Mend the Broken

"Mend the Broken" is BOTGD Extended Universe thread written on July 7, 2019. 
== Summary ==
== Full Text ==
=== Part 1 ===
Akkey Black: “I can’t do this, Maru.”
Akkey flopped over her Deadly Nadder’s back, who crooned worriedly at her, hovering them calmly above the sea. They were within sight of Haligan Island.
The last time she saw Grey or any of the Boomerang Squad was mid-Ragnarok, when she left Hel’s Bunker for Yrus. She wasn’t well, and needed time to process herself and heal. Five years is definitely a time.
They came into the island’s line of sight, and she started getting nervous.
Grey Bergman: The 27-year-old chief and her Night Fury walked through the village doing the chief’s rounds that day. All was quiet, and she hadn’t had the chance to see Brandt yet. After he revealed the truth to her, they managed to reconcile…somewhat, and the past month or so has been them mending their relationship and moving past it. It seemed to be working…slowly.
“CHIEF GREY!” one of the guards from the towers shouted to her. 
She quickly got on Shadow and flew up to the tower. “What is it?” she asked. 
“There’s a stranger approaching the island,” he replied handing Grey the spyglass so that she could look. “We’re not sure if we should meet them out there.”
Grey took the spyglass and looked through it. She could see a Deadly Nadder…and a girl…about her age…with white hair. “Oh my gods…” she said in shock. “That’s Akkey!”
“Who?”
“Someone from the Rebellion,” she replied. 
Akkey Black: Grey could see the dragon wavering towards and away from the island, as if hesitant to approach. Akkey groaned to herself. Nope. Nope, I came this far. I’m better. I can do this. She gritted her teeth and headed towards the rising towers, passing by one of them and catching sight of a Night Fury. She pulled Maru to a halt, hovering above the guards against the sunlight, her loose hair blowing lazily in the wind. 
Grey Bergman: Grey watched with a huge smile on her face as Akkey and Maru flew closer to Haligan Island. She hadn’t seen Akkey in 5 years…since she left the Rebellion. The Chief had often wondered if it was wise to try to reach out to her, but they weren’t all that close and didn’t feel it would be appropriate or reciprocated. It was no wonder she was so happy to finally see her comrade. 
“Akkey, long time no see!” Grey said happily as Akkey pulled Maru to a halt.
Akkey Black: She was a little taken aback at Grey’s eager tone. She had expected to be met with apprehension and distrust; this threw her off.
“H-hey… Hey, Grey.” she called out. Maru squawked and flapped her wings, balancing herself to stay aloft.
Grey Bergman: Shadow crooned at the Deadly Nadder with as much eagerness as Grey showed to Akkey.
“Well, don’t be a stranger,” Grey said. “Come on!” She guided Shadow to land on the ground and looked up at the Deadly Nadder expecting her to follow.
Akkey Black: “Right… right,” Akkey blinked, still confused. She touched the side of her dragon’s neck, and they followed the Chief down. She could see a few Haligan residents glancing up, curiously noting her white hair out loud. She pulled at it a little self consciously.
Grey Bergman: Grey furrowed her eyebrows together as she studied Akkey. She could see that she was pulling at her hair nervously. “Are you okay?” she asked. 
Akkey Black: She inhaled sharply, dropping her hand, “Yeah. Yeah, I’m fine.” They landed on the ground and she hopped off lithely, keeping her hand on Maru as if to steady herself. She attempted a small smile, “You look good, Grey.” 
Grey Bergman: The Chief immediately followed suit and dismounted Shadow, and she quickly smiled in return. “Thank you,” she replied. “You look good, too!”
Akkey Black: “Thanks…” she cleared her throat awkwardly, shifting her eyes to the side, “How have you been? It’s been a while.”
Grey Bergman: “I’m good,” Grey replied gesturing for Akkey to follow her. They could talk somewhere more private. “I mean…I became Chief about a year ago. I’m still Haddock’s second-in-command now. Plus, I’m seeing somebody. Ummm…how have you been?”
Akkey Black: She raised her eyebrows, quickly falling into step with Grey, “Wow. Chief, second-in-command, and a relationship? That’s amazing. Congratulations.” She let her gaze drift before them, drinking in the sights that was Grey’s island. She saw bright and cheery people, full of life and love. “I’ve been… good.” She stopped, unsure of what she wanted to say next.
Grey Bergman: “Well, that’s good,” Grey said smiling at Akkey as their dragons followed in tow. “Anything new and exciting happening? I mean, I know you left with your sister and brother-in-law.”
Akkey Black: “Yeah!” she hopped a little forward, forgetting her apprehension for a moment, “They have a kid now. My niece, Iona. She’s turning a year old in a couple of weeks.” She turned to face her, grinning with bright eyes.
Grey Bergman: “Oh that’s wonderful!” Grey replied excitedly. “I bet she’s really cute! I’m so happy for them! You’ll have to give my congratulations the next time you see them.” She had been leading Akkey to the island’s Great Hall, where they could talk more and catch up.
Akkey Black: “Thanks! She’s adorable,” she giggled. They came up to the Great Hall’s massive doors, and she eyed its grand height. She sobered, remembering what she came here for. “Listen, uh… Grey..” she cleared her throat.
Grey Bergman: “What is it, Akkey?” Grey asked sensing the seriousness in Akkey’s voice. 
Akkey Black: “I…” Akkey took a deep breath, gazing directly at Grey, “I came here to apologize… for everything…”
Grey Bergman: The Chief furrowed her eyebrows together and looked at Shadow, who had the same look of confusion on her face, and then they turned to Akkey.
“Apologize?” she asked. “For…for what?”
Akkey Black: “Just… everything,” she flapped her hands a little nervously. The words started tumbling out her mouth, if she stopped now she wouldn’t be able to keep going. “For sending Greg off, for not trusting you, for leaving without saying goodbye, for freaking out on you and attacking everyone, for the whole agent of Helheim thing…”
=== Part 2 ===
Grey Bergman: “Akkey…” Grey said in complete shock before gently grabbing her hands, “there’s nothing for you to be sorry for. That…that whole thing with Greg is water under the bridge now, and…and everything else…you didn’t attack anyone, what are you…?”
Akkey Black: Akkey gripped her hands in return, “I was a mess, Grey. It was one thing after another, Hemlock, Stonegit, Fenrir, Frigga, Ragnarok– I wasn’t the greatest friend to you or the others. I lashed out and I attacked you because I wasn’t well…” she took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. 
Grey Bergman: “Hey, hey,” Grey said gently trying not to upset her, “let’s sit down.” She guided Akkey to some nearby chairs in the Great Hall so that they both could sit down. 
Akkey Black: She brought a hand to her forehead, laughing humourlessly, “Sorry… It’s weird right. It’s been five years, I’m suddenly bringing all of this shit up. I’m just…” she glanced up at her, “I feel like I’m in a better place right now, and I wanted to make sure and apologize to you…”
Grey Bergman: “I…” Grey began to say completely at a loss for words. She remembered what Akkey was talking about…Greg was being possessed by Nala and forced by Akkey to leave…she lashed out at Grey completely not trusting her judgement to have Greg and Nala come back with them…and she remembered them leaving without saying goodbye. The Chief smiled and placed a hand on Akkey’s shoulder. “I appreciate it, Akkey, and trust me, you were forgiven a long time ago. I understood why you did what you did. You weren’t in the right place, and quite frankly, Haddock had a hard time dealing with my friendship with Nala and I accepted it. I should’ve given you the same benefit of a doubt, and I apologize for lashing out at you.”
Akkey Black: She gripped the hand on her shoulder, giving a hollow laugh, “I’m forgiven…? Damn it’s that easy? Even after the whole Agent of Helheim business?”
Grey Bergman: Grey couldn’t help but chuckle and shake her head. “Honestly, I’ve made peace with that a long time ago,” Grey said. “I mean you had the goddess herself on your back. I don’t see how you could’ve said know, and you were doing what you thought was right, right?”
Akkey Black: Akkey froze, staring at the Chief. “I… didn’t do it because I thought it was right.”
“It was a deal. If I collected souls for Hel, Maya would be spared from harm.” She inhaled sharply, pressing her lips in a thin line, “There were no honourable intentions on my side. I did it because I was thinking only about my own family.”
Grey Bergman: “Spared from harm?” Grey asked in shock. She wasn’t angry. This was just the first time she heard of this. The one time she first met Maya and Hunter, Haddock had sent her out of the room, and she didn’t find out that they were related until after the witch attack. That was by accident. “I…I don’t think I ever learned the full details as to why Hel picked you.”
Akkey Black: “Yep,” she leaned back in her seat, staring up at the intricate ceilings of the Great Hall, “Remember my father? Infamous Pitch Black, gatherer of souls, half nix, and old enemy to the Rebellion? Turned out he was also Hel’s agent with the same goal: fish as many souls as he could for her army.” She grinned humourlessly to herself, “Lo and behold, inheriting his powers meant inheriting the mission as well.”
Akkey glanced down at Grey, who was staring at her intently, “Hel needed more souls. A lot more. Towns, cities, you name it. If I managed to reach Central that time I might’ve stolen theirs, too.”
“Sacrifice hundreds and thousands of souls, to save one. That was my job.”
Grey Bergman: The Chief blinked in disbelief as she watched Akkey as she explained her position as an Agent of Helheim. She had met Pitch Black a long time ago, and the two of them never interacted much afterwards.
“So, it was a family affair in a way,” Grey mused. “Did…did Hel threaten Maya or something?”
Akkey Black: “Gods, no,” she shook her head vigorously, “Hel didn’t go as far as that…”
“No, I was stupid. And desperate. I was realizing the gravity of the devastation that Ragnarok could bring, and I had just reunited with Maya after ten years of thinking she was dead. I didn’t think Hel would win, I didn’t care who won or lost, who lived or who died. All I was, was scared I would lose my family again.”
“That’s… That’s why I agreed to be an Agent.”
Grey Bergman: “Akkey…” Grey said sadly. “You were trying to protect your family. If it were me…or Warren…or Haddock…or Greg-heck, Greg actually did something like that for Loki-we would’ve done the same thing. If I knew my parents were in danger and Hel offered me this chance, I probably would’ve been begging Haddock to sign the contract with Hel.”
Akkey Black: Akkey was glad she was sitting in that moment, otherwise she would’ve fallen over in surprise, “Y-you would have? Even if it meant betraying the trust and lying to the people that took care of you and fought with you for ten years?”
Grey Bergman: “People do crazy things when the people they care about are threatened…or in danger,” Grey said leaning back in her seat. “If anything, I would’ve been more concerned if you didn’t try to save them.”
Akkey Black: Her mind flashed with Hunter’s tales of their encounter with the Dragon King, of Grey jumping into the dragon flames to save Shadow. Crazy rebels, he had called them. Grey was talking from experience.
She placed a hand over her eyes, laughing weakly, “The entire flight here I was stressing over how you would react to me, how you would be upset and would never want to see me again… and here you are, completely understanding and sympathetic…”
Grey Bergman: Grey chuckled. “Believe me, I’m not some heartless monster,” she replied as she gripped Akkey’s shoulder. “I’ve been there.” Her mind immediately went to the trial with Midgardsormr, and how she sacrificed her life for Shadow after Hrinthe told her that Shadow would not survive if she made contact with the flames.
Akkey Black: “No wonder you’re the Chief and second in command,” she grinned at Grey, lifting her hand away from her face, revealing glistening eyes as she tried to stop herself from crying, “Thanks, Grey. This… This really means a lot.”
Grey Bergman: “You’re welcome,” she said before pulling Akkey into her arms for a hug.”It’s what friends are for.”
Akkey Black: It really was a day of surprises for Akkey. She gasped quietly when Grey wrapped her arms around her. Her own arms trembled, hovering behind the Chief’s for a moment, before she returned the embrace tightly. The tears she tried so hard to stop spilled over her cheeks, and she squeezed her eyes shut. Friends…
Grey Bergman: “Are you okay?” Grey asked still hugging Akkey and feeling her shaking form in her arms. She was beginning to tear up herself. “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
=== Part 3 ===
Akkey Black: “Yeah, I’m fine…” her voice choking slightly, “This is normal. You can ask Blunt or Tree, they’ll tell you the same thing.”
Grey Bergman: Grey laughed as she rubbed Akkey’s back hoping to calm her down a little. “Okay, I’ll take your word for it,” she said laughing a little herself hugging her just a little tighter. 
Akkey Black: She sniffed, grateful for Grey and her kind heart. They separated after a while, Akkey rubbing the tears away from her cheeks and laughing apologetically, “So who’s this person you’re seeing, eh?”
Grey Bergman: Grey chuckled. “Well, he used to be my uncle’s apprentice–my uncle’s a trader,” she began, “and…we’ve been seeing other for about…8 months now. His name is Brandt Felman.”
Akkey Black: She raised her eyebrows, “Eight months. That’s not a short time, more than halfway to a year.”
Grey Bergman: “Yeah, we’ve been getting pretty serious,” Grey said. However, her smile faded into a frown at the thought of how things had been going recently. “Well…we…not to dump this on you, but we had a pretty big fight about a month ago, and we’ve trying to move past it.”
Akkey Black: “Oh no… I’m sorry,” she said gently. She placed a hand on Grey’s knee, “I won’t pry, but if you need a listening ear, I don’t really have anywhere to go right now.” She quirked the corner of her lips.
Grey Bergman: Grey smiled at Akkey. She wanted so desperately to tell someone…anyone about her fight with Brandt, but how could she? She couldn’t talk to her mother…for obvious reasons, given that it involved her husband. She couldn’t talk to her adoptive siblings because all three of them wouldn’t give it a second glance and try to kick him off the island. Maybe talking to Akkey…a third party…would help.
“Well, sparing you the gory details,” Grey began, “he…told me that he did something pretty terrible, and that it happened before we met. This something kind of affected me in a way, and I got upset with him. We agreed to not speak for a while to take some time apart, and…we tried talking again recently. We both agreed to keep trying because we want to move past it, and I love him too much. I…I hate what he did, but I can’t…bring myself to hate him…you know?”
Akkey Black: Akkey regarded her for a moment, forming her thoughts in her mind. After a while she smiled sympathetically, and nodded, “I get it.”
She looked away, remembering her own father and herself, “One action doesn’t define a person’s entire self. That’s something that I’ve been having to learn over the years. It’s valid to be upset about it, but still want to be close to him.” She glanced back at her, “Someone told me once that the mind and the heart won’t always agree. The Chief in you is being smart about it, but love makes you do and feel crazy things sometimes.”
Grey Bergman: “One action doesn’t define a person’s entire self…”
That thought echoed in her mind, and it made her feel so much better in a sense. She chuckled and shook her head. “Yeah…I’ll say,” she said. “That…that was…thank you, Akkey. I feel like I needed to hear that…in a way. Who told you that?”
Akkey Black: She smirked, “Blunt did. That troublemaker’s pretty smart.” Akkey leaned her head on her palm, “I’m glad I could help, even a little bit.“
Grey Bergman: “Blunt?” Grey asked in shock. “Wow…who would’ve thought he actually had words of wisdom?” She shook in her. “You really did, thank you.” She made a mental note to talk to Brandt later.
Akkey Black: “Mmhm. He’s an ass sometimes, but he’s part of the reason why I’ve come this far. He’s a good guy,” she gave Grey’s hand a pat, “What else is new? A lot happens in five years.”
Grey Bergman: “Wow, where do I begin?” Grey said with the smile. “Well, Asha had her baby, Siri. She’s 5 going on 6 now. Ummm…Greg and Warren got married and had their baby, a little girl named Lila. She’s four now. We finally left that bunker about 3 years ago. Asha and Ander, her husband got married last year after I became Chief, and that’s about it.”
Akkey Black: Akkey raised her eyebrows, “Whoa. That’s a lot indeed.”
“Wait, we? So… the Boomerang Squad’s on Haligan?” she hesitated for a moment, wondering if she’d be ready to meet them.
Grey Bergman: Grey smiled that Akkey remembered the group name they came up with for their little makeshift family all those years ago. “Actually, yeah,” Grey said. “After Hel released the Rebellion from the bunker, Asha, Greg, and Warren came back here with me and Shadow, and we’ve been living here ever since.”
Akkey Black: “You guys really stuck together, eh..” she grinned a little apprehensively, “With kids! That’s amazing.”
Grey Bergman: “Yeah,” the Chief replied nodding, “we really did. Ever since that smuggled weapons mission, we’ve been there for each other and just stuck together, and it all just happened on its own, which is good because they helped to keep my sanity, especially during Ragnorak…when the whole…thing with Satine happened.”
Akkey Black: “Satine…” she tilted her head. That name is familiar… Satine… Akkey widened her eyes, remembering Hunter mention her, “Satine? The woman with many blades? Did you fight her too?”
Grey Bergman: “Well, not exactly…fight,” Grey said. “She…tried to murder me…and Haddock…a few times during Ragnarok.”
Akkey Black: “How did five years pass without me ever making this connection.” she laughed humourlessly, placing a hand on her forehead, “Hunter told me he found you unconscious, strangled almost to death. I didn’t realize that was her…”
Grey Bergman: “Y-Yeah, she tried to strangle me when Ragnarok began,” the Chief replied shuddering at the memory of the wire being wrapped around her neck and her trying to call for help and Haddock saving her as she lost consciousness. Grey widened her brown eyes as she stared at Akkey. “Oh my gods, that’s right.” She suddenly realized what Akkey was referring to. “She told me she went after you too. Haddock thought you were dead…”
Akkey Black: “Yeah, stabbed me right through the stomach,” she said grimly, her fingers subconsciously drifting over where the old wound was under her shirt, “She really got us, didn’t she…” 
Grey Bergman: “Yeah…she did,” Grey said as her hand went to the faded scar on her neck. 
=== Part 4 ===
Akkey Black: She glanced at her, noticing the movement, “How are you holding up? You said the Boomerang Squad helped you with it…”
Grey Bergman: “I’ve been getting better,” Grey replied. “I mean, occasionally, I’ll get a nightmare here and there. Sometimes, I get jumpy when someone comes up from behind. I guess, it was a little easier in the bunker when all I had to worry about was the Rebellion, but now that I’ve been back here, my mom and the Boomerang Squad all have helped a lot, you know?” She looked to Akkey. “How about you?”
Akkey Black: “That’s good to hear,” she said, before biting her lip, “Well… admittedly it hasn’t bothered me as much in the years. The whole thing with Hemlock and Fenrir and Frigga kind of drowns out everything else, you know? Not like that’s any better,” She gave a hollow laugh while clutching her stomach, “But I know what you mean. The dreams, the apprehension, the constant fear.”
She wrinkled her nose in thought, “It’s been hard, but… it’s better these days. Have to find ways to cope, right?” she grinned at Grey in solidarity.
Grey Bergman: “Agreed,” Grey said grinning at Akkey in return. She remembered the situation with Hemlock…or at least what she saw of it. She was there for Fenrir, and for Frigga, she remembered fighting those porcelain dolls. “Seems like the Rebellion messed us up in our own special ways.”
Akkey Black: “Yeah,” she laughed, “We definitely have that as our reputation.”
Grey Bergman: Now it was the Chief’s turn to laugh. “I guess so,” she said smiling fondly.
Akkey Black: “We found a our ways. You had your family, and I had mine. And…” she paused, a little unsure of what she was about to say, “And, ah… you have me. We went through similar experiences, so it would make sense…”
Grey Bergman: “How true,” Grey said as she leaned on the table, “and…now…you have me. We can look out for each other.”
Akkey Black: She inhaled sharply, regarding Grey as she processed her words. Really, her trip to Haligan wasn’t what she expected. She’d been learning, healing over the years, Blunt had helped her know her self worth, but the doubt would gnaw its way back sometimes. This encounter with Grey… it warmed her heart, and she was grateful and happy. She gripped the Chief’s hand, “Thanks.”
Grey Bergman: The Chief gripped her hand in return just as tightly. “You’re welcome,” she said before pulling Akkey in for another hug. “I’m really glad you came here today, Akkey.”
That was the truth! Grey never had the chance to interact much with Akkey during their time in the Rebellion together. Aside from their two conversations…one of them involved the two of them not exactly giving off first impressions…they never had a chance to really talk before Akkey suddenly left with her family. Today, she felt so much better! It felt like there was finally some closure in a sense and that there really was hope for their friendship to grow. 
Akkey Black: She smiled into Grey’s shoulder. She realized she liked her hugs. “Me too.”
Grey Bergman: “Exactly how long are you planning to stay?” Grey asked as they pulled away after a moment. “Because I would love to show you around the island. Maybe we can race with Shadow and Maru? Plus…I would love to hear more about you. I’ve already told you about my love-life. What about yours? Anybody special in your life?”
Akkey Black: “Hah! Nope, none on that front. Been a little busy catching up with my family and trying to get myself better. I’m good where I am.”
“I didn’t really have a plan, so I can stay as long as you’d like me to,” she laughed, “And you already know Shadow will win. Night furies.” She shook her head, still grinning.
Grey Bergman: Grey chuckled. “Fair point,” the Chief replied smiling playfully. “My girl is pretty fast. Well, stay as long as you like. My mom and I have room in our house for you to stay over, and we have facilities for dragons as well. So, Maru will be comfortable. Then perhaps, a tour around the island? And if you want, Greg, Warren, Asha, and their families are around, and they would love to see you.”
Akkey Black: She took a shallow breath, turning her options around in her head. She was still a little apprehensive about meeting the Boomerang Squad, but seeing Grey alleviated her fears a little, “That… that would be wonderful. It’s been a long time.”
Grey Bergman: Grey noticed Akkey’s shallow breathing and leaned forward. “Hey, that can be done at your own pace,” she said remembering how nervous she was earlier and how apologetic she was. “Those three I call my siblings will welcome you with open arms, especially Asha, but if you need time…or whatever…it’s up to you.”
Akkey Black: She shook her head apologetically, “No, no. It’s just me overthinking things again. It’d be nice to see everyone again.”
Grey Bergman: “You’re sure?” Grey asked. “I don’t want you to think I’m forcing you to do something.”
Akkey Black: Akkey took her hand firmly, and nodded, “Yeah. I’m sure.”
Grey Bergman: The Chief squeezed her hand in return. “Okay, then,” she replied. 
=== Part 5 ===
Greg Ericson: Greg closed the door to their bedroom, having just brought Warren some soup. She was pregnant again and the sickness was making it difficult to keep food down so Greg made her some broth, hoping it would fare better than anything else.
Lila came over and looked up at Greg. “Is Mommy okay?” She asked worried.
Greg smiled down at his daughter. “Mommy’s just a bit sick, my darling.” He said as he scooped her up in his arms. “She’ll feel better in a few weeks.” Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Odd, he wasn’t expecting anyone. “Wanna go see who’s at the door with me?” Lila nodded enthusiastically. Ye smiled and went and opened the door.
Asha: “Hi!” Siri said brightly as her uncle opened the door.
Asha laughed a little. Siri was very excited to knock on the door and proud of herself that she did. Asha smiled at her adoptive brother and her niece. “Hello Greg, hi Lila.”
Greg Ericson: Lila let’s out a loud gasp and waves at Siri. “Hiiiii!” She exclaims.
Greg smiled. “Hey Siri, hey sis, what brings you guys over? Not that I’m unhappy to see you of course.”
Asha: Siri bounces excitedly and waves back at Lila. “Mama wanted to see if Aunt Warren is okay,” Siri replied.
“She’s right. I’ve been worried about her,” Asha replied. Warren was quite sick when she was pregnant with Lila and it seemed as though she would be for this one as well. “Also, we were wondering if Lila and Siri could play.”
Siri smiled again. She loved playing with Lila.
Greg Ericson: Greg smiled, “You guys know you’re welcome to go play any time.” He put Lila down and she bounced on her heels excitedly. “Warren is doing alright, that morning sickness just gets her. I just bought her some broth to eat. She’s resting right now.”
Asha: Siri grabbed Lila’s hand excitedly. “Wanna play tag?”
Asha smiled. “I understand. I’m glad she’s okay. I hope everything gets easier. As always, you two let us know if you need anything. It’s a little hectic with the wedding coming up, but if we’re able to help, we will. We can always take Lila off your hands for a few hours if needed.”
Grey Bergman: The Chief led Akkey, Shadow, and Maru from the Great Hall all the way to Greg and Warren’s house. They agreed to stop at Greg and Warren’s house first and then make their way over to Asha and Ander’s house. Sure enough, when they got closer, Grey saw that her two adoptive siblings and her two little nieces were at the doorway talking. Perfect! Once they reached the house, Grey smiled at Akkey before walking closer to Greg and Asha. 
“Hey, guys,” Grey said to them. She threw her thumb over her shoulder toward. “Guess who decided to visit!”
Akkey Black: Familiar heads as well as new little ones turned to look at them. Akkey gave a weak grin and a small wave, “Hey guys.”
Asha: Asha studied the woman for a few seconds, but all of a sudden, her identity came rushing to Asha.
“Akkey!” She cried excitedly. She nearly ran over to her and after a moment of hesitation, wrapped her arms around Akkey in a hug. “It’s been so long!”
Siri stood next to Lila, watching her mother curiously.
Greg Ericson: Greg smiled as he saw the woman. “Akkey! How you doing? God it’s been ages. Why haven’t you visited?” He chuckled.“Daddy who dat?” Lila asked.
He smiled and bent down to her level. “That’s your aunt Akkey. Go say hello.”
Lila grinned excitedly and ran over and hugged Akkey’s legs. “Hi Aunt Akkeeeyyy!” She exclaimed
Akkey Black: Being almost smothered by the many hugs that day really threw her off. Akkey stepped back to catch her self, eyes darting helplessly between Grey and Greg over Asha’s shoulder. Her arms hovered for a moment behind the taller woman before returning her embrace, while letting the other hand fall gently on Lila’s head.
“Aha, hey guys…” she chuckled, her voice muffled, before releasing Asha, “Yeah, it’s been a while. I see a lot’s happened. You guys look good,” she grinned, her gaze shifting over the familiar faces, nostalgia coursing through her. She knelt down to meet Lila’s height, and smiled at her in greeting, “Hello there, nice to meet you. What’s your name?” She glanced at Siri as well and waved, extending the question to her.
Greg Ericson: “I’m Wiwa! I’m…” Her face scrunches up as she looks down at her hands and counts quietly. “Dis many!” She says as she holds up 3 fingers.
Asha: “My name is Siri. I’m 5! I’ll be 6 in the fall! And my mama’s getting married soon! And we have a new house.” Siri says equally as excited as Lila as she darted over to Akkey. As usual, she overshared just a touch.
“Siri,” Asha reminded gently, with a chuckle. “That is a lot all at once, sweet girl.”
Akkey Black: Akkey gave a genuine laugh, “Well, congratulations, Siri. It’s nice meeting both of you!”
She turned towards Greg, “Where’s Warren?”
Greg Ericson: Greg grinned, unable to hide it. “Well… Let’s just say she’s eating for two now.”
“What’s tha mean daddy?” Lila asked, still hugging Akkey’s legs.
He chuckled. “I’ll tell you later sweetheart.”
Akkey Black: Her eyes widened and she grinned back cheekily, “You know the name suggestions I have for you.”
Greg Ericson: His demeanor immediately changed from happy and excited to tired in a moment. “Stop.” He begged.
Akkey Black: She laughed clearly, waving a hand reassuringly, “Okay, okay. I will.” She grinned at the Boomeran Squad, her eyes softening, “It’s good to see you guys again.”
Asha: “You too, Akkey.” Asha replied with a warm smile. “A lot has happened since we last saw you. I’m so happy you came to see us.”
Asha looked down at Siri. She wasn’t sure if Akkey even remembered Siri from before the half-breed left the bunker, she had been so isolated even then. Asha was glad to see her out and about.
Greg Ericson: “Yeah, it’s good to see you Aks.” Greg said with a smile. “What’s new with you?”
=== Part 6 ===
Akkey Black: Her nose wrinkled at the nickname, “Not much. Well, I guess that’s not entirely true. I have a niece, she’s turning a year old in a month,” She glanced towards Grey, her mind flicking back to their own conversation. She tilted her head in thought, “Also, I came here to just catch up, and… apologize for disappearing. I wasn’t well, but I’m getting better, so I felt that I needed… to see you guys…”
Grey Bergman: Grey allowed the warmest smile to form on her face as she placed a hand on Akkey’s shoulder before turning to her adoptive siblings waiting for them to say something. She already said her piece to Akkey, and now it was Greg and Asha’s turn. 
Asha: “Don’t apologize. We all need time alone now and again.” Asha said gently. Siri leaned against Asha’s legs and the woman sighed and ran her fingers through the girl’s curls. She was about to tell Akkey something she didn’t much like to talk about.
She took a deep breath and continued. “I, um, after Siri was born I wasn’t in a good place for a while. I know what that feels like… to some extent. I’m glad you’re doing better. Nothing else matters. Just you getting better. And I’m happy for you.”
Greg Ericson: Greg smiled kindly as he leaned against the door post. “It’s no big deal Akkey. We all gotta do what’s best for us, especially with all the Hel we went through during the rebellion. But if you want to catch up you’re more than welcome to… Hmm. I was gonna say stay here, but I’m not sure you want to stay in the house with Warren being… Sick. But if you can handle that you’re more than welcome to stay here.”
Akkey Black: She gave Asha a worried yet grateful look, “I’m sorry that happened…” She exhaled, bowing her head to hide her eyes. She kept a gentle hand on Lila, who still had her by the legs, “Thanks you guys. It really was a rough time, and I was afraid…” Her words trailed off in a whisper as she blinked away a stray tear that appeared.
She shook it off, glancing back up at them, “Yeah, ah–thanks Greg, but I wouldn’t want to impose. Grey’s also offered a room for me to stay in. Don’t worry about it. But thank you, I really appreciate it.” She smiled firmly at that last sentence, talking not only about Greg’s offer but everything in general.
Grey Bergman: Grey mentally cringed hearing how sick Warren was today. The morning sickness must’ve really knocked her a loop.
“I was also thinking that maybe we can show Akkey around the island at some point,” Grey said turning to Greg and Asha. “Give her and Maru a tour.”
Asha: “Yes, I think that would be a great idea, if that’s alright with you, Akkey.” Asha said with a soft smile. They could show her everything.
Akkey Black: She gave a small nod and smiled back, “Yeah. I’d love that.”
Grey Bergman: “Great!” Grey said excitedly. She then turned to her brother. “What do you say Greg? The island seems to be quiet for now.”
Greg Ericson: He bent down to look at Lila. “What do you say darling? Want to come show aunt Akkey the island?”
She nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah!”
Grey Bergman: “Well, one of my cute little nieces has decided it,” Grey said as she bent down and picked up both Lila and Siri in each of her arms hugging them close. 
As soon as she put them down, she quickly mounted Shadow and looked her adoptive siblings, nieces, and her good friend. “What are we waiting for?” she asked. 
Category:EU
Category:Events
Category:Akkey Black
Category:Grey Bergman
Category:Asha Stenberg
Category:Lila Ericson
Category:Siri Haralson
Category:Greg Ericson