Chapter Text
A loud sound is covering the clear orange sky on Kings Canyon.
At the height where the transport ship is passing, you can see the island from above and notice the profound changes that occurred after the sinking of Skull Town. Now at the point of the disaster there is only a gigantic Leviathan’s skull suspended from a crane: the visiting card of a new Legend.
A spectacular stage entry.
All over the place you can see new buildings and pipes. A lot of pipes.
On the ship all thirteen Legends are preparing to face one of the many battles that await them. All of them now hardened by previous struggles and by the various unexpected events that occurred in the game.
Except for one. A charming girl sat looking at other people close to her. Some eyes rested on her with curiosity. Every now and then someone whispered but then silence fell again.
Silence broken only by the out of tune voice of Mirage while singing 'Hooked on a feeling' with headphones on his ears, eyes closed and moves only carried by music.
Wraith stared at him as she tried in vain to silence the voices in her head about the new girl, Loba.
Bangalore was cleaning his weapons specially making noise while looking at the recruit.
A new noise broke into the silence: Gibraltar started snoring on the sofa that was at the center of the aircraft.
Lifeline sitting next to him was ready to slap him but at the same time she was too busy watching the new girl thinking: ‘’She seems pretty as dangerous…’’
Sitting to the right of Gibraltar there was Crypto immersed in one of its holographic screens intent on seeking every single possible information about this Loba. ‘’Andrade... I heard of it somewhere’’
Octane, Bloodhound and Caustic were absent, probably in their rooms.
Wattson began humming as she arranged the Pathfinder’s screen creating sparks everywhere.
The robot was strangely silent. The two were not worried in the least about the disaster caused by the girl sitting not far from them but they were thinking about the same thing: ‘’A new friend!’’
In the farthest and darkest corner of the ship someone was gingerly observing Loba. In the dark one could only glimpse two fixed yellow lights.
Revenant had not moved at all since landing. ''Mmm… it's been a long time since a skinbag made me slip away into another body. Finally, something interesting happened in these useless games. I hope I don't have to break her fragile bones too soon. Hahaha! I just laugh at the thought that she had dedicated her whole life probably only for her personal revenge. Will my image have populated her nightmares properly? Well, if not, the nightmare will now be real for her. You must be prepared Loba...’’
Loba quiet and a little pleased by the attention received by the other Legends turned to the monster who was still peering at her.
Her pretty face became frightening. Her gaze was so intense that her eyes looked like fire.
<< Stop staring at me, Demonio! You make me sick…>>
Her voice thundered so loudly that all the Legends that were staring at her suddenly stopped.
Except for Revenant who made a frighteningly croaking sound that could very well have come directly from hell or Gibraltar's stomach.
He smiled at her in the dark.
<<As you wish princess >>
Now the eyes of Loba seemed to be able to shoot energy rays like the Charge Rifle.
Loba loudly hit the floor with her precious stick but the accumulated tension was dampened by a louder noise in the room.
Mirage had started dancing with his clone wildly and shot a glance at Loba with a wink.
<<You hear the music, don't you? Do you want to dance with one of us? >>
Lifeline grinned. Crypto lifted his eyes off the screen only to raise them to heaven.
The only music you could hear came from the headphones that Mirage had forgotten to remove.
Loba changed expression in an instant and laughed.
<<Then I will dance with him>>
One of the two Mirages pointed himself in surprise and held out his hand to Loba just before he disappeared.
The only one left looked at the girl with total disappointment. <<Why they never choose the one and only Mirage. I'm sorry! You…>>
<<You got bamboozled!>>
Mirage turned to the voiceover.
<<Hey! Don't steal my words! It seems to me that you have had enough chatter!>>
Lifeline laughed: <<Don't take it. I prevented you from babbling like you usually do>>
<<We will see who mumbles on the battlefield. Whoever laughs first laughs well. Ah Ah>>
Loba smiled. ‘’More than fighters they look like comedians. I'm almost sorry to shoot these people. Well except one of course…’’
Her thoughts were interrupted by an announcement.
-In approach to the launch area-
A scream frightened Loba.
<<Hoooooooho!>>
A boy or what was left of him started hopping around the room.
Another scream frightened her.
<< Stop it Silva! You know how to make yourself known?! >>.
Lifeline snorted at her words thrown into the void and was surprised that she hadn't even woken up her neighbour on the sofa.
Caustic entered the room and took a quick selfless look at Loba and a long smug look at the completed work of Miss Paquette.
Bloodhound walked towards Revenant while Arthur fluttered in the middle of Crypto and Gibraltar making them jump on the sofa.
<< Warriors don't fall asleep. The battle is imminent! >>
<< Ok!! I understand! >>
<< Mmm… I was sleeping?>>
Bloodhound held out their arm waiting for the return of their crow.
Loba looked up at the monitors as they flickered images of each Legend.
''So that's how teams are chosen ''
<<I hope not to end up in one of the two teams in duo like the other time...>>
Loba turned to Mirage. <<Will there be duo teams?>>
Mirage smiled: << Well I'll make an exception for you>>
The three screens showed the first group of three Legends:
Gibraltar
Bangalore
Lifeline
Lifeline snorted and followed Gibraltar as he stretched towards one of the launch platforms. Bangalore joined them.
The platform descended causing a strong draft of air to enter the cockpit.
The screens continued in their choices.
This time a group of two:
Revenant
Loba
Silence returned only broken by a fake cough of Mirage and the creaking of Octane's moving legs.
Loba took a long breath and quickly made her way to the platform.
''Obviously! I bet someone manipulated the result''
Without making a sound, Revenant followed her in silence, grinning.
Crypto nodded to something on his screen.
The next team was:
Mirage
Wraith
The two looked at each other puffing.
''A team of two…uff I knew it! I hope not to be an idiot or... too much cool for her''
''Not this idiot again''
Fourth team matching:
Wattson
Octane
Caustic
<<Wow! If Dr. Caustic is there, everything will be fine. I elect(ron) you as Jumpmaster ihihih >>
Caustic gave a small smile that went out as soon as he noticed the other noisy teammate.
<< YOU! don't get us into trouble >>
<< No problemo amigo! I will follow you >> '' If you can follow my step, uhuuuh! ''
Last team:
Crypto
Pathfinder
Bloodhound
<< Oooooh! Ready friends? I am. Check out Crypto! Wattson did an impeccable job! >>
Crypto nodded without looking at what was on the screen of the joyful robot.
Bloodhound stood still while Arthur croaked to their companions.
Path and Crypto looked at him intimidated but after some stroking of their owner he calmed down.
Finally, the announcer proclaimed again:
-Prepare for launch-