Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Mordecai was being hunted. Darting through the streets of Nekrotafeyo he was barely able to stay ahead of his firey pursuer, his long jacket nearly catching on things. Dodging under, over, and through street vendors and market stalls, he shoved his way through the crowd, narrowly missing collisions that would end his desperate race. Angry citizens yelled after him, cursing him out, but he didn't care. He could hear the wing beats above and foolishly allowed himself a moment of jealousy, that the Siren could fly freely while he was trapped on the ground.

Then a massive armored figure nearly slammed into Mordecai. Barely missing the large fists, he lashed out, raking bleeding lines into his enemy's face. With a howl of pain, the large man stumbled back, allowing Mordecai to change direction.

Right into a sentry gun. Its master was firing at Mordecai, clipping his shoulder and injuring him. Ducking behind the counter of a nearby stall, he checked his situation. He was losing blood, losing cover, and he was nearing his last bit of strength. Mordecai pulled out his Vakra pistol, standing, and fired it at the other man. He couldn't help but give a slight chuckle, as while he missed any lethal injuries, he had taken out that stupid hat.

His dark satisfaction was cut short by the enraged scream from the Siren above him. She phased next to him with a burst of fire, scorching his jacket and burning hair and skin.

Mordecai collapsed in pain. He couldn't do it. He couldn't. Tears beaded at the corners of his eyes. He couldn't have his revenge. He couldn't get justice for his people. They had sent HER after him. The most lethal of their Sirens. The Phasewalk Siren.

“Mordecai. You were found guilty of mass murder. You will be taken to Theanas, receive medical treatment for your injuries, and be imprisoned. Do you have anything to say?”

Snarling at the Siren, he spit some blood out.

“Just kill me. Should be easy. They murdered everyone else.”

Her wings flared out and the temperature rocketed up in response to her rage.

“That was a tragic accident! It is only because of the Eridians mercy you still live, Mordecai Last of the Skirans!”

“So they can't handle being the ones to wipe out a species? Pendejos. Every single one of them.”

Ignoring Mordecai, the Siren gave her orders to her closest teammates. Their nicknames flowing off of her tongue with ease.

“Ro, Bri, cuff him.”

The two men yanked Mordecai off the ground and twisted his thin, fragile wrists behind his back. One of his delicate bones broke under the rough treatment and he screamed. A sharp look from the Siren had the massive man flinch, her yellow eyes narrowed.

“No unnecessary injuries, Bri. He's an endangered species now.”

It was all too much, and Mordecai passed out.

The Phasewalk Siren watched as the Skiran slumped in the grasp of her friends. She knew, the Eridians had felt compassion towards the Skiran, but all she could feel was rage. He had killed more than a few of her friends. She knew her fellow Siren, Nyriad, felt the same. But the Eridians had declared he would be imprisoned in a Vault. Orders to free him after they had captured the Destroyer were set. She did not agree. He should rot for his murderous nature. She pulled the burned and ruined jacket off of him, exposing the brown feathered wings. They were a rich brown color, powerful and beautiful.

“Take him. Take him to Theanas, the new Phaselock Siren will take care of him. I'll catch up. I need to talk to Nyriad.”

Theanas was a world of cultural inspiration, and the hub of Vault Building. Manufactured on the stormy planet, the Vaults and their Guardians were sent throughout the Galaxies. And now they have a special Vault. A… controversial Vault. But build it they will.

Cuffs that had built in I.V.s to keep the prisoner hydrated and recieving nutrients. A time dilation effect so centuries can pass outside the Vault while a single day would pass within. Storage tanks full of the hydration and nutrition serums, enough to sustain the prisoner for years. Although they did add their own vengeance to the Vault. The Last Skiran, the Bloody Hawk, Mordecai, would be unable to spread his wings, or stand. He would be forced to kneel with his arms held out and down from his body; until he dies or his Vault is opened. More than a few wished his Vault would never open. That the mass murderer would never get to feel the wind again. A few of the Theanan Scientists muttered about placing the Vault underwater, deep underwater. But the Eridians put a stop to that. He would not be condemned to what the Skirans believed to be the punishment in the Afterlife for the evil, The Depths. He was a victim too. The last of the Skirans. That would wound anyone to breaking. He would be placed somehow he can be found. That one day, he would feel the wind again.

With a gasp, Mordecai woke up, he was kneeling in a painful position. A harsh band of metal pinned his wings to his back. He could feel frightened keening building in his throat. He hadn't even noticed the cuffs, covering his hands and his wrists. They made themselves known as he yanked and pulled. Sharp pain in his wrists as if he had some sort of needles stuck in them. The chains were so tight, he couldn't even rattle them. Finally a low pitched whine left his throat.

“Shut up. This would've been much worse if we had our way, Murderer. But the Eridians, that you hate so much, insisted we make hospitable. Although….”

A smile crossed the Phaselock Siren's blue lips.

“They don't know about this. They think you can move around. You don't deserve to be able to move.”

Fear turned to hysterical rage. Mordecai shrieked aloud, his teeth bared in a snarl.

“THEY KILLED US! THEY KILLED ALL OF US! THEIR DISEASE KILLED US!!!!”

“IT WAS AN ACCIDENT YOU IDIOT!”

Mordecai's eyes were flecks of cold jade now.

“So they say. They made it. They made the disease that killed us.”

With a slight inclination of her head, the Siren acquiesced. The Eridians had indeed made the disease. But it had been an accident when it infected the Skirans, killing them all. Well, she narrowed her eyes. All but one. There was no excuse for his actions.

Turning, she walked passed the Phasewalk Siren and out of the Vault. The other woman waited for a few moments. She held up a key, walking over and dropping it to the metal floor.

“If you can reach it. You can escape.”

And she left. Sealing the Vault behind her with its sobbing and enraged prisoner.

Chapter Text

The hot Pandoran sun beat down on Lilith's shoulders. She could barely contain her excitement, practically skipping through New Haven. Her and her team, Brick and Roland, had found TWO parts of the Vault Key! She just couldn't believe it was that easy. Two pieces in one place! Tannis is going to be so surprised. With a push, Lilith opened the doors to Tannis’ lab, letting herself and her team in. The Eridian Expert all but yanked the Key Pieces out of Roland's hands and vanished into the back. The friends exchanged glances, and settled down in the seats, waiting for Tannis.

Brick gave a small snort before leaning back against the wall. Allowing the soft humming and beeping of the machines lulled him to sleep.

“What do you mean they are two different key pieces!?”

Brick was jolted awake by Lilith's voice, bleary he looked at the two women. Tannis was giving Lilith a quizzical look.

“They are two different keys pieces. To two different Vaults. I would have thought Vault Hunters would have been thrilled to hear the news there is more than one Vault on Pandora. Oh well! The closest pieces belong to this key.”

She held up the smaller key. It's golden brown color gleaming.

“One is in a Bandit camp belonging to a Psycho called, Blue Ball, and the other is… Huh, interesting, and completely fascinating and confusing. A short walk from New Haven. I would recommend starting with that one.”

“Really? I thought we should get the harder one first.”

Brick said, his voice slightly sarcastic.

“That wouldn't make sense. But you are what is colloquially known as a meathead. It would be easier to just get the one nearby first.”

Tannis rambled, turning the key pieces around, examining them. Ignoring the looks of fond exasperation behind her.

As Tannis had said, the second part was laughably easy. It had been buried under a foot of dirt roughly a sixth of a mile from New Haven. The third one in Blue Ball's keeping was significantly harder. The strange Psycho balanced on his large blue ball which would make him a surprisingly difficult target to hit. Once one got passed his ludicrously massive Bandit Clan.

Blue Ball's base of operations was deep in a canyon, not far from a natural formation called the Singing Pillars, decaying walkways crisscrossed back and forth between the rocky walls. Raucous cheers and laughter echoed as a part of a catwalk broke, sending an unfortunate Psycho to their death. Shacks populated the almost shantytown like area, barely clinging to the canyon's walls.

The Vault Hunters took in the sight. And with a shared nod, they attacked. Lilith vanishing and appear in the midst of a small group of Bandits with an explosive burst of fire, giving Brick time to get closer.

Blue Ball gave a high pitched giggle as he watched the Vault Hunters attack. Juggling various grenades with different effects, he occasionally tossed one down nearly exploding the team. All the while rolling his ball around, occasionally bouncing on it so it would pop up into the air, dodging the few shots they were able to actually get up to his position.

Shots with corrosive effects sang passed Brick as he pushed into the fight, his mighty fists turning his targets into a fine explosion of blood and meat chunks. The large, blue dots on the chests of the Bandits were beginning to make him hate the color. Seriously, how could someone as silly as Blue Ball have so many Bandits at his command? But still, he kept swinging his fists in that lethal rhythm. The tide will cease eventually.

Roland was tired. His sentry gun was rattling away next to him as he exchanged bullets with Blue Ball's men. It seemed endless. What was up with him? How could he inspire so many Bandits to follow him? Firing another shot, he glanced at his ammo count. He is going to have to find more or buy more after this.

Dancing across the battlefield, Lilith phased in and out of the physical world, delivering surprise explosions and her own strikes. How much longer? Honestly! No other Bandit Leaders have been this annoying! But she will press on. He has to run out of men eventually. Right?

Finally, the last one fell. Blue Ball was swiftly despatched with extreme prejudice for how annoying he had been and how much ammo they had used up. He did manage to get out his last words. A mad man's ramblings about the Bloody Hawk that would return and spread death across the planet. None of the Vault Hunters took much stock of it. Not the first time someone babbled about another false god the superstitious Bandits and Psychos would latch on to.

Roland sighed. That was a pain in the ass.

“We should find ourselves a Sniper. A Marksman. Literally anyone that can deal with weapons beyond medium to close range.”

The other two couldn't help but agree. Even if it does mean less money for them.

The various chests yielded, thankfully, just enough ammunition they were able to replenish their depleted stores. In the last chest, they found it. The finally piece. It gleamed in the mid afternoon sun. They just knew, this was going to change everything for them.

“Well, let's get this back to Tannis. See what else she might need.”

“Yeah.”

The trio drove back to New Haven. Despite the fact they really should get some rest, they felt as if they couldn't. As soon as the Key was together, they were going to leave. Leave and find that Vault.

Stepping back into the lab, Lilith called out to Tannis.

“Got the piece! Can you put it together? Is there anything else you would need?”

Tannis didn't answer as she pulled the pieces from Lilith and the box she had stored the other two in after the team gave them to her for safe keeping. Twisting and prodding, the three parts clicked together.

“There! Done! It's together now!”

Brick's eyes were wide as the golden brown key was held above Tannis' head, complete. She then handed it without much fanfare to the closest Vault Hunter to her, Brick. He fumbled slightly, trying to not drop the priceless Key.

“Do record the opening of the Vault. And bring back technology you find.”

Lilith stopped Tannis before she could leave.

“Hey, what happens if the Vault door is all broken? Like the Key and everything else Eridian?”

Tannis didn't even look behind her, continuing her way out.

“It can self repair if the Key is inserted. Goodbye.”

The Eridian Expert casual, slightly rude, dismissal of the team was… not a surprise. They had figured she would stay in her lab. And of course they would bring back the technology. How else would they be able to sell it to the right mega corporation if they don't have her tell them what it was?

Lilith almost ran out to the technical, occasionally phasewalking. Excitment beginning to flood her veins again.

“Come on, come on, come on! The Vault isn't gonna open itself!”

She called to her slower moving teammates, slapping the hood of the technical. Her tone teasing.

“Excuse you! Not all of us can fucking teleport!”

Brick yelled back, his tone just as friendly as her own.

“Look alive… I call driver.”

“But I got here first Ro!”

An almost scandalized look of betrayal crossed Lilith's face.

“You can't call dibs on driver!”

Brick picked her up and dropped her in the passenger seat before climbing up to the turret.

“You know the rules. Gotta call driver if you wanna drive.”

Lilith pouted a bit as Roland settled down into the driver's seat. A quick check to see if everyone was settled, he started the technical and they sped out into the wilds of Pandora.

As the team drove across the harsh land, Brick leaned on the top of the technical. The bouncing of the vehicle was almost relaxing. Lilith chattering away. Ruminating on what they were going to do once they opened the first Vault. Should they take a break and go on a vacation? Or just go right for the second one? Roland said they should just go for the second one. They already had the first piece of the other key. So why stop? Brick listened to the friendly debate between Lilith and Roland. Personally, he wouldn't mind a short break. Not a long vacation like Lilith was talking about, but a short one. Maybe go to Wam Bam Beach for a week. Drink a few of those stupidly expensive and fancy drinks with the tiny umbrellas and curly straws. Flirt with a cute guy or two. Yeah, that would be nice. Bring the team along.

A smile crept across his face, Roland would be a blushing mess. His two friends had been dancing around their feelings long enough. Maybe seeing Lilith in her bikini she had been complaining about not being able to wear would be the kick they need to finally admit it. But who can tell? Maybe they would deny it for the rest of their lives. Leaning over so he could yell over the wind, Brick made an observation.

“Anybody else just as pissed as me that the Vault is in the Singing Pillars? It was right fucking there! We had to drive an extra four hours back to New Haven just to come right back out here!”

The others just laughed and nodded.

Brick straightened as they pulled up to the Singing Pillars. In here somewhere was the Vault door. Time to find it. Brick reluctantly pulled out his shotgun, close quarters were fun and all that, great for punching, but he couldn't afford to be injured right before opening the Vault.

Wind whistled through the tall pillars, singing an almost dirge like song. The atmosphere felt oppressive. As if some unspeakable tragedy had happened in the twisting paths of the canyons. Sand covered the ground, making each team member trip at least once as it shifted under their feet.

“So, what do you think is in it?”

Lilith asked, her voice echoing eerily against the stone

Roland tilted his head. Pondering the question.

“Money. Technology. Definitely fame.”

Brick just nodded. Sounds good enough for him.

“Anyone else wondering why we haven't met anything that wants to eat our faces off yet?”

“I'm trying not to think about that. Besides, Brick would probably let it get a few bites in just so he can punch it.”

Brick let out a laugh.

“Nah, it would ruin my gorgeous looks. Can't let this perfect model face get wrecked you know?”

When they finally stumbled across the Vault door, they felt a brief sense of despair. The Vault door was in ruins. Brick turned around to leave, his shoulders slumped in defeat, when Roland stopped him.

“Wait, didn't Tannis say these things can self repair if the Key is inserted?”

“Yeah…. Yeah she did!”

Lilith placed the key in its slot and backed up. Rubble flying out of the sand and passed the Hunters, rebuilding the massive arch. Shimmering, it opened up. Staring at the veil, they felt as if their lives were about the change forever. Smiles spread across their faces.

“Well, Destiny awaits.”

“Yeah…”

“It's about time. One down, one to go.”

Brick and Lilith both looked at Roland.

“Really? Can't we savor this for a moment? The second one isn't going anywhere.”

Then their attention was back on the Vault. It called to them. Almost as if they were in a trance, all three entered the opened Vault. The shimmering veil felt cold and wet like water but they emerged completely dry. Shivering at the frigid temperature within the Vault, their breath coming out in fogged gasps. Dark blue metal spread out from their feet, leading to a sight that took their breath away in shock.

Kneeling in the center of a massive empty room, was a humanoid figure. Blue lights gave the effect of being underwater. Head bowed, matted, greasy looking hair covered his face. The clothing was ragged and threadbare, the color so faded nobody could tell what it had used to be. His exposed arms were emaciated. Cuffs covering his hands and wrists. A band of metal was wrapped around his chest, seemingly pinning something to his back. Slowly, the man raised his head up to look at them. A slow smile split his face, teeth bared. In a voice harsh with disuse, he spoke.

“Hola pendejos.”

Chapter Text

The eerie sound of the Vault opening reached Mordecai's ears. How long has it been? How long? He couldn't feel his wings, he couldn't feel his legs. The cold had stolen their feeling months ago. The only blessing he had right now was Skirans don't lose circulation in their limbs. No matter what. The three that entered looked… odd, a new species that bore a strong resemblance to Skirans. But they lacked the wings. The small talons that tipped a Skiran's fingers. But they must have been guards checking on him. They had a Siren with them after all. But she seemed… inexperienced. Which was really strange. The Eridians didn't like to send their Sirens out alone without making sure they have the experience. Maybe her mentor was just outside? Probably a test. To see how she would deal with him. The Bloody Hawk. He greeted them. Giving them the respect they deserved. None. To his surprise, the largest one looked confused.

“Why are you Truxican?”

“Oh my god, BRICK! You can't just ask why someone is Truxican!”

The Siren looked embarrassed, apologizing to Mordecai after she chided her companion.

“I am soooooo so so so sorry about that. Dumbass here didn't mean any harm.”

The large one, Brick, nodded sheepishly. If Mordecai was reading the body language right, that is.

“Yeah, sorry. That was kinda shitty of me. So! Um… how did you get in here?”

“Did your Team of Vault Hunters leave you here?”

The most professional looking one said, stepping forward.

Mordecai was confused.

“Vault Hunters? Why would the Eridians need someone to hunt their Vaults? Lost them already? Knew they were incompetent, but losing their own Vaults?”

The three went still. Eyes wide.

“Well, aren't you going to let me stand up? It's passed my usual walk around time.”

The lie had rolled off his tongue so easily. But his throat was starting to hurt. He hasn't spoken this much in months. The Siren moved forward, looking confused.

“Um…”

“Key's right there. In front of me. Right where the last one left it.”

She reached down, picking up the key, her fingers trembling as she fiddled with it. Turning it over and over in her hands.

“O-o-okay. Just… give me a moment. I need to….”

Mordecai heaved a long suffering sigh. This bunch must have slept through every single one of their classes.

“Press the glowing bit of the key to the glowing part of the cuffs. It will open.”

Quickly obeying, the Siren unlocked his cuffs. The needles sliding out of his tired veins. Now for his wings…. The band of metal fell off. And he slowly stretched out his wings.

Brick gasped. His eyes felt like they were going to fall out of his sockets. An Angel. Even with his worn, tattered, emaciated appearance, Brick found the Angel to be beautiful. The poor condition of his wings nearly broke Brick's heart. He took a step forward, and the man swept his wings down, launching himself over Brick and Roland, landing on trembling legs, the man lunged out of the Vault. And then, the entrance closed.

“Well shit.”

Lilith and Brick couldn't help but agree with Roland's surprising calm statement.

Pain raced through Mordecai's body as he escaped. The three guards were completely taken completely by surprise. He quickly plucked the key out before they could follow him and spread his wings again, launching upwards. The stone pillars around him, that resembled home so much it was painful, passed by him like lightning as he took to the skies above. The lack of another Siren standing outside surprised him. But that was fine by him. So what if the Eridians were slipping? It just made it easier for him to…. Mordecai's inner monologue stopped. Where was he? The landscape was unfamiliar. He can't recall a planet that looked like this one… He spotted what seemed to be an abandoned town. Gliding over to it, he landed. Slowly walking through it, he realized it was littered with the bodies of the same new species. There was a few Eridian things around. But all were destroyed. And not by force, but by time itself. What happened? Where was…. Where were the Eridians? The Gorsans? The Mallik? The Theanans? What happened to them?

His thoughts were interrupted by a sharp squawk coming from his left. It came from a tightly locked box. Using his claws, he broke open the box. A disheveled bird launched itself out, talons extended. Quickly, Mordecai grabbed the talons gently and held the bird. Softly chirping and clicking at the bird, Mordecai ran his fingers through the head feathers.

“There, there, beautiful. I understand how you must have felt in that shitty box.”

Slowly the bird calmed down, Mordecai loosening his grip on the talons.

“That's better isn't it? Do you want to come with me?”

Leaning over, the bird gently tugged at the remains of what used to be a dreadlocked braid.

“Need to name you. How about…. Bloodwing? That's a strong name for a strong bird like yourself. Now. I think I need to go back to the Vault. I need answers.”

The Vault was silent. It had been nearly five minutes since the Angel had escaped. Roland examined the cuffs left behind.

“What do you think he did to be locked up in here?”

Lilith just shook her head.

“Who knows? There certainly won’t be answers in…. here.”

She paused. Her hand resting on the interior side of the gate.

“Oh. I… a… there's a message. Psychically placed in the Vault door. It says…. I am sorry, but the prisoner within needs to be released. I can not free him. He has wounded me through the deaths of my friends. But now, I understand his despair. It is a unique wound to be the last. His people died, a horrific accident caused the escape of a manufactured disease. The Eridians did not mean for it to happen. But Mordecai, last of the Skirans, the Bloody Hawk, blamed them. I can not free him as asked. But I will place him on Pandora. There he will he found. There he will be freed.”

Pulling her hand away, Lilith swallowed. Some things was beginning to make sense.

“He thought we were guards. His enemies. He treated us like….”

With a soft whisper, the Vault opened again. Hesitantly, the Vault Hunters stepped outside. Standing there, was the one who must be Mordecai. He was stroking the feathers of a bird he absolutely did not have before.

“Tell me. What happened, to the Eridians?”

“I don't know. But… but Tannis might. She's our friend, she specialized in Eridians and Sirens.”

Before Mordecai could reply, an unwelcome hum was heard. The Crimson Lance had arrived. Commandant Steele sneered down at them.

“This Vault is property of the Atlas Corporation. I suggest you leave at once.”

Suddenly, the three proclaimed Vault Hunters pressed themselves closely to Mordecai, keeping him almost shielded from the white skinned Siren above.

“Yes ma'am. We'll leave.”

“Anything in there is Atlas Property. Taking it would result in punishment.”

Shuffling slightly away, the trio nodded.

“Of course, to be honest, we just like the thrill of finding the Vaults after all.”

Steele landed her vehicle and slowly walked passed them. Glaring as if to ascertain the truth. But then she turned her attention to the Vault.

“Lance! Forward into the Vault!”

Dozens of soldiers pushed passed, racing into the Vault. Mordecai watched the last one vanish through the veil. Stepping forward, he simply plucked the Key out of its place, closing the Vault. Turning around, he had a slightly mischievous smile on his face.

“Well, that takes care of them. So, you were saying about Tannis?”

Brick was not about to admit it out loud, but that smile sent a surge straight through his heart. Mordecai, was very beautiful to him. Maybe he doesn't have to wait until Wam Bam Beach to flirt with a good looking guy after all.

Lilith was interested in the bird.

“So where did you find your friend?”

At that Mordecai smiled.

“Found him not far from here. A weird little abandoned town with lots of dead men laying everywhere. It was in a canyon, mi amigo was locked in a box there.”

Exchanging glances, the others were hit hard with guilt. They hadn't realized there was a bird trapped in a box in that town.

But Mordecai looked eager to leave and so they lead him out of the twisting maze of pillars. Stopping occasionally for Mordecai to rest. Roland eyed up the Skiran. Hopefully someone would be able to provide him proper medical care. Their new…. Acquaintance, looked on the verge of death. Lilith volunteered to ride on top with Brick, letting Mordecai ride in the technical, but much to Roland's surprise, Mordecai refused, preferring to ride next to Brick, his feathers ruffling in the wind. A sudden screech from Lilith startled all three men, causing Roland to swerve.

“Ohmigod! We never introduced ourselves! I'm Lilith, the guy driving is Roland, and the one next to you is…”

Mordecai interrupted her.

“Brick. I caught his name in the Vault.”

Throwing a weird smile over her shoulder at Mordecai, the four drove off into the Pandoran desert. Back to New Haven.

Once there, a problem made itself very apparent. Mordecai's wings. Everyone is going to see those. And now was not the time for anyone to see Mordecai. Brick solved it by pulling off his shirt and dropping over Mordecai's head. He wouldn't admit it yet, but seeing the smaller man wearing his shirt was doing things to Brick. Things he really should get a handle on. The poor Angel didn't need to deal with his lustful urges on top of learning everyone he knew was dead. And that is setting aside the genocide he went through.

Tannis had looked up excited as the four walked in.

“Did you bring the artifacts back? It must be small! That's okay, small things are perfect! Did you have to bring the vagabond with you though? Or did he volunteer to carry the artifacts back?”

“Tannis.”

“Although he is very disreputable looking, he's not very strong. You should have found someone bigger. Brick would be an ideal size to look…”

“TANNIS!”

“What? I'm just being logical and…”

“He was in the Vault.”

“Impossible, you can't open the Vault without the Key, so how would he have opened it before you?”

“No. He was in the Vault. The Vault was holding him. If you wanna think of it this way, he IS the Artifact.”

As what Roland told her sunk in, Tannis’ eyes got bigger, glittering with curiosity. Nearby, Mordecai pulled off Brick's shirt, handed it back to him, flaring out his wings slightly to stretch them.

“He was alive during the time of the Eridians!?”

Lilith cut in.

“Can you tell him what happened? Last thing he knew about them they were doing just fine. And now they are gone.”

Vibrating excitedly, Tannis began to babble. Ranting and raving she pulled out Artifacts and papers, waving them around.

Brick watched Mordecai's face carefully. He was starting to get an ugly look on it. Tannis’ clear worship of the Eridians was rubbing him wrong. But finally she finished. The conclusion was, they had all died pretty much at the same time, but nobody knew from what.

“Killed themselves with their stupid experimental diseases probably.”

Shaking her head, Tannis disagreed.

“The Eridians would never experiment with disease. They were too enlightened for that.”

Their blood going cold, all three Vault Hunters whipped around to stare at Mordecai. His face was a mask of rage and pain.

“Really? Did you know the Eridians personally?”

For the first time since she can remember, Tannis felt as if she missed something big that everyone else understood. Something big and important. Something she should have picked up on.

“Well I have studied them extensively and….”

“I knew them. Their lead disease researcher, Maadren, do you know what she said when she landed on Skiria? On my home world when all it had left was the dead and dying and ME? She said “I didn't mean to make it that aggressive and viral.” SHE SAID SHE DIDN'T MEAN TO MAKE IT THAT AGGRESSIVE AND VIRAL!”

And then Tannis said something that would ruin her chances of learning anything more about what it was like in the time of the Eridians anytime soon.

“You're wrong. That didn't happen.”

It was only thanks to Brick's quick actions that Tannis didn't end up losing her throat. As it was, she got very shallow cuts on her neck. Reeling back in surprise, she was in shock as Brick quickly left with Mordecai, Roland following them, leaving her alone with Lilith. The Siren gave her a VERY disappointed look.

“Tannis really? He just said his people died and you called him a liar?”

“No? He was just incorrect about his belief that the Eridians would commit genocide.”

“That's calling him a liar, Tannis. And they did. On his Vault door, there was a message. From another Siren. She said they had accidentally wiped out the Skirans. Mordecai's people. I don't know if it was an accident or deliberate. All we've got is Mordecai, who thinks they did it on purpose, and the message, which claims it to be an accident. But Tannis. You're the one who's wrong. They experimented with disease.”

Oh, the feeling of being wrong isn't very pleasant at all.

Chapter Text

It wasn't easy carrying a struggling man out of any place. Let alone one with wings and a bird friend looking ready to remove your eyeballs, but Brick persevered. Mordecai was almost sobbing now. The few mutters Brick could make out in English were about how not even Eridians called him a liar. Exchanging glances with Roland who had followed him out, Brick hesitantly began to pet Mordecai's head. Softly shushing him.

“You ain't a liar. Tannis is just stubborn and thinks she can't be wrong. Lil is probably in there reading her the riot act for that.”

Roland appeared to be in thought for a moment.

“Mordecai? Would you like to come with us and pick out some new clothes to wear? Lilith can catch up later at lunch.”

A confused look crossed Mordecai's face. He rubbed away the tears staining his face.

“Why? Why are you helping me?”

Brick answered before Roland could, pointing at a small scratch on his cheek with a grin on his face.

“You punched me in the face. We're friends now.”

“You need better amigos.”

The shirt went back on Mordecai as they left the lab. Time to find something for Brick's new friend. First stop, Marcus to drop off some of the extra guns and loot.

Marcus was thrilled as always to see customers. Particularly since these ones brought him lots of guns and were the main buyers of ammunitions. Although their new friend looked a little… odd. And he was… oh. OH. Marcus hadn't had this much of a treat in a long time! The starving guy was wearing BRICK'S SHIRT and seemed to be practically glued to the massive bruiser's side. He would give them maybe a month before they moved to the next stage. But first before he could add to his little, black book, he had a sale to make.

“So! What do you need from old Marcus? I've got some new SMGs and rifles that came in yesterday, want to take a look at them? Of course you do!”

Used to the sales pitch Marcus always did, the two Vault Hunters waited. Meanwhile, Mordecai was carefully examining the nearby sniper rifles. Oh there was some absolutely beautiful ones here. One that caught his eye was this one type that looked so much like his trusty Beriver. Unconsciously stepping closer to it to get a better look, he had to bite back a screech of surprise when the merchant known as Marcus appeared next to him.

“Oh! I see you like the Jakobs! Those are good guns! You must be the sniper the Vault Hunters were looking to recruit!”

Suddenly very aware of his two… allies staring at him, Mordecai gave a slight shrug.

“Yeah, I'm a sniper. I'm the best there is too.”

“Yeah, Mordecai has got to be good!”

Marcus decided he liked this Vault Hunter. Lots of bravado. And… he couldn't quite pick it up, but there was definitely something about him. Oh it wasn't the open killer in his eyes. It wasn't how he expertly held the Jakobs when he let him hold it to see if it was the right size. Oh no. It was something else. Marcus just knew, this team of Vault Hunters just might be the most dangerous ones on the planet now.

The sale made, Marcus couldn't stop smiling as the three Vault Hunters left. Pulling a small, black notebook, he flipped it open to a new page. Talking to himself as he wrote.

“Brick and Mordecai, married by two years.”

Clutching his new guns to his chest, Mordecai was using all of his strength to not sing happily. These were good guns. The rifle and the pistol were both of the Jakobs brand. He loved how they felt in his hands. And they were fairly light compared to the others in stock. He should be able to easily fly and provide his flock cover….
He shook his head hard. The isolation in the Vault definitely got to him. He was already thinking of the Vault Hunters as his flock. But he had agreed to be on their team. He just had to remember to keep his distance. He really can't just… get a new flock like that.

They were just about to go look at armor when Lilith came running up like a pack of Alpha Skags were after her.

“Jim! Jim sighting! Not far from here! Morde! With me! We're getting haircuts!”

And with that Lilith gave Mordecai the first of his many heart attacks dealing with her. She phasewalked her and Mordecai to a large battle taking place. Running through it, occasionally shooting and kicking someone, she dragged Mordecai to a large half naked individual with a bare chest, he was wearing a strange hat on his head, a vest with what looked like hair cutting tools in the pockets, a worn pair of pants, and a small pouch at his waist. He was beating some guy to death with a large chair.

“Jim! We have an appointment.”

And just like that, a change came over the strange man, Jim. He set the chair down, his nearby enemies just wandering off to fight someone else, pulling out an apron he quickly put on and a plastic sheet, he gestured for one of them to sit down. Mordecai was extremely hesitant so Lilith went first. As Lilith got hers cut, a woman wearing a top hat appeared.

“Knew I shoulda brought Rubi. Now there's a line.”

Settling down on an old tire, the woman kicked up her heels, revealing what little of her legs had been covered before. Glancing at Mordecai, she decided he looked for conversation.

“Well, you must have missed Jim a whole lot with the mess on your head.”

Still confused, Mordecai nodded along.

“Didn't even know about him until now.”

“Well that's unfortunate. But don't worry sugarplum, if anyone can save that mess, it's Jim.”

“I have a feeling it might need to be cut off.”

Moxxi examined the stranger a bit more. There was something familiar about that oversized shirt…. And then it hit her as Lilith finished her hair cut and slugged Jim in the face, dropped the tip into a nearby jar. That shirt was Brick's. A smile danced acrossed her lips. Lilith kept her from asking her teasing, probing question to the man himself, Mordecai if what Lilith was calling him was right, but stepping back so Jim could get to work on the hair, Moxxi was able to direct the question to the Siren.

“So, that shirt's a little big, don'tcha think? Like it belongs to someone else, someone like Brick. If you get what I mean.”

“Yeah, that's Brick's shirt, he gave it to Mordy after a um….”

Looking a touch nervous, Lilith continued.

“They had an accident you see and Mordy needed something to wear.”

Moxxi just KNEW she had to tell Marcus. Looks like they've got a new ship to gossip about.

“Oh I see, well, tell Brick I said the next drink is on me.”

Lilith nodded, and then hopped over Jim, helping him inform Mordecai that his hair was unsalvageable. Or as Jim had put it.

“RIP OUT THE ROOTS AND SALT THE EARTH, THE GRASS IS STRANGLING THE BABIES!”

Back in New Haven, Roland and Brick had decided to go in and look at the armor and clothing anyway. Roland was in a strange spot. He wanted to help Mordecai. He wanted to help him. Despite knowing he is a murderer. Pretty sure if brought up in court Mordecai could easily make a plea of temporary insanity and have it confirmed. Besides. It wasn't like he was any better. The things he had done for Atlas were not more noble than what Mordecai had done just because Roland had did them under orders. But at the same time, he didn't know if he could trust Mordecai to watch his team's back. He just didn't know. But who else could help Mordecai? They were responsible for him, they took him out of the Vault! Tannis is the only other one that knows his circumstances and she had effectively made herself the last person Mordecai would want to see on Pandora, if not the entire galaxy, let alone get help from her. Lost in thought, he hadn't realized he was staring at a set of odd armor. Thin leather pieces with cloth between them. Probably the lightest thing they were going to find there. At least he didn't realize until Brick spoke up.

“Yeah, I didn't see anything lighter weight than that either. It even has a weird thing in the back for the…”

Brick paused before continuing.

“Straps.”

Turning the leather vest over, he saw it was more like a leather tank top that zipped up the front, the back have a single piece of leather running down the center to where it met the rest of the vest about midback, it was attached at the base by a set of hooks and loops. Almost as if it was designed to be worn by someone with wings.

“Yeah the straps will fit through here perfectly. Looks the right size too. Let's get it.”

The almost relieved sounding sigh behind them caused both to whirl around to see the merchant.

“Oh thank god you want that. It's been impossible to sell, did you know the guy who made it was my brother? He swore it was based off of actual Eridian armor, said it was in a manuscript he had found. Made a helmet to go with it if you're interested?”

“Let's see the helmet.”

Carefully examining the so called helmet, Roland noted the goggles attached to it, the space in the back as if hair was meant to slid through it. The strap that would keep the helmet on. Although to him it looked more like those hoods falcons would wear to keep them calm. He nodded.

“We'll take the vest, the helmet, these boots, and those pants over there.”

The merchant rang up the purchase, even giving them a massive discount, they only had to pay full price for the pants. Turns out the boots were made by his brother too and along with the vest and helmet, were free.

Brick put the outfit in his storage deck as Roland looked around.

“Okay, we only need two more things. Something to cover up the straps, and an ECHO for Mordecai.”

“He could just keep wearing my shirt.”

“He is not going to keep wearing your shirt, Brick.”

“Why not? He looks cute in it… oh.”

“You like him!”

“He's pretty okay!?”

“Brick, he just got here. Just learned everyone he ever knew is gone. Let him learn to live again. I'm not saying never date him. I'm just saying let him learn to live again. He's going to have to. The Eridians are gone.”

The two friends didn't stop staring at each other.

“I'll keep that in mind.”

The familiar sound of phasewalking broke their staring contest. Lilith looked thrilled, her hair trimmed back to its proper shape. But Mordecai….

“What happened to your hair!?”

The Skiran had less than an inch on top of his head left. Looking slightly embarrassed, he just shrugged.

“Jim couldn't save anything more than this. It was really bad. So what is Jim's deal though? He cuts your hair and you just fucking deck him?”

Roland answered because Brick and Lilith immediately broke out into laughter.

“Jim is what's known as a Psycho, they love violence, usually speak a violent word salad, and are insane. Jim just has a professional side as well. But don't worry, everyone tips him really well with actual money. But he insists that payment is getting punched.”

Mordecai looked a bit skeptical, but accepted the explanation.

Elsewhere, Moxxi had just got back from her own haircut and was double checking everything in her bar. Her girls could run the place without her but, it's her deal, her work. Wiping down the counter, she didn't even pause when Marcus slid into a seat at the bar with a massive smile.

“Oh bonita Moxxi, you are never going to guess what I saw today.”

Pouring Marcus a shot of his usual, Moxxi smirked.

“I've got something for you too sugar, lay it on me.”

“Brick has a boyfriend. He came into my shop, not wearing his shirt, and a skinny guy was wearing it. He was sticking really close to Brick. His name is Mordecai. I give them one month at the most before they move on to the next stage.”

Moxxi's smile matched his.

“Honey they're already sleeping together. Met up at Jim's and he was there with Lilith to get his hair cut. Lilith told me he was wearing it because Brick destroyed his other set.”

“Oh I may need to update my book! I gave them two years to marriage!”

“Excuse me? I know this is a place to buy alcohol and my research has shown that alcohol is a good apology gift.”

Moxxi and Marcus were very surprised to see not far from them was a slightly, and uncharacteristically, confused Tannis. While they may not have known her personally, they did know of her.

“What sorta apology do you need to say?”

The barkeeper asked, leaning on the counter.

“Sorry for calling you a liar, you were indeed alive during the same time as the Eridians and so you would have more knowledge on their sociopolitical and what is known as, every day life. It's for Lilith, Roland, and Brick's new teammate Mordecai.”

“How was he alive during the Eridians???”

“He had been locked in a Vault. I'm guessing there was some temporal manipulation so time passed slower in the Vault. Oh! And Brick is letting Mordecai wear his shirt because Mordecai has wings and they were hiding them from view. No other reason. So… what should I buy?”

Moxxi, her mouth hanging open, handed Tannis a bottle of Athenas Fruit, a flavorful wine. Tannis paid for it and left, leaving Marcus and Moxxi alone. Marcus turned to Moxxi.

“I know what I saw. I'm giving them three years now.”

“Why three?”

“Roland will try to slow Brick down. Let Mordecai learn to live in a time not his own.”

“I don't know, I think you might be right still with the two years. Because I know what I saw too. He was really happy in that shirt.”

Marcus took a drink before pausing.

“If he has wings, can he fly?”

Back at their house, Lilith was excited to see what Brick and Roland picked out for Mordecai. Waiting as he went to go get dressed. He was taking a long time. Was there something wrong with it?

Mordecai stormed out of the room, his eyes wild, holding out the armored vest and helmet.

“Where did you get this!? Who made it!?”

“Brick and I found it at a armor shop. The merchant's brother made it. Why?”

His hands had a noticeable tremble to them.

“It's Skiran. All of it. Except the pants. It's Skiran battle armor.”