And now, without further adieu.
It's time for the story to begin.
One thing to remember, this part here takes place before Dreams of the Dark. This is at the end of Metroid Prime 2: Echoes.
Xera's heart felt like it was about to burst as she sprinted as fast as she could, claws clicking against the ground. She had to get to the portal, she just had to!
As she continued running, she began to hear clunking footsteps above her, like an armored figure running.
Her heart nearly stopped. Could that be the Hunter?
Just as Xera neared the end of the tunnel, a white figure jumped down from above. The graceful lines of the Hunter's armored carapace writhed beautifully as she turned and saw Xera.
Xera let out a small "eep" and skidded to a halt. The Hunter calmly raised her weapon and pointed it at her. Another tremor rocked the ground they stood on, but neither took any noticed.
Suddenly, three more figures dropped from above. These, however, were salvation for Xera. Two of them were royal warriors.
The third reared up and roared, "STAY AWAY FROM MY DAUGHTER!" at the Hunter.
The Hunter swiveled her cannon between the four, unsure which was the greater threat. Then, she turned and looked at the portal. With a loud whirring sound, the portal came to life and created a white sphere at its center.
Before anyone else could react, she jumped up with amazing speed and entered the portal.
"Xera," said the tallest of her saviors. "Head for the portal."
"But mom, what about-"
"Don't argue, just go! I'll meet you on the other side."
Xera hesitated, then reluctantly nodded. She ran up to the portal, steeled herself, and jumped in.
On the other side, the Hunter jumped nearly 50 feet in the air out of the portal.
As she landed, she turned toward the portal as one of the shadow creatures tried to escape its burning world. Its legs waved wildly as it tried to find support.
It was no use. After a moment, the legs retreated and the portal closed.
Satisfied, the Hunter turned and walked away.
If she had only stayed another moment, she would have seen what happened next.
With a reluctant cough, the portal activated again. Again, legs struggled to find purchase. This time, though, they did not give up.
They gripped the hard ground and pulled their body forward. Gradually, a red eye appeared, then waving head tentacles, then the final two legs.
As Xera tumbled away, the portal closed for the final time.
Xera's skin felt like it was on fire. The light was too bright, too hot! She stumbled blindly, looking for shadow.
After what seemed like an eternity, Xera collapsed into a spot of darkness. Now that it was safe to open her eye, she watched the portal, waiting.
Two minutes passed. Then five minutes passed.
Six minutes. Eight minutes. Ten.
Xera's horror grew with each passing second. Someone had to have made it out: her brother, her friends, her mother, someone.
After half and hour of waiting, the terrible reality collapsed on her.
She was the last of her kind.
Xera broke down and wept bitterly.
Chapter 3: Demons