Kiara frowned and bit her lip as they approached the massacre site, it reminded her of her dark moment four years prior. She had tracked the bandits to their camp and corrupted two ravagers to help take them all down, saving the bastards who took her parent's lives for last. She hated herself after it was done, she knew her parents never wanted her to succumb to such darkness. She pushed her thoughts aside to help Aloy scan and investigate the massacre site.
"I've got some broken arrows and some blood stains, we can probably track them."
"Good idea, I have some strider carcasses and… Kiara! Come here, they took down a corruptor!"
Kiara came over and they searched the carcass, they were able to find the override part. Aloy looked around the site more as Kiara attached the part to her lance, they both turned at the sound of heavy footsteps. They lowered their weapons at the sight of the badly injured Brave.
"Braves! Let us speak! The dead and wounded, all cleared away Are there no more Braves or healers here?"
"Just us. You're hurt. What happened?"
"What didn't? It's madness out there. War-Chief Sona sent me back to report. I'm no good to her like this."
"Varl told us that the War-Chief tracked the killers. Did she find them?"
"We followed their trail, but again and again they sent corrupted machines to attack us. My wounds started to slow me down, so the War-Chief sent me back to let others know she hasn't given up the fight."
"So you were here when the war party was ambushed?"
"I was. I thought after the Proving there could be no darker day, but was wrong. The War-Chief was delayed, gathering the rear-guard. Eager for revenge, the braves in the lead, fell into the trap. Dozens, lost in minutes. If Sona hadn't arrived and rallied us, no one would've survived."
"Varl sent us to look for Sona. Do you know where she is now?"
"All I can tell you is where we parted - near the metal tower southeast of the ruins at Devil's Thirst. Look to the rise behind it, with a lone boulder. I'll head for the Embrace and report what I know to Varl and the others. May All-Mother lend you strength - you two will need it."
Kiara gave the Brave one of their elixirs to help him get back to the Embrace, they then got back on the strider and headed off towards Sona's last known location.
"Aloy, stop! That man, he's surrounded by bodies."
"He doesn't look Nora."
"That's because he isn't, he's wearing Carja clothing."
They jumped off the strider and cautiously approached the crouched figure.
"There's danger ahead, girls."
They rolled their eyes.
"Danger for you, outlander. This is Nora land."
"Yes, yes, yes, trespass is forbidden on pain of death... Strange phrase, the pain of death. See, this one's in no pain at all."
"Who was he?"
"A thief, a slaver, a killer-- the kind that give honest killers a bad name."
They looked at each other and Kiara nodded and reminded her of Varl's words.
"Varl told us there would be bandit ambushes on the road."
"Well, it's not all good news. They don't always come to you. Most dig out a camp, and there they'll sit, like spoil on meat."
Aloy had a strange look in her eyes when she responded to the stranger's words.
"Unless... someone does something about it?"
The man stood up and smirked at her, Kiara gritted her teeth.
"I like you. Follow the trail of smoke, on the other side of the ruins. I'll be there."
They nodded and the man left, towards the smoke he mentioned. Kiara turned to Aloy with a frown.
"What the hell was that?"
"What do you mean?"
"Self defense is one thing but going out of your way and actively hunting them down is another thing entirely."
"Kiara, I know how you feel about this but just think! Those bandits are going to keep causing trouble for everyone they come across, they'd happily take the lives of whoever they please. If we can stop them the world would be a safer place, don't you want to save others from going through what you went through?"
Kiara turned away and bawled her fists, she shut her eyes and tried very hard not to think about the memories that tried to resurface.
"Kiara, I won't let you go down that dark path. I promise. We will do it together and we will do it the right way, don't you trust me?"
Kiara opened her eyes when she felt Aloy's arms encircle her, she wiped her eyes and pulled herself together.
"We have to get to Sona first, how about you think it over while we do search and rescue?"
"I.."
Kiara took a deep breath and sighed.
"I'll consider it."
Aloy kissed the back of her neck, Kiara took her hand as they went back to the strider. As they headed towards where Sona had last been seen they came across a signal that Kiara recognized.
"Aloy, stop! There's a Tallneck up ahead."
"Let me guess, that's the signal my focus just picked up?"
"Yup yup."
"Wanna try and get to it?"
"It was circling some tall ruins the last time I saw it. We might be able to get to it's head from there, it's worth a shot."
"Sounds like a plan, let's go!"
They made their way to the signal, it wasn't far from where they were heading so it wasn't much hassle. Once they took down the watchers they waited for the Tallneck to make its rounds, once
it was in reach they simultaneously jumped onto its neck and started climbing to the top. Unsure of what to do, Aloy made the decision to connect her override into the top of the Tallneck's head.
"If this doesn't work it's gonna be pissed!"
"I'm aware, But look! It's working."
Kiara calmed when she saw the map that had appeared, the Tallneck wasn't really bothered by their presence.
"I know, I know. I wouldn't want to be poked in the head, either."
Kiara giggled at Aloy's comment, she spoke up when she read the words around the disk of the map.
"So it looks like the Tallneck remembers everything along its path and sends what it sees to other machines."
"This will be really helpful! We now have free access to a map of most of the Nora lands, and possibly more too if we find other Tallnecks."
"Damn, wish I'd checked this out sooner! Can you transfer that map to my focus?"
"Sure thing, and you can get the next Tallneck. Ready to head out? We can use that side if it's head as a rapple point."
After a few exhilarating few seconds they were back on the ground. Soon after departing the Tallneck they found the campsite the Brave had mentioned. It took a few minutes but after examining everything they found a fresh blood trail and followed it.
"A dead Sawtooth. Maybe Sona took it out? She could be close."
Kiara looked to where Aloy had spotted the carcass and nodded.
"We should check it out, might find a stronger trail or something."
Not even half a second after they crouched by the carcass, Kiara froze. She heard another sawtooth not too far behind them. She signaled to Aloy but by the time they turned the sawtooth was mid pounce, Kiara braced herself for impact but gasped as an arrow came in contact with the sawtooth and knocked it off course. The sawtooth fell off the mountain and the girls turned to see a woman walking up to them, bow still in hand.
"You're lucky I happened by. One heartbeat more, and that Sawtooth would've torn you apart."
Before Kiara could thank the woman, Aloy rolled her eyes and quipped back.
"Half a heartbeat more, and I would've killed it myself. Uh, so you're War-Chief Sona? Varl asked me to find you."
"Has he held the gate?"
"He has, bravely. We saw him kill a corrupted machine himself. But he worries for you."
"Our tribe needs strength, not sentiment. I've tracked some of the killers who struck the Proving. I crave vengeance. Do you?"
The girls spoke in unison.
"Oh, you have no idea."
Sona smirked at them both and turned.
"Show me, then. Lend me your strength. Follow. The killers are just across this ridge, digging the cursed earth. The sin of the ancients is buried in that soil. Corruptor demons."
They held the conversation as they made their way to where Sona had stationed her men.
"We know of them!"
Kiara commented, Aloy followed her up.
"We killed one at Mother's Watch!"
"A bold claim. I wonder if you'll live up to it. Hours ago, I sent braves into hiding in the trees below. On my signal they'll attack. The enemy and of their demonic machines outnumber us, but we will have fury on our side."
Aloy held her hand up to stop Sona, they scanned the site where the killers were held up.
"We could have more than that."
"Explain."
"That's Blaze. What we use to burn, they use to blast -- it's how they dug out this pit."
"So we put fire to it, and then?"
"Boom."
"Then let us begin."
"Whoa -- wait. Let's not rush. Give Kiara and I some time to make an approach. If we end up alerting them, open fire."
"Yes, we'll try and take out as many as possible before we need to go blowing the place up. Prepare your men to shoot the blaze barrels when we signal or if we alert them."
"All right. Let's see what you two can do."
They took down almost all the killers and machines by the cliff, until Aloy got jumped by a watcher and fell into the red corruption. As Kiara made her way to Aloy with an elixir in hand, the explosions started. After downing the entire elixir Aloy was able to stand again, they helped finish off what was left of the killers. After it was over they made their way to the bottom of the pit where Sona was.
"This wasn't all the killers, I counted more at the War Party massacre. If I have to... chase their filthy shadows from here to Spear's Reach... I will."
Kiara pointed out Sona's injured side to Aloy.
"You're hurt. Losing blood."
"My health is not your concern."
"No one doubts your determination. But you need to rest."
They all turned at the voice that followed Aloy's statement.
"She's right, War-Chief. Give your wounds time to close."
"Varl?! What are you doing here?! I ordered you to hold that gate with your life!"
"And so I did -- until the runner you sent returned with news of his encounter with Aloy and your location. I left the gate well-guarded. My place is here, with you. With our vengeance. Am I not owed that?"
The girls sensed the tension in the air and decided to back off, this conversation wasn't for them.
"Maybe we should have a look around, see if we can figure out where the rest of the killers are."
Sona turned from all of them as she responded.
"Do as you wish. Everyone else does."
"Mother…"
The girls sighed as they started to search the area for clues, Kiara turned as she heard Aloy call for her.
"What is it, dear?"
"I found a datapoint, let's listen."
"Commanders -- Over the past month, accidental Blaze explosions have killed a dozen men. Here in the Ring of Metal, I've taken the precaution of placing our entire stockpile in a covered shelter safe from stray sparks and lightning. And I've posted guards to control access. I urge you to take similar measures -- or suffer the consequences. Supply-master Thiran, out."
The girls stood back up and smirked.
"Hmm. A Blaze stockpile inside their base... Sabotage that..."
"And boom! We win."
Aloy rolled her eyes at Kiara's enthusiasm, they made their way back to Sona to relay what they had learned.
"We found something. The rest of the killers are camped inside a Ring of Metal. Any idea what that means?"
"Damn them. The Ring of Metal lies in the ruins of Devil's Grief. That ground is taboo. I will return to the Matriarchs... beg them to make an exception."
"There's no time for that."
Sona was about to counter, but was cut off by Varl.
"Blood spilled calls for blood spilled! If the ground is cursed, then let our vengeance sanctify it!"
"You blaspheme…!"
"Please, War-Chief -- break the taboo!"
"Devil's Grief is a cursed place... but maybe Aloy's Seeker blessing can protect us. I'll send scouts ahead. Our force will assemble at the cliff above Red Echoes, and launch our attack from there."
The girls nodded and spoke in unison.
"Sounds like a plan. See you there."
Varl stopped them from leaving after Sona had left.
"Aloy, Kiara, Thank you."
"You might take that back, when you see what we're getting into."
Varl stood tall at their words.
"On to Devil's Grief, then."
They nodded and headed out to Devil's Grief, they picked up another strider and raced each other there. Aloy won and was being smug about it, they were bantering back and forth when they reconnected with Varl and Sona.
"War-Chief. Our scouts found enemy camps in the ruins, guarding the approach to the Ring of Metal."
"Then we should hit those camps first. Make sure they stay quiet."
"Agreed. Wipe out the camps, and our enemies in the Ring of Metal won't see us coming."
Kiara took Aloys hand in hers and smirked.
"We'll take out the alarms, stealth is my specialty. "
"We'll send braves to each camp to lie wait. What you start, they'll help finish."
The girls nodded at Varl, they listened to Sona's speech before descending into the valley.
"Braves, it is time! Time to fight! Time to kill! Maybe time to die! We will regroup there at the base of the tallest tower! Then to the Ring of Metal -- and vengeance! Today, we break taboo -- to honor our dead, and punish our enemies! Blood spilled for blood spilled! May All-Mother forgive our trespass! And if not, may she lay her wrath solely upon me!"
The girls made their way into the valley on foot, they didn't want to risk the killers hearing or seeing the striders. They crouched in the tall grass near the entrance of the first camp.
"Alright, I'll go in and sneak my way to the alarm while you start with the corrupted watchers circling the camp."
After Kiara had explained her plan she turned to see Aloy thinking it over.
"That would be best, your clothes are more fitted to silence while mine is designed for defense. If you can't speak when you destroy the alarm then just press the call button on your focus twice, then I'll make my way up and you make your way down."
"On it, stay safe dear."
After ten minutes the first camp had been destroyed, within the hour all three camps had been neutralized. They made a slip in the last camp and had to abandon stealth, but everyone made it out alive in the end. They nabbed a strider and made their way to where Varl and Sona awaited their arrival.
"The camps have been dealt with. Now to the Ring of Metal. Its high walls protect the enemy. We'll have to scale the height."
Aloy held up her hand to stop Sona, she then stepped up to give her idea.
"I have another idea. Their base has a weakness. Send Kiara and I alone, and we'll exploit it. If we're successful, we'll blow a hole in those walls big enough for the entire War Party to charge through."
Varl stepped up then.
"Sounds like a plan -- so long as I get to come with you."
Before they could protest, Sona spoke up.
"A War-Chief should be grateful for three arrows so eager to spring from the bow. Yes, Varl, go with them as their spearmate. But be vigilant."
"Yes, War-Chief. I will."
"Go now. We wait on your signal."
The girls sighed but didn't protest, they made their way into the Ring of Metal. Varl actually wasn't bad company, he helped out more than they thought he would. After taking out some stragglers, they were able to get a look inside the Ring of Metal, and the Blaze.
"There. See that covered shelter?"
Varl didn't seem to hear Aloy's words and gaped at the machines.
"Do you see those Corruptors?!"
Kiara sighed.
"Focus, Varl. That shelter is full of Blaze. A whole stockpile of it. If set off, the explosion will destroy those Corruptors and collapse the wall too."
Varl seemed to be understanding the situation.
"A breach for the Nora to charge through. Can't hit from here though. We'll need to get closer."
"Kiara and I will get closer. You head back, tell Sona the plan, and lead them to that side of the ring."
"I'll see it done. And when the wall collapses, I'll be first through the breach."
After he was out of sight, the girls turned back to the field below.
"We should give him a few minutes to get the Nora ready. We should plan how to get to that wall over there, it will provide the best vantage point and it has the most cover."
"What would I do without you, Kiara?"
"Probably run like hell through the field and hope that you make it to the blaze before you get shot."
"Oh please! I'm not that reckless!"
"I know, but that look on your face is priceless!"
Aloy groaned and Kiara chuckled. After a few minutes of planning their route, they started to make their way to the blaze. Only took them five minutes to reach their vantage point, they ducked after Aloy shot her fire arrows at the blaze. When the explosion died down they saw the Nora come rushing in and start attacking the killers and machines. The corruptors had been destroyed in the blast but there were still a few watchers and even a fire bellowback. The battle was long, but in the end they won. Many injured, but none dead. The girls turned at the sound of Varl and Sona's voices, they were giving their victory speech.
"All Mother, look upon our victory! A debt of blood is paid. Remember this day, brave Nora."
"From your lips to the Goddess' ears. Yes, remember it. Be ready to leave this place. Let your spears and arrows rest in the bodies of the fallen -- they are tainted, like these ruins."
Kiara turned to Aloy as she spoke up.
"It's over. They won't be able to kill again. The killers, this corruption -- they're all parts of the mystery we're chasing. Where the trail leads, we go."
Kiara wrapped her arms around Aloy, she knew she was hurting again. Before Kiara could say anything, Aloy sighed and looked to her.
"So, what have you decided? I saw the man near what I assume to be the bandit camp, it's not too far from here."
Kiara looked down and gritted her teeth.
"I… I know we should, but… you know what I did."
"I know. But that wasn't the real you, that was you in a moment of grief.
"Aloy… I might as well have killed them all…"
"The only ones you killed were the ones responsible for your parents deaths-"
Kiara cut her off.
"I may as well have! There weren't just my parents' killers there, there were families… there were children in that camp, and I set those ravagers off on them… the only blood my blade touched was the ones who killed my parents, but I might as well have massacred the entire village by my own hand!"
Kiara took a few steps back from Aloy and crumpled on the ground, she was crying and was trying to curl into herself. Aloy knew better than to touch her in that state, she knew Kiara had to cry it out before she could come near or it would make her worse. When Kiara was finally able to relax herself and begin breathing normally again, Aloy went and sat next to her and held her in her arms.
"I didn't know there were children in the camp, bandits don't normally keep families… I set those ravagers on them… I realized too late… Their blood is on my hands…"
Aloy sat there and comforted Kiara for a few more moments before speaking.
"You feel guilty?"
"...Obviously…"
"Then atone for it."
Kiara looked up at her, puzzled.
"H-huh?"
"Atone for it. You feel guilty about those lives? Then make up for it. Save more lives then the ones lost."
It was silent for a few moments, then Kiara stood up with a new determined fire in her eyes.
"You're right. I won't sit here and drown in my guilt, I'll make up for the darkness I caused. Those bandits will hunt people for sport, someone has to do something to protect the innocents from them."
Aloy smiled and grabbed Kiara's hand.
"That's my girl. I promise I'll be there the whole time, we will do this the right way."
Kiara smiled and leaned in to press her lips to Aloy's, they pulled apart after a moment. Aloy then led Kiara towards their striders.
"Come on, we have work to do."