CHAPTER 18

Junior was perched on the back of the lounge, watching the television with his master, when Montayva entered the room again. Mordecai looked up to discover she wore only a towel, and tried to focus on the television again.

'Feeling better?' He asked, without looking at her.

'Much.' She admitted. 'I can trust myself to take two steps with out falling on my face' She rubbed her bruised nose.

'You can take the bed' He pointed, once again without looking up.

'Er, thanks' She remained standing still. He glanced up at her again, to check if she was ok. 'Just wondering where my backpack is?' She asked.

'In there' He pointed towards the bedroom once again.
'Thanks' She said softly as she glided into the bedroom, the effects of the alcohol were obviously wearing off. Mordecai remembered how fast she healed, and wondered if that would aid her in getting over the hangover. The recent events involving the Varkids, and trying to aid the inebriated siren, had assisted in his sobering up. The only thing he needed now was a cold shower!

Axton, Maya and Willy all sat at the bar in Moxxis.

'What a terrible waste' Moxxi sighed, as Axton told her about how they had disposed of the bandit cargo. 'I would have put them to use in my arena. I might have even paid you for them, Sugar' She winked at the commando.

'Hahaha Moxxi, not everyone accepts the currency you deal in' Maya laughed.

'Speak for yourself!' Axton replied quickly, illiciting another wink from Moxxi.

'So hows our man Mordecai these days? The only time I see him is when he is drinking his talents away in the bar' She shook her head. 'What a waste of man. Probably wouldn't have been so bad if it wasn't for that infuriating bird' She huffed, remembering their torrid affair.

'Nah, he's not doing so bad. Got some new tail to chase now Moxxi. Your ancient history' Moxxi didn't seem at all offended, only curious as to who this new interest could be. But she cottoned on pretty quick.

'Ah, that new siren' She fished in her memory for an image of the girl. 'Yes, quite the pretty little thing she is' Moxxi purred.

'He is sooooo not after her!' Maya almost choked on her drink 'At least, he is wasting his time if he is' She said in the youngest sirens defense.

'Awww, c'mon, give the poor guy a chance!' Axton laughed 'God knows he needs a break'

'Dont we all Honey' Moxxi leaned over the bar towards the commando, exposing a little more of herself than Maya would have liked to see. The siren finished her drink, slammed the empty bottle down on the bar, and stood to leave.

'Well you boys have fun' She made her exit gracefully.

'I have found some more information on Montayva' Angel informed Maya. 'Well, let me rephrase. Information on what it means to be "born" a siren'

'Go on' Maya said excitedly. They were always keen to learn more about their siren heritage.

'It seems, a born siren has the ability to learn more than one phasing technique. You all have that ability actually.' Angel admitted 'But a siren that is "born" is able to accept new techniques more readily. Another interesting fact, is that her power could outsource a created sirens, by tenfold'

'Holy cow!' Maya's jaw dropped.

'Not in sheer power' Angel continued to explain 'But more in the way that her healing capabilities, couple with the fact that she has alot more techniques under her belt, would aid in battle. You have noticed already that she can draw power from other sirens. This concept my also aid you all in battle.' Angel pointed out.

'Yes. I suppose it would' Maya was trying to come to grips with what all this new informtion would mean for the. 'So what you are trying to say, is that we can actually learn each others abilities?'

'That is correct' Angel confirmed.

'Wow' Maya said, 'How freakin awesome would that be!'

'However, a born siren would be able to take on new techniques more readily than a "created" one' Angel added.

'God, I cant wait to tell Lillith!' Maya said excitedly,

'Zero also brings more information back. But I am unsure yet as to what it is' Angel admitted.

'Montayva does have some pretty awesome abilities' Maya said thoughtfully, not budging from the topic.

'Yes, and in time you all can' Angel encouraged.

'Wow' Maya sat in the control room in awe, digesting all this new knowledge eagerly.