"Not the talkative type I see. You're not upset, are you?"

Samus stared at the tomboy with visible annoyance. She had been trying to get a rise out of her for a few minutes now. If she weren't a single digit…

"Ah well, I can't say I blame you. If I were humiliated like that, I probably wouldn't want to draw attention to myself either."

"Noel. Behave."

"Hey! I'm number 3! I do what I want!"

"You mean behaving like an unrestrained dog, yapping at the heels of people who don't want anything to do with them?"

"Hey watch your tone! Learn to talk to your betters!"

"You my better? Please. There's a reason you do all your fancy acrobatics. Your insecurity complex."

"Insecure? Me? You… You…"

Samus gripped her ears. Please stop. Make it stop. More yoma. Anything.

"Please stop. Both of you. Can't you see you're irritating our newest member?"

"Thought you said she wasn't a member. Pretty sure I don't have to regard her opinion."

"Not a full member, no. But she shares our burden. Our curse. And soon our mission. So please try to leave a somewhat acceptable impression."

At this, Samus looked up with surprise. "Mission? What mission?"

The woman Ilena (or was it Irene?) sat down across from her at the mess table. The dim light of the witches' ship made the color of their eyes somewhat difficult to see. Almost made them see normal. Almost.

"Samus. The organization has had its eye on you for some time. You are, to say the least, unique. You carry our blood. Our gifts. Our powers. Yet you rejected the organization. Rejected our training. Even our swords."

"I had training from another source. Another family."

Irene/Ilena stared at her with her blank face. That was one of the reasons Samus didn't enjoy dealing with them. Hard to read.

"You refer to the Chozo correct? I hardly think they would consider you part of their "family." No more than we-"

Samus in that moment reared her hand up but had it caught by Sophia who stared at her with an amused smile.

"Well, well. Not as stoic as you appear, are you? I admit Ilena might have been a bit harsh. But I would advise against attacking her. She's not number two for nothing."

"Her name is Irene stupid."

"Ilena. And who are you to call someone else stupid?"

"Bitch."

"Insecure little girl."

"Enough. Both of you." Irene/Ilena hadn't looked away from Samus this whole time. Nor had her expression changed.

"I apologize for that. That was a little far, I confess."

Samus didn't forgive her. But number 2 rank wasn't something to disregard. That did raise a question though.

"You're number 2? But that voracious eater said she was number 2."

Noel guffawed, holding her chest and struggling to contain herself.

"Wow! Voracious eater? You really don't know shit, huh?"

Sophia chuckled a bit herself. Even Irene/Ilena couldn't stop a small smile from spreading on her face.

"This is what I meant to say earlier Samus. No doubt the Chozo trained you well as one of their own. But it is clear, they left out crucial parts of your training that only the organization could provide. You should have come to us first."

"Like I had any fucking choice!"

The smiles faded as the previously stoic hunter's face flushed red with rage. She breathed heavily, her chest huffing up and down.

"Like I choose who I ended up with and what they did with me! Like I choose to have my home and family murdered! Like I choose -"

She felt a hand on her shoulder doing turning motions, subtlety calming her down. Sophia wore an expression of sympathy.

"There, there. We all know that. We know no one decides to be one of us. We understand. We all know how that feels. We all have a story."

"Yeah. Everyone's life sucks. So, suck it up and move on. It's the smart move, right?"

Everyone turned annoyed to Noel, who herself looked about confused.

"What?"

"Forget it. Just get to the point. Why are you here? The last time one of your men in black approached me, I told them no. I'm independent. I don't want to work for them. Did they not understand?"

"Apparently, they did not. They've had their eye on you for some time. Your techniques and weapons are unique to say the least. You need more experience. That much is clear. But you could make a real difference. Make the galaxy a better place."

"I'll admit I find that hard to believe since your organization has been doing it for centuries and hasn't apparently made a dent."

"You can never stop the tide. But you can prevent it from overflowing. Prevent a catastrophe."

"A catastrophe? What kind?"

"Are you familiar with the creatures of the abyss?"

Samus thought back to her index. Then recalled she didn't need to remember. She willed her helmet on and scanned through it.

"Incredible," Sophia watched her with awe. "You can form it at will. It's like a second skin."

"Yeah, Jesus. I need to get me one."

"You might find it hard to perform acrobatics in such attire."

"Oh please. Nothing would stop me."

"Abyssal ones." Samus read from her visor. "Former number ones who awakened and became the most powerful… awakened beings of all time."

"Yes. Awakened beings. Like poor Rosemary down there. Voracious eaters are the public name given to them to help them understand. In truth, they are former warriors. Former sisters who went over their limit and became the thing they despise."

"Yep. Sooner or later, everyone does it. If they don't get mauled first. Wonder how you'll go?" Noel looked at Samus with a grin.

"That is part of why you would benefit from our tutelage. When you have our powers but not our discipline, you run the risk of awakening much more easily."

Samus raised her eyebrow. They thought she lacked discipline?

"The abyssal ones are the greatest examples of this. They were former number ones. The most powerful members of their time."

"So much for all that training."

Noel and Sophia laughed, while Irene/Ilena looked somewhat annoyed.

"She's got you there Irene."

"Ilena." Sophia insisted.

"Irene." Noel shot back

"Enough. Yes, it's true it is no guarantee to keep from awakening, but it is still the best means to prolong life. You showed that beneath the city."

"So, what do these abyss creatures have to do with anything?"

"For most of history, these beings have been dormant. Passive. Remaining in their respective territories and more or less leaving the galaxy alone. But now, one of them has begun to stir. Luciela. Or as the public more accurately knows her: The Mother Brain."

Samus' eyes widened. She did know of that name. Spoken in hushed whispers. A voracious eater, aka awakened being, beyond anything she knew of.

"That look in your eyes says you understand. And she has set up her home in a very particular place. The Planet Zebes."

If Samus was surprised, she was now beyond stunned. Another coincidence? Impossible. First, she went to her first home and ran into these witches. Now her second home was populated by a monster of legend? The hell?

"Zebes?"

"Yes, a place of some significance to you if I recall."

"What do you mean? How's it significant? What's she saying?"

"Nothing that concerns you Noel."

"But Irene-"

"Enough. This is for our friend here. Not you." This whole time Irene/Ilena hadn't turned her attention away from the hunter.

"Samus, the organization believes this is a chance to start over with you. They have requested- Well, perhaps that's the wrong word. In any case, they want you to come with us. To help us defeat Luciela."

Noel snorted. "I had doubts about this before. And having seen her in action, I have even more doubts."

"Thanks for the confidence Noel."

"You're welcome Sophia."

Sophia put her face in her hands.

"And why would I do that?" Samus was still holding out hope that this was some kind of sick prank.

"Because we believe you would be useful. Your technology and familiarity with the planet may help us to stop the abyssal one before she can form a fully-sized army."

"Right, but that still doesn't answer my question really. You've only said how I might be beneficial. Why would I want do this?"

"Well, for one thing, you don't have a choice I'm afraid. We've confiscated your ship."

"What? That's mine! I built the damn thing myself! You have no right-"

"Rights are not the issue. The organization gave us orders and we obeyed. They thought you might try to flee. Now that that potential has been removed, it should make the decision-making process a little easier."

"Oh sure. Easier. Because of blackmail."

"Call it what you want. But we need you. And we had no reason to believe you would join willingly, given your rather vocal rejections in the past."

"Well, surely we don't need her. I mean, she's no single digit."

Samus turned her eyes to Noel who smiled back.

"Aw. You're not upset are you honey? I'm just being honest. Surely you can appreciate that."

"Not making this sound very appealing for her Noel."

"I don't have to! This isn't a vacation! This is a journey into hell itself!"

"Indeed, it is. And one that may grow worse over time. Luciela has begun amassing yoma to her. Forging her own army. We even have rumors that she has awaken… the metroids."

Samus snorted. "A legend. Nothing more."

"All legends begin somewhere. And one too dangerous to ignore. We have to act now or all our work will be for nothing."

"But again. Why me? You're sending the number 2 ranked member of your army along with… Err, what are your ranks again?"

"Stormwind Noel! Number 3! And this loser is muscular Sophia."

Muscular? Samus looked her up and down. She didn't seem muscular at all.

"Admiring my physique?" Samus blushed as she giggled. "True, I don't appear the muscular type. But I assure you. I can break stone. Unlike this arrogant little fool."

Irene/Ilena groaned angrily.

"Knock it off! Both of you!"

"So, it's going to be me. Someone who's not even a member. And numbers 2, 3, and 4. Why can't you just send number 1 with you instead?"

An awkward silence settled over the room. Irene/Ilena stared ahead with obvious discomfort while the other two looked at each other. Not sure what to say.

"Number 1… Cannot make it."

"Why? She's number 1, right? They're sending you! You're telling me your superior isn't up to the job?"

"Oh, she could totally do the job! Hell, she could probably do it herself! She just…" Noel's voice trailed off as Irene/Ilena shut her up with her stare.

"She is unavailable. She recently ran into some… problems."

"Problems? Like what? What's so problematic that your top warrior can't be sent to battle an abyssal one?"

"Problems you need not concern yourself with. Only how you can aid us in this difficult task."

"I still haven't agreed to this, you know. You can't force me-"

"Uh, actually we can honey." Noel grinned again. "I mean, I think anyone of us could take you on alone. But all of us? Yeah, you're screwed."

"Not that we would do that." Sophia smiled warmly. "We want you to feel welcome in this group. We may not technically be part of the organization. But we are still sisters of the same blood."

"Uh, excuse me? I would totally do that! Here, let me show you!"

"Oh, for the Goddesses' sake, shut up!"

Irene/Ilena's snap shut them both up proper.

"That said, both speak the truth. You are our blood and we would much rather you come and aid us willingly. However, we are under direct orders to bring you on this task and have every authority to bring you in by force. A task as Noel put it, any of us can achieve alone. So, Samus. How shall we proceed?"

She stared hard at them. She really couldn't believe this. Once again, life had thought she was having too much of a break and decided to take a dump on her once more.

She sighed and through grit teeth nodded.

"What's that? What does that mean?"

"Yes! It means yes. Happy?"

"Oh sure. We're going after a former number one with some rookie wielding an oversized cannon for a hand. Yeah, we're totally happy."

"Shush Noel." Sophia placed another hand on Samus' shoulder. "Don't worry. You'll do fine."

"Yeah. Because otherwise you're dead!"

Irene/Ilena stood up as the bickering picked up again.

"I need a fucking drink." The number two left the table.

…

Samus waited for some response from the woman. She understood the need to think things over. But could she not see the state the girl was in?

"All right. I'll do it."

"You will?"

"Yes of course! How could I resist such a cute adorable face!"

The woman squeezed the mute girls' cheeks with a satisfied grin. The girl herself barely seemed to notice, instead focusing all her attention on Samus.

"To think the poor thing was a slave to that awful beast all this time. And we never knew! Oh child! How you must have suffered! Well don't you fret! We'll make sure the rest of your life is a paradise! Or at least however much a paradise can be in a galaxy like this."

Samus nodded and turned to leave after a last look at the girl. Despite not having said a word, her eyes spoke volumes. They said not to leave her. It was the adoptive woman who spoke though.

"You know, I've thought a bit since I saw you outside that house. I'm ashamed that I didn't see it earlier. That was your home, wasn't it?"

The hunter paused but did not respond.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry. I only wanted to say that I'm sorry for your loss and I thank you for finding the courage to return. If you hadn't, that creature might have devoured us all. And I wouldn't have gained another daughter. So, thank you."

"Sure. Of course. Just take care of the kid, won't you?"

"Of course. Come along now, err… What did you say her name was again?"

"I didn't. She hasn't spoken a word in the time I've known her. I think she's still shocked from all the trauma."

"Of course. Understandable. Well don't worry girlie. We'll get that sorted out."

Samus turned away from the family and the girl who still would not take her eyes off her.

She didn't have to do it. But she still felt the urge to check her home one more time. She stopped by the ruins and took one last look at the wreckage. She thought back to the happy moments with her parents. Before the massacre. It wasn't easy, but if she concentrated hard enough, she could see it again.

"Mom. Dad. I promise. I'll make them pay. I'll make them all pay."

"This was your home?"

She didn't turn to Irene/Ilena. Just continued staring ahead.

"My first. For a time anyway."

"I know how that feels."

"Right. Hence out of sympathy you drag me along on a suicide mission."

"I do what I must to ensure that no one else go through the pain we've gone through! Perhaps it's a lost cause. But I must try lest I be consumed by my despair. Better to do something than nothing. Even if that achieves nothing."

"Whatever. Let's just go. I've had enough of this place."

She turned away. Inadvertently pausing in the direction of the sewer entrance. Down there, the corpse of Rosemary still remained. Rosemary. A former number 2. An elite warrior. One of the best. And even she couldn't resist the urge. What chance had weak little Samus?

…

Samus had to admit. The organization may have been a bunch of misanthropic, amoral, shady bastards. But they could provide some fancy ships. The one she inhabited was by no means the largest she'd seen, having served in the federation for a time. But it was still impressive nonetheless. Not that it made her want to be their slave.

"What do you think? Pretty savvy, huh? Certainly, better than that dumpster you fly around in huh?"

"Well it fits more room no doubt. But I never had need of such a thing until now. I remained independent. No need to share."

"Oh please. Don't act like you're unique. We all have to be independent. Doesn't mean we can't enjoy this occasional luxury. Don't be so stuck up."

Samus stared back at Noel. Trying to hide her annoyance. "You don't like me very much, do you?"

"Oh, it's not that. I just don't think you've proven the skill to handle this mission. You're an outsider, through and through. You don't even use a sword! How do you expect to keep up with us?"

"I've got a gun. A really big gun."

"Ha! Guns! Novice weapons! There's a reason no number 1 ever used one."

"Well, you needn't fret. I'm not looking to be number 1. Nor am I planning to join your cult."

"Cult? We save lives! Give our lives for the galaxy! We do good! How can you be so selfish?"

"I'm not selfish. I fight yoma as well. I just do it without following the orders of creepy old men."

"And it shows! You don't have the skill or class to fight with us! You're out of your league and you know it!"

"Then at the very least, we won't have to deal with each other for long. Good evening."

"Hey! Where you going? I'm not done with you!"

Samus however was done with her. At this point she wasn't sure what frightened her more. The prospect of fighting this legendary mother brain. Or working with these bitches.

"Hunter! A moment please."

Samus stopped reluctantly in her tracks to address Sophia. Number 4 was nicer than her comrades no doubt. But she still got the nagging sense she didn't think highly of her.

"Forgive me number 4. But I've had a long day. Can this perhaps wait?"

"Of course. I understand. You've had to take in a lot just now. I just wanted to apologize for Noel's behavior. She can be a bit much."

"I've noticed. What's up between you two anyway? You clearly aren't the best of friends."

"Oh, I think it's exaggerated to tell you the truth. But yes. She's very competitive. In her mind, another's success is her failure. It doesn't make much sense to me. But it's the way it is." She leaned in closer and lowered her voice.

"Between you and me, I believe it's related to her trauma somehow. But I can't say for certain."

"Right." Samus paused for a moment unsure whether to ask. But what the hell? Why not?

"Sophia. Be honest. Do you think I'm cut out for this assignment?"

Another pause. Sophia stared into her eyes. No, rather into her soul.

"I think you have the potential. And your weaponry will certainly be a useful asset… But no. I don't think you have the skill for an abyssal one."

Samus took a deep breath. "Thank you for your honesty." She turned to leave, when she heard her companion speak again.

"So do try to prove me wrong, won't you? I do enjoy it when that happens, I find. Because when I'm right, bad things happen."

Samus merely nodded as she wandered off to the quarters set aside for her. So, they were all on the same page. She was going to die. Great.

"Why am I here? Why did this happen to me," she muttered. "Is this Karma? What?"

She punched her pillow in frustration, shaking with rage and despair. She didn't show much emotion in public. But she had no qualms showing it out of public eyes.

"Damn it. Damn it all, Damn you claymores. Damn you black robed bastards. Damn you yoma… Damn you Adam."

That's when she felt the hand on her head, patting her. Comforting her. She looked up into the green eyes of the mute girl. Those eyes now filled with tears. Samus' were only filled with shock now.

"What. The. Fuck."