The Lone Soldier

Part 7

I sit on the rock and go back to 17 years ago.

Ryker: when I was a boy around 7 years old Jack believed I held siren powers, stupid I know but he did non the less and he would take me to a dark room for days putting me under everytime we went and left

Ryker: while there he would inject me with Eridum over and over but my body kept rejecting it, first my optic nerves died then a part of my brain then some of my nerves but Jack just kept replacing them to handle the Eridium until he just kinda gave up and added the same thing bloodwing had to me.

Maya: like with your arm?

Ryker: my arm is only a piece of junk that helps me control it better before I was just able to change my physiology to become corrosive or on fire

Mordecai: and blow up?

Ryker: yeah that was a countermeasure to ensure if I ever betrayed him I would blow up

Maya: but your still alive?

Ryker: Tina took it out of me 2 years ago that's what this scar on my cheek is from

Mordecai: well I still don't like you but I'm sorry for trying to blame you

Ryker: it's ok at least now I know the first place to blow up when Jacks sorted

Mordecai: feel free to get some rest before heading out back to Sanctuary

Zer0: <3... ZZZ

I lie down over near the cave wall and I hear footsteps behind me.

Maya: you ok Ryker?

I sit up and lean against the cave wall and Maya does the same.

Ryker: yeah I'm ok sorry for blanking in the fight today

Maya: it's fine just maybe tell us when you can't handle something next time yeah

Ryker: please I can handle anything

Maya: sure you can Wannabe Roland

Ryker: (scoffing) Wannabe Roland? Ha He wishes he was me

Maya chuckles and I begin to fall asleep as I close my eyes I see an older Maya with longer hair and a white hood smiling at me before dissapearing into the darkness.

I open my eyes to see everything sideways my face on something soft and someone's hand on my hair.

I slowly sit up to see that I was asleep on Maya's thighs while she was stroking my hair.

Ryker: Achievement unlocked: first lap pillow

Maya wakes up from hearing my voice.

Maya: morning Ryker sleep well?

Ryker: I had a dream which is odd

Maya: why is it odd?

Ryker: I never dream

Maya: well its probably a good thing if you can now though right?

Ryker: hmm maybe

We both stand up and walk over to Zer0 who is sleeping on a rock and looks likes he lost his spine.

Ryker: Zer0 wake up, Zer0... ZER0

Zer0 wakes startled.

Zer0: !

Maya: morning

Zer0 does a little half salute and stretches and Mordicai walks in from outside with an armful of Stalkers.

Mordecai: anyone want breakfast?

Maya: as nice as Stalker flesh sounds we should get the upgrade to Claptrap