She watched the planet die. And it wasn't a slow death. The land may still stand unscorched. And the trees may still bristle in the wind. But Zelus is more than that. Zelus is the people. Like Nama (mother) . And her Unama (father). It's a little odd to not be crying. But as the ship takes flight into the grand expanse of space, she finds herself wondering what a little girl can really do against these wicked people.
It is some hours before the grey creature enters her cell again. The Maw they call him. Though she has no idea why. There's nothing special about that crusty mouth.
"You must be hungry little one. The Master has summoned you."
Down the dark halls they wander. No pictures. No carpet. The interior designer was clearly of poor taste. Eventually, they come to a door no different from any other door, even though what lies behind it is more different than anything she has ever seen.
A glistening pool of water lies in watch beneath massive spires of stone. And at the centre of the pool is a platform and on the edge of the platform is a throne. And atop the throne sits a god, for if he is no god, then he must be of the Titans! He must be at least nine feet tall with his gnarled red skin and scarred flesh. Every ounce of his body is laden with muscle and the stern calm of his eyes leaves no room for denial. As Maw pushes her forward, she winces. It's been two days since she last ate.
"I thought I told you to feed the child Maw." His voice . . . she knows she should not tremble, but she cannot help it. Not when Nama is dead. And Unama. It is simply anger.
"She has refused any attempt to wash or feed her Master."
"Is that so?"
She measures her words before she speaks. "I . . ."
"Speak up little one."
Little one?! "I won't eat until I see my father."
A massive sigh falls from the Titan's chest. He seems ever so slightly amused though she cannot tell for sure with the shadows obscuring his face.
"I admire your tenacity little one," he booms. "I see you are clever. Sharp." In seconds he is kneeling before her, dwarfing her in his shadow, cutting out the warmth. "You know your father is dead. Why now should you join him . . . hmmm?"
She almost hits Maw stepping back when he tries to touch her face. "What do you want with me?"
"I will tell you everything - after you eat." She moves to speak but he silences her with a finger. "Do we have an understanding . . . Elenora?"
All she could see was her mother's face. Stay behind me Elenora. Trust me Elenora. And this monster uses it without question, as if they had always known each other. The knife comes out. And if she had struck just a split second earlier, it may have found its mark. No sooner does it bounce harmlessly off his massive chest then she turns it on herself.
Maw rips it from her grasp even as she collapses screaming.
"That was unwise Elenora," the mad Titan growls.
"No," she weeps. "Unwise was leaving me alive!" Maw is already dragging her away. "I'll make you pay for that! I'll make you pay for Unama and Nama and everyone you stole from me!"
"Silence child . . ."
"I'll kill you!" The doors close and all she is left with is his memory and the stale salt of tears left too long uncried.
It was only later that under his command, Elenora II was heavily sedated, moved to the Operating Chambers and operated upon. Until the memory of her family was gone. Until she was just the ever loyal daughter. Until the bitterness of millions dead was replaced with an empty shell of a child.
