(A/N: Hello once again, I am somewhat dissapointed that Sempai-san, is once again my only reviwer, but at least it means someone cares enough to give me their thoughts. I warn you now, this story isn't nearly as long as my last one...but it will help set the stage for the final story which I will begin writting soon. Anyway, everyone, not just Sempai-san, enjoy chapter 5.)

Chapter 5: The test

Location: Juggernaught training room 218

Aileta clutched her sword tightly as she walked into the blank room. She knew she would be facing down her greatest fear soon...but there was nobody or anything here. Aileta recalled her training yesterday 'If you know the treat is there, or you think the threat is there; then your eyes simply aren't useful at the moment, tune all your senses and find your target.' Aileta closed her eyes, listened...she heard it! She spun around and knocked the Metroid to the ground hard. She kept it there with her foot, rendering it immobile. "Congratulations." A voice said. Aileta pointed her gaze toward the voice. Just above the door where Aileta didn't see, David hovered holding a Metroid taming staff. David floated down, "you did perfectly, but your test isn't over...you must take down, that." David said as he pointed behind Aileta. She spun around to look at the ugliest thing she had ever seen. It was as tall as she was. 2/3rd's of it was a large, red, sac like thing. Below was a menacing tentacle.

"What is that?"

"That is a Hunter Metroid. The older, more mature version of the Metroids we know and hate. What makes them different is that their mouth is at the end of that tentacle, allowing it to attack from a distance."

"How-How am I supposed to kill something that can do that?"

"You sword is how...have you noticed a part of the handle is separated by 2 seams. Push down on it." Aileta suddenly was what he was talking about. She pressed down on the section and, the sword broke into pieces!

"Oh no"

"Relax, that was supposed to happen, if you look, its still in one piece. A strong filament keeps them connected, now it's like a barbed whip, also if you push down on the handle again, it will snap back into place (A/N: Think back to Soul Caliber 2, think 'Ivy'). Use that to you advantage, and be creative. Remember; this is your final test."

"Okay." 'Concentrate, let your instincts command you, your eyes mean nothing, until you are ready to strike'. Aileta re-alighned her sword and gave the 'ready' signal. The light behind the creature, shut off and the evolved killer immediately let out a loud shriek. It approached her at a fast pace, 'wait, the defense is always down during an attack. Wait for the opening.' She remembered. The Hunter Metroid stopped, reared back and its tentacle extended and flew for her. To Aileta, it was all in slow motion as she pivoted, and narrowly dodged the sucking mouth. She grabbed the tenticle as it began to whiz by her chest. The pressure automatically caused the tenticle to contract, while Aileta thrust her sword forward while pushing down on the release. "EXTEND" she yelled as the sword dislodged its self into the body of the approaching creature. She pulled her sword in again to rip up any other organs in the monster that was mortally wounded. It dropped to the floor, with nothing more than a thud.

"You did it!" David cheered. Aileta let out her breath and threw herself into his arms, happy tears leaked from her eyes. "Oh, I'm so proud of you, it's not easy to stand up to those."

"All major personell, report to command deck. Sahathroe's armada has been spotted, currently in pursuit."

"We'll celebrate later, let's take down this creep again and show him whose boss!"

"Yes...its payback." Aileta forced out, what must have been her first insult.

"That's the spirit girl, let's go." David said. He pulled out his radio and ordered the attack crews to engage as soon as they were in range. He had other plans, like using his invention on an old friend.