Her aura was suppressed. The darkness of the tunnels surrounded her. And she was hidden behind rocks in the corner. She should be safe by all rules of reason.
So why was she so nervous?
She knew why. She shouldn't kid herself. She was nervous because the woman she was hiding from wasn't the kind to be fooled this easily.
She heard nothing. No indication of movement. She suddenly wondered if it had been a mistake to hide here. No one could see her here to be sure. But neither could she see anyone herself.
Should she release a little aura? Just enough so she could sense her pursuer? No that would give her away, and she'd be screwed. Maybe she should wait her a moment more. Let her come to her on her own turf.
Someone must have been reading her mind because a hand punched through the wall behind her and grabbed her by the shoulder.
Before she could react the hand pulled her through the wall and threw her across to the other side.
She gasped for breath and looked up. Her captain. Her only friend stood over her with something resembling a smirk. As much as she loved that expression, it rarely meant something good.
"Care to guess where you failed this time?"
"Mi- "
That smirk was replaced by annoyance. Right. No first name basis.
"Captain. I'm not sure. Was my aura not fully hidden?"
"That's not it. It's near perfect now I'd say. The real problem was this."
The commander held up what looked like a hair tie.
Her eyes widened as she felt her hair. It wasn't in a bun! In all the excitement…
"This is one of the great dangers of being in any line of work long enough," the captain explained. "Complacency. You start to ignore and take for granted things you would not when you were starting out. Physical strength alone doesn't determine battles."
The captain tossed the tie her way and she quickly redid her hair embarrassed.
"You've certainly improved. Make no mistake. I couldn't sense you anywhere. You've truly perfected that."
"Does this mean I get to come with you on assignments?"
The captain actually chuckled. God how she loved that sound. The captain's laugh was like an angel. At least what she imagined an angel sounded like. The captain interrupted those thoughts.
"That's up to our…. King. As it turns out however, you do get to come on an assignment with me. To the outskirts of the temple to await our visitor."
"Visitor?"
"The sole chance for our sister's freedom. The outcast who like us refused to be bound by shackles until love manipulated her into servitude."
"Wait. You mean…. She's coming here?"
"Yes. The Kings' spies have confirmed it. The hunter is coming to Aether.
….
She'd undone her ponytail. She'd used to dream of it blowing in the wind. Wasn't possible on this world with no wind. But she could always dream pretend.
While staring in the sky, she could see the organization ship. She sighed and tied her ship up. Had to look professional. She also stood up. Had to be ready for the inevitable bear hug.
Actually bear could be insulting considering the hugger's strength.
The door of the ship opened in goddamn flight! A familiar warrior leaned out and leaped from it.
"From that high up? I'd say she has balls, but well…"
Said warrior fell on top of Samus, pinning her to the ground and rubbing her forehead against hers.
"You'reok. I'msoglad. Soglad. IthoughtwhenIheardthat- "
"Slow down Pris. What are you saying?"
"Sorry! I'm so sorry! I told them not to send you alone! I told them it was too dangerous! I said- "
"It's fine. It's fine. I'm here now aren't I?"
Priscilla nodded and squeezed her even harder.
"Ow. Please, Pris. Be a little more gentle, ok? I didn't get out of it without a few scars of course."
"Scars? You have scars? Cynthia! Come quickly! She needs help!"
"No. No, Pris. I'm fine. They're mostly healed."
"Mostly doesn't mean fully! Hurry!"
The ship touched down at that moment. Out stepped another warrior with two ponytails on either side of her face.
"Priscilla! What were you thinking jumping like that? You could have been injured!"
"I'm fine! But she's not! She's got scars!"
"What?"
"No, really. They're nothing. I'm fine."
"Oh, please. Don't say that. You're our second highest ranker! We need you at peak efficiency if we're to succeed in this mission!"
She paused and tapped her chin as if contemplating her statement.
"Also, I really hate to see anyone suffer. So please. Let me look?"
One look at Priscilla's pleading face made Samus relent. She pulled her shirt up and turned her head away.
"There we go," Cynthia cooed. "No need to be nervous. We're all sisters here, right?"
"I told you. It's fine."
"These don't look fine to me. Goddess! It must hurt to walk with this! You should listen to your body more! Don't listen to what others say! If its hurts, deal with it!"
"I did. I healed them to the best of my ability."
Cynthia snorted.
"No offense, but if this is the best of your ability, how are you number 10?"
Samus and Priscilla's eyes widened while Cynthia's face reddened.
"Damn. That hurt."
"Sorry. I only said that because I care."
Samus grimaced as the wounds healed up. She couldn't help being amazed by the speed they disappeared.
"Wow. Number 15, right? This is some damn fine work."
"Thank you. I take great pride in it." She smiled then called over her shoulder.
"You can come out Yuma! Don't be shy!"
The last member of their team came out from the ship. A nervous-looking woman with waist length blonde hair wearing power armor.
Samus' jaw dropped
….
"No way. They're sending someone out in that? What is this? A field test?"
Yuma sat on her rock, looking anywhere but at Samus. Priscilla seemed a little peeved. That left Cynthia to explain.
"Yes, you could say that. Not just for a low ranker, but also for the armor."
"I'd heard they had a test subject for the damn thing. Is this the only one?"
"I doubt it. But depending on the success of Yuma here, we might see more in the field. That said…"
"What?" Samus didn't like it when voices trailed off. She'd done it plenty of times herself and knew it rarely meant something she'd like.
"Well, the organization figured you were the right candidate for this assignment for a number of reasons. One of course being your closeness with Priscilla here."
Priscilla smiled at that. The girl could be pretty damn cute when she wasn't unstably violent.
"Yes I heard," Samus retorted. "I also hear they want me to be a representative for their image. What the hell does that mean?"
Cynthia shrugged.
"On that, I don't know any more than you. Their image with the planet locals maybe? But in any case, there's one other reason they want you here. Besides your obvious skill of course," She quickly interjected.
Samus chuckled.
"The other reason is that as the source of this power armor, they were hoping you could help Yuma. She's gone over the um… Well the information you provided- "
"The manual? I believe that's what Rubel called it."
"Manual? That's insulting! That thing's too impressive to be a manual! Anyway, she's looked it over but it's not quite the same as watching Samus Aran herself doing it."
Samus stared at Yuma. She took notice of her hesitancy to gaze in her eyes. Didn't look like her first pick to wear the armor. That would be Ilena/Irene.
But hadn't she been like that once? It seemed cruel to cast doubt on her so early. Besides, it wasn't like she had a choice.
"This is a waste of time," Priscilla grumbled. "She should be learning sword work. Like every warrior ever."
"Yuma is taking her sword training seriously. But the organization wants to consider all methods of combat available to us. This provides us with new possibilities. It also might reduce casualties in the field."
"What's the point of that? All that matters is killing yoma! Not personal safety!"
Cynthia and Yuma stared alarmed. Samus responded differently.
"Both are important Priscilla. How can you fight Yoma if you're dead?"
"We're warriors! When we choose to fight, we say that we are willing to die for the cause! For humanity!"
"Nobody chooses to fight. Nobody chooses this."
"You did."
Samus stared at Priscilla. Cynthia took this time to intervene.
"So, anyway. That's why you're here! I've heard great things about you Ms. Aran! I'm always fond of working with others, but there's a handful I've really hoped to help for some time. And I'd say you're top of that list! Especially after you rescued us from Tallon IV! We look forward to working with you Ms. Aran!"
"Likewise. Please. Call me Samus. So what about the actual mission itself? Who's attacking Aether?'
"Rubel didn't tell you? Sounds just like him. Such a gentleman."
Samus and Cynthia both laughed while Priscilla watched horrified.
"How can you say that? Rubel is one of the greatest leaders of the organization!"
That did nothing to abate their laughter. Fortunately, Priscilla was too fond of Samus to do more than just glare at her.
"No, he didn't tell me. Just that the planet's being attacked. More awakened beings?"
"Yes, it appears so. Awakened beings… With blue veins."
Samus face turned white. Her heart began pounding. The past came rushing back
"Samus? Samus!"
Priscilla caught Samus as she fell to the ground trembling. She held her close and the hunter gripped her in return.
Blue veins. Blue veins. Memories rushing back. Nightmares
"Your flesh does look… exquisite."
Those eyes. That smile.
….
"Feeling better," Priscilla inquired while leaning in closer.
Samus nodded. Alcohol seemed to wash away her sorrows like nothing else. Probably why it was a sin humanity had never gotten over.
"I just remembered the mines. Cassandra. Roxanne. Hysteria."
"Teresa?"
Samus nodded again. She sweated a bit when she felt Priscilla's aura spike. For years after the event, any mention of the former number 1 had been a berserk button for her replacement. It took Samus years to calm her down to the point where she didn't lose her shit over Teresa's name.
"Nightmares are an old friend to our kind. But some truly stand out."
Samus didn't respond for a moment. She stared at the nearby rocks.
"Samus?"
"Hmm? Yes, I'm fine. Don't worry."
"You're thinking about something. Something besides Teresa."
Samus' eyebrows widened.
"You picked that up just by looking at me?"
"We've been a thing for three years. You're not the only one who can learn to read someone."
Samus smiled. Everyone knew Priscilla for her strength. Many overlooked that her intelligence helped contribute to her number 1 status. That said, she wished she didn't call them a thing. It made them sound like a…. Well, you know.
"Fine. You caught me. I actually had some help on that last mission from some old friends."
"Friends?" Priscilla didn't sound happy. So Samus quickly explained.
"Fellow Bounty Hunters. Knew them before I joined the organization. Though I suppose only 2 could be considered friends. Not the third."
"Who is this third? I'll make her learn respect!"
"No! It's fine! Really!"
"If it's fine, then why talk about them? People don't usually talk about things that worked out."
"Well bottom line, they weren't pleased with my current profession. They think it was a mistake."
Priscilla frowned at that. Samus hoped she didn't explode again. Fortunately, she'd learned some control over the years.
"Forget about them. They're not important."
"Not important? They're the very people we're trying to protect!"
"The organization knows what's best for the galaxy. They've been doing it for years. If your friends can't see that, then they're part of the problem."
"How can you say that? That's just cruel…"
"Is it? This is an unstable galaxy in need of direction. They can't protect themselves. They're like children. They need us. Without us, they are dead. Without us, they are nothing."Samus stared, jaws open. She probably shouldn't have been surprised. Priscilla made her views well known. But this was something else.
"Why are you looking like that? Did I say something wrong?"
"I don't…. I think I need to- "
"Don't leave!"
Priscilla grabbed her arm. Her eyes showed concern.
"I'm not leaving. I just need to…"
"You want to leave because you don't believe," Priscilla said sadly.
"I'm sorry. What?"
"You don't believe in us, do you? Don't believe in our cause."
"It's my cause too!"
"Then why the doubt?"
"It's not doubt! I'm just concerned with other's opinion!"
"And you'll get the chance to fix that during this mission, won't you? Representative for the image and all that?"
"Yes, but…."
"Samus!" Priscilla gripped her shoulders.
"This is a test of faith. You mustn't let doubt claim you. It comes to us all at one point or another. You need to stay true to the organization. To your duty."
"I've always been true to my duty."
"You've done the work, indeed. And marvelously. But your heart isn't in it. It's never truly been."
"I…"
"Samus please. Don't leave."
"Leave? I'm not leaving!"
"You've thought about it. You've told me before. Please. Stay with me. Do I mean so little to you?"
Well that wasn't manipulative or anything!
"Priscilla… You mean everything to me. You're practically my sister."
Priscilla smiled at the first half of that. That smile faded after the second sentence.
"Really? That's all I am? Just another sister?"
"Not just another sister. My closest sister. Why?"
Samus didn't like Priscilla's sad look. She didn't like the direction this conversation had taken. Time to call it quits.
"Listen, Priscilla. We've got a lot of work starting tomorrow. We should get some rest. We can discuss… whatever we're discussing after some good rest. I'll see you back at camp."
She began walking then looked back. Priscilla still seemed upset.
"Pris, relax. We're sisters. The best of friends. A little disagreement isn't going to change that."
She walked off while her friend felt the tears flow.
"Just friends? Nothing more?"
….
"Nice flying Yuma. Keep it like that. We should be there soon."
The lowest-ranked warrior still hadn't spoken. She kept glancing over at Samus even when she should have been focused on the road. Priscilla was staring out into space, leaving just Cynthia and Samus free to talk. Not that Samus wanted to. Cynthia on the other hand…
"Is Priscilla ok? She's been even less talkative than normal."
"She'll be fine. Don't worry about her."
"Well, if you say so. She does seem rather fond of you, you know. You're one of the few things that can make her really talk our ears off."
Samus could believe that. She wasn't sure that was good.
"So you were one of the kids at Tallon IV?"
Cynthia smiled.
"Both Yuma and I. It's understandable that you wouldn't recognize us. There was so much chaos that day! The last time I saw you was when we were getting dragged off to the ship, and you were talking with Clare. You might remember Yuma though. She clung to Sophia the whole way!"
Samus' face scrunched up in confusion. If Cynthia noticed, she didn't say.
"I'm sure it can't compare to what you endured down below. But we had our own problems on the ship. I don't know if you ever heard but one of the children awoke!"
Samus' eyes widened.
"Really? You're right. I did not hear that."
"She was a friend of mine too. I had to put her down in the end. We got some of the girls to distract her while I went behind and…"
She stopped and took a deep breath.
"Ah well. That's the past, isn't it? I'm just glad her sacrifice wasn't in vain. She died so we could do the right thing. Keeping the people safe!"
Samus blinked.
"That's… unusual. Most of the warriors I meet say their job is to fight the yoma."
"We fight the yoma to keep the people safe. Isn't that the whole point of our existence?"
"Well, yes. It's just not the way I usually hear it worded."
"Wordings not important. We protect those who can't protect themselves. Eaten alive by yoma is a horrible fate. No one deserves to die like that. No matter their crimes. Whether or not they can pay their fees. We protect them no matter what!"
"Whether or not they can pay their fees? I thought we didn't help them if they didn't pay."
"Not me! I have no problem extorting the more affluent towns. But if a poorer neighborhood doesn't have enough to meet the payment, that's no reason to let them die."
Samus stared.
"Wow. You're some kind of saint. You're too good for the organization. Maybe you should be head of the federation or something."
"Thank you. You're too kind. Now if you don't mind me asking. How are you? Your aura feels uneven."
Damn. She really was number 15.
"Please, Samus. This is a team assignment. We need complete coordination to succeed. Coordination requires openness. Any problem that affects you hurts us all. Plus, I hate to see anyone suffer."
Samus grumbled. Somehow, the organization had made her soft. She never would have confided in anyone while solo.
"Tell me. Are you happy with your life? The work you do?"
"Hmm. It's certainly not what I think my parents would have wanted. But it's important work. And we're giving our lives for a worthy cause."
"Are we? Are we giving our lives for a worthy cause? You ask most people and they seem to think differently."
Cynthia pursed her lips in contemplation.
"True. But they don't understand things the way we do. They don't understand the need for us until a yoma enters their lives."
"You sound like Priscilla."
"Maybe. But isn't that the way it works? What would they do without us? Whatever they think of us, we really are the best hope against the yoma. Whatever else the organization may do, isn't their quest a worthy one?"
Samus thought that over.
"That doesn't mean I trust them. Nor do I think I ever will."
"I suppose that's an understandable decision. Skepticism can be a good friend."
Before they could talk anymore, a blinking light on the ship announced them of their arrival.
"Good." Priscilla sat up. "Let the work begin."
"Easy there Priscilla," Cynthia said. "Let's touch down first. No need for battle yet.
"Wait. What's that?"
Samus pointed to a large blue object flying towards them. Too fast to dodge.
Everyone stared at each other with the same expression.
Shit.
….
"Everyone ok? Yuma? Samus?"
They were both sore. But more or less fine. That would be due to their number 1 who was very much not fine.
"Priscilla!" Cynthia crawled over and laid her hand on her comrade.
"Her aura's unsteady." She looked up into the sky where they had just fallen from.
"I can't believe we survived that. We must've fallen all the way from the atmosphere!"
"We wouldn't have without Priscilla," Samus explained. "She held up that piece of ship with us on it."
"She took the whole fall? And she's still breathing? She really is number 1!"
Samus scanned her friend. She was in bad condition.
"Can you heal her?"
"I can pull her back from the brink. Let me look." Cynthia leaned over her.
"Uh… Cynthia," Yuma called out meekly. "Ms. Aran?"
"Goddess! That's the first time I've heard you talk! I thought you were mute!"
"Uh.. Well I'm getting this uh… feeling from the armor. I think I feel it constricting. All on its own!"
"Constricting by itself? What does the visor show?"
"The… Visor?"
"You know. The visor? I thought you read the manual. You get it from the helmet? "
"The helmet. Right. Uh…. I didn't catch how to get that on."
"Oh for the love of Clare! Hold on."
She willed her helmet on and scanned the area. Yuma stared in shock.
"Wow. You didn't… you didn't even put it on. How did you do that?"
"Never mind. I'm detecting movement. Lots of it."
"Me too," Cynthia said. "I'm detecting something… Big. Very big. Without Priscilla- "
"We don't stand a chance. Right. Let's go. Yuma, you carry her and use the armor to hide you're aura."
"Right. Ok. I think I remember how to do that. What about Priscilla? Won't her aura attract them?"
"No," Cynthia checked. "Even this weak she's still managing to keep it hidden. Impressive. I'm afraid I can't do the same. I can lower it, but not entirely."
"It'll have to do. Let's head for those caves. Move!"
They ran for a time through the caves. It was hard to move at first with no lighting. But eventually, they encountered lights hanging from the ceiling. Said lights revealed this part to be filled with crates, computers… and human corpses.
"Federation," Samus commented. "I recognize the suits. I wore them."
She leaned down and looked over the corpses. When she found the name tags, she sighed in relief.
"No one I know. At least no one I remember. I mean…. It was so long ago. Maybe I did know them, and I just can't remember…."
"I'm sorry Samus. Whether or not you knew them personally."
Samus didn't respond and examined her surroundings.
"They must have set up a command center here. But why were they on this planet?"
"Uh, Samus," Yuma called out. I think they're here for the same reason we are."
"What do you mean? Oh."
The answer was in transparent tubes. A blue substance. High radiation content.
"So it is here. They found it on this planet. And if it's here- "
"Samus," Cynthia interrupted. "I feel them. All around."
The hunter felt them too. Most were weak. Or at least not strong enough to be a huge threat.
"Get Priscilla behind the crates in the corner there. Yuma will provide cover fire from the corner there. You know how to use weaponry? Or did I forget to include that in the manual?"
"No. I think I've got it."
Samus reached for her sword, but they did want her to show this low ranker a trial run of her second skin. She allowed it to cover her entire body. Her right arm bearing a cannon. Her left bearing a sword.
Cynthia whistled impressed. Yuma's jaw dropped.
"Ready yourselves. They're here. A lot of them."
"Maybe too many," Yuma fretted.
Shadows appeared in the nearby corridors. Hands reached through. Blue veins on them.
Priscilla opened one eye. She had enough focus to hear what was happening. She couldn't risk their team losing this early. Especially with Samus involved. She released her aura.
Everyone in the room was hit by the energy wave. The creatures in the shadow paused and suddenly ran. Screams followed them as they ran away.
"Goddess." Yuma fell to the ground, clutching her chest. "That's a helluva feeling."
"It's like I just had the biggest hangover." Cynthia leaned against one of the crates to steady herself.
Priscilla hid her aura again. Samus walked over and patted her on the head.
"Thank you."
Priscilla's aura spiked again in joy. They felt it wash over them again.
"Priscilla, please! Easy!"
She muttered sorry and hid it again. Samus looked her over. Cringed at her arms and their bent positions.
"They came for minnows. They found bigger fish. The biggest fish. Cynthia, try healing her again. We scared them off for now, but they may come back with braver beasts."
Speaking of the devil, Samus' arm cannon came off in the blink of an eye. She blinked. The pain hadn't fully registered.
"What the- "
Her other arm came off just as quickly and she was kicked to the side.
The other two stared wide-eyed at their attacker. A massive humanoid lion with blue veins. And Samus' blood on his claws.
"I bear you no ill will. But life feeds on life. It is the way of things."
Cynthia instantly stood up but too late. The monster slashed her against the chest.
Yuma panicked. Her mind went into panic mode. What do I do. What do I-
The lion decided that for her and ripped both her arms off leaving her screaming. He then turned his attention to Priscilla.
"So this is the source of the aura? Quite clever to scare them off with it. Of course I had to come see it myself. I haven't had a real challenge in centuries. Imagine my disappointment right now!" The lion sighed.
"Ah well. One less challenge to our harmony." He leaned in for the kill then paused and turned around just in time to stop the sword from taking his head off.
Despite the immense pain, Yuma sat up and stared wide-eyed as the lion held back a claymore with one hand. The claymore belonged to a woman with spiky hair and silver eyes. She lacked the standard claymore uniform, however. Instead she wore a black leathery outfit with similar colored boots. Despite the threat level of her opponent, she didn't show any fear.
"Wow. Who is she? I don't see any number. Did the organization send her as backup?"
"We don't work for the organization. And we never will."
Before Yuma could speak, a hand was placed over her mouth. A woman with her hair in a bun and the same kind of outfit as the woman fighting the lion smiled at her. She held Yuma's hands over her shoulder.
"I'd love to explain. But for now, follow me. Quietly."
Yuma couldn't sense any aura from this woman. And neither could the lion. Though that might have been due to his preoccupation with his opponent.
"So, the old man couldn't come himself? He sends his pet instead? I'm offended."
"He has more important matters than you Rigardo," the woman responded. "You were only ever useful as a servant. And he already has plenty of those."
"Like you? Such a tragedy. Spared a lifetime of servitude to the organization only for a lifetime of servitude to the Silver King."
The woman's eyes flashed yellow in response. She pushed further back against him. That made him smile.
"She can't hope to beat him in strength."
"No. She's distracting him for us."
The other woman came from behind and lifted Samus to her feet. Samus looked back at Priscilla, still on the ground at the fighter's feet.
"We can't leave her."
"We won't. Don't worry. But let's get you to safety first."
Easier said than done. But this woman was skilled. Even able to get her out with Samus' missing arms.
"You think I don't notice those bitches' auras fading? They're not getting anywhere. After you, I'll kill them all. Starting with the armored ones."
Priscilla's aura fluctuated again. She looked up in anger at the bastard who'd threatened Samus. She unleashed 10% of her yoki. Enough to give her the boost to rise up and put her hand through his chest.
The creature's eyes widened. The spiky haired woman took this opportunity to slice through his neck.
"Let's go." The woman carried both Cynthia and Priscilla under her arms.
"Is he dead," asked Cynthia.
"No. It takes more than that to kill a former number 2. This one just caught him off guard."
"Number 2? Him?"
The spiky haired woman carried them through the tunnels until she ran into the other three. Her partner was waiting for her near the exit. She'd already healed the two armored claymores. Feeling the aura, she turned and smiled.
"Miria! You- "
The spiky haired woman gave her a bad look which made her stop.
"Sorry. Captain, you made it! I was just about to go back for you! Glad I didn't have to, to be honest."
"We're not out of this yet. This one helped take him by surprise, but he'll be right behind us. He's got the thrill in him."
"Is this the one who's aura we felt? What a rush! I've never felt anything like it!"
"Indeed. Incredible. She could be a force for true freedom. But if our sources are correct, her heart belongs to the organization completely."
"Look," Samus interrupted. "not that we don't appreciate you saving our lives. But who the hell are you?"
"Samus," Cynthia chided. "Were you sent before us? Did the organization decide we'd need the help? If so, good thinking!"
Both woman seemed offended by that accusation.
"We don't serve the organization," the captain said. "We are as you were once hunter. Free. No. That's not the word. Not free. But we see through their deceptions."
"Deceptions," Samus repeated. Not as a question. More as a statement.
"Yes. Deceptions." The captain raised her sword. "And if we survive this, I will let you know more."
The lion, Rigaldo stepped forward out of the darkness of the tunnels. He grinned, eager for a fight.
"That bitch isn't going to save you this time little phantom. None of you. Hope the old man taught you a few skills. I want a decent fight."
"He didn't actually. I taught myself. And I think you'll find that sufficient."
The bastard grinned and swiped at captain Miria, only to hit empty air.
"Wait," Samus asked. "Where the hell did she go?"
The lion jumped in the air as Miria appeared behind him and attempted to cut him.
He retaliated with a kick and hit air himself as the woman once again seemingly faded out of existence, leaving only an image of herself.
Samus and her friends stared in awe.
"Wow. What a technique," Cynthia said. Not sure whether to be impressed or jealous. Probably both.
The captain's teammate grinned.
"Yes. It's called the phantom mirage. She doesn't actually disappear. She just moves so fast, you can't tell. The image is a result of the yoki enhanced speed. It remains a moment after she moves to confuse her opponents."
The captain moved fast enough to create three separate images of herself. The lion in rapid succession hit them all. All were fake.
"Incredible," Yuma muttered. "With a skill like that, there's no way she can lose. Right?"
"No," her teammate said worried. "She's struggling to keep up. She needs help."
As if reading her thoughts, the lion looked their way and extended his claws out towards Samus and her team.
The captain's teammate cut them off with a swing of her sword.
"Focus on healing yourselves," the woman said to Samus. "After that, maybe…. You know. A hand?"
The lion growled.
"Better stay back. I don't like wasting my time with weaklings."
By this point, Samus and her team more or less healed enough to fight with the major exception of Priscilla. Which was at this point very inconvenient, because without her, none of them believed they stood a genuine chance against this creature.
"Cynthia. Yuma. Look around. What do you see around us?"
"Uh…." Yuma looked all around in desperation then outside.
"I think I see some kind of land-based vehicle. I think I rode one of those before to get away. We could use that to high tail it out of here. At top speed, I doubt even this bastard could catch us. What about them? Do we leave them?"
"Of course not," Cynthia said sounding offended. "What are we, monsters?"
"Exactly," Said Samus. "Cynthia, help me place Priscilla on that thing. Yuma make sure that thing's filled with fuel. When the moment comes, we're going to need to bolt quite fast."
"You want me to drive that? Uh, are you sure that's a good idea?"
"You know, you're right. Why don't we have you fight that big cuddly cat instead?"
Yuma's face whitened and she shook her head.
"Smart. Keep that sense and you'll rise in the ranks in no time."
"Samus," Cynthia said disappointed.
They placed Priscilla down and left Yuma with the machine.
Miria's comrade was lying down, covered in blood. The captain herself was struggling to keep up. Her opponent had survived the element of surprise and caught on to her.
"Get that woman over here. The injured one. I've got a plan."
"Oh? Do I have a role besides saving the damsel in distress?"
"Yes. It's time you learn how I became number 10."
The lion growled. He was starting to get bored.
"That's a cute trick. Really. But a true warrior doesn't rely on one trick alone. Makes them too predictable."
He slashed another image. He breathed and extended his hands out to both sides.
His fingers extended behind him and hit the captain. Judging by the blood, it appeared this was the real deal.
"Hey," Samus shook the injured one with the bun. "Hang in there. If you want to save her, I'm going to need to stick something into you. I know it sounds crazy, but just trust me ok?"
One look at Miria and the woman instantly complied.
Samus extended something resembling a cable into both the woman and Cynthia's arms. The cables connected to Samus' arm cannon.
"Now, if I've got this working right, you should be able to direct your yoki energy to the spot where the cable connects. I know you're injured but if you can, please do so. It's your captain's only chance."
It took some struggle, but they managed to do it. Samus could feel the power flowing to her arm.
The lion released the claws from his prey. His veins glowed even more blue.
"A pity. The old man took a liking to you. I did too, truth be told. Don't worry. I'll make it quick."
He raised his claw to deliver the final blow. Samus got there first.
The combined yoki auras from the two women unleashed a bolt of light that hit the beast too fast for him to react.
He got launched against the back of the cave wall. At that moment, Samus purposefully raised her arm towards the ceiling causing it collapse.
"Miria," the injured woman called out.
Luckily, Cynthia picked her up and ran with her to speeder. Samus did the same with the injured one.
"Move it Yuma! Now!"
"Uh… which one was it again?"
"Yuma!"
"Oh right! This one!"
The speeder took off across the valley towards the setting sun and the remnants of the collapsed cave fell behind them.
"Miria." The injured woman held her friend's head in her lap.
"Here, let me help her. I should be able to heal her."
The woman nodded and allowed Cynthia to take her place.
"Wow," Yuma said. "That thing with the cannon was amazing! You uh… You gonna teach me how to do that?"
"Not if you drive us into a cliff! Stay focused!"
"Right! Sorry!"
Samus stared back where they'd come from.
"He was infected with phazon. So it is here."
"The great poison," the captain's teammate agreed.
"I don't suppose there's any chance he's dead."
"None. Even without phazon, he was number 2. The first number 2. When men were still allowed into the ranks."
Samus sighed.
"I'm so good at making enemies. I wish I could do the same with friends."
Miria's teammate smiled.
"That is the burden of our kind. We're made for war. Not comradery."
"Sure nice to have some though," Samus said looking at Priscilla.
"Indeed," the woman agreed while looking at Miria.
Far back, the lion erupted from the rubble and stared off into the horizon.
His blood boiled. Not with rage or pain. But joy. No one had gotten the jump on him like that. Not since the old man. All he'd fought since then were weaklings. But that hunter…
He smiled sadistically. He'd gotten a taste. Now he wanted the rest.
….
"Phazon," Samus muttered. "Priscilla's been infected."
Everyone looked horrified. Samus remained committed and remembering her last encounter with the substance inserted her cannon in to try and extract it.
"It's… resisting. Didn't do this before. This time, it's actively pulling against the flow."
Miria observed Priscilla's veins.
"It's laughing," she commented. "It finds your attempts amusing."
"What? It's a poison, not an organism!"
"There's more to it than that. Much more. There's nothing else like it in the whole universe. Not that we know of anyway." The captain reached into her pouch and pulled out a vial with blue pellets.
"These should help slow the spread. Each time you do it, it causes the poison to recede a bit and make it vulnerable to yoki manipulation. The quicker you act, the better her chances of survival."
"Goddess," Samus replied. "How did you get this?"
"It's been in development by certain… groups for some time. They've studied this plague and come up with countermeasures. They still haven't found a way to save someone once the poison goes to their head, however. Like Teresa."
"How the hell do you know about that if you're not with the organization? Better question. Who are you with?"
"I'm afraid I can't reveal that. I would have at an earlier time. But you succumbed to the organization."
"Succumbed?"
"Look at Rigardo."
Cynthia took the pills and gave one to Priscilla. The blue tint of her veins seemed to fade somewhat.
"One of those a day. Anymore and you might do damage to her system."
"And what do we say if the organization asks for the source of these pills? I don't suppose you're ok with us just confessing."
Miria pursed her lips in contemplation then shrugged.
"Tell them whatever you want. Let them know there are those who don't fall their deceit."
"Their deceit," Samus questioned. "You sure give us a lot of shit for doing our job."
Miria stared at Samus with eyes that actually looked sad.
"I mean you no disrespect hunter. We only want you to trust your instincts again."
Everyone looked like they were listening to a crazy person. The woman actually smiled at that.
"Sorry. That doesn't make much sense does it? I'm referring to your instincts about the organization. The instincts that tell you that you can't trust them. That they aren't really the saviors of the galaxy they claim. The Chozo knew this. You knew this. You still know this, even as you do their bidding."
"Now hang on a second," Cynthia intervened. "The organization gives us the tools to battle the yoma. Without them, we would be overrun. There wouldn't be any intelligent organisms left in the galaxy!"
Miria continued as if Cynthia hadn't spoken.
"There is more to this than most think. You must continue believing in your instincts. Don't let them plant doubt in your mind. Instinct is there for a reason. Listen when it talks to you."
Everyone went silent for a moment. Cynthia broke that silence.
"So the organization is in the wrong? Do you have any proof?"
"None I can show now. If you were willing to come with us though…"
Samus' team looked at her. How were they to respond to that? These two might have saved their lives, but that didn't make them entirely trustworthy. What the hell was she supposed to say?
"N.. No…"
Priscilla had one eye barely open. But apparently she could hear well enough. She reached her hand out and Samus instinctively reach back. However, fear of the poison within her made her stop. But she did agree with Priscilla's decision.
"Apologies. But we don't know you well enough. Whatever else its flaws, the organization has the resources to fight the yoma and phazon."
"You want to know how they got those resources? Do you?"
"Tabitha." Miria gave Tabitha a look which shut her up. Miria continued talking.
"I can't force you against your will. I only ask this. Trust your instincts. Trust your doubt. You are right to doubt. You are right to question."
Samus nodded at that. She couldn't argue there.
"Thank you for your aid. We never would have gotten out of there, captain."
"Please. Miria. Phantom Miria May we meet again, Samus Aran." She turned to walk away. Her teammate, Tabitha, lingered a moment as if struggling to say something.
"So uh….. Nice to meet you. Not a lot of people I've really hoped to meet for some time. But you're definitely one of them."
"Right. Nice to meet you too. Watch your back."
"Thank you. Nice to meet the rest of you as well!"
Cynthia smiled and waved back. Yuma did so with much less enthusiasm.
"Stop… Them…" Priscilla reached her hand out but then grimaced and pulled it back, causing Samus to run to her side.
"Easy Pris. Conserve your strength. We need you. I need you."
That made her smile and close her eyes. Samus looked up from her to Cynthia.
"How far to the meeting point?"
"I'd say about another 8 hours. Perhaps we should make camp here. We don't want to drive in the dark."
"No. We go on. Priscilla can't afford to wait. Yuma get the speeder ready. We're moving out again."
Yuma nodded and checked the device. Samus squeezed Priscilla's hand again.
"I'm not going anywhere Pris. Just hold on."
The number 1 muttered through her pain.
"Damn you Teresa…. Go to hell…"