Demolition

He doesn't know what it was that he was expecting when he touched down back on Athenas, but he did not expect so much...heat. Mordecai reaches up and smears the heel of his palm across the lenses of his goggles, wiping away a layer of soot that had quickly formed. An attempt to inhale left him coughing so he lifted part of his scarf up over his mouth and nose. As he moved he crouched down to avoid the cloud of dark heavy smoke that swirled over head trapped in the domed ceiling. He paused at the arched doorway and looked out, only to find the place crawling with loaders all armed and seemingly with endless ammo. Not to far away a woman all clad in a black nuns gown ran screaming for a only a moment before a single shot punctured her chest. She fell to the floor dead before landing although her face was still all twisted up in the shape of her scream.

A small red light glowed in the smoke and gave away the loaders position, Mordecai hefted his gun into position looking across the field through the scope. He squeezed his trigger and the only sound was that of the small bulb exploding, it shot off colorful sparks before announcing its injury and powering down. He moved deftly through somewhat familiar halls, putting out every little red light he came across. It more that he would like to stumble across bodies, only because this place has only one soldier. All these bodies face down...shot in the back. They had wanted to get away, to escape.

Mordecai paused as he found his eyes fixated on a wide set of double doors, welded shut. A bronze plaque announced this wings purpose.

"For children once lost who have found the path to light"

Its was the sleeping quarters of the orphan boys who would have grown up to be monks here. He can feel his jaw tighten he wants to look away only to find a puddle of blood seeping out from under the door, coagulated, cooked on the marble floor. From the sides, of the imposing doors small thin tendrils of spiraling smoke float upward to the blackened ceiling. Nothing there but carcasses now, he moves forward and away the image engraved into his mind. Another red light, it pops and ceases to be. He moves past open doors, some thrown down on the floor the frames the once sat in shattered.

Mordecai huffs not sure how handle the mixture or rage and sorrow, he wants to mourn for these people. But there isn't time, need o keep moving or his wife will become naught but a cold bleeding body too. He walks back outside after hopping through a broken mosaic. He passes and remains in the smoke, trying to think of a decent place to hide here. Allfathers hidden office, Mordecai glances around popping off three loaders before bolting across the grass to where Allfather had given a gift. What the hell did they call that place again.. warehouse? Stock house? Whatever. He moved swiftly, finding to front doors locked. At the wide doors a small hoard of loaders attempted to pry them open, he skirted the side of the building and spotted a high ventilation window.

Mordecai steps a bit away from the wall of the building to look at it and the only feasible way in, damn these people and their sculptures. Every where, he glances back and hangs his rifle over his shoulder before jumping and grabbing a good hold of the overly ornate columns that line the side of the building. He creeps upward feeling entirely too exposed with his back unguarded like this, he peeks in the window and spots a patch of wall sitting open. Someone darts out and grans a stack of unfolded sheets before whipping around and hurrying back. Mordecai jumps down onto a loaded cart of unfinished blankets, he rolls off and moves toward the door.

"padre! Wheres ko-"

The small cluster of a dozen or so people whip around in horror to look at him. There in the center of their little circle is a bleeding body. Mordecai huff as he marches forward plucking a needle from one of his pockets, he bites down on the plastic cap and pulls the unsheathed needle from it. He raises his arm and stabs the long narrow needle down into Kotyks heart, his fist slams down just before he moves his thumb to press the little plastic plunger down. In an instant Kotyks eyes fly open as adrenaline pumps through his veins. Mordecai whips the needle out and tosses it to the side as he look around the unfamiliar faces, only to find Allfather looking at him stunned. His face is grubby and spattered with dried blood and little flecks of oil.

" Mordecai? What...how?"

He looks at the old man whose hand is locked tightly around a broken bit of a loaders arm. The part with the gun attached to it.

" Maya was hurt, but we couldn't see what was hurting her- so I figured it was him and not her."

He jabs the air behind him with his thumb in the direction of Kotyk who is staring at his quickly closing wounds in a mixture of disgust and amazement. Its right then that the echo attached to his hip goes off, the sound of Liliths calm voice.

" whats the word?"

" Jack has Athenas, back up now."

"location?"

"location surrounded send ax and zero."

"sending backup, and Maya went to sleep. She's stable now."

" Angel?"

"...I don't know, I can send someone to collect her."

" yea."

Mordecai doesn't bother asking what happened or why, he supposes it might be polite to do that but he already knows who did it, he already knows why. Kotyk sits upright and stares at Mordecai for a while, unsure of what to think of the man. On one hand he ditched his wife, on the other hand he the solution was here, not with his wife.

" do you love my sister?"

Mordecai turns his head slowly to look at the near carbon copy of his wife, he reaches up to the bit of scarf over his face and pulls it down to answer. However just outside the door a familiar laugh is heard coupled with a series of explosions. The muffled shout ' rock and roll!' Mordecai smirks. A heavy clanking sound precedes a fizzling explosion. He watches as a long thin sharp bit of metal pokes trough the door and slides down, slicing through whatever locks had kept them safe.

One door is pushed open, and there stand three distinct and familiar silhouettes, Axton zero and salvador. Mordecai motions for the remaining people to come out, to move forward. They peek out like mice, aside from allfather who marches out and stands beside Mordecai.

" here isn't safe- their coming back with us."

Allfather looks bewildered for a moment, staring at mordecai in shock.

"ah... yes..."

He looks around at the pile of rubbish that was previously the ever imposing loaders.

" that seems appropriate..."

Kotyk along with everyone else watches curiously as the four fall into step, quickly taking formation. Axton takes point, Salvador takes rear guard while Mordecai and Zero take either side of the crowd. Mordecai and Zero blot the little red lights before they can take notice of the slowly moving crowd, there is little need for anything else. They make it back to the fast travel station, sending back Kotyk first, then Allfather then Axton then the various others. The hunters arrive back , only just now noticing how small the station is in comparison to the one on Athenas.

Mordecai huffs and shoves his way past the small shaking crowd, they follow him in single file across the now well kept Pavilion all the way to head quarters Where Lilith stands in the doorway, just waiting. He stands in front of her and looks down his nose at her, she snorts and moves back to her place up stairs. The small crowd walks in after him peeking around the place and bumping into each other when Mordecai suddenly stops at the foot of the stairs.

" you all can wait here, cept you padre- you come with me and the kid.. some one take him to zed."

Its at this moment that kotyk looks around to find a series of confused and disappointed faces looking in his direction. It is also at this moment that he feels the lead weight of Axtons arm sling over his shoulder almost knocking him down.

" c'mon now I'll escort you to see the our good doctor."

Axtons smirk is wide and slightly lopsided like his one lifted eyebrow. His charm is outlandishly suspicious on all accounts.

" you realize I am male, correct?"

" and you're still so pretty."

Kotyk turns around and looks back in a mild panic as Axton drags him away. Allfather is seen following Mordecai up the stairs and the others finding empty beds to sit or lay on.

Upstairs Lilith leans against the center console, with Mordecais customary chair out in front of her. Mordecai however leans against the wall, motioning for Allfather to sit down- he does. Lilith watches as relief washes over the man in front of her, he appears grateful to be off his feet. Lilith sighs as well, more out of disappointment and frustration.

" well now what the hell do we do!?"

Allfather blinks confused for a moment, Lilith struggles to keep herself from screaming at people who don't deserve it. Her jaw is clenched tightly her glare aimed off to the side, Mordecai looks at her. She had been counting on them- now they're just another set of mouths to feed.

" there's barely a dozen of them left- we take our rookies and start cleaning out Lynchwood. Once that's clear we'll have room for more. We got a head start this time we can handle it."

Lilith turns to look at him, he's pulled off his goggles and rubs the lenses against the red that wraps around his chest. He's tired, exhausted. Her gaze softens when she see how glossy his eyes are- he was frightened. Frightened to lose that woman, he had been fearful for the safety of a child. There is weight on his shoulders that was not there before, for a moment it strikes her horribly. Now- he has something to lose, something for Jack to take from him.

Guilt is like led as it slam down on her throat and plummets into her stomach, she feels something stinging at her face and suddenly breathing is a struggle. Why did she do this to him!? Allfather watches her expression suddenly shift's from furious to one of inexplicable sadness.

" I'm sorry mor-"

"no"

His glare is sharp and focused when his luminous emerald eyes suddenly lock on her.

" don't do that."

With that he marches out of the room his step heavy as he trudges down the stairs, as he moves he glares ahead of him. The crowded room parting for him as he walks letting the door fall shut on its own behind him. He moves toward the hospice, wanting little more than to see Mayas sleeping face. He doesn't feel the eyes on him, Moxxi watches him move along like a reaper. His gait is long and smooth- his fists are curled at his side. So strange to see him walking along without his goggles in place, Moxxi winces when she sees his unguarded expression. Without realizing it she looks away from him, she had intended to ask what happened but no...not right now. She finds herself looking upward at the satellite hanging overhead.

" you don't even know what you did to yourself do you?"

In her mind she can hear jack laughing, firm in the belief of his victory. That wide smile, the odd eyes that aren't real. Moxxi huffs audibly before turning around and heading back to the bar.

Mordecai finds himself pleasantly surprised to see Angel sitting in a chair beside Mayas bed, her hand lazily petting Mayas hair. At the sound of the door Angel looks up and finds herself thrilled to see Mordecai.

" oh! You're back- I was getting worried!"

Angels smile is bright and cheery, contagious. He returns a small smile and reaches down to lift her up. For a moment she blinks slightly confused as he sits down in her chair, setting her on his lap. Upon a quick glance around the room she notices there's only one chair and she was sitting in it. Mordecai keeps an arm wrapped around her middle, she places her own hand on his wrist and leans back against him. She watches him reach out and gently push a stray hair behind Mayas ear, his hand lingers there for a moment.

Is this strange? Angel wonders to herself if this is abnormal behavior, although she doesn't mind sitting here on his lap like a child. His beard hangs over her shoulder, it tickles. Mordecai looks down when he feels Angel trying not to laugh. She scratches lightly at her shoulder where his beard was touching her, its right at this moment that one of the doors opens. Dr. Zed look over at the image of a small family together like that- for a moment he just watches them. Only a moment.

" well good to see you in one piece there."

Mordecai looks over to Zed as he walks in pulling off bloody latex gloves and tossing them into small waste basket by the door.

" I have good news."

He raises an eyebrow curiously in response.

" Shes pregnant."

Both Angel and Mordecai look over in shock at the Dr.

" Now she went through some serious pain here and I am stunned with how well she came out. That much stress on her body should have killed the fetus but its fine. Congratulations you're gonna be a father."

Angel huffs when Mordecais grip suddenly tightens.

" what!? Are you- are you sure?"

" yeap, almost a whole month along as far as I can tell. Now if you wanna make sure this happens she's gonna have to stay off the battle field. I don't know how she managed to make it this far but I don't think she need to be any more taxed than she already is."

Mordecai's smile is instant. He looks at Angel, who gives a lopsided grin.

" Mija! Are you ready to be a big sister!"

Angels eyes go wide when he says this, immediately she throws her arms around him and tries not to cry when she talks, to no avail.

" I'll be the best sister- I'll help with everything! I will!"

She continues rambling as joyful tears spill down her face, her voice cracking all over as she hiccups. Words travels fast through the small place, a small bit of good new to light the place up like a raging bonfire. How long has it been since there was a healthy child born on this planet? It is Salvador that carries the news up to headquarters- barging into the room interrupting the talk between Lilith and Allfather. He shouts its with a ludicrously wide smile and a giddy voice.

" HEY LIL! YOU GONNA BE A TIA!"

Lilith blinks over to look at the little man bouncing in her doorway.

"what?"

"you gonna be a tia! Mordecai's old lady- shes gonna have a baby!"

"WHAT!?"

Immediately Allfather whips around in his chair to look at Salvador in a mix of confusion and glee.

"are you sure?"

Salvador waves his arm at them, motioning for them to follow him.

"yea I'm sure! She's still at Zed's place! Lets go see them!"

Lilith blinks surprised with how spry the older man is as he leaps up out of the chair and rushes out the door- quickly she follows suit. By the time they arrive there is only one patient left in the place, Kotyk sedated and asleep. Daisy strips the sheets off the other bed and throws clean back over the mattress and tucks them under. Lilith looks around mildly disappointed.

" Daisy, Wheres Mordecai and Maya?"

The assistant looks up at the small crowd with a cheeky smile as she throws the dirty linen into a basket.

" we thought this might happen so we told them to go home. Maya needs to relax you know."

Most of the day has passed and Angel finds that all of today's troubles and celebrations had left her absolutely beyond exhausted. She finds sleep the moment her head touches her pillow. Mordecai smirks as he pulls the door shut behind him, Maya standing there next to him, smiling warmly at him. Bright blue eyes looking at him, he can't help it as he leans down and presses him lips against hers. Maya pulls away and gives a mischievous smile before she bounces down the stairs. She makes it just out of reach as she hurries down and away she peeks out the second door at him before hurrying down the stairs to their room. He closes the door behind him as he bolts after her, his long strides closing the distance between them. In just a moment he's caught her- scooped her up in his arms and carries her off to their large bed.

Mordecai lays her down on the center of the bed before climbing on top of her and kissing her pouty lips. As they go he reaches down sliding his hands under her shirt, they separate just long enough to shift into a sitting position. He pulls her shirt off her and tosses it to the side, her small hands move nimbly over his chest pulling away the red cloth and letting it fall to the bed. Their lips crush together again, his tongue sliding over hers and loving the flavor of her. She continues peeling the layers of clothing off him- pulling the zipper of his vest, he rolls his shoulder to let it fall down his arms before throwing it somewhere off to the side. His hands touch gently at her hips sliding up and around to her back where he unclasps her black bra.

He pulls away from their kiss to slide the garment off her and watch as her soft supple breasts are slowly exposed to him. The garment gone and out of mind as his hands glide over her sides and almost firmly fondle her breasts. Soft smooth and warm, he look up to see her smiling as she bites her lower lip. The way she looks up at him from under her long dark curved lashes causes a tingling sensation to shoot up his spine. With a soft 'puff' of the blankets being ruffled she lands again on her back while he drags his tongue down her neck. Dropping kisses on her chest as his hands wander freely over her body. Maya watches the way he adorns her flesh with tender kisses before licking and sucking at her pert pink nipples. She hums her approval of the feeling before her hands return to his chest and lightly tugging at his shirt. Mordecai stands on his knees in front of her and pulls his shirt off, he throws it without care to where it might land.

Maya looks at him and his exposed flesh, shamelessly. He grins at the heated look she gives him, the feeling of her hand sliding down his chest, stomach then her fingertips hooking onto his belt. He watches her shift up again to unbuckle his belt before sliding down his zipper, his throbbing arousal now exposed. She wraps her hand around his heated member and begins long slow strokes, she can hear his breath hitch. He can feel her hot breath falling against his skin as he watches her stroke him, her thumb slides over the head smearing the dripping precum. Before she can do too much he nudges her back onto the bed and moves to peel off her pants. He grins when all that remains are her dampened panties. His tongue slides over her thighs, he loves the way her muscle tightens and releases as he gets closer to her. She lifts her hips for him, surprised when he uses his teeth to peel away the offending garment.

"ah...ah...ahhhh..."

Maya closes her eyes and enjoys the feeling of his large hands on the back of her knees pressing them open, his tongue sliding over her already dripping wet vulva. He flicks the tip of his tongue over her clitoris before he begins sucking and reveling in the way her breath hitches and huffs. Mordecai feels her hands tangle up in his hair, tugging at him while she grows steadily louder.

" please!"

He lifts himself up from the comfortable position between her legs and licks his lips before asking.

" please what?"

Mordecai crawls up her body smiling as he feels his member nudge at her, teasingly he sways his hips, loving the way she looks at him so desperately. Her arms snake over his shoulders, her legs wrapping around his waist and pulling him close. He huffs giving her a smirk when the tip of him slides into her.. so heated and soft and wet.

" please"

Her eyes like that, her voice so needy- he rolls his hips and loves the way she moans when he plunges into her. Maya grips at him desperately while his hips roil and shake- her own moving to meet him at every thrust. They crash together like ocean waves, the sound of her moans and huffs filling the room. Her nails begin to dig into his skin, it send bolts of pleasure down his back he groans he feels her inner walls clenching down on him, milking him. Maya loves it, the way he feels grinding against her like that- ah! Hes started making a bit of noise- so close to her ear. That voice- she begins rolling her hips faster against him. He lets off a small moan a little more and suddenly he feels her body tighten up – she hold onto him like a lifeline as she moans and almost screams with her release. The way her body clenches and grips him tips him over the edge, he rides out his orgasm with her. His whole body shakes as he struggles to hold himself up over her, a second later he collapses down beside her.

Maya rolls against him draping her arm over his chest, he smiles at the feeling. Mordecai blinks to clear his vision, he turn to her pressing his lips against her forehead before reaching over and pulling the blankets up over her.

"mami."

"nnn."

" I love you mami."

How lovely as she smiles even in her sleep.

A/N: I am so sorry you guys had to wait so freaking long for me to update! But I have been going kinds of crazy over here- first I was working and that gave me no time for anything. But I wound up losing that job cause im a cry baby and I cant call centers. So then I was looking for more work took a lot and got me nowhere. Then our lease ran out and were still in the process of moving and now I'm trying get commission work.

Alas I hope I did not disappoint you all with this chapter, I hope you like it and well why dont you tell me what you think!