Note: This one and the last two chapters have been difficult to write due to the visuals I wanted to express. Hope you approve of how I handled that challenge.
Also, I hope this chapter's dialogue is up to par because there's quite a bit of it.
Chapter 14: Secrets
Staxit the Warrior had spent the night out on the observatory platform looking at the stars before she fell asleep. She had stared at the stars and thought about the numerous planets that were out there, and she had been to many of them; flying in her Chozo Fighter Ship, her squad at hand, on the many recon and rescue missions she had led.
She had been with Kerune on K-2L when they had found the human child. Her's had been the second voice Samus had heard as she blacked out. So it was now that Staxit felt a certain connection to the young woman, something more than other Chozo felt.
When she awoke in the morning, laying on a simple bed in the Observatory Guard's room, it was still dark out. Through the room's single window she could see the stars fading. Rising, she noticed the room's second bed was empty, so Wayue was already up.
The wooden door, tan in color, opened silently. She walked out into the open main room, where clean white walls magnified the morning twilight. The main room was a large circle around the observatory's telescope, and Staxit made her way around it. Soon she came to the telescope's viewing area.
Wayue was seated at the telescope's attached seat, looking into it.
"Good morning Staxit, nice to see you have awaken," he said. "This nebula is very interesting. It promises to create some intriguing stars."
"That is good," Staxit replied. "Have they awaken?"
"Leniox is still resting, he will sleep long and hard to heal his wound. Samus, I do believe she is awake."
Wayue removed his eye from the eyepiece and peered down the hall. Staxit followed his gaze to see a human shadow in the doorway to where Samus and Leniox had slept.
Without any further words Staxit went down the hall to Samus.
"Follow me," she said while walking by Samus, and Samus followed. "We will get something to eat."
The sun had now come up and its rays shown in through the many high windows in the kitchen. Staxit continued past the many cooking devices and to a table where a bowl sat. The bowl was overflowing with fruit, and Samus recognized some as Dodas. Leniox will be happy, she thought.
"I am not a Cook, and thus we will be eating simply," said Staxit.
"That is fine with me," replied Samus.
As they prepared the fruit and put it on a tray, Staxit told Samus how they normally had a Chozo Cook on hand, but the feast demanded all Cooks.
"For you see," Staxit said, "this observatory, and all the others, are manned at all times with an Astronomer, Warrior, and Cook. To study, protect, and feed. When you leave, we will stay until another pair relieves us later in the evening."
"But that means you have missed part of the celebration and your help will miss the rest," said Samus. "I would be very sad if I had to miss the feast."
She is still young, Staxit reminded herself.
"When you grow up more understanding comes to you. I still love to be at the feasts, the lights and food and our fellow Chozo… but someone must be here. Purit Peak must be kept up, and it is my current mission to do so."
Staxit paused to put some Buncri on the tray and then went on.
"All Warriors and Astronomers and even the Cooks have rotations. Your father, Kerune, he has been out to one of the Peaks many times. When my shift is over, I will have a set leave and then be reassigned. Who really knows, in a week I could be headed to Datir to deliver aid, or to Haeto because there was a recent flood. There is even rumor of…"
"Oh what?" Samus asked, her eyebrows raised.
"Of a Totitkemilia," Staxit said in Chozian.
Samus stopped at this word,the Chozo word kemilis meant gather, so kemilia would mean gathering. But of the wordtotit, she had noidea what it emant.
"A gathering of the enlightened," Staxit said in the common Tongue. "Thank the powers that be, we Chozo are not the only species to grasp the secrets of the cosmos. If that rumor is true, a squad of Warriors will be needed to escort Tubela the Grand Councilor."
"Who are the other enlightened?" questioned Samus. "I know nothing of them, why?"
Looking down at the food they had prepared Staxit sighed, I should not have said anything. It is merely a rumor and nothing more. Besides, I do not think the other enlightened will have answers to this problem anyway.
"Come," Staxit said. "We will take these out to Wayue and then we can talk some more."
Staxit picked up the tray and Samus followed her out to Wayue. As the walked out, Samus noticed the increased light. Gold and silver carving could be seen in the white walls. Samus looked up and could see the numerous high windows, just like in the kitchen.
When the reached the telescope's viewing port Leniox was in the seat, looking out to the remaining stars, Wayue stood behind him.
"This is amazing," said Leniox.
"Yes it is Leniox," replied Wayue. "Here, take a break and eat something."
Leniox removed his eyes and saw Samus.
"Good morning," he said with obvious affection.
"To you also. How is your injury?" inquired Samus.
"Wayue says I will be fine. It is healing nicely. I will be ready for when we leave," said Leniox as he reached for a Doda. He smiled at Samus and she smiled back.
"It is good to know that you will be ready Leniox," said Staxit. "I must take Samus, we will breakfast outside, and return for lunch."
Staxit told Samus to retrieve her staff and meet her at the entrance. So Samus went to the room she had shared with Leniox and got her Orcios staff. What is Staxit going to have me do? She thought. I thought this was going to be my day of rest!
Minutes later found Samus and Staxit descending the observatory entrance stairs. The observatory was on top of Purit Peak and the view was unbelievable. So when Staxit took Samus to the edge the human lost her breath.
"Wow," she said as her eyes took in the Qulox in all their morning glory.
"Yes, I agree," Staxit smiled. "Can you guess why we are out here?"
"Do I get some Chozo Warrior lecture?" asked Samus in good humor.
"A small one," Staxit said.
"After you return to the Elders, you will remain there for the rest of the Feast of Becoming. Then you will be given your Power Suit and be taught how to use it."
Staxit paused to see the effect of her words. Samus's eyes were bright with excitement.
"A period of suit training will follow and then you will be taught in piloting our fighter ships. I have seen you Samus," Staxit looked at her. "You have great skill, and I know you will adapt quickly to these, faster then the others I believe."
"Really?" asked Samus. "You're not just saying that are you?"
"No, I am not. I will be one of the Warriors that will assist you newcomers in flight," she stopped and smiled. " I look forward to helping you."
Samus blushed at the compliment. I hope I live up to your expectations Staxit, and Gorbeta's as well.
"All that I amsaying you will hear later, so there is no need to further map out your future. What I wanted to tell you was something more personal."
Samus looked up at the Chozo next to her, what?
"I was with your father the day you were rescued. I saw your father lift you in his arms and hold you to himself," started Staxit. "We were there on a rescue mission because we had just received distress signals from K-2L. We got there and it was destroyed. You can not realize how surprised we were to find you, and when you shot at us…"
Samus listened intently but stared out into the mountains.
"Before we knew you, we knew that a great Warrior was before us."
"Do you know one of the reasons why Kerune was allowed to keep you?" Staxit asked.
"He found me, he understood me," Samus said, somewhat defensively.
"Also, Kerune and Chonena were childless. They loved each other and the whole community loved them, but, for a reason we Chozo onlynow comprehend, they could not conceive a child of their own blood. The reason for that was because you were coming, you are their true child, the only one they will ever have," Staxit told her
This new information surprised Samus, she had never questioned why her parents had no children of their own kind. But all things have a reason, her mind told her. And if that is true, then there is a reason for everything. It would be pointless for one thing to have meaning and the rest be void. So what about my life…
"Samus, do not question too deep. Not until you are ready. Some things may do more damage then good," Staxit said firmly.
Samus stopped her thoughts, wondering when the right time would be. She had become used to Chozo responding to her thoughts. Tubela had told her when a Chozo had a close emotional bond to another being that it could, for lack of a better word, read that being's thoughts. 'Only the unguarded thoughts' she had said, ' and a Chozo would only use this ability for good, never evil.'
"Okay," she said.
"I thought you may need to know this, if only to better appreciate your family here," Staxit told her quietly.
The Chozo silently bit into a Doda and the pungent scent made Samus remember how hungry she was. She reached into the bowl Staxit had brought with them and selected a Buncri and began to eat it. She could suddenly feel a pressure on her, another one to add to all her others. She was the only child her parents would, could, ever raise. If she screwed up there would be no comforting her parents, she was their only one.
"On a less serious note," Staxit was saying, "you no longer have to worry about that drop you and Leniox encountered. As we speak the Builders are repairing it, and it will be easy work for them."
Samus gave Staxit a curious look and said, " how do you know about the drop?"
"Oh," said Staxit, "I have been watching your progress from the platform," here she gestured up to a large platform protruding from the observatory's top. "using one of the smaller, portable telescopes to see you. I could only see you at certain spots because of the forest. Do not feel bad, you did well, and all of the other pairs will be watched as well."
"Staxit?" asked Samus. "What would have happened if we had fallen?"
Staxit gave Samus a serious look, "you didn't and would not have. You also know that Chozo do not dwell on what could have been."
Samus took the reprimand well. Yes, she knew that Chozo did not think about the 'if' or 'could have' 's, and she didn't press the issue.
"Stand up Warrior," commanded Staxit. "there will be more time for talk later. Now we are going to spar, and I will show you some useful moves."
The blood in Samus heated up at this, and the thrill of battle took her, even if this was merely practice. Ever since her conversation with Kerune, she had found a new spirit, the spirit of the Warrior.
The remainder of Samus and Leniox's day at Purit Peak consisted of stories from their advisors and rest. They ate lunch and then relaxed as the Astronomers waited for dark. When the night finally came the Warriors went up to the platform while the other two Chozo studied the stars.
Up on the platform Samus looked at the stars, enthralled with the many things she could see in the perfect star sky.
"When you can fly you will go to them," said Staxit, referring to the planets that glowed in the far beyond.
"Yes, I know."
"And it frightens you?"
"No," replied Samus. "It excites me. The places I'll be able to go…in my own ship, with my suit, flanked by my fellow Warriors or flying solo. No, I am no afraid."
"Good," said Staxit, and it was all they said.
When the pink sun came over the Qulox Mountains, and its light blocked out everything; the group at Purit Peak stood at the stairs. Samus carried her staff, a small pack on her back full of food and water. Leniox had an even smaller pack on his hips that held a disk with all his star-gazing finds.
"Good traveling to you," said Wayue.
"May we see you at the feast, happy and true," said Staxit.
Samus started down the stone steps and Leniox went after her. Soon they were far away from the Peak, the observatory top high up to see.
They journeyed all day with nothing too exciting happening. They both enjoyed the travel though, and were content with the peaceful quiet, each with their own thoughts.
At mid-day they waded the Swibal River and wound their way down the gentle Rogu Path. When the darkness was coming they reached the "drop". Leniox made his hologram of light and Samus could see the handiwork of the Builders.
A strange hybrid of stone and alloy, known only to Chozo, covered the gaping hole. I love those Builders! Samus's mind said enthusiastically, for she had been dreading the idea of crossing this place.
After they had walked across the drop they made camp. Somehow they had managed to find the same ledge where they had camped on the eve of the Cruneo attack. The pile of ashes remained, untouched by the wind which could not reach the sheltered ledge.
"How are you feeling Leniox?" asked Samus after she had started a fire with kindle she had enquired on the way.
"Oh, I feel fine, just a little homesick I guess," replied Leniox.
I'm not buying that my friend, thought Samus. All day she had noticed the subtle glances Leniox had given her. Something had happened or someone had said something to Leniox, and Samus knew it was about her. She openedher mouth to pry at him, but he beat her to it.
"In time you will know," he said. "But for now you must trust me and remain unknowing."
Samus looked through the fire and studied his face. It was grave and determined, whatever he knew was important.
"Why can't I know?" she asked softly.
"It is not time," Leniox said.
"Then I will wait, if I must. I trust you," replied Samus who then turned and went to sleep.
The next day they woke up and started out. Samus's mind kept wandering to what Leniox may know, but she subdued her mind's eager questions. I trust him, and all the Chozo. Leniox has always been secretive, only now, on this trip, has he opened up to me. If he were to keep something from me, especially something important, then there is a reason. 'All things have a reason' echoed in her mind.
The weather was pleasant as they traveled the last leg of their journey, and Samus suddenly wanted to get home, now. All around them, the world was pleasant, but Samus had a mounting apprehension.
After an hour or so of walking under the grand trees of Gerverda, they stopped for lunch.
"The feast tomorrow will be so good!" Leniox exclaimed while they ate.
Like so many other times, Samus laughed at the comical site of Leniox's Doda smeared face.
"Hopefully you won't eat like that," she told him.
"Like what?" he asked while she laughed louder.
"Never mind," Samus laughed.
Minutes later they were back on the road. Samus had them travel a little faster then their normal pace in hopes of reaching the community before dark. They were nearing the end of Gerverda.
Suddenly they burst into a place with no tress, the clearing where Samus had felt invisible eyes. Her senses exploded into adreniline as she reacted to what happened next.
"Get down!" she screamed and pushed Leniox to the ground.
An Orcios staff swung above them and then disappeared. Samus roughly shoved Leniox aside and stood. She countered the next blow and looked at her attacker.
It was Chozo, or more acurately, a hologram of a Chozo Warrior. Samus could remember vaguely a conversation she had overheard between Hearuw and Isola the Grand Technician. They had been talking about holograms that had the properties of real beings. Guess this is Isola's work. As if to finalize her guess the hologram struck her face with its open plam.
The hit spun her around, and she dove to avoid the blow to her back. Her mind was racing, that's what I felt before, the hologram projectors. I was right! And this is my final test.
As she thought this, the hologram changed directions, and, like the Cruneo, headed for Leniox.
"Leniox move!" she yelled at him.
Leniox got to his feet and started to run, but it was no use. The Chozo hologram quickly caught him. Samus ran up behind the hologram and swept low with her staff.
Her oppenent dropped Leniox as its legs gave. Samus took aim and tried to spear her enemy, who rolled out of danger. The hologram kicked Samus's staff out of her hands and immediately went on the offensive.
Lost my staff, Hearuw would have lost his head if he had seen that, Samus was thinking.
She adopted a defensive stance and countered each harsh blow with her bare forearms. After these failed attempts the hologram tried to drop Samus with a swipe to her knees. Not even thinking, Samus flipped head-over-heels, landed, and kept countering in a seamless squence. Leniox stood spellbound as he watched on.
The Chozo hologram had now backed her to the edge of the clearing. I could leave, Samus thought, but the red heat of battle had consumed her, and she would not leave this fight.
She broke into a run towards her abandoned staff. The hologram followed her and cut her off, instead taking the staff for itself.
"Careful!" shouted Leniox from the sidelines. No problem, except the two to one deal.
The hologram attacked with a fierce attitude, taking full advantage of the two staffs. Samus tried to get in a hit but couldn't. She countered one staff only to have the other strike her back. She landedon her back and caught a staff as it descended. The hologram showed no emotion as it used its full strength to throw Samus across the clearing.
The human landed in a heap but was up just as quickly. The staffs fell onto her and she blocked them with her arms. The second blow was hard and blood flowed.
Samus rolled out of the way of another attack and kicked the hologram in its side. She half expected her foot to go right through the orange but her foot hit solid matter.
The Chozo lashed out with the staffs and Samus grabbed them both. Using a trick Staxit had showed her, she twisted andspun at the same time to disarm the hologram.
Rising, the hologram was hit several times with the Orcios wood. It took a blow to the chest and fell. Samus came down hard with both rods and the hologram managed to knock one away. It rolled but was trapped by Samus.
Samus brought her staff down for the finishing blow. She stopped her swipe just before the hologram's throat. The hologram dissolved before her eyes, the orange floated upward like tiny dust particles.
"Good job," said Leniox in awe.
"Thank you," replied Samus as she wiped sweat from her brow. "Let's go home."