"So I take it your infiltration mission into Samus Aran's group went well."
"Yes, I think I have earned their trust, my love."
Gandrayda inwardly groaned. She hated that she had to stay in Sylux's life. Though she had the Samus's support she was still afraid of the consequences that leaving him would bring. So she was currently "pretending" to be Samus's friend to give Sylux "crucial information about his enemy." Seems like such a trope that woman with the power to transform into anything would end up playing a double agent.
"You're so devious and amazing, babe. What information do you have for me?"
Dray and Samus had planned for this question. "Samus has chosen to use an energy whip as her weapon. She knows how to use it in battle too, so you better watch out," she replied with a dramatically scared expression.
Sylux nodded. "I'm not afraid. Anything else?"
Well, she thinks you're a jackass and I agree 100%. She shook her head. "No love, it was mostly chit chatting and getting to know each other."
"Well next time I'm sure you will find information that's actually useful," he sneered. As always, he was quick to switch from praising her to admonishing her. And as much as she wanted to punch him in his smug face, she knew she had to keep up the act she had been putting on for a year- for her own safety and well-being.
She pouted her lips and groveled. "I will be more useful to you in the future, I promise. You know I worship you my handsome and strong love."
"And that is why I keep you around," he scoffed. "And you can start by getting me dinner."
"Of course, sweetie."
Conceited, mean, stupid jerk.
Xxx
Samus P.O.V
"You should have seen me! I swear I fought off at least 30 space pirate clones by myself." Ghor was extremely gleeful the next day at breakfast. During the challenge he had been assigned a different artifact than the other three. During his search, he got to finally use the armor that he had been working on over the past few years, and wow did his hard work pay off. And though it was offered, of course, he didn't need any help from Samus.
"Proud of you, Boltz. You're all grown up, I feel like a proud father," Rundas said as he wiped a fake tear from his eye, though deep down his pride was genuine.
"Thank you, Rundas," replied Ghor gently, not quite catching on to Rundas's slightly condescending remarks. "I couldn't have done it without the support of my friends."
Samus smiled, she truly loved seeing Ghor happy and confident in himself. "You really impressed me, Ghor. With your heart and your skills, you will make a great bounty hunter one day."
If Ghor had real eyes they would definitely be shedding tears right now. "That… that means so much coming from you, Samus."
"To Boltz!" cheered Rundas, lifting his cup. Samus rolled her eyes but joined him, knowing that Ghor would appreciate the support.
"Yay, celebrations!" giggled Gandrayda, who had just sat down beside them and raised her cup as well. "Now what are we celebrating?"
"Ghor passed his mission with flying colors," said Samus. She then turned to Gandrayda, lowering her voice. "Is Sylux okay with you being over here?"
"Yes, but I need to step it up with the information that I tell him. I could tell last night he was a bit displeased. We can't make him suspicious… for my sake."
"I still don't know why you won't dump him publicly," retorted Rundas. "You know we have your back now. You're one of us. If he even thinks about touching you, I will teach him a lesson," he finished darkly.
"Aww, does Rundie pie actually like me now? I am so honored," Dray gushed in response.
"I still find you incredibly annoying, but I will always stick up for those on my side. But don't press your luck, Pinkie."
Gandrayda spit out her drink, laughing. "Pinkie!? Omg that's all you can come up with."
Rundas puffed up, "Well I can't call you leech or Samus will kill me!" He could feel Samus's glare towards him. "Erm, I mean that is not a very nice thing to call someone especially given your circumstances."
"Can I get a new nickname?" asked Ghor, sweetly.
As Rundas was about to respond "absolutely not," he was cut off by the gruff voice of admiral Dane booming across the cafeteria.
"Attention, potential bounty hunters. The next trial will be taking place soon. You will split up into teams of 3-4. Each of you will be given an item that you have to protect from other teams while simultaneously trying to steal their items."
Rundas scoffed. "This sounds like something children would play," he muttered under his breath. Luckily Dane did not seem to hear him.
"But before that, we told you all earlier that you would have to pick and declare your weapons for the training period. Well, the time has come, and that time will be tomorrow at 6am sharp. You have the rest of today to put the final touches on your weapons. I hope you have used your time thus far well. That will be all."
"And don't be shy tomorrow!" exclaimed Admiral Dillon. "Use all the theatrics you need to show off your hard work. I am so proud of each and every one of you!"
"A real bounty hunter does not need to show off," added Dane gruffly, "but do as you wish. All I care about is how you use them."
"You're so boring," sniffed Dillon, as they both exited the cafeteria.
Samus was extremely proud of the plasma whip she had created with the help of Ghor, her team's resident technology expert. She was ready to show it off more publicly. But with that being said…
"Rundas," started a now worried Samus, "I haven't heard anything about your weapon. And I know you have been busy with all of this Sylux mess."
"Relax, Sam. I have it all under control, and you'll see tomorrow." He gave her a thumbs up. "I even had Boltz help too."
Samus frowned. "I didn't know we were keeping things from each other," she blurted.
Rundas grinned. "Ah the Samus of a few days ago wouldn't be worried about that," he teased. Samus looked down, embarrassed by her slightly emotional display. Sensing her embarrassment, Rundas softened his tone. "I'm not trying to actively keep secrets from you. I just wanted tomorrow to be a fun surprise for everyone."
"Speaking of keeping secrets," added Dray, "I think we should all be a team for the next trial. If I can successfully convince Sylux that I am collecting information about you three then it shouldn't be a problem on my end."
"I think that is a great idea!" replied Ghor. "Since we are essentially a team outside of the trials it would logically make sense for us to act as a team during the trials."
Dray clapped her hands. "Yay~!" Her face turned mischievous. "And this will be great for Rundas when me and Sammie inevitably need to save his cocky butt again."
"That will not be the norm," he huffed. "And let me tell you, Lee—Gandrayda, you are quite lucky to be on a team with ME, the best future bounty hunter here."
"Aww so that means you agree we should be a team!"
"Oh of course that is your takeaway!"
"Both of you, please stop it," interjected Samus.
"Fine," they replied simultaneously.
"Thank you, and to get back on track, I agree that we should work as a team. We can meet up later to talk strategy."
"Strategy talk, I like it," added a pleased Ghor.
"We will be the best team there is!" exclaimed the ever-enthusiastic Rundas.
"Go us!" cheered Gandrayda.
Samus looked at each and every one of her teammates, feeling grateful to have met and opened up to each of them. Despite his flaws, Rundas was truly proving himself to be a loyal and caring friend and she was happy that he forced his companionship on her from day 1. And Ghor has to be one of the kindest people in this galaxy. And Gandrayda, though she definitely had some maturing to do, was becoming such a positive presence in her life. Man, this is so cheesy, but right now she felt like together they could accomplish anything.
A/N:
Yay, the next trial! This time I will write more action. And as always, please please review and let me know what you like or dislike about the story! I seriously love all the Prime 3 hunters so much and want to do their younger selves justice.
