This chapter was a blast to write, definitely expect more like this. Also please review, y'alls encouragement and criticism keeps these chapters coming quicker.

Chapter 4 Mirage's pov

"We have to get out of here and help Lilly!"

''what can we do from here?'' asks Bloodhound as I pace back and forth in our cell. It's been over two hours since those doctors came in and took Lilly away and I've been losing my cool ever since.

''I don't know but we have to try something!" I shout at Bloodhound.

''We have no way of escaping and you are in no shape to fight anyone. The best thing you can do right now is rest.''

''I'm fine, I don't need any rest!"' I say before wincing in pain, although I hate to admit it Bloodhound is right. I took quite a beating when those guards took Lilly.

''Sit, everything will work out soon.''' Says Bloodhound as I slowly slide down the wall till I'm seated against it. "You must have faith in the All-father, he has not abandoned us.''

''You think the All-father is gonna save us?''

''He will deliver us from this situation or we will die. Fate will decide.''

''Boy you're real fun to talk to.'' I say as I cross my arms. As I do the muscles ache from the bruising.

''So you care for this Lilly?'' asks Bloodhound as they pull a knife from their boot.

''yeah of course, no one deserves to be the IMC's toy, not even your pal Caustic.''

''Elliot, you are a good man with a kind heart, I think the All-father has big plans for you.'' Says Bloodhound as the knife twirls around on their finger.

"Hey it's Mirage to you pal.'' I say with a smirk, maybe this guy ain't so bad. "So, why do you fight in the games?''

''Many have asked that question and the answer always changes.'' Says Bloodhound as they look at the blade of the knife. ''People think I fight for my past because they think I was a slave, some call me a mass murderer. One team I fought with even thought I was an alien species, a mixture between a human and a bat. These are all lies, I fight because the All-father has guided me and told me to fight. Where I am willed I will go.''

''huh, the more you know I guess.'' I say as I try to understand this guy's weird logic. ''well can't hold what you did a-agai….against you.''

''I'm glad we are in agreement now.'' As Bloodhound finishes speaking a loud explosion knocks both of us to our sides.

"What the hell was that?" I shout as Bloodhound and I get to our feet. As we stand the lights flicker and start to flash red as sirens start to blare. A few guards run down the hallway and stop in front of our cell.

''Hey guard what is happening out there?" I ask as I look at the door. One of the guards turns and glares at the two of us as I speak.

''Rebel ships are assaulting the Omen and boarding it.'' Says the guard ''Now shut the hell up! I don't want to hear another word!" when the guard finishes speaking he turns back around and leaves Bloodhound and I alone. Before either of us can speak there is a loud thump in the air vents above us.

''umm hey guard there is something above us.'' I say as I point at the air vent.

''didn't I tell you to be quiet!'' shouts the guard without turning. Something bumps into the air vent again, when it does bloodhound and I get into the corner of our cell. In a few seconds the hatch falls open and in falls a small healing drone. It looks up at us and makes a pleasant beeping sound before a tube extends from it and attaches to my arm.

''Hey little buddy.'' I say as I pat the top of its head

''What is that thing?'' asks Bloodhound, who is clearly confused by its presence.

''This is Lifeline's drone.'' I say matter of factly ''and I think your All-father sent us some help.'' Bloodhound looks confused as I stand back up and walk over to the entrance.

''What is going on Mirage?'' asks bloodhound as I bang on the metal next to the door. the guard jumps before turning around.

''I thought I said stay qui-'' the guard is cut off when a bullet flies through the left side of his head. His corpse falls to the floor as the other guards start to fire at something to their left.

''Who is that?'' shouts Bloodhound as another soldier gets hit and falls to the floor.

''that would be an old friend of mine.'' I say as I smile down at the drone. The drone perks up and floats over to me so I can pet its head again. As I do the last guard is shot in the shoulder and knocked to the ground. The guard slides himself against the wall and coughs up some blood as Lifeline walks over to him.

''y-you'll never escape!'' says the guard as he coughs up more blood.

''Makoa, get the cell open.'' Says Lifeline as she shoots the wounded guard in the head. As his body falls to the floor Gibraltar walks over to the door.

''Hey there Brudda, long time no see.'' Says Gibraltar as he punches the cells control panel. The electric door flashes before completely disappearing.

''Gibraltar, you're a sight for sore eyes. You and AJ both!''

''It's Lifeline to you.'' As she speaks she points a gun at me. I raise my hands into the air before smiling.

''You guys still mad I left your team? Come on it's been months.'' I say as Lifeline lowers her gun. She chuckles before pulling a Wingman from her backpack and handing it to me.

''I can't stay mad at you, besides we got a new teammate. Just as famous, just as loud, and just as annoying.'' Says Lifeline as a weird looking guy jumps out from behind Gibraltar.

''so you're the infamous Mirage, not gonna lie amigo you aren't as impressive as I thought you'd be.'' Says the guy as he looks at me. He has a peacekeeper in his hands and both his legs are missing. Sadly I recognize him immediately.

''You two replaced me with Octane?'' I say as I point at Octane

''We needed a new teammate brudda, might I remind you you're the one who left us.'' Says Gibraltar

''I left cause…I needed to…..we don't have time for this. We need to get the hell out of here.'' I say as I rub my forehead. "Wait, how did you find us?''

''we were watching your match and the video feed picked up your team getting jumped by the IMC. You already know how Gibraltar and I feel about the IMC, so we decided to call up our rebel pals and rescue you.'' Says Lifeline, she looks at Bloodhound and tilts her head "can we trust this guy?''

''yes, bloodhound is with me. Oh shit speaking of, we need to free pathfinder!" I say before I run over to his cell. Pathfinder sees us and waves.

''hello Mirage, I see you have made several new friends.'' Says Pathfinder as I shoot the control panel. The shield shuts down and Pathfinder and Caustic walk out of the cell. As Caustic walks out I point my Wingman at his head.

''Woah don't shoot!'' says Pathfinder as the face on his chest becomes one of distress. ''He is my friend!"

''I will not apologize for my actions on the battlefield, but I will not act like that right now.'' says Caustic as he glares at me. ''If you are going to shoot me then shoot, we do not have time for this.''

''Path you can vouch for this guy?'' I ask as I look at pathfinder, his chest turns into a smiley face and he puts two thumbs up.

''I believe he will not attack us.''

''alright then, let's get the hell out of here.'' Says Octane as he starts to run down the hallway.

''Wait! We have to find Wraith.'' I say as everyone starts to follow Octane.

''Mirage, we ain't got time for dis.'' Says Lifeline as her drone shakes its head.

''no, I'm not leaving her.'' I say as I turn and walk the other way. ''I'll find her myself if I have to.''

''I'm with you brudda, no one left behind.'' Says Gibraltar as he walks with me. Pathfinder and Bloodhound come as well. When Lifeline sees this she rolls her eyes but follows.

''alright Mirage, where is she?''

''umm about that…I have no idea.'' I say as I shrug my shoulders, Lifeline just glares at me.

''Allow me to help.'' Says Bloodhound before they tap their wrist device. After that Bloodhound lets out what sounds like a roar.

''what the hell was that?'' asks Octane before Gibraltar hushes him

''All-father give me sight.'' Whispers Bloodhound as they look at the floor. "I see footprints, follow me.'' As he talks several guards reach the other end of the hallway.

''Mira, bad guys over there!"' says Octane as he points at the guards

''Mirage, go get her!'' shouts Lifeline as she starts to shoot down the hall ''Gibraltar, Octane, and you are with me!" she points at Pathfinder and tosses him an alternator.

''We will cover you friend!'' says Pathfinder as Caustic and I follow Bloodhound. We go down several different corridors until we reach a large circular medical ward. Inside the large glass circle is Wraith and several doctors. They have Wraith sedated on a medical table and they are doing crazy stuff to her. I run over to the entrance and the door slides open. The doctors turn and look at me and most of them throw their hands up. One reaches under a table and starts to aim a P2020 at me, but I'm faster. With a well-placed shot the doctor has a decent sized hole in his head and he is on the ground.

''Anyone else want to try? No, then get the hell out of here!"' I say as I point at the door. the remaining doctors run out of the room leaving just Bloodhound, caustic, and I.

''Bloodhound help me with her!'' I say as I start to unplug all the cords they have flowing into Wraith. She is in a medical gown and her left arm is pulsating with electricity. Before I can lift her off the table a gunshot rings out and my left shoulder lights up in pain. My blood splatters all over the white gown Wraith is in as I swing my right hand to my side. I fire my wingman as Caustic fires the P2020 he picked up and both our guns are knocked out of our hands. Pain shoots through my right hand as I look at the space where my index finger was. Caustic groans in pain and clutches his hand as I slowly get to my feet. As I do Bloodhound picks up the P2020.

''Bloodhound, shoot him!'' says Caustic as he gets to his feet. ''Shoot the insect and we can get the hell out of here.'' I look at bloodhound and they look down at the gun in their hands.

''What are you waiting for shoot him!'' shouts Caustic before Bloodhound raises the gun and fires. Caustic coughs up blood as Bloodhound lowers the pistol

''You're time has come.'' Says Bloodhound as Caustic falls to the floor. Bloodhound takes a knee by his corpse and slides Caustic's gas mask off. He closes Caustic's eyes before placing the P2020 on his chest. ''Come, we must get Wraith out of here.''

''y-yeah.'' I say after a brief pause. We finish unplugging all the tubes in Wraith before I heave her into my arms. The pain in my left shoulder intensifies as I do but I ignore it as best I can. "Alright lead the way!'' Bloodhound leads us back through the narrow corridors. As we near the others a few guards block our path but Bloodhound makes quick work of them with a few well thrown knives. Bloodhound picks up one of the now dead guards R-301s and continues down the hallway. We round the last corner and see Everyone else hiding inside Gibraltar's dome shield. Lifeline spots us and waves us over.

''Alright, time to leave. Octane you take point, get us to da hanger!'' Says Lifeline as she throws a grenade at the IMC troops. It detonates and makes the opening we need. Octane stabs something in his throat and sprints in front of everyone. He fills several guards full of buckshot as he leads us to the hanger.

''Mirage, where is Caustic?'' asks Pathfinder as we run. One of his arms is not functioning so he is holding his Alternator with one hand.

''He wasn't as f-fri-frien….He wasn't as nice as you thought pal.'' I say as I struggle to keep up.

''what do you mean?''

''I mean, he is the thing that did this.'' I say as I hold up my right hand. Pathfinder sees the missing finger and his chest turns into a frown.

''Mirage….I…..I am sorry.''

''ah don't worry about it pal, just leave friend making to me from now on.'' as I talk we reach a large door that must lead to the hanger.

''this is where the going gets tough amigos.'' Says Octane as he cocks his Peacekeeper.

''Alright Bruddas, just run for the ship. Our militia troops can handle the titans.'' Says Gibraltar as Lifeline types into the control panel. The hanger door slides open and on the other side is all out hell. On one side of the large hanger are several IMC titans and on the other are the Militia forces. A few militia titans are in commission and fighting but not many.

''Now this is what I'm talking about!'' shouts Octane as he stabs another needle in his neck. He runs ahead while everyone else starts to make their way towards the evac ship.

''Mirage stay close!'' shouts Gibraltar as several missiles fly towards where we are standing. Gibraltar drops his dome shield just in time. The missiles explode against the shield before they can hit us.

''I owe you one buddy.'' I say as we continue to run.

''I'll keep you to that.'' Says Gibraltar as he winks at me.

''Makoa we don't have time for flirting!'' shouts Lifeline as she turns and shoots back at the IMC forces. When she does she takes a bullet in her leg. Before Gibraltar or I can reach her Bloodhound grabs hold of her and helps her to feet.

''Now is not your time.'' Says Bloodhound as they start to hobble towards the ship. We reach the defensive line of Militia troops and jump behind cover.

''Bloodhound, Mirage, go! I'll cover you!'' shouts Gibraltar as he starts to return fire with the rebel troops. I jump back to my feet and we make our way to the ship, we make it inside the ship and I set Wraith safely on the deck before running back to the cargo ramp.

"We are all in! Get over here!'' I shout as I motion for them to get moving. Gibraltar and the other soldiers start to run over as a titan starts to shoot at the ship.

''get to b-ba-bamboozling!'' I say as I send out a doppelganger of myself. My clone runs forward and fools the titan AI. The large mech shoots my clone which gives us just enough time for everyone to make it inside. The hanger door closes and the ship flies out into open space.

''took you guys long enough.'' Says Octane as he leans against the wall. I glare at him but say nothing, I don't have time to deal with him.

''are we clear?'' asks Lifeline as a Militia pilot walks over to us. Lifeline is sitting on a crate as her lifeline drone heals the wound in her leg.

''We are in the planet's orbit, so yeah we're clear.'' Says the pilot

''okay, then I guess it's time I hit this switch.'' Says Lifeline before she pulls out a detonator. She pushes the button and the IMC ship's back engines explode.

''woah! What the hell was that?" I ask as I look out a window at the damaged ship.

''did you really think we were just coming for you?'' asks Lifeline ''this was a chance to rescue you, and heavily damage an IMC ship.''

''oh well, thanks anyway I guess.'' I say pain shoots through my shoulder.

''You've been shot, let me help ya.'' Says Lifeline as she motions for her healing drone. She puts it against my wounded shoulder which fills it with relief.

''thanks.''

''We took dat girl to the medical bay.''

''Thanks AJ, for everything you've done today.'' I say as I look down at the floor. As I do AJ moves the healing drone to my right hand and it stops the bleeding from my missing finger. Aj also puts her hand on my shoulder. ''i—I know I don't deserve what you've done.''

''no worries, Ajay Che's glad to help.'' Says Lifeline with a smirk

''Third person, some people never change.'' I say with a chuckle

''You're right Elliot, Ajay Che wasn't the one that changed.'' Says Lifeline, this time there is sadness behind her voice. I look her in the eyes and let out a sigh, as I do she moves away from me.

''you know I couldn't swing with you guys, I'm not trying to fight in a big war.'' I say as I look at my now four-fingered hand.

''Nah I understand…and your new friend is pretty.'' Says Lifeline

''yeah, she has special reality warping powers. You didn't know it, but saving her from the IMC was a lot more damaging then blowing up those engines.''

''hmm well Ajay Che was glad to help.'' Says lifeline, the look on her face makes me uneasy. As she spoke, it seemed like she was coming up with some kind of plan or scheme.

''We made it Brudda!'' shouts Gibraltar as he smacks my back.

''uhh yeah I never had any doubts.'' I say as I snap back to reality. ''I can't wait to catch up but I have someone I need to talk to.''

''okay brudda, lets grab a bear when we reach the planet.'' Says Gibraltar as he waves me off. I wave back as I walk towards the medical bay. Before I exit the main hanger, I spot Bloodhound sitting alone in one of the corners. I let out a sigh and walk over to them.

''hey, I just wanted to say thank you.'' I say as I reach Bloodhound "Without you, I wouldn't have found wraith. Not to mention the whole, shooting Caustic thing.''

''Like I said before Elliot, you have a good heart. Your time will come but not yet.'' Says Bloodhound as they spin their knife around in their hand. ''now go, I am not the one you need to be speaking with right now.'' with that I walk into the medical chamber. Inside I spot Wraith in a hospital bed. She still has on the bloody hospital gown but other than that she looks peaceful. I sit down in the seat next to her bed and without giving it any thought I grab hold of her hand.

''Come on Lilly, I need you to wake up now. We still have to figure out about your past. Please wake up.'' As I speak she stirs in her sleep, I quickly let go of her hand and change positions in the chair so I look more causal.

''E-elliot?'' mumbles Wraith as she looks up at me.

''Hey there sweetheart, glad to see you awake.'' I say as Wraith slowly sits up in her bed.

''Where the hell are we? And what happened?" asks Wraith as she puts a hand to her head.

''slow down, the IMC started running tests on you. They were doing crazy stuff for over two hours.'' I say as I help her lean back against her pillow.

''where are we now?''

''A Frontier Militia ship, a few friends of mine who happen to be rebels saw what happened in the Apex arena. They rescued us and did a number on the ship.''

''Is everyone okay?''

''yeah well the going got a little tough when rescuing you.'' I say as I hold up my right hand, Wraith sees that I'm missing a finger and slightly gasps. ''don't worry about it, I've got nine more.''

''t-thank you for saving me.'' says Wraith as she looks down, her face reddens as she does.

''don't worry about it. that's what f-fr-friends do.'' I say with a bit of a struggle, damn this stutter.

''umm you didn't happen to see my outfit did you?'' asks Wraith as she looks at her blood splattered gown.

''no, and sorry about all the blood. Caustic kind of shot me when I was helping you. Oh but bloodhound saved me!''

''I told you we would need him.''

"You have no idea how right you were, let's just say if Bloodhound hadn't been there I would be missing a hell of a lot more than a finger.'' I say as Wraith slides out of bed. "Are you sure you're okay?'' I ask as wraith slowly stands.

''I'm fine now. Being off that damned ship is such a relief.'' Says Wraith as we walk out of the medical ward. As we step out, Octane is waiting for us.

''bout time Amigos.'' Says Octane, I glare at him but I say nothing. ''chill out hombre, I'm just here because Lifeline wanted to relay a message. If you two need new clothing head into that room.'' as Octane speaks he points at a room labeled "supplies"

''I'm sure you can find something fitting to your style, but to be honest chico, anything is better than that.'' Says octane as he points at my yellow jumpsuit. I raise my fist but Wraith grabs hold of it.

''thank you, I never caught your name?''

''names Octone chava, and you are quite the exotic gringo.'' Says Octane as he smirks at Wraith. Wraith lets out a pleasant smile before kneeing octane in the stomach causing him to fall to the floor.

''Thanks for the complement.'' Says Wraith as she walks to the supply room. Octane slowly stands up and laughs as he does.

''I had that one coming, hasta luego amigos!'' Octane runs off as I follow Wraith into the room. the walls are covered with guns, ammo, and other supplies. Wraith opens a box labeled apparel and rummages through it.

"I don't want to hear it right now!'' shouts Wraith, when she speaks I jump in surprise. "you were no help on the ship. Why the hell were you so damn quiet?''

''the voices?'' I ask as I walk over to her. She sighs and holds her left hand to her heart.

''yeah, on the ship they barely spoke.'' Says Wraith as she looks at her hand. ''it was strange, like I was losing my connection with them.''

''well at least you can hear them now.'' I say as I walk over to another crate.

''yeah, they're not saying anything helpful though.'' Says Wraith as she continues to look through the clothes.

''none of this is really my style.'' I say as I hold up the box of militia apparel. I reach in and pull out a green and tan suit that actually looks pretty good. ''I may have spoken to soon.'' I watch as Wraith goes into the side room and when she does I slide my bullet ridden outfit off. I rub my shoulder and look at the nasty scar the bullet left. "just another for the collection.'' I mumble as I slide on the new outfit. I lean against a crate and wait until Wraith comes back out. When she does I'm surprised by the look.

''I know, it's horrible.'' Says Wraith as she looks down at her hands. She is a mixture of red, blue, yellow, and brown. she gives off a Frontier survivalist vibe, i guess we both do.

''nah you look good, just not really the normal Wraith vibe.'' I say as we walk out together. ''but the militia will like it, it certainly gives off a rebel vibe.''

''great, the last thing I need is people asking me to join the Frontier Militia.'' Says Wraith as she shakes her head.

''cheers to that.'' I say as I hold up an imaginary glass. Wraith just rolls her eyes before continuing towards the main hanger. I run to catch up as we enter the hanger, Pathfinder sees us and grapples over.

''Glad to see you both okay.'' Says Pathfinder before his chest face frowns. ''I'm still sorry for what I did.''

''don't worry about it Path. You didn't do anything wrong.'' I say as I pat his now functioning shoulder. ''I see the mechanics fixed you up.''

''Yes the Militia were quite generous, now my grapple is fully functional!" Says Pathfinder as he holds up his arm.

''Path, have you seen Lifeline? We need to talk to her.'' I say as I look around for her.

''Yes, she is over there talking to the Frontier pilots.'' Say Pathfinder as he points to the corner. I look at where he pointed and see Lifeline and several pilots standing under a titan. I walk over to them and motion for Wraith to follow. She seems nervous but she slowly follows me.

''Glad to see ya awake.'' Says Lifeline as she stands and walks over to us. Her pilot buddies look over at us as she does.

''I hear you are the one who saved us. I just wanted to say thanks.'' Says Wraith as she holds her left arm to her chest. It pulsates and wraith winces in pain as it does. ''I'm forever grateful to be out of the grip of those IMC scientists.''

''no worries, happy to hurt da IMC any way I can.'' Says Lifeline with a sly smile ''And I hear you were important to them.''

''yeah, they wanted to turn me into a weapon.'' Says Wraith, she crosses her arms in a defensive way as she talks.

''well, stick with da rebels and we'll keep ya safe.'' Says Lifeline

''thanks, but now that I know about my past I want to get as far from fighting as possible. Besides I've got to find my family.''

''That's a drag, but we aren't gonna stop you.'' Says Lifeline ''we'll drop you off on the planet and go our separate ways.''

''okay, thank you again for what you did.'' Says Wraith, as she speaks Lifeline holds out her hand and Wraith shakes it.

''You gonna leave with her?'' asks Lifeline as she turns to me. ''the Militia look is good on you.''

''You know I can't stay, I think I'll meet back up with my family as well.'' I say as I run my hand through my hair. ''my mother is going to want to hear about this.''

''we'd love to have her with us too.'' Says Lifeline ''you and I both know the IMC is coming back. And they ain't gonna let you live when they do''

''I'll take my chances.'' I say trying not to get upset.

''we both will, but thank you for helping us.'' Says Wraith, I turn to her and smile. I'll have to thank her for backing me up. She doesn't know it but Aj can be difficult when she doesn't get what she wants.

''not gonna lie, it's a drag you ain't gonna stay. I guess now we've got nothing left to talk about.'' Says Lifeline as she turns and walks back over to the Militia Pilots.

''she was quite a character.'' Says Wraith as we watch Lifeline walk away.

''Yeah, thanks for backing me up there.'' I say as we turn and walk towards where Bloodhound and Pathfinder are. ''Lifeline can be a bit demanding, but she has good intentions at heart."

''Why did she want us to join the rebellion so badly?''

''her parents helped fund the IMC for a long time. Their funds killed a lot of people.'' I explain as we reach the others ''that's why she wants to end the IMC so badly, to make up for all her parents did.''

''Hey there Bruddas, Mirage is this the girl with all the powers?'' asks Gibraltar as Wraith and I sit down with the others.

''Yeah this is Wraith.'' I say as Wraith shakes Gibraltar's hand

''it's a pleasure Brudda.''

''Likewise, I appreciate your help in the rescue.'' Says Wraith as the ship starts to dock on a landing zone.

''It was not a problem, hmm sounds like we landed.'' Says Gibraltar as the ship hits the ground with a thud. ''Now I think you owe me a drink brudda.''

''Hey don't worry big guy I haven't forgotten.'' I say as I hold my hands up in defense. ''come on everyone, drinks are on me.''