|Borderlands AU| Dark Before Dawn |1-on-1 RP|

That gleam was in Jack's eye again and already he was clearly eager to set the Warrior out on Pandora's surface on the unsuspecting masses. Still, Naira worried for those that had only wanted to make a life as best they could, who did their best to stay out of the way of Hyperion and of the bandits around them. But Jack's morality was all wrong, and though she acted as his moral compass in its place he hardly seemed to want to listen.

Grasping her elbow, her hand to her chin, Naira heaved a sigh. Though he said those things it wouldn't surprise her if Jack let the Warrior's carnage carry on to those he'd promised her he'd try to avoid killing. His view of what a bandit was had long since broadened alarmingly since Moxxi, Roland and Lilith's betrayal up on Elpis.

"Jack," she sighed. "One of us has to stay grounded, you know? The Vault Hunters are surely on their way; let's not forget about that."

Already he was waving that away, Lilith's Siren power keeping the Vault open even as she no doubt struggled against the high-tech collar that kept her working towards that end. She would be unable to break it, not without outside help. Of that, both Naira and Jack knew well and so they worried little about the angry Siren above, her crimson flames providing her an eerie form indeed.

Nonetheless, Naira allowed a small smile to slip into place, a tip of her head following. "Besides, if I don't worry, no one here will be."


Zero could feel his adrenaline spike as they'd properly entered the Vault, the way already open before them. If anything had attempted to halt Jack's progress then it had already been defeated and left to the wayside. Even so, that left them all with legions of Hyperion fighters and AI to fight through, buying Handsome Jack all the more time to set up his plan. Zer0 pushed them all faster, his skills at stealth aiding the group that dove deeper towards the Vault all the more.

But were they too late?

Already the heat was unbearable, the insides of the Vault cast in an eerie glow from the lava that lazily skirted the edges of the craggy pathway. And there, already in place were Handsome Jack and Naira before the giant beast, Lilith high above them and presumably her powers keeping this place open in tandem with the key. Zer0 flicked his blade off of blood, the blue gleam all the brighter in this place.

"It appears to be. / What a great beast it is! We / can not lose here," Zer0 answered, determination filling each word. A rarity from the usual demeanor he displayed. What other challenges Pandora might hide from him would no doubt be lost forever if Handsome Jack had his way.

Behind them, he could hear Axton and Salvador, their gunfire prominent against those that still remained of Hyperion's forces. They would no doubt join the fray as soon as they could but Zer0 and Naeva could not hold off and allow Jack more time than he already had to get to work.

"Always."

Jack was waving off her words. He was confident that things would go their way. There was no way they couldn't. Not with this kind of power on there side. Vault Hunters or no, everything was gonna meet it's end.

"Then they'll be the first to see the warriors powers," he finally said, "And the first to die by it as well."

For him, that was that. If they did wander on down that path, he would simply sick the beast on them. Already, he was itching to see what this thing could do.

Finally, she spared him a smile, her words still showing that she was going to be the foundation toward this entire plan. Jack grinned back, confidently.

"You've got that right," he told her, "But lets save the worry for later. Looks like we've finally got company."


The excitement in Zer0's tone was hardly missed. Honestly, it was the first time she had heard it so eager. This warrior was going to provide him a challenge that might match his skills. Knowing that, Naeva tried to pick up her own confidence as well.

She spared him a smile at his answer. That was a comfort, one that she might need to get her through this. Even so, she tried to bury whatever fears she had as they started down the path.

Handsome Jack wasted no time in taking notice to them.

"Well look who finally joined the party!" he started confidently, arms raised for a brief moment before slapping back at his sides,
"Took your time, didn't you. Nah, doesn't matter now. This'll be your last. Warrior! Attack!"

Just like that, the large beast lunged sending waves of lava this way and that. Naeva already knew what to do given game events but even so, she felt a cold fear grip her. She raised her gun, shooting at it's open mouth.

The beast roared loudly but it did not deter in slamming a stone claw down where they stood. She managed to run out of the way, careful about where she stepped. Wherever Zer0 ended up, she hoped he had remained safe enough.

Naira heaved a sigh upon seeing who Jack was addressing. Zer0 and Naeva stood there, weapons in hand and ready to face them even as the Warrior rumbled behind them, half its form still hidden within the flowing lava around them. She had hoped, futilely, that Naeva would not come, that she would see reason and leave. Even so, she'd known it was more than likely that she'd come; Zer0 was going to, after all.

Already, Jack was loosing the beast upon them, its mighty roar ear splitting as it obeyed. From within the shield they had set up, Naira would watch, arms crossed and a somber look to her. Conflicting feelings were warring within her and yet she'd already made her decision, she would stand by it no matter the outcome. Even so, those events from the game... they could easily come to pass and Jack...

She shook her head, watching as Naeva and Zer0 were separated as the Warrior slammed a giant claw down upon their location. They were just as quick to react, gunfire ringing out to mingle with everything else. Only then did Naira incline her head towards Jack, to better make sure she was heard.

"Only two of them? The others must be caught up or otherwise disposed of," she noted.


Zer0 leapt effortlessly away from the Warrior's first strike, blade held tightly in hand. He would need to resort to gunfire at this rate, the beast taking refuge in the lava flow around them. He scoffed though no less enjoyed the adrenaline pumping through his veins. Yes, this was the challenge he sought! He could hardly spare a moment to see if Naeva was all right, a glimpse of her from the corner of his eyes was all that he could manage before he was moving away from another blow.

"Let it commence! I / will not be so easily / defeated! Bring it!" he cried.

If the Vault beast understood it did not react other than to belt out another roar, swiping for him. Already he'd moved to tuck away his blade, reaching for his rifle over his shoulder. Long range would be their friend here even if taking aim would be a difficult task to manage. With only the pair there yet to combat the Warrior they had to be swift and make no error.

A true challenge indeed!

He had just enough time to raise his rifle, peer down the scope and fire a shot before he had to duck away from another swing of the wicked claws. It could very easily push him into the lava and there was no rescue from such a fate...

As expected Jack was very excited about this success that he'd stopped thinking about the possibilities of a failure. Still, Naira knew what to expect and could only hope to find a way to stop it. Was the fact that the other Vault Hunters weren't here yet a sign of that? It seemed like it, at least.

"I kind of care, if we're honest here," Naira admitted. "They could be standing back and gauging the Warrior, perhaps plotting a surprise attack."

These were things she wouldn't let be ignored, not if she could help it. These very well could be the events that could lead to Jack's death, an event she wasn't sure she could handle. Though he was broken and had no desire to be 'fixed' Naira couldn't just leave him. The idea tore her apart.

As he spoke, mulling over something, Naira tore her eyes away from the clash before them. What was Jack plotting? That was always the question, as ambitious as he was. Worry tugged at her heart for Naeva's sake. Though they'd been pitched onto opposite sides, Naira would have very much like to spare the other woman from death if possible. Even so, she couldn't just sit back and let Jack's death occur either...

"What do you have in mind?"


Over the din of the creature's roar, Zer0 could make out Naeva's advice even as he fired another shot. They were sparse hits, barely phasing the creature despite any elemental damage behind the bullets. Zer0's heart rang in his ears, pulse-pounding excitement driving him further into the fight against the Warrior. What more could he have asked for? If more Vaults like these existed upon Pandora's surface, well, he found the right planet to occupy!

"Then the core it is. / It will be destroyed in time! / Nothing will stop us!"

The creature's tail reared up, lava dripping ineffectually from it. What was this thing made of to be so durable in such climate? Zer0 did not know nor care. Instead he hurried away, cloaking even as the Warrior made to fire what appeared to be slag from its tail, aiming for him first. He could not afford to stop, his feet ever on the move and away from the laser. To be hit would be a death sentence here!

Naira blinked, wondering just what he meant by that. Already Jack was fishing for his pocket watch even as she spoke, however: "Wait, you're not thinking--" Before she could even finish her question, Jack all but seemed to disappear, his footsteps masked beneath the sounds of the fight. "Hey! Jack!"

A frustrated sound escaped her upon receiving no response. Just like Jack, to rush off to his plans when he was so sure of its success. There was nothing more for her to do but wait and see just exactly what he had planned. There was hardly a reason for her to risk injury by leaving the shield just yet after all. That did not lessen the worry in the pit of her stomach, however, sitting heavily like a stone.


Zer0 trusted that Naeva could handle herself, that she could avoid serious harm with the Warrior targeting Zer0 as it was. This beast would not be so easily defeated, that much was clear by its shear size alone and the way that even lava did no damage to its hardened hide. Despite this, Zer0 would not give in. This was the challenge he'd so desired and he would see it through to the end! If that meant aiming for it's strange core then he would gladly do so.

The steady stream of gunfire from Naeva ceased, the sound gone from the air. Zer0 thought nothing of it; perhaps she was circling around for cover or for a better vantage point, after all. With the Warrior's tail sinking back into the lava, the laser gone for the moment, it made sense. Zer0 took the opportunity to fire off two quick rounds from his pistol instead, the corrosive damage doing nothing to the giant creature. It merely seemed to brush off the hits as if they were naught but pebbles.

All seemed to grow quiet as Handsome Jack's voice rang out, calling for the Warrior's attention. Tense, Zer0 spun 'round to where the man now stood, outside that shield, unprotected. But there, a few feet from him was the crumpled form of Naeva.

Alarm bells rang through Zer0's very being, nearly frozen stiff for the first time in his life upon the realization of what was happening. The Warrior's rumbling growl through the air only aided in proving what was happening now. Zer0 sprung forward the same time the Warrior began to move, pushing his legs to move as fast as he had ever moved in his life.

He was coming, he would save her, his wellbeing be damned for once in his career of assassination.


Naira watched on, steeling herself for whatever outcome might occur. She could hardly go out there and save Naeva, not when she was an enemy, though she dearly wished to. Already Zer0 had lunged into action, hurrying to Naeva's body in a bid to reach her before the Warrior did. In that there was at least some modicum of relief though it was small.

Her heart lurched upon the realization that Zer0 began to raise his gun as he ran, aiming for Jack. Naira's hand flew to her side, tugging free her pistol and taking aim. Still, the assassin was quick and she might miss in her haste.

"Jack, look out!" she shouted, firing twice at Zer0 in a bid to stall his aim.

While hasty with the aim, her shots deterred Zer0's path, leaving Jack the opportunity to slip back into the safety of the shield. At least in here, at her side, it was one less worry for her. Still, Naeva's fat still hung in the air, a fate she could hardly interfere with anymore, not right now... Naira busied herself with holstering her pistol, the gunfire from Zer0 telling her that he was attempting to deter the Warrior's attention to him again.

"It's still kind of sad," she pointed out truthfully.

Right or wrong, well, the path to hell was paved with good intentions after all and Pandora was filled with criminals and those who were rough around the edges. It was hard to say what methods would have been best on Pandora but arguably some of Jack's just went too far. Even so, she'd made her choice to stay at his side and she'd see it through, for better or for worse.

"There's been a lot of losses up to now..."

Talking at least helped to ignore the guilt in her stomach as she watched Zer0 struggle.


Zer0's heart beat fast in his ears, deafening far more than the Vault beast's roar. Naeva was defenseless, unawares of the fact that her life was in danger. Even more worrying than that was the Warrior's determination to carry out its order. With each moment that Zer0 gathered its attention it would swat at him, driving him away and then focus upon Naeva once more, bearing down upon her.

Seeing no other options, Zer0 reached for a sticky grenade at his belt. He had one chance for this...

Hardly any time to aim, he lobbed the grenade with more force than was perhaps necessary and lunged for Naeva. The grenade, with any luck, would stick to the creature and blow, distracting it. Zer0 did not spare a glance, his feet pounding hard against the ground as he neared Naeva's side. He had to take her and run, maybe regroup with the other Vault Hunters.

But where were they? They should have been here by now, had Hyperion's forces somehow surprised them? Zer0 scoffed, these thoughts racing through his head in but a moment. The sound of the grenade reached his ears, the sparks of the grenade dancing along the Warrior's face. From the corner of his eye he saw the creature rear back in surprise, its head jerking to one side as if to dislodge the grenade.

In those moments, Zer0 scooped up Naeva easily and darted away behind cover. He couldn't stop running, ignoring the pair within the shield and Lilith still hovering high above, at the apex of that very shield.


Naira blinked after Zer0's form as it disappeared from the Vault's entrance. He hadn't slowed since picking Naeva up in his arms, her Maliwan gun left behind in their wake. If Jack minded their escape he said nothing of it, in fact he might well just find it a futile effort on their part.

"They ran off," she noted nonetheless, somewhat curious as to what Zer0 hoped to achieve at the end.

It wasn't a surprise as to what Jack chose to say; they were much the same things he'd said time and again since the end of their Vault hunt on Elpis. Still, it sounded like he'd at least put some thoughtfulness into the comments this time, the words far less snappish than the times before. That, at least, was progress.

He turned then, calling for the Warrior to follow now that its target was well and out of sight. Whatever knowledge she and Naeva had of this world before, well... now it was only surprises for the both of them from here on out.

"I don't know," she admitted softly. A moment's pause followed in which Naira reached out to slip her arms around his. "I'd like to save her if possible but... but I don't think that's quite possible anymore."

From the satellite feeds she'd been monitoring of her time with Zer0 it was more than clear that Naeva was attached to the assassin. Knowing that and knowing what Naeva thought of the only side of Jack she'd ever witnessed, well, Naira doubted that Naeva would agree to any terms that would save her. That thought had long hung over Naira's head, as much as she hated to address it.

Pushing the thought away, Naira peered up at Jack. "Anyways, how many times have I told you not to call me Bunny?" she pouted.


How long did Zer0 run, hoisting Naeva in his arms? He didn't know, long since losing track. There was no way that he could stay and fend off the Warrior while waiting for the others and defend Naeva like she was. So he ran, perhaps for the first in his life. The bodies and debris that he passed along the way hardly phased him or mattered, they were merely obstacles to slow him.

His breath heaving in great gasps he finally slowed, glancing back over his shoulder. He'd long since left the Vault behind him, Naeva still clutched tightly to his chest. When would the Warrior appear on that horizon, out of the Vault? Handsome Jack was eager to see his plans to fruition so he reasoned it couldn't be long.

There could only be so long to stay and catch his breath then. He would do so and quickly move on. They could find the others later, once the dust had settled.

Naira resisted the urge to sigh to instead offer a brief hum in agreement. Jack wasn't wrong on that matter, not if there was still a way to keep Naeva alive... even if it meant she hated Naira. That would be fine though, wouldn't it? It would be better than Naeva dying alongside that assassin and all the others.

The thought was driven away as Jack indulged her change in conversation. It was a lighter one, a topic that came up every so often and always seemed to go the same way in one form or another.

The fact that they were still in a Vault, that there was an angry Siren still yet captive above them and charging the Vault Key, even that the Warrior rumbled lowly, waiting for new orders hardly mattered. A small smile worked its way across her lips as Jack nuzzled the top of her head, the feel of a kiss soon becoming known. These little acts were slowly growing more common, a fact that puzzled her briefly given Jack's normal MO when it came to physical contact.

"Oh, believe me, I know that much," she admitted, a lighter tone weaved into her words. "Your insistence on calling me that makes it pretty obvious."

Her face felt hotter still. Strange, how being treated in such a gentle way was enough to turn her into a blushing mess when Jack was more than willing to show his affection physically when he had the chance to. Then again, she'd always been a little bashful when it came to actions over talk.


She was stirring in his arms, though her motions were weak. Even the grip upon his shoulder was too lacking for his liking. While she spoke he continued to run, his breaths heaving and his legs aching. While Naeva was at risk he would not return to the fight. She had to be able to fight or to run on her own again before he would risk it.

Just when had he gotten so attached to this one woman?

"Absolutely not. / The others are gone from here, / or so it all seems," he justified.

While he would have gladly fought the Vault beast off on his own any other day this situation called for another tactic. Lilith was still held captive, perhaps meant to keep the Vault key charged further, and the other Vault Hunters missing. Were they dead and he had passed by their corpses? Zer0 couldn't begin to say he knew for sure. The most he could do was to regroup now.

His grip on Naeva remained steadfast so as not to drop her or risk any injury to her further.

Whatever it was that had kept Jack's interest in her through the years, well, Naira couldn't say for sure. Originally his curiosity of her, of where she was from, had kept him pestering her and keeping her safe but over time it seemed that had changed entirely. Knowing the type of women he typically went for, well, she broke that trend almost entirely.

'Why question it now?' she reasoned. She wasn't even sure if Jack would know the answer to that himself or if he'd even indulge it when asked.

It was hard to ignore the pleasurable shiver that ran down her spine at the promise in Jack's voice. Bashful, maybe even timid to be truthful, about such physical intimacy she enjoyed it immensely. He was always so warm and the contact comforting. After so long of attempting to deny her attraction for him at first, well, it had been nice to give in.

She tugged at his shirt, closing the distance between them after she'd stepped round in front of him. It was an easy thing to reach up on tiptoe and catch him up in a quick kiss. Unless his temper had flared, well, Jack wasn't one to deny a kiss from her. Only when she pulled away did she answer him.

"I'm gonna hold you to that, Jack," she murmured, moving to step away and head out.


She could hardly move to protest in this weakened state of hers. Zer0 was not surprised though he did wonder how hard that hit to her must have been. Had it been a simple blow or more than one that Handsome Jack had delivered? The thought made anger course through Zer0, his grip on Naeva tightening briefly.

He could hardly hear her words, muttered as they were. It didn't matter, if he was honest, he couldn't stop now. They needed a place to recover and regroup, then they could argue about this. Until then he would ignore her please to return to the fight. Withy any luck any of the people Handsome Jack set the Warrior upon would be only true bandits and psychos. If not then... Well, he couldn't think about that now.

If it was falling apart, well, they could be put back together later.

"Sleep now." The order was simple, perhaps too direct for the situation. Nonetheless, Naeva needed the rest lest any damage be worse off.

It was a rather timely affair to gather up Lilith, the Siren to replace Jack's daughter in this plan of his. Though Naira hadn't gotten to know Angel well it had still hurt to see such a young girl die under the circumstances she'd had to be placed under and had to live through. Naira couldn't fault Jack for his explosive temper at the Vault Hunters at that even if she could see why Angel would want reprieve through death.

Heading out of the Vault with Jack, the Warrior close behind, was an easy affair. Many of their own forces lay to the side, dead or dying or in need of heavy repairs. Some robots would only be useful as scrape metal anymore with the amount of damage to them. Still, others were regrouping, ready to move out as well when they would be able to. Truthfully, Naira wasn't sure they would be needed with the Warrior about to be set out.

It was easy to see Jack swelling with pride and joy at his dream being realized though still Naira worried about those who would get caught in the crossfire. He wasn't exactly very moral, not like he'd been when they'd first met...

The thoughts were pushed away as Jack ordered for the Warrior to set its sight on Sanctuary, the floating city but a small target in the distant. Its ever constant movement would not aid it and the shield they had around it would hardly stand long against the Warrior. Those people who had only hidden there for their own safety, they wouldn't know what hit them much less have the time to scurry away with the fast travel systems in place there...

Even as Jack urged her on for a better view of Sanctuary's downfall the Warrior all but bounded for the flying city effortlessly.


Zer0 managed to cover a great amount of distance but he wasn't sure if it would be sufficient. Nonetheless, it had to do for now. With that in mind he forced himself to stop, moving to set Naeva down. From the looks of things this might have been an old bullymong nest though it had long since been abandoned, their little caverns in the walls emptied and cracking with age. At least he hadn't had to kill them or beat them back while protecting Naeva further.

It was here he stood guard in the shadows, keeping his gaze out of their little cavern hideout. He could see Sanctuary, floating peacefully there in the sky and he wondered where the others were yet again. If they had been there perhaps it might have been different and yet...

He shook his head, crossing his arms over his chest. The roar of the Warrior seemed to reverberate through the air and he swore that he could feel its great steps from here. It was even shorter a time before it was bounding past, there in the far off distance, towards Sanctuary. If the others had had to go back, to tend to fatal wounds...

Zer0 watched as the creature attacked, firing at the shield from the ground with that tail's laser. The least he could do is to watch this carnage while it occurred, if only as a farewell to those he had damned in favor of Naeva's life. He owed them that much at least.

It was just she and Jack and a seething Lilith there in those moments, the Warrior easily targeting Sanctuary. She could only imagine the panic that would be in full effect on that floating city. Jack's shouts joined the sounds of the far off destruction, the beginning of the end for them all there, echoing out into the Eridium Blight. If Lilith had anything to say she could not manage it with that collar on, keeping her under control enough to keep the key charged and in use, just as the Warrior was now under Jack's power.

Naira felt an ache in her chest at Jack's screaming though she wasn't sure why. Was it for Jack alone, for his fall from grace so long ago on Elpis, or was it for those that meant no harm here who would lose their lives? Naira could only figure that it might be all three.

A beat of silence passed though Naira wasn't sure if Jack was finished yelling yet or not. It was entirely possible he wasn't, not after all he'd lost in this struggle against the Vault Hunters. Steeling herself to be rebuked in any residual anger, Naira stepped forward, reaching for him. A hand at his elbow, the other came to the small of his back in the hopes of providing some form of comforting calm.

"Jack," she said simply.

In the distance Sanctuary's shield fell, allowing the Warrior to unleash it's full rage upon the those within.


He could hear the shuffling before the footsteps, a sure sign that she had awoken and was moving. Even so, Zer0 did not turn, solemnly watching as the shield fell to that Vault creature. It was already following up, launching itself closer towards that city they'd called a safe haven for so long. They wouldn't last long, not at this rate...

Naeva muttered something, her voice too hushed for him to hear. She had begged him to turn back and to face the beast, was she now blaming herself? Zer0 didn't know but it wouldn't surprise her given what he knew of her now.

"We can only watch. / Watch and wait. For now at least. / But we must heal now."

Zer0's comment was quiet but no less demanding. She couldn't go rushing in to try to save everyone when she had hardly healed. There was no telling what Handsome Jack had used or done to knock her out and the damage might be worse off than it looked. He couldn't let her strain herself, not after damning so many others for her sake. If they were to make those lost lives mean anything, well, she had to first live longer than today.

Standing straighter, he shook his head. There was little they could do without knowing the fate of the others. Lilith was still in Handsome Jack's power, but the others? He hadn't seen them since he and Naeva had darted ahead to stall Handsome Jack...

It was a moment before Jack said anything further, looking more like he wanted to keep screaming at those in Sanctuary still. Whether or not that was the case, he didn't, instead choosing to calm himself. Naira wasn't even sure he remembered to flip on his ECHO to broadcast that to those within as he had screamed just then. Hell, it didn't matter. No one up there would probably be listening, too panicked with the Warrior attacking them.

Soon enough he'd bounced back, flashing a grin her way as if in reassurance. Though worry still gnawed at her, both for Jack and for those who'd be caught up in the Warrior's rampage, she allowed a small smile to slip across her lips in return.

"Well, don't lose yourself too much there. Losing your cool on your victory strut now wouldn't be good form," she teased, swatting at his side lightly. "Besides, it's so not sexy."

The attempt to lighten her own worries wasn't too hard, not with Jack near. He had a way about him that clicked well with her, making it easy to get along with him most times. Later in the night, if she were left to herself, well, then she could dwell on it all. Then again, with that promise of Jack's earlier she might be kept well near his side through the entire night.

Bantering like this while Sanctuary was being attacked, while people there were no doubt trying to flee to safety they couldn't reach, it felt wrong and yet all too natural. Maybe it was because, among those there on Sanctuary, Moxxi was there with her current bar, being attacked as well...


Zer0 heard her move again, her words too soft and choked with sobs to hear properly. He didn't need to to know what she was saying. For a moment longer he merely stood there, watching as the Warrior advanced on Sanctuary further. Was it planning to try leap to it, to clutch at its sides and rain destruction upon them at much closer a range? Zer0 wouldn't be surprised.

Finally, he turned, striding to Naeva's side in but three long steps. She needed him right now, leaned against the wall and looking for all the world like she was trying to hold herself together. Sensitive as she was despite herself, this would be a rough ride for her...

Zer0 said nothing, merely reached to tug her to him. He was not one for physical contact, not really. It was not a comfort he needed nor really craved, but now Naeva needed him and needed some sort of strength to take from. As such, he guided her to him, his fingers tangling in her hair while his other hung limp at his side. If he had been more watchful and had not lost himself in the rush of adrenaline then perhaps Naeva would not have been so easily used against him.

Would they be able to combat the beast now that it was unleashed? Zer0 hoped so.

Naira couldn't help it, a giggle escaped her, one that she tried to muffle behind a hand. He was just so proud of himself, vengeance against the three that betrayed him on Elpis now exacted to near completion and the Warrior in his control to wipe Pandora's slate clean with... If it wasn't for his daughter's death just a short while ago he might have been even higher on cloud nine right now.

"Complete with confetti and streamers, I imagine," she joked.

It sure didn't take Jack long to start teasing her again, looking more than happy to do so. Naira mocked irritation, planting her fists on her hips as she tossed him a look. Of course he was trying to rewrite it all, even if it was only for a joke.

"Oh, please! If I remember, it was you who did all the pursuing back then," Naira pointed out.

That had very well been more than true. Even before Elpis' Vault was opening he had been flirting and hinting that he wanted more with her. Little touches here and there, excuses to come bother her more and more... Well, Naira wondered how long she'd been able to hold out against her attraction to him for as long as she did.

Though Jack's gaze mostly remained on Sanctuary's demise, she could see the amusement on his face. He might have been recalling those days even now.


There wasn't a need to wonder about what might be on her mind, not when he held her close like this and she clutched to him so tightly. 'If she had not been used against him,' or 'she could have convinced him to go back' and more, they were certainly among her thoughts. Of that much Zer0 had no doubts. Because of this, he kept her to him, allowing her the time to cry as she needed.

It was difficult to make out her words, muffled and broken up by her crying as it was. Even so, Zer0 listened intently, working to make out her words. A question mark sparked into being, hidden from her. She spoke so assuredly on this matter but why?

"Such assurance in / your voice. I wonder why that / is. Can you answer?" Zer0 wondered, peering down at her.

She might well have only assumed as such but Zer0 had to second guess that. There was so much she was confident about but then there were others in which she had absolute faith would happen in the past year... Why was that? It had always bothered him and yet he'd never had an answer...