Epilogue


Samus walked slowly down the causeway. She wore her fusion suit, minus the helmet, which remained at her new ship on the landing pad. At her waist the knife of Markos was girded. She walked proudly, but a sadness hung behind her eyes.

A tall man with a deep scar across his cheek met her at the end of the causeway. At his side was a boy, just started walking by the look of him. He could be no more than two years old, but with the same grim expression. The both had dark hair, and dark, brooding eyes.

She stopped in front of them. "I am Samus Aran," she greeted.

The man's expression softened, "I am Darrin Hale, and this," he set his hand on the young boy's shoulder, "is my oath son, Mikhal. We greet you, Samus Aran, hunter of the Pirates."

They both bowed low. As he right himself, Darrin spied the knife at her waist. "Markos' dagger," he whispered. "I must have it."

Samus dropped her hand to the hilt of the dagger. "I will not give it," she said sternly. The little boy scowled, but looked at her with a deep admiration.

"I am sorry, but it is custom. I am Markos' brother, by blood. The blade must be given proper rights, and stored away. If you wish it, you may claim it when you earn a warriorship."

Samus nodded slowly, and handed the knife and scabbard to Darrin. "Keep it safe," she said. "I loved him. And that's all that's left but memories."

Darrin nodded slowly, stowing the knife within the folds of his robe. "This love you speak of is unknown to me. But by the blood of Markos' and my family, and by all oath bonds I have made and will make, I will keep this dagger."

Samus shook her head and a tear fell from her eye. Little Mikhal bent down and touched the salty moisture on the concrete. Then he touched her leg. She looked down at him with watery eyes.

"First thing you must learn, Samus Aran," he said gravely, "Varians must not cry. We have no time for crying."

She looked down with pity at the grim-faced toddler. "Love," she said. "If only there was time to show you what love means."

Then she drew herself up and wiped away her tears. Mikhal gazed up at her in awe, for she seemed to radiate strength and power. "Now, show me this wondrous planet of Varia."

Darrin led her on a tour of the main city, but she listened to very little. As they walked down the streets and avenues, her mind was captured by one thought.

I'm here, Markos. It doesn't feel like home yet. But perhaps I will learn to love it, as you learned to love. And perhaps these people will learn to love too.

And with that thought, Samus Aran began her life in the Varian Society.


So ends the first part of the history of the Varian Wars, told by Samus Aran, and written by her oath brother Darrin Hale. The volumes are now kept by her marson, Mikhal Tallin, and her blood daughter Hillory Aran.