Chapter 9
Ridley's Vengence
Ridley grumbled as he made his way to the surface. He should be hunting down Samus, not searching out some pathetic human. Why did this one matter so much to the Brain? He didn't appear special in any way, just another life form to feed the metroids. Though he hated it, he would follow through on his mission. He took a passageway passed Brinstar and ended up near the surface. He could see Samus' ship hovering not to far away. It was raining again. A hard, acidic rain that would easily tear through the flesh of anyone not protected. Ridley curled his wings to his sides, not wanting them to get torn up by the harsh winds and acid rain. He made his way over to the ship when it suddenly veered on him. He stood stunned for a second.
"How good of you to come see me Ridley. I had expected you sooner however. The Brain must be getting slow in her old age. I was beginning to get bored but now you'll provide some entertainment!" Came a voice from the ship's speakers.
"You dare challenge me human? I am well aware that you are defenseless. Just surrender before I make you my lunch." Ridley growled.
"Oh but Mother Brain wouldn't want that. She needs me to be her prisoner doesn't she? You see just before our link broke I knew what she was planning. You can hurt me, unless you want to feel her wrath." Quothos said, chuckling.
"I'll tear you in HALF!" Ridley Roared as he flew at the ship. A big mistake. With his feet off the ground, a huge torrent of wind and rain tossed him aside like a candy bar wrapper. He quickly dug his talons into the ground and regained his balance.
"Care to try that again you half-witted lizard?" Quothos goaded. Ridley growled and ran at the ship. Ridley's eyes went wide as a panel slid away and a pair of cannons popped out of the ships hull. They opened fire and knocked Ridley even further away.
"Oh I suppose I should also warn you about the ships auto defenses. Anything not approved by Samus that comes within one hundred feet will be met by these two babies. I'm sure you don't want to feel them at full power." Quothos laughed. Ridley was furious. He spread his wings and flew up and out of range of the cannons. Then with amazing speed, he dove down and landed on the ships hull. The cannons couldn't reach him here. He reached out to tear open the hatch, but a large electrical surge passed through him.
"Oh and don't forget the energy field protecting the hatch!" Quothos said, his face red with laughter. However, Ridley wasn't to be beaten. With amazing force he drove his spiked tail through the hatch. The energy field fizzled out and Ridley stood looking down on him.
"Oh, uh, hi Ridley old pal…" Quothos stammered. He tried his cannon but forgot it had been deactivated. He was defenseless.
"Your bones will be a delicious crunch that I will savor this day." He growled reaching inside. Quothos quickly grabbed his helmet and attached it. Ridley grabbed Quothos and brought him out through the hatch, his face a mocking grin. Ridley had won. Quothos saw Ridley's jaw grow wide and he braced himself for the final bite. Ridley bit down, but instead of a soft neck, he found himself biting down on a missile. It exploded and nearly tore half of Ridley's jaw from his face. They both looked at the purple blur coming towards them. Samus had returned.
"Access Code: Alpha-Beta Two" Samus called. Quothos felt a certain energy flow through him once again. He raised his cannon and let loose a flurry of energy into Ridley's injured eye. The red giant roared out in rage and pain, releasing his captive.
"You haven't seen the last of me you blasted hunters!" Ridley roared, flying off into the caves of Brinstar. Samus slowed to a halt just to the side of the ship.
"Quothos are you alright?" She asked. He nodded softly, dropping back down into the ship. Samus followed, closing the hatch with a backup plate. She sat back in her command chair and heaved a sigh of relief. She took her helmet off and let it slide to the floor.
"Quothos, assuming it's you since Ridley almost had you for dinner, how did you break free?" Samus asked. Quothos took off his own helmet and set it down.
"Well as I'm sure you noticed, she was controlling me psychically. Since she was linked through the mind, I knew she would feel exactly what I felt. So I gave her a quick taste of electric juice, and she had no choice but to release me. Though a few seconds more, and I would have been cooked." He explained. Samus nodded.
"Draygon wasn't fond of it either." She grinned. Quothos smiled and blinked.
"I see you found the easy way of beating the beast. I would also have recommended that method, but you wouldn't answer my calls."
"Sorry Quothos, I felt it was necessary. I didn't want Mother Brain distracting me from my battles." She said.
"Fair enough, though it's a good thing you returned when you did. A few more minutes and I'd be watching your battle from the inside of Ridley's stomach." He said, with half a grin. Samus chuckled softly. She took the time to recharge her energy and her weapons then sat back to relax for a moment.
"Samus… I…" Quothos started.
"What is it Quothos?" Samus asked. He looked away from her, unable to meet her gaze.
"While I was linked to the Mother Brain, I started to learn what she knew." He said, pausing. "All I can say is… you're going to lose someone very close to you. And soon." Samus watched him carefully.
"Are you saying you'll be killed?" She asked. Quothos shook his head. If it wasn't him, then who?
"Samus you have to leave. Ridley will be waiting in his lair by now. I can't follow you this time. You're heading into the deepest pits of Norfair. The gravity suit will protect you from upper Norfair's lava, but lower Norfair is filled with acid that will cut through your suit. It's even hotter down there, so be careful." He said calmly. Samus nodded and stood, grabbing her helmet.
"I've reactivated your suit so Ridley won't try another sneak attack. And don't go falling for any more 'defenseless girls' okay?" She asked with a grin. Quothos nodded and watched her go. He placed his head back against the cold steel of the ship. A tear escaped him, but he let it fall.
"I only wish I could spare you the pain you'll feel when you find out." He said softly.
AN: Finally this chapter is up. I've got to get to work on Chapter 10. Previews? Well there's going to be a big battle between Samus and Ridley, but maybe a few surprises not from the game. If you have any questions, or if you need some help beating the game, feel free to e-mail me.