CHAPTER 33.

Montayva had woken early. She was in the control room, talking with Angel, when Mordecai found her. He circled his arms around her from behind.

'Sleep well?' He asked into her ear,

'No not really' She laughed.

'Same' He replied, 'Couldn't stop thinking about you'

'Oh really?' She turned her head to let him brush her lips with a quick kiss 'Well Lillith snored' She laughed at the forelorn expresion he bore.

'huh' He sulked. Montayva turned in his arms to face him,

'Perhaps I was thinking of you while she kept me awake with her snoring' To which he appeared more satisfied.

'Ah-hum...' Angels image still flickered on the screen 'As I was saying...' she interupted the pair. 'It appears the Order of the Impending Storm also has wind of the existance of the vaults, which brings me to wonder if there was more to Mayas "imprisonment" than we originally thought. But that is all I have for you at this stage. Some of the ECHO recordings Zer0 presented were damaged, to say the least' she informed.

'Hmmm' Montayva thought out loud 'That is probably why they sent mercenaries after me also. I think you are right. They know more than we think they do' She agreed.

'They were after you too?' Mordecai asked, slightly concerned.

'Yes, a few years ago now though' Montayva shrugged as if it was no longer important.

'Anyhow, are you ready to head off?' Mordecai asked her, referring to their Varkid hunting trip to the Tundra.

'Sure am!' She replied, hoisting the backpack to her shoulders, letting him lead the way. 'Would you let the others know we have left please Angel. When they finally wake up that is' Montayva added.

'Sure'

'So what's the plan?' Montayva asked curiously when they had arrived in the Tundra.

'Well, first things first, we'll dump our gear, then head out for a scout.' Mordecai looked up towards his small tower perched precariously atop the steep hill.

'Boy am I glad I'm not drunk this time!' She walked along beside him.

'I have to admit, it was kinda funny' He smiled. 'I mean, not that you were sick. But the whole situation with Tina' He explained.

'I feel sorry for that kid' Montayva admitted.

'Why is that? She holds her own pretty well' He shrugged at the idea.

'She is all alone out here, all but her fluffy toys and wild imagination. What a harsh environment for a child to grow up in'

'Yeah, guess I would have to agree to that' Mordecai said thoughtfully Junior was perched on the hunters shoulder, and he squawked in remembrance of his surroundings. 'Quiet now boy. You dont want to bring us too much unwanted attention' Mordecai scolded his pet.

They had finally ascended the hill on which Mordecais hideout was situated. Junior flew straight in and perched on the back of the faded dumped his backpack in the bedroom, and waited as Montayva did the same. He took off his Maliwan slag rifle, and gave it a quick look over. When he was satisfied, he handed it to Montayva.

'Here, you might need this'

'Whoa, you're giving me your rifle?' Montayva was a little shocked, but Mordecai didn't see it as such a big deal. He didn't answer, but only walked towards a chest on the corner of the bedroom, and opened it.

'I have others' He pulled out a Vladof Britva Lyuda 'Tried to give this to Axton when he helped me out awhile back.' He looked over the weapon, checking its condition 'But the son-of-a-bitch said he had no use for it. Glad of it now'

'Nice' Montayva said as she noticed its corrosive element.

'Yeah, it'll do the job' He shrugged as he closed the chest. He turned towards the other side of the room, and pulled a rope that was attached to the ceiling. A ladder came down out of the roof. 'Up here' Mordecai disappeared into the dark rooftop. Montayva was halfway up when his hand shot down out of the darkness. She took it, and he heaved her up easily. Despite his slim form, his strength was quite deceiving. He led her through the darkness, and she bumped into him when he stopped suddenly. He turned, and grabbed her playfully, pulling her body tight against his.

'Oh' she gasped as he nibbled at her neck 'Mordecai, what are you doing?' His playful assault stopped.

'Sorry' he said as he turned and opened a hatch, flooding the black cavity with light. 'Couldn't help myself' He jumped up and out of the Manhole.
Montayva joined him. They were positioned on a small ledge that circled the perimeter of Mordecais hideout. Montayva noticed a few dusty bottles scattered about the ledge.

'Bloodwing and I had some good times up here' He reminisced. She sensed his sorrow, and went to his side to offer comfort. 'God I miss that bird sometimes'

'Juniors mother?' Montayva asked.

'Yep. Had her trained real well too. Until that arsehole Jack kidnapped her, did all sorts of crazy experiments on her. Tried to turn her against us, but he eventually blew her head off' The hunter explained, and Montayva felt the sting of pain return to his mind.

'Well, Jack got what he deserved' she offered.

'Yeah I know' Mordecai sighed 'Its just not enough, you know?' He referred to the anguish he felt constantly trying to ebb its way back into his mind. The guilt he felt for not having done more to protect her. 'But hey' He squeezed her shoulders 'I got you now. Thats gotta count for something right?'

'Right' she agreed, gazing out over the Tundra.