Chapter 21
The control room rattled and shook as the Void Angel broke atmosphere, its reverse thruster engines engaging, slowing its descent. Gradually, the rumbling settled, the ship's glide becoming smoother as it soared down through the icy arctic sky. Dark Samus stared out through the large window, her gaze glossing over the enormous body of water below as the massive northern sea stretched out before them.
"It's so blue…" she whispered.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Kelly added, taking the ship into a gradual turn, "It's quite the sight."
Slowly, a distant landmass came into view. Mountains emerged, and color faded in from nothing, painting the gorgeous scene of a fleshed out forest, patches of bright orange and yellow spotting the landscape…autumn. Soon, the ship was soaring high above the lush green land, the innumerable trees passing swiftly beneath the bulk of the vessel. A colossal mountain stood before them, its gleaming peak tall and proud in the light of the sun.
"Hold on." Kelly warned, hitting the thrust.
The Void Angel's boosters flared as it arced upwards, flying over top of the rocky summit. The spacecraft cleared the mountain top, setting its gaze on an enormous facility on the other side.
The young man looked over to the dark angel, "Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you: Suros."
Many buildings and towers covered the valley, like a secret metropolis hidden amongst the brush. Large factorial structures stood amongst the complex, an endless array of satellite dishes and antennae covering their roofs.
The vessel began to slow as they approached a massive center building at the heart of the mass. The spacecraft sluggishly brought itself to a halt directly above the infrastructure, its engines flashing intermittently.
Kelly began punching codes into the control panel, "Alright, let's get this over and done with."
The ship seemed to lighten slightly as it released the payload of Jovian gasses, a hulking mass on the bottom detaching and lowering itself into the large bay doors below. With a few more codes and the flick of a switch, the vessel blasted off from Suros headquarters into the distance.
…
"How much longer until we're there?" Dark Samus asked, her eyes glued to the window.
"Not long; just sit back and relax. We'll be there in no time." Kelly replied, monitoring the ship's levels. Their journey from Suros HQ had been a slow one, so as to conserve fuel and other resources. Needless to say, the Dark Hunter was becoming anxious…suspense was not something she was used to dealing with.
After what felt like an eternity, the Void Angel came to a lethargic standstill, hovering about a quarter mile above a large mountain overlooking a small, distant town. Gorgeous orange, yellow and reddish-pink spots peppered the surrounding forest.
Kelly unbuckled himself, cracking his back as he stood, "Alright, follow me."
The negative looked over at him, "Where are we going?"
"To ground."
The young man led the Dark Hunter down a series of halls and walkways before finally reaching a small hangar, housing a small, fighter-class gunship. Off to the right of the vessel, Steven hung from the ceiling, running tests and performing last-minute checkups.
The monitor turned to face its captain, "The ship is prime and ready for launch. It is ready when you are."
The captain approached the bot, "Well Steven, this is where we part ways. See you in a month."
The machine extended an arm, shaking his hand, "A pleasure, as usual, sir."
Without further hesitation, Kelly strode over to the ship's platform, the dark angel following closely behind. The elevator-like plate rose, carrying the two into the tightly confined space of the small gunship. The slender frame of the craft began to gently lift from the hangar as it prepared to launch. Moments later, it blasted off, leaving a thin trail of smoke as it soared out between the thick blast shield doors.
"Welcome to Blue River." Kelly announced as they flew across the valley, the fighter's engines slowly dimming as they neared the town. The vessel touched down on a large landing pad at the edge of a small piece of property, just on the outskirts of the settlement. Off to the left of the pad stood a beautifully crafted log house, its green metal roof littered with the stray orange and yellow leaves of fall. Kelly took a step out into the cool, brisk air as the hatch on the gunship's bottom slid open.
"Oh, how I've missed this place…" He breathed.
Dark Samus stepped out behind him, "This is your home?"
"Indeed it is."
The Dark Hunter scanned her surroundings, in awe of the greatness surrounding her, "It's so…beautiful."
A faint smile could be seen on Kelly's face, "It truly is, isn't it?"
He looked back as he turned for the house, "Come on, let's get inside."
…
A comforting warmth enveloped the dark angel as she stepped through the door and into the darkness. The interior of the house was rich with many scents, all strange and unfamiliar, but wonderful, nonetheless.
"I didn't mean to rush you," Kelly began, hitting the light switch, "But we can't have you out in the open for long; it's too risky."
Dark Samus sauntered through the nearby living room, running her slender fingers along the pine furniture, "You live quite the life of luxury down here, don't you?"
"I like to think so…" the young man replied, "I'm quite fortunate to have what I have. Though the house isn't exactly big, it's more than enough to suit me. I love it for what it is."
For a moment, he stood quietly, gazing out through the large living room window at the distant highway.
"It's good to be home."
He quickly turned and snatched a leather coat from the hanger by the door, "I'm going out for a bit; gonna say hi to a few people, let em' know I'm back…"
He looked solemnly over at Dark Samus, "And please, for the love of all that is holy, stay in the house. I won't be long."
Without another word, the young man left, leaving the Dark Hunter alone in silence.
…
"Welcome back, Captain." The tapster greeted jovially, as Kelly stepped in through the pub door.
"Greg!" he replied, beaming, "How's the greatest bartender in town?"
"Don't know how many times Igotta tell ya Kel, I'm the only bartender in town." The man chuckled, "So, what are we having tonight? The usual?"
Kelly smiled, "I'd like that."
"You got it." Greg replied, filling a large beer glass.
Carefully, the barkeeper slid the drink across the counter, "So tell me, how's the Queen of the rings?"
"Absolutely magnificent," the young man replied, "Gorgeous, beautiful like you wouldn't believe."
"Good, good."
Kelly paused for a moment, taking a sip from his drink, "You know, my offer still stands; if you ever wanted to see it in person, I can take passengers."
"Nah, that's alright, I'm not a born space cadet like you, kid." Greg replied, cleaning out a leftover dirty glass, "I've been up there once or twice, and that's more than enough for me. Thanks for the offer, though."
"Well, if you ever change your mind…"
"I know who to call."
"You know who to call."
Off in the far corner of the pub, a large group of bearded men laughed and joked about boisterously.
"Who are those rowdy gentlemen over there?" said Kelly, looking over his glass.
"Bikers." Greg replied, his demeanor shifting to one of mild nervousness, "They rolled into town just yesterday."
"They aren't causing too much trouble, I hope?"
"Nah, they've been pretty quiet. They're laying low; I think they're just passing through."
Kelly nodded, turning his gaze back to the front.
"So…how's the family?" said the bartender, jokingly.
"Heh, family…" the young man scoffed half-heartedly.
"Look…I get that you're not exactly into the whole relationship scene anymore…" Greg started, "but it's really not as bad as you think it is."
"You know, you say that, but I bet you any money that your first relationship wasn't with the queen of the metroids…"
Off in the corner, one of the biker's ears perked up.
"Look, I get that your first experience was less than desirable…" Greg continued.
"That's putting it mildly…" Kelly murmured.
"But you can't let one bad instance ruin your entire view on the subject, it's irrational."
The young man sighed, looking down at his drink, "You know, I'd honestly have to agree with you on that one… I did still try though; I had a few girlfriends here and there, but none of them ever really worked out. Maybe I'm just not relationship material."
"Ah, well, everyone's different," the tapster replied, "and there ain't nothin' wrong with that."
"In all honesty though, I'm enjoying where I am. I feel content, at peace, even."
"Well Kel, if there's one piece of advice I have for you, it's this: If you're happy with where you are in life, don't let anybody tell you otherwise."
"Greg, you always know exactly what to say." Kelly grinned, holding up his glass.
The bartender mirrored his actions, raising his nearby drink in respectful acknowledgement, "Cheers."
"Cheers."
The two knocked glasses, each following up with a large gulp. Greg carefully set his drink down, the sound of the door opening suddenly stealing his attention.
He smiled, looking up at the new customer, "Good evening young lady, what can I get for you?"
The young woman sat down directly beside Kelly, "I'll have what he's having."
Kelly's eyes widened slightly.
That voice. He thought.
He slowly lifted his head, turning to see Dark Samus sitting comfortably to his right in a tight, black dress and what appeared to be low heels. Her eyelids seemed to be glossed over with a faint turquoise hue, dimly reflecting the glow of the room.
"What are you doing here?" the young man demanded in a hushed voice, "What part about 'stay in the house' didn't you understand?"
"I got bored." The Dark Hunter replied innocently, "What did you expect me to do?"
Kelly rolled his eyes in complete disbelief, "You cannot be here, what if someone recognizes you?"
"No one will recognize me; I'm blending in…just like you."
"Okay, let me make something abundantly clear…" the young man leaned in, maintaining the same quiet tone, "You and Samus are literally identical. The only discernable difference between you two is your eye and hair color…that, and you're slightly more voluptuous, I don't know why, you just are, and to be honest, it bothers me."
A playful giggled escaped the dark angel's lips.
"This isn't a laughing matter," Kelly continued, his anger swelling, "If someone sees you, it's only a matter of time before they make the connection, put two and two together, and figure out who you really are-"
He was suddenly cut off as Dark Samus leaned in, kissing him on the lips.
"You're cute." she said playfully, stroking his cheek.
"Well!" exclaimed Greg, having returned with the drink, "Whatever happened to Mr. 'I'm not into relationships'?"
"Oh, I- I don't know her…" Kelly stammered, attempting to turn away.
"Oh sweetie, you love me." the Dark Hunter laughed, wrapping an arm around him lovingly.
Greg chuckled, "I'm tellin' ya, never serious, this guy."
"Oh believe me, I know." the dark angel replied, looking over at Kelly who sat, glaring at her.
The bartender extended a hand, "Greg Sullivan; proud owner of this establishment."
"Olivia Rose." Dark Samus replied, shaking the man's hand. Kelly rolled his eyes disdainfully.
"I don't recall Kel ever mentioning you before, how long have you two known each other?"
The Dark Hunter smiled, glancing over at the young man, "Oh, he and I go way back…"
She's toying with me. Kelly thought, she just loves to watch me squirm, doesn't she? Ugh, why?
His mental frustration was suddenly interrupted when Greg lifted his gaze to the bikers' table, "Heads up, kid."
Kelly nonchalantly ducked his head, just as a flying beer bottle came from the far corner, passing harmlessly over him, soaring just inches past Greg's unconcerned head, and shattering on the wall behind the counter. The young man turned around to see that the entire group of men had risen to their feet, each of them eyeing him suspiciously.
"Boy, I knew there was something off about you the second you stepped through that door…" the stocky gang leader announced, "Then, next thing I know, I hear you mention the 'Queen of the Metroids', and your, um, interactions with her…"
Kelly's indifferent and expressionless face was still. The dark angel seemed to tense up slightly.
"So what are you doing here, anyway?" the bearded gangster asked, slowly stepping towards him, "Last I heard, you were forbidden to even step foot on this planet."
The young man took a sip of his drink, "Sorry to disappoint."
The man chuckled contemptuously, stepping closer; still, "You really shouldn't be here. You're a traitor; everyone hates you, why are you even here? Was it because you thought you could escape your judgement, or were you simply looking for a quiet place to help you forget your atrocities?"
"Do you mind?" Kelly groaned, "I'm trying to enjoy a drink with a friend."
Snickers were heard amongst the bikers.
The leader looked the young man right in the eye, "You need to leave. Right now."
"Nah…I think I'll just stay where I am."
The gangster snatched Kelly's arm, "Look, you son of a bitch, there's eight of us and one of you."
"Then, in the words of the immortal Captain Kirk: Get some more guys and then it'll be an even fight." The young man replied, pulling his arm away.
Without hesitation, the gang leader swung his fist, landing a powerful punch on Kelly's jaw, knocking him off his chair.
Greg pulled a long steel bat from behind the counter, "Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to leave."
"Shut up, old man!" shouted one of the bikers angrily, drawing a pistol.
The tapster immediately dropped his weapon, "Whoa, whoa! Let's just calm down…"
Dark Samus quickly knelt down by Kelly, holding up his head adoringly.
"Hey, you okay?" she asked, stroking the side of his face.
The young man grabbed her arm almost aggressively as he glanced back over his shoulder.
He turned his gaze back to the Dark Hunter, loosening his grip as he stared up into her gorgeous crimson eyes, "Yeah, I'm fine…thanks."
He rose to his feet, seizing the gang leader's fist as he threw another punch. Slowly, he pushed the man's hand down to the side, holding up a finger, "One moment."
Kelly grabbed his half empty drink from the counter, chugging the last few dregs of what remained.
"Mm, that's some quality beer, right there." He remarked.
Then, without warning, he struck the counter with the glass, shattering the end. He proceeded to shove the jagged edge into the chest of the gang leader, following up with a powerful kick, further impaling the glass and sending the man flying back into the biker just behind him. The rest of the men, startled, began frantically swinging their fists. Kelly dodged and blocked the oncoming strikes, ducking and flipping over and under the gang members, quickly taking them down one by one. Eventually, only one remained. The last biker, armed, began firing off shots before having his weapon skillfully kicked from his hand. The young man did a quick tuck-and-roll, launching himself off the ground, and with both feet, striking the man in the head, instantly knocking him unconscious. Kelly stood tall as he looked down at the defeated gang. He began to clean up a large overturned table, sliding its various chairs back in place. He then made his way back over to the bar, placing nine hundred dollars in cash on the countertop.
He looked up to Greg, "Sorry about the mess, chief."
The bartender smiled, "Ah, don't worry about it. I could use a little excitement every now and then."
"Tell your wife I said hi."
"Will do. Until next time, Captain."
Kelly gave a short wave as he walked to the door, the Dark Hunter following behind. Seconds before reaching the exit, the gang leader stood back up, pulling the broken glass from his chest, clutching where it had pierced his body.
"Yeah, that's right, walk away…" he wheezed, "Christian scumbag."
The young man stopped for a brief moment. The man's words stung like a thousand superheated needles. Heedless of the gangster's vile incivility, he continued towards the door.
The biker took a brave step in their direction, "And take your freaky bitch with you!"
Kelly wasn't sure whether it was simply his imagination, or whether the crimson in his eyes had returned, but whatever the case, he saw red. With a cry of absolute fury, he spun around, unleashing a bright blast of phazon, sending the gang leader flying across the room and into the far wall where he collapsed. Kelly strode over to where the man laid; pulling him off the floor by the lapels of his leather jacket, belligerently shoving him up against the wall. The man's frightened eyes were wide as he dangled a foot above the ground.
Kelly leaned in, "She's not a bitch."
He suddenly let go, allowing the biker to drop to his feet. He glanced over at Dark Samus, "She's…actually a lot nicer than one might expect."
With that, he turned and headed out the door.
…
The dark angel breathed deeply as she stepped into the warmth of the house. The Earth was much colder than she remembered; perhaps her memory was still faulty? Slowly, she followed Kelly up the stairs and into his room, watching as he switched out his bloodied shirt for a clean one. The young man hadn't said a word since they'd left the bar, and the Dark Hunter was beginning to worry. It wasn't like him to be silent this long…
"Olivia?" he finally said, glancing back at her, "That's the name you chose?"
Dark Samus bore a look of curious confusion, "Is…there something wrong with that name?"
"No…"
He quickly spun around, pushing her up against the wall. The Dark Hunter felt her heart rate increase.
Kelly looked deep into her blood red eyes, "I absolutely love that name."
With that, he leaned in, passionately kissing her on the lips. The dark angel held him tightly, her heart feeling as though it were ready to explode. She ran her hands along his torso, adoring every second their bodies made contact. Slowly, she pushed away from the wall, gently guiding the young man closer to the bed. The two carefully laid down, never once parting for air. Kelly reached over, placing his hand on the light switch.
He uttered a familiar echo, "Let's make this a moment that neither of us will forget."
Dark Samus smiled as the room was consumed by darkness.