanctuary for all it mattered!

Noticing that it was the first sentence she finished hearing, Gaige assumed that she was more awake than asleep at this point. Deciding to see just what the ruckus was all about, Gaige snapped her eyes open.

…and immediately closed them again, hoping the sight that greeted her would simply go away.

"Oh hey there Kiddo! Raise and Shine eh?" It was male, with a voice that seemed to drawl on the 'a's while blending the 'e's and the 'a's into one sound. It sounded totally friendly, but the environment was like something out of a horror video. "Eh? Ain't 'ya gonna at least say 'Hi' to good 'ol Dr. Zed from patching 'ya up? Don't worry though, we're in Sanctuary, none of the folks around here will, um, harm 'ya"

Sanctuary? Just how long had she been out for? The last thing she remembered was hurling her guts out just before the Southern Shelf…

Taking a deep breath, Gaige mentally prepared herself for the sight she was to behold. It would be rude to simply ignore someone, especially if it was a doctor that had potentially cared for her during the unknown amount of time she'd remained unconscious. She had to at least thank him.

Gaige sat upright with opened eyes staring into the surprised face of the Doctor that had treated her. The world slowed as she observed the good doctor, he appeared to be a man in his late-thirties, with slicked back greying hair and stubble. Most of the lower half of his face was covered in a surgical mask. He wore a white shirt, with a sea-green surgical overall covering everything but his brown pants and boots, this overall had a "My name is Dr. Zed" on the left chest, while below was a canister of unknown liquid. Years of practicing his craft had left the doctor decently muscled and well-toned where she could see. He looked every bit the medical professional his title said he was, if a bit dirty from recent operations. Except that…

…except for the sheer volume of dried blood that coated the lime-green walls of the clinic, the hacked off limbs of people lining his shelf, and what appeared to be an extremely wicked buzz-axe laying on the table usually reserved for surgical tools. She then pinched her nose in disgust when a draft of air pushed a nasty odor towards her. Oddly, it overpowered the terror of seeing the gory surgical room. "Yuck! What's that smell?"

Dr. Zed blinked in surprise before turning around to yell something in an incomprehensible accent to an unseen person. Once done, he turned back with evidence of a smile behind his mask. "Sorry 'bout that, darn greenhorns don't know how to handle bodies without rupturin' a gall bladder or somethin'." The Doctor grimaced, before he then rummaged through a pocket she hadn't noticed during her initial observation. With one gloved hand, he produced a surgical mask identical to the one that he currently wore, except it was in a pristine condition. "Was savin' this one for a special occasion, but I think a little lassie like yourself need it more than me!"

Gaige smiled, delighted at the gift. She did not hesitate to put it on, immediately feeling the filtering effects of the mask kicking in. "Thanks Doc!"

"Not a problem, but you'd better head to Moxxi's place right away. That woman's been badgering me nonstop to get you up and running to her! It's on the other side of town with a large neon sign "Moxxi's" on it, can't miss it."

"Thanks Dr. Zed! I'm off then!" Gaige hopped off the bed she'd laid in, and on the floor. It was disorienting a first, most likely due to the lack in physical activity and slightly atrophied muscles. She'd take it easy for now.

"You're welcome! But I'm ain't a real Doctor, I ain't got a medical license!"

Now that statement made Gaige pale and stumble slightly, but she hid it behind a smiling façade. Even if he wasn't certified, she felt a lot better, so he at least knew what he was doing. She put that thought at the back of her mind as she made her way to Moxxi's.

True to the –not so-Doctor's word, she saw a bright "Moxxi's" sign flashing over a rather wide, but dingy building. Not to judge on outer appearance (Marcie), Gaige walked onto the rather sanitary bar. It was well lit, with two lottery machines to the left of the entrance, a row of tables for drinkers to her right, and a wide serving table with a rather buxom woman wiping down it deeper in. The woman looked up- probably at the sound of her footsteps entering- and simply beamed.

"Ah, you're finally awake sweetie!" She called rather excitedly, before opening a small passage to allow entrance into her side of the serving table "Why don't you come over her so we can talk, Hmm?"

Gaige knew she was safe in Sanctuary- she trusted Dr. Zed, even if he wasn't a real Doctor- and had nothing else better to do, so she complied.

Upon entering the restricted area, Gaige has to reassess her initial view on the woman when in such close proximity to the woman. She was fairly tall, standing a full head over her at least. She wore a mismatching pair of stockings: on her right leg was a torn fish-net stocking, while a black-white striped one adorned her left leg, her high heels were surprisingly plain. She wore a purple Parade Conductor Uniform modified to contain her buxom figure quite snuggly: Its wrist and neck cuffs were elongated and striped black-white, a tarp of fabric hung from loosely at the end, preserving her modesty form the front and back, but doing nothing to hide her exposed hips, underwear and all. Her headwear consisted of a purple top-hat with a black-white fabric holding a Queen of Hearts card on the left side.

Despite the woman's amazing allure, there were signs that she was not just a pretty face. Her hands had leather gloves with small holes that would allow her to quickly fit in metal knuckles for hard blows, a holster with the words 'Ruby' inscribed into it was fitted to her left thigh, a diagonal belt across her waist somewhat concealing it, as well as choker with some sort of device attached to it. This woman was-

"Like what you see sweet'ums?" Gaige's observation was interrupted by the woman's sudden comment. "Don't worry honey-plum, you can look all you want later. Right now we need to talk. Name's Moxxie if you haven't guessed already."

"I'm Gaige, the M-Mechromancer," The woman's tone went from light and playful to dead serious, it unnerved the Mechromancer just how fast Moxxie could change her persona. Gaige did her best to keep her voice steady.

"I know pumpkin-cheeks, you kept mumbling 'I'm Gaige, no one else!' in your sleep when I visited you at Dr. Zed's, and I hope it wasn't a nightmare?" Moxxie's consoling tone made Gaige want to tell her all about her fears, her… trauma before the Southern Shelf. "Don't worry, as I said, we've got time later. Right now, we've got to talk about your companions: that 'enthusiastic' little Claptrap and that hulking silent one that the Claptrap keep referring to as its 'minion', both of which are of Hyperion make."

"I see-" Gaige began halfheartedly.

"No, you don't, dearie, "Moxxy was somehow both firm and tender in what she said, "You must understand honey, that this is Sanctuary: Home of the Crimson Raiders, a resistance force that fights Hyperion tooth and nail for every inch of Pandora. It's their last stronghold. None of us here hates Hyperion directly, but it's the person running the business that has reduced us to this pathetic state."

"Handsome Jack" Gaige breathed, Moxxie nodded seriously, "Then when you said 'us', are you…?"

"I have my own reasons for hating that Power-Starved, Psychotic Trillionaire," The finality in her tone and darkened expression warned Gaige to not press farther on the issue. She seemed to soften though upon seeing the girl's frightened expression "Sorry 'bout that honey-bear, it's… been hard"

"Um… okay, so back on topic then. What about Claptrap and 'Minion'? They really helped me back when I got ejected from that exploding train at the Wind Shear Wastes. I wouldn't even be alive right now if they hadn't taken care of me back there."

"I see, this is getting complicated fast…" She folded her arms and pinched the bridge of her nose, "Sweetie? Can you promise not to freak out?"

"Um…Okay?"

"No Gaige, I want you to promise me!" Her stern tone indicated no nonsense, she was serious.

"I… promise not to freak out" Gaige went along with it. If it was important enough for a pleasant-looking woman to get so worked up over, then it must have been really important. Besides, she didn't want to get on Moxxie's bad side.

"Alright then, Follow me" Moxxie moved to exit the bar, Gaige followed close behind, feeling safe near the Buxom lady. She then shouted to the silent streets outside "We're closed!"

They moved through the unfamiliar winds of the street, Gaige close enough for her to feel like Moxxie was invading her personal space rather than the other way around. They made great time, she counted only fifteen seconds before she ran into and bounced off the woman's well-toned body. They were now in what seemed to be the town center, a tall structure centered in the area empty clearing of concrete, as well as a familiar figure.

Several resistance fighters in mix-matched pieces of armor surrounded a single cowering Claptrap, Corrosive weapons pointed directly onto the tough body of the robot, it wouldn't stand a chance. Gaige fought the urge to panic, remembering the promise that she had made to Moxxi earlier. One of the soldiers came up to the Moxxi, before saluting.

"Ma'am, we have the Hyperion Asset ready to be eliminated!"

"I see, but isn't even a single gun just Over-kill for any Claptrap?" Moxxi asked, this caused the soldier to look back at the compacted and shivering form of Claptrap. Honestly, it was really a pathetic sight to behold.

"I'm not sure if you were there at the time ma'am, but once upon a time, these guys staged a revolution. Almost succeeded too if it weren't for Commander Roland and his friends. I was with the Lance at the time, watched my buddy get gunned down by a Claptrap. I think they called it a Robo-something?"

"We are the claptraps and we are legion! Viva la Robolution, you ignorant flesh bag!" The sudden cry turned all heads to the Claptrap, who was no longer cowering. It was fully extended with one spindly arms stretched out, while the other covered its chest. The pose actually seemed dignified for a moment… before its cowardly personality kicked in. "Oh crap"

The declaration was apparently enough to incite the mob's physical wrath. Apparently, they felt much better observing a screaming Claptrap as it took non-existent damage from unarmed trikes.

Gaige moved to help the abused robot, but Moxxie held her behind with an outstretched arm. She couldn't see the woman's expression, but if she had to guess, it would be one of exasperation. "Let them blow off some steam, that Claptrap is either a lot smarter than it looks or too idiotic to keep its mouth shut. Either way, this situation will resolve itself soon enough. But that's only half the problem"

"Half?"

"Yes, let me show you" Gaige automatically began following the woman away the riot, Claptrap was currently being strung up by its leg-wheel and batted around like a piñata by the butt of numerous rifles. She knew that the robot could take cannon-fire at point blank range and survive with little to no damage, but it still made her heart ache at seeing any sort of mechanical device treated with such brutality. She was a Mechromancer, which meant that she emphasized with any and all forms of technology. "It's just outside Sanctuary, we're almost there."

True to her word, they reached the towering metal gates after a brisk walk, but not before Moxxie scolded a slacking guard like a small child "Private Jessup, look alive! If the Jack or the bandits see you like this, they'll think we're easy prey! The people of Sanctuary are counting on you to protect them… Roland's counting on you"

"Yes Ma'am!" The previously slacking guard was now upright and actually looked threatening at the mention of 'Roland', whoever that person was must have been a really great guy to motivate a person with but a mention of his name. The soldier spared her a moment's glance before returning to a stoic position "I'll open the gates for you right away, Ma'am."

"Good, see that you keep up this standard, soldier. I know Roland would be proud to have people like you in within the ranks of the Crimson Raiders" Passing through the impressive, metal gates of sanctuary, Moxxie turned her attention to Gaige. "As you're well aware, the people here aren't very fond of any form of Hyperion assets. That Claptrap was fortunate enough to have strong a reputation as an annoying smart-alek, but generally harmless steward-bot due to the numerous Claptraps populating Pandora up till a few years ago."

"Where did they all go?"

"I don't know all the details, but you should ask that Claptrap when you have the time," A simple turn to the right led them both to a deserted slums area. There were numerous shacks built with little planning, save a roof, many of which were just leaning on each other for structural support, and even those relied on Sanctuary's walls to stay stable. The shacks formed a semi-circle, with a clearing in the middle and a measly wooden fence to warn off smaller wild life a farther up, which they were using as an entrance. "We're here, you can come out now"

Gaige knew that first part was intended for her, but who did she say that last part for?

"Is there really anybody here at all? It seems abandoned…"

"Heh, ironic really. This was actually a dwelling for several dozen bandits, where residents were 'persuaded' to just a few hours ago" Moxxie let loose an amused chuckle "Now this dirty nest has only a single resident in it."

Her arm lifted to point directly into the center of the camp, and Gaige followed the gaze to see a large tent that she swore hadn't been there earlier. It was a small dwelling that could barely contain the two women should they ever attempt to squeeze inside. Gaige turned to her taller companion, confusion tattooed to her adolescent features. "That small thing? Someone's staying there? That can barely hold me comfortably! How any person stay in there, when they can use a dwelling right behind it?"

"Honey, I don't think you understand the situation. I'm not telling you that someone is living there." Suddenly, the strange tent began to shift in unnerving angles. "I'm telling you that our second problem lives is sitting right there."

"What…" Gaige was mortified, staring at the being that easily dwarfed Sanctuary's raised outer gate. She quickly got behind the other- braver- woman instinctively, peeking out at the towering figure that used to be a tent. She felt a twinge of nostalgia that let her peek past the woman's shoulder. Moxxie took note of the reaction.

"Oh? So you too do know each other." Her demeanor immediately changed from amused to dead serious within moments "Then I'll let you decide whether or not Sanctuary will fall. I expect an answer by nightfall"

"Eh? Miss Moxxie, what do you mean? Hello?" Gaige's confused questions were answered with silence. She turned to the woman only to see her already at Sanctuary's raised gates. Moxxie turned to give the confused adolescent a smirk before…somehow…summersaulting over the three-meter high gates. "Umm, what just happened?"

"I see the deceptive manifestation brings the fruits forbidden to this garden. I futile gesture in a myriad of bloody vengeance." The voice was neither grating nor booming, it sounded just like her father. At first, she straightened in surprise, but then relaxed upon recognizing the manic way the words were spoken. It was Claptrap's Minion.

"I…see." Gaige didn't completely relax, despite gaining much trust from nurturing her back from death's doorstop along with Claptrap. She definitely trusted the somewhat idiotic little robot the accompanied her from the Wind-Shear Wastes, but she just wasn't ready for the other one yet. She just couldn't trust anyone who covered themselves, who obviously wouldn't even let their distinctive features be seen.

An uncomfortable silence pressed into the area. Gaige felt the intense urge to summon Death tarp to her side for a bit of solace, but thought further on it. Once summoned the advanced machine would be able to pick up her distress and identify the other being a hostile, initiating a conflict she really didn't need in such a tense atmosphere. Making up her mind, she decided that it wasn't worth it.

"The shade heals the hate, the sun lightens the embers, I creep under a wasted rock whilst exposed to the prejudices of freedom" Instead of dispersing the tension like any normal comment would, the rather morbid speech intensified the atmosphere by several magnitudes.

Gaige had nothing to respond to the comment, as she had no idea what it even meant! However, even if she had the chirpy little Claptrap as a translator, she doubted she could make anything but a few sentences under such high duress. Years of recluse for her chosen passion leaving her with little societal skills. She had to say something to dispel the anxiety building up in her belly, another nonsensical comment from the cloaked stranger would definitely make her do something irrational. Deciding to look around randomly, she thought she found something of potential use.

"Ah" Her voice was heavily strained, even to her own ears "Look, a shiny rock!"

The figure didn't respond, even as she forced herself to sound excited at spotting a rock that wasn't even all that distinguishable from the other rocks. The rock in question seemed to be only a meter away from both of them. Just another random pile of rubble. She could already imagine some of her own blood coating it as her imagination ran wild from the unbearable tension.

'Shit! Minion isn't responding. I'm so getting tea-bagged for this in a few moments. I love you dad!' A heartbeat after that thought, she saw glint of something metallic from within the robe, slowly tracing its way across whatever edge had caught the sunlight. It traced into a rather semi-circle. Her years of experience with tools as a Mechromancer telling her exactly what it was.

A claw that looked sharp enough to easily shred through armor laid hidden within those robes, ready to make fleshy ribbons out of her in an instant.

A/N: Sorry this was very late, but it's here! Like the suspense? Think Gaige should have more thoughts or maybe it would be better to incorporate it into the paragraph directly? Let me know what you all think so I can make it more enjoyable for all of you! I don't mind nitpicking either, so come at me! HA HA HA!

Later.