Claymores In Space

by Redwood Sorrow

Despite her silver eyes, and yoma blood, hunter Samus has lived a life separate from her fellow "claymores" in a personal quest for revenge. Now she has to work with the top warriors of the organization to save the galaxy while taking care of a clingy girl. What could go wrong?

10. Chapter 10: Goddess of Destruction

Sorry for how long it took. It's been a rough few months for everyone though, hasn't it? I might have made this chapter a bit too long. Hope you enjoy it all the same. I wish everyone safety and best of luck.

Everyone in the room stared, eyes wide and mouth open.

Well, not everyone. Ilena/Irene seemed more saddened. But not surprised.

Priscilla lay on the ground. Both hands trying to remove the hand around her throat holding her down. While the other one held her sword.

Her opponent stared down at her disinterested. She had the look of a typical claymore. Couldn't give a shit.

Except this particular claymore had blue veins running over her body and was putting out yoki energy unlike anything anyone had ever felt.

"Hey Sophia! What the hell do we do!?"

"How in god's name would I know?" Sophia whispered back in fright.

"Oh, yeah right. You're useless. Irene! What do we do?"

"Nothing."

"I'm sorry, what?"

"Nothing. We do nothing. Not yet."

"Uh, hello! She's got the brat by the throat!"

"I think she's confused. If we can reach her, we need to try."

"That is not what we were trained for!"

"You know how strong Teresa was. Imagine what she can do now. We wait."

Samus herself was in a crouched position, trying to debate what she should do. Nothing came to mind.

"Why would you do such a thing? Attacking without cause. Such a naughty child. I think perhaps you should learn some basic politeness."

Something came to mind then. Samus called out.

"Wait! Uh…. You said something when you came out. I think it- "

"Who woke me? That song. I know that song! Who sang it!?"

"Well… I did, actually. I sang it to her. That woman you have pinned down."

Her eyes widened as the blue veined woman appeared inches from her face. She'd moved so fast; she hadn't even seen her move.

"You sang? You?"

"Well… Yes."

"Hey! She didn't do anything! We woke you up!"

"Dauf, shut up!"

"Why? We wanted to make her join, right? So why shouldn't we- Hey! Not so close!"

The strange woman had once again seemingly warped in front of the big red lug. Despite her inferior size, she seemed to dwarf him.

"I'm sorry. What was that? You say you woke me up?"

"Yeah! I mean, no! I mean kind of yeah! Only not really! I mean- "

Riful extended a tentacle around his mouth. She bowed to Teresa.

"I apologize for his behavior. He can be really dumb. It's quite an honor to meet someone of your… err… Grandeur."

Teresa finally smiled at that comment. And what a smile it was! It wasn't anything overbearing. But it had this… mystical quality to it. It was hard to describe. But Samus would never forget it for the rest of her life.

"I agree. For someone like you, I'm sure it's the honor of your life. For me though?" She shrugged.

"I can't really see what's so great about you."

The little girl's face turned white. In all her centuries of life, she had never been talked down to like that. Not since she was in training. Nor had she truly felt fear in all that time. She was the monster in everyone's dreams. She was the danger.

Now she remembered how it felt to be on the receiving end.

"I… I'm like you. A former number 1! But I broke free from their shackles! Just like you! I sought freedom just like you! And look at us now! We are what we were meant to be!"

Teresa kept standing and staring. Riful stared back. While her voice and face were firm. Her body posture betrayed her fear.

"Don't stop talking. That was such a nice speech. I was enjoying it. Unless you were finished?"

"I… No! I'm not done!"

"Then please continue. Please tell me what the point is of all this."

"The… the point. Yes, the point!" The girl breathed in deep, then willed herself to stare the creature in the eyes.

"We can help each other! I can help you discover what you're capable of, and you- "

"What I'm capable of? I think that's something I can find out for myself. But I can tell what you're capable of." She leaned in close, still smiling.

"Nothing." She reached her hand in through the girl's chest. Her companion immediately rushed to her side to aid her.

"Get away from her, you blue bitch!"

Without a glance, Teresa socked him in the jaw and sent him smashing against the wall.

Everyone's eyes widened. So casual. No effort.

"Daufy!"

Riful used surprising strength to pull the arm out of her chest and stumbled her way over to her apparent lover

"Riful… Get out."

"No! Not without you fool! Get up and move!"

"What's this? Awakened beings showing love? Isn't that something?"

Dauf got to his feet and laid a hand in front of the little girl. She slapped his hand away, however.

"I don't need your help to stand."

"You sure? That wound don't look so good. Maybe we should get help."

"Help? Yes, that's a good idea, I think. The mighty masters of this damp mine running for assistance with their tails between their legs. It makes me smile."

The two injured beings got into attack position as their enemy approached. It was quite a sight to see these two immensely powerful monsters reduced to such desperation. Luckily for them, another monster had her own plans.

"Enough of this. Quit wasting your time with them, Teresa. Your business is with me."

Teresa stopped and stared bored at Priscilla. The former looked incredibly bored. The later had fire in her eyes.

"Can this wait? I just woke up and I'm famished."

"As am I! For justice!"

Teresa laughed out loud at that. Not quietly either. A loud guffaw that shook the walls.

"Justice is overrated little missy. It's all a matter of perspective."

"It's my perspective that matters! And from my perspective you're a murderer!"

Teresa just shrugged and turned her attention back to Samus who'd been standing there the whole time, not sure what the hell to do.

"Sorry, but I'm more interested in your armored friend. So, if you'll excuse me."

Priscilla stood between the two of them.

"Priscilla…"

"This is between us hunter. As number 1, it's my job to deliver sentence."

Teresa paused. She seemed to have gained some interest in the feisty claymore.

"You're number 1? You? When did you join? Were you there the same time as me?"

"No. I joined a year ago."

Teresa seemed genuinely surprised now.

"A year ago!? And you're already number 1!? Have those old coots gone senile?"

"Senile? They chose me because I was the best. After you broke the law and murdered innocent humans!"

Teresa frowned at that. Well, more than frowned. She flashed teeth.

"Innocent? What innocent humans do you mean?"

"You know what I mean! You murdered innocent humans! You violated the trust the organization put in you! Now people fear us more than ever! You single handedly destroyed the trust that took years to build! You are- "

Her opponent rushed forward and attempted to punch her in the face. Priscilla ducked however and returned the favor with a few swings of her sword. All of which Teresa dodged.

"You talk too much. If you want revenge, now's your chance!"

Priscilla roared. A strange combination of both rage and delight. She leaped at her nemesis. 2 gods clashed.

And the child of the Chozo couldn't do a damn thing.

….

"Hey blind girl? You ok?"

Galatea lay hunched over, gripping her head. Helen placed a hand on her shoulder to help her. For all the good it did.

"What's going on? I can feel so much confusion. Fear. Despair."

"Yeah, I'm getting that vibe too. Everyone's running around in a panic. Maybe they realized we don't have any apples on this damn ship!"

"Must you be so naïve, Helen? This has nothing to do with apples."

"Doesn't it, Deneve? Doesn't it?"

"I think she speaks the truth," Galatea spoke up in between her head throbs. "This feels different. This is panic over something else."

"Yeah! So shut the fuck up you apple-obsessed bitch!"

Helen turned angrily to Ophelia who smirked back.

"Excuse me? You calling me a bitch? You?"

"I am. You're a stupid uncontrollable bitch. How you survived the tests on the frigate is ridiculous. You should have died in agony."

"Helen. Honey, don't."

Helen ignored Deneve and leaped at Ophelia. The two struggled with each other, but it was clear that Ophelia was the stronger. Her eyes turned yellow.

"This is how it works little girl. The strong eat the weak. And you've been a waste of life for too long."

At that moment, Clare and Deneve both intervened. Deneve socked Ophelia causing her to recoil in surprise, while Clare jumped on her and pinned her down.

"Get off me momma's girl!" She pushed and Clare struggled to keep her pinned.

"No! We have to stay sane! Stay a team!"

That seemed to make her stop. She tilted her head.

"We're a team?"

"Yes. We're a team! You said you wanted me to work with you, right?"

Ophelia smiled at that.

"Yeah. That's right. I want that."

"Well, so do they. They also want to work with you."

"Wait, what?" Helen stared. "We do?"

"We all do. Because we're all in the same boat. Or in this case, ship. Whether we want it or not. We're dependent on each other. We need each other."

"I do not need her!"

"Helen, please let her finish."

"Deneve! You're not taking her side, are you?"

"I said, hush."

"As I said," Clare continued. "I'm with you. But we need them too. They're also like us."

"Why?"

"Why? Because the yoma took them like you and…"

"No. I mean why do we need them. We don't need them. Maybe you need them. I don't."

"But I do. Without them, I'm not going to be strong enough."

"I… Oh I get it. If you can't have momma, you need your pathetic friends!"

"Maybe. I'm a very needy person. And if I don't get what I need, well… You know what I'm like."

Ophelia bit her lip. Galatea smiled. Ophelia's aura was unsteady. She couldn't make up her mind. This was not her element.

"Ah… Fuck it. I can't take any more of your whining. All right. I'll put up with them. Even the apple bitch."

"Aw thank you Ophelia! You really are kind underneath!"

"Hmph." Helen folded her hands clearly not buying it. "All right then kind underneath Ophelia. What exactly do we do now as a team."

"Uh… I'm not exactly sure. What are we doing?" Ophelia turned to Clare.

"Galatea. Can you find Samus?"

"Maybe. I think she's still down in the mines. Along with something else. Something powerful."

"Then, that's what we're doing. We're going to save Samus. And the rest of our team here."

"Quite ambitious." Deneve cracked a small smile. "There's more to you than your small aura suggests."

"Woah! Deneve! I haven't seen you smile since… Actually, I can't answer that." Helen rubbed her head.

"And you call yourself my best friend."

"Deneve, I think I'm like your only friend."

Ophelia stared at Clare with pleading eyes.

"Do I really have to work with these losers?"

"Yes. Sorry."

….

The 3 single digit claymores, the abyssal one and her boyfriend, and of course the hunter Samus had all seen much in their lives.

But the battle between the two number 1's was something else. They moved too fast. Hit too strong to be claymores. To be half humans. Even the word monster didn't feel appropriate for them. It didn't do them justice.

How the mines still stood was a mystery.

Noel being Noel, didn't seem to fully appreciate the gravity of the situation.

"Wow! What a show! This is incredible! I've never seen anything like this! Gotta give that kid credit. She's really something! Fully deserving of her number 1 rank. Without question!"

"But will it be enough?" Sophia turned to Ilena/Irene. "Can she beat Teresa?"

Ilena/Irene just stared. No response.

"Ilena. Can she beat her?"

"Aw man! Who the hell knows! But they're sure putting up one helluva fight! Frigging awesome!"

"Noel, I think you should take this more seriously."

"Teresa," muttered Rafaela. "That little girl is all grown up."

Samus stared at her with raised eyebrows. But before she could comment on it, Ilena/Irene spoke again.

"Priscilla is indeed amazing. Her ability to hide her yoki aura is a large part of it. Teresa was a warrior who could read her opponent's energy flow. This in turn allowed her to anticipate their next move. That's part of what made her so dangerous."

"And the other part," asked Sophia.

"Being Teresa."

"So, if Priscilla can hide her aura, Teresa can't predict her next move," inquired Noel.

"Exactly. If Teresa were just herself, Priscilla might actually have a chance. Now that she's awakened though…" Her voice trailed off.

"I gotta say. She's got a weird awakened form." Noel touched her chin thoughtfully. "I thought when people awakened, they turned into monsters or some shit."

"They can still look human idiot. Look at Riful. She's awakened but she can look human as well." Sophia shook her head.

"Don't call me an idiot bitch." Noel growled

Samus did look at Riful. In fact, now that she had her armor again, she did something she hadn't done for a long while. She scanned with her visor.

Somehow this could activate machinery, pull up information on a scanned object from existing databases and even analyze a creature's strengths and weaknesses. The Chozo and their skills never failed to amaze her.

Morphology: Riful of the West

Awakened Being

Logbook Entry: Formerly the first number 1 female in recorded organization history. Though formerly an amazing swordswoman despite her young age, centuries of inactivity have dulled her swordplay.

As an awakened being, the subject possesses immense strength and speed. Beyond even the visor's ability to detect. She also can generate infinite tentacles in her awakened form or hair strands in her human form.

Any attempt to subdue or destroy this creature should be done at a moment of great weakness or lack of awareness. Any direct confrontation is ill advised and likely suicidal.

Judging by the subject's current condition, now would be an ideal time for offense. Subject is currently grappling with an unknown radioactive substance in her body. A foreign appendage appears to be the source of this contamination. Subject is attempting to contain the spread to the site where the appendage entered the body using her yoki flow. The effort has left the subject weakened and vulnerable.

"Hey rookie! Why are you checking out the little girl? How can you be missing this shit going on now?"

Samus ignored Noel and walked over to the awakened girl. She stared up nervously as she approached.

"What do you want? Come to kick me while I'm down?"

"No. Even if you deserve it. Maybe I can help. I'd like to look at the substance in you."

"You get back bitch! She don't need your help! Touch her and you go splat!"

"Dauf, please shut up. I'll take any help I can."

"Oh. Well, ok. But if you hurt her…" He made a slitting motion across his throat.

"Thank you for being so understandable. Priscilla could learn from you." Samus leaned in and observed the corruption. A blue wound marked the point where Teresa had driven her hand into Riful's gut. She changed her arm cannon to a syringe and set aside an inner chamber for storage and analysis.

Another rumble shook the cavern.

"Samus! What are you doing? Leave them! We need to get out of here!"

"Let her work Sophia."

"But Ilena…"

"I think she knows what she's doing."

Actually, Samus had no idea what the fuck she was doing. But a good show of confidence all around was good right?

"I'm going to try and get the substance out of your body. Whatever you feel, I just need you to try and relax. I apologize for any pain."

Riful tilted her head.

"A claymore apologizing to me? That's a first."

"I'm not a claymore. And the Chozo taught me to respect all life."

"The Chozo? The ones who built this door?"

She grinned. And lifted her shirt.

"Well, aren't you an interesting individual! And here I thought you weren't anything special with such a small aura!"

"A lot of people seem to think that. Right before I kill them."

The looks of the two monsters told her that was a bad joke. She apologized again and inserted her cannon into Riful's chest. She had to apply more force than she would have thought. Her skin was very thick.

"I think… I think I've got the source. I'm going to try and remove it now. Get ready. This might…"

"I'm used to pain. Just do it!"

She did it. Or tried to. The instant the substance entered her cannon, she could feel a strange reaction. The poison bubbled outward. Trying to force its way out of the control chamber.

No. It was doing more than that. It was going for her. Her vitals. She pulled her arm out of Riful and fell to the ground in shock.

"Hang on Rookie! Leave it to us to save your ass again!"

"Samus! What's wrong? What can we do to help?" Sophia gripped her hand and squeezed it.

"My… armor… rip it open…"

"What? Wouldn't that be… painful?"

Ilena/Irene didn't bother with questions and merely ripped the front part open. Samus screamed from the pain, but she was used to it and pulled out the container within her arm. The container was pulsing with the blue substance, trying to get out. She tossed it away from her just as it burst open and the substance lined the floor.

"Need…. To heal…."

"Stand back."

Riful pushed the others out of the way and leaned down towards Samus.

"What are you doing!?"

Riful didn't respond but placed her hand on Samus' chest and the armor started to rebuild itself. She clearly started with some trouble but quickly figured out the symbiosis between woman and machine.

"Impressive. Very impressive. You're really something. And this was all done by the Chozo! Same folk who made that door?"

"Yes. To keep her in. And now she's free. And I don't know what to do."

Everyone turned to Ilena/Irene. She knew Teresa the best.

She just shrugged.

"I don't think there's anything we can do. If Priscilla can't beat her…"

Right on time, Priscilla went crashing through the roof. Her face was bloodied. Samus ran up to her.

"Priscilla? Priscilla, you in there? Stay with me!"

"Daddy… Sorry… I tried…"

"You did great. Simply great. I'm so proud of you."

"So am I."

Teresa dropped down from the ceiling. She was smiling her strange smile and didn't bear a wound at all.

"Very proud! I've never fought anyone so strong! She could be amazing. More powerful than me even. I'm not sure I want a competitor."

Samus stood up between them. The same feeling that moved her to protect Clare now compelled her to stand up against certain death.

"Don't hurt her. Please. Can't we just… Talk?"

The woman stared. Her smile turned less malicious. Samus thought she might even see sympathy. The awakened being leaned in close.

"Yes. Let's talk. Now tell me. How did you know that song?"

"Err… Right. That song. Well…"

"Perhaps somewhere alone? I imagine all this food must be making you hungry. Hard to concentrate."

She threw Samus over her shoulder and zipped further up the tunnel. She stopped and threw her to the ground.

"Now. What did you do? How did you know that song? Did they teach it to you?"

"They? You mean…"

"I mean you don't look like them. I can't imagine why they would teach you something so precious to them. It doesn't make sense."

"This doesn't make sense! Just slow down a second…"

"You're right. It doesn't make sense! Any sense!"

The awakened woman seemed to lose control for a moment and ripped Samus' helmet off her head.

"Hmm? Another one of them? They taught their song of peace to an organization grunt? Unless…"

She leaned in closer to the hunter and suddenly began tearing her armor off.

"What the hell are you doing!?" Samus could no longer just remain motionless. She raised her cannon to fend her off but that too was quickly removed until nothing of the power suit remained. Just her standard Zero Suit underneath.

"Now, let's figure out what you really are." The Black-Haired Woman lowered herself and pressed her body against Samus', pinning her to the ground.

Even in a life filled with utterly bizarre moments that defined explanation, this stood out. The poor hunter could do nothing but lie with this strange creature pushing down on her and feeling her up.

"Oh god. Clare can never know about this."

"Yes. Yes, my instincts are true. You are part Chozo!"

Teresa's face lit up with genuine joy. Real happiness. It was almost pleasurable to look at. Except for the blue veins.

"I'm so sorry! We got off on the wrong foot. I thought you were just like those weaklings! Please forgive me!"

"Uh.. Sure. No problem." Samus tried to move herself out from underneath Teresa, but she still wouldn't move. If anything, she was getting more intimate with Samus. Cradling her face while leaning her own in mere centimeters away. Her eyes were bright blue with the substance in her veins.

"Why don't we start over? My name is- "

"Teresa? Teresa of the Faint Smile?"

Teresa looked up annoyed at the source of the interruption. The other claymores who Samus had last seen dismantling the place stood there eyes wide and jaws agape at the strange spectacle before them.

Samus heard Teresa's belly growl. Saliva formed at the awakened' s mouth. She grinned at Samus.

"You know. I don't know why. But I'm quite hungry right now. We can talk later."

The claymore in front didn't appear to recognize anything odd about Teresa and stepped closer.

"It… It is you isn't it? I mean… I thought… I heard you were excommunicated! This is…. Hang on. There's something off about your aura. Are you ok?"

Teresa responded by zipping forward at the speed of sound and removing the woman's head from her shoulders.

She tore the head open and buried her face into it like a watermelon. When she was done, she pulled her face out, now soaked in blood, and grinned at the claymore's horror.

"They told me it was such a terrible thing. You know? Such a terrible thing. A line you could never cross. Having done it now, well…. I wish I'd done it sooner!"

Samus took that moment to flee while Teresa gave into her hunger. She knew she couldn't get far. Her only hope was to find her allies and get the hell out.

"Samus!" Sophia called to her from across the room. "What happened to your clothing?"

"Teresa. What else?"

"Hmm. I must say. Without that bulky power suit, you've gotten a lot more agile!"

Everyone stared at Sophia with a curious look until one of the claymores under attack screamed out for help.

"We need to go. Now! We can't beat her!"

"Come on rookie, have some faith in old Stormwind won't you?"

"Stormwind doesn't stand a chance," Ilena/Irene fritted through her teeth. "We need to evacuate. Collapse the whole mine. Keep her from following. We stay here and we're food."

"Why did she spare you?" Rafaela looked the hunter up and down stoically. "What did she want?"

"I think you can ask her yourself."

They followed Sophia's fearful eyes to Teresa standing amidst a massacre. Covered in blood. Grinning like a madwoman.

Ilena/Irene had always known it was possible. But somehow, she still couldn't fathom the sight before her. Nearly half of the organization's warriors. All killed within the span of a few moments. She'd never seen anything like it. Teresa interrupted her thoughts.

"I'm sorry about that. Sometimes you just get these… urges. You know? Desires. You can't help it."

Her words were directed at Samus. But the hunter had no clue what to fucking say. How could she talk her way out of this?

"I realize this must be hard for you especially. The Chozo value all life. I get it. That's what I love about them. All life. Even a monster like me." Her smile became more peaceful. Less crazy. Which somehow made it worse.

"But death is part of life as well. Life feeds on life to survive. They never really liked to acknowledge that bit. Ah well. I suppose we can talk about it more in private. Shall we go?"

Ilena/Irene stood between her and Samus.

"Teresa. Stop. Now."

"What are you doing," Samus whispered.

"No idea."

"Step aside. I'm taking her with me. The rest of you can leave if you want. I'm quite full at the moment."

"No. You have to stop. Look at me Teresa. Don't you recognize me?"

Teresa was no longer smiling. She looked bored now. Not a good sign.

"Of course, I remember you. Number 2. The one whose name no one could agree on. The Quicksword."

"Yes! We were comrades in arms! Sisters! I ask you now to honor that sisterhood and- "

Teresa laughed. Her eyes remained fixed on Ilena/Irene. The apathy in those eyes made it seem like she was watching a bug. Something beneath her. Unworthy to speak.

"Sisters? We were never sisters. We were never even friends. You know what you were to me? A little puppy. A little puppy always following me around. Trying to get my attention. Or find out how to beat me. One or the other. You tried hard. But you never stood a chance. You were never my sister. To be that you'd have to be my equal. You weren't even close."

Ilena/Irene shook. The normally stoic warrior was on the verge of tears. She and Teresa had never exactly been friends. But she respected her. Looked up to her. She thought Teresa at least might somewhat do the same. Such a foolish thought.

"Now I am taking the Chozo with me. The rest of you get out of the way, or…" She pointed back towards the mountain of corpses.

"I remember you all. The arrogant Noel. Your bark was always worse than your bite. Muscular Sophia. Maybe if you'd paid a little less attention to your looks, you could rise a rank. And you. Old Rafaela."

Everyone turned surprised. Rafaela herself showed no expression. As usual.

"Where did you go? Why weren't you there when I need you? Why did you leave me to suffer alone?"

Rafaela lowered her eye. She couldn't keep eye contact anymore.

"I had nothing left to teach you. That's all. I'm sorry."

It might have been better if she'd kept her mouth shut. Teresa did not appear to like that answer at all.

"That's it? That's all you have to say?"

"Tell me that's not all you have to say," Noel whispered.

"Because if it is," Teresa stepped closer. "I might just have to renounce my mercy."

Wings composed of the blue substance sprang from her back.

"Teresa…" Ilena/Irene tried to get through to her. "What happened to you?"

"Oh, you mean these wings? They are quite stunning, aren't they? Amazing. For all their knowledge, the Chozo were quite mistaken about this "Great Poison." They thought it an abomination. A cancer of this galaxy." She ran her hands along the wings.

"I disagree. I think it a work of art. The salvation of humankind."

"Shut up!"

Teresa turned and grabbed Priscilla's sword in midair. She waggled her finger in disappointment.

"For future reference, sneak attacks work better when the enemy doesn't hear you coming. Your admittedly impressive ability to hide your yoki is useless if your opponent knows which direction to strike."

Priscilla didn't respond but continued to push down against the woman's immense strength.

Teresa's eyes widened. So long had it been when she actually had to exert herself. This might be more fun than she thought.

Noel took this chance to attack from behind. Teresa's wings however retaliated and tried to strike her down.

Sophia moved Noel in fighting off the wings. Ilena/Irene couldn't bring herself to do the same though.

"You still consider her a friend don't you?"

She turned to Rafaela. A surprising amount of sympathy was emitted from that one eye.

"I don't know if I'd go that far. But she was always… remarkable. It just feels wrong to end it this way."

"I know how that feels. All too well. It's the ones closest to us that are the hardest. And sometimes we can't do it. We don't have the strength to do our duty. Even when it's needed most. That's why I left. Because I lacked that strength. And countless lives have been lost because of it."

Ilena/Irene sighed but nodded and rose to her feet.

"I won't allow that to happen. I'll find the strength."

"Good. What is your ranking again?"

"Number 2."

"2. Hmm. Ironic."

"Irene! What's happening?"

"Elda. Glad to see you're alive. Wait. How many warriors are there?"

"Err, well. The organization isn't taking chances. They decided to send. Well, everyone."

"Everyone?"

"Yes. Everyone."

Samus stared open-mouthed as hordes of warriors came running down the tunnels. Their various stances suggested they were of all different ranks.

And here they all were. All to get one warrior. And that one warrior was still smiling.

"They really want to keep us apart, don't they? Don't worry my dear. Help is on the way."

Her eyes glowed. As did her wings.

The ceiling above them shattered as three women descended from the ceiling.

Their veins were blue like Teresa. And their eyes shone her same light.

They stared out amongst the claymores. 2 of them with glee. The other with boredom.

"Sisters. Are you awake?"

One of the women (with dreads) turned to Teresa with confusion.

"I… I have a sister? Where!? Where is she? Wait until she see what I can do!"

The woman with dreads looked all about for this sister. She turned back annoyed to Teresa when her efforts proved fruitless.

"What gives? Where's my sister? Wait, hang on. I don't have any sister! I think? What the hell is happening?"

"You're alive. I know your pain. I know your confusion. I've felt that too. And I've felt something else too. Something else you're feeling. Hunger."

The woman looked placed her hands on her stomach.

"You know. You're right. I may not have a sister. But maybe I can have… Oh! Hello there, comrades!"

The woman with dreads waved at the claymores. They stared torn between fear and awe at her beauty.

"Have you come to say hello? Don't be shy!"

"Excuse me! I'm number 1! And I command you to help me kill this traitor!"

The woman with dreads turned confused to Priscilla. Then to Teresa.

"She's a traitor? Funny. She does have a strange aura. But… It feels so familiar."

"We share the same aura sister." Teresa pushed Priscilla off and strode towards the dreaded woman. "I will help you to relearn yourself. But not if I'm dead."

"Dead? But you're not dead. Unless… Is that why we have blue veins? Am I dead? What the hell is happening?"

The dreaded woman started panicking. Walking back and forth with worry. Meanwhile the other two hadn't spoken once. The one with short hair still seemed bored. The other had curls and a strange smile that put Samus on edge.

"You're not dead. Not yet." Teresa stretched while talking. "But you will be if we don't clear up this infestation."

"Infestation? What infestation? What do you mean?" The dreaded lady still looked about confused.

"She means eat, moron."

The woman with curls finally spoke and lunged at Elda. The number 6 couldn't respond in time and collapsed with shock on her face.

Her killer wiped the blood off her sword and turned to the rest of the terrified soldiers.

"You all look like shit. Oh well. I'll manage."

"Out! Everyone out! Now!"

Ilena/Irene's order appeared pointless. That's already what everyone was trying to do. "Trying" being the imperative word.

The crush of warriors combined with the cramped spaces mad escape all but impossible.

And the 3 new warriors were too damn efficient at their job. No one could get away.

The curly haired one seemed especially happy. She raised her sword above a lower ranker.

"Pfft! Nothing worth learning from you. Seriously, I'm doing you a favor."

Her sword was interrupted by Sophia, whose eyes widened as even her incredible strength struggled under this new foe's.

"Well, damn. Finally, someone putting up a fight! So, what's your special move?"

"I uh… What?"

"I said… Oh woah! Hello there!"

The woman kicked Noel in the chest before she could sneak up on her. She sent her flying.

"Well, aren't you quick on your feet!? Can you perhaps tell me how you do it? I'll eat you last. Promise!"

"Damn bitch. Hey Sophia. Care to make a bet?"

"A bet? Now?"

"What better time?"

"Oh, you two are fun! I like that! Maybe you'll taste a little better than the usual shit I eat!"

The dreaded woman seemed to be going for the warriors who weren't looking her way as they ran.

"I hate being ignored more than anything! Pay attention when I'm talking to you!"

"How about me? Would you like attention from me?"

The dreaded woman turned to Ilena/Irene raising her sword against her. She smiled.

"Finally! Someone pays attention to their better! Is it too much to ask for some damn respect?"

Ilena/Irene's eyes widened with shock. "I thought you seemed familiar. But… I thought you were dead."

"Dead? Dead? Nonsense! I mean look at me! Do I look dead? Do I?"

The woman raised her arms and spun about. Ilena/Irene had to admit. She was quite the looker.

"No. You don't. Which raises many questions."

"Yes! I have many questions for you! But oh! I am hungry! And- Wait Hang on. You know me? What's my name?"

"I… How do you not remember?"

"I… Tell you what. I'm going to get some food. If you survive, make sure to tell me, ok?"

"Hey wait! Stop!"

Somehow in all the chaos, Samus found herself alone with the last blue-veined woman. This one hadn't spoken at all and in fact seemed confused about what to do.

Samus herself was confused about what to do. She was still in immense pain from Teresa ripping her suit off. She managed to regenerate enough to return the scan option to her eyes. Not enough to restore her helmet. But enough to give her eyes a strange metallic glow. She decided to scan the strange woman.

Morphology: Unknown

Unknown

Logbook Entry: No information on this figure. Internal analysis suggests subject is confused and disoriented. May be possible to manipulate. High amount of aura energy. Extreme caution.

Recommended Strategy: Further analysis required. Consider psychological options.

Samus had never received such a strange logbook. Nor had she ever seen such an uncomfortable-looking warrior. With nothing else to do, she decided to engage.

"Hello."

The warrior stared at her like she had seen a ghost. Her eyes widened and she stood stock still.

"How are you? You look a little blue!"

Samus immediately regretted that joke. But the warrior didn't appear to notice. She continued to stare.

"Uh… Are you all right? Do you need help?"

The woman stared at her hand. The blue veins. She then stared at the ceiling. Frankly, it seemed like she was looking anywhere but Samus.

"If you don't need help, can you help me?"

Her head whipped down to Samus. She looked horrified.

"Please? I'm not going to hurt you. See? I don't have a sword."

The woman hesitated a little, but eventually walked over and leaned down to pick Samus up.

"Woah! Hey! Gentle! I hurt a little bit!"

The woman stared at Samus. She still seemed totally confused.

"Listen. I'm a little injured right now. Can you help a sister out?"

"Sister? Are you my sister?"

Her voice was so soft, Samus had to strain to hear.

"Uh, no. I mean that as a term of endearment."

"Endearment? You're threatening me?"

"No! No! Not at all. I'm just interested in you! That's all."

"Interested in me? Who am I?"

"I hoped you would know. After all it is you right?"

The woman seemed more and more uncertain, yet somehow managed to keep Samus held amidst the chaos. In that chaos, one took notice

Teresa threw Priscilla off into Rafaela and called to the woman.

"Cassandra! How long are you going to let her use you?"

Both "Cassandra" and the hunter she carried stared at the dreaded warrior. Teresa stared back. Her face no longer smiling.

"Remember. We are kindred. We share the same aura. I can help you relearn yourself. But I want to relearn myself too. She can do that for me. Help us both."

Cassandra stared between both. Clearly unable to make up her mind.

"Cassandra. I think I can help you too."

She stared down at the hunter in her arms. Samus smiled back up at her. Hoping to break the ice.

"You don't appear to have awakened. Perhaps I can help you. You just need someone to clear you of your infestation."

Cassandra's eyes widened in shock.

"I- I have no idea what you just said."

"I do. She meant hand her to me."

Teresa stood right in front of Cassandra, holding her hands out in front of her. Her strange smile on her face. Cassandra stood instinctively back.

"I don't know. It didn't sound like she said that."

Teresa's eyes turned bright blue. Her pupils vanished and Cassandra suddenly seemed fully at attention. That did not make Samus happy.

"Ok."

Cassandra without further question handed her over to Teresa who stared down at Samus with joy in her eyes.

"Got you. Got you at last."

"No wait!"

Teresa put a finger on Samus' lip. Her smile unnerved her. It was too polite, too kind.

"Hush. Hush. It's all right now. Let's get on with our conversation, why don't we?"

She began to walk off with the hunter who called back.

"Cassandra! Cassandra!"

Cassandra however had gone back to looking around with confusion. She couldn't be relied upon. Hell, no one could at the moment. They were all too busy trying to save their own skin. Except one.

"Priscilla! Priscilla!"

Number 1 struggled to rise. But to no avail. Teresa had bested her beyond doubt.

Someone was not totally beaten though. One who had mastered the art of the exile. She managed to crawl away in the chaos.

Teresa fondled Samus' hair as she whimpered. She knew this feeling. Helplessness.

….

"Blow it. We have no choice."

"No choice? Need I remind you that our greatest warriors are down there at this moment? Hell, practically every member under 30 is down there!"

"Who gives a shit? We'll just make more. Like we always do. Unless that bitch gets out. I say blow it!"

"That doesn't send the best message I think Lord RImuto."

"Message? Message!? What message are you talking about? Our message is that we protect the galaxy no matter the cost. That's our fucking message! So, uphold that message and bury the mines!"

"Lord RImuto, I've never seen you this upset. Maybe you should – "

"Have you killed for insubordination? What a wonderful idea! Better yet, why don't I feed you to that monster down there? Such good thinking!"

Clare heard the other man sigh.

"At least let me give the order to retreat. Teresa or not, that's a lot of capable fighters down there. A lot of resources went into making them. I'd rather not have them go to waste."

"Fine. Tell all but the top 4 to pull out."

"The top 4? You mean our best fighters? Why wouldn't we want to save them?"

"They're needed to keep Teresa occupied. Their loss is nothing compared to the damage that will befall us if she escapes."

"So, we leave them to their deaths? Even Priscilla? We may never get another like her."

"For the last time. I told you what to do. And I am the head of this organization. So. Do. It."

Clare and her friends looked at each other with fear.

"Boy, I don't feel so hungry for apples all of a sudden." Helen clutched her stomach.

"That's a first." Deneve muttered. "Any ideas?"

"Yes." Clare said with absolute certainty.

"We fly. Like my mother."

Helen tilted her head.

"What the fuck does that mean?"

….

"There you go. Just settle down. Easy there."

Teresa placed the terrified hunter down in a chair. She looked around the lab at the blue substance growing all over and smiled relaxed.

"It's so beautiful, isn't it? I confess that I felt fear when I first saw it. But now that I've been blessed with it, I can't believe I ever lived without it."

Samus remained still. She truly had no idea how to get out of this one.

"Shh. Shh. Easy there. Like I said, it's all right. I mean you no harm. But I do have to say. Your flesh does look… exquisite."

The strange woman placed her palm and ran it along Samus' face. She seemed fascinated by her contours.

Samus' eyes looked elsewhere. Anywhere else. Anywhere she could. Until she couldn't. She had to stare at her captor.

That was a mistake.

Her eyes stared into hers. Grey orbs staring into blue. Funny. Her own eyes had been blue. Before Adam. Before she became this.

"What do you want?"

Teresa smiled. She leaned in close again.

"I was hoping you could tell me."

"How could I tell you?"

She didn't get that chance to respond. A horde of Metroids came swarming out and attacked the strongest thing in the room. Teresa herself.

"What? What is this? Gah… Make it stop…"

Samus tried to move. But she was still too injured from the torn off armor and didn't have enough yoki to regenerate it.

"Shh. Let me help you."

"Rafaela?"

"Shh. Don't worry. Hang on."

"You… Stop…. She's mine…. Give her to me…."

Rafaela stared at Teresa. Sadness in her one eye. But she ran off with Samus regardless.

"Here. Lay down. Easy. Riful. Heal her."

The little girl placed her hand on Samus' chest and the wounds closed. Samus looked herself over amazed at her skill.

"There. You fixed me. I fixed you. Consider us even."

"Uh, thank you? I figure we might be owing each other more favors by today's end if we're going to survive."

"Yes, I suppose we will. Those metroids are amazing. Even the strongest awakened being are vulnerable to them. Created by the Chozo, I think you know. The Chozo were fascinating beings, weren't they?."

"We have no time to debate that." Rafaela looked Samus over for wounds. "She'll break out of that eventually and we'll be defeated."

"And what about the other 3? I'm sensing 3 more weird auras. Like hers! Let's pound them!" Dauf clenched his now human fist.

"Don't be silly Dauf! They're way too strong for you! Me though… I'd like to take a run at them." Riful grinned.

"We can't go charging in. The odds are not in our favor. We need some kind of plan," Samus intervened.

"Samus! Samus!"

Samus nearly jumped in the air as a voice rang in her ear.

"Clare? Is that you? What the hell- "

A blast in the rock nearly had them jump. Through the hole, a ship lowered. And out stepped…

"Clare! You naughty girl! Was I that good a teacher?"

"You sure were! Let's get you out now! There's no time!"

"Hold on! Get away momma's girl!"

Samus sighed.

"Ophelia, being a good influence on my girl as always."

"Those two are awakened beings! I can feel it! The little girl and the hideous freak!"

"Hideous! Me? I'll kill you for that, you little bitch!"

"Not now Dauf. We've got bigger things to smash. Besides, I like her spunk." Riful winked at Ophelia, who did not like that.

"Spunk? You've got some nerve to say that! I'm a frigging killing machine! And someday, it could be me who- "

"Someday may not come dear Ophelia." Galatea stepped down from the craft, sniffing at the air and grimacing. "I sense far stronger auras in the area."

"Galatea? What the…" Samus shook her head. "Clare, did you bring every child on board with you?"

"Nah! No one else could handle this! Fear not, lower life forms! Helen is here to save the day!"

Everyone stared unsure if she was being serious. Another girl walked out from behind and pushed Helen forward.

"Deneve! You ruined my moment!"

"And you're embarrassing me. Please don't."

"These children are quite the nuisance. I learned that the hard way." Rafaela frowned.

"Listen Samus! We overheard the men on the ship! They're going to bury the mines!"

"Even if their strongest warriors are stuck down here?"

"Yes! They don't care! They're too scared of whatever's down here!"

Samus stared at Clare for a moment. She pursed her lips.

"That might work to keep them contained. But we need to get everyone out we can."

"Why such concern?" Riful stood near the hunter. "You have a chance to escape! You should take it! Save yourself!"

"No. They are… my friends. I wouldn't be alive if not for them. I thought I could fight alone, but now- "

"Oh please! Don't give me a friendship speech! Momma's girl already gave me one!" Ophelia gagged.

"That's how you make her mad?" Helen grinned. Her mind racing with possibilities.

Riful sighed.

"And here I was so hoping to ask more questions about you, the Chozo and your fascinating armor! Ah well. Can't win them all. Come on Dauf."

"But I wanna fight!"

"Later. I can see this has all been a waste of time. Not that I don't have plenty of that. But I'd like to use it on a more important endeavor. We'll be on our way."

"Hold on! You don't dare go anywhere! Not till I- Mph!"

Rafaela closed her hand over Ophelia's mouth and pulled her out of the way.

"You don't deserve to go free after all you've done here. But we have more important matters than you to handle. Go. Back into exile with you."

Riful's face flushed red from that comment, but she maintained her dignity and moved on.

"You know, somehow I get a good feeling about all of you. It doesn't make sense given what you're up against. But for some reason, I think I'll see you again. So, stay angry for me!"

She bopped Ophelia on the nose and winked at Samus before she and her ugly acquaintance vanished.

"Well that's two less monsters to worry about. Though they could have certainly helped us with this predicament." Rafaela took her hand off Ophelia's mouth.

"I'm afraid I must agree with miss Rafaela." Galatea shivered at the conflicting energies all throughout the cavern. "I don't share that creature's optimism about our survival chances."

Nor did Samus. Teresa would break free soon enough and then…

"Samus, we're here to help." Clare gripped her parent's hand. "Don't tell us to leave. We need a plan."

Samus closed her eyes and felt her second skin form over herself. It felt good to have it back.

"Teresa. She awakened the others. They all have her

"All right. First things first. Let me scan."

….

Below, the massacre had more or less ceased. In that, nearly all the warriors who had come down to provide aid had been slaughtered and deprived of their internal organs by the ravenous blue-veined women. A few had managed to flee only thanks to the 4 highest ranked warriors who were now on their last limbs.

"Wow! You two are loads of fun! Really have to give you credit!"

Noel and Sophia struggled to stay standing. They were bloody and gasping for breath. But still they stood.

"You know, you've got some fancy moves! I got a good look at them! You must be high rankers! No number 1 of course. You might have stood a chance in that case."

"You? Number 1?" Noel laughed. "Maybe do something impressive then!"

Noel's arm was taken off in a blink of an eye. She finally fell to her knees and Sophia was unable to aid given her own condition.

"That impressive enough?" The blue-eyed opponent grinned.

"Well, I guess I've had enough. I'm hungry. Even if you are shit. In another time, I'd try to learn your moves, but honestly, that time has passed." Her eyes glowed.

Sophia gripped Noel's hand. They stared at each other. They nodded.

Ilena/Irene wasn't having any better luck. Her opponent had her by the throat.

"What an ugly technique! Standing there and letting… something else hit me! No finesse! No elegance! Why can't you be more like your friend over there!" She gestured to Noel with her free hand.

Ilena/Irene couldn't speak with her throat closed up. Besides, her mind was trying to contemplate how this of all people could be standing before her.

"Now, let's start over. How do you know me? Who am I? And why do I have this huge urge to kill everyone? Is it their stare? They're staring at me right? It can't be me!"

The final blue-veined woman was just standing over Priscilla during all this. Observing her as she healed herself up.

The new number 1 clenched her teeth in pain. She'd felt pain before. But not like this. A sign of how far she still had to go.

"Damn it! She has to pay! I can't let her get away with this!"

"Who's she?"

Priscilla stared up at the strange woman who had spent the entire time looking around at the bloodshed.

"Who do you think? Teresa!"

The woman kept staring. Priscilla sighed. She was hopeless. She rose to her feet and the woman placed her hand on her shoulder.

"Uh… Excuse me?"

"I… I don't know what to do! Why am I here! Who am I? She called me Cassandra! But I don't remember anything! She just spoke in my mind! It doesn't make sense!"

"Cassandra?" Priscilla's anger soared.

"Cassandra the Dust Eater? The number 1 who killed her fellow warriors in a suicidal fit of madness?"

"Yes! I mean, maybe? Is that what I did?"

"You betrayed the organization… Your own sisters! That is unforgivable!"

"Uh… I don't remember that. Are you sure? Uh… are you ok?"

One would hope that her recent travels would have helped Priscilla to grow up and realize some of the folly of black and white morality.

One would be wrong.

"Huh? Hey look over there!"

Noel and Sophia followed their sadistic opponent's eyes. Priscilla was engaged with her opponent. Her face murderous.

Cassandra herself was simply dodging and not making attempts to fight back.

"I don't understand you. I've done you no harm."

"Silence Dust Eater! You have no chance at prolonging your wasted life!"

"Dust Eater?"

Noel stared at the woman's face so close to her own. A second ago, she had her mouth open to take a bite. Now her eyes were filled with confusion.

"Dust Eater? Where have I heard that? I know I have heard it before. But where?"

She didn't get a chance to think on that before Sophia slugged her in the face and sent her across the room.

"Heh. Guess your brute force paid off for once. Who would've thought?"

"Shut up and get on your feet."

"Don't have to tell me twice. Now let's go help Irene."

"You mean Ilena."

"Irene."

"You must pay! Traitor!"

Priscilla moved to attack again but was held back by Noel and Sophia who had managed to get behind her and hold her back.

"Hold still, brat! She's not attacking you! She's not doing anything!"

"She's a traitor! She must pay!"

Sophia bowed to Cassandra who stared confused.

"Please forgive our friend here! She's very naïve and frankly low on wisdom."

The woman holding Ilena/Irene/s throat had herself also been enthralled by the ferocious fight going on and was disappointed by its sudden end.

"What gives? You were being so entertaining! Why stop like that? Keep fighting!"

She suddenly found her hand missing and her opponent sprinting over to her friend's side.

"Priscilla," Ilena/Irene breathed. "For once in your life, I need you to use reason. This woman (Cassandra is it?) has done nothing to you. She did hand Samus to Teresa, but I think that's more due to confusion than anything."

Priscilla opened her mouth to respond but closed it and lowered her head in shame.

"I'm sorry maam. Really. I clearly have a lot to learn."

"Indeed. You do. Get your head on straight and handle these two. We can't beat them. But you can with your power."

"I… Yes. Maam. As you say. I'm sorry Cassandra. I'm still new at this. Will you help us fight?"

"Uh… Well…"

"Hey wait a minute! You can't leave! Not until you tell me my name!" The dreaded woman snarled and moved closer.

"Your name is Hysteria," explained Ilena/Irene. "You were number 1 of the generation before mine. You awakened and were put down by your fellow sisters."

Hysteria, as Ilena/Irene called her, turned pale. Her hands shook.

"Well now, that's not nice is it?" The curly haired woman came walking back with that same frightening grin. "Are you just going to let her give you shit?"

"No." Hysteria bared her teeth. "I'm not."

"I can take them both. Go." Priscilla moved forward with her sword drawn.

"Thank you number 1. Noel. Sophia. Let's find Samus. I think we'll need her help to stop Teresa."

"Hell yeah!" Noel raised her fist in the air as they took off. "Hang on rookie! Here we come!"

"No! Here I come! Nobody ignores me!" Hysteria charged only to be stopped by Priscilla's sword.

As they engaged in battle, Cassandra stood there.

"I don't understand what's happening. Why were we fighting?"

"Hey Cassandra! What's up girl?"

She turned to the Curly haired woman grinning and walking her way.

"You… You know me?"

"Nobody better." She pointed her sword at Cassandra.

"Shall we catch up?"

….

Teresa rose. She had managed to fend off the beasts and squish them.

She had only herself to blame. The little bastards had caught her by surprise, and she still wasn't used to her new body. The substance running through her veins. It was all such a rush.

She felt auras all around. Two of her infected sisters dueling… Each other? And another dueling with something she couldn't sense. Must have been that unstable number 1.

"That kid's sure something. Never seen one like her. She could grow even more powerful than me with time. Perhaps I shouldn't wait for that to happen."

She was set to take out this future nuisance when she felt another aura. She smiled happily. The kid could wait. She had business to discuss.

She ran down into the depths of the mine. She knew where she was going.

As expected, she found herself in front of her prison. And in front of that, her prize.

"Did you lure me here to trap me?"

"No. No one else is down here though. I figured it would give them a chance to escape. But that's not a problem, right?"

Teresa raised her eyebrow but shrugged and strode closer.

"Yes. I suppose it is. Well then. Where were we?"

….

"There! There it is! In the rock! Samus' scan was right!"

"The bird statue?" Deneve sounded confused, but her face remained passive as ever as she stared at the bird-like humanoid sitting on its throne. Its hands spread out to either side.

"This is your momma's plan?" Ophelia shook her head. "Call on a bunch of bird statues?"

"These aren't just statues. The Chozo… they could… well I'm not sure what Samus really said. But I believe I have the means to figure out."

"I've seen statues like that around the planet," confided Rafaela. "But I never had the means to talk to them."

She felt her eyes change color and purpose. Samus had managed to augment some of her internal biology to more closely match her own Chozo armor. She had only started recently and had not managed to integrate her entire system to produce armor similar to her own. Had enough to scan the environment though.

"Damn! Like the look girl! How do I get my eyes shiny like that?" Helen crowded in close to get a better look.

"Get away from her! Give her some space!" Rafaela pulled her away.

Galatea chuckled at her comrade's outburst and placed her hand on the statue.

"It gives off strange auras. Like it is alive. Incredible."

"Samus told me the Chozo had strange abilities. They understood life better than anyone and could bring it out in anything."

Her comrades stared at her strangely.

"What the hell does that mean," Helen asked. "These statues are alive?"

"Uh… In a manner of speaking. Let's see if we can wake them up. Maybe uh… Stand back?"

Everyone obeyed. Except Ophelia who glared at Clare as if daring her to make her move.

"Figures. All right. Don't blame me if you get hurt."

She used the scan option. Samus had begun integrating a similar biosystem to her own armor into Clare a short time before this whole mess on Tallon IV had started. She hadn't gotten far enough to develop all the weapon systems, but she'd managed to get the scan system in place. She didn't want her little girl running around with an arm cannon just yet!

The statue responded to her scan. It looked up at her. Its eyes glowed.

"Cool!" Helen clapped her hands with glee. "Make it do tricks!"

Galatea twitched in response.

"I don't understand. I thought I could only sense yoki. So, what's this I'm feeling?"

The statue only had eyes for Clare. It leaned in and spoke into her mind. Unfortunately, she didn't have Chozo language down perfect. Tried her best though.

"I…. uh…. seek… closure?"

To the girls, this just sounded like a bunch of bird sounds.

"What is she saying? Why does she sound like a chicken? I'm gonna try! Ca caw! Ca caw!"

"Helen, be quiet!" Deneve placed her hand over her friend's mouth and looked at the others apologetically.

"You are not known to us. But you use familiar instruments. Familiar blood."

"Yes. Closure. I seek closure to… monster. I seek to… close…. Monster out?"

The statue remained silent while it tried to ponder those words.

"Monster out? Your speech makes little sense."

"I uh…. Shit!"

"Hey I understood that! I think I'm figuring out their language!" Helen grinned.

"Language child."

Clare pursed her lips, thinking how to discuss this.

"Woman. Monster. Smiling. Out."

The statue paused.

"Now we understand. The tormented one. Such power. Such pain behind that smile. She sought salvation."

"So, you ate her away? Sorry. New at this language. Locked her away?"

"Her soul was unstable. Her energies unbalanced. We offered sleep. Until we could bring her balance." The statue paused and its voice took on a mournful tone.

"And we were so close. So sure, we could save her. Death came for us first. The Great Poison. Driven only by hunger. Found its way into our lives. Our world. All our struggles for nothing."

"She is…. Awake now. Must seal. Killing us." Clare cringed at her poor tongue.

"Yes. We can sense her rage. Her pain. If it must be done. There are 11 other statues throughout the mines here. Speak to them as you have us. Make sure the tormented one is in her cage when you are done."

The statue bent forward in prayer.

"Peace upon you."

Clare returned the gesture and turned to her "friends."

"We've got work to do. Let's get moving."

"Clare, wait." Galatea frowned. "I sense immense auras out there. At least two of the statues are near where these auras are situated."

"Not a problem. She's got me." Ophelia cracked her knuckles in anticipation.

"No." Clare shook her head. "Galatea's right. We need a plan. Or protection. Or something."

"What the hell? Hey one Eye! What are you doing with these kids?"

Everyone turned in shock. Except Galatea and Rafaela who had sensed the three single digit warriors. Each side stood staring at the other. Until Noel looked in closer.

"Wait. I know you. Pipsqueak?"

The other two warrior's eyes widened in surprise. Clare waved her hand somewhat embarrassed.

"Uh… Hi. Nice to see you again. Listen, can you do us a favor? Only a matter of life and death. So, you know. No pressure."

….

"You are Chozo. Part at least. You all told me to wait. Until you could cure me of my awakening."

"Cure you? They thought they could cure you?"

"They said they had to try. They couldn't let another being suffer." She grinned. "If they only knew."

"So, you were about to awaken, and they locked you away?"

"For safety. Theirs and mine. And then I slept. Slept for so long. And then I awoke. To your lovely face."

Samus blushed.

"You don't look Chozo. But there's no mistaking it. I know that scent. Quite remarkable. Part Chozo, human, and yoma. I wonder. Do you actually have any connection to the Chozo here?"

"Well…"

"Did they… design this for me? To contain me?"

She clenched her fist. She supposed they had developed something to contain her.

"I guess you kept your word huh guys? Or at least you tried. But did you succeed?"

"Succeed? Succeed with what?"

"The cure. The cure. Whatever you call it. Did you make it?"

"A cure? For the uh… blue stuff?"

"Blue stuff? Ha! They called it the great poison. And no, not for that. For my awakening."

Samus was confused.

"I'm confused. Are you saying you are both awakened and infected?"

"Infected. Interesting term. I don't feel that way."

"So what? What do you want a cure for?"

Teresa's wings curled.

"I guess that's all I needed to know. You may be part Chozo. But you're not one of the ones here."

"Wait. Hang on. I am Chozo."

"But not one of the ones who put me here. I don't suppose you know where they are?"

Samus tried to find the words to respond, but Teresa strode closer.

"But that's ok. I'm going to honor them. Their blood."

"What? What do you mean?"

"The Chozo were wrong. But they were wrong for the right reasons. The organization too. They told me to hold back. A mistake. A stupid mistake. This is great. This feeling. And this… Great poison as they call it? It's amazing."

Samus took a step back. She had to keep Teresa here. But she was already losing her.

"I want to thank you. For letting me out. I want to give you a gift. I want to make you like me. You're welcome."

Well shit.

….

"Bitch… Fucking Bitch."

Priscilla stood over her opponent. It was a hard fight. But she was one of a kind.

"You really are amazing. I'll give you that. You were a number 1 before? Did you awaken?"

"Did I awaken? Do I look like I've awakened? Bitch…"

Priscilla kneeled down and placed her hand on the woman's cheek. She felt the woman's aura and gasped.

"You…. You are a curious thing. It's like you've both awakened and haven't."

Hysteria kept her mouth shut for once and let her work.

"It must be the substance within. But I can't sense it. You truly don't remember anything?"

"No… Nothing….. And why would I tell you? You hurt me…"

"Well yes. But out of the goodness of my heart!"

Hysteria laughed weakly.

"Naïve little bitch…"

Meanwhile, another fight was winding down just next to them. Cassandra and her opponent had been fighting for quite some time. Priscilla had heard them talking but hadn't managed to catch word of it since she was so focused on this elegant warrior.

Cassandra was panting but standing on her two feet. Her opponent with the curls was kneeling. But still smiling through all the blood.

"You've still got it. Even death hasn't diminished your horrendous skills. Though I guess being dust would be a comfort for you, eh Dust Eater?"

"Why do you keep calling me that?"

The woman with the curls laughed.

"You're kidding? You really don't know? I knew you were weird but…"

She paused and clutched her chest. Her eyes turned blue. Cassandra got closer.

"Uh… Are you ok? Whoa. What's wrong with me?"

Her eyes turned blue as well. Hysteria's soon followed, and they stood up. As if in unison.

Hysteria and the curly haired woman suddenly and without warning ran off, leaving her alone with Cassandra. Her eyes didn't suggest she was aware in the slightest of her surroundings.

Priscilla raised her sword to fight as they turned their heads towards her. But something stopped her.

Another aura further down. She recognized it. Her heart beat with joy.

She ran after it. No time to think.

Cassandra blinked a few times as if trying to remember what she should do. Then she remembered and gave chase.

….

"This is Bullshit!" Ophelia fought against Noel's pull. "Why do we have to leave Momma's girl with that old bat? I wanna fight!"

"Heh. I like you kid. You've got guts. More than most."

Sophia looked at her partner with annoyance."

"Noel, please don't encourage her. She looks unstable enough as it is."

"Unstable? Me, unstable?"

"Pfft." Helen laughed. "That's too nice. She's batshit."

"Helen…" Pleaded Deneve.

"Shut your mouth whore! I will break you!"

The other injured Claymores ran as fast as they could behind Noel and Sophia. None could match their speed though. Something they were glad for at the moment, since no one wanted to deal with the angry children.

Galatea shuddered at the feeling of the auras surrounding her.

"Miss Ilena… Irene… Whichever. These warriors are truly afraid. I can feel it. All around. But I feel sadness too. From them. And you."

Ilena/Irene raised her eyebrow.

"You're quite skilled for one so young. Yes. We lost many today. One in particular stands out. Elda. A friend to all."

All the warriors went silent but continued on. Sobbing could be heard from some.

"I liked her. She was good." Noel Finally spoke up. "No matter how big a bitch I was, she still respected me whenever she saw me. I… I wish I'd been nicer to her."

"Noel I…" Sophia was shocked by her friend's display of compassion.

"What? I'm human too. At least part." She looked at Ophelia.

"If you really wanna be one of us as bad as you seem kid, that's something you gotta know. No matter how long you last in this line of work, you're not gonna get a happy ending."

"We'll see. I'm hardly your usual girl. I don't intend to die so weak. Not a chance in hell."

Sophia reached over and slapped Ophelia across the face.

"Don't you dare call Elda weak, you little arrogant bitch. Compared to her, you're nothing. And you'll always be nothing compared to her."

"Damn Soph." Noel whistled. "Didn't know you had it in you."

"I am number 4. Never forget that."

And the slap proved it. So great was such a minor act that it had sent Ophelia reeling to the floor. Helen grinned.

"Bout time. You had it coming bitch."

Ophelia was stubborn though and quickly got back to her feet, ready to chew number 4 out. Until Galatea had to ruin it with two words.

"They're here."

Everyone turned. And indeed "they" were here. And they?

"The blue bitches," Noel whined. "I thought the brat was supposed to deal with them!"

"Is she," Sophia began to fret. "Could she be dead?"

"Who cares?" Ophelia cracked her knuckles. "Let's waste them!"

"No!" Ilena/Irene got into a fighting stance. "Children and wounded retreat! Everyone else- "

She didn't get to say what everyone else should do because the curly haired one leaped over the whole lot of them. They all stared in awe as she twisted in the air and threw her sword at the rock hanging over the tunnel out.

They all collapsed, leaving the survivors, trapped in the lab with the bloodthirsty beasts.

"You're trying to ignore me again?" Hysteria growled. "There's nothing I hate more! Pay attention to me now!"

No one moved. They all just stared at her confused. The curly haired woman grinned.

"Can we just kill them already!

"Remember, this is my show," Hysteria growled to her companion. Said companion rolled her eyes.

….

"We've waited long enough. I'm not giving that creature a chance to escape."

"But think of the potential, Lord Rimuto. What we can learn- "

"It's not worth that. Not worth our destruction. Prepare the ordinance. Wipe it all out. Now!"

Dae's anger was clear. It wasn't often he had a chance to experiment like this. Rubel meanwhile could only sigh in sadness.

"Sorry good hunter. It seems you're part of the past."

….

Samus had hit a dead end in her plan. Granted, it wasn't much of a plan to being with.

All she could come up with was keeping Teresa stationed while her adoptive daughter sealed her away. And if she could keep her going well enough, she could maybe figure out what the hell exactly as wrong with her.

But it appeared her time was running out. Teresa had made up her mind about her fate. She had no chance against her. She was fucked. Or was she? She could scan.

Morphology: Teresa of the Faint Smile

Awakened Being? Uncertain

Logbook Entry: Former Number 1. Unknown substance has caused significant mutation to genetic structure and increased already substantial strength of subject.

Recommended Strategy: Run. Do not engage if you value your existence.

Nope. Totally fucked.

"Step away from her, traitor! Your business is with me!"

Samus breathed a sigh of relief While Teresa turned Priscilla's way.

"Again? Haven't you had enough? Sit down. The adults are talking."

"Ignore her."

Teresa stared at Samus with a tilted head.

"Such forcefulness. I like it. Though I can't say it's too smart giving someone like me orders."

Samus had to resist the urge to try and bolt.

"Err, right. Of course. How silly of me. I meant no disrespect. But I figure since we're such close compatriots and all…"

"That you should be able to insult me?"

Samus' voice was caught in her throat. She suddenly wished she were back in Federation class where they worked on conversation in stressful situations. Hell, she wished she were anywhere but here!

"Fear not. I jest my dear. But I can't simply allow this brat to disrupt our time together."

Samus doubted Priscilla would be able to disrupt anything. She'd seen how her last attempt went. Nevertheless, the number 1 approached.

"Get out of here, Priscilla! This isn't the place for you!"

"No! I will not abandon my duty! Even if she hadn't killed humans, she's a monster! We fight monsters! That's what we do! That's why we hold these swords!"

Teresa smiled savagely.

"Was I ever that stuck up? Was I ever that blind? Not anymore." She launched herself at her opponent.

This all actually was ending up in Samus' favor for the brawl kept the monstrosity's attention elsewhere.

"Samus…"

Rafaela placed a hand on Clare to stop her in her tracks.

"Remember the duty. All else comes second. She understands that. You must too. For her sake."

Clare reluctantly pressed on towards the statue while Priscilla got her ass handed to her. Fortunately, in her anger, she wasn't bothering to hide her massive aura which took all of Teresa's attention.

"You know, you were fun the first time. Not so much now. You've shown me all you've got, and it's not quite enough."

"Murderer! Abomination! All the lives you've taken today shall be avenged!"

Teresa chuckled. This girl was just too easy to rile up. And in her anger, she'd left an opening!

Before anyone could blink, Teresa ran her hand through her chest and pulled it out, covered in blood.

Priscilla looked down in shock at her wound and Teresa used that moment to slap her across the face, sending her to the ground.

"Enough of this nonsense. They were the enemy. They were weak. They got what they deserved."

"What they deserved? What makes you say that?"

Teresa turned confused to the hunter. Samus' voice sounded much less afraid than before.

"Excuse me? They were against me. Is that not a good enough reason?"

"That's it? That's enough for you?"

"I defended myself. Simple as that."

"Defended yourself? You attacked them!"

Teresa's smile faltered. That had caught her off guard.

"You saw this brat. She attacked me."

"What about our sisters? Those who you attacked after you smelled my blood? They didn't attack. And what about those humans she talks about? Did they attack first?"

Teresa's face turned a darker blue.

"They deserved it."

"So, you admit you killed the humans? And you think they deserved it? The humans and our sisters? Without judgement? Without -"

"Without judgement? They received judgement! My judgement!"

"And your judgement is enough? It's enough to end life?"

"What is this all about? What is this nonsense?"

"This nonsense is the belief of the Chozo."

In that moment, Samus felt Teresa's energy go crazy. The former number 1 let go of Priscilla and strode towards Samus. She now had her full attention.

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about the beliefs of the Chozo. The people you claim to respect. The people who raised me."

"I am respecting the Chozo! I did what they asked! I let them lock me away for over a year!"

"And yet now here you are. Denying another her life!"

Both Teresa and Priscilla were staring at her with strange looks of bewilderment. They really couldn't find out what she was going for.

Samus didn't know herself. Just had to keep her distracted and off balance.

"I… I don't understand. What are you saying?"

"I don't think you're respecting my people. I don't think you appreciate that they showed you kindness for the first time in your life. Look at what you've done since you woke up. All your violence. Your senseless slaughter."

"Don't appreciate it? What about you? I'm trying to help you aren't I?"

"How? By making me like you? How does that honor their memory? Is that what they taught you?"

"I…"

Rafaela couldn't help listening in as they snuck through the shadows.

"She sounds so… different. From before."

"You knew her?" Clare whispered.

"Yes. She was so confident. Always certain of herself. Not like now."

They approached the statue while Samus continued to "debate" Teresa.

"Do you recall the ultimate belief of the Chozo? What drove everything they did? What did they value?"

Teresa grumbled.

"They valued life. And I mean all life. No matter how weak or undeserving."

"And what do you think you're doing? Showing respect?"

"I am showing respect for you. I'm making you better!"

"And them? Their lives? How does this help them?"

"Look, this is pointless. They're dead! What does it- "

She paused at that. Even she suddenly looked worried. Confused.

"They're dead? So that means you can forget everything they taught you? Dishonor their beliefs? Show disrespect for their kindness?"

"I'm not showing disrespect!"

"Yes, you are! Their mercy was wasted on you! Priscilla is right about you! You're a monster!"

Teresa knocked Samus in the chest and sent her into the wall. Right against the blue substance growing out of the walls.

"If that's what you believe, then you're no better than any of these pathetic warriors! Perhaps all you're worthy to be is food!"

Samus tried to rise to her feet, but arms suddenly sprang from the substance and grabbed her. They held her still while Teresa strode over and grabbed her throat.

"I… I thought maybe we could… You know… Be more. Maybe I could be more. But perhaps you're right. Maybe mother was right. Maybe I am just a monster."

"And so, you shall be treated like one."

Everyone turned to the Chozo statue. Its eyes glowing. Clare and Rafaela stood next to it. Teresa's face turned angry when she saw the one-eyed woman.

"Oh. Of course. Didn't have the courage to finish me before? Thought you'd do the job now? Think again!"

A spirit emerged from the statue. 11 other spirits materialized next to it. They all resembled Chozo.

Teresa's face turned fearful. Samus' turned wonderous.

"I… Wait… This is…"

The ghosts raised their hands and light streamed forth. Teresa fell to the ground and screamed in agony.

Samus ran over and swept Clare up in her arms.

"I. Am. So. Proud. Of. You."

"Really? You're not like… You know… Mad?"

"Heh. I guess not. I guess I've changed a bit from all this. Just like you."

"Good. She's down." Priscilla rose to her feet and walked towards Teresa. "Now for justice!"

"No." Rafaela stepped in front. "If you forget everything else I say, remember this. Never underestimate Teresa."

A wise lesson indeed. Though initially shocked and overwhelmed by the ghost's unexpected assault, Teresa slowly was forcing her way back.

"Well, that's mildly disappointing. Even the dead can't kill me. Guess I'm just that good, huh?"

"Samus? What do we do?" Clare looked up in fear. Her guardian pulled her close.

Samus bit her lip. It wasn't enough. Even the might of the Chozo couldn't keep her down.

"Child. We sense your blood. That armor is a gift from us."

The ghosts spoke to her in their language. She smiled. It felt good to use the tongue again with those who understood it.

"I'm from our tribe on Zebes. I.. I apologize brothers. It's my fault. I woke her up. She recognized my tongue."

"Do not blame yourself sister. Blame us. We thought we could save her. But she is beyond our help now. Even if we could contain her strength, it is the poison. It has seeped into her heart. Made her even more powerful. We cannot reach her. Nor contain her for long."

"Is there nothing we can do? Are we powerless against fate?"

"No. Not you. We think. We are experts in life. In all its forms. The poison whatever it is, is the antithesis of that. It is death. Only death can kill death."

"You mean… the poison itself?"

"Yes. Our brethren trusted you greatly to grant you that second skin. So, we shall trust you."

"Samus. I caught some of that. They want you to use the poison? That blue stuff?"

"Don't see another option. Do you remember our procedure for loading hazardous material into the cannon?"

"You mean for use as a projectile? Something you said only to do as a last resort?"

"Yep. And that's where we are right now. Last resort."

"I'll give them a hand. Try to hold her down."

Priscilla ran and launched herself at Teresa. But tentacles emerged from the blue mass and forced her to fight.

"It's all one with me. I am everywhere! I am everything!" Teresa's faint smile turned to a malicious grin as she pushed forward.

"And I am also her!"

Samus turned in fright as the woman (Cassandra was it?) tried to take her head off. Rafaela's sword interrupted her.

"A number 1," Rafaela gritted her teeth. "Shit. Hope you aren't as stuck up as most."

"Stuck up," Cassandra looked confused. "Is that a compliment?"

"Ok, Clare. Let's go over it one more time. And please, be careful. This stuff is not friendly."

"Relax Samus. What am I? A kid?"

"Do you really want me to answer that?"

Priscilla managed to fight her way through the tentacles and reached Teresa just as the ghost's strength faded.

Without looking, Teresa grabbed Priscilla's sword and flung her against the statue. The air around the awakened woman pulsed with energy. Her eyes lit up completely blue.

"Now this is living! I can't believe I ever thought otherwise! Fuck the galaxy! Fuck everything else! I'm finally free!"

"Maybe not."

Samus faced her enemy with her cannon nearly overloaded from the substance begging to burst out. She took aim.

Teresa smiled and prepared to dodge. But the ghosts moved in a blink of an eye and grabbed her.

"What? How can you touch me?"

Samus directed all her energy to the arm cannon and fired the single mightiest shot she'd ever unleashed.

An enormous blue beam fired from her cannon and engulfed Teresa in a flash of blue light.

Samus held Clare close and covered her eyes. The visor protected her own.

When the light cleared, Teresa lay on the ground. Certainly injured. But not at all dead.

"That…. That's impressive… I knew there was… a reason I liked you…. Now I see why."

Her disturbing smile returned as she pulled herself back to her feet. The substance worked to close the wounds. Before long, it was as though nothing had happened. The ghosts moved in front of Samus. This made Teresa frown.

"I… Move aside. Please."

She clenched her fists. She seemed confused again. Unsure how to respond.

"Why… Why couldn't you save me? You promised!"

"Forgive us."

"Forgive… Forgive you?"

Teresa's confusion faded, replaced by another terrifying smirk.

"What's to forgive? You think you failed me? Look at me! Look at this! If you'd succeeded, I'd still be a puppet! A loathsome pawn! But now? I've never been more alive!"

"The corruption has taken hold. The disease of the mind and the disease of the great poison has warped your mind. Warped the beautiful and kind warrior we knew. That is why we ask your forgiveness."

"There's no need for forgiveness! This is the best thing that's ever happened to me! I'm going to change the galaxy! Make it better! Stronger! One!"

The ghosts remained silent for a moment. They then spoke to Samus.

"Forgive us too sister. We must ask a major favor of you. One that might be too large for anyone. We need you to carry on our legacy. Our memory. As the last Chozo."

"What?" Samus reached out to the beings. "What do you mean?"

"This place will soon perish. And with it, us. Like our brethren at Zebes. Like our brethren everywhere. Please. Remember us. Remember our teachings. So that when we are gone, at least our honor will remain."

"Wait. Hang on. Let me help you. I can help!"

"You can help. You can live. Live for us."

They raised their hands towards Samus, and the hands began to glow. Samus moved towards them.

"Wait, stop!"

It was no use. She, Clare, Priscilla, and Rafaela were engulfed in the light. The last thing she saw was the sad faces of the ghosts, the confusion of Cassandra, and Teresa running at them.

"No! Wait! Don't leave me!"

She didn't make it in time. She stood there with her hand where Samus once stood. She turned back to the ghosts.

"Why would you do that!? What have you done!?"

"Set the future in motion."

Teresa stared at the ghosts with anger and confusion. Cassandra merely stared at the walls. Anywhere but the other inhabitants in the room.

"I don't understand. What's going – "

That's when the ceiling came down upon them.

….

"I sense something. Something neither yoma nor human."

"I think that would be the metroids Galatea." Deneve looked about at the creatures in their tanks. They were such horrible things. Even to her who had seen enough horrors to last several lifetimes.

"Gosh, Deneve! It's not often I see any kind of expression on your face!"

"This might be the last time I fear, Helen. There's no way out. It's just us stuck in here. With them."

Pretty much every warrior had been killed and lay on the ground as corpses. A few survivors were huddled up next to the children as they gathered on the far side of the room away from Hysteria fighting with Ilena/Irene.

"Let me see them! I just want to talk!"

"No… Can't… You're not well…"

"I'm perfectly well! The epitome of wellness!"

Noel and Sophia couldn't say the same. Noel was on her knees with Sophia in her arms. The curly haired warrior held her sword above.

"Shame. I feel I could learn a little bit from your moves. Unfortunately, the woman in my head doesn't care for all that. If only I'd met you before I died."

"Noel… Run."

"Hell no! No one beats you but me! I'm staying!"

"Noel I – Thank you."

"So damn touching. You remind me of Cassandra and a certain someone. At least you get to die together." She grinned and swung her sword down… Only for that sword to get interrupted by another.

"Woah! Kid, what the hell are you doing?"

"Revenge!" Ophelia spoke through gritted teeth while holding her sword against the woman's.

Said woman seemed surprised. But a sadistic smirk began to cross her face. Her eyes lit up.

"Well, got some spunk do you? Not going to help against me of course!"

She pushed down causing the girl to fall to her knees. Not heavily of course. She was just messing with the little thing. She just wanted to scare her.

So, she was more than a little surprised when said girl's eyes flashed yellow. And she began to push back!

"What the fuck?"

"I'm going to bury you, you awakened bitch! Nothing will stop me! Nothing!"

Roxanne slowly began to smirk again as she applied more force. Ophelia slowly began to get pushed down.

"Tough little thing! I like you! Really! I do! I love it when they put up a fight! It makes their deaths so much sweeter!"

"I feel the same, bitch. It's going to feel so good to watch you begging for mercy! Covered in blood!"

"It sure doesn't look good for us does it Sophia?"

"No. It does not, Noel."

"You know, for what it's worth, I kind of enjoyed our time together. Even if you are a stuck-up bitch."

"And I enjoyed it too. Even if you are loud and obnoxious."

They gripped each other's hands as the curly haired awakened being kicked Ophelia aside and raised her sword.

"Looks like I win. Again."

Boom!

A torrent of missiles ripped through the ceiling right on top of the woman. She was flung to the side of the room unconscious.

Everyone looked up in awe to see a small ship in the hole. Priscilla stood on top and jumped from it down before Hysteria.

"This is my moment! Don't get in my – "

Faster than the eye could process, Priscilla sliced her across the abdomen and knocked her aside. She picked Ilena/Irene up and held her in her arms.

"Time to go! Get ready to move!"

Samus and Rafaela leaped down to help the survivors up, while Clare kept the ship afloat. When all were aboard, Samus clapped her on the back.

"Time to go, hun. Punch it!"

They made it out just in time. As the bombardment rained from above.

"Wait! Stop!" Hysteria cried out in despair. "Don't leave me here! Take me too!"

"Forget it dreadlocks." The curly haired woman seemed awfully content even with a blue crystal sticking through her chest.

"Forget it? What do you mean forget it! Don't you get it? We're going to die! Again! I don't want to die!"

The curly haired woman grinned.

"And we'll rise again. We'll rise again and kill them all. Every last one. It'll be so much fun."

The blue substance seemed to expand. Reaching out from its place on the walls and touching them. Absorbing them…

And then the ceiling collapsed.

And they were returned to the blue.

….

"So, the hunter. We meet at last. It's quite the honor."

Samus was forced to shake Lord Rimuto's hand. She'd heard rumors about the head of the organization. Few of them good. His appearance did little to dispel them. She was glad she was wearing her armor and didn't have to feel his hand.

"It seems like everyone thinks that. Like I'm some kind of curiosity. Line up! Get a look at the freak in armor!"

Rubel smirked. Rimuto did not.

"You are a unique being. A combination of three species. Human, yoma, and Chozo. In all my years, all the things I have seen, you stand out."

"And how many years would that be sir?"

"More than you think."

Samus raised her eyebrow.

"Could you elaborate?"

"No."

"Uh… Ok. Well then. It's been nice meeting you. Make sure you reward your single digits. I'll just take Clare and the others and – "

"Leave? Is that what you intend to do? Leave? Where will you go?"

"Wherever I'm needed I suppose."

"How fortunate then. I believe you're needed right here."

Samus stared at Rubel's smiling face. Then she turned back to Rimuto's expressionless face.

"On this ship? Oh, you mean as one of your attack dogs? No, I don't think so. I've spent enough time with Priscilla to know how that turns out."

"Really? You still want to turn away? After all you've experienced with us?"

"With us? You mean with you? Forgive me, lord Rimuto. But I have not experienced anything with "you." My experiences have been with them. The women you send to their deaths. The women you left for dead. The women you train from birth as foot soldiers. I have great respect and admiration for those women. Not for you. Not you who sit on this ship and are willing to bury your greatest under miles of rock just to take out one monster. No sir! I do not want to work with you. Now. Or ever. My guardians did not wish that kind of life for me. And I do not wish it for myself. So, if you'll let me and the children I accompanied leave, I will be on my way. Thank you and good day!"

"I see. Well, you may leave by yourself if you wish. But the children stay."

"Wait, hold on. What?"

"You did not mishear me miss Aran. Our forces have suffered serious losses. It's time for a new generation to take their place. To continue their work. These children will be trained as warriors who will go on to protect- "

"No. Absolutely not! These are not your slaves! They are children! Innocent children! They are not going to spend your life as – "

"That is not their decision. And even if it was, they already have chosen. They have no family. Nowhere to go. Nothing waiting for them. With this, they have a chance to make something of those lives. To give back the pain they've experienced. To let the yoma know – "

"Shut up! Stop talking! Where's Clare? Where is she!?"

"We have many children on board. Riful of the west made quite a collection. I can't say for sure which one you mean."

Samus was no longer listening at this point, however. She pushed past him and followed her scan for Clare. She found her with Ophelia.

"Clare! We're leaving! Let's go now!"

"Back off old woman. She's staying with me!"

"Ophelia, I've had enough of your shit! You can stay if you want, but Clare is coming with me!"

"Samus, wait – "

"No! We're leaving! Let's go!"

"You don't understand!"

"I understand enough! Come on!"

She didn't get five steps before Noel and Sophia stepped in front of her. Their swords raised.

"What are you doing?"

"Our…. Duty. Sorry" Noel did indeed sound sorry. Sophia couldn't even look at her.

Samus pulled Clare in another direction, only for Ilena/Irene to stop her.

"We have no choice my friend."

"Bullshit! If you're really our friend, let us through!"

Ilena/Irene showed genuine sorrow in her face. But she still would not move.

"This… This is madness! After all we've been through, how can you betray me like this?"

"How can you betray us?"

Priscilla strode into the room and stood between Samus and the children.

Samus could feel her aura this time. Everyone could. She didn't think it was an accident. The number 1 wanted to remind her what she was capable of. That the bounty hunter stood no chance against her.

"Betray you? What do you mean? I came here to help my friends, and I did. I'm not a member of the organization. I made no further commitments. Now that you're safe, that's all that matters."

"Excuse me! That's not all that matters! What matters is that you're turning away after all you've seen! That you're just walking out and leaving us! You're content to keep to yourself and your selfish ways rather than do what's right!"

"It's not selfishness! I simply refuse to be a slave!"

"It is selfishness! You're turning away from the chance to protect the innocent! If this is slavery, it is slavery for a worthy cause. For the greater good!"

"Slavery is slavery. It is an affrontery to life. An abomination. My guardians saw that. They were wise. They understood that. It's not worth it."

Priscilla's face turned red. A reminder that no matter how strong, she was still a child.

"Your guardians? You mean the Chozo? The same ones whose ruins we rested in? The ones who are now extinct? Killed and eaten by the monsters we hunt? Monsters we could have handled if they'd merely called on us? But they refused, didn't they? And look where it got them. Perhaps your guardians, weren't as wise as you think."

Samus raised her arm cannon in anger. Not quick enough as Priscilla kicked her in the chest before she could fire.

Samus tried to pull herself up. But damn, that bitch was strong! Clare rushed over.

"Samus. Samus, it's ok. I'll do this."

"No, you won't! This is wrong! Wrong on every level!"

"Every level?" Priscilla strode closer. "What about safety? Protection? You've seen what's out there! You've seen what we have to deal with! The galaxy doesn't stand a chance! Normal people don't stand a chance!"

"Then do it! Do it if you're so eager! But leave Clare out of it!"

"Do you really think that's wise good hunter?"

"Rubel. Why couldn't you have gotten eaten?"

"You've witnessed the power of yoma. Of awakened beings. This is a necessary evil. Only the organization truly has the means to repel them. Not the galactic Federation. Not the Chozo. And certainly not you alone. No one but us has the means. No one but us has the power."

"Like good old Teresa? Sure did a great job with her."

Everyone turned silent for a moment. Until Priscilla's face turned red again. She was so easy to rile.

"If you're not with us, you're against us. If you're against us, you're part of the problem. It's that easy."

Samus couldn't think of a way to respond. She was stunned. Priscilla moved closer. The anger had left her eyes and been replaced with desperation.

"Don't leave us. Please don't. After all we've been through together, how can you just leave us?"

"For Clare. That's how. I won't let her be – "

"Samus. It's fine. I'll stay."

"What? What nonsense is this?"

"I can't just leave my friends. Can't just leave them here while I go running across the galaxy. If they have to fight the good fight, it's only fair that I do so to."

"The good fight? Do you have any idea how insane that sounds? This is not up for debate! We're leaving! Move!"

No one did move. She racked her mind for anything. Any way out of this.

None. Nothing her armor could come up with.

That's all she was. A weak warrior surrounded by monsters. All her firepower couldn't help her. She began to shake in anger and desperation.

"Please. She's just a child. We mean the organization no harm. We helped contain Teresa. Please let us go."

Priscilla seemed torn between anger and despair. Like she couldn't make up her mind. That didn't bode well for anyone. Clare interrupted before she did.

"Samus, I've talked it out with the others. I've given it a lot of thought. And honestly, I think this is best for everyone. The galaxy most of all."

"How can you say that!?"

"Because we're monsters Samus. All of us. At some point, we remember that. We lose control. It's nearly happened to us a few times. This way, don't we at least learn how to control it? To keep other people safe?"

"They all awaken or die anyway! What's the goddamn point!?"

"The point is we do something worthwhile with our lives stubborn bitch," Ophelia yelled.

Samus glared at her.

"You know, you've been a pain in the ass ever since I met you. I should have left you to rot you little brat. I'll bet you talked her into this, didn't you? Always looking for blood!"

"And what would you have her do? Fly around the galaxy doing nothing? Just wasting her life away? Don't you realize how lucky you both are!? You've got insane awesome powers! Why not use them!?"

"Enough!" Lord Rimuto finally spoke up

"It doesn't matter what any of you think. Our numbers are low. We need to recruit and train defenders of the galaxy. This is above personal desire. This is for the good of all life. She stays. That's final."

Samus shook with anger. This couldn't happen. She wouldn't let it happen. How could she get out of this?

"The way I see it, you therefore have two options. You can leave and be on your way without her. You can cruise the stars as before. Ever alone. Looking for something that does not exist. Hardly sounds like a worthwhile life to me. Or, if you wish to stay with her, we can offer another path. A path of purpose and responsibility. Two things I think you have sought your entire life."

The hunter clenched her free hand. She stared at Clare She stared back, worried. She looked up to Priscilla's face. With all her anticipation.

Nobody had to say what he meant. They all knew. They were giving her an ultimatum. Break the vow she'd made to herself and her people. Give up her freedom, her independence. And all for Clare.

"Tough decision," Rubel mused out loud. "Take your time. No pressure."

God, how she wanted to shoot him.

….

"You're leaving?"

"It's for the best old bird. No one here wants me."

"I want you here."

"And only you. I've seen the looks. The whispers. Everyone keeps their distance. No one else wants anything to do with me. And how can they? How can they want anything to do with a monster?"

"We've been over this. You are not a monster."

"Aren't I? Tell Grey Voice."

"He's just scared. He loves you in his own way. He lent you his own DNA for god's sake! In a way he's your own father!"

"No. You're my father. The only one who accepted me for what I am. I'll never forget that."

"Samus. Please. This is your home."

"I know that old bird. But I'm not welcome in my own home. And I can't take it anymore."

Old bird opened his mouth to try and persuade her again, but kept it shut. He saw the determination in her eyes. This was happening. She was leaving.

"Where will you go? Surely not to the organization."

She shook her head rapidly.

"No. I won't be their weapon. I'll just... I guess I haven't figured it out yet. I'll go somewhere where I can fit in I suppose. If that's even possible."

"It's your choice my dear. But you know deep down there's nowhere that will accept you like I have."

"I know. But they've already made their minds up here. And I've had enough."

Without another word,, Old Bird pulled her in close. The closest he would ever have to a daughter and the closest she would ever have to a father.

"Whatever happens out there Samus, remember this. You are no monster."

"Thank you papa."

...

That was the memory Samus recalled as she stood in the Chozo ruins where she, Priscilla, and the children had taken refuge. The organization had given her this last chance to bid this part of her life farewell. She took records of the surrounding and the necessary lore. If nothing else, at least something to remind her of the past.

In that moment, she realized what she wanted to do with her life. Spread knowledge about the Chozo and their ways. To ensure that they were not forgotten. That all their sacrifices weren't in vain. Too late for that now.

"I'm sorry papa. I tried. But I found someone I loved too much to let go. I'm… I'm grateful for all you did. I hope I made you proud."

"You did." Clare wrapped her arms through Samus'. "If there is an afterlife, they're watching from there and they're totally proud of you."

"I hope so. I just… Never thought I'd ever do this. They didn't want this for me. They said it was wrong. And yet here I am."

"As am I."

Rafaela looked over the ruins herself. Her expression was hard to read.

"You know, I only came to this planet in the last few years. I must have traveled all over it. I never once traveled here. I saw the statues around the globe. But never met the architects themselves. I wish I had."

"They were really something. Even after all my time with them. I don't know if I ever really understood them."

"All my time with the organization, and I feel the same way. After Luciela, I never thought I'd be going back."

"No. I suppose you didn't. I never thought I'd go with them to begin with."

"It seems we're all breaking the rules these days. Strange times we live in. But then, I suppose every generation says that. Believe me, I've lived through a few."

"I've never been more uncertain about my life. I don't know what's going to happen," the hunter mused.

"Well I suppose there's only one way to find out." Rafaela turned to leave but called out over her shoulder.

"I know this much. I won't end up like my sister, or Teresa. I'll die before that. If you're able, I suggest you do the same."

Samus looked at the wall one more time, then followed Rafaela towards the ship. Priscilla stood there. She seemed genuinely happy.

"Hello miss Rafaela. I take it you're – "

"Yes. I'm fine. Let's just go."

"I… Ok. If you say so. Um, Samus?"

"Yes?"

"I just want you to know that uh… I'm really proud of you. I enjoyed working with you. For the most part. And I'm really looking forward to it again!"

Samus nodded. Not exactly able to share her enthusiasm.

"I mean it! Really! This is the best for everyone! You won't regret it! I promise!"

Samus couldn't hold it in. She had to say it.

"I already do."