Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Dark clouds cover the setting sun and rain falls heavily. It splashes off me as if trying to wash all of my sins clean. But I’ve gotten too filthy, nothing can save me now. A Hammond logo shines my way to the door of a small building. Before playing with my prey, the two exits need to be blocked off.
In the back is a shed where the gardener cleans up after a hard day's work. I don’t bother to hide or sneak. I’ve got a job to do and no one will stop me. I grab a shovel from outside and slowly walk towards him. The shed is well lit, but rain is loud against a metal roof; he won’t hear me. I swing the shovel smoothly into the worker's head, knocking him unconscious. With the tool still in hand, I use the other to drag him to the back door. His body will cover this exit; the front will have this shovel between the handles. There’s not many workers left at this hour, no guards for a simple office space. My job will be easy tonight.
I enter through the back, carrying an ax on my shoulder. The landscaper won’t be needing it anymore. It’s quiet, besides the thundering wind and rain splashing against the windows. Someone runs into my side, distracted by papers in her hand.
“Oh, sor-” she pauses, turning pale and wide eyed. I hear her heartbeat quicken, but her bones are frozen in place. She shivers in my shadow, probably never seen something like me before.
“I’m looking for something,” I reply simply. Her eyes dart to the shiny axe on my shoulder, but still her lips don’t move. “Are you in charge of this branch?” She looks around frantically as if anyone could help. I walk forward making her back into her office.
“What do you want?” She says in a firm voice, but fear creeps out all the same. She knows who I am. Good, my reputation precedes me.
“All your classifieds.” She doesn’t respond and I shift the axe on my shoulder. “You know what I can do to you? Skin you alive maybe, burn you in acid. Do as I say and I’ll let you go.”
The worker shuffles back to her desk, pulling up exactly what I asked for with shaky hands. It takes her longer than it should, though I am hovering over her shoulder. She scrolls through the files for me until I see something of use. Addresses to all Hammond employees. Not what I originally came for though. I don’t even know who has what I want. Not yet, anyway. There’s nothing else that sparks my attention.
“Damnit,” I curse angrily. “Put the addresses on a hard drive and I’ll let you go.” The worker quivers quietly, but nods anyway. “Don’t even think about leaving until I get that flashdrive. I will find you if you run.”
In the hallway is another young lady, barely aware of my presence. She looks at me when my shadow covers her. She’s scared, just like the last one, but I have no use for her. And I’m upset. I swing my axe at her head, but she ducks with a gasp. Instead, the weapon flies into an electrical box, cutting the power with a flutter of sparks. I’m quicker than pathetic humans and grab her by the shirt, yanking her to my grasp. She squirms as I grip her neck and lift her eyes to mine. I want this to be the last face she’ll ever see. Her fingers claw at mine, which only makes hers bleed more. I don’t stop squeezing even when her eyes fade and blood drips from my hand. Her body falls first, then the head rolls off my fingertips. Lightning starts to flash through the windows, a warning. I am the god they created, and this is their punishment.
“Wendy?” A man calls from the lobby in a concerned tone. Everyone here must have heard the commotion. I doubt they know the devil has come to play. I rip the weapon out of the wall, ready for another go. Blood drains over the floor, he probably sees it before he sees me. He doesn’t have time to react as I swing the axe through my fingers, as easily as a butter knife. His hand falls off smoothly and I silently thank the gardner for keeping his blades sharp. Though dull ones are always a joy to play with.
The man falls to his knees, screaming loudly in pain. He stares at his wrist in disbelief, but I’m not finished yet. I drag him by the hair with the axe on my shoulder again out for everyone else to see. He flails and pulls at my hand with the one he has left. The others are already scared from the noise and sudden loss of power. There’s no moon out tonight to illuminate my destruction, but lightning does the job just fine. They all shriek as I slam the man's head against the corner of a desk multiple times until it’s too shattered to do much more. Blood and brains splatter everywhere, and the storm grows louder.
“You’re a monster,” one of the women shrieks and bawls. Sing along mockingbird, you don’t affect me. I’ve been coming undone for twenty-five years now. Nothing affects me anymore.
They run to the front door, whimpering when it doesn’t move. They try kicking it, ramming into it, but nothing works. Only my eyes show through the darkness, and they cower as I come nearer. They beg for mercy, not that it’ll help. I start swinging the weapon, hitting desks, walls, skin bags, I don’t care. I just want to break something. I want to hear screaming over the thunder, I want to bathe in their blood. I want to make them hurt as I do. The voices in my head are deafened in moments like this. It’s calming; the shrieks for help, the wails of agony. Their final moments give me life.
One tries to crawl away with broken legs, beaten and bruised. I grab their thigh, clawing them towards me. No one here will live tonight.
The worker that was helping me earlier thinks she slips past me, making her way to the back door. I doubt many people know I can hear heartbeats. Even over a heavy storm like this, it can’t escape me. I pick up my weapon, slowly getting to my feet. She won’t get far, and I like it when they run. She sees me following her and throws the flash drive like it’ll slow me down. I drag my axe behind me, the sound of metal against tile and thunder clapping against the valley. Perfect ending to a perfect day. She runs as fast as she can in her heels, almost to the door. She’s gonna make it. She’ll be able to see her family again and find a safer job. If only she could reach the door. She cries, silently begging for a miracle. Lightning strikes and she looks back to see me again. I laugh at her with a deep growl, lifting the axe above my head with ease. I throw it down the hallway and she screeches when it lands in the door, right by the handle. She opens it, but knows this is her end. The gardener swings in her way, hung with his own rope. She screams again and backs into my chest. I slam the door shut and twist her around by the shoulder, pinning her against it.
“You- you li-lied to me. You said you’ll le-let me go!” Tears stream from her face, so heavy she can barely see through them. My laugh turns manic and angry. The truth hurts, doesn’t it?
“They lied to me too.” My fingers slowly cut into her chest. She screams and chokes in pain, begging me to stop. Slowly my fingers lace around her heart. I pull it out quickly and let her body fall to the floor. If only I never knew the truth.
Looking down the hallway, at the chaos I caused, it makes me exhilarated. I could never control my anger, but this is what I was built for. You can’t truly appreciate death until you’ve stood at its precipice. For me, it’s part of who I am. Lightning brightens blood painted walls, bodies torn apart along the floor. They could’ve avoided all of this, but I am what they made me. I lift the heart above my head, squeezing blood down on my face. Lightning flashes again, revealing my massacre once more. This, I think, This is worth living for.

Chapter Text

Liberation from the IMC brought chaos to the Outlands, and the revival of an old bloodsport. Some Legends fight for fortune, others, answers.
Today the popular bloodsport, Apex Legends, is airing the first episode of their newest season. So naturally, every bar and cafe are filled. People hustle in and out to prepare for the night to come. Personally, I don't care for such hobbies. I prefer to fill my time by acquiring any treasure my sticky fingers can grab, and the busy streets offer the perfect opportunity. I'm a jewel thief, and a good one at that.
It's not unusual for me to travel the Outlands to do somebody's dirty work, as long as they pay accordingly. Unfortunately, a very eager client has called me out to the desert planet, Solace, where the Games are held. Solace City, the capital, is close to the main arena making this place an Apex theme park. With a new season airing tonight, today is the busiest day to visit. I don't like it here due to the sand, and mostly because Hammond Robotics Headquarters is built in the capital. Thanks to them, this ‘lawless’ land is quite civilized despite no police force. Unlike other planets in the galaxy which are run amuck with warlords.
I’m meeting at a bar I haven’t visited before, but it’s crawling with degenerates. Rampart’s Mods is on the edge of town where underground gauntlet fights and gangs are regular. It's easy to slip jewelry and wallets here, though the quality isn't worth it. Somehow, the buildings are more beaten down than the overworked citizens. They scramble into various clubs like mice desperate for food. We're all desperate for something, even if it's addiction on top of addiction.
This particular place is home to a well known modder who’s made any weapon her customers could dream up of. Inside the grimy place, the walls are lined with display cases of her creations, trophies, and flags she’s won. Red, orange, and pink Indian tapestries and wisteria vines hang along the ceiling. An arched doorway behind the bar is blocked with matching beads.
The owner wears her dark brown hair in a high ponytail with an undercut. Her darker skin contrasts the bright colors she wears; a bright cyan crop top with baggy orange cargo pants. She grins eagerly, fidgeting with her tongue piercing. She’s egging on a fight between two drunken fools. They start punching each other until one is thrown on a table, breaking it in half, and the other spits out a tooth. She sits back, enjoying the show with a drink. She looks elated at the chaos.
The only person who doesn’t engage in casual property destruction, is a woman drinking her sorrows away. Barely even acknowledging the events around her. She has short white hair and fair skin. Eyes that droop with a sadness alcohol can't seem to fill. She’s gorgeous. If I wasn’t here for a job, I’d stop to buy her a drink.
I look around to find the bastard who insisted on meeting with me in a place so unpleasant, and my eyes land on another calm patron. He’s scrawny, wearing all black, with messy hair spiking in all directions. It’s the most electric blue I’ve ever seen. He eyes everyone in the bar with the skepticism of a madman, leg shaking under the table faster than his eyeballs move in his skull. His fingers are intertwined on the tabletop, twitching with anxiety, but he tries to keep them still.
He catches my eye as I walk towards him, but doesn’t stand. He’d probably fall over with how shaky he is. He stutters in a crisp, refined accent, "L-Lo-Loba. Loba Andrade, I'm- I’m glad you could find me."
I give him a stiff smile, sitting across from him. "Yes, you chose quite the place to meet. Who do I have the pleasure of working with today?” He doesn't reply, but this isn't uncommon. I don't always care to know who exactly I'm working for anyway. "I understand being here makes you on edge," I continue, loosening my posture slightly. If I’m calm, he’ll follow my body language. Though disgust fills my face when I look over at the bartender again. She casually dodges a shoe flown by her head when grabbing another bottle.
"It’s fitting considering what I need from you,” he replies, struggling to keep eye contact.
I fold my arms and raise an eyebrow. “How so?”
He leans forward eagerly, lowering his voice. “There’s a bracelet in a Hammond facility that’s quite valuable.”
“You want me to break into Hammond?” I laugh. Getting in would be no problem. It's getting out with an army swarming me that I'm worried about.
“I have a way in,” he says sternly. “Prove you’re capable, and I’ll give you the biggest job of your life.” I don’t prove myself to people. I sigh and start to leave, but he grabs my wrist, begging. “You’re the only one who can get me what I need. I believe with my help, you can have everything you’ve ever wanted.”
“I don’t work with others, I do very well on my own.” More people start to enter, and it’s starting to smell despite the wisteria vines. Gamblers make bets on the new season, yelling over each other.
“Listen,” the small man continues. “You can keep the jewelry and anything else you can grab. It’s very high tech. Then, consider if working with me is worth your time.” I’ve never been hired before to steal an object for myself.
“What makes you think you have something that I couldn’t get on my own?” The bar is getting louder and my client becomes more anxious by the second. His leg shakes so vigorously, I can feel the ground vibrating under my feet.
“What I know about you would surprise you,” he says in an almost threatening tone. “I have a keycard that can get you into a Hammond facility.
I try not to laugh in his face again. “You expect me to believe that? I highly doubt you can get something as valuable as a Hammond keycard.”
He shushes me quickly, glancing around the bar. His shaky hands pull out a key card, hidden between cupped fingers. Proof, yes, but more questions arise. He puts the card away, looking too suspicious for such a small act.
“Scared someone’s watching you?” I tease.
His eyes flicker with annoyance. “Yeah, actually. I used to work there,” he explains. “Think of this as getting back what’s mine.”
From what I can tell, there's not much risk besides hurting the Blueberry fool’s ego. I'm not stupid, I won't break into Hammond Robotics unless I'm quite confident in my ability to get away unharmed. I offer him a more welcoming smile. “How about we discuss this somewhere else? Over drinks with a little less dirt in them.”
His lips twitch to a faint smirk and he sighs with relief. "As long as it's not here. It'll smell of vomit soon enough.”
We go back to my ship together, worming through the heavy crowds. I usually don't invite customers inside, but he's no harm to me. What threat could a bag of skin and bones be? Blueberry sits silently at my table, the shaking turned to stiffness, still as a statue. His black attire strikes broadly against the white interior of my ship. He refuses to make eye contact with me, scanning my kitchen instead, like he needs to memorize it. Not much to look at though, it's empty and clean. I like to travel light with nothing that couldn’t be replaced. This small ship is pathetic compared to my home on Psmathe.
"Now that we're in the privacy of my own ship,” I start, leaning over the kitchen table on my palms. “Be honest with me. Who are you?"
"Jaime," he replies hesitantly. "Last name isn't important."
"What's this high tech object you’d like me to steal?"
"A jumpdrive bracelet,” Jaime responds calmly. He uses his hands as he talks like I couldn’t understand him without it. “A Hammond engineer found a way to use jump technology and put it in a piece of jewelry to teleport the wearer. It’s incredible, making something that advanced the size of a wristband. The perfect tool for the perfect thief."
"Fascinating,” I stand up straight, looking down at him. Something like that could get me almost anywhere. It would also be well guarded, especially Hammond made. How does he expect me to just walk in and take it? “And you’re willing to hand me your keycard that somehow still has access, which will lead me right to it?"
He hesitates again, shifting in his seat to appear taller. "It’s from someone I used to know, they won’t be using it anymore.” He sounded very proud of the technology, I wonder if he knew the creator. “If this doesn’t convince you to join me, then we’ll part ways. You get a new bracelet for your collection, and I’ll never bother you again.”
“That’s it?” I raise an eyebrow. He speaks as if this will all be so easy, which makes my trust for him diminish even more. A stranger offers me a way in to steal very high tech jewelry, to keep for myself. All he wants is a partnership? I don’t believe that for a second. “What’s in it for you?”
“If you’re capable of this,” Jaime leans forward on his elbows, fingers intertwining. “We can work together for something much bigger. Something you’ve wanted for a very long time.” Of course. Trust Blueberry to pay me in something more worthwhile than money. Did he really expect me to work off of promises?
“I have everything I ever wanted,” I scoff. My treasures, especially the valuable ones, are kept safely in my house. I’m cautious, haven’t got this far from recklessness. But I also haven’t made it on top without a few risks. If Jaime speaks the truth, this bracelet would be worth the trouble. I’ve gotten out of many sticky situations, what’s different now? Hammond’s power only goes so far.
“Take a leap of faith,” Jaime stands up quickly, holding out his hand for me to shake. “See what I can offer you.”
I’ve done riskier jobs before, and the challenge sounds fun. Plus, if I have that around my wrist, Hammond will never touch me. I sigh before taking his hand, tightly. "And if you double cross me, you know I'll kill you.”
"I don't doubt that for a second.”

Chapter Text

Jaime insists on stealing the bracelet as soon as possible, he says Hammond is extra busy when Apex airs a new season; they sponsor most of the game’s technology. We meet at the headquarters that night, on a dark road near the back of the building. There’s a row of pine trees on the other side of the pavement where Jaime lurks in the shadows of his very expensive black car.
When I climb inside, he quickly glances at me. Every inch of the vehicle matches the dark matte color of the exterior. I examine the space critically. “I could barely tell you were here with how tinted the windows are. Is everything you own black?”
He doesn’t look up from the screen in front of him. “Privacy is crucial to me. Plus, black is a stunning color if I do say so myself.”
“It's a bit much.” He ignores me, eyes glued to his laptop. I can’t help but wonder what he did for Hammond. Surely an engineer couldn’t afford something this pricey. “If you don’t mind me asking,” I continue. “What job did a man like you have to earn a nice car like this?”
“That’s not important,” he waves it off, speaking to me annoyed. “I’m going to break into their power system to turn off the cameras since you decided to dress up for the occasion. They’ll know who you are immediately by your signature makeup.” I paint big, bright, red wings on my eyes everyday. They’re a reminder of someone I lost, and my purpose in living for them.
“I couldn’t be a jewel thief without looking good on the job, don’t be jealous.” I quickly scan the building ahead. There’s a very bright sign along the wall, shining blue with the company logo. Underneath the insignia reads HAMMOND ROBOTICS -AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY-.
“I like my place in the shadows,” he hands me a keycard with a picture of a woman. She has dark hair and skin, and a very big smile. Her name is printed at the bottom; Lillith Kings.
“This will get me in the entrance?” I put it safely in my thigh pocket.
“Yes, the big drop down door in front of us.” I find the door quickly, right next to the bright sign. From the looks of it, I wouldn’t guess this was the back entrance. “There’s three guards on site at all times,” Jaime continues. “They’ll hear the door and come to investigate. There will be stairs to your left when you walk in which go up to the labs. Find the bracelet and get out before enforcers arrive. Alarms will be blaring all over like a screeching possessed kitten. It’s awful honestly, I don't know why they chose that.”
“Only three? I’m sure I can manage myself just fine.”
“The fence across the road is electrified, but I can turn it off for half an hour. When you have the jumpdrive, come back through these trees to the otherside. I’ll be in an alleyway of the shops. I can’t be seen this close to the facility helping you.” Hiding for his safety, I’m sure. Hammond wouldn’t be happy if they knew he could hack into their power systems. Which makes this heist look fishier by the second. How the hell can he break into one of the most powerful companies so nonchalantly? And not only is he confident enough in my ability to steal a very high tech object, he does so by opening the loudest entrance.
I try to swallow my suspicions when Jaime hands me a small earpiece. “What’s this for?”
“Communication while you’re inside. It’s similar technology as the comms used in the Games.” He adds, almost ashamed. “I’m obsessed, I like to recreate tools they use.”
“Don’t worry about the fence,” I reply confidently. I get out, putting the earpiece where it goes. The faster I get this done, the faster I can go home with my new treasure.
With a running start, I grab one of my most prized possessions from the pouch on my thigh and throw it out, lengthen it into a staff. The sharp end lands nicely in the road, giving me enough support to swing myself over the fence. Nothing I haven’t done a million times before. It takes even more skill to learn how to land comfortably in my six inch heels. I shorten the weapon into a harmless trinket of a silver wolf head, placing it safely back in my pocket.
“Impressive,” Jaime’s voice rings over the gadget in my ear. “Quite an experience watching the infamous Loba Andrade in action.”
“Depending on how this heist goes, you'll see just what I can do with it.” I smile, strutting towards the drop down door. No use being stealthy when the obnoxious metal clinking together will give me away.
“Is that supposed to be a threat or an offer?”
“That all depends on you.” I reply, watching the door loudly lift up. Can I really just walk in? There’s no way it’s this easy. I’ve had my fair share of breaking security codes and locks but this is literally a door opening itself for me. For all I know, I’m walking straight into a trap.
Now that I've successfully broken in, if you could even call it that, the idea of Hammond officials hunting me down starts to worry me. I try to ignore my anxiety and enter with my head held high. I won't let my emotions get in the way, not until instincts tell me otherwise.
“On the second floor are the labs,” Jaime continues. “Completed projects are the last few doors down the hallway.” I follow his command as he speaks, finding the stairs easily thanks to the enormous blue sign shining behind me. “Most rooms have a folder with a brief description of the project being tested. Often there is a picture on the document, look for the one with the bracelet.”
I reach the next floor and quickly go down the hallway. I don’t dare grab more than what I came here for. Luckily none of the technology here piques my interest. Most of these projects are for the Apex Games anyway. I wonder why. Wouldn’t the Syndicate be over this? They own and created the bloodsport after all. I guess being the sole government for six planets must’ve got in the way.
“Jaime,” I whisper harshly. “Hammond doesn’t own the Games. Why are they testing technology for competitors?”
“They’re partnered with Syndicate to help with engineering. They don’t own any part of it but they get paid enough to create anything they’re asked of. This building is primarily for Apex needs, since the main arena is in the same city. Now look for a room on your right.”
Finally, I reach the room with a document stamped as COMPLETED and a picture of the golden bracelet. It’s beautiful and clearly packed with technology beyond my comprehension. Before I can even open my mouth, the alarms start blaring from everywhere. Jaime wasn’t kidding, they sound like angry cats clawing at each other.
“They know I’m here,” I speak up so he can hear me. “But I found the room, will the keycard work?”
“There’s lasers inside I can’t access, go through the side door on your right. It's an office that’ll lead you there. Please be careful Loba, and hurry.” I swipe the keypad and it glows green, letting me enter. The space is cluttered with files, blueprints, unfinished projects with wires sticking out, and every imaginable tool an engineer could use. I run to the other entrance by a chaotic desk and out of the corner of my eye I see electric blue hair. On top of the mess is a small picture of Jaime and Lillith Kings, kissing on their wedding day. I'm standing in her office, that's why this was all so easy.
A guard speaks loudly in the hallway, radioing for back up. I don’t have the time to ask questions. I swipe the folded paper and rush into the lab with another swipe of her keycard. There’s lasers everywhere but the back of the room where the bracelet floats on a pedestal. It’s easy to grab, Lilith probably relied on the lasers and metal doors to keep people out. I wonder where she is in all of this.
Almost immediately as I grab my new treasure, the main door opens from the middle, revealing guards pointing guns at my head. The lasers flicker off and I throw the bracelet before the hatch opens enough for the three men waiting on the other side. Thankfully, the jumpdrive does as Jaime said it would. In the blink of an eye, I’m teleported behind the guards, bracelet in hand. I throw it again, running zig zag to avoid bullets. The guards hardly understand what’s happening by the time I’m smashing out the window in the stairwell. As I jump through, my wrist flicks the bracelet down, transporting me safely on the ground. I use it all the way to the pine trees, disappearing from sight.
I walk slower towards the busy streets, now that I’m away from Hammond’s wrath for a few minutes. In all the chaos, I didn’t get the chance to admire the beautiful jewelry. Holding my wrist out in front of me, I smile at the golden design. The metal shrunk to fit perfectly against my skin, and grows when I slip it off. Now to find the man who started this mess and get the hell off of this planet.
“Jaime,” I call to him with no response. I honestly forgot about the earpiece in the hustle of things, but I didn’t expect his end to go dead. “Jaime, where are you?” Still nothing. I slip into an alleyway and throw my bracelet to a rooftop. It’d be easier to find him from above, and to stay out of Hammond enforcers’ way. This city makes it hard to believe Solace is a desert planet. Surrounded by tall buildings and neon lights. I reach the highest point in the area and search the grounds for Jaime or his car. The wonders this bracelet will do for me, as long as I can get back home. The black vehicle is nowhere to be found and I debate leaving him, until I see another glimpse of that bright blue hair. In the middle of a dark and empty street, three men crowd over Blueberry, taking turns to kick him in the ribs. One of them pulls out a knife, flashing green from a nearby sign. I toss the jumpdrive to land by them, startling the group. Jaime looks just as surprised but smirks at my arrival.
“Let’s get this over with.” I throw out my staff before running towards them. Two men go in for a punch, but I drop low, swinging my weapon to sweep the first guy off his feet. Bringing it around smoothly, I pierce the sharp end into the bottom of the second victim’s jaw. The third one comes at me with the knife, but I’m faster. I swing my leg high to kick him hard. A tooth flies out with the force and he topples to the ground. I steal the blade from his grasp, throwing it straight into the first guy's throat who got back up for another try. He chokes, pulling the knife out and scrambles away with the others. I stick my hand out, offering to help Jaime up. “You owe me for that, Blueberry.”
He smiles, takes my hand and groans between breaths. “Does that mean we’re partners?”
“Maybe if you can explain this,” I pull out the folded picture of him and his wife. “Do you work-”
“Not here, not here,” Jaime quickly interjects, taking the photo and tapping the screen on his watch. “I promise, I’ll explain everything, but I’ve got quite the enemies and I’d rather be safely on your ship than in the middle of the streets.” His car comes hovering towards us. A hybrid, whether your needs call for tires or antigravity. Jaime definitely works for Hammond.
I toss him into the passenger seat before taking the wheel. “If I can’t trust you, you’ll end up just like the man who’s dripping blood from his chin.”

Chapter Text

We get back to my ship with Jaime's ribs healed back up. One of the perks of his job, he has the luxury of easily accessible medkits. He's sitting on my couch, resting with a cup of ice water.
I stand in front of him with my arms folded and a serious face. “I won’t complain about the jumpdrive, a very handy tool indeed.” I hold out my wrist again, then twist it to examine my nails. I just got them done and they're already stained with blood. “Although, I don’t like the idea of Hammond tracking me down or being led into a trap by one of their employees. You better start talking, Blueberry. I want to know everything.”
“I can assure you this wasn’t a trap and you’re safe,” Jaime waves his palms in the air, cup still in hand. “Believe it or not, they don’t care about losing the bracelet. The only reason they’d hunt you down is if it got out that a jewel thief stole from their testing facility. Hammond doesn’t like to look weak, and they have very powerful people to preserve that image.” I’m not one to brag about where I find my treasures, so that won’t be a problem. I am worried about running into one of the higher ups Jaime is referring to. Cheryl Amicci is head of Hammond Robotics legal department. She keeps the company’s ‘good name’ intact. Thanks to her, people see them as advanced innovators only trying to help. Others, like me, know how corrupt and evil they really are.
“How do I know you’re not trying to rope me into being a pawn for them?” I pull out my staff and spin it between my fingers. “Tell me what I want to know before I force it out of you. I really don’t want this to get messy.”
Jaime sighs deeply, placing the cup on the coffee table. He sounds almost annoyed at my threats. “Obviously that was my wife's office, she created the jumpdrive. I work as Hammond’s personal PI. I can find anything on anyone and anywhere. I gather whatever details my employers want to know and on the side I help with security measures for every Hammond facility. Honestly, the hard part was making the robbery look real.”
“I'm sure cameras are easy for you, a glitch in the system.” I put the staff safely away. I don't doubt Jaime is very intelligent, Hammond wouldn’t hire him otherwise, but it’s quite obvious this is his first heist. He knows what he is doing when it comes to technology, but the promises, I never trusted them from the beginning. Emotions clouded his judgment, he’s desperate and doesn’t know how to hide it.
“Fortunately, the Syndicate has been dealing with a hacker problem. This could be easily blamed on the same person.”
“What about the keycard?” I pull it out, throwing it by the cup. “You said Lily wouldn't be using it anymore.”
“She started poking around where she didn’t belong. She knew the wrong information, and like so many others, they got rid of her for it.” Hammond killed her for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Something very common for them. Jaime looks troubled for words, like he hasn’t told anyone this before. His eyes glisten with tears and he stares at me intensely, like he’s trying to look deep into my soul. “They hurt us both, Loba. I want them to pay.”
I keep my face blank, now isn’t the time to think about my past. That life is gone and I’m not about to open it back up for another unfortunate victim. My voice is stern when I reply. “So this was just a ruse for revenge. When you said you can offer me something I’ve always wanted, I expected something I actually, well, wanted.”
He laughs, shaking his head. “You don’t get it. I know everything about you, Loba Andrade. I couldn’t tell you my plan until after the jumpdrive was successfully in your hands. I needed to know if you could break into a Hammond facility without your heart getting in the way.”
“My heart?” I scoff. “Look, Blueberry, I understand you lost someone very important to you, but I’m a jewel thief. I steal jewelry and that’s it. I’m not going to mess around with stuff I don’t understand, I suggest you do the same.” I walk away to the small kitchen to open the hatch, and he follows quickly.
“Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about. I’ve had tags on you for over a decade, from the first time you tried fooling with Hammond.”
I grab a knife from a drawer and flash it at him. He better stop talking now before he brings up memories I’d rather have buried. “What happened to your wife is exactly why I stopped-”
He interrupts, yelling louder than I thought he was capable of. “What happened to my wife is exactly why I need you.” His face burns with fury and determination, shutting us both up quickly. “I have nothing to lose now,” he speaks softer, with a shaky voice. “You have no one to lose either so they can’t hurt us if I mess up again.”
“I don’t care about Hammond,” I say through gritted teeth, slamming the knife down. “You don't have anything I want, now leave before-”
“Revenge on Revenant."
I don’t hide my surprise fast enough. Jaime smiles, he knows I couldn't refuse even the possibility. I shake away those thoughts that keep trying to resurface, but it’s no use. My voice is too uneven and I can’t keep eye contact. "I don't even know who that is."
“I know how to kill him.”
“He's a simulacrum, he’s immortal,” I roll my eyes. I can’t believe after all these years someone thinks they can actually take him down.
“His source code. Destroy that and he'll be gone forever. No matter how many bodies are made, he can’t be resurrected.” I don’t say anything, staring blankly back at Jaime. “My information is useful but it can't kill a god. You're the one with the weapons, the jumpdrive, the combat. I just want to rid the world of him, please."
I once walked away from someone I wanted to spend the rest of my life with so I can hunt this demonio down. I’ve regretted that decision since the day I made it. Walking away now would throw away that sacrifice completely. My voice is forced, but I hold my chin up with fake confidence. “You really think we could succeed?”
“I think we’re both willing to die trying.” He smiles weakly, gripping Lily’s keycard. I hold out my hand and we shake on our new partnership.

I offer Jaime my spare bedroom and the next day we move his stuff in. He doesn't own much besides a very large computer setup. I don't mind giving him the room, it's been empty since I bought this place. Plus, it would be beneficial to work together under the same roof. My home is the most secured on the block and with the work we’ll be doing, I can’t risk any nosey neighbors. There's been an empty corner in my front room just waiting to be filled with something big and expensive. I was expecting a telescope or grand piano if the day came, but I suppose Jaime's computer will have to do. At first I didn’t mind the new changes until he decided to hang up blackout curtains in his bedroom. The rest of my home is still bright and warm, so I’ll have to live with the cave across the hall. I do think he’ll enjoy staying here. Psmathe is filled with men made of money and even if he denies it, that’s exactly what Blueberry is.
Now that we finally have time to safely discuss Revenant, we both sit at the desk as Jaime clicks away on his computer. Thanks to Hammond, he’s been researching everything about this demonio for a year now. He knows the programming inside and out. The monitor shows blueprints for when Revenant was first made. From an engineering and scientific point of view, he is an incredible breakthrough. So incredible, that he’s the first and only successfully made sim to ever be created. In his almost 400 years of life, no one has been remotely close to a replica. Honestly, I don’t know of any other simulacrum, the technology is too impossible to achieve. They are programmed from a real human’s personality and beliefs. It could be tampered with but everything that makes Revenant who he is was there since before he first died. I could never imagine that monster having a shred of humanity. Jaime defends that he was being controlled by the Syndicate and didn’t know he was ever turned into a sim. The coding didn’t allow him to remember any time he died or see his true reflection, metal instead of skin.
“The most important event of his simulacrum life,” Jaime clears his throat pulling up an article from 2708 about the high end restaurant, Tenmei. There's a waterfall and cherry trees, a defining plant of Olympus. One of Psmathes's richest cities, floating above the clouds of a polluted country. The dining area is covered in gold with a very big chandelier that resembles flowers of the cherry trees. My jaw clenches and my fists tighten. This article is about the night Revenant brutally murdered both of my parents right in front of me. The red eyeliner I wear everyday symbolizes my father’s blood that covered my eyes when I cried over his lifeless body. I was only a child then.
Despite the horrible memory of my past, this was not the event Jaime was referring to. "Revenant’s creators predicted that every time his programming was passed down to another body, it’d get worse until completely malfunctioning. That’s exactly what happened. That night, all the memories came flooding back and the Syndicate could no longer control him. Every kill, every death, every day, all at once.”
“Don’t talk like you pity him,” I scoff, disgusted.
“I’d never, but centuries of death and murder all at once, and the realization who he really is. I’d say that’s enough to drive anyone crazy.” I shake my head angrily and Jaime takes down the article. Good, I don't need to see that place ever again. “He went on a killing spree, anyone connected to Hammond or the Syndicate was at risk. He took out most of the workers until he disappeared. Waiting in the shadows ever since.” I found this out ten years ago when I first sought revenge. Thus causing Jaime to investigate me in case I learned too much. The demonio has been hiding for two decades now, the main reason as to why he’s now nothing, but a rumor.
“Great so we know what he is and how long he’s been terrorizing people. I’m not here for a history lesson.” I lean back in my chair, annoyed. “Get to the point and tell me what the source code is.”
“I was hired for this project to figure out how to gain control of him again. I don’t know what they want to do with the sim, but killing him is definitely not in their best interest. If the new coding works, Hammond can have Revenant do whatever they want. They just need the source code to do it, which means it will come out of hiding.”
“There'll be a race for it then. Us against him. He can step on us like bugs after he destroys Hammond again.”
“He won’t even know where it is, much less that we'll be looking for it.” Jaime acts too calmly for talking about killing a god previously thought to be immortal.
“We don't know where it is,” I remind him. He stares back, defeated, which makes me more upset.
“Not yet,” he replies hesitantly. "But I know how to destroy it and make it look like an accident. His source code is his human head. You can easily shoot it between his eyeballs, but Hammond will hunt you down for it.” He pretends to shoot me with his right hand. I side eye him, disappointed. Regardless of how this monster goes down, nothing can be done without that head. “Part of my job is security. I’m on the team protecting this thing and I have a pretty good idea on how it will be guarded. Not only can I find loopholes to break in, I can make it easier for you to have a clean escape.” He pulls up a sketch for what his team has planned. A platform with a computer sits up above the ground which is covered in large gas tanks.
“Why the hell would Hammond ‘protect’ the source code with gas?” One spark and it’s all gone. It doesn’t make sense, especially with how important this thing is.
“It’s a common practice for highly classified items,” he shrugs. It may not be the best plan, but I'm willing to listen. He’s still working for them, this is my best chance to take that demon out. “Worse case scenarios, evidence needs to be erased. The tanks will be triggered and the source code teleports safely away. Everything else goes up in flames. Unless the signal never sends, source code will be destroyed with the rest.”
“I’ll jumpdrive out like we were never there,” I finish for him. It could actually work, there’s no way a head could survive a gas explosion. “With the blueprints, do you think you could find where it is?”
“I may already have,” he pulls up an arena from the Apex Games. “Kings Canyon was shut down this season and the Games were relocated to Talos. Syndicate said it was to sponsor their new partnership with Hammond Robotics, who owns the land of the new arena. The real reason is because Hammond started construction on Kings Canyon, specifically around the Skull Town area, a very popular POI. I’m honestly quite curious as to why they started building something two weeks before recoding Revenant. Which has been taking enough of Hammond’s time.”
“As if they needed somewhere safe to keep the source code in case the new programming doesn’t work and Revenant tries to take it for himself.” After what happened the first time he saw the truth, they wouldn’t risk their people. Or more importantly, ruining the company’s reputation. Constructing a room to protect their deadly puppet would have to be very confidential and impossible to stumble upon. And what better place than one of the government's most secured facilities.
“And to tie it all together, employees working for headquarters are being temporarily repositioned to Talos. But the engineers hired for the Revenant case are staying on Solace.” Now we're getting somewhere, Blueberry.
“Well that’s evidence enough,” I can’t help it when my face glows with hope. Jaime truly has offered the one thing I’ve always wanted and it's more than just a silly dream.
“I’ll continue investigating where the source code is. You will need to start training to join the Apex Games.” He doesn’t hide his excitement well, grinning like a child on christmas.
“Jaime, calm down. I hardly think that’s necessary.” I know nothing about the Games, I never even considered how I’d do as a contestant. “I’m not going to live off your fantasy because you’re too weak to fight in a bloodsport.”
“It’s not for my entertainment, as much as I'm going to enjoy it.” He powers off the computer and we walk together to the bedrooms upstairs. “If I’m right about the construction on Kings Canyon, you need to break in during a match.”
“Break into a secret vault in the government's arena while being recorded from every angle? Easy as can be,” I roll my eyes sarcastically.
“Remember that hacker problem the Syndicate was dealing with?” Vaguely. “This will look like his doing with a targeted EMP. Specifics aren’t quite worked out yet. Join the Games and I’ll figure it out.” He pats my back and shuts his door abruptly. It seems there’s no negotiating on this one. I shouldn’t worry, I can become a contestant easily with my staff and this bracelet. What I’m not particularly fond of is being wired while breaking into the most confidential facility Hammond has ever built. During a live game. I’ll just have to trust Jaime on this one, whether I like it or not.

Chapter Text

It’s been three months since Jaime has moved in and our plan is almost ready. I followed every lead he dug up, now all I have to do is join the Games and wait for an opportunity. We've both been working tirelessly to find the source code, and ways to kill Revenant without exposing or hurting ourselves. With the new Apex season coming up, and Kings Canyon with it, my chance for revenge is almost a reality. I've started training to join the Games but it truly hasn’t been on my to do list; I still have a business to manage. You don’t become successful like me by running around in a bloodsport.
Jaime proves himself useful by investigating my clients and what they need me to steal whenever he can. This makes robberies easier than they’ve ever been, especially with the gadgets he’s made. One of my favorites is night vision contact lenses that look like innocent diamonds on my inner eyes. No one suspects a thing and the compliments always make me smile.
I’ve been trying to stay under the grid considering Jaime lives with me, and he could very well be hunted by Revenant any day now. Twenty years ago the demonio tortured the people who were controlling him. I assume that’s exactly what he’s trying to do now; especially after he heard they're trying to do it again. Jaime is a prime target if Revenant figures out the involvement he’s had in changing the coding. Since the reprogramming started, finding him has been our top priority. If our plan is going to work, we need to stay far away from Revenant when we finally kill him. I don't need more obstacles than I already have. Assuming, of course, we find the source code first. I don't doubt that's exactly what he's searching for in hopes to keep it out of Hammond’s grasp.
So far the company has suffered three break ins, all facilities on Talos. We strongly believe this was Revenant’s doing, but have yet to confirm. The first resulted in two deaths in one of their warehouses. The second was an office building, almost a dozen workers were killed and the addresses of nearly 300 employees were stolen. My anxieties are clearer knowing Jaime never disclosed to his employers that he moved. He stays cooped up in my house which is surrounded by security. The third break in was Cheryl Amicci’s office at the new headquarters, luckily no one was killed.
This powerful woman is Jaime’s boss, the one trying to control Revenant again. She wouldn’t be stupid enough to leave information about the source code on her work computer, especially after the first break in. Although she has the audacity to assure all Hammond employees are in zero threat despite the deaths that have occurred. This means the demonio is on Talos, far enough away from Psmathe and Kings Canyon. From what information Jaime could get, the new coding didn’t work as expected. Shocking. He says it seems to have made Revenant even more insane than he already is. Engineers are working day and night to make him manageable again. Whatever that means in Cheryl’s eyes.
The unfortunate part about living with Jaime is watching the Apex Games together every week. Apparently it will prepare me for when my time finally comes. He has been extra excited with this upcoming season because the new Legend is a representative for Hammond Robotics. Blueberry’s been on the edge of his seat, waiting to find out who they chose. Although, I drew the line when he asked me to watch interviews with him. He can have his obsessions, but I could care less about these celebrities' lives.
There's only one particular Legend I enjoy; Bangalore. She’s beautiful and doesn’t let anything get in her way. Ex-military for the IMC, not the best thing to be living in the Outlands. Most people here fought alongside the Militia, against the IMC. Still a respectful and gorgeous woman with very short, curly, black hair. Her smile is big and bright, but she never uses it. She’s always angry and serious, but sometimes smirks when she bests someone.
Jaime has been quite busy, glued to his computer. I don’t bother asking him to join me on my next big job. Olympus’s History Museum recently announced their latest attraction: a beautiful silver necklace with gold gems, and blue and purple pendants made of branthium. A powerful energy crystal that once showed up randomly throughout the Outlands. Mostly the rich, especially the families that run Psmathe, own a piece of branthium. I’ve yet to lay my hands on the priceless element.
Before I leave, Jaime excitedly rambles about the interview with Hammond’s representative, which airs tonight. I'll be looking forward to hearing about it later but for now, I have a branthium necklace to steal. With my staff, I won't be needing Jaime’s help at all. I won’t even have to walk in the building. The family that owns the museum knows my name well, they’ll be expecting me. That means my bracelet can’t fit under the doors or through the vents. Although, they don’t know how my staff works, giving me the perfect advantage.
I jumpdrive to a rooftop next to the Olympus’s History Museum. There’s guards everywhere, patrolling for thieves like me. This is the first day the jewelry will be presented. How wonderful it would feel to reveal an empty display stand. From here I can see into the room, looking through a dome skylight. A pedestal in the middle is covered with a white cloth, waiting to be shown to a large crowd. Everyone is dressed formally, some women wear golden gowns to compliment the equally golden room. Spotlights shine from above paintings on the walls and the necklace in the middle of the floor. The museum owner taps her champagne glass for the groups’ attention and starts a speech. Probably about the amazing scientists who found branthium.
I lengthen my staff and throw it down to stand up straight. It glows white and blue, creating a hologram of a diamond around the metal pole. I don't like using my black market often because it attracts more attention than I like; I'd rather keep my tactics secret. Although, stealing jewelry as rare as this would make my parents proud. Revenant assassinated my father for stealing the staff, who am I to not use it in his honor?
The hologram shows any item of metal within a thirty meter radius. All I have to do is select the item I want and it’ll appear in my hands. The only thing to show for my presence is a gush of air when my black market is set up. And just like that, the beautiful necklace is mine. I take down my market and watch with pride when the cloth falls to show an empty display. The crowd gasps and the owner panics, looking for a guard to yell at. I smile wide and strut back to my home, watching the sun set below clouds.
I was barely gone an hour so you can imagine my surprise when I came home to Jaime sitting silently in the office. I was expecting the interview to be blaring on the speakers and Blueberry jumping out of his seat to tell me all about it. Instead, he looks focused, bent over the computer. He's been there all day, busy with his scattered mind. Maybe he forgot about it. If I don’t remind him, I can go to bed peacefully.
He only glances at the necklace when I lay it along the display I set up in the middle of my front room. Just like the one at the museum. He’s probably tired; in the morning we can discuss our adventures of today. For now, we both need sleep. I've been training all day and plan to go again early tomorrow.
"There we are," I say, centering the jewelry. "I'm off to bed."
"Wait,” Jaime croaks from his dark corner. “I, uh, I found him."
I stop abruptly, fear creeping under my skin. “What? What are you talking about?” I speak more harshly than anticipated, due to the anxiety growing in my chest. Who else would he be talking about?
“I found him,” he repeats, switching his screen to the TV behind me.
Red brightens up the room and my eyes go wide with panic. My lungs feel constricted as Revenant's yellow eyes glow back at me with rage, dripping with blood. Between them is a pentagram and the Hammond logo in the center. His head is shaped like a crimson goat skull with big, dark, curly horns. He has long black fur for hair, draping over his shoulders and down his chest.
I stare back at an ad for the Apex Games with their new Legend. Hammond’s representative is their rewired puppet? All for what? Fame in a bloodsport? Anger starts to replace the fear inside me. They risked lives to pull the strings of a loose canon for money? After all the work they’ve done to rebrand their good name. It doesn’t make any sense.
“I don't understand,” I mutter under my breath.
“The interview that aired today didn’t go as planned, Hammond had to improvise.” Jamie changes the computer screen to a reporter for the Outlands TV, Lisa Stone.
I sit on the chair next to Jaime and watch as the representative is revealed. A very muscular man named James McCormick, the Forge. He has a prosthetic arm as thick as his real one and palms so big he could crush my skull like an orange. I’ve heard about him, he’s fought in the Games as a contestant. He talks to Lisa, but the lights flicker and she mentions technical issues. Revenant appears behind the man and stabs him in the back with his sharp fingers. Blood splatters on the reporter and she screams before the video is cut. With millions of fans waiting to watch this interview live, I'm sure the footage is getting leaked across the Outlands as we speak.
I stare at it, still just as confused. “Hammond's solution to the demonio killing their representative is giving him the spot?” This makes them look messy and careless. Precisely the image they want to stay away from.
“Cheryl is livid, as you can imagine,” Jaime spins to face me, leaning on his elbow. “Although, not more than the Syndicate. They're ready to cut all funding for Hammond Robotics and end their partnership. Making him the new Legend is an attempt to control him and protect their employees.”
“Why would he ever agree to that?” I shake my head.
“Our programming actually,” Jaime chuckles. “Somehow, the only thing we could get into that monster’s head is to stop killing people. He can’t take someone’s life but he sure as hell can torture contestants in a bloodsport. He’s coded to follow the Game’s rules, which was quite an easy addition actually.”
“So instead of a dangerous, vengeful, god,” I raise my eyebrow in disbelief. “He’s nothing more than any other Legend?” I don’t understand much about simulacrums, but how the hell is this the outcome of the new coding?
“Well, he’ll definitely be an Apex Champion,” Blueberry mutters back. Champions are supposedly the best of the best. Top three contestants with the most wins and the most kills. Better than all the other Legends. “Regardless, now is the time to apply for the Games.”
“I'll do it tomorrow, I just didn't expect to have the demonio as a teammate.” I stand stiffly and walk away; I don’t want to think about this right now. Every step we take feels like we’re getting further and further away. How am I supposed to kill him if he’s fighting by my side?
“He barely dampers the plan,” Jaime follows behind, yawning wide. “I need more time, but I know we can do it.”
“Well, I’d like at least one more peaceful night before I have to face him again.” Jaime mutters goodnight before the door closes behind me. A million worries run through my head that I can't seem to stop. What if he remembers me? What if he knows I’ve been hunting him? What if he knows Jaime helped put him under their command again? Blueberry is annoying at times, but I couldn’t stand a life without him. After all we’ve both been through, we only have each other. By the next week, I have officially become a contestant in the Apex Games. There was an online application and an in person interview, but it was easier than anything else I’ve done for this. I was worried at first to show up in my usual heels and corset, but Jaime reassured me that the Syndicate knows my reputation and what I’m capable of. He was very right, they accepted me as soon as I walked through the door. Though that could be because my interviewer, Jacob Young, is a big fan of my work. He couldn’t stop looking at me with googly eyes. Corset was a good choice, I don’t think my black market is what he’s interested in. He said he wasn’t usually the one to hire contestants, but when he saw my name he had to take the opportunity. Jacob gave me his number and said if I needed anything to text him personally. My bracelet will be a great advantage in the Games, but I’m not quite ready for the galaxy to know about my staff. Either way, I could care less about becoming a Legend or a Champion. I’m here for revenge, and I’ll gladly go back to running my business when I’m done. Jaime talks nonstop about the Games, explaining the rules, the arenas, about Legends and their abilities, the weapons, training options. I think he knows more about Apex than the company who owns it. I keep warning him to not get his hopes up, but I think that ship sailed when I sent in my application. Unfortunately, he has to stay in the safety of Psmathe while I fight for glory. My first match was on the Talos arena, World's Edge. It really could've been a beautiful planet with the green mountains and tall geysers. If it weren't for Hammond's excessive mining that cracked the planet's core, causing lava fissures to form everywhere. It was only a matter of time before nature did it itself; there are volcanoes all over Talos. I'm not a history enthusiast, though I'm sure Jaime knows, but for some reason part of the arena is covered in an eternal winter. Something about the Epicenter exploding. I played a safe game with snipers. My main focus was not winning nor killing, but spying on the demonio. Seeing that monster right before my eyes was terrifying and difficult. Jaime told me stories about what he did to people when he was hunting down Hammond employees. Centuries ago, as a human, he was rumored to be a cannibal. Seeing his knife-like fingers is worse than I remembered somehow. He uses some dark power to change others into his shadowy slaves, giving them a second chance to fight. I fish my memories for when he did this the night I first met him. His metal body went dark and smokey just like the other contestants do now. All the little friends he's made are happy to oblige him, as long as it gives them victory. They're like angels in his devil's choir. Selling their souls for blacked wings. He seems content in this life, but I don't believe that for a second. Given the chance, Revenant would tear every single one of us apart with nothing but a scratch to show for it. The later half of the season takes place on Kings Canyon. Jaime works his magic to put me in more matches, but not too many to make my face known. I stay hidden, far away from the demonio, and investigate the island. Learning every crack and crevice to sneak my way through the bunker where the source code resides. There's a few bunkers scattered across the arena; huge, circle trap doors in the sand. Activated with a button at the front, the metal creeks open loudly. Inside a ladder leads to a dim room with very good loot. Backpacks, armor, weapons, sometimes fully kitted weapons. Each room has three doors along the walls, all of them blocked off with fallen rocks or wood planks. The bunker that leads to the source code is on the outskirts of Skull Town. One of the blocked off doors should bring me right to it, if the blueprints are correct. The contrast between the planets is hard to get used to. Where World's Edge turns from ice cold to humid to blazing magma heat. Kings Canyon is dry, warm, and very windy. The red rocks stand tall, sometimes contestants have to climb around or over them. It feels more like war here with the old IMC buildings. There are craters from where Leviathans have walked, leaving ponds behind. A burnt down forest starts to flourish green again, but besides that and another swampy area, there's not much plant life here. Plenty of water though. Hammond told the public they were filling tunnels underneath the island, leftover from the war. This was one of IMC's main bases, but it's easier to do experiments undetected from below the surface. Human experiments. I try not to get too engulfed in this life; I'm here for one purpose, and one purpose only. Though I do admit, it's been hard to lie low at times. I could be quite good in the Games. Contestants don't see each other as enemies, but friends and sometimes family. The dropship is always filled with jokes and conversation. Then we get sorted into teams and people make bets, but everyone is looking to win. It's strange and welcoming at the same time. Nearing the end of the season I've managed to dodge Revenant, even if that meant blowing myself up with a grenade. Jaime, being stuck at home, has found a way to hack into the Syndicate's system and cause a temporary power outage. Any cameras that follow me and the tracker on my wrist won't expose my location when I finally put a bullet through Revenant’s head. There’s no reason to wait any longer. Time to get to work.

Chapter Text

Security, source code, grenade. Security, source code, grenade. Security, source code, grenade. Get in and out undetected.
I recite the plan over and over until no other words occupy my mind. My anxiety has never been higher, though neither has the risk. I’m packing a bag for Solace, but this will be the last time. I’m killing Revenant today and everything will finally go back to normal. No more bouncing between planets. No more fighting in the Games. No more nightmares.
Jaime’s coming with me to hack into the Syndicate’s system. He’ll be hidden at Rampart’s Mods so we can make a quick escape if need be. I can tell he’s on edge, probably more so than me. My life will depend on him tonight. Regardless, the demonio will drop. I’m putting a lot of trust in Blueberry, but in the end, I only care about his safety. Maybe I’ll get to see my parents again. I wonder, assuming we both make it out alive, if he’ll stay and help me run the business.
“Don’t forget the password,” Jaime warns as we leave our home planet.
“I know the plan, I’ll be okay. The real question is if you are?”
“I've got my part covered, don’t worry Loba.” I don't understand his skills, but he assured me Hammond won't suspect him at all. Fifteen minutes is all he can give, but that's all I need. “Just be safe, okay? You’re all I have left.”
“I’m not gonna leave you.” I mutter the words more to myself. Not because they’re false, I’d like to believe they’re true. I don’t like making promises I can’t keep, and anything can happen today.
Jaime drops me off at the boarding site and I have to shoo him away. He wants a glimpse of the Legends, maybe even ask for an autograph, but too many people are in his way. Reporters, contestants, and guards crowd the dropship. I give my friend a quick wave before disappearing into the crowd. While everyone focuses on the celebrities, I rush onto the aircraft. Some contestants try to squeeze into the spotlight, but only the best fighters earn the attention. No one knows my face here, barely anyone cares for my name. It's early to slip by unnoticed.
Inside the dropship is just as loud, but no more cameras flash in my eyes. My chest tightens as more people pile in. The ship is large, but not quite enough for sixty people to have their own space. The less room I have to breathe, the more my head begins to spin. I've never felt claustrophobic here. I'm painfully reminded of all the people who can get hurt. Jaime says the explosions shouldn't cause too much damage. Everyone here is capable of protecting themself. They have jumpkits too. Not to mention the distraction they'll create for me to go underground unnoticed.
The dropship takes flight for Kings Canyon and my stomach twists into knots. I find a bench to sit on in a corner of the main lobby. I try to relax, but my head races through the plan again. A few contestants slide next to me. I try to move closer to the wall, but I'm already as small as I can get. My leg bounces vigorously, I grind my teeth with shallow breaths, and my nails drum against my thigh. This is the day I've been waiting for all my life. What if I get caught or die before making it to the bunker? What if the password is wrong? The location? What if I can't pull the trigger? The inevitable clock towards death or vengeance ticks louder than ever. Time seems to slow, yet quicken at the same time. Water will help, and there's vending machines in the hallway. I snake through the contestants, carelessly shoving people out of my way. I just need to breathe.
When I exit the doorway, I almost run into someone. I jump back, apologizing, but the figure only smiles back, looking through me. He fades to a faint blue light before disappearing. I stare perplexed, causing someone to laugh at me from across the hall. One of the Legends, Bangalore. She wears her usual uniform, a navy blue enforcer jacket and cargo pants with heavy black boots. Smoke grenades line her chest, flares dangle from her hips.
She walks towards me, speaking softly. “Mirage leaves his decoys everywhere. Being on this ship, I'd assume you've seen them before.” I haven't, actually. In the matches I've played I avoided everyone. My combat skills are very good, but I didn't want to be distracted while investigating. She's in my face now and if it weren't for my six inch heels, she'd tower over me. Her eyes look me up and down with a hint of disgust, but mine are on her lips. “Bathroom,” she adds, tilting her head forward.
“Hm?” I whisper, breaking my stare.
She scoffs and rolls her eyes. “Behind you.”
“Right, sorry.” I step aside, but she doesn’t move. Judgment radiates off of her, trying to intimidate me. I’m not here to win her over, she can keep her place in the spotlight.
“You don’t know much about the Games, do you?”
“No,” I laugh at how pathetic it sounds. “I tried to learn, it all sort of blended together.” She weakly hides another eye roll with an exaggerated blink. “The important stuff stuck, of course. Bangalore, Apex Legend.” I gesture towards her and she looks offended.
“Champion, actually. Second year in a row, ‘bout to be third.” Only the top three players per season become a Champion. No wonder why she acts superior in the arena. It would be fun to cross her in a match, a real fight compared to some of the fools I’ve encountered.
“Congratulations,” I smile. “You fit in well here.”
Her eyes dart to my thigh highs, trying not to laugh. “Yeah, not you though. First game?”
“Fifth or sixth.”
“You run in those heels often? I’d think the canyon would break your ankle.” Her voice sounds almost hopeful. I get this a lot, but if I’m going to kill someone, I might as well look good doing it. “Excuse me, I’ve got a game to win.” She sneers walking past me, but hardly notices when my fingers slip around her flare.
“We'll see about that,” I whisper, quickly disappearing into the main room again. The bunker could be dark and Bangalore won't notice this missing until it’s too late. For once, my brain stopped panicking. That peace ends abruptly when the ship flies past large leviathans that surround Kings Canyon.
An intercom rings over various speakers. "All contestants prepare for drop." My stomach twists into a knot again. Adrenaline rushes through my body. It’s time to move.
The Legends enter the main lobby, ready to dominate the island below. Teams are displayed on TV's around the room. Everyone crowds the drop zones, eager to start the match. I don't bother to find my teammates, jumping on a platform closest to me instead. Life begins to move in a blur as they lower. This is it, it's really happening. My comms click on with voices suggesting we land in the Gauntlet. I ignore them, dropping down to the outskirts of Skull Town. And I'm far from alone.
First blood is announced immediately. Explosions and bullets fly through buildings, before I can even find a weapon. People scream out commands, footsteps surround me. I'm not safe here. I make my way to the bunker, slipping out of sight from nearby enemies. Skull Town is popular. One wrong move and I've ruined my chance for revenge before even seeing the source code. At least with the carnage going on, the cameras could care less about me.
I reach the entrance quickly, thanks to my jumpdrive. No drones whine above, though my gut tells me someone is watching me. I try to brush it off, but the sensation is hard to ignore. Either way, I won’t be in range for a fight soon enough. My foot activates the loud door, lifting up from the sand. I step off the ledge, letting my jumpkit safely lower me. Motion triggered lights slowly flick on as I fall. I don't even bother to look around inside. The west door is boarded up and covered with a few boulders. Luckily, I know how to get into hard to reach places.
I throw my bracelet again before anyone can find me down here. The abandoned hallway isn’t lit, even though broken and old lights hang from the ceiling. They clearly haven’t been used in years. I have to use my jumpdrive to guide my way, flicking the jewelry on and off my wrist. It glows white as it shrinks back to size. I follow the hallways with a hand on the wall, the other on my bracelet. After a few more turns of darkness, light begins to reflect against the stone. A bright blue door shortly comes into view, with the Hammond logo in the middle. The contrast of the light is blinding. It shines proudly, protecting something dangerous. There’s a fingerprint pad on the wall next to the door. I won’t be needing it, my jumpdrive can slide underneath the entrance easily.
The other side welcomes me with more darkness, and the engulfing smell of gas. Jaime was right about the tanks, though it smells like much more than we planned for. The blue door does little to illuminate what awaits. I pull Bangalore’s flare from my thigh pocket. It lights the room faintly, revealing Revenant's face in the red light. I jump back, startled, but it’s not really him. An empty shell to take over when his current one dies. Up close, he looks more like a metal skeleton; lifeless and cold.
I remember watching him tear bodies apart, taking down anyone that got in the way. My father landed in front of me with eyes just as empty. I step back from the body, triggering motion lights to turn on. The room grows bigger as each bulb flickers, revealing hundreds of more bodies. They hang from every wall, lining the circular bunker. He could die a thousand times before this supply alone goes out. How could someone waste so much money to keep this devil alive? So many resources and manpower. Longer than any of us could ever dream. My veins prickle with anger and hate. Never underestimate what the rich will do for more power.
A catwalk stands in front of me, about thirty five feet from the ground. Below are five gas tanks, waiting to be triggered. Hammond built them to cover up their secret, and I'll use them to destroy it. The path leads to a raised platform with a computer. I imagine they planned to control him from here. One single button could send him on another rampage. A freezer sits behind the computer system, it almost looks like a coffin.
I slowly walk down the aisle, keeping my head held high, which is harder than I’d like to admit. Being surrounded by copies of him is unsettling. It reminds me of all the things he'd do to me if he were here. But for my parents, I stand tall, strutting towards the platform. He will die today and all this pain will be worth something. My family can finally rest in peace.
Source code, security, grenade. I turn on the computer, typing in the passcode Jaime grilled into my brain. The front of the freezer has a large H for the Hammond logo. It glows before splitting open. A cold fog drifts out before the source code appears inside. For the first time, I see Revenant as he really was. His eyes are icey blue and empty, but so much terror hides behind them. My revenge is only a few feet away. The most pride I've ever felt is how I feel now. Pride and anger. I could shoot him right now, I'll blow this place up anyway, no one will know. And it'll feel amazing to put a bullet between those eyes. Jaime and I have been hunting for this thing for six months. Working harder than we ever have, harder than anyone ever has. Now my prize is right in front of me, so close I could spit on it. All that separates me from the only thing I've wanted is a layer of glass.
He ripped my heart out, crushing it to pieces, when I watched him shoot my mother. Walking over her like she was nothing, laughing at us as we ran. Then again when my father landed at my feet. This pathetic excuse for a man took everything from me. Parents that would’ve stolen the world for me to be happy. When all I really wanted was their company.
“Demonio,” I yell at him, pretending he can hear me, “go back to hell.” I shoot him three times, but only the glass feels my wrath. Not a single silver bullet pierced his white skin. Alarms start to blare and the source code teleports away. “No,” I growl. I was so close and I let my emotions get in the way.
Behind me, I hear metal scraping against itself. By the entrance, the walls lift to reveal MRVNs waking up with assault rifles in their arms. They're programmed to protect this place, aiming their guns at my head. Security. I forgot the security. I didn't deactivate it after accessing the source code. What have you been repeating all week, Loba? I pull my staff from my thigh pocket, extending it to form my blackmarket.
I steal one of the assault rifles from the diamond hologram, my pistol won't do much damage against these brutes. I slide behind the desk for cover, taking them down quickly. MRVN's are easy to kill; they couldn't tell the difference between a moth and a fly. By the time my bullets run out, only a few guards are left. The source code is safe in another Hammond facility which means they know someone was trying to get to it. I doubt Jaime has a way out for me now, my only hope is to jumpdrive as far away from here as possible. But I’m not leaving with Revenant’s bodies intact, Hammond deserves that much.
I toss the AR, jumping over the desk. The blue diamond disintegrates when I pick up my staff, spinning it between my fingers. I don’t need weapons to get rid of these robots. The gas below the platform will take care of everything nicely. If only I can get down there without being shot.
I swing my staff, slamming it to the stairs and using the momentum to jump on top of a MRVN. The metal is cheap and it falls with my weight. Another one comes at me, but I spin the sharp end of my staff around into its jaw. The head comes clean off, wires sparking as they break. I kick its body back, knocking a third MRVN off the platform. The headless one tries walking towards me again so I kick it over the railing. One of them grabs my staff, pulling me down the walkway with it. I grip the metal for support, but almost too late. The robot’s frail fingers slip away, dropping to the ground. Before I can pull myself back up, another wall opens somewhere, more bullets start to fly.
I let go of the railing, activating my jumpkit. By the time I land safely next to the gas tanks, the staff in my hand is replaced with a grenade. When the MRVNs follow me down, their heavy bodies drop with a thud. I’m already teleporting away with the frag in my place.
I don’t look back, anticipating the inevitable blast. I need to get out of here. My bracelet soars towards the walkway, jumping me as soon as a shockwave hits. I grab onto the railing for support, ears ringing intently. I just need to make it to that door, but the metal shakes beneath my feet. Rocks from above start to rain down, exposing the blue sky. Sky? I definitely shouldn’t be seeing that right now. I don’t have time to question it as the catwalk starts to tilt towards the flames. I look around for somewhere safe to throw my jumpdrive.
A MRVN grabs my ankle, pulling me down with it. I don’t even know where the thing came from. I attempt to kick it off, but its grip is firm. I throw my bracelet towards the doorway, hoping it’ll land where I need it to. The heat grows stronger as we slip to the fallen landing. Is this really my end? By a stupid MRVN? No, it can’t be.
I teleport to a boulder that fell from above, though I can’t see from where in the debris and smoke. I debate thanking gods I never believed in, but my legs shake on unsteady ground. I throw my jumpdrive, almost blindly from the haze. I don’t know where I am, all I know is to go up. I jump from rock to beam to boulder, trying to get on stable ground.
When I finally reach sand and smoke filled air, with a bright blue sky peeking from above, I know I’m almost there. The edge I stand on holds, for now. I take a second to catch my breath, mapping out an escape route for the meantime. I can see the cliff not too far above. I look behind me, watching the island crumble. Skull Town sinks to the bottom of the lake. Buildings, leviathan bones, supply crates. Contestants try to escape the landslide. Friends regrouping as if they weren’t just shooting each other. The whole city is erased. What the hell happened? I couldn’t have caused all of this, right? I messed up bad, Jaime. There’s no escaping now. I can only hope they don’t find him too. I’ll say I was stuck in a building as it fell. In the back of town when the earthquake started.
I grab my bracelet, preparing to jump again, but a voice stops me. One that makes my skin crawl. That haunts my dreams. His laughter sends a chill down my spine, almost freezing my bones into place. The same laugh that taunted my mother’s pitiful attempt to save her family. The same face that chased us as I was carried away from death. Now, he stands in front of me, ready to strike again.
“Come to kill me, little girl?” Revenant growls, balancing on a rock of his own. Even as a simulacrum his eyes are cold, filled with hunger for blood.
“Someday, but for now-” I shoot the pentagram on his face plate, three times again, imagining this one was human. The body falls with a thousand others. Just as the ground beneath me starts to slip, I take my escape route, jumping towards safety.
When I finally teleport to the cliff edge, I appear a little too close to someone. The surprise knocks me down as Bangalore throws a peacekeeper to my head.
"I can explain everything," I put my hands up. Calm down, I tell myself. She's not the one who needs an explanation.
"I'm sure you can, Corset," She spits the nickname like it's poison on her tongue. She looks dirtier than before. Definitely been busy during the match.
"Go easy on her, Bang,” a man retorts behind her. “She was caught in the wreckage." Bangalore side eyes him, annoyed. His yellow and black jumpsuit is familiar, but I don’t know why. He’s very attractive with dark curls and tan skin. I’m sure I’d remember a man like him.
Above us, I hear ships flying in; Syndicate and Hammond. Dammit, this is exactly what I wanted to avoid. Hopefully I can weave my way out of their suspicions.
The contestants back up, covering their faces from sand as the aircrafts land. Jacob Young emerges from a Syndicate ship with an entourage of guards and reps. His presence lifts my spirits. He’s easy to manipulate.
Though my hopes disappear just as quickly as they came when Cheryl Amacci struts out of the Hammond ship. Red curls bounce as she walks and her black sunglasses reflect the bright sun. She’s a liar and a snake, but I am too. Sometimes liars and snakes are the only ones you can trust.
Bangalore moves her shotgun to her shoulder and tries addressing Jacob, but his eyes never leave mine. “My airstrike couldn’t have caused this much damage.” Airstrike? She must’ve called it down when I triggered the grenade.
“That won’t be necessary, Williams.” Jacob waves her off, blushing as he helps me to my feet. “Miss Andrade, I am so sorry you were caught in all of this.” He's my saving grace from this mess.
“Jacob, thank god you're here.” I take his hand and let him pull me up. “I was looting when the ground started to drop into the water. I had to jumpdrive through everything to avoid being crushed.” I turn on the charm, batting my eyelashes and squeezing his shoulder. He practically melts for me, and I hear Bangalore scoffing.
“I’ll take it from here, Young.” Cheryl greets us, putting her glasses on her head. “This is under Hammond Robotics matters now.” Even with a simple charcoal button up, she looks more powerful than Jacob ever will.
“H-Hammond? Miss Andrade has nothing to do with this.” He gestures to the collapsed town. I nod frantically, wrapping my arm around his.
Cheryl ignores him, holding her hand out for me to shake. “Cheryl Amacci. No need to introduce yourself Loba Andrade, I know all about you.”
Her assistant stands forward, speaking in Chinese. Clearly her first language, she speaks quickly, reading from a tablet. I barely understand her words, but she mentions Talos. I wonder if the source code was transported there.
The other Syndicate reps begin to herd the contestants onto the dropship, taking their guns and supplies they collected. More aircrafts fly in to scout the wreckage for survivors. A few Legends linger by, eager to hear what happened to their precious Skull Town. To everyone here, I’ll have to be nothing but another victim.
“Don't you worry Miss Andrade,” Jacob tells me. “This is just a big misunderstanding.”
“What would I do without you,” I give him a gentle smile.
Cheryl thanks the girl before turning back to me, changing her words to my native tongue, Portuguese. “Forgive me for switching languages. There’s plenty of eavesdroppers and I don’t want to be understood. You're a huge underground celebrity, stealing every jewel imaginable. I wasn't surprised when our jumpdrive turned up missing.”
“Amacci, calm down,” Jacob pipes in, speaking French. “Andrade just joined the Games a month or two ago. She didn't do anything, she was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
“It was terrifying really,” I add with puppy dog eyes.
“She's lying,” Cheryl shrugs, switching to French. The assistant hands her a file which she throws to Jacob. “Her family was murdered and she’s looking for revenge. Blowing up Skull Town was her way of doing so. She's been planning it for months now.”
I try to hide my displeasure. I don't fancy people knowing about my personal life and this woman announces it without a care. And I'm positive we're not the only ones here who speak French. Jacob reads the file, sighs, and hands it to me. He backs down, muttering that he can’t do much now. I don't blame him. I read a detailed explanation of my master plan for revenge. Blowing up the bunker, not to kill Revenant, but to destroy Hammond’s property. It doesn't even mention the source code. There's photos of when I stole the jumpdrive, claiming I organized the recent break-ins. She wants to play games? Fine, I'll play along.
I angrily slam the file closed and shove it back to the assistant. “How do you know this?” I demand, speaking German.
“We did our homework,” Cheryl matches my words and folds her arms. “Now do you want to talk about this in private or should we keep changing languages in front of a nosey crowd?”
Jacob whispers to us in French. I assume he only knows that and English. “Please discuss her arrest somewhere other than my arena. I've got a mess to clean up, no offense Miss Andrade. Easy with her, she didn't mean all this.” Even after being caught in a lie and destroying an entire town, he still begs for me. How pathetic.
“Arrest?” Cheryl laughs, speaking so the Syndicate fool can understand her. “No, I want to make her a Legend.”
I furrow my brow confused, like I heard her wrong. But the same look on Jacob's face confirms I didn't. He stutters, laughing anxiously. “Y-you can't- you can't make that kind of decision.”
Cheryl pulls out a white and red card from her back pocket. “I just did,” she replies in English, handing it to me. An Apex card, I remember Jaime being so proud of his fake look alike. The esteemed Kuben Blisk, war general, and inventor of the Games, gives these cards to contestants. It marks you as a Legend, a sign you worked hard to be here. And all I did was commit terrorism. Jacob looks more confused than ever, like he's living a fever dream. I feel same, especially when the Hammond Rep announces me to the rest of the Legends as their newest addition.
“The hell she is,” Bangalore yells angrily. Everyone glares at her and I doubt she meant to say that out loud.
Despite the rush of events and suspicion clouding my head, I bit my lip with a satisfied smirk. Who knew Hammond would be my savior? I know Cheryl has a dangerous game in the works, and I'm her new toy, but she can help me retrieve what I lost. What I spent my life searching for. Hammond knows my potential. If I play my part right, I can walk away with no repercussions, a dead simulacrum, and an Apex card to go with my treasures.
Bangalore angrily approaches Cheryl, probably to complain about not arresting me. Jacob pulls me aside, talking lower so only I can hear. “To be honest, I never liked Hammond Robotics. They get away with everything, am I right?” Anyone would agree to that. He ruffles his thick brown hair, making sand fall out. “They’ll pay for the damage done, but you understand your winnings will be donated as well?”
Like I need them anyway. “Of course,” I shrug. “I'm sorry this all happened, it really wasn't meant to.”
“No, no, no, no,” he waves his hands dramatically. “Don't apologize for anything, I blame them completely.”
I brush off his now red dusted jacket. “My white knight.”
He blushes hard and grabs my shoulder. “Anything for you Miss Andrade. And please, call me if you need me.”
He pats my arm before a Syndicate Rescue member joins us. They're in charge of picking up bodies as we ‘die’ in the Games and nursing us back to health. Then we respawn and fight again. “No casualties sir, except Revenant. Our trackers say he's at the bottom of the lake, but there's so many down there that we can't tell which one is him.”
I leave before they can ask me questions, happy at the thought of the demonio rusting away. I know he's not dead, but there's a bit of irony that he's the only one who's hurt by my own mistake. Unless you count Bangalore, of course. She looks furious, probably got blown off by Cheryl. I don’t need anymore enemies here, I already have to watch my back enough.
I try to give the Legend a kind smile, holding out my hand. “I think we got off on the wrong foot. May the best woman win.”
Instead of taking my hand, she looks at it like I'm giving her a bomb. "Bat those lashes at someone who actually cares. ‘Cause it ain't those men made of metal,” she throws her hand to the other Legends boarding a ship behind us. “It ain't the mercs whose island you just blew up, and it sure as hell ain't me.”
“I think we could use a fresh start,” I offer, putting my hands behind my back. “It's always nice to have an ally.”
“You think I'm goin’ to help you up?” She laughs. “It'll be a cold day in hell before I ever help a common criminal like you." She walks away, passing Cheryl’s assistant who locks eyes with me.
She quickly scurries my way, speaking quietly. “My name is Yoko, my boss knows what you're really after and we can make a deal. Meet us at Hammond Headquarters on Talos, tomorrow morning. Syndicate is being dealt with.” She leaves before I can get another word in, following the rest of the Hammond snakes to their ship.
I can barely process what happened since I woke up this morning. Everything moved too fast. I hope Jamie is fine, I think, going to the edge of the cliff. Where that damn source code got away from me. Unfortunately, some jobs don't go according to plan. I was careless. Too attached. I found what I was looking for, but in the heat of the moment, I didn't think about the security. By the time I realized what I'd done, the prize was gone, and my hard work went with it. But Loba Andrade doesn't cower. I've been invited to join the Games. I must admit, since I've been here, I've noticed some lovely treasures just waiting to be snatched. Destroying the demonio one pile of scrap at a time isn't practical, but it will feel good. And I just received a very interesting proposition.

Chapter Text

Kings Canyon is my home and, despite all the bloodshed, my sanctuary. It's nice to be in the sand again. I got tired of World's Edge quickly. It’s a fine place to fight, especially in the city. Though my heart lies with desert winds and red hills. It reminds me of my home that is now far, far away.
I'm on the Legend’s floor of the dropship, waiting for the match to start. Octane’s videogames and cries of victory, somehow drown out Mirage's boasting. His section is covered in magazines, posters, mini figures, all of himself. Not all of us need big distractions like them. My area has a guitar and nothing more.
There's a conversation pit in the middle of the room where my friend Makoa resides, chatting with the rest. I'm not a people person, I don't like to mingle with others as much as he does. Our newest Legend, Revenant, is never here. Instead he's always lurking somewhere like some creep. He's not bad to be around, just menacing. One hell of a teammate though, most of our wins are together.
We're getting closer to the arena and the others prepare, putting on their jumpkits. Mine is already on, never leave the ground without it. I go downstairs to use the restroom, and partly to escape the noise for a few minutes. It's nice having a group to belong to, but there's a lot of us. And they all love attention.
When I reach the bottom of the stairs, a Random runs into a Mirage hologram. She apologizes before watching it disappear, then turns confused like she's never seen one before. I laugh at her. Mainly because how could you join the Games and not know about Mirage's insufferable holograms, but also from her outfit. Nevermind her ignorance, she looks ridiculous. Skin tight everything, black and red high heeled boots, a corset, glamorous make-up, and long red nails. Thigh highs and fake nails in a bloodsport? It's absurd. She wears all white with accents of gold, the red rock will stain it like wine on wool. Matter of fact, so will her blood when she trips in those heels. The only sensible thing about her is the french braids to keep her long hair pulled back. Her natural brown roots are very pretty, but she chose to ruin it by dying the bottom half red.
“Mirage leaves his decoys everywhere,” I explain, walking towards her slowly. “Being on this ship, I'd assume you've seen them before.” I get so close to her we’re almost touching. Instead of getting out of my way, she stares blankly, examining me. Even glances at my lips. When I catch myself thinking of hers, I mutter, “bathroom,” tilting my head towards the door in front of me.
“Hm?” She whispers, finally looking up.
I scoff, rolling my eyes. She's more oblivious than I thought. “Behind you.”
“Right, sorry,” she steps aside but I don't move, taking a second to judge her. How the hell did she get accepted?
“You don’t know much about the Games, do you?”
“No,” she chuckles at herself. “I tried to learn, it all sort of blended together.” Yeah, she's gonna go far. I try not to roll my eyes again, but fail easily. “The important stuff stuck, of course. Bangalore, Apex Legend.” She gestures towards me. I can't hide the disbelief in my face. She knows my name, sure, but not my status.
I don’t want to sound too cocky correcting her, but my pride gets the best of me. “Champion, actually. Second year in a row, ‘bout to be third.” Meaning I’d crush her like a bug.
“Congratulations,” she forces a smile. “You fit in well here.”
Whatever that's supposed to mean, I don't care. I glance at her boots again before looking back up. “Yeah, not you though. First game?”
“Fifth or sixth.” Bet she was first blood in all of them. Or going barefoot half the time.
“You run in those heels often? I’d think the canyon would break your ankle.” She doesn't look phased and I'm tired of wasting my time. “Excuse me, I’ve got a game to win.” I brush past, feeling too close to her. It makes my nerves flutter.
“We'll see about that,” she mutters as she leaves. Maybe I’ll see her in this match. Show her how real Legend's fight.
When the beautiful red mountains come into view, everyone gathers in the main room. Contestants place bets, I make fun of Mirage, hoping he isn't with me. Unfortunately he is, plus a Random. Makoa is paired with the MRVN, Pathfinder. My friend stands on my drop platform. He takes up a lot of room, but huge muscles like that, how could you not? His bicep is as big as my thighs put together. Which is saying something considering I am very strong myself.
“Ready to be first blood, Nita?” He teases, pulling his hair into a bun.
“Ready to cause it,” I smirk, looking up at him.
“Oh it is on, Gibraltar,” Mirage slaps his back, joining us. “It's about to go down in Skull Town.”
“Never say that again,” I add quietly.
“Path,” he ignores me, pointing at the tall, slate blue robot. “I'll destroy you too, buddy.”
“Yay, I love competing with my friends.” Pathfinder gives us a thumbs up, his screen lighting up yellow with a happy face.
We race down to the most popular LZ in the arena. First blood is announced immediately. I know I'm about to make history when I see a peacekeeper waiting to be looted. I try to stay indoors until Mirage is ready to push. People are dying everywhere and the sound of a grenade bouncing off the walls gives me a shot of serotonin. This is my happy place. It's not home, but for now, it's enough.
I find my team and we snake our way through the huts and bones. Shooting everyone in sight, hunting for Gibraltar and Pathfinder. By the time we find them, almost the whole town is dead. Either from us four or other Legends. I’m hiding in a building, covering Witt as he goes in for the kill. I see a slim, gray and green figure swiftly dart across the sand, obviously Octane pushing alone. He gets sniped by Revenant, scouting on top of the leviathan skull. Who then is attacked from behind by someone else, though I doubt the sim will be the one to die.
“MRVN down,” Mirage cheers, pointing his AR towards the dust cloud outside. It's extra windy today, but a few smoke grandes couldn't hurt. I launch two in Pathfinder's direction. With his broken legs, he tries to crawl to a rock where Gibraltar resides. He’s probably out of ammo, otherwise Mirage would be crawling too. From the safety of my building I see another team closing in. “Game over Tincan,” Mirage calls over the mic.
“Calling down the airstrike,” I warn. “More people comin’ in.” Bombs respond to my flare quickly, raining down on Pathfinder. He's grasping at the sand, dragging his heavy body to safety. Gibraltar's dome shield covers what's left of the struggling robot, protecting him from the explosions.
Then, suddenly the ground starts to shake. Pebbles rumble and buildings creak, stopping me dead in my tracks. The enormous leviathan bones tilt towards the end of the island. It falls faster and faster, the edge coming right at me. I start to run towards the sandhills, yelling on my comms. “Mirage, we gotta get outta here. We gotta get everyone outta here.”
“Bang, what did you do?” He responds with a shaky voice. “Run. The whole town is falling apart.”
“No shit, grab anyone you can.” People emerge from buildings and jump off roof tops. The jumpkits can only keep us in the air for so long. Even then, a boulder could crush someone if they're not careful. I grab arms and sleeves, pulling whoever I can. Dodging the poorly built structures, ancient bones, and heavy rocks. Through the debris, I can’t even tell who’s running next to me. I barely know where I’m going besides away from the approaching cliff. Something else must've gone off when my airstrike did. There's no way a few small explosions caused this much damage.
My feet don’t stop moving until the ground finally holds steady. I inhale deeply, trying to catch my breath. Instead, I choke on dust and sand. The handful of contestants that still remain from the bloodshed and earthquake crawl from wreckage. Everyone else coughs and heaves, leaning on whatever they can find. I think the only person here who enjoyed that sprint was Octane. Even if he wasn’t drugged up for it.
Respawn ships roll in to assist the injured. From my place on the edge, I watch the town sink into the water. A piece of my heart goes with it. Three shots ring out through distance. Who the hell would think the game is still on?
Mirage comes to my side, breathing heavily. “They’re collecting all of our loot on the supply ship. Evacuation is on their way.” Before I can respond someone appears from thin air, right in front of us. I grab the peacekeeper from my back, throwing it forward at the ready.
The high heeled numbnut falls back on her hands, wide eyed. “I can explain everything,” she exclaims. So this mess was her fault? Can't say I'm not surprised.
"I'm sure you can, Corset," I snarl.
"Go easy on her, Bang,” Mirage groans. “She was caught in the wreckage." I shoot him an angry glance. If his brain was any smaller it would be a peanut. She practically admitted to causing this.
More ships and choppers flying in, Hammond as well as Syndicate. This just got a whole lot sketchier. What does Hammond have to do with a city girl like her? I cover my face from the sandstorm swirling around us. The orange cloud settles as reps from both company's exit their aircrafts.
I slide the peacekeeper behind me again and nod to the Syndicate Boy. “My airstrike couldn’t have caused this much damage.”
“That won’t be necessary, Williams,” he interrupts, helping the clown-faced perp up to her feet. “Miss Andrade, I am so sorry you were caught in all of this.” He's apologizing to the lunatic who just blew up his island? He even holds her hands and dusts her off. I stare dumbfounded at the two. She puts Syndicate Boy under her spell, batting her lashes and grabbing his shoulder. He blushes and I cringe, turning away to join the other Legends. This is probably the fool who let her join the Games. Is he really so blind sided by her so-called 'beauty' that he can't even see she's a terrorist?
I know my hopes for justice are crushed when the Hammond rep shows up with clothing almost as tight as Corset's. They start talking, eventually switching to Portuguese to confuse things. It just keeps getting sketchier. Octane’s already healed back up, bouncing on his prosthetic legs. He discarded his running helmet and goggles, letting his bright green hair flutter in the breeze.
I ask him to translate what he can as his native language is a similar one. He says she's a jewel thief, an underground celebrity. She keeps sweet talking Syndicate Boy, smirking and touching his arm. The woman from Hammond says Corset is lying. Finally, some much needed estrogen to bring in common sense. She asks her assistant for a file and reads from it. Eye Shadow's family was murdered and she wants revenge. This part is true, you can tell from the fury in her eyes. Eyelashes slams the file shut, she wants to know how Hammond knows this. They speak in whispers and File Girl keeps glancing at Silva as he translates. Hammond's doing their homework. I wonder why. They're probably who Corset is targeting. Hammond Rep addresses all of us Legends, ironically their puppet Revenant, is the only one missing. She announces Loba Andrade as the newest Legend in the Apex Games.
"The hell she is." The words slip out of my mouth, now all eyes are on me. I just said that out loud. Shit. I don't need a target on my back. If Andrade is destroying the Games for revenge, I don't want anything to do with it. I hear my brother's voice ring in my head. You only got time to chamber a single round, Anita. Get it right.
I go straight for the Hammond Rep, since Syndicate Boy seems to be on Andrade’s leash. I usually respect authority, but I'll be damned if this laced-up pair of thigh-highs is rewarded for an act of terrorism. It took our blood, sweat and tears to get here. She commits crimes, bats her baby browns, and now she's in the Games? I expected this from Syndicate Boy and the men above him, but woman to woman, I expected more from Hammond.
"Excuse me," I try to keep the complaining professional, but annoyance burns in my voice. "You realize she was behind the attack? She hasn't even won a game yet and now she's a Legend? We worked hard to get here and all she does is-" I want to say look pretty, but the Hammond Rep would just scoff. "Is blow up the arena while we stand on it." I look over at Andrade, flirting with Syndicate Boy again. That smirk makes me want to slap it off her face so hard, her teeth will land on Talos.
“Ms. Andrade has a loyal cult following, and watching her exact revenge is ratings gold," Hammond explains to me in a condescending tone. "If you have a problem with Loba, you're free to express that during your matches. As violently as you want, Soldier." She smiles with menacing teeth as if any of that was helpful. She leaves quickly, fiery hair bouncing behind her.
I can feel the rage rushing to my face as Andrade and her grin approach. This close, she smells strongly of gas and smoke. "I think we got off on the wrong foot,” she says. “May the best woman win." Her well-manicured hand waits for me to shake it, and if she thinks I'm touching that thing, she's crazier than I thought.
"Bat those lashes at someone who actually cares. ‘Cause it ain't those men made of metal,” I gesture to the other Legends boarding the drop ship behind us. “It ain't the mercs whose island you just blew up, and it sure as hell ain't me.” Andrade's smile disappears as the words leave my lips.
“I think we could use a fresh start,” she replies, putting her hands behind her back. “It's always nice to have an ally.”
“You think I'm goin’ to help you up?” I laugh. “It'll be a cold day in hell before I ever help a common criminal like you." I turn to the drop ship, passing past Silva, who's been cornered by File Girl. He's saying something about being thirsty, but I don't care to pay attention until File Girl pulls Andrade aside.
"My name is Yoko," the assistant says quietly. "My boss knows what you're really after. And we can make a deal." Exactly what I thought. Anything connected to Hammond is bad news, this thief included. The battle may be over, but the war's just begun. This is my house. My rules. And my new mission is clear: send Loba Andrade back under the rock she crawled out from.

Rampart's Mods, best place to buy any weapon you can dream of, illegal or not. Also the best place to get a drink when I don't wanna be bothered. I get to lay in the back on my friend’s bed while she tends to Solace's angriest alcoholics. I convinced Makoa to go with me after the most disappointing match we've ever had.
A bell rings as we enter and without looking up to see who was there, Ramya blatantly says, "sorry mate, we're closed early tonight."
Inside is dark as she finishes cleaning tables. Half the chairs are already stacked up and a broom lays against the wall. Her dark, messy hair is pulled back but the shorter pieces obscure her face.
"The hell you are,” I reply. “Get me a beer, P." Makoa follows behind me, greeting her with a warm smile. I don't often stand in people's shadows, my height and muscles cast a large one. But Makao is huge, biceps as thick as logs. I feel smaller next to him, but never less. He's too kind for anyone to feel less than who they are.
"What brings you two here?” Ramya asks, throwing her rag over her shoulder. We pull up chairs to a freshly cleaned table. “Aren't you supposed to be celebrating with the other Legends?" After every game we usually meet at Mirage's bar, The Paradise Lounge, drinking to the victor.
"Not today,” Makoa grunts deeply. “There wasn't even a game to talk about.”
"Oh yeah, I heard something about Anita's airstrike." She grabs some drinks behind the bar, giggling at the statement. She knows it’s not true, but she’ll take any chance to annoy me.
"It was not my airstrike," I retort. “Is that really what Syndicate is telling the public?”
"And there were technical difficulties causing malfunctions,” she joins us, opening both bottles before sliding them across the table.
“My team couldn't communicate with each other because of the malfunctions,” Makoa adds, grabbing his drink quickly. “Even when Anita was busy destroying the arena.” He grins while downing some beer and Ramya bites her tongue through giggles.
“I heard they found their next Legend,” she stretches her legs on top of the table, crossing them. “They better be good, I wasn’t a fan of the immortal robot.”
“Oh god,” I groan before gulping my drink. Loba’s ten times worse than the overpowered sim.
“You haven't even met her yet,” Makoa complains. He leans on his elbows, closer to Ramya, “‘Nita is convinced she was involved with the game's disturbances and blowing up the arena.”
P shakes her head, still smiling brightly. “She needs someone to blame for the airstrike-”
“It wasn't that,” I exclaim, slamming my fist on the table. “It was her, I bet my next winnings. And I have met her, Makoa. I talked to her before the game.”
“Oh my god, you had one conversation,” He argues.
I glare at him with a deadly stare. “She didn't stand a chance in a regular game. Barely knew anything about it. She was wearing six inch thigh highs for God's sake.” I can't help but scoff. It's honestly ridiculous what a woman can get away with just for looking good.
“It is impractical,” Makoa points his bottle at me. “But her bracelet looked pretty handy. I bet the shoes don't bother her with all that teleporting.”
“Aw, so the rumors ring true,” Ramya interjects, leaning her head back to see the ceiling. “Loba Andrade joined the Games. Glad to know she’s in town for more than just pickpocketing.”
“You know her?” Makoa asks before tipping his bottle back.
“Hammond said she was big in the blackmarket business,” I shrug. I would be more surprised if Ramya didn't know her with how confident they were of the thief.
“Big?” P laughs, sitting up straight. “She's more than that, mate. You want something untouchable, or even unheard of, you call Andrade.”
“What if I want something guarded by a fuckin’ army,” I tease.
“She's probably done that before.” Maybe Corset isn't so useless after all, doesn't mean she belongs in the Games. “She has a secret weapon and I don't think it's her jumpdrive,” Ramya continues, “If Loba is after something, she's gonna get it. As long as she's getting paid.”
“That'd explain why Hammond was at the game today,” Makoa adds. “They flew in right after the explosion. I thought Andrade was getting arrested. Don't know how she got out of it. I was looking at the wreckage, it seemed to be a wearhouse beneath Skull Town filled with hundreds of extra Revenant bodies.”
“And now she's their dirty little puppet,” I mutter, drinking my beer. Just like the sim was. Guess they needed someone else on their strings after he broke free. I bet Hammond didn't want to risk Revenant coming after them so they paid Corset to blow up all the bodies.
Ramya looks unconvinced, biting her lip. Thinking out loud she says, “Loba would never agree to do work with them even if they paid triple her net worth. They've got to have dirt on her.”
“She didn't look too happy talking to the rep,” Makoa replies. “Kept switching up the languages too. Never a good sign.”
“Silva translated some of it for me. Sounds like she was looking for revenge against her parents’ killer.” Hammond researched her enough, they would definitely know her target. If they gave her easy access to them, I doubt she could turn down the offer. “God, if I have to fight on a team with Miss Skinny Jeans, I’ll knock her down myself. You know she tried to be my friend?” I laugh and sweet Makoa looks sad for her.
“What's wrong with that,” he groans. “She could use a few friends, being mixed up with Hammond.”
“Not my problem,” I argue. I don't make friends easily and I like it that way. These two are all I need. “I don't like her at all. Especially not as friends.”
Ramya gives me a teasing smile and I roll my eyes, ready for what's coming. “You got a good look at her legs. She got a nice ass?” Makoa laughs with her and I bite my tongue.
“I'm not into women, but I can appreciate a good ass,” he adds.
“Both of you shut the hell up or Imma drink the rest of my beer on the walk home.” I could never like someone like her. Someone like Catelynn. They just use whoever is in their way and throw them in the trash after all the damage is done. Another Catelynn won't affect me the same way she did my brother.
“When you two become lovebirds,” Ramya says, hopefully finished with the jokes. “Let me know what she's like. I hear lots of rumors, but I wanna know who she really is.”
"You want my opinion of the FNG,” I start, letting my anger roll out. “I'm fresh out of those, got some facts though."
“You barely met her ‘Nita,” Makoa shakes his head. He has such a soft spot for people when most of them can't even be trusted.
"You think just ‘cause I've only known her a day, that I don't know this girl? Trust me. I have four brothers. I know this girl." I lean forward and Makoa sighs, annoyed as I rant. "She slinks in through a crack in the wall, talks her two-faced way in and out of anything. Half of her's always in shadow, no matter how well lit the room is.” Even on a desert planet and the center of attention.
“Why wouldn't Hammond want someone like her working for them?” Ramya adds. “I better look into my security measures if Loba is staying in town.”
She tunes out, looking around the bar, but I continue anyway. “Took the words straight out of my mouth. First they had her blow up a Revenant kingdom to come. Who knows what she'll do next? So I did what I had to do, detained the target. Even with my Peacekeeper at her head she says she can ‘explain everything’. I'm sure she can with Hammond backing her up. Then I got Mirage saying ‘go easy on her.’ Men,” I scoff. Makoa nods supportively. “If they had half a brain they'd be considered gifted.”
“Elliott isn't the brightest of the bunch,” he adds softly.
“Hammond is all ‘it wasn't her fault' and ‘she's very popular' because that qualifies you as a Legend now.” I don't care what skills she has, I don't like snakes poisoning my family. And as much as I hate to admit it, the Legends are my family now. Even Elliott Dimwitt Mirage. “Now she's gonna move into the Apex Resort. Fuck, P. Let me live with you so I don't have to see her everyday.”
“You'd hate it here, mate. I'm always working." She's right. Every time I call her, no matter how late, she's awake. Awake and modding another weapon. Creating whatever crazy idea popped in her head. "That's actually why I closed early tonight,” she explains. “Gonna finish my latest invention tonight for a gauntlet run in a few days. I'll show you her when she's done.”
“What are you naming this one?” Makoa asks before finishing his beer. Ramya gives her proudest mods names. I think the last one was Rabecca.
“Sheila,” she grins widely. “Got the name from a new customer a few days ago. Heard she spits fire, sounded perfect.” I'm guessing the name is more of a joke with the customer.
“Not sure that's a badass name,” Makoa chuckles.
Ramya laughs to herself, “trust me, Sheila is perfect.”
“Well, I gotta hand it to ya,” I finish off my beer, slamming the glass down. “You sure do know how to make a fine piece of hardware.”
“Not only that,” Makoa chuckles again. “I think she may even be a better shot than you.”
“Reckon we’ll never find out. Unless,” she unholsters her side pistol, spinning it in her hand. Her eyes flash, eager for a fight. “Fancy a go, Anita?”
“Everytime.” I stand to grab a weapon from her display wall. She follows me out back excitedly. We put up targets behind the building for nights like this. Makoa grabs a bottle of whiskey and stumbles along.

Chapter Text

The brain works in extraordinary ways. I may not have flesh anymore, but my brain is completely functional. The facts still remain the same. If you fully believe you're dying. That whatever is happening can kill you, it's true. If that squishy sack of meat that controls you is so convinced of it, you can die of shock. Even if the rest of your body is completely fine.
I ‘drowned’ like that a few times. My brain told me a skinsuit can't survive underwater that long, and that my organs were freezing up, paralyzed in fear. Organs that weren't really there. Still felt the pain though. All because my brain believed there was something left to feel. Lucky me.
Sometimes I do miss the acceptance right before death. When I was drowning and the burning lungs finally passed my mind. How did I not realize I had no lungs to fill? Not breathing just felt so easy and free. Not a single painful thought in my mind. I knew I was dying and there was no way to stop it. The peace I felt in that moment was indescribable. Slowly drifting down to the sand, letting my body finally relax. I chose to breathe my last there, at the bottom of the ocean, unseen, unheard, and uncontrolled. No expectations, no one to prove myself to, no one to obey. Control of my life was entirely in my hands. Something I’ve never had before. And it never felt so good to let go. Why fight something so euphoric?
No noise, except for water passing by my ears. It was easy to shut off my mind, something I could never, and still struggle to do. I closed my eyes, too tired to fight. Too tired to smile at my granted wish of peace. I didn’t try swimming to the surface, reaching out for an invisible rope. I let my hands drift at my sides, flowing as one with the water.
Just let me sleep for a little while.
So many years spent depending on my victims screams to quiet my mind. The power that rushed through my veins when their life was in the palm of my hands. Nothing they could do but beg. I was in complete control. How did I never think of controlling my life? I get to decide my last breath. I get to decide the pain I feel. It was the most peaceful death I’ve ever had. Because I accepted my time was up. Maybe deep down I knew it was just a nap. That I’d wake up again somewhere else. I know better now.
This time when I wake up at the bottom of a lake, I'm not dying, I'm not in pain. Just wet and pissed off. There's a lot more of me down here; copies of my body. Most of ‘em crushed under rubble and lizard bones.
At first I'm confused, the usual questions coming to mind. Where am I? What happened? Am I in a new body? Giant bones falling from above remind me. Skull Town took a tumble, and I guess underneath it was a whole factory dedicated to me. I've found spare bodies in stranger places, usually when I wake up in one. But how the hell did I get down here? Oh, right. The girlie shot me. There's no bullet hole in my metal plate. Brand new body, brand new steel. It needs the stench of blood as a finishing touch.
Yeah, I remember her; Loba Andrade. Recognized her in Skull Town and followed her to the bunker. Took a minute to sort through all the footage in my head. So many targets. But she’s got dear old daddy’s eyes. Had a good look at ‘em when I snapped his neck and dropped him ten stories. And when you're mostly a computer, you can do a nice side by side comparison.
She's not the first to come looking for revenge. I've had plenty of skinsuits throw their lives away ‘avenging’ their precious loved ones. Oh, they try, their voices cracking and hands shaking while they hold a gun on me and rattle off their whole pathetic life story. Make a corpse, and you'll get some flies. But they're all easy to crush.
‘Course, most of them don't destroy half an island trying to get to me. Only a couple knew about my spare bodies, and none ever made me slide into one, but I thought I'd give her this one. It's better I disappear before Hammond swarms the arena. Who knows what I'd do with them so close to my reach. Loba's a fragile little fly, just like the others. I'll pull her wings off eventually, but not yet. She might be exactly what I’ve been looking for.

Chapter Text

Finding Jaime and flying out of Solace was an easy task. Telling him Cheryl declared me as the new Apex Legend, not so easy. He's been asking what the hell happened on Kings Canyon since we left the city, I doubt I can stall for much longer now that he found us a small town to hide in.
“Loba,” he sighs after landing, the annoyance in his voice drawing. He lets go of the controls and slowly turns to me in the passenger seat. “This is the third town we've been to, I assure you Hammond can't reach us here. Please, tell me what happened.” He knows it wasn't good, probably that the demonio is still alive too.
“I messed up-”
“Obviously,” he cuts me off sharply. “Why else would you demand me to fly from city to city?” He rests his head on his finger tips, trying to calm down. Cheryl will have his head for helping me, I have a feeling he knows she was there.
I stand up, putting my hands on my hips and explain with a heavy sigh. “The source code got away. I was caught up in the moment and shot the head too early. I planted the grenade, everything came tumbling down and when I made it on the other side,” I pause, but he's ready for what I'm about to say. “Hammond was there, they knew what I was after.”
“Just say what I don't want to hear,” Jaime groans, eyes closed. “Cheryl made a deal with you and you took it.”
“Tomorrow she will, and I'll accept it.” I fold my arms defiantly, but he doesn't respond, shaking his head in disappointment. “She's not gonna know you're working with me.”
“What does she want from you?”
“I don’t know yet.” I start to pace, ignoring his disapproving grunts.
“Did she promise you the source code?”
“No.”
He sits up, scrunching his eyebrows. “How the bloody hell aren't you arrested?”
I blush, amazed just as he is. “I'm actually an Apex Legend now.” He stumbles, smiling widely, then confused, trying to get any words out that he can. “Under normal circumstances, I know this would be a dream come true for you.” I pull the red card from my pocket, throwing it his way. He catches it exhilarated, flipping the card like he couldn't believe it was in his hands.
After much back and forth of emotions, he finally gets out a stuttered, “how?”
My pacing slows and I stare out the front window. A storm is coming along the horizon. “Cheryl gave it to me. Told Syndicate I had nothing to do with the explosion, and my reputation will bring lots of new fans.” Which is very true, especially if they use my vendetta against Revenant in their marketing.
Jaime responds quietly, sadness filling his voice. “You're willing to be her new puppet then?”
I look down at him, his eyes drop with sorrow. What they took from him, what they took from me, is why I have to do this. My success is built from my parents dreams, I cannot throw away what I promised them. “If she can give me the source code, I'll do anything.”
Jaime stands, placing his hand on my shoulder. He speaks softly, scared of the decision I've made. “She knows how desperate you are for this. The lengths you've gone, and are willing to go. Don't let it blind you, Loba.”
Once, I gave up searching for this demonio. No one knew how to kill him and I interrogated every person I could in this galaxy. I never thought I would have a slight chance until Jaime found me. I don't care what I need to do, but I care about what happens to him. “One more deal with the devil,” I sigh, looking through his empty eyes. “Are you helping me or not?”
I sincerely expect him to deny me and walk away. But what does he have left? Where could he go? He nods slowly. “What do you need me to do?”
I smile back, biting my lip. “How do you feel about black mailing the Apex Legends?”
Jaime laughs weakly, grabbing his laptop from a cupboard above our heads. “I've already started, from an old assignment in my Hammond days.” We sit in our designated chairs again and he continues, loading up his notes. “Right before I left, Cheryl wanted to know about Hyeon Kim, a Legend in the Games who goes by Crypto. She said something about him seemed fishy.”
A picture at the top of the page shows a slim man in a long black coat with silver accents. A drone hovers by his head. I remember seeing that in the matches I attended. “And what's his story?”
“Well for starters his real name isn't Hyeon Kim. He's wanted for murdering his sister.” Perfect, hopefully the others will be just as easy to manipulate.
Jaime smiles faintly, reading about another Legend from the Games. A short woman with pink space buns. She also has a drone, but much bigger and flatter. It heals wounds rather than surveillancing enemies. “Ajay Che, her parents funded weapons for both sides during the war,” Jaime explains before excitedly pointing at a different picture in his notes. It shows a hefty man with a grenade, seeping with green smoke. “He faked his own death, and also joined the Games under a fake identity. Not that Hammond cares about that. They’re keeping an eye on him because he aspires to be the next simulacrum.” I furrow my brows, but try not to unpack that information. “His goal is to test contestants like lab rats. This gas is dialed down from what he usually plays with, I'd still be careful around him.” I've heard horror stories of gasses causing blood to ooze out from the eyes and mouth, filling the lungs to suffocate you.
“Right,” I reply, struggling to get the images out of my head. “Well, this seems to be a good start.” Jaime doesn't look away from the computer, taking in all his notes from the past with eagerness. “Do you feel at home again?”
“Hm?” He looks at me as if I pulled him from a deep sleep. “Oh, no. Hammond was never my home, but it is nice to have a comfort from my old life.”
“You enjoy blackmailing people then?” I ask, leaning back in the chair. It's getting windy by the second, soon we won't be able to fly to a nice hotel. I definitely can't sleep here if the sandstorm drums against my ship all night.
“I didn't enjoy helping Cheryl ruin lives,” Jaime replies, “but I won't say I'm not proud of what I can do.” He is one of the smartest people I've ever met, I can't deny that.
“You have no idea what she would want from me?” Surely they started something together before he left. “Hammond is quite powerful, I struggle to find a job they can't do themself,” I add.
“What can we do that they can't?” He ponders aloud. “They probably view the Legends as disposable yet capable. It must be dangerous, but I have no clue what Cheryl has in mind.”
“I'd like to make it to a hotel before it's too late.” I slide the computer over to my side of the dash. “How long will it take you to do this?”
We switch seats and he immediately starts typing away. “Not long. I've got a good amount of information already. Even if I can't find dirt, I can find something they won’t be able to refuse.” He smiles excitedly, eyes moving faster as he reads. Blueberry enjoys anything to do with the Legends, even if that is finding their darkest secrets.
“Confident, are we?” I snicker, starting up the ship.
He shrugs, adding more notes quickly. “What can I say? I'm an excellent dataminer.” That's what every good thief needs.

It was hard to sleep last night, even in one of the best hotels on Solace. I don't get nervous often, but meeting in private with Cheryl Amacci about attempting to kill her company's biggest success sure puts me on edge. I've grown to care about Jaime quite deeply, I couldn't bear anything to happen to him. I can't tell if the same stress is eating at him too. This morning he was passed out sitting up, laptop still on his thighs. I was hoping to refresh with him about Cheryl's tactics and lying cues. For now I'll have to stick with what I'm good at; distractions. Make it seem like I know less than they think. Confusion is key until I can't get the upper hand.
Cheryl's secretary shows me to an empty, bare room. Mainly white and gray with a glass desk and simple computer on top. There's three black chairs, one where Cheryl would be and two on the other side. It's a surprisingly small room for such a powerful woman. I assume she doesn’t like spending time in the office, rather be hands on.
Yoko follows in shortly after, rummaging in a beige computer bag. She barely acknowledges me, placing a recording device on the desk, blinking red to indicate it's on. “Take a seat Miss Andrade. This won't take long, should you cooperate. Cheryl doesn't like to waste time, so let's get right to the point. We know what you did, we saw your every move. You'll need to sign a contract, as you probably know.” She speaks quickly and bored, as if reading from a script. She neatly lays a pen and papers from her bag on the desk and I lean over the chair to read. A Non-Disclosure Agreement. Not surprising, but it won't be that easy for them. The assistant continues, hugging the bag to her chest. “Your standard NDA, release to be recorded while in the building, the usual.”
“Yoko, is it?” I ask with an airy tone, looking her up and down. She wears a charcoal gray, silk, blouse and a black, knee length pencil skirt. Her clothes and dark, silky hair compliment each other, but contrast against her pale skin and bright blue irises. She’s beautiful, but not my type. I smirk when I gaze at her lips, slowly going back to her eyes. She blushes, but I doubt I'll get any more out of her. Doesn't mean I can't try. An ally close to Cheryl Amacci will always be useful. “I only sign for deliveries and autographs, sorry. That is a lovely color on you, by the way. The contrast with your eyes is breathtak-”
“Miss Andrade,” Cheryl storms in, annoyed from the sound of her voice. She takes her seat quickly while speaking. “If you're about to comment on the shade I'm wearing, don't. Let's get to it. Take a seat, this may take a minute.” She points at the chair opposite of her, glancing at the unsigned NDA. Yoko stands in the corner, still clutching her bag.
“No foreplay,” I joke, folding my arms. “A woman after my own heart.” She stares back blankly, not in the mood for games. Odd, considering that's what she does for a living.
“Do you know what a source code is?” She asks, interlocking her fingers on the desk. We all know I do and what I'm planning to do with it. If beating around the bush is what she wants, who am I to deny? White lies and empty promises is her best quality, I can do that too.
I bite my lip, twisting my lips into a grin. “I'm tingling with anticipation to find out.”
She offers a tight smile before explaining. “It's every experience, memory, desire, and personality trait you have, encrypted in the neurons of your brain's gray matter. Which we use to rebuild you into a simulacrum after you die.”
I'd really rather not talk about Revenant being human and how he came to be, but if it gets me his source code, I'll have to listen. “Crimes against nature are a bit of a turn off to be honest. I think I’ll stick with death.” I inspect my nails, I can see Yoko watching me intently.
Cheryl barely moves, looking at me with purpose. “Our security system phase tech'ed Revenant's to another facility after you shot it.”
“Don't go so dominant on me,” I glance down at her with another smirk. “I thought you said we were skipping the foreplay?”
“We have a proposal.”
“Cheryl,” I respond, more seriously this time. “If you're about to get on bended knee, you better have the rock to back it up.” I'll never be her puppet until I get what I want. She’s powerful, but enough to give me just what Hammond has been working so hard to perfect?
“We know what you want, Miss Andrade, and that's the source code.” She leans back in her chair, folding her arms. “Fortunately, we know it's location. We'll give you the coordinates, but you have to do something for us.” I perk my eyebrow for her to continue. “Collect an artifact buried underneath Kings Canyon.” I can't help but laugh. They need help digging in that arena when I already blew up their underground facility? “May I ask what's so funny?” She adds angrily.
“Anybody else experiencing deja vu right now? The last time I went treasure hunting under Kings Canyon, half the island was blown to the bottom of the river. But I can see how you might have missed that detail when we first met yesterday. At the blast site, right after it happened.”
She clearly doesn't appreciate my sarcastic tone, but her scowl quickly turns into a sneer. “That's not the island I was referring to.”
“You say that as if there's more than one Kings Canyon.” I put my hands on my hips.
“You say that as if there isn't.” Hammond has had their fair share of interdimensional work, I wouldn't put it past them sending me to another universe. Though human travel between worlds hasn’t proved to be safe nor predictable. The business I could do, not to mention a possible chance to see my parents. That's a deep thought I'm not ready for. My silence feels exposing, she knows I never saw this coming. “Come on,” she adds. “If our Kings Canyon was so easy for you, what could be difficult about another one?”
“Consider my interest piqued,” I reply, stepping into dangerous grounds.
Now it's her turn to smirk, she knows I'm about wrapped around her finger. “I believe Yoko has something for you to sign first?”
Her smug face makes me want to vomit, but for now I must swallow my pride. They have the one thing in this world that I want, and quite possibly someone from another dimension that I never thought I’d see again. I feel vulnerable and desperate, but that's exactly what I am. “You guarantee this sends the demonio to hell? I'll sign my life over to you.” Just as he once did.
When you're after a big prize, you don't just walk in and take it. First, you have to do the legwork. I can't say I was pleased with how deep Jaime dug into my past; a lady deserves her privacy, and her secrets. But I can't argue with results. He found out so much about this thing. This demonio that took all I ever loved from me. Not enough, and a lot of it made no sense, but it was enough to get started. I learned as much as I could about the sim, but nothing could prepare me to see him again. I followed the leads Jaime dug up, I made a plan, then I made my move. It wasn't easy, I just made it look that way.

Chapter Text

Loba arrives back at the ship quicker than I thought. I'm in a deep data mining rabbit hole, sitting with my legs up on the dash. I barely got any sleep, working on blackmail all night. Not that I mind, it is my favorite hobby.
“Surprised to see you here,” she says, entering the aircraft. “Thought you'd still be passed out at the hotel.”
“I don't like sleeping, it wastes time,” I reply. She joins me, sitting in the passenger seat. I am quite disappointed in her for deciding to work with Cheryl, but I understand how deeply she needs this. “Tell me what happened then,” I encourage.
“Did you know an airstrike went off at the same time I blew up the bunker on Kings Canyon?” She must've seen the news Syndicate is spreading. ‘Match cancelled due to technical difficulties and airstrike incident’. I doubt anyone with a brain would believe an airstrike alone could do that much damage.
“Wrong place at the wrong time I suppose,” I reply, typing more notes about Wraith. Phase tech suit to help her travel safely between worlds. Not particularly blackmail worthy. “Loba,” I ask again. “What did Cheryl tell you?”
“They'll give me the source code,” Loba pauses. “As long as I get them an artifact from another dimension.” The tone of her voice suggests this is a foreign topic to her. Not for me, obviously. Hammond has been working on interdimensional work for decades. Going nowhere of course, or at least I thought.
“Alright,” I respond unphased. Lengthy breaks between trips to prevent atom disintegration. “What are we looking for then?”
“You're not at all confused about another dimension?” She asks surprised. I shake my head causally. “Hm,” she continues. “Cheryl said she'll send me coordinates when I'm ready. There’s multiple pieces to it and we're expected to build it as well.”
“That's it?” I ask, not that this will be easy. “Just give her the artifact and we get the source code? No strings attached?”
“No strings attached. As soon as it’s in her hands, we'll never have to see her again.” Even as Loba says it she doesn't sound completely convinced. But how can she say no to a chance at revenge?
“Luckily I know our way into another dimension,” I answer, moving my legs down. She looks at my computer, but I summarize the notes anyway. “Do you remember Wraith from the Games? I've mentioned her story to you before.”
Loba nods when she sees the Legend's picture. She was a victim to one of the human experiments from Kings Canyon. It left her with the power to travel between dimensions. Due to whatever the horrific scientists did to her, she can move between space and time, listening to different versions of herself. She's very popular in the Games and quickly made it to the top as an Apex Champion.
“She joined the Games to learn about her past,” Loba responds. Which honestly surprises me. I talk about the Games a lot, it's nice to know she listens.
“Yes,” I say excitedly, scrolling through the notes as I speak. “She knows her real name, Renee Blasey. She was a Senior Science Pilot for the IMC, researching phase tech. She volunteered to be the guinea pig and lost all of her memories. Interestingly, she isn't even from our dimension, although I doubt anyone but her and us know that.”
“Very interesting indeed,” Loba replies, skimming the words with me. “And how are we supposed to blackmail a phantom not even from our world?”
“I can learn about the Renee who used to live here. Whatever information I find should be close enough to her own life.” Unfortunately there's not much to learn. No family ties anywhere to be found, not even what planet she was born on. It's as if the scientists wanted all evidence of her to be erased.
“I hope this is worth it,” Loba adds, leaning back in her chair. “If Hammond isn't going there themselves, that means the risk of this artifact being useless is too high. They rather not waste their own time, money, and resources when a desperate soul will do it for them.” Precisely my thought process. I doubt Loba knows what the artifact is, maybe not even Cheryl.
“They spent God knows how much on a storage unit for the source code and they're simply giving it away for an artifact?” I’d like to know more before jumping right into doing Hammond’s dirty work. I'll have to find time between blackmailing to research what I can.
“If Cheryl can't have a ruthless assassin on her side, I bet she'd rather him gone altogether.”
“She should just kill him herself,” I mutter.
“And take all the glory?” Loba laughs. “I don't know what strings she's pulling to offer me the source code in the first place, but I don't think killing him would do her any favors.” Losing her job would be the least of her worries. Her team is still working tirelessly to recode Revenant again. Though I wonder how many of them would love nothing more than to put a bullet through his skull. Probably almost every person in this galaxy.
Loba pulls the visor down, checking her makeup and jewelry. “Dressing up for someone?” I ask.
She smiles and looks at me out of the corner of her eye. “Don't get jealous, Jaime. I need to look my best for our first target.”
I scoff at the assumption of being envious. “And who would that be?”
“Elliott Witt, a man with such a big ego, he had to create multiples of himself. He'd do anything for a beautiful woman.” She's not wrong. As long as Mirage thinks he has a chance, he’d sell his bar for a minute of her time. “I need to fly to the Paradise Lounge.” She brushes sand off her boots. “Do you think I look fine?”
I look her up and down, not surprised at all. The usual skin tight outfit and thigh high heels. “Trust me, that corset will attract his attention easily.” She smiles and moves it to show off more cleavage. “I don't have anything on him right now,” I start, but Loba cuts me off.
“I don't want to blackmail him just yet. I'd like to play with my prey before smothering him.” I type the Legend's name into my database.
“What are you asking him to do?” Dozens of medical bills, that could be very useful. We've got the money to cover them too.
“I need somewhere to gather all the other Legends where Revenant can't overhear us. I figured the back of his bar would be perfect.” She waves her hand for me to stand and we switch seats. I'm a better pilot than her, but I've got more important matters to attend to.
Elliott has many offers to work as a head engineer for Hammond. A very complicated job that he would do well in. He doesn't need a good reason to turn them down. “Er, Loba,” I ask, gripping my seat and laptop. Her take offs are quite shaky. “You mentioned we'd have to build the artifact, correct?”
“Yes, but that doesn't seem to be a problem with your brain.” I beg to differ. I am smart, but engineering isn't my strong suit.
“Mirage would be ten times better than me,” I laugh, looking at yet another Hammond offer. “And Wattson, or Paquette, she's won awards for the things she's done. Even helped create the Games.” Natalie Paquette is definitely one of the brightest people to ever step foot on Solace.
“Crypto built his drone, didn't he?”
“He said that in an interview,” I scoff. “I wouldn't trust him yet. we don't know what's real about him and what's not.”
“Liars can trust liars,” she responds. “Because we can trust that they'll always lie.”

Chapter Text

Paradise Lounge is grimy, just like every other bar on this planet. I have yet to find one here that's as sophisticated as the ones on Psmathes. And Mirage's is far from sophisticated. Not even clean enough to be considered a place of business. Lights flicker, ready to give out, and rats eat peanuts from the dusty floor. Everything is covered in dirt from the bar he serves on to the bottle I drink out of. Most of the patrons here are obviously fans of the Games. Women looking for a chance to talk with Mirage and men wanting to arm wrestle him. His decoys are all over, disintegrating and reappearing whenever touched.
The Legend has been flirting with everyone who sits next to him, making himself an easy target. He could have any person in here, but none seem to satisfy him. Probably does it to stay in business. Have to make up for the uninviting atmosphere. He's too occupied with the Games and flirting to be a successful business owner. I doubt he's noticed me sitting in the dark corner, even though I've been here for an hour. I came here late at night in hope of an empty bar, but getting a chance to speak with Mirage is harder than I thought. I'm surprised at the lack of Legends, but I'd rather not be here more often than I needed to either.
Lisa Stone, a reporter for the Outlands TV, struts inside. I know she's here to dig for information about Skull Town, but I don't have the time for an interview. Luckily she doesn't see me over the crowd, instead joining Mirage at the bar. It's hard to hear them over the chatter, but I try anyway. Keeping my head low; she'd recognize me easily.
“Okay. Okay. Seriously?” The Legend throws his hands up defensively. He speaks loud, obviously loving the attention. “You think I couldn't take down Skull Town? I mean, it's a skull already. It-it's practically half dead. I just chose not to because I'm considerate.” He puts his hands on his heart and the girls around him giggle. He continues entertaining the audience. “It's a nice place and I didn't want to ruin Kings Canyon, but now she's got all the attention. Everyone is all up-and-arms. Or is it up-in-arms? Up-or-arms? What's the saying?”
He goes back and forth with Lisa, discussing the figure of speech. She finally takes a seat, enjoying his struggle. As long as she's busy with him, I’m satisfied. I don’t have time for petty interviews filled with lies.
“Oh yeah,” he says loudly, leaning closer to her. “I could have totally destroyed Skull Town with just one arm. And you can quote me on that.”
After another hour, the reporter finally leaves without noticing me. My beer is empty and a large crowd of girls show no sign of leaving. Luckily, Mirage catches my eye and rubs his closely cut beard.
“Sorry ladies, it seems I've got some important Legend business to attend to.” They giggle at his antics, leaving as he waves his arms at them. He walks up to me, eyes wandering joyfully. “Loba, right? I wondered how long you were gonna sit there.” A curl falls in front of his eyes and I bit my lip. At least he's my type.
“All night if I had to,” I reply, flashing my eyes with a soft grin. “I do hope you're not another Mirage. It'd be a shame if you weren't real.”
He smirks and leans over me. “I am very real. All the decoys have gone to sleep. Unless you get on my bad side.” He raises his eyebrows. “Then you'll be dealing with a Mirage à trois. That's where you fight three of me, at once.”
“The ménage à trois isn't an option?” I ask in a better accent than his.
He licks his lips, looking at my own. “Only if you have another friend just as beautiful as you.”
I wouldn't say Jaime is ugly, he could look really good if he tried. Although grief has taken its toll on him after Lillith's death. Not that he likes to show it, but the dirty clothes and poor hygiene is a heavy sign. “Just a raggy, blue haired, genius, but he doesn't swing both ways like you and I.”
“Unfortunate,” Mirage replies, sliding into the booth across from me. “So what brings you here, lurking in the shadows for hours. Besides my good looks, obviously.” He adds with a wink. Glad to see I won't be the cockiest Legend.
I lean in closer, rubbing my foot against his leg. “I could use a favor.”
“If you're looking for a good time, you came to the right place.” He matches my low tone. His eyes can't seem to find their way to mine.
“Not the favor I was talking about, but that could still be arranged.” His smirk falters slightly, but I know he's about wrapped around my finger.
“Does it involve blowing up Kings Canyon again?” He jokes.
“No, I thought this time I'd try World's Edge.” We laugh and he stares at my smile a little too long. “I need to talk with all the Legends. I thought who better to gather them for me than you? Everyone except Revenant, of course.”
“You don’t like assassins?” Not when they kill my parents. “I can do that for you as long as I get something in return.”
I look into his deep brown eyes with false eagerness. “I don't know what's worse, your ignorance or your arrogance.”
“Well you know what they say. Arrogance is bliss.” I scrunch my nose in embarrassment for him. This is the guy that Jaime said is a brilliant engineer? “That's- not right, is it?” He chuckles.
“No, I don't think it is,” I giggle to make him feel better. By his absence of shame, I take it he does this often. I lean closer to him, speaking quieter now. “One more, small detail.” He grins, matching my movement. “Don't tell the others I'm calling the meeting? I get the feeling some wouldn't like that. And if this is going to work, I need everyone I can get.”
“You're very mysterious, aren't you?” Our lips are inches apart now. His warm breath smells surprisingly fresh.
“I have my reasons.” I close the gap between us. My tongue takes in his minty taste. His hair tickles, but it’s the beard I struggle to ignore. I haven't kissed a man in years, though this is definitely one of the best. Even stretched across a table. His lips and tongue move so smoothly, it’s easy to forget how we sit. I lift my hand under his chin and move back slowly, biting him as we part. Still close enough to feel his heavy breathing, I whisper, “you'll get a lot more than that if you succeed.” He's still in awe as I get up, happily staring at me. I walk away slowly, letting him enjoy every second.

Chapter Text

Makoa and I are at Ramya's once again, while she works intensely on Sheila. Her first gauntlet run with the gun is tomorrow and she's worried it'll bust out on her. It's supposedly made to reuse bullet shells to provide almost infinite ammunition. One of her most genius ideas in my opinion. Although, I wouldn't worry too much if I were her. The minigun still holds over a hundred bullets at a time.
Makoa and I are in a long going card game on the bed. Ramya's room is just as colorful as her bar, but far less clean. There's tools everywhere, clothes everywhere, pieces of scrap metal, blueprints, notes, drawings. A few bottles here and there too. Music plays loudly from the other room where her workshop resides. Ramya’s telling us about a new friend she made at a recent gauntlet run who has a weird obsession with moths. Before I can ask for an explanation on that weird shit, my phone rings.
I answer it angrily. “What do you want Witt?”
“No need to be so hostile,” he complains. Ramya leaves to clank away and I continue the card game.
“I'm beating Makoa's ass right now, so give me a reason to not hang up.” I earn an elbow nudge to the shoulder for that.
“Blisk just called, he wants all us Legends to meet at my bar tonight.”
I laugh at his stupidity. “I wish I could say that's the most unbelievable thing you've told me, but we both know I'd be lying.” I draw a queen, adding it to my pile. One more to go.
“I'm serious,” Mirage whines. “He said it's regarding Kings Canyon.”
“Did anyone else believe that, or am I the first one you called?”
The other line goes silent for a few seconds before he finally replies with disappointment. “You're the first one I called.”
“When Blisk calls me himself, I'll come to your bar.” Makoa lays down a set of cards proudly. Too bad I'm about to end the game. “Why do you really want me there?”
“I'm trying a new pork chop recipe and need a taste tester. Renee is busy and Pathy can't eat. Help me out.” Of course it's something stupid like testing meat.
“Hm, I don't know,” I protest. “I’m a little busy winning.” I chuckle, but Makoa doesn't return the favor.
“Come on, Anita. We're friends, right?”
“No, we're not. And don't call me Anita.” Only real friends get to call me that. People I know I can trust. “Free food does sound nice, I guess,” I continue. Makoa perks up excitedly at the mention. “Does it include alcohol?”
“Yes,” Witt exclaims. “Free beer all around. Bring Gibraltar too.” He’ll need a pick me up when I destroy him for the fifth time in a row.
“I'm more of a whiskey person.” And there she is, my beautiful queen.
“Oh, yeah sure, whiskey too. Just promise me you'll be there?” I lay down the four queens, emptying my hand.
“Definitely, Makoa could use some free beer.” I grin as he throws his cards down.
“Thanks Anita, you're the best,” I barely hear Mirage before I hang up the phone.
“Don't pout big guy,” I tease. “Witt is making us pork chops tonight. Shall we go another round?”
“Hell no,” Makoa retorts. “I don't like this game anyway.”
I laugh, cleaning up the cards. “I used to hate it too, but Nana made me play all the time growing up.”
Ramya emerges from her shop again, welding helmet still on. “Did I hear something about pork chops?” She asks, searching her desk for more tools.
“Mirage called asking us to test his new recipe,” I explain, putting the deck on her nightstand.
“Aye, care to share his number?” She's always had a crush on the guy, but I doubt she'd be able to stand him if they met. Or they'd hit it off and tease each other all day long. Probably the latter.
“I wouldn't have to if you joined the Games.” I'm always begging her to sign up. She does excellent in gauntlet fights. Might as well do the same thing in a safer, legal environment.
She tsks at my offer, entering the workshop again. “Keep dreamin’ mate.”
“Ram,” I call out. “I need someone to distract me from the FNG.”
“You mean from her thighs,” Makoa jokes. I throw a pillow at him and he catches it easily.
“I mean it,” I beg. “I just know she's gonna be annoying and bossy.” I lay my head back, staring at the ceiling. More drapes hang here, as well as yellow fairy lights that give the dim room a cozy ambiance.
“You have no reason to hate her yet,” Makoa responds, throwing the pillow by my side. “You're only angry because she reminds you of-” He pauses and sighs. “Darker times.”
“You mean the bitch that tore my brother away from my family?” I scoff, thinking about her menacing smile. “She was a snake and I don't doubt Andrade is too.”
“I'm just saying you shouldn't judge her before you know her.” Why’s he always so accepting and kind? Sometimes you gotta trust your gut, and mine is telling me to stay away from the thief.
“Well I'll be damned if she's the reason I never see my family again.” I can't let that happen like my brother did. He was smart. Best scientist working for the IMC, and that girl played him like a fiddle. Fell under her spell, left us like we were nothing, and died before we could say goodbye. I grip the bottle cap bracelet at my wrist, thinking of my family. “I don't got the energy for this right now.” I stand up, holding out my hand to pull Makoa to his feet. He gives me a pitiful smile and I wanna punch him for it. Pity won't get me back to them. Nothing but money will. But I'm not leaving without Jackie.
When we enter The Paradise Lounge, the smell of dirt hits hard. Liquor lingers as well, but you can tell this place hasn't been cleaned in a minute. Peanut shells crack at my feet, Makoa thundering behind me as always. Witt and Blasey are arguing at the bar. She's clearly annoyed, but when isn't she? I don't understand what she sees in him, but he's one of the few people she's close to. Her short, black hair is pulled back into a loose bun. Her bangs fall over her eyes, but I can tell they’re scolding her friend.
“I told you everything she told me,” Mirage complains.
“You're so clueless, Elliott,” Blasey protests angrily. Don't even know what they're talking about and I already agree with her. “Why would you help her if you have no idea what she wants?”
“I didn't think to ask,” he shrugs. That's the problem; he never thinks.
“What? You were too busy kissing her?” Blasey accuses with disgust, sounding very jealous. I don't keep up with their personal lives, but I didn't think either of them wanted a relationship. Doesn’t mean they don’t feel something for each other.
“Oh we kissed,” he nods proudly, holding up three fingers. “Read between the lines, Ghosty.”
“Believe me, I am,” she replies with disappointment.
“He can't help it, Blasey,” I cut in, sitting next to her. “Men only ever think with one head and it ain't the one with a brain.”
We all share a laugh and Makoa addresses Witt. “What poor girl fell for your charm this time?”
“You'll see soon enough,” Blasey shakes her head.
“Thought you said she was busy,” I tilt my head towards her.
“Yeah,” Mirage responds slowly. “I may have lied about that.”
“He lied to everyone,” Blasey shoots him a deadly look. “Over a simple kiss.”
“She asked me to,” Witt defends, shrugging more dramatically this time. “Very nicely.” His friend inhales sharply, closing her eyes.
I answer for her. “By very nicely do you mean she said ‘fuck me’?”
“God,” Blasey scoffs, brushing her hair behind her ear. “You're lucky you quiet the voices in my head, Elliott. Otherwise, I’d really hate you.”
“You're welcome,” he responds with finger guns. She gets up and leaves to the bathroom. “I've got a private room in the back, guys.” He waves for us to follow her into the men's room.
All the urinals are removed in a pile and a littered desk resides in the corner. Is this really an office? Pitiful. Che sits cross legged on the desk while Silva leans forward in the chair, elbows on his knees . He flips his butterfly knife every which way, a little too close to Che’s foot. The room is crowded and I can't help but wonder what lies Witt had to tell. Him and his little group, Blasey, Paquette, and Pathfinder, huddle next to the desk. The rest of the Legends stand where the urinals used to be. Leaving room for Makao and I next to the door. Only the dim light above us works here, putting the toilet stalls and sinks in darkness. I have to give it to Witt, I don't know what the hell would get Caustic or Kim here.
Andrade emerges from the shadows, arms folded, leaning on her hip. Of course this was the desperate soul he slept with. “Thank you all for coming," she starts. "You should be honoured, I usually work alone.” I snicker a bit too loudly and try hiding it with a cough. Everyone looks at me, even Pathfinder's mechanical head creaks when he turns it.
“Bangalore," Andrade raises an eyebrow. "Need a drink, General?" Still can’t get my status right, can she?
"I'll pass," I speak up. "Need to keep my wits about me. This time of night, got some real shady elements in here. And trash doesn't take itself out." Makoa nudges me, but still chuckles quietly.
"I won't keep you then. Let's get to it." Andrade turns her attention to the group again. "I'm looking to add a rare and valuable treasure to my collection. And in return? You can make use of my various talents for,” she pauses, lifting the corner of her mouth. “Well for whatever you desire." At first I think all she's offering is empty promises, but the wolf came prepared. She smiles like a snake and flashes her eyes at Witt. “Maybe you'd like to help your mom get better treatment, Mirage. And Lifeline. Maybe your parents can finally pay for their war crimes.” The short woman looks exposed on top of the desk now, turning pale with the attention. She joined the Games to help undo what her parents did. It must hurt to still be closely tied into something she strongly disagrees with. Andrade's got everyone's attention and she knows it. But she doesn't stop there. “I'm sure Caustic would love to address his pesky legal problems back on Gaea. It's okay, Doctor. You're innocent. We know.”
“Excuse me, how did you-” he growls from his corner of the room, straightening up angrily. His shaggy face is somehow less threatening than the gas mask he wears during matches.
“It's what I do,” she interrupts. “Shall I keep going?” No one says anything, scared to be singled out. If anyone thinks they can hide something from her, they're in for a rough time. She's probably got friends in high places doing her dirty work. “Right now, all that matters is what I can do for you. But first, I need your help.”
It’s absurd. A thief walks in like she owns the place, blows up our island, blackmails us, then demands our help? All for a treasure to add to her collection. Even Silva stopped fidgeting with his knife to glare at her. I’m not surprised Witt fell for her charm, but Wattson looks just as entranced. What could Andrade possibly have that a rich savant couldn’t make herself? Kim doesn’t even care to mask his disinterest, staring at the floor instead.
“However,” the snake continues. “There are two issues in terms of retrieving the treasure. One, it’s broken into pieces scattered throughout Kings Canyon. And two, it’s not in our Kings Canyon. Apparently, there’s a different,” she searches for the correct words. “I don’t know, I guess you’d call it another dimension?”
Interdimensional travel? That’s barely more than rumors other than Wraith. The whole reason Andrade joined the Games and destroyed the arena was for a piece of trash needing assembly? It must be powerful; something to do with Revenant. I remember what Makoa said about all the extra bodies in the explosion. Now that I think about it, he’s the only one not here. Blasey’s twisting the portal charger on her wrist now. She’s the most important part of this plan. What dirt does the thief have on her?
Andrade looks at Pathfinder with cat like eyes. “Luckily, one of us happens to have spent a short time there and is familiar with its- locals, so to speak.”
He throws his hand up excitedly, jumping as if he isn’t already one of the tallest here. “Me, it was me. And everyone was a shadow, and the dead walked around moaning all night. Revenant ruled over humanity, throwing us in the arena to fight to the death. All my friends said I made it up.”
“Apparently you did not,” she replies. “Which is why you’re our guide, Pathfinder. And Wraith will be our way in.”
Even though she was expecting it, Blasey isn’t happy about being roped in. “Hold up, I never agreed to-”
“Each of you is important,” Andrade interrupts. “I ask you to work with me, together. We’ll go in at night, in shifts. Find each piece and bring it back here, where Crypto and Wattson can help assemble it.” Paquette claps her hands quietly, but Kim stares back with confusion. Only about half of the others seem upset, the rest are idiots falling under her spell.
“Assemble it?” He responds aggressively. “How do I know this ‘treasure’ isn’t some sort of trap?”
She responds, tilting her head up, darkening her sharp features. “Whatever it is, I’m sure you’re prepared enough to protect yourself. That’s why we need you. I’ve learned it’s some sort of tech, so who better than our premier hacker and most brilliant engineer to take it on?”
Paquette twists her shoulders back and forth, putting her hands behind her back. “A chance to work together? Usually we’re so opposed, but now we have the same charge. Get it?” She giggles, rocking side to side. A few Legends give her a weak smile, Blasey puts her hand on her arm.
Andrade smirks, moving her cat eyes to mine. “And obviously, we’d fail miserably without the guidance and leadership of our general, Bangalore.”
She’s probably calling me that to flatter me, but I won’t take the bait. “Sergeant First Class will be fine, Loba. Not a general yet.” I don’t call people by their first name unless they’re my family, or they give me a reason to not respect them. Somehow Witt and Silva haven’t fully lost my respect yet, but Andrade? Definitely.
“Of course you aren’t,” she snaps back, almost like the words slipped out of her mouth. Makoa snickers quietly, but I’ll deal with him after this.
Pathfinder steps forward, grabbing everyone’s attention. “I don’t think I like this. Last time I went to that Kings Canyon, Revenant was in charge. And he was scary, even more than he is now. And that’s a lot.” He isn’t enjoyable to be around, bringing a disturbing ambiance everywhere he goes. But I think the MRVN is dramatic when it comes to the sim, especially considering robots can’t feel anything.
“And that is why we must all make a pact.” Andrade looks to us all, one by one. “The demonio can never know what we’re doing.”
“Cause he’d eat us,” Witt jokes. A few chuckles echo across the room.
Blasey seems to be calming down, smirking faintly. “Because he’d want that life,” she adds. “That power.”
“Right. Exactly,” he responds slowly. “And then he’d eat us.”
“He can’t know,” the thief raises her voice, more stern than before. I almost see a bit of fear in her daggered eyes. “Black rot eats at his brain and any bit of him that may be human. Play this close to the chest. If he finds out, it’s not good for any of us.” She’s definitely trying to kill him.
“Oh yeah, that’ll be hard,” Witt scoffs. “Because Revenant is the guy we all confide in. Everyone laughs again, even Andrade giggles.
“I’ll help you out, chica,” Silva agrees. “Another dimension would blow up my feed like crazy.”
Everyone slowly starts to agree, out of want or fear. I begrudgingly nod my head, though I’d rather not be mixed in with this. The sooner this snake leaves, the better. And I wouldn’t mind the sim going with her. Dead or alive. Once satisfied, Andrade thanks us all once more and sets another meeting same time next week. Most of the others leave quickly, not wanting to be in an old bathroom any longer. I stay behind, intending to confront Andrade about her endeavors here.
She approaches Witt with an eager smile, and I can tell he's thinking about kissing her again. She's gotta give her end of the bargain after he brought everyone here.
He smirks, without a shred of shame. “Every time I see you, you're hotter than a fever.” Blasey scoffs before disappearing into a portal.
I don't care to hear them flirting and turn around. Fuck her and the high horse she rode in on. New season starts tomorrow and nothing will stand in my way of making Champion again. Especially not a corset wearing thief or her ridiculous search for meaning.

Chapter Text

Twelve seems a bit odd when you really think about it. A little young to be standing over your father’s dead body with an axe. I wasn’t anxious or scared, not in the slightest. In fact, the dripping blood made my mouth water. The rush I felt when my blade clashed against his skull was exhilarating. Your first kill is truly addicting, but let's not skip to the good part.
He came home that day, already angry from work. When I couldn’t meet his demands, he punished me. I’m not sure if he was making excuses, in need of release to take out his anger. He said I wasn't swimming fast enough, or holding my breath long enough. Water was always my weakness, ironic with what I am now. Of course the day before he was disappointed that I refused to obey his orders. He beat me, saying the usual. That I’m nothing but a useless piece of meat. Everything he did for me to be just like him and I couldn’t complete a simple task? He’d always tell me we were supposed to bring people to their knees and make their gods bleed. The whole point of having a child was to continue his legacy. It worked out in the end. Better than he would’ve hoped, but at what cost?
I remember flipping my knives around in my room, trying to comfort myself with the blades. The feeling of blood swirling down my wrists was no longer enough. No use dulling another weapon on myself. If he was disappointed, I had to prove myself to him. The best way to do that is up close and personal.
While poor old daddy shuffled through files in the kitchen, I snuck into the weapons vault. Though shooting him in between the eyes sounded ideal, I went for the knives instead. Blades have always been my strong suit, though I could shoot with deadly aim. But knives were easier for torture, and his death was not going to be swift. That would spoil all the fun. It’d have to be a big weapon, otherwise he’d throw them back. I grabbed the axe, rough around the edges, but still got the job done. He heard me lingering at the kitchen door, but unaware of what was in my hands. He stood over a table, leaning on both palms.
Too busy to look up from the papers that occupied him, he hissed, “what do you want?”
I smirked but didn't respond. If there’s one thing I learned from him is that you don’t hesitate. I swung the axe at his knees and he fell with a scream. He gripped the table, growling at me that he’ll kill me. His reflexes were almost too fast, but my small fingers stole the gun at his hip. I shot the hand reaching for a knife in his boot and I pulled out my own, digging it into his good hand.
I'll admit I didn't think this one through. First kills are also messy and spontaneous. I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do to him, only that I wanted him to feel pain. Hang up by his ankles and skin him? Pour boiling water down his throat while he writhes in agony? The world was at my disposal. The one thing I should've thought about was the safety button on his wrist. The only reason his torture didn’t continue was because he pressed it against the table. I knew within seconds the Syndicate would crash through the windows and doors. They'd save him before even detaining me; can’t afford to lose their best assassin.
I pulled the axe from his legs and, with a bit of difficulty, swung it once more into his blonde head. The crack was proof enough the job was done. I smiled gleefully and ripped the weapon back out, putting my foot on his back for support. I stared at the body, hungry for more. The papers he studied not long ago are now covered in his blood. I dipped two fingers in the growing puddle and drew red tears down my cheeks. The only indication of sadness I could give him.
Syndicate burst from every entrance into the kitchen, dumbfounded at the split head on the table. They didn’t arrest me or punish me, though my father was a heavy loss. They took me in as their own, knowing I was the next best thing to dear old dad. I was trained to be even better than him. To be everything he was and couldn't be. At the time, I didn't know it'd lead to this. Built from my father’s dreams, and my own nightmares. I didn’t only bring people to their knees. I am worshiped just as much as I am feared. Now I am their god, who will never bleed.
I don’t regret the things I did, only that it didn’t last longer. I guess all that abuse was somewhat a good thing. Where would I be without it? I don’t like to dwell on the possibilities. It makes me wonder if I didn't kill him, would the Syndicate have doomed him to this hell instead? He would've relished in it, thrived above anything else. The world calls me insane, and that might be true. But if I’m crazy, it’s all because of him. You think I’m the monster? I am what they made me.