Second chapter, hope you enjoy :)
As it was custom for the Nora to always carry their weapons, even at home, Aloy and Varl thankfully didn't need to stop and grab them before darting out of their village.
The trek would be long and cold. But mostly, it would be high. They stopped several times off the main path to set up camp and warm themselves by a fire as they waited for night to engulf them.
In the distance the sound of Striders could be heard clunking through the grass among their loyal watchers who kept vigilant as they ate. The machines themselves seemed much less hostile since the downfall of Hades. It wouldn't be right to call them outright friendly, exactly, but approaching them didn't always result in an attack anymore. The Watchers would merely look at them and then continue their duties of monitoring. Their eyes would flash yellow from surprise but quickly return to their relaxed shade of blue. The larger machines however, Aloy still wasn't sure about.
Just to be on the safe side however, they set up camp far away from them just in case they decided to turn volatile in the middle of the night. Varl slung his bow and skin of arrows gingerly to the ground and slumped in front of the fire warming his hands.
"So what happens when we actually find her? What do we do?"
Aloy joined in beside him outstretching her hands. She appreciated the fact that he used the term when rather than if.
"We have to be careful and considerate. She'll be really confused and probably scared."
"Right" he nodded in agreement, "Gotta say, I'm a little nervous, ha. What's she like? The woman who essentially created All Mother?"
"She's really no different than you or me. She's human, she's just incredibly smart. And she loves helping people, she loves caring for people and doing what's right even if it goes against the odds."
"She doesn't sound all that different from you" he poked her in the shoulder playfully.
She cast her eyes to the fire and smiled, "I don't even know what to begin to say to her...or ask her" she said quietly.
"Starting with a name is always a good place."
"So much has changed since her time, people have changed."
"Then we take it step by step and we fill her in a little at a time. Where are we gonna take her? The Nora isn't fond of new things, remember?" he simpered.
"I don't think taking her to a tribe is really the best idea anyway. I was thinking about going to Meridian. Avad would be more welcoming and if I tell him she's important to me, he'll look after her."
"Don't tell my mom this but...I kind of like Meridian" he smiled guiltily.
"But Meridian is full of weakness, Varl. What would Sona say?" she gaped.
"Sona would say I better pray to All Mother for strength before I get used to all that comfort" he chuckled, "But...I guess I can't really do that anymore" he finished quietly.
"I'm sorry, I never should have told you. I didn't want to take that away from you."
"No, no" he corrected her quickly, "I'm glad you did. I don't want to live in a lie or pretend to worship something that isn't even there. That's not strength, that's just dependance."
"Still though, you went your entire life on that belief system and I ruined it for you."
"It's not like you tied me up against my will and made me listen, Aloy. I asked you for the truth."
"And I shouldn't have told you."
"But you're a good friend so you did."
"There still is an All Mother, Varl. She's not a spontaneous being who came out of nowhere but she still exists. She still renewed the planet, gave life to it, provided us with everything to survive. I've seen her, I've heard her speak and she's...kind and nurturing and wants the best for everyone here, wants them to be happy and healthy and safe. She's not so far off from what the Nora taught you and there's nothing wrong with wanting to pay homage to her."
He nodded deep in thought as he processed all that she said. Aside from Aloy, he was the only one who knew the truth, not even the Matriarchs were aware just how high on the scale of nature Aloy actually was.
"You never told me how you felt about All Mother" he began, "Did Rost ever tell you about her or make you believe in her like the tribe did?"
"I...believed in myself. Rost had a firm belief that she played a part in everything, even things that I did completely on my own with no help whatsoever. But I was a little more doubtful, I didn't really think she existed and if she did...I didn't think she guided my every move. All the training I went through, all the lessons I learned, all the progress I made, that was all me. I didn't have any help, I just...did it."
"We never really had a choice. Sona taught my sister and I all about ever before we were even walking. It just became routine after that."
"You took the truth surprisingly well" she said gently, "I know it must have been really hard to hear."
He sighed, "It makes sense. But instead of thanking All Mother for everything, I guess I should really be thanking Elisabet Sobek. If not for her, none of us would be here."
"You'll get the chance" she smiled, "just don't bow" she finished with a wince.
"Ha, no promises" he grinned.
Before too long the fire crackled away and they both fell asleep. They woke to the sound of a fox mewing and birds chirping and realizing it was morning, gathered their things and continued their journey.
The sun continued to shine and light their way and Aloy was thankful it hadn't snowed or rained on them so far. The Sacred Lands were renowed for its unpredictable weather and there was nothing Aloy hated more than being drenched from melted snow. It put an entirely new definition to the term "cold".
She remembered the way to Gaia Prime as if it she had made the journey yesterday. They passed beyond the borders of the Sacred Land and Varl hesitated before stepping his foot over. Aloy had outlawed the rule that Nora tribesmen would be outcast for venturing beyond their territory and it was one that Varl still wasn't quite used to.
A few days later they journeyed to Meridian, stopping along the way to observe how much more peaceful the various machines seemed to be. Where Sawtooths once pounced at the chance for attack, they merely glanced at them before continuing on their way. Where Glinthawks would have dove head first to the ground without hesitation at the sight of humans, they no longer gave them the time of day. Of all the machines Aloy was forced to battle on her path to saving the world, the Glinthawk was by far her least favorite. Mostly because they attacked in groups and were too cowardly to fight on the ground, so Aloy would be forced to tie them down which usually resulted in being swept off her feet by the second or third that was accompanying her victim after they dove headlong into her abdomen. It was a very annoying and painful process.
After passing through the Meridian gates and being greeted by the guard's pounding of halberds, they strolled to the marketplace and split off. Varl went to stock up on supplies and inquire about a new bow and Aloy strode to the palace steps and sought council with King Avad. Upon seeing her presence the guards bowed respecfully and immediately let her pass.
Itamen, Avad's younger brother whom Aloy and Vanasha had smuggled from the Shadow Carja kingdom of Sunfall was busily playing in the garden's below Avad's throne, the older man looking down at him with a smile as he chased a ball happily along the shallow river border. His mother looked on with a smile too, finally seeming at peace and safe.
Hearing footsteps, Avad turned and upon seeing Aloy pulled her into an embrace.
"My friend!" he smiled, "How are you? Sit, sit" he motioned as he strode to one of his couches. It was still healing but Meridian had come a long way in just a few days. Most of the wreckage had been disposed of and not surprisingly, by the Oseram. They never wasted scrap, managing to salvage pretty much anything they could get their hands on. It wouldn't suprise Aloy if Petra came calling with an entirely new species of weapon after all this. She was good at that.
Avad looked happy. There was plenty of room in his palace for Itamen and his mother and Avad was just glad to have the company. He was a lot different from his father, something the two of them desperately needed and were extremely grateful for.
"I'm doing well Avad, how are things with you and Meridian going?" Aloy asked.
"The cleanup process is a mess, everyone is working round the clock. But we're getting there, slowly but surely."
"Have you had any more trouble from the Shadow Carja?" she asked, nodding her head in the direction of his new house guests.
"No, thankfully. With Helis gone most of that rabble has died down. They're just now letting their guard down, nothing is going to take them from here, not if I have any say in it. Thank you for bringing them here, I never got a chance to tell you that with everything going on. I'm grateful, as are they."
"It was no problem. I'm glad I could help."
"So" he said after a pause, "The Anointed, now? How does that feel?"
Aloy rolled her eyes, "Like a massive headache that never goes away. Is that what it's like to be a king?"
He laughed, "I think it's worse. To be revered as a king or revered as a god..." he balanced his hands ,"think I'll go with king."
"It's definitely something I don't think I'll ever get used to, that's for sure."
"It can be a massive pain in the ass at times, but it can also bring a lot of good. I changed a lot of my father's cruel ways because I had the power to. I don't regret that for a second. But, I doubt you're here to listen to me ramble on about being king. What can I do for you, Aloy?" he asked with that same smile he had when they first met.
"I have a request" she said quietly.
"You need only ask" he answered without hesitation, "After everything you've done for us, for this city, whatever you need, it's yours."
"I'm trying to find someone and when I do, I just want to be sure they're taken care of. I can't take them back to the Nora, it wouldn't go over well right now. So I was hoping they could stay here under your protection where I know they'd be safe and comfortable."
He looked ecstatic, "I'd be honored. Any friend of yours is a friend of mine and rest knowing they'll be well looked after. I built a guest wing in the back there" he said pointing towards his palace, "It was meant for you when you passed through if you ever wanted to stay and I'd be more than willing to house them there" he smiled, "It's the least I could do."
She sighed with relief, "Thank you, Avad. That means a lot to me."
"If you don't mind me asking" he began hesitatingly, "I mean, if there's anything I can do to help please let me know."
"I have an idea where she is, I just hope I'm right. But she is important to me and I need to know she'll be safe."
"There's nowhere safer, you have my word."
She nodded, satisfied.
"I only wish I could go with you" he groaned, "I'm due for a little adventure."
Aloy raised an eyebrow in suspicion, "Are kings allowed to have adventures?"
"Only ones that aren't dangerous, which means they aren't worth having."
"What if I brought an adventure to you?"
"Through your friend? She must be quite the character."
"She's more than that. But you'll have to see for yourself when I find her."
"Well what are you waiting for then?" he smirked, "Bring me an adventure" he nodded toward the entrance way.
Aloy chuckled and bowed sarcastically on her way managing to get another laugh from him in the process. That's what she liked most about Avad, he was a king but he was modest. He had humility that kept him down to earth. He took things seriously when he had to but he also knew how to be playful. He was also generous, selfless and incredibly kind, which is why Aloy knew Elisabet would fit in perfectly here.
She caught up with Varl at the marketplace. He managed to find himself a new bow, which he really needed after the fight with Hades. His old one was close to snapping in half and at this point it was beyond help of fixing.
"Goodbye Violetta" he sighed, easing his old bow gingerly into his pack as he slung the new one over his shoulder.
"You named your bow?"
"You haven't?" he gasped.
"What is it with men and naming their bows?" she asked incredulous, thinking of Nil.
"A bow is like a good woman, Aloy. You gotta treat her with respect and give her all the adoration she deserves and then it's only right that she has a name. She's not an object after all" he said as if Aloy should have already found this to be obvious.
"Right" she murmured, "What was I thinking?"
She motioned to the one across his shoulder, "So what're you gonna name that one?"
He looked at her taken aback, "You can't just name a bow you just bought. You have to develop a relationship first, learn her kinks and the way she moves when you fight, get to know her a little."
Aloy blinked at him unsure of how to respond, so she merely asked, "Shall we continue then?"
He nodded and followed suit as they both exited the marketplace and after a few paces, Meridian itself.
Three days later they found themselves with a face full of snow as they climbed ever higher up the cliffs to Gaia Prime. The last time Aloy had make this trek she was uninvitingly greeted by a Stormbird, she was hoping beyond anything that wouldn't happen a second time. She had this thing with birds: she hated them. A Stormbird was the equivalent of a flying Thunderjaw and she wasn't in the mood to fight one right now.
Varl was keeping pace with her, this was probably the highest and most treacherous climb he'd made and it was in the book for one of the most difficult for Aloy too. It was easy to slip which Varl nearly did a few times but always managed to find his grip on a ledge below and hoist himself back up.
Their fingers and hands were on fire from the cold, the snow biting into their flesh like a million tiny knives pricking at their skin. Varl grunted as he landed roughly against the cliff face having jumped from the opposite side as he grabbed tenderly to the rocky outcropping to keep himself steady.
"Almost there" Aloy called down above the roar of the wind storm.
"Already?" he replied, "I was just starting to have fun."
"Just a few more feet" she affirmed. She could see the opening in sight and so far all was silent, no sounds of Stormbirds or any machines really. The first time she came here, the place was infested. It may as well have been nest. Now it was a ghost town. There was nothing, not even wildlife to be found.
After a few more leaps and bounds Aloy and Varl clambered to the top and looked out over the horizon. Varl took a breath in wonderment.
"Wow" he said quietly, "I see why you climb everywhere now. You really can't beat those views."
"Wait until you see what's inside."
He looked into the entrance nervously, unsure.
Noticing this, Aloy said sympathetically, "You don't have to do this. It's a lot to take in. It's a lot to process."
He shook his head, "No, I've come with you this far, I'm not gonna leave you hanging now. I need to finish this."
"Are you sure?" she asked again, "I'd understand."
"I'm sure" he confirmed, "lead the way."
Aloy nodded and motioned for him to follow. Gaia Prime was large, it was practically a maze but she could still remember the same path she took almost a week ago to find its core. They passed through the familiar rooms the alphas were housed in. Aloy kept walking having seen it all before but Varl was turning in complete circles trying to look at as much as possible as he took it all in. This was as close to anyting the old ones had created he had been in contact with and he had the same look of curiosity and amazement that Aloy possessed when she entered her first ruin. They were alike in many ways, the least of which was their thirst for knowledge.
Aloy stopped outside the final door, it had seemingly closed again since her time there, the familiar red reticule once more appear over the front waiting to be unlocked. She turned once more to face Varl.
"This is it. This is where Gaia is. Are you sure-"
"I'm sure, Aloy" he answered sternly but sincerely. He knew she was only trying to look out for his best interests.
She took out her spear and pushed one end into the door waiting for the reticule to wrap itself around and unlock. A few seconds later, it turned green and door slide open to let them pass. Aloy entered first, walking to Gaia's core as if she had been here a dozen times before. Varl slowly stepped through the door trying to remember how to breath, let alone how to walk. He was wracked with nerves and trying really hard not to show it.
Finally he came to stand beside Aloy as she knelt down to inspect the core. She furrowed her brows, checking every inch to see if there was something she missed the first time, but there was nothing out of the ordinary.
"Maybe we are just wasting our time. It's been hundreds of years, maybe she did die."
"It can't just be that simple" Varl assured her, "There has to be something we're missing. You read her journals, what did they say?"
"It was mostly about her childhood. Before she went outside she told the alphas she wanted to go home. I went to her home, there was nothing there. It's like you said, if she was frozen, someone had to have kept an eye on her all these years and Gaia was the only one capable of doing that because she outlived everyone. I think I was meant to wake her up, I'm the only one able to get in here. She had to go where no one could find her, none of the other alphas would have been able to enter the core, they didn't have the authority or the credentials. Maybe she knew what Ted was planning, but if she did, I don't understand why she wouldn't save the others from suffocating."
"Maybe it's a lot more complicated than we think. If she's anywhere, she's gotta be here."
Varl took a step back to help her search catching his foot on a stalagmite and tumbled to the groud with a dull thud, his face coming in contact with the underbelly of the core. He shook his head to knock the stars away being careful not to touch anything and furrowed his brows in confusion as he looked at the underside of what was supposed to be Gaia, well, at least what was supposed to have housed Gaia. In the very center he noticed a reticule, red, like the one on the outside of the door and his eyes widened with surprise when he realized that what he was seeing was also a door.
Aloy turned upon hearing him trip and before she could ask if he was alright, he propped himself to a standing position and said:
"Aloy, you might wanna look at this"
She knelt down and saw what he was referring to her. She tried to push her spear to it but it was too long to it under the gap. She realized Elisabet had a fail safe. If someone had managed to breach the door, they would be stopped from going further and finding her. Of the many palm activated holograms Aloy had employed throughout all these ruins, this one was made specifically for her, disguised to look like a door reticule but only opening from her touch.
She carefully placed her palm at its center and gasped as she heard a large whoosh escape from Gaia's core as a load of pressure filed its way out. She crawled back to a standing position and watched the core moved back...and then expanded down revealing a hidden stairwell leading down into the depths of Gaia. Aloy looked at Varl and Varl looked back.
After everything stopped moving and the stairs were all in place, Varl said, "Do-do we go down?"
"We definitely go down."
He took a deep breath and followed her. As they descend, lights on the wall would flicker to life the deeper they traveled. She was surprised they still worked but this was Elisabet Sobek after all. There really wasn't much she couldn't do when it came to technology. Occasionally they would hear a slight humming noise coming from the bottom, a few seconds later it would disappear only to return and reverberate off the walls, louder and louder as they neared closer to the source.
Upon reaching the bottom they entered a large round room, completely empty except for an object in the very center and lit from the bottom of the walls to the top with that same fluorescent lighting. It cast a blue sheen on their surroundings and in a way it was familiar to the Sun Ring, albeit much less dangerous and much more clean. They also realized where the humming had been coming from.
From the center of the object, which Aloy still didn't make out, the hum emanated out from the sides, causing a shadow of light to pool on the metal ground beneath it. Each time the light would touch the floor the hum would once more vibrate throughout the room sending a dull thrum before it subsided and repeated the pattern over again.
Aloy inched closer unsure if these vibrations would harm her, she learned the hard way that ruins could be finicky in their old ways and the old ones could be strange in designing them. Varl looked on even more unsure but he didn't try to stop her.
As Aloy neared the strange object she realized that in addition to the lights, the humming, and the steady vibration she could feel through the feel, there was also a thin layer of frost radiating off its surface. It covered the panel of glass on top preventing her seeing inside. She took her hand and attempted to wipe some of it away but jerked it back immediately with a cry of pain feeling as if she'd be burned.
She grew up in the Sacred Lands where snow was practically mandatory and she had climbed mountains high enough and slick enough to give her hypothermia when she reached the top, but this was a level of cold she didn't think was possible and she looked regretfully down at her palm which was now sporting a large piece of missing flesh.
"Are you okay?" Varl asked suddenly but still keeping his distance. She had much more experience with old one ruins and technology and he didn't want to get in her way, or blow something up or essentially cause the world to self destruct again; way too much pressure, even in an empty room.
"I'm fine" she breathed, "This thing is freezing."
He inched forward slowly and examined her hand, "It took the skin right off" he said, bewildered. "Is...this, what did you call it? Cryogenics?"
"It has to be."
She stood there, motionless, her hand still burning in pain but she ignored it. This could be it, this could be her, right there in front of her but just out of reach. It was tantalizingly torturous and she had to know who was in there.
She grabbed an arrow from her quiver and began to gently scrape the frost back being careful not to crack or scratch the glass. She wasn't familiar with cryogenics, for all she knew, Elisabet would suffocate if she were opened. After a few more rakes with her metal shard, she blew the remaining frost excess away and peered inside.
A woman lay sleeping, a peaceful smile etched across her face and even from outside the stasis tube, Aloy could tell she was breathing. She dropped her arrow, for she was looking at the face of Elisabet Sobek. Alive. And now in her reach.
