The silver eyed warrior leaped down into the vast chamber just in time to witness the bounty hunters firing upon the structure in the center of the room. She growled in anger.

"For the last time, stop! You don't know what you're doing!"

It was too late. The structure burst and tentacles sprang forth to burst into their chests.

The source of the tentacles turned out to be a floating creature who rose from the structure and pulled its tentacles from the corpses and back into its body. As the corpses fell to the ground, the creature shuddered with delight at the taste of blood.

The warrior didn't wait another second. She launched at the beast with the quick sword.

The creature screeched and flew out of range. She leaped in the air and twirled in the air to catch the creature by surprise.

A tentacle sliced through her shoulder and sent her falling to the ground. She placed a hand on said shoulder and dodged another tentacle by rolling. She cut the tentacle off while rolling.

The creature made a sound akin to annoyance and withdrew its tentacles. Its arms changed shape to resemble guns. And they acted like guns.

The warrior ran along the wall at incredible speed, attempting to outrun the creature's shots. She rarely felt so exhilarated. To run like this made her feel so-

Whack!

Another tentacle had been placed in her way, causing her to trip and get shot off the wall.

She fell onto the ground and shouted out in pain as a tentacle hit her in the stomach. Another tentacle hung in the air above her head. Ready to end her.

Until a massive icicle rose from the ground and ended the tentacle.

Shots from behind caused the beast to stumble and release its grip on the warrior. A purple hand glowing with electricity grabbed the warrior by the scruff of her shirt and hosted her to her feet.

"Nice getup Sammy. Shows of all your curves. I like it."

The warrior grimaced. She recognized that purple childish face all too well.

"Gandrayda. Why aren't you dead?"

"Oh, Sammy. Is that any way to greet an old friend? Especially after she saved your life?"

"Quit flirting you two, and fight!"

A robot in a massive armored mecha fired bolts of energy from the mecha's arms. The creature roared in pain and returned fire.

More giant icicles rose up to take the brunt. Their source was a green figure with icicles for hands.

The warrior's eyes lit up with shock.

"Rundas?"

"Been a while #1 bounty hunter. Not used to seeing you get your ass kicked. And what the hell are you wearing?"

The warrior wore the same uniform as the rest of her sisters. Shin high metal boots. Shoulder pieces. Cape. White shirt with a neck tie bearing her number. 10. She'd worn it for about 3 years now. But she never felt more naked than when wearing it.

"The Samus Aran I knew sported a boss suit. She wore that thing like a pro. Killed monsters with her big arm cannon. She didn't run around in swimsuits wielding oversized metal sticks and trying to be something she's not. You're a hunter, Samus. Act like one."

She simply nodded, removed her shoulder pads along with cape, and closed her eyes while her old acquaintances charged the beast.

When she opened them again, her fellow bounty hunters had the beast pinned down. It screeched in fear.

"Now!" The robot in the mech suit shouted. "Vaporize it!"

She obeyed. The familiar mighty beam erupted from her beam cannon. The other hunters managed to dodge just in time before the creature was blown out of existence.

The instance the creature breathed its last, the warrior felt her eyes close and found herself floating in a white void with three beings of light.

"You must be the alimbic. Gorea is dead. I killed it myself."

"It is true? Our enemy is gone?"

"Yes. It broadcast a signal to trick others into releasing it. But I managed to slay it. With some help."

"We are forever in your debt, child of the Chozo. We sense the blood in you. It is a proud heritage. But we sense something else. The blood of… another race."

"Yes. I am a member of three species. But my heart belongs to the Chozo."

The three beings looked at each other then back at the warrior.

"Does it? We sense distress in your system. Your aura. It does not feel like your heart belongs to the Chozo. Nor does it belong to you."

"Maybe not. But it belongs to a noble cause. And that's all that matters."

"Then why do we feel doubt? Why do you not believe your own words?"

The warrior paused. They may not be Chozo, but they shared their ability to read people. Truly amazing.

"You need not speak child of the Chozo. You have avenged us. And that is enough. We simply ask out of concern for our savior." They all bowed.

"We simply offer this warning, child of the Chozo. You must overcome this doubt. Right now, you are caught between two identities. Your former, and your current. If you do not address this doubt and fully embrace your true identity, you will bring destruction upon yourself and those you care about."

The warrior's aura went crazy. She almost couldn't believe they said that.

"Hey, wait- "

But they disappeared in a flash of light. And she opened her eyes to Gandrayda's face leaning over hers.

"Napping on the job, eh Sammy? Tell me again why anyone ever thought you were number 1?"

….

"So it's true, huh?" Rundas tapped his icicle hands together in contemplation. "You're now officially a silver-eyed witch. Gotta say. I never saw that coming."

Samus sipped from her cup while staring at Rundas' hands and wondering how he could hold anything with them.

"Idiot! She already was a silver-eyed witch! She had the eyes as a bounty hunter before! Are you blind!"

"Ghor, hon," Gandrayda said. "Maybe it's time to get out of that suit. It makes you aggressive which is so not you."

The robot man made an angry voice but nodded and climbed down out of his vehicle. His voice was now much softer.

"Apologies Rundas. I only meant that she was biologically a half breed to begin with."

Samus raised her eyebrows. Half breed? She'd been called that before of course but she always thought Ghor was too nice for that. Unless he was in his suit of course.

"I knew that," Rundas waved his hand in dismissal. "But she never wore the suit. Used the sword. Or took their orders." He stared at Samus intently. At least, she thought he did. She wondered how he could see without eyes.

"So I gotta ask. Why in the name of reason and justice would Samus Aran, best bounty hunter in the galaxy- "

"Second best," Gandrayda interrupted.

"Shut it. Why would you, someone who doesn't take orders or shit from anyone, stoop to being the stooge of some wackos in black suits?"

Samus set her drink down. Tasted like shit anyway. Never understood why anyone liked it.

"I did it for a girl."

"A girl? Oh! You're a lesbian!" Gandrayda giggled.

"What? No! Not that kind of girl! She's a child. Or was a child. She lost her family. Everything. She had nothing but me. And she was half yoma."

"So you joined the organization to stay with her? Aw, Sammy! That's so sweet!"

"Eat shit Gandrayda."

"No seriously! I think that's the most beautiful thing in the world! Such a noble sacrifice for both me and the girl! I'm so proud!"

"For you? I didn't do it for you."

"Not knowingly! But since you're no longer a bounty hunter, that officially makes me the best! Oh I'm so happy!"

Ghor made an annoyed grunt in his throat. Or what was left of it and refocused on Samus.

"And where is this girl right now?"

"She's… somewhere. The organization keeps us separate and on the move. We all have our own territory of space and handle any assignments within them."

"So you don't see her that often."

"Well, no. Actually, it's been… a year since I saw her."

"In other words, you don't see her at all. You don't get to spend any time imparting your values upon her. It's no different than if you hadn't joined at all."

Samus remained silent, letting Ghor's words and their meaning seep in.

"Sounds like you got played Samus." Rundas sounded uncharacteristically sympathetic.

True or not, Samus couldn't outwardly admit her agreement. Stubbornness was in her nature.

"It's… it's more than that. The organization is the only group with any real plan to defeat the yoma. They have the training and resources to- "

"How long have we had yoma in the galaxy? It's been centuries now, right? If they had a plan, don't you think we'd be rid of them by now?"

Samus opened her mouth to respond. Now really sure how. But she was saved by a beeping from her communicator. Another assignment from Rubel apparently.

"I have to go. Another assignment."

"What," Rundas exclaimed surprised. "Just like that? You're running off to your master's beck and call? You've fallen far."

"No. I've gained importance. Before this, I was nobody. Just some shmuck running about hunting monsters with no goal in mind. Now though, I'm part of something. Something important. Now I can make a difference. Now I can- "

"Stop," Rundas held up his hands. "You don't believe what you're saying. That bullshit didn't sway you before and it sure as hell doesn't sway you now. Even if you have given in." He stood up, followed by the other two.

"You're a bounty hunter. A free spirit. Not a stooge to some creepy old men. When you're ready to admit that, come find me." He wandered off.

Ghor looked like he wanted to give Samus his own speech. But simply ended up saying. "Good to see you again, old friend. Take care of yourself." He followed Rundas.

Gandrayda blew Samus a kiss and winked. "Nice to see you again Sammy! Have fun traveling with your girl! Oh wait! You can't! Bye bye!" She skipped away.

Samus growled under her throat. "Bitch."

Bounty hunting might have been a solo act. But it was also a tight knit community in some ways. The other bounty hunters knew each other and would occasionally talk, offer help in bounties, or fight one another for the money. She even knew a few of the ones Gorea had fed upon. If only she had gotten there in time…

Those three though were the only ones she'd known on a semi personal level. Gandrayda kept popping in and out of her life due to a non-existent rivalry Gandrayda herself had created. Not that Samus liked the purple shapeshifter. But she had more important things to focus on.

Ghor was a cyborg, and survivor of a terrible attack who only survived due to remarkable engineering. Less than 10% of his original body remained, but he retained his altruistic personality despite his loss. He'd extended that kindness to Samus on a few occasions and she appreciated it.

Rundas however, was one of the few creatures Samus could consider a true friend. Even with her lonesome lifestyle, he was someone she had no issue traveling with for extended periods of time. He was one of a small number who truly knew her. She couldn't say that about many.

And now she might have jeopardized that friendship. 3 years, and this was how she said hello.

She hit the rock she sat upon in anger and sat still for a few minutes. Trying to work through her conflicting feelings. Feelings she'd kept at bay more or less for some time.

Finally, she got up and made for the ship. The next hunt's coordinates would have been sent to her. It was time to get back to work.

….

Or at least she thought. She'd received the coordinates of the colony under attack. But by the time she arrived, the yoma were all dead and lying upon the ground. She was supposed to meet with 2 more of her sisters here. She didn't usually enjoy these types of missions. She was a loner before she bore her rank. She was one now. But this turned out to be different when she saw the face of one of the warriors.

"Clare! Oh bless the goddesses, Clare!" She rushed forward and gripped the short-haired warrior into a deep hug. The warrior took a moment in shock, but quickly hugged her back. She pulled herself back and grinned down at her adopted daughter.

"Your hair! When did you have time for a cut?"

"I didn't. I cut some off and used it as bait to lure a yoma out."

"That's my girl! Clever! For what it's worth, I think you look good with it short."

"I thought the same."

Samus turned to the other warrior, immediately recognizing the voice.

"Ophelia. Long time no see."

The young woman grinned. Unlike Clare, she'd managed to keep the same hairstyle after all this time. The same braid. The same confident smirk. The same dangerous glint in her eyes.

"Indeed! Too long! As you can see little Clare has grown up quite a bit. No longer momma's girl!"

Since the two had done the heavy lifting before Samus had arrived, she bought them dinner. It was an awkward situation to say the least. The whole diner kept their distance, staring at them and muttering under their breath. Ophelia seemed to revel in it.

"Let them stare. I love to see their jealousy."

"Jealousy?" Samus questioned. "Looks like fear."

"There's that too. But trust me. The jealousy is stronger. The things we can do. You don't think they wish they could do that? Trust me. It's primal. Human nature to envy. They can't stand that someone else is better than them. They don't hate us. They want to be us." She grinned and downed her fourth bottle. Hard to get a Claymore drunk.

"And what are we exactly?"

Ophelia put down her next bottle and stared at Samus with raised eyebrows.

"You're asking that? Really? We're warriors. Champions. The future."

"Funny. Not many share that sentiment."

Ophelia frowned. Clare continued to stare at the wall. Samus wondered what was wrong with her.

"You didn't just think this up on the spot. Where'd you hear that?"

Samus paused.

"I just ran into some old… friends. Bounty hunters. They weren't too pleased to see what I've become. They think I've become a tool. A pawn."

Ophelia chuckled.

"Of course we are! Everyone's a pawn of someone else. But we're pawns for a greater cause. The only cause that matters. Fighting giant monsters!"

"They've done that too you know. Hell, I did it before I joined the organization."

"Yeah? And how'd that work out? It didn't, did it.? You realized the pointlessness of it all and took up the sword. And it worked out I heard. Number 10! We've all wondered what it is keeping you out of the single digits?"

Samus had wondered that herself. In truth, she figured it was her part time reliance on her armor. 3 years in and she still wasn't entirely sure how the ranking system worked. Except for Priscilla. No question how she was ranked number 1.

"Let's talk about you. I hear you've done rather well for yourself. Number 5 is it? That puts you above Noel, Sophia, and even Rafaela!"

Ophelia's smirk returned. "Sure was fun to see old Stormwind lose her shit. After 3 years, I can already kick her ass. Easily."

"Easily? Surely it's a close match. Whatever else you think of Noel, she's a helluva fighter."

"To most sure. But there's actually a huge gap between 6 and 5." She held up her hand with all fingers on display. "We're the elite of the elite! Me! That one whose name nobody can agree on. The twins. And your girlfriend."

Samus blushed.

"Priscilla is not my girlfriend! We're just… close."

"Close? Girlfriends are close. Why else does she demand you travel with her so often?"

"Where are you hearing all this?"

Both Ophelia and Clare giggled.

"There are no secrets among sisters. Everyone talks about it. Every time number 1 gets called out on whatever it is they call a "special assignment," she demands you tag along."

"It's common for warriors to get help during dangerous assignments. Sometimes, higher rankers bring along lower ranked to give them pointers or improve their skills."

"Right. Not uncommon. Except A. That nutjob doesn't need help to kill anything."

"Watch the language."

That only made Ophelia smile more.

"And B. She only ever calls you as I hear it. Not any other warriors. In fact, I hear she demands you and you alone. Do you deny it?"

"I… I don't. Look, Priscilla…" How to answer this?

"Yes," Ophelia asked.

God how Samus wanted to punch her right now.

"Priscilla is unstable. I don't know what happened to her as a child, but it clearly left a lasting impact. There are times when she… Well she loses control. The organization decided it was beneficial to have someone to help calm her down when that happened."

"So you're saying they picked you? Not her?"

"Uh… No I admit she picked me. But there's no romance going on. I just need to hold her close when she gets upset and- "

"Hold her close?" Ophelia couldn't sound more delighted.

"Enough about me. What about the rumors concerning you? You and Clare?"

Clare was now finally paying attention. Ophelia stopped smiling for a moment to think. Then she smiled and kissed Clare on the cheek.

"All of it true."

"Ophelia!"

"What? Thought you weren't a momma's girl anymore. Doesn't matter what she thinks, right?"

"You and Ophelia? When did this start?"

"Oh about a year ago. She took some persuasion. But we make a great team! I gave her the skills necessary to move her from number 47 to number 30. And she gave me something she can't take back."

Clare's face went bright red. Thankfully, Samus didn't catch on what she meant.

"Is this why you haven't called me in so long? You've been too busy with her?"

"Nobody gets to call anyone, old woman. Or have you forgotten the rules? We wander alone, except for the rare moments we get lucky enough to work with another group. She just ends up with me more than you. You need something to look forward to you know? Gotta get exercise more way than one. Strengthen those other muscle groups!"

Samus spit her drink out over Ophelia's face.

"Clare! How could you!"

"Samus I- "

"She doesn't have to explain herself to you. She's not momma's girl anymore. She can make her own decisions."

Samus' face turned angry.

"Of course she can make her own decisions. But how could she decide to consort with you?"

That finally wiped the smirk off Ophelia's face.

"Why wouldn't she? After all we've been through together?"

"Because there are even more disturbing rumors about you number 5."

"What disturbing rumors?"

"You know what I'm talking about. I've heard you described as a psychopath who attacks settlers. The way I hear it, you've even killed a few. Do you know anything about this Clare?"

"I've heard the rumors, sure. But I've seen no evidence that Ophi has- "

"Ophi?"

Clare blushed again.

"I think it's bullshit. Ophelia can get out of control and yes she has sometimes caused trouble with settlers. But I've never seen her kill anyone."

"You've never seen it. That doesn't mean it hasn't happened." She turned to Ophelia.

"I have to say Ophelia. I'm not too happy with how you've turned out. There aren't many people I'd trust with kind of power. And you're not one of them."

Number 5 finally stood up.

"I guess there's nothing more for us to say then. I'm gonna go stretch my legs outside town. Coming Clare?"

"I… Actually I'd like some time alone with Samus."

"Oh. Momma's girl after all."

They both watched her walk out then looked at each other for a bit. Samus took notice of how much harder Clare had become to read. She didn't wear her emotions on her sleeve anymore. She looked more like Ilena/Irene. She didn't think that was a good thing.

"Clare. You know everything I do is out of concern for you."

"I know Samus. I've never forgotten that."

"So when I say I've got issues with you hanging around that woman, I hope you consider it."

"I don't exactly get to choose who I work with. I just wind up with her more often than not. And after everything that happened on Tallon IV, we just sort of worked together."

"How could you? You don't have anything in common!"

"Neither do you or Priscilla. Maybe that's why it works. Opposites attract."

Samus flushed red.

"I'm telling you. There's nothing between me and Priscilla! I'm just there to… I don't know. Keep her under control."

"I guess that's why I'm there for Ophelia. To help bring out her better side."

"Clare, forgive me. But it sounds like that's failed."

Clare appeared annoyed.

"Oh, so I'm a failure? Starting to wish you'd left me with Rosemary?"

"What? No! Don't be ridiculous! I just…"

"Just what?"

"Clare, I'm going to be honest. You're kind of reminding me of…. Well me."

"…And that's a bad thing?"

"It is kind of. I made some similar mistakes when I young. And I ended up like this. Disillusioned. Stoic. Focused only on work and not myself. You changed that. Made me upon up more. Live for something. Not lose myself to the line of duty. When I look at you right now, I fear you're doing the exact opposite."

"Well, I'm sorry I couldn't live up to your expectations. I admit I find this difficult. Truth be told, I actually asked myself what I figured you'd do with this situation. Turns out it worked and kept me alive. So, doesn't that matter more than anything else?"

"I used to think that. But should you lose yourself along the way?"

"What? What are you saying? Is this because of the bounty hunters?"

"Partially yes. But I was wondering this even before I met them. Wondering if I made the right choice or not."

Clare starred. Her face was once again blank.

"Didn't you? You said it yourself. We're part of something now. And look how far we've come since we joined. I think overall it was the right choice."

"I… I hope you're right. Because for whatever reason, I can't convince myself."

A tense silence settled over them both. Samus moved first and put her arms around Clare. Clare followed soon after.

"I love you Clare. Sometimes that means saying things you don't want to hear."

"I know. I love you too… Mom."

"Careful. Don't want Ophelia to think you're still a momma's girl."

"I am a momma's girl. Always will be. And proud of it."

She hadn't realized how much she'd missed hearing that.

….

"Strange. I expected to see you happier. Didn't enjoy the reunion with your girl?"

"Drop it Rubel. Just give me the next assignment."

The hologram of the man seemed genuinely surprised by Samus' apparent anger. She supposed that was one upside of today. It wasn't often she could wipe the smirk off the bastard's face.

"Yes, well in any case, it's time for another mission. And by mission, I mean large scale fight. I reckon it'll be your hardest mission since Tallon IV."

Samus folded her arms. It was all she could do not to shudder at the mention of that planet's name. 3 years later, and still no one was willing to resettle there. Too many bad memories. But that wasn't what kept her up at night. It was what they hadn't found.

"Still listening? This might hit close to home again. The planet under siege this time is Aether. Home to the luminoth. Know anything about them?"

"Former allies of the Chozo. Former being the key word. Never found out what caused their rift. Don't know much beyond that. Did study some of their lore and language however."

"Then that makes you the perfect representative for the organization."

"Representative? What does that mean?"

"Only that this is more than just another clean up job. The organization thinks this would be a good time to work on our image."

"Your image? When have you ever gave a damn about that? If you really cared about that, you'd change your outfit. No offense Rubel, but you don't exactly appear trustworthy."

The man laughed.

"You'll learn more when you arrive. In the meantime, you can wait where you are. Your team will meet you there and you can go on together."

"Who am I traveling with?"

"There will be three. I think you know one of them already."

Samus sighed.

"Let me guess. Priscilla?"

"How did you ever guess? Telepathy? You'll need her strength. And of course she'll need you to keep her on a short leash. We're actually quite impressed how well you've tamed her."

"Tame her? She's a woman, not a pet!"

"You know what I mean. She'll be accompanied by number 15 Cynthia. She's our medic and was sent originally to help Priscilla from a particularly nasty injury. It almost cost her her life."

Samus sat up. Rubel took notice.

"She's fine. Believe me. Cynthia is our best medic. And there are special injuries on the planet we'd like her to take a look at."

"Right. Ok, good. And who's the last?"

"Number 40 Yuma. She happened to be with Cynthia when she found Priscilla. We were going to send her off to another mission. But then we figured, why not give her some real combat experience? A chance to rise higher in the ranks."

Samus blanched.

"You're sending number 40 with us? That's insane! Insane and cruel! Even for you!"

"Cruelty can be beneficial. Look at dear Clare. She used to be the lowest ranked. Enough training with Ophelia, and she managed to rise to number 30. Maybe Yuma will get the same benefit."

Samus shook her head. She knew Rubel was a cold bastard, but this was another level.

"They're on their way to you right now. You should see them in two days' time. Take some time off until then. You won't get much of a chance when this operation starts. Any questions?"

Actually she did. She'd asked it before, but she still couldn't believe it.

"Did we really find nothing in the mines?"

Rubel rubbed his nose. He didn't like this topic.

"On Tallon IV. I told you. We found no sign of Teresa or any of the others. The past is the past. Focus on the future."

They cancelled their connection and Samus went outside with a pad and blanket. She didn't enjoy the typical claymore sleeping posture. Her back hurt like hell from it.

She stared at the stars. So strange to think that most of them were long dead and she was merely staring at their remnants.

Many enjoyed staring at them. Samus didn't. It made her feel even more alone. It wasn't always that way. Not when she looked at them with Old Bird.

"Father. Can you see me now? Did I do the right thing?"