So sorry for the delay. Life doesn't let us do the things we love.

"Nice landing momma's girl."

"Well excuse me princess! Would you care to fly? Maybe you've got a better handle for ships than me?"

"I guarantee you I do. In fact, next time we fly I'll take over! Show you how a real warrior rules the skies!"

"Did that sound good in your head? Because it didn't sound good to me."

"Oh, excuse me miss high and mighty! You couldn't fly at all! You couldn't see where you were going!"

"No doubt about that. But at least I'm more sensible in the head!"

"On that we can agree! Of course, anyone's more sensible than you Ophelia!"

"Well look who it is! The loudmouthed little bitch who doesn't have an off switch!"

"That's right! You can't shut me up! I'm loud and proud! And I want some goddamn apples! So, give me some or you're next!"

"Stop! Please stop! My poor ears can't take any more of this! "

"Galatea's right. We need to find Samus!"

"Samus? The hunter lady with the food? Yeah, let's go!"

"Wait, you know Samus? Wait!"

"She helped us out of a fix. We showed her the way to these mines. Told her not to go. At least she's finally got some backup now."

Another short-haired girl strode after Helen. She pointed up into the sky where to the children's shock an armada of ships had appeared and were landing about around the complex setting up a perimeter.

"Well I'll be damned. We've got a real battle going on! Come on momma' girl! This is what life's all about!"

The two remaining children stared at each other. Well Clare did. Not the blind one.

"I sense your hesitation Clare. It's perfectly understandable if you don't- "

"No! Samus needs us! Let's go!"

….

"Not bad hunter. Not exactly single digit material. But you've certainly improved."

"Appreciate it Ilena. Now what?"

"Her name is Irene!"

"I believe I can provide that information!"

"Elda! It's been too long!"

"Indeed, it has quicksword. And I remember you hunter. I'm sorry I couldn't get to you in time."

"These kids? All from the ship?"

"Yes. I couldn't get them to safety. They surrounded us the moment we crash landed. We never stood a chance."

"Maybe that explains why we didn't encounter any. In which case, we owe you."

"We?"

"Yes. The children with me. And Priscilla. She's upstairs now. Fighting Riful."

"Riful! That bitch has it coming to her! I'm gonna show her how I earned top rank!"

"You're number 4 Noel. I told you. You need to work on your math skills."

"Fuck math! I'll kill every bastard in this joint! Teach them not to lock me up!"

"Hang on. I'm sensing multiple yoki auras up above. More of us!"

"Oh, we've got back up! Yeah! Now we've got a party going!"

"Oh dear! What will they think about my appearance? I haven't done my hair in like… How long has it been?"

"Goddess damn it Sophia. You really need to get your priorities straight."

"What's wrong with maintaining physical appearance? Absolutely nothing! It's better than picking a fight with every- "

"Stop. Both of you. Just stop."

"Thank you Ilena. Or Irene. Whatever." Samus looked towards the children. "I think we need to get them to the surface. Put them in safe hands."

"Fully agree. You and Elda should lead them out. You've been through this base, so you know the way better. The three of us will proceed further down and try to clear the way for the lower rankers."

"What? Only the three of us? Come on! Why not he hunter? Get the full band back together!"

"Without her armor, I fear her usefulness to us is limited in terms of battle. No disrespect Samus."

"None taken. Any idea how I could get this armor back on?"

Ilena/Irene placed her hand Samus' chest and closed her eyes.

"Damn Irene! Making moves on her already! I know she freed us and all but wait till we can afford a room!"

"That's not what she's doing you idiot. And it's Ilena."

"No! It's Irene! Maybe if you used your head for something other than makeup- "

"If I'm correct, your armor is linked to your yoki flow. And that appears to have been messed up somehow. I think I can aid you, but you'll ultimately have to do it."

"All right. how do I do that exactly?"

"Let me guide you. You have to take the step and link your strands together however."

"Uh… Ok. I think?"

She closed her eyes and focused deep inside herself. She could feel another aura. Ilena/Irene's. Though she heard no words, she somehow knew what I wanted her to do.

Her whole body was suddenly on display to her. All its inner workings. She could sense the strands that were cut. The strands that connected her to her armor. Her second skin. She remembered Old Bird's words.

"Everything is connected. To think otherwise is to deny reality. If there is a cut in a bond, it must be restored, or nothing works. Everything impacts something else. Yin and Yang. Push and pull. Nothing can work without something to counter it."

Following his advice and Ilena/Irene's, she set out to reconnect the strands. It should have been tedious work. But somehow it was rewarding. It was like she felt whole again. Like she was curing herself of some great disease.

"Wow! Looking good girl! That's the hunter we know and tolerate!"

"Yes. It is good to see you restored to full power. Though I personally preferred you without the helmet. Your face is so pretty."

Samus blushed.

"You too! Damn rookie! You're gonna need a big bed!"

"Uh… Maybe we should just go, you know? We've got a lot of work to do."

"Indeed. Get the children to safety and reconvene with the leaders. Good luck."

"No need to say that. The rookie doesn't need luck! Not with that armor, right?"

Samus looked herself over.

"You're right. I don't need luck. Our enemies will need it."

….

"Samus! Thank god you're alive! And with your armor too!"

"Clare? What the hell are you doing here?"

"I came to help you silly! And we kind of had to escape because of monsters, but still!"

"Monsters? Why didn't Rafaela- "

"Hey! You the lady who helped us in the frigate? You got anymore apples?"

"What the hell are you doing here!? Can't kids stay the fuck still when I tell them too?"

"Never mind that! This is for the best! Listen children! My name is Elda! I need you to follow me and the rest of the children up to the organization ships! Come on! Let's go!"

"Organization!" Ophelia's eyes lit up. "About time! Lead the way! Future single digit coming through!"

"I can't believe I'm saying this. But I think we should follow her Clare. I sense great danger here."

"Come on Deneve! They've probably got food onboard!"

"Really, Helen. Is there anything else you think about?"

"Not really! No!"

"You should go with them Clare. Hurry along."

"But Samus- "

"No buts! I can't focus on the fighting if I have to watch you to! Please, for my sake if not yours. Go with them."

"But I came here to help you!"

"And you have. You've shown me that you're safe. That's help enough."

Clare wanted to press the point further but simply resigned herself to Samus' will.

"At least you got your armor back. Glad to see. You look so much better in it."

"I fully agree. Now go! Get out of here! Chop chop!"

With one final pleading look (with puppy eyes to boot) her adoptive daughter followed the other frightened children up the stairs to their destiny.

"So, they made it. Thank the goddess."

"Rafaela! You've got some explaining to do!"

"No need Samus dear. It's my fault little Rafaela left I fear."

"Rubel. Will you never leave me in peace?"

"I'm afraid not my dear. You see we find ourselves in a rather unique scenario. One year after the fall of one abyssal creature, we now get to witness the fall of another! And with the same hunter who helped bring in the last one to boot!"

"I confess, I find it hard to believe you could have done that. Even if she was near death."

"So why are you here Rafaela? Don't tell me you intend to help? You made your position on that very clear last time."

The one-eyed warrior bit her lip and looked to the ground somewhat embarrassed.

"Wait. You are here to help? Rubel, what did you do?"

"I just gave her the necessary push to convince her to give up her exile. In this case, her abyssal sister."

"Sister? Wait? You mean Luciela?"

The one-eyed warrior looked down at the ground. She couldn't meet Samus' eyes. A situation usually reversed.

"Seriously? Luciela is your sister? Does that have anything to do with why you're in exile?"

"Was in exile. But she realized that might not be the work of a good sister. She thought about the good of those close to her, rather than herself."

"Oh? And how is this for Luciela's good? She's already awakened. Is her presence going to change that?"

"Samus. Please. She has no one else. I need to be there for her."

Samus wanted to argue it more but shut it. Rafaela's mind was made up. What did it matter?

"Fine. I'm too busy to argue anyway. Your top 4 ranked warriors need help. Especially Priscilla. She was fighting Riful last I checked. I have no idea what's happened to her."

"Oh dear. Not a good thing to leave that girl alone. She can be a bit… moody."

"And so, like a fucking dumbass, you ranked her number 1 and sent her off on a suicide mission. How has your organization lasted this long?"

"With the sweat of warriors like her. And in this scenario, warriors like you. Crazy as that might sound."

"Don't forget us!" Elda bounded out of nowhere with a whole entourage of warriors behind her. The best today, Samus reckoned. "All children are aboard the ships right now Mister Rubel!"

"Excellent, Elda. We'll add babysitting to your list of qualifications. Ladies. For many of you, this will be the battle of a lifetime. Riful of the west: A creature of the abyss has been kidnapping children and your sisters for torture and experimentation. At this very moment, your strongest sisters are engaged in deadly combat with the beast and her soldiers. Your objective is to provide support and discover their unholy agenda. Move out! Show your courage. Wipe these abominations from this planet and the galaxy."

Rubel wasn't exactly packing charisma but the warriors must have had low standards because they applauded like mad and began following number 6 Elda into the depths of the mines.

"Now I know you've both been loners for some time, and you were a former number 2. But for the moment, Elda is your superior. Take orders from her until you find Ilena."

"I thought it was Irene."

"Is it? No one remembers anymore. Anyway, have fun ladies."

She stared at Rafaela who was still having troubling staring at her eyes.

This is the exact opposite of fun, she thought.

….

"It's so nice to see our little hunter all grown up. She looks like she hasn't aged a day!"

"And you call me stupid. She hasn't aged Sophia. And she was already grown up last time we met."

"What about you Ilena? What do you think of her?"

"Her name is Irene!"

"Be quiet both of you. We can talk about her later. We need to find the source of this."

She gestured to the large underground lake of blue radioactive substance stretching before them.

"Oh yeah! I remember seeing this stuff above ground when we landed. What the hell is it?"

"Nothing friendly to our constitution I imagine. It appears to be coming from further in the mines. We need to find the source."

And so, they did. Or at least tried following it down. Always down.

"I don't like this. This feels a step above my usual grade."

"Ah. Little Sophia wants to call it quits? Can't take the heat?"

"Be quiet! This place is not natural! How can you be enjoying this?"

"Because it's different! Exciting! This is when you really learn to test yourself! Trying new things! Expanding your horizon!"

"How many times must I tell you both to cut it out? We need full coordination. This is dangerous territory."

"Sure is. You reckon this is where Riful's been hiding all this time? Building this facility and digging to uncover all this?"

"Certainly not all this time. But perhaps recently. This is decades in the making."

They pressed onwards until they found man-made structures again. More tubes.

"Well well. What have we here? Looks all fancy and shit."

"Almost as fancy as your words Noel. Truly a poet."

"Why thank you. That wouldn't be sarcastic would it?"

"Wait. There's people in there. More warriors?"

Indeed, there did appear to be more warriors in the tubes. 3 of the tubes anyway. They held fellow warriors. Except they appeared dead. And had blue streaks all over their bodies.

"Goddess! Check out their skin tone! They haven't used skin cream or anything! It's horrible!"

"And I'm the stupid one? I don't think skin cream is gonna take care of that sister!"

"Well, should we help them? They've probably been here longer than we have!"

"No. I don't think that's a good idea. We don't know what's wrong with them. They might have already awakened."

"For some reason, I don't think that's the case Ilena."

"Irene!"

"Shut up Noel. Their aura doesn't reek of any awakened being I've ever sensed. But it's definitely not normal. Something's up with them."

"And check out their stomachs! Doesn't look like stitches! It's covered in blue stuff too!"

They looked over the corpses. Even covered in the blue substance, their beauty was unquestionable. One had short hair and long pointy ears like Ilena/Irene. Another had dreads. And the last had her hair in curls.

"What could that mean? I don't sense any breathing. Are they dead?"

Nearby roars captured their attention.

"I'm not sure. Unfortunately, we might soon be."

….

"This substance is so strange. Do you know anything about it Rafaela?"

The one-eyed warrior pursed her lips and shook her head.

"Nothing except that it's extremely radioactive and dangerous. You're probably the safest with your suit. I've seen it in a few places on this planet. Wherever it lies, death follows."

Looking closer, Samus could make out some shapes in the blue sludge. The edges of her visor gave her an idea.

"That's right! Now that I've retrieved my visor, I can scan! Another thing your sword can't do!"

"Scan? Pardon me?"

She reactivated that particular setting within her armor and scanned the shapes.

Recording complete: Bodies appear to be awakened beings and regular yoma. Analysis of the bodies' decomposition suggests these individuals met their end some time ago. They most likely got to close to the unnamed substance before its radioactivity was common knowledge. Further analysis suggests the bodies are being transformed into further sources of the substance.

"I… Wow. That is… I mean…"

Elda had overhead Samus reciting her suit's findings and couldn't pretend to not notice anymore.

"How did it do that? I mean… What the fuck?"

"It's essentially an inbuilt computer analyzing the surrounding area. When facing down certain creatures, it first pulls up images from known federation archives and then analyzes all accessible information on the creature to complete a minor entry about its behavior, strengths, weaknesses, etc."

Both warriors stared at each other with a look that clearly said what the fuck?

"How in Teresa's name did you make something like that?"

"With… You know… Help. The Chozo could do amazing things with flesh and machines."

Elda continued to stare.

"The Chozo. Bird People. They raised you right?"

"The ones on Zebes. There were different tribes across the galaxy. I never met the ones here on Tallon IV."

"Well whether you met this tribe or not, it seems they had something to do with this place. The data logs here feature some Chozo entries amongst all the ones from yoma."

"Really?"

"Yes. They say something about building a prison at the base of these mines. Maintaining it up until the… the yoma came."

Samus hesitantly walked over to the nearby computers. She didn't want to see it. But what choice did she have?

We have maintained the seal as best we can. Our friend within assists. The elders have instructed us not to use that term. But I cannot help it. I cannot forget the sadness and despair in those eyes. The warmth that took time to draw out but was entirely worth the trouble.

It feels wrong to have gone to these lengths. But this is what our friend wanted. For our own safety. Those were the words. While I respect the wishes of anyone, I still feel that we have made a mistake.

Not that it matters now.

Monsters have come. Our ancient enemies. The awakened the elders call them. They have come for our secrets. Our defenses are useless. There is nothing we can do to repel them.

We can only hope that the prophecies prove true and the hunter comes to fulfill her destiny. That is all any of us can hope for now. That our lives at least ensured that came to pass.

"The hunter? Could they… have meant… well, you?"

"Prophecy?" Rafaela snorted. "Even warriors can't predict the future. Now some bird men think they can?"

Samus' glare issued an immediate apology from her.

"The Chozo were unlike any race I've ever encountered. They could do all kinds of things. Including seeing the future. And I can already tell from your expressions that you don't buy it."

"It is a bit hard to believe." Elda stared at the contents of the data herself to make sure Samus hadn't read it wrong. "Prophecies are not our specialty. I mean, the date of this entry is several months ago. Did they really know you were coming?"

"I don't know. I wonder…"

"Never mind that bit. What's this about a seal? And a friend within?"

"It appears they constructed this place. At least partially."

"Not the technology. The Chozo would never use anything like this. This was most likely developed by the yoma. Or maybe part of it."

"Uh… Excuse me, maam? You seem zoned out."

Rafaela turned to the younger warrior visibly annoyed.

"Maam? My name is Rafaela. Please don't refer to me in that manner. It makes me feel old."

"But aren't you old?"

Despite her stoic face, Samus could make out some twitching at the corner of her mouth. Before they could further discuss Elda's word choice, another warrior intervened.

"Elda! You uh… You might want to see this."

Elda might have wanted to see it. But Samus most certainly did not. She trembled and nearly fell to her knees.

"It can't be. There's no way. It can't be."

The creature upon the wall stared at her grinning despite the obvious pain it caused him.

"Whaddaya know? Guess fate has a sick sense of humor. The bitch that nearly killed me. Got me like this."

"Ridley. How are you alive? What the fuck happened to you?"

The wretch grimaced in pain. His body was now half flesh half machine.

"The other Abyssal bitch found me. Harvested the ruins. I was barely alive. My body was just a few scraps here and there. But they don't call me number two for nothing!"

Elda giggled. "Number 2. Heh heh."

"But my magnificence: My former body: You fucked it up too good to rebuild. Not by myself. I never was a defender you know? I prefer battle! To see my enemies, fall before me! To see the terror in their eyes as they realize they're fucked beyond saving!"

Samus clenched her fist. This creature already had her hatred for his murder of her parents. But to her his glee in describing such atrocious acts had risen that hatred to another level.

"So, they tested the armor on me. My idea believe it or not. I kind of thought about you and that suit. So, in a way, you both killed me and saved me. Ironic, don't you think?"

"I've heard enough. You want to know what's going to be really ironic? Me killing you again!"

"Wait. Hang on hunter. The higher ups say otherwise."

She turned to Elda with an angry and stunned look.

"I'm sorry but… What?"

"The men in black have been listening through our communicators. They want Ridley brought in alive."

"You… You're shitting me. Right? I thought you mother fuckers existed to kill awakened beings! Now you want to spare them? What are you a rehabilitation agency all of a fucking sudden!?"

"Ridley was supposed to be obliterated beyond the point of regeneration. Even with this armor, he shouldn't be alive. This deserves some… examination."

"Examination? ARE YOU FUCKING JOKING? THIS MOTHERFUCKER IS A FUCKING MURDERER AND YOU WANT TO GIVE HIM A CHECK UP?"

"Hunter, I'm sorry. We're just following orders. We have no choice."

"No. If this is what your bosses are commanding you to do, then fuck them all." Samus raised her cannon and pointed it at the beast.

Suddenly, all warriors in the room raised their swords and pointed them at her. All except Rafaela who herself seemed confused about their actions.

"What's all this? She's killing a dangerous criminal and you threaten her? What madness has possessed you all?"

"The will of the organization. That madness. We're sorry hunter. We understand your anger. But we have our duty."

Samus couldn't fathom the injustice on display. It didn't make sense. What could they possibly want with this monster? He was already awakened and beyond the point of return. Did they think they could control him? Was the organization really that stupid?

Didn't matter. It was out of her hands. She lowered the cannon and Ridley cackled.

"Aw don't fret too much kiddo. You couldn't kill me before, so even if you took the shot you probably wouldn't avenge mommy and- "

She raised the cannon again but was held down by the surrounding claymores.

"This is why abandoning the organization was a bad idea. They would teach you to control your feelings."

She simply forced them off and breathed in deep with a Chozo technique.

"I didn't abandon them. I was just smart enough to not join them in the first place."

He laughed again as she walked off.

"Ha! Guess she owned you little girls there! Quick, check for burns!"

"Leave him there for now. He's not going anywhere. I need to go after the hunter."

"Excuse me! Miss Rafaela! Technically I'm in charge… Err… Sorry. Do what she says ladies. He's not our problem right now. Continue scouting for useful things."

"Hey you! One eye! Your name's Rafaela, right? You wouldn't happen to be Luciela's sister, would you?"

The former claymore turned her one eye toward the creature on the wall. He laughed again.

"She spoke highly of you. She didn't even try to hide it. One of the few things she spoke openly about. She also didn't hide how much it hurt her that you never once dropped by for a visit in all these years. Trust me. I can tell. It made her insane with grief. I think it even lead her to self-mutilate."

Rafaela quickly turned and followed Samus deeper into the complex. Away from the cackling beast.

….

"Not bad Sophia. You certainly beat the shit out of that bastard. But you really need to induce more style. Otherwise no one's going to remember you or give you a fancy title!"

"I bed your pardon? I have a fancy title."

"Muscular Sophia? That's your fancy title? Please. That's nothing compared to Stormwind Noel!"

"How many times do I have to tell you to stop!? How did either of you become single digits with this constant bickering?"

"Oh it's because of it that we became single digits! You don't get into the category without challenging yourself a little!"

"We challenge ourselves all the time Noel. In case you've forgotten, we fight yoma!"

"I know. I know. But more than that. You've gotta have some impressive standards! Always gotta hold yourself up against someone to know how you're doing! Come on Irene! I thought you would get that!"

"I have never "gotten" you. Why would I start now?"

"I actually agree with Noel, "Ilena" not Irene. I would assume you had a strong rivalry with Teresa before she- "

Sophia stopped talking when she saw their leader's face. She'd forgotten the unspoken rule. Don't mention the former number 1.

"Ilena, I… I'm sorry. I didn't mean…"

"It's fine. Forget it. It's done. She made her choice. Nothing else to be done."

The two wanted to ask more about it. But even Noel knew better than to try her luck at that.

They continued on, encountering surprisingly little resistance since their discovery of the 3 claymores in the tubes. Which was good for them, since their minds were incredibly distracted by the events of their day so far and they probably wouldn't have noticed if something snuck up on them.

What they did continue to notice however was the increasingly large yoki presences as they descended into the darkness. They had felt large presences before. But this was something else entirely.

"You know I'm not really feeling the vibe here."

"What do you mean by vibe? Do you mean the terror in the air? IF so, then yes! I think you're feeling the vibe idiot!"

"No, I meant… You know…The vibe?"

"I never know what you mean. So poor with your words. That's why you'll never be number 1."

"Oh, as opposed to that crazy brat? Like she's got a way with words?"

"Well. Ok, I guess you have a point there."

"Priscilla is one of a kind. Matched only by Teresa herself. I wouldn't bother comparing yourself to her power."

"Where is she though? Do you think she survived her battle with Riful? I know she's strong, but…"

"Oh that, she is! Quite a remarkable creature!"

A large door with the face of the Chozo on it lay before them. From within arose the overwhelming yoki aura. And in front of it stood a host of monsters… and little girl.

"Aw! Such a cute child!"

"She's an awakened being, you idiot."

"What? Don't be ridiculous! How can you say that?"

"She's surrounded by monsters and smiling. That's how!"

"Yes. That's a very astute observation. Really, you should have come to the same conclusion as her immediately."

"Riful of the West, I presume?"

"Yes! Another astute observation! I take it you're the leader? Your aura is very impressive! Would you like a job?"

"A job? Working for you? You do know it's our mission to destroy your kind, correct?"

"Oh, please. I know! Believe me, I know! I used to be like you. A perfect little princess who did what she was told! Their ideal slave!"

"I do not agree with everything they have done, but it is for a good cause. To protect humanity from your kind!"

"Hmm. And that raises an important question. Why do we try to save humanity? What is so special about humanity? Their intelligence? Their compassion for their own? Their reason? I think we all know such things do not exist in them."

"There are exceptions. They deserve at the very least the right to decide for themselves."

"And what do they decide when given that chance? They decide that you aren't worthy of their thanks. Even as you risk your lives for them, they still hate and fear you. And nothing you do here today will change that."

"We don't do it for the praise. We do it for the survival of the galaxy. You knew that once. Long ago."

The little girl didn't respond. She didn't seem bothered at all in fact.

"I never knew it. I knew what they said. But I never knew it. I never understood the nonsense words they sang. I never knew it because it was a lie. A lie they kept me imprisoned in. They kept me a slave!"

"They taught you how to use your pain for greater purpose."

The girl cackled.

"Boy, you sure are brainwashed, aren't you? Just like this poor lost soul here! Gotta give them credit! They sure do their jobs well!"

"Let me hurt them Riful! I'll make them see!"

"No no Daufy. We promised the lost soul she could get a chance to prove herself. We need to keep our promise our who else would follow us?"

Before the trio could ask what, she meant by lost soul, a trembling girl walked out from the shadows. She was unstable and from what they could sense of her yoki, on the edge of awakening.

"Aw hell no. Is that the brat?"

"Please… Help me… I don't… I don't want to…. Be a monster…."

"Priscilla. Listen to me. You must…"

She didn't listen. Her eyes flashed yellow and the walls trembled at her power. She fell to the ground. Ilena/Irene stepped forward.

"Priscilla? Are you- "

She leaped at her.

….

"We're getting closer. I sense a lot of things down there. Powerful things."

"Me too. Even with all the auras however, one sticks out above the rest. Well, two of them do. They're both far higher than the others. Both feel… off. I can't describe it."

"You see much for a rookie. I can see why the organization has interest in you."

"Well, I have none in them. And as long as they keep Ridley alive, they can stick all notions of my recruitment up their ass!"

"Samus I… Look I know it doesn't make much sense- "

"It doesn't make any sense! How is it logical to keep monsters like that alive? I thought it was your job to kill them!"

"For the most part yes."

"For the most part? What about the rest of it? What part does keeping them alive constitute?"

"I… don't actually know. But it's for the best, no doubt."

"No doubt!? No doubt!?"

"You may not agree with the organization's methods, but don't doubt their mission. This is a dangerous galaxy and we're doing everything we can to keep it safe."

"Sparing Ridley does not make it safe."

With that, the hunter marched on ahead, leaving Elda in the back with Rafaela. Not her ideal position.

"I have to agree with the hunter. You'd think something would change after all these centuries. But no. Nothing has, apparently."

"And yet you chose to rejoin. Why?"

"Love."

"Love?"

But Rafaela was focused more on the surrounding infrastructure. Elda realized she wasn't going to get anything else out of these 2 strange warriors. No matter how much she wanted to.

Samus meanwhile was testing her natural yoki sensing without the armor. Not an easy task. Her time without it had revealed her over reliance on it. She would need to practice some more without it. Perhaps a mission here or there where she did not don it. She didn't know.

She did know one thing, however. She had no intention to join the organization. No matter her lack of skill. She saw what had become of Priscilla. She didn't know how it had happened exactly. But she can't imagine the men in black had made it any better. She didn't want that for her. Or god forbid for Clare.

"You seem lost in thought Samus. Does the past haunt you still?"

She jumped to attention and stared down the nearby corridor.

"Adam? So, you survived the crash. Shame about your ship. It was wasted on an ugly bastard like you."

"Is that anyway to treat your savior?"

"I think it's an entirely appropriate way to treat my "savior" given the nature of that salvation. And also, you did teach me to be honest. And isn't it the honest truth that your awakened form is damn ugly?"

The monster man sighed but didn't seem mad. It was hard to tell with him. That was the scariest thing about him. Even growing up, she'd never managed to truly read him.

"True beauty lies below the surface. It is in what we do that we find true beauty. Look at you in that suit. Most wouldn't find that pleasing. But the things you've done with it are works of art! Amazing spectacles of will and passion! Any objections to that lady?"

Samus didn't respond. He pouted.

"Come on. Won't you do it? Just one more time?"

"Forget it! Do you want to go another round?"

"I've never wanted to fight you. I only want what's best for humanity. For you. You could have been a steppingstone to that future. You still could be."

"I- I told you. That's not what I want. That's not what the Chozo would want."

"The Chozo wanted you out as I understand it. Their fear led you to leave. To seek out companionship with other humans. How did that work out?"

"It doesn't matter. I will not awaken. I will not end up like you. I will not help with whatever kind of bullshit you've got going here."

"Oh this? We didn't build most of it. Well, that's not entirely true. We did build much of the machinery. But this tunnel was all Chozo."

Samus didn't speak. She suspected as much from the log she'd read.

"Why would they do such a thing? You've felt the aura, too haven't you? Something of immense power rests below. Something they put there. Why would they do such a thing? Hardly seems like the work of a peace-loving race."

"I… They must have had their reasons. I don't believe they would just- "

"Wouldn't they? You saw their writing. Whatever's down there, they referred to as their friend."

"The Chozo loved all life."

"Even life that doesn't deserve it? Would you show me such mercy?"

"No. I don't think so." She raised her gun. "Prepare yourself old man. Vengeance is mine."

Adam shook his head.

"I don't want to fight you Samus. Even if you didn't have those warriors with you. All I have to say is this: There's going to come a time when you have to choose between what you pretend to be and what you really are. And when that time comes, I hope you choose right."

"Like you?"

"Yes. Like me."

"What's going on here?"

Adam turned to the newcomers. He gave a slight bow.

"It's a pleasure to meet you number two. I heard quite a lot about you. You and your sister made an impressive- "

"Will everyone shut the fuck up about my sister!?"

"Sorry. Family is a sore point for us all. Anyway, I would advise you to continue your descent and follow the massive aura. It will lead you to Riful, your friends and the source of all this disturbance."

"What? Aren't you going to try and defend your master?"

The man laughed. Not man, Samus reminded herself. Monster.

"I don't serve that witch. Her skill is impressive. But I have another master. One who wishes the best for this galaxy. I was actually sent to spy on her. And maybe save a few children along the way. I wish you the best of luck in dealing with that beast. Any objections, Lady?"

When Samus still refused to do the thing, he pouted again.

"Maybe next time, eh?"

With that, he sped off in the blink of an eye. So fast, she couldn't even see. Rafaela turned her one eye to her.

"Friend of yours?"

"Don't even."

….

"Damn… Not bad… Brat…"

"Your role as…. Number 1 is…. Unquestionable…"

Ilena/Irene simply panted. She lay upon the ground, one hand on the sword, trying to get back to her feet.

Priscilla stood above her. Sword raised to strike number 2 down. Her face was filled with tears.

"Mommy… Forgive me."

"That's my girl! Make them feel a little pain! Not too much though! We want them to awaken. Not die!"

"Let me do it Riful! It's so much fun!"

"Now, now Dauf. Let's give the girl a chance! She's earned it, I think! That display was remarkable! I've never seen anything so impressive!"

"Hey, what about me I'm impressive!"

"Sure, you are Dauf! Just not that impressive."

The big red lug opened his mouth in shock, but his mistress' attention was on the spectacle before her. An entire squad of single digits brought down before a warrior less than a year into her career.

"I wonder. What could have moved you to this? What trauma could have possessed you?"

"Daddy… Daddy I'm… I'm sorry."

"Priscilla!"

"Oh, it's… Wait, your aura feels familiar, but- What are you wearing?"

"Hey! I know you! That one-eyed bitch hurt me really bad!"

"Oh, did she? Well, she's got quite a lot of aura built up! Maybe we can use her."

"Oh, come on, Riful! She nearly got me eaten by metroids! I don't want to work with her!"

"But she didn't, did she? Now go get her and her friends."

"Even the weak one?"

"Sure, why not. That's some fancy armor. I'd like a closer look at it."

Dauf lunged at the trio. While Rafaela and Elda tousled with him, Samus ran towards her comrades.

"Hunter… Stay back… She's not in control…."

Samus ignored her and grabbed Priscilla's shoulders. Remarkably, she apparently had enough control to not butcher her then and there.

"Priscilla! Snap out of it! You hear me!?"

"You… Always you…"

"You're supposed to be number 1! The best of the best! Are you just going to let it end like this?"

"Always you…. Always you daddy… All I wanted…"

"You're wasting your time rookie!" Noel spat through blood. "She's too far gone! And too inexperienced to do anything! Put her down!"

"Wait a moment! Hang on!" She thought back to Phendrana. When it was the other way around. Her humanity on the line. How did Priscilla do it then?

"Samus…." Ilena/Irene pulled herself back to her feet. "What are you doing?"

"This woman, this… overbearing, aggravating, arrogant woman saved my life. I owe it to her to try. To save her too."

"You are saving her! Let her awaken! Let her passions flow! It's what you all want deep down!"

Samus ignored the abyssal one and focused on Priscilla who was losing all awareness.

"Oh, oh. Daddy… Daddy it hurts…. Make it go away daddy, please…"

"Oh, course sweetie, of course. Daddy will always be here for you. Always. Just stay with me ok? Don't let go."

"Always here…. But you…. Can't…. Can't be here… Not always… Not after…."

"Always sweetie. I promise. Always."

"Always…. Then can you…." She leaned in closer.

"Can you sing? You always had the best voice…."

"What the fuck is going on? Just stab her!"

"Noel, shush!"

Samus thought back to Old Bird. The other Chozo. What was a song they sang? Oh yeah. There was that one…

She sang. She used to sing it more often. Usually to herself to help her sleep. Now she was doing it to save someone from the brink of madness.

Everyone stopped to watch her do it. It was almost unbelievable.

"Hey. That's not a bad tune! Makes me wanna dance!"

"Oh, please don't- Yes. He's really doing it. Really dancing."

Samus might have wanted to see the lumbering Dauf dancing clumsily to her song. But she had to stay focused on Priscilla who seemed to be responding well.

"That…. That was beautiful papa… I've never heard such a beautiful song…"

"I can sing it again. All you want. Just come back to me. Don't leave me."

"I… I didn't…. You…. You left me!"

Her aura rose again. Samus might have made a mistake.

"You're right. I wasn't strong enough. But not this time. I'll never leave you."

"It hurts… Hurts…. Daddy… It hurts…"

"Don't go! Please don't let go! Stay with me!"

….

"So, you really can't see?"

"No. But I can feel everything. It's unlike anything. Truly."

"Wow. So, can you feel where they keep the food?"

"Oh, for the love of goddess! Is that all you think about?"

"It should certainly be, Deneve! Food is what keeps us alive! Do you think most humans are thinking about how to beat monsters? No, they're thinking how to get their next meal!"

"Well, we're not human, are we? So, there's no reason to act like them."

"Not human!? Not human!? I don't care what you say? I'm still human!"

While they had this debate, Ophelia walked over to Clare.

"Sad that your rescue plan didn't do much?"

"No. It's more than that. I feel… There's something going on. Do you feel that?"

Everyone on the ship stopped talking. Even the men stopped talking amongst themselves.

"What the hell!?"

"Samus… What are you doing?"

….

"No way! It can't be! It can't be!"

Samus held Priscilla in her arms. Both stared at each other. Almost entranced.

"That…. Wow…. The rookie did it."

"It's…. It's beautiful! Amazing!" Sophia gushed with tears in her eyes.

Ilena/Irene didn't speak. She couldn't appear to find the words.

The awakened beings in the room couldn't speak either. Only Rafaela was unfazed, already aware of Samus' brush with awakening. How she'd been saved by Priscilla. And now she had returned the favor.

"Such a strong bond those two. Remarkable. Almost like me and…."

"How…. I don't… How did you do it…. Impossible…"

Samus turned to Riful. Her eyes like steel.

"I treated her like a human. Nothing more."

The little girl's eyes narrowed. She didn't like that at all.

"This…. This changes nothing. Looks like you need another lesson in pain."

Dauf seemed to respond to that word and took advantage of the shock to punch Rafaela and Elda to the ground. Riful extended tentacles and grabbed the injured claymores off the ground.

"Now, let's try again. This place is a new start for us. For our kind. From here we're going to change the galaxy! Make it clean! Forever!"

That's when the aura from behind the door shot up. It pulsed in their heads, causing them to fall to the ground from its intensity.

"What the hell!? It's never done this before!"

Samus clung to Priscilla. Didn't let go. As her father would have done.

Eventually it stopped. The shock passed. Rafaela was somehow the first to stand.

"What… What was that?"

"I… I think I know it!"

The one-eyed claymore turned to Ilena/Irene still on the ground. Her full attention on the door.

"What do you mean you know it? How could you?"

They were interrupted by a banging on the door. It was large and strong. But nothing against the force assaulting it from within.

"Riful! It's… It's moving! It's never done this before!"

"Something must have triggered it!"

The banging continued. A hole emerged in the door but whatever lay beyond continued to punch out.

"All right! Something worth my time! Let's do this!"

"Noel, I swear you want a death wish."

"Irene! What's happening?"

"Nothing good Elda. Now help me to my feet, would you? And please, call everyone else out. Tell them to stay away."

"But we might need the help!"

"They won't be any." Rafaela bit her lip. "They'll just get themselves killed."

"And what of you? I don't recognize you. You sure you can fight with one eye?"

"Don't worry about that dear leader. I was number two once, just like you."

Ilena/Irene's eyebrows raised. "Who are you?"

"If we survive this, I'll gladly introduce myself."

The door came down. They could only see darkness within. But they could hear something moving. Moving towards them.

"Samus?"

"Priscilla?"

"Don't leave me."

The hunter stared at the woman's desperate eyes. For the first time, she believed she truly saw Priscilla.

"I won't. Whatever happens, we'll do it together."

She hoped her fear wasn't in her voice.

Something stepped out of the darkness. Much smaller than they had imagined. A woman. A woman with their hair, their eyes. But blue streaks all over her body.

"I'm awake. I'm awake. But… Where are they? Who sang?"

"Wait." Sophia rubbed her eyes to make sure she wasn't dreaming. "Ilena, isn't that…"

"No way… No fucking way…" Noel's mouth hung open.

"Teresa?"

The woman followed Ilena/Irene's voice. Her eyes though tired, showed great confusion.

"Irene? Did you wake me up? Are you with them?"

"Teresa." Rafaela strove to remember where she had heard that name. Ilena/Irene couldn't think at all.

"Teresa. What happened? Where did you go, after…"

"Priscilla? What are you doing?"

The number 1 had risen to her feet out of Samus' arms. Her eyes yellow.

"You… At last… I've found you… The worst criminal of all…. A traitor to the organization!"

Everyone turned to her. Only Teresa didn't seem concerned. Her eyes didn't seem interested at all.

"You don't look like a singer. Do I know you? Who sang?"

Her eyes drifted away from her to look out over the room. Priscilla did not like that and ran at her.

"Don't ignore me! You're dead traitor! You hear me? Dead!"

"Priscilla, wait!"

Number 1 did not hear the hunter or care. She kept running. Her opponent stared bored.

"Oh. So, you're not the singer after all. Well, that's a… problem."

Priscilla leaped at her. Her sword aimed at Teresa's Neck…