Episode 32: Camaraderie of Mistrust
Priss sprinted into The Pit just as Nigel was about to send Linna and Nene off. Macky was sitting nervously in the corner next to Galatea, his eyes never leaving Nene.
Hurry up, Priss, said Nigel. We've already taken too long. Priss nodded silently and started for the dressing room. She stopped briefly to give Galatea an encouraging squeeze on the shoulder.
You two go on ahead, said Nigel, addressing Linna and Nene.
Linna and Nene exchanged a glance. Uh, Nigel? Linna's tone was extremely tentative. Does Sylia even know about this?
No, and it's better that she doesn't! snapped Nigel. Linna could tell that his nerves were frayed. Now stop stalling and go!
Reluctantly, Nene and Linna made for the launch pad.
* * *
Priss arrived at the scene mere moments after Linna and and Nene had. Linna was charging full-speed toward the boomer, as Nene went to work on clearing away any pedestrians too frightened (or too stupid) to run. Priss paused to take in her surroundings. It appeared as if they arrived just in time. The rogue boomer had already managed to do considerable damage. An unfortunate little sushi restaurant on the curb had been completely annihilated. But there was something else Priss noted that struck her more severely. As she watched Linna ram herself into the boomer's massive frame, she observed that the boomer was desperately trying to get her out of the way so that it could reach the throng of people who had gathered to watch. It was at that moment when Priss caught sight of the casualties. Bodies– at least a dozen– of innocent bystanders were strewn across the street, mutilated beyond recognition. Priss' stomach sank in horror while her face flushed with rage. This boomer wasn't driven by insanity– it was driven by malice! It was a gourmand for innocent human blood, and upon realizing this Priss surged forward with fury.
* * *
Galatea sat in the corner of the pit hugging her legs. She was quivering slightly, and Macky found himself astounded at how small and helpless she looked. It occurred to him that, despite all that she knew and saw, part of her was still very much a child. Slowly, Macky scooted himself closer to the boomer girl. He gently wrapped his arm around her.
It'll be okay, Galatea, he soothed. Priss is really tough. She's the strongest Knight Saber there is!
Galatea gave him a weak smile. I know she is. I fought her, remember?
Do you remember that? he inquired. That seems kinda odd. I thought nobody would remember their past lives.
Well, I do! said Galatea, somewhat indignant. At least...a little bit, she confessed. I remember it as if I had seen it in a movie long ago, but I still know what happened. There are times when I feel more like it was my experience, and then times when I feel more separated from it...
I guess that makes sense, resolved Macky, although to him it really didn't.. But you really shouldn't worry about it. They're all gonna be just fine.
For now, maybe, said Galatea. But the boomers are being driven by something very hateful. They're practically brainwashed... it's...it's gonna get worse.
Macky felt a wave of fear struck him like lightning, but his face remained calm for the boomer girl's sake.
It'll be alright, you'll see, he said. Then– to himself more than to Galatea– he uttered, You'll see.
* * *
The boomer was finally able to force Linna aside, landing a fist violently into her chest. Linna stumbled backward and collapsed from the blow.
screamed Nene, still trying to maintain panicking pedestrians. Are you alright?
Linna gasped, hauling herself up. It just...knocked the wind out of me.
Just sit tight Linna, said Priss, her voice harsh and determined. She had missed the boomer on her attack, but she was obstinate.
I'll handle this one, Priss said vehemently. Immediately she leaped forward, hurling herself toward her opponent zealously. Linna didn't bother to interfere this time. She was enervated by the boomer's blow, but her real reason for staying on the sidelines was not her weariness. She was aware that Priss–despite her indifferent attitude– was infuriated by the destruction of innocent lives, and Linna knew that this was important to Priss.
Priss slammed into the boomer with incredible force. It was at least twice her size, yet she was still able to push it backward (and away from the crowd). The boomer's red eyes flickered with astonishment and agitation. It broke free of Priss' grip and started for the crowd again, but stopped as it started to take in the image of Priss. Soon the crowd was forgotten.
the boomer seethed in a malevolent (and familiar) voice. I know you! You're responsible for my enslavement! Your friends were involved, but YOU are the one to blame! Priss' breath caught in her throat. She knew Mason's voice, and while it was twisted and detached, the boomer was undeniably speaking with it.
They should have let me kill you when I had the chance, you sick fuck! Priss screamed emphatically.
Your censure doesn't bother me in the least, said Mason through the boomer. All the more motivation to destroy you, Knight Saber! The boomer launched itself at Priss, screaming maniacally. Priss feigned to the right, then shot left as the boomer swung wildly for her head. The hit barely missed, and Priss caught a glimpse of Linna starting forward. Before long, the green-suited Knight Saber was on the monster's back, plummeting its head with her fists. Priss lurched forward, ready to strike. The boomer, distracted and swatting ineffectively at Linna, didn't notice Priss until it was too late. With an enraged cry, Priss thrust her fist into the boomer's artificial flesh. She found the core easily, and clenched her fist forcefully to feel the satisfying crush of the boomer's core.
* * *
Sylia shivered beneath the covers of her luxurious bed. She was terrified, but she wasn't sure why and she couldn't control it.
What is the matter with me? she thought, gripping the bed sheets in desperation. She wished with every ounce of her being that Nigel was there with her. The thought of him brought a choking sob to her through, and had her blood-shot eyes had tears left within them, they would have been flowing from them relentlessly. Her wallowing was soon interrupted by the sound of her bedroom door creaking open. Sylia shot upright, optimistically expecting see Nigel walking in. She was disappointed as well as taken aback, for in the doorframe stood the tiny figure of Galatea. Sylia retreated frantically to the far end of her bed.
What do you want? she cried in a voice that was clearly on the verge of hysterics. Galatea walked gracefully over to Sylia's bed, lifting herself gingerly on top of it to sit beside the quailing woman. She reached a tiny hand out and delicately took hold of Sylia's own trembling hand. Sylia gasped at the gesture, but did not pull away.
Please don't be afraid of me, Galatea pleaded, her voice soft and warm. Please... please, Sylia!
Sylia faltered. What do you want from me? she was finally able to say, but only after tearing her gaze away from those eerily Priss-like eyes that seemed to pierce into her soul.
The Knight Sabers need you, said Galatea. They just went on a mission with Nigel at the base, but he can't lead them the way you do!
Sylia exclaimed. How could he do that without asking me? Who does he think he–
Sylia, please! Galatea said, cutting Sylia off. Please listen. That's over, but I could tell just by watching him that, while he's brilliant as a mechanic and a scientist, he just doesn't have your abilities when it comes to directing the Knight Sabers. He knows it! You know it! They need you!
Sylia leaned forward inquisitively, recognizing Galatea's complete sincerity. Her fear was pushed aside by a sudden onset of puzzlement. Why does this matter so much to you? she asked, her icy–blue eyes looking deeply into Galatea's. It was now Galatea who had to look away from the penetrating stare.
My mother, she said. She needs you as much as the rest of them do. She's in danger. Mason– in whatever form he exists in– wants her dead! He knows that she was the one to defeat me– to enlighten me! He hates her as much as he hates me, maybe even more.
Sylia uttered, every muscle in her body becoming rigid. No matter what had happened with Galatea in the past, Sylia was willing to let go of it if the girl was now enemies with Mason. She was now determined. Tell me how he survived and what we can do to fight him.
* * *
Macky had been stricken with Galatea's fears, so he was flooded with relief when he saw Nene and the others return. He sprang up eagerly and ran to Nene with such enthusiasm that he failed to notice when Galatea silently exited the room.
Nene, you're back! Macky pounced on the stunned girl and embraced her tightly.
Nene gasped, struggling for air. I'm glad to see you too, but you're...you're chocking me..
said Macky, instantly pulling away in embarrassment. Nene saw him blush and grinned despite herself.
Priss emerged from the dressing room soon after, fully changed.
she said upon noticing her daughter's absence. Where's Galatea?
She right over there, said Nigel, pulling away from his control panel. He pointed to the corner where she and Macky had been sitting, only to find that she was gone. Well..uh... she was there. Priss glowered, but before she could say anything Sylia entered the room.
She's fine Priss, she said, smiling calmly. Beside her the boomer girl stood, clasping Sylia's hand.
The group stared at Sylia agog. She had completely lost it before, but now she was totally in control– even pleased!
said Priss, breaking the stunned silence. Does your family have a history of manic–depressive disorder?
Sylia frowned and released Galatea's hand. I'm going to ignore that gratuitous comment since there is a more pressing issue. Nigel, she said harshly, why didn't you inform me about the rogue boomer situation?
Nigel gazed at her passively. You were hysterical. You were in no condition to supervise a mission.
Well...uh...thank you for your concern, said Sylia, her expression softening, but I'm alright now, so I can handle things from now on. Now, we have to discuss the current situation.
What current situation? asked Nigel.
stated Sylia bluntly. It seems he's somehow behind some of the recent rogue boomer attacks.
Not some, Priss seethed.
said Sylia, her countenance painfully diplomatic. We need to come up with a course of action. Maybe little Galatea can even help us out, she added, smiling sweetly at the boomer girl and patting her shoulder. Priss scowled. It was all well and good that Sylia had decided to stop cowering in her room. It was even nice that she had realized that she needed to put aside her feelings of enmity toward Galatea for the sake of her team, but this feigned adoration was too much. Priss knew perfectly well that Sylia didn't trust Galatea in the least bit. She had obviously seen that she had no choice but to accept her since there were more important issues at hand, but Priss didn't like games. For Sylia to pretend that she didn't wish she could rid herself of Galatea once and for all was just plain deceitful.
Priss hissed. Who knows what we should do to deal with the disembodied Mason? Her question was met with silence.
Well, it seems we're at a loss, Priss snorted. I'm going home. Call me if you decide to stop putting on a show and start being productive. Let's go, Galatea. Priss hoisted Galatea up, setting her gently on her hip. She knew the others were staring at her in dismay, but she was too angered to care. With the air of a she–wolf protecting her young, Priss clung to Galatea and stormed viciously out of the room.