"Ali? Ali? Wake up!"

The voice sounded so far away. Ali moaned in her sleep and tried to push away from the sound of the voice. But it felt like strong arms were wrapped around her, forcing her to resurface from the darkness. A face looming over her was the first thing she saw and as her vision came more into focus she was able to recognize the face; Devon.

"Devon?" Ali asked. Her voice sounded so weak, like she hadn't used it in a long time. "What happened?"

"You were attacked," Devon said, "by the aliens from the other Hive."

He shifted slightly and something let out a squeaking noise. Ali looked down to see what she was lying on and found that it was a bed.

"I remember that, but what happened right after that; when I blacked out?"

"The Runner who was with you managed to kill the ones that was attacking it and had to chase after the one taking you--."

"Wait," Ali interrupted, "They tried to take me?

"Yeah, their Queen probably wanted to capture you."

"So how long have I been out?"

"Only a couple of days," Devon answered.

"Great," Ali said, getting to her feet.

"Ali, sit down! You're not better yet!"

"I heal better when I'm moving around," Ali answered.

"Just sit down!" Devon shouted angrily.

The force in Devon's voice startled Ali and she dropped back down to the bed.

Devon is right, Ali, Emery spoke.

"Oh, so you're against me too?"

You know that I could never be against you; you were the one that helped me escape the Auriga. However, you will do Devon no good if you are in too much pain to fight.

"Fight?" Ali asked.

"Yes, fight," Devon put in.

Devon and I did some thinking while you were unconscious and we have decided to launch a counterattack on the Hive.

"Alright, I like the sound of that!" Ali said gleefully.

"Great," Devon said aloud, "now lie down so you can be in top condition to fight."

Ali rolled her eyes, but obeyed Devon's instructions and lay back down on the bed. "So do you know the location of the Hive?"

"Yes, I discovered a few days ago; while some of the aliens from it were returning from a hunt."

"And what was the game plan once we got inside the Hive?"

"I was thinking killing everything in our sight," Devon answered.

Ali tipped back her head and laughed. "Do you think you'll be able to kill them? Or will your love for life make you soft?"

"Shut up! I'm not going to hesitate."

"Good because when it comes down to fighting the real thing, hesitating is going to get you killed. And we don't want that now do we? I still want to get some use out of you before you expire."

"Gee thanks," Devon said with sarcasm. "You know, I have feelings too!"

Ali just grinned and rolled her eyes. "Whatever! Just let me know when I'm 'okay' to fight."

Do not worry. We will be sure to tell you. Emery's voice sounded amused.


After a few days of forced resting, Devon allowed Ali to get up and start testing her strength; to see if she was ready to fight. Luckily, Ali's shoulder had completely healed and the bruises on her back and stomach had long vanished.

"Am I good enough?" Ali asked with mock worry.

"Oh shut up!" Devon said, rolling his eyes before speaking in a serious voice, "there's still much we need to learn about fighting an actual battle."

"Maybe for you, but I've already had to go up against the enemy twice. I think I've caught on to their fighting pattern."

"Would you mind sharing?" Devon asked.

"Basically, their aim wasn't based on killing, mainly it was incapacitating."

"Right, but that was when you were outside the Hive. If we're going to be inside the Hive, attacking them, are they still going to be worrying about incapacitating us?"

"No, I guess not," Ali thought, "but they will probably fight the same way: short attacks that do some damage, backing off to let the damage seep in, then go in for another attack that will completely incapacitate."

"Alright, so all we need to worry about is making sure that they can't get in a hit."

"And," Ali added, "make sure they don't sneak up behind you or attempt a sneaky move. That's how they've gotten me both times already."

"Got it," Devon answered.

I wish for you to take a few of my Warriors along with you. They might be able to give you some form of protection so you can get to the Queen, Emery added.

"That's a good idea," Devon said.

But Ali was more hesitant. "I don't want them getting hurt."

You saved my life and helped me become a Queen. Because of that my Warriors are willing to do whatever it takes to protect you.

"Ali, don't worry, they're going to be fine," Devon said.

Ali sighed, she wasn't going to try to fight with both Devon and Emery. But that wasn't the only thing that was on her mind. "There's something else I'm worried about."

What is it?

"Aren't we going to be vulnerable to the Queen's control once we're in her Hive?"

"Oh," Devon said, "yeah, didn't think about that."

I am sure that I will be able to keep her out, however I am not sure how long I can do something like that. You might have to end things quickly; there might not be enough time to play around.

Ali sighed in disappointment. "Fine."