Metroid: Mission Alpha

Episode 39: Cold as Ice

Last time, Samus and Alpha continued their search for the rare Fantasy Blossoms on the planet Fantastar. They journeyed through the Arid climate but did not find the flowers, so now it was time for them to move on to the Frigid climate.

The environment once again changed dramatically when Samus and Alpha entered a new climate. The place was quiet and peaceful; white snow covered the ground and also drifted gently from the cloudy sky. Some areas were covered in ice, and the air had gone from hot to cold. "The Frigid climate…a perpetually cold and snowy area," Michael said, "Since Master Greblai and Master Silhouite are from a warm planet and have no hair, they won't be used to the extreme cold there, so they'll probably try to move faster."

"We'll have to keep an eye out," Samus replied. Then she saw two small creatures running through the snow. They were rodent-like with gold fur, pink feet, and black eyes. On top of their heads they had a dark gold diamond-shaped growth with small pale gold antler-like growths on either side of it. Their ears were small and their tails were fluffy. "There is a species native to the Frigid climate, right? I think I see it," Samus told Michael.

"Yes, there is one called Scurren. It scurries about in the snow, its thick fur protecting it from the cold. Even though it appears timid, it is actually quite courageous when it has to battle."

Soon after, the two travelers began their search. A Scurren that was nibbling on a seed ran away when it saw them coming through the snow. "We found no trace of the Fantasy Blossoms in the Verdant and Arid climates, so maybe we'll find them here in the Frigid climate," Samus hypothesized. Though Alpha and she kept a lookout for a tunnel, all that was visible was snow in all directions.

Samus and Alpha eventually came to a tall hill and climbed it, thinking that maybe the tunnel could be hidden there. However, they had not gone far when suddenly there was a resounding rumbling from above. They looked up to see a massive pile of snow sliding down the hill! "It's an avalanche!" Samus shouted over the rumbling, "Run!" Alpha and she raced down the hill with the pile of snow quickly closing in. Alpha tried using his Ice ability to create a wall of ice to stop the snow; but it was only slowed momentarily before it broke through the wall.

The two of them came to the bottom of the hill but then found a patch of ice. Unable to keep from slipping, they ended up sliding across the ice. They tried to stop but their momentum was too great, and they were sent flying toward a broad tree near the ice. Samus collided with the tree, and Alpha collided with her a moment later.

While the unintentional flight had taken Samus and Alpha away from the avalanche, now they had something else to worry about. Alpha had suffered some slight pain but was able to shake off the blow, and Samus herself was not hurt. However, her Power Suit's remaining energy was depleted. In a flash it was gone, leaving Samus unarmored. Now she could feel the frigid wind blowing against her; she shivered. "Oh no…this is bad! Without my Power Suit I'll freeze in this harsh climate! We've got to find someplace warmer."

Samus and Alpha pushed ahead through the deep snow, the unforgiving environment surrounding them like a thick fog. Other than their tracks in the snow behind them, their breath temporarily visible in the air in front of them, and the occasional Scurren sighting, no particular spot appeared much different. Samus, her hands growing numb, knew she needed to get out of this bitter cold, and fast. She found her speaker and asked Michael, "Michael, I've lost my Power Suit and need to find shelter. Do you see anything on your map?"

"There is a cave not far ahead of you. Stay safe out there, Samus."

"Thanks." So Samus moved ahead with Alpha. For a short while only snow was nearby, but then a cave came into view. "There it is!" Samus exclaimed. She walked into the cave; it was warmer than outside but still chilly. Alpha gathered a few sticks he discovered on the ground, tossed them in a pile on the cave's floor, and used his Fire ability to start a fire on them. "Good thinking!" Samus told him, and she sat by the fire. Alpha sat close to her in an effort to provide more warmth; even though his fur was snow-covered, it still helped.

The heat from the fire warmed Samus and Alpha, and its glow brought light to the dark cave. As the two of them sat huddled together for warmth, the once-empty cave took on a cozy and welcoming feeling. Though the snowfall raged on outside, inside was peaceful.

Samus's thoughts went to memories of the time she'd spent with Alpha so far. The two had begun as acquaintances, had quickly become allies, and were now inseparable friends. Just one act-Samus saving Alpha from the Greblai and from falling to a certain death-had given them a strong bond. Now Alpha repaid Samus with his loyalty and protection. All because of that chance encounter…or maybe it was more than that. No, Alpha was meant to be with her, Samus knew. Without him she may not have survived some of her recent missions.

Then, Samus looked outside and frowned. Noticing this, Alpha whimpered softly. "What can we do?" the bounty hunter spoke what was on her mind, "We'll get frostbite if we try to move on, but we can't just stay here…"

"Do not worry," said a familiar voice.

Samus then beheld a blue and white deer-like creature she recognized standing at the cave's entrance. "Blizstag!" she said in surprise.

"I have been watching you, as I promised," Blizstag said, "Now I will help you. I know where you need to go; climb on my back and I will take you there." Samus and Alpha climbed onto Blizstag's back, and it set off. It was a strong and fast creature, able to carry its two riders swiftly and gracefully. While it zipped across the snow, Samus and Alpha could see miles of snow and several Scurrens running about. They held on to the warm fur of Blizstag, a creature used to the cold.

Eventually Blizstag stopped at a spot where the snow sparkled slightly. Samus and Alpha got off its back and watched it dig in the snow using its antlers, uncovering a tunnel in the ground. When they went inside they found that the entire surface of the tunnel was crystalline purple…and the ground was covered with beautiful purple flowers, just like the ones from Alpha's dream! Samus gasped. "The Fantasy Blossoms! We found them before Master Greblai and Master Silhouite!"

"Not so fast!" a voice said. Samus, Alpha, and Blizstag turned around to discover Master Greblai and Master Silhouite standing at the tunnel's entrance. They leapt inside, but when they noticed Blizstag, their eyes widened. "Could it be?!" Master Silhouite exclaimed.

Blizstag stepped forward, its elegant antlers lending it a majestic appearance. "Yes, it is I, Blizstag. You will leave these flowers alone!" Master Silhouite shot a beam of darkness, but Blizstag struck the beam with its antlers, destroying it. Growling, Master Silhouite realized he was outmatched. He teleported Master Greblai and himself away in retreat.

"I guess the Fantasy Blossoms will be safe now," Samus said.

"I will keep an eye on them to make sure of it," Blizstag replied, "Now I will take you back to your ship." So, with Samus and Alpha on its back, it ran easily through the Frigid, Arid, and Verdant climates until it arrived at where the Gunship was landed.

"Thank you for all your help, Blizstag. Farewell and good luck," Samus told Blizstag. The creature bowed its head in response and vanished. Then Samus and Alpha took their usual places in the Gunship. "Mission on Fantastar successfully complete!" Samus said to Michael, "Now returning to HQ." So the Gunship lifted off from Fantastar and soared into space.

(Original story from March 2018)