I know this is a month too late, but happy new year! I apologize for the delay, but like most of you, I've had some tough times recently. Hopefully, this year is better for us all.

As always, thank you to all who read. Especially Spyash2 for their advice.

This chapter title was…. Kind of a cop out. Couldn't think of anything else.

"So, the creature fell on her and you could only stand by and watch?"

"Well, no. I didn't stand. I ran and- "

"Oh? You could run? Then you have no excuse for this. No wonder you're- What was it again? Number 40? Remind me again why we'd trust you with power armor? Were we hoping it might help compensate for your meager rank? Clearly not."

Yuma looked at the ground in shame. She couldn't deny what the man in black said.

"Under you, we've lost two of our best warriors. What genius thought about sending you here?"

"Hey! Give it a rest man!"

The man in black shot an annoyed glare in Anthony's direction.

"This does not concern you captain. You have your own superiors to report to. And be grateful. If you were under our command…" He trailed off.

Anthony took a deep breath. These men in black were even freakier than the claymores in his opinion. They didn't act like ordinary humans. Nor did they resemble them with their yellow eyes and veins.

"Hello? Are you hard of hearing? Leave!"

He shot a sorry look at Yuma and wandered off. Maybe if he reported this to one of his bosses...

"Is this the best your so-called elites can do? Our number 47 is more effective!"

"Our soldiers fought to the last man; with every ounce of bravery, they could muster!"

"And look at all the good it did! All killed off like ants! You are to follow the orders of the warrior in charge at all times!"

"Well, perhaps if you had trained your "warriors" to be leaders as well, they might have communicated effectively!"

"Our warriors are trained in everything! Communication included! They can impersonate a goddamn prostitute if need be! The simple fact is your troops are inferior in every way!"

"Inferior? You have fought these monsters for centuries and can't put them down for good! How good can you be if you're stuck fighting the same foe with no progress?"

This was but one of the many arguments taking place between men in black and federation officers. From the look of things, neither side was happy with the other.

He wandered through the opening gates of the enemy base they had conquered. Fortunately, Samus had managed to turn the tide of battle before her accident.

He heard gunfire off in the distance. A few areas in the base had not yet been cleared out. Monsters continued to defend their nest.

"A travesty isn't it? All these different people unable to work together for the same cause.

He shuddered at the sight of the luminoth floating towards him. The men in black scared him too, but at least they had some resemblance to humanity. These luminoth though…

"It seems your species is quite divided, are they not?"

Anthony raised his eyebrow.

"Species? Not sure I'd call them my species. I mean just look at them!"

"I have. And I still see the same species all around. Just… different."

"Different? You mean unlike you who all appear to look the frigging same?"

The luminoth made an expression that Anthony might have taken to be a smile.

"it's true. We do look the same. We practically all are the same Think the same. We know harmony. Your species is… different. So many shapes and beliefs."

Anthony thought back to his time in the academy. All the people. All their different personalities. Ethnicities. Dreams. Lifestyles.

"It's true. Humans do think differently. It's led to a lot of trouble in our past. But it also makes it more interesting don't you think?"

"Yes. But is that a good thing? Look around. It appears to cause so much damage. You cannot unite against a common enemy when you are at each other's throats."

Anthony didn't have a response to that. He was a soldier, not a diplomat. The moth creature seemed a little smug at this. Damn him!

"A shame the hunter is in deep slumber. As a member of the organization, federation and Chozo, we had hoped she could provide a sense of balance. But after that… speech…. And her current condition, I wonder if there is anyone who can unite this force against our common enemy."

Anthony thought in silence for a moment, but then zeroed in on one particular thing.

"Why mention the Chozo? They're not here."

"True. But they are a remarkable race with whom we share history and much in common. Their disappearance from the galaxy was a terrible loss. Now they live on in that woman. All their hopes and dreams and legacy." The luminoth looked at him intently.

"You are her friend are you not? That gives you great importance."

"I don't really know. It's more like we were in the same place and time. And importance? I'm no claymore. I'm just another grunt. I have no great power."

"Great power alone does not make someone important. Leadership and empathy can make one great as well."

"Higgs," called oud Admiral Dane. "We're having a meeting with Rimuto. Head on over."

The luminoth nodded at him and floated past him.

Anthony looked at the chaos around him. The arguments and discord.

Could he or anyone possibly fix this?

…

"Hey uh… Ilena? Irene? Whatever! Where are you?"

"Captain Sid, is it wise to call out? We might attract the attention of those creatures?"

"How else are we going to let them know where we are? Our signal's dead down here."

"Perhaps, but others can hear us too. Do we want to risk that?"

Sid groaned in frustration but nodded at the woman that she had a point. The same woman who had been giving him hell about his comments over women was now his only reliable ally in this miserable sewer. Fate loved its little ironies it seemed.

"Goddess, what a bad hand I've been dealt today huh? I heard these claymores were the cream of the crop. And the first time I get to properly work with them, one of them goes berserk! Tell me again why they're supposed to be worthy allies?"

"Are you kidding? Did you see their power? The way they took down those bloggs? We never would have stood a chance without them!"

"Sure. Might have been easier to appreciate that before they…. What was the word? Awakened? And tried to kill us. That kind of behavior tends to overshadow whatever good someone might have done."

"True. That woman's awakening was terrifying but at the same time… I don't know. It made me feel remorse. Respect even!"

"Respect for the monster with blades for arms? Care to explain?"

"You don't get it? Think about it! They have to fight with themselves every day! Work their damn hardest to keep themselves from turning into that! Can you imagine the stress? The pressure?"

"Well. No. I don't suppose I can."

"No! None of us can! It's such a huge burden! No wonder they all seem so sad…"

"Sad? How can you tell? I don't think they show any emotion."

"And they chose you to be a captain…" The woman shook her head. "Trust me. As one woman to another, I can tell. They show it in their body language. Their sorrow."

"Woman's intuition and all that? Please. These aren't just woman. They're- "

"Something more? True. They are. Hmm." The woman paused in thought.

"I don't like that look you're giving."

"I'm just thinking. They're all woman. Why is that?"

Sid shrugged.

"It goes poorly with men. I guess they all awaken like that woman in the power suit did. Whereas only some women awaken."

"Because they're stronger?"

"What? Don't be ridiculous! Men are just as strong as woman! Stronger even in many cases. Such as yours truly!"

"Hah! You're hilarious! But it's true isn't it? Woman can resist the urge. Men can't. Think they'd take me?"

"You? I told you not to be ridiculous!"

"Why not?"

"You'd never be up to the challenge! And would you want to? Most of these chicks die young or turn into monsters!"

"Yes, but it's for a good cause! They fight so we can sleep better at night! I mean, honestly! Why didn't we join forces with them before?"

"Probably because those guys in black give off a bad vibe. What's with those eyes?"

"I kinda like them! Not the men. The women. Gives off a nice grey."

"Oh, yeah? How about when they glow yellow?"

"Well…. Ok. Maybe not so good. But otherwise pretty-"

The woman suddenly had her entire top half ripped off. His eyes widened in shock as he followed the trail of blood and the creature with bladed arms running off into the darkness of the sewer tunnel.

Sid stared after the creature and opened his mouth to scream.

A hand clapped over said mouth.

"Stow it," Ilena/Irene whispered in his ear.

She dragged him along with her into the dark.

…

"Raki? That's your name?" Jean didn't sound convinced

"Yeah. I know."

"That's all? Just Raki?"

"I uh…. Well, that's… See, I don't remember my family's last name. I only remember my first."

"Don't remember it? Wait. Is your family…"

"Dead. Yes. Killed by yoma." He paused in thought.

"My brother was replaced by a yoma. It killed my whole family except for me."

"Why not you? Did a fellow warrior defeat it?"

"You mean a Claymore? No. We didn't have the money. We had to kill it ourselves."

Jean's eyebrows raised.

"Humans defeated it? A yoma? That's… Well, that's quite impressive."

Raki scoffed.

"Hardly. Took out nearly the entire town. We didn't have the proper equipment or training of any kind to take these things down."

"Still. Very impressive. You should take pride in your achievement."

"Achievement?" The man looked away at Clare. "There were five of us left. Five out of an entire village."

Clare had her usual stoic face on that she wore when she wasn't with Samus or Ophelia. But Jean had spent enough time with warriors to tell that under the surface, she was paying attention to the soldier's story with sympathy.

"After that, the federation finally bothered to come in and provide us aid. Which they did by quaranting us. After I finally got out, I swore I'd never be that weak again." He sighed. "I learned rather quickly that wouldn't be the case. Weakest in the group. Never top dog. Never the hero. I'm just he backup for the real warriors."

Clare clenched her fist at that. Thinking of her own physical inferiority.

"And it seems even those real warriors are just back up to you huh? I mean what you did against that thing was… Well, amazing."

"Hell, yeah it was," chirped up Helen from across the room. "Me especially! Did you see the way I took that bastard's- Ow! Deneve! Gentle!"

"I am being gentle. It's you who needs to stop being so sensitive,"

Raki smirked at this but then whipped back around to Jean with a serious look on his face.

"Having seen what you can do, I have a real question. Why haven't you helped us before? Why haven't the organization and federation worked together until now?"

"Because you'd only get in the way."

"Ophelia," Clare warned. She didn't listen.

"What? Let's not kid ourselves. You said it yourself boy. Regular humans are nothing compared to us. It took a whole village to kill one measly yoma! What good are you against an awakened being?"

"Me? Well, probably not much. But others- "

"What others? Other humans? Not possible boy. You'd all just get in the way. That's why the organization never bothered with you. We don't need your help."

Everyone looked incredibly uncomfortable at that. Except Raki who seemed pretty content.

"It's true. You really don't. We just get in the way. I mean. I honestly don't understand why- "

"Why they have you working with us and getting in our way? Good question. I have no idea why the organization has suddenly decided to start playing footsie with you regulars. I mean, you treat us like inhuman garbage and take us for granted. You never see us as equals. Why should we do the same for you?"

"Ophelia," Jean warned.

"I mean look at me? Do I look like I need help? Do I!?"

"Ophelia!"

Clare ran over and grabbed Ophelia's shoulders. She'd been shaking a bit as she yelled. Helen threw her a look.

"Boy, what a bitch. It's some kind of sick joke for her to have that much power."

The other warriors looked at each other. Their expressions told the same thing. Flora stood up.

"Perhaps I should report back to the organization about our work here. And the condition of the ship."

Jean seemingly snapped to attention.

"Yes. Thank you for reminding me Flora. The federation would like to regain any ships they can. Apparently, they're somewhat strapped for cash these days."

"Yes," Raki nodded. "We have had some problem in recent years." He pursed his lips. "Not at all like the organization it seems."

"Yep. We're rolling in money," Helen quipped. "So many yoma, you know? They just never stop coming! Good for us, huh?"

While the other claymores stared at her in confusion, Raki's eyes lit up as if realizing something.

"What's wrong with you," asked Clare.

"Nothing. I'm just expressing myself. Getting tired of putting up with these wimps."

"What wimps? What are you- Hmm?"

Ophelia reached out with her lips and closed them around Clare's.

"Ophi. Please, not now." She pulled away but Ophelia held her close.

"I love how you're all cold and distant with everyone else. But with me…" She grinned. "You're like putty in my hand."

"What was that? Your yoki went all haywire. I've never felt it like that before."

"Oh, just the frustration of listening to that rookie. Goddess. Why do they make us work together?"

"That wasn't frustration. That was something else. In fact, this isn't the first time I've felt this from you. What's going on?"

"Nothing! Nothing! Come on babe! You know me! Is there anything I can't handle?"

"Uh…"

"Goddess. This is why I don't like you hanging out with others. They give you these weird ideas. Look there's nothing for you to worry about. Honest!"

Clare wanted to debate more but was interrupted by Windcutter Flora.

"I'm sorry to interrupt this…. Whatever this is. But we need your help preparing the ship for federation reclamation."

Ophelia grumbled.

"Pfft. Grunt work. Hardly fit for a warrior."

"Ophi."

"Oh fine. Anything for you momma's girl. Let's get this shit over with."

She strode past them leaving Flora with Clare.

"Ophi," asked Flora.

Clare blushed.

…

"How is she? Well, they I suppose."

Cynthia looked at Yuma grimly.

"Well, they haven't gotten worse. Haven't gotten better either."

She spoke truly. The veins remained blue, but they hadn't expanded. Yet Samus and Priscilla remained comatose.

"I've been able to manipulate the yoki in their veins which has seemingly kept this… substance confined. But it's not enough to wake them up. I can't see any way to do it."

Yuma looked over the two sleeping women. The strongest women she ever knew reduced to this state with no sign of waking up. It was not great for morale.

"If they can't resist this. What chance have we?"

"Not much."

Yuma looked in despair at her comrade.

"You're usually so cheery."

"Usually, yes. But sometimes it's good to be up front and honest. The first step to fixing a problem is accepting the nature of the problem."

Yuma looked at her power cannon. All of a sudden, it felt heavy and out of place on her.

"I think this is wasted on me. It should be used for a hero like them. Not me."

Cynthia placed a hand on her friend's shoulder.

"At the moment, that may be true. But it doesn't have to always be true. You can prove yourself worthy. I mean, look at me. I never would have imagined I would make it to my ranking. Most thought I was destined to remain a low ranker. But I pulled myself together and proved them wrong. You can do the same."

Yuma snorted.

"Off to a great start so far."

"Well, if it's any consolation, I'm not feeling very special myself. All that training can't wake these two up."

"Well, that's why I'm here."

"Galatea! Thank you for coming!"

"How could I refuse a chance to help the great hunter?" Galatea returned Cynthia's hug then turned to the two sleeping women.

"Their auras feel…. Off. That's to be expected of course but… It feels like those others. The ones from the mine."

Both Cynthia and Yuma shuddered.

"I remember those auras," Cynthia said. "They were so powerful. And yet so… Unnatural. All these years later, I've never felt anything like them."

"It gets weirder. Their auras are pulsing at the same beat. Same time. Can you look at their breathing?"

Yuma did as asked and indeed saw something even odder if that was possible at this point.

"They're breathing. At… The same time?"

Cynthia placed her hands on each of their necks.

"And their pulse is in tune with each other. Exactly the same."

Galatea couldn't prevent a slight smile forming on her face. Her comrades noticed.

"Sorry. It's just… This is fascinating. It's like they're one perfect being. Operating together. It's almost beautiful."

"Yes," Cynthia concurred. "I suppose it is."

Yuma felt something else. Fear.

…

"So, that was her sister huh? That uh…. That sucks."

"That doesn't do it justice," responded Ilena/Irene. She looked past Sid to the base of the nearby tree. She had a hand on her chest as her veins bulged.

"What exactly is wrong with her? Is she going to… Awaken too?"

"She is certainly close to doing so. She is using large amounts of yoki to try and bring her sister back. But she has so far proven unsuccessful. Perhaps the distance has something to do with it."

"Right. I'd like to keep my distance from that thing personally. How is she supposed to unawaken her anyway? I thought once you crossed the line, that's it. No coming back."

"Most of the time yes. Unless there is a human consciousness to pull them back. At least that has been the theory for some time. The plan was to link their auras so as to give one control to pull someone back from the brink. But it never worked. Apparently up until now, all the recipients lost control."

"Seems kind of stupid to send another out into the field then. And I heard these men in black were smart."

"That would have been the case until now. Until this moment, none have worked. Until Alicia and Beth here. They were twins, so they automatically had a similar aura. That made it easier to influence each other. But it still wasn't enough. Not until Samus gave us access to her armor."

"Ah yes. Aran's infamous suit. I gotta tell you. You ain't the only ones who want one for themselves. The federation would kill for something like that. Especially that trick where she turns into a ball and drops bombs behind her. How the hell does that work?"

"I'm… not sure. But according to Samus, the suit is like a second skin. One that greatly helps you manage your own aura. That added benefit has given the twins the added boost they need to pull someone back to their human form."

"Really? Could've fooled me. Doesn't seem like she's having much luck with that."

Beth opened her eyes and looked their way with dismay.

"She… Won't listen. Why won't she listen? She listened before!"

Ilena/Irene looked over Beth's armor.

"Perhaps there's some defect in the system. We need to get this looked at. Perhaps Samus could do a look over."

"No…. Not without my sister…"

An explosion ringed out in the distance. Followed by roars. The three looked at each other.

"Time to go," Sid said.

"How good that we see eye to eye. Help her back to the ship. I'll take point."

"Alicia…." Beth rose to her feet. "She's in trouble…"

"And you'll be too if you go over there. So, don't all right?"

"Sister! I'm coming!"

"No, I said, don't go! Damn it! Listen to me!"

Beth did not listen to him. Rather she dashed off into the brush.

"Damn fool," Ilena/Irene muttered. "Just like Priscilla. I'll get her back. Go get the ship and bring it to our location. Open the lower hatch when you swing overhead. I'll jump in with her."

"That sounds… Pretty crazy. Are you sure- "

"Positive. Now go."

"Wait! And there she goes. Some team we make. Can things get any worse?"

The growls in the surrounding trees confirmed his fears. From the darkness emerged Grenchlers. Amphibious predators on two feet with multiple eyes…. And razor-sharp teeth.

"Uh… Ilena? Irene? Care to explain why you didn't take care of these things? Hello?"

He cursed and raised his gun. The creatures came close. All of them salivating.

Then they died. All their heads came off one after the other. By... Something?

He stared around. He saw nothing. He did hear something though.

"Don't hold her responsible. They have no aura. So, she couldn't sense them. No need to go for your vessel by the way. I have my own.

"What the fuck!? Who!?"

Another silver eyed woman showed herself. One with spiky hair. And some strange kind of black armor.

"A phantom. Sent to save you."

Sid groaned.

"I should have been an accountant."

…

"So, it seems we've got this ship pretty much fixed up," said Helen as she walked into the command room of the federation ship. "Although, I do have to say, I'm a little disappointed with the food selection."

"Your appetite is quite remarkable for one of our kind," Flora said with astonishment. "Most of us only need to eat a little bit here and there."

"Hey, when you have as much yoma energy as me, you gotta eat!"

"Ok, great!" Ophelia clapped her hands. "Now that we've fixed this thing up, can I please go hunt something else? Preferably without apple girl?"

"Fine by me crazy," Helen smirked. "I've had enough of you for a lifetime."

"So, uh. You're taking off?"

Ophelia smirked at Raki's puppy eyes in Clare's direction.

"Yes, good sir. Our work here is done, and we must part to find new monsters to smash."

And you'll never see Clare again you leech, she thought to herself.

Reality seemed to have it out for her though.

"We have a problem."

Everyone turned to Jean as she walked back into the command room.

"You bet we do!" Helen huffed and threw her chicken bone away. "Food's all cold."

"I… Yes, I suppose that is something of a problem. But the problem I'm referring to is the state of our transport. It appears that creature fried the engines. We can't take off."

Both Helen and Ophelia groaned and spoke in unison.

"You mean I'm stuck with this crazy bitch even longer!?"

"Isn't the armored warrior skilled with engineering," asked Flora.

"Clare is doing what she can. But the vessel is in bad shape. Whether or not we can fix it, it may take some time before we can depart."

Ophelia grumbled about the lack of combat while Helen grumbled about the poor food choice.

"Hey! We don't have to wait for that!"

"Human, you're talking," Ophelia muttered. "I think something's wrong with you.

"Ophelia," reprimanded Jean. "Raki. Please continue."

"We've got this ship more or less up and running. It'll need proper specialists to kink out the remaining bugs. But we've got enough to get it moving. We can fly it back to your base. It would probably be good for me to get some firsthand view."

"I'm all for it."

Clare walked in with grime on her face. She noticed Ophelia's betrayed expression at her agreement.

"What? We are trying to build alliances with the federation, right? Any way to move forward to that goal should be embraced, correct?"

Raki stood up at that and saluted her.

"I couldn't have said it better Cla- Maam."

Ophelia growled.

…

Anthony watched the tent with raised eyebrows as Rimuto, the leader of the organization, walked out with rare frustration on his face. Looking around, the soldier snuck inside.

"Captain Higgs! So nice to see you. Why the subtlety?"

"Uh… I dunno. Just figured your boss wouldn't want a regular human walking in here."

"I'm Yuma! That's Cynthia!"

He blushed and looked towards the newcomer. A long-haired woman with strange eyes. He looked closer. His eyes widened.

"They were cut by yoma. Name's Galatea. I owe my life to the hunter, so I'm all too happy to aid her."

Galatea had her hands on either side of Samus' head. The hunter's eyes were closed. But blue veins ran up and down her face.

"It's unsettling to see her like this. She was always so strong. So, determined. To see her like this…"

"I know," Cynthia agreed. "It's hard. And there's nothing we can do. All our training and skills have failed us."

Anthony rubbed his forehead.

"Mine too. I'm totally out of my element here."

"You all are."

Everyone jumped and turned to the silver-eyed woman in the back. Galatea in particular.

"How- How did you get in here without me sensing? Hell, I still can't sense you!"

"It's my skill. I have worked hard to mask my aura. No easy task."

"I remember you," Cynthia interjected. "Tabitha, right? You saved us from that lion. You're not with the organization."

"No. I was saved by another group. One that seeks the truth about the organization. After much time, we believe we've found that truth."

"Really? Do go on."

"No. Not here. Too many eyes and ears. And we need to help them." She gestured to the sleeping warriors.

"You can't help them. But we can."

"And who exactly is you work for," asked Cynthia. "Don't get me wrong. We appreciate you saving our lives, but we don't know enough about you to fully trust you. And even if we wanted to come, our leaders would not allow it."

"We're aware of that. Which is why we've decided to remove the problem of choice. You don't get a choice. You all must have your eyes opened. You all must see the truth."

That's when they heard the screams from outside. Everyone turned towards the entrance except Galatea.

"You brought friends?"

Tabitha nodded sadly.

"It wasn't my idea, but the master was insistent. They'll cover our exit."

Anthony backed up nervous. This was not what he had signed up for. He continued walking backwards until he hit something.

He didn't have to turn to. He could hear the creature's growling. He merely kept his eyes trained on Tabitha. She stared back in silence.

"I'm sorry."

"I don't understand," said Cynthia. "Why didn't you just capture us before?"

"We didn't have enough with us at the time. And we wanted to stay on the hunter's good side. But now that both she and your number one are affected, we need to take harsher methods."

She walked towards the entrance past the awakened beings. She looked out both ways.

"It's time. Time for you to learn the truth."

…

Ilena/Irene had seen much in her many years. Epic battles between monsters of inhuman strength. Friends dying in droves. Ridicule from the humans she was tasked to save. But this still stood out.

The swamp shuddered with the power of two clashing beasts of unlimited power. She had to constantly move to avoid the waves being sloshed about from the force of their clash.

One creature she didn't recognize. A bipedal lion with incredible speed who could extend his claws into long tentacles. Judging by his facial expression, he was having the time of his life.

His opponent was the same hunched over creature with a blade on one arm and a power cannon on the other. And however much the lion was enjoying this struggle, his opponent was clearly superior.

Ilena/Irene ducked out of the way as the lion was flung against the trees behind her. The lion breathed heavily and turned his eyes to her.

"Another poor soul waiting to be freed from her humanity. Well, I'm afraid you'll have to wait your turn."

He rose back to his feet and leaped over the creature rushing him.

"Alicia?"

The creature turned towards her. She saw no recognition in those cold eyes. She raised her power cannon to her.

Ilena/Irene's eyes widened. Fortunately, another attack from the lion's claws got between them and drew Alicia's gaze away.

"We have unfinished business! Don't you dare ignore me!"

Alicia complied and rushed at him again. Ilena/Irene felt herself overwhelmed by the sensations she was experiencing.

"Alicia…. Please…. Come back to me…."

Beth stood nearby in the overgrowth. She held her hands out as she attempted to call her sister back from the edge. She didn't appear to have any effect on Alicia. She did however seem to be impacting her own stability. Ilena/Irene felt her releasing insane amounts of yoki.

With few options left, Ilena/Irene made her way over to Beth and placed her hand on her shoulder. This caused the number 3 to jump. She'd been so focused on her sister that she hadn't felt anything else approaching.

"In all likelihood, she'll beat him. Even if she doesn't, she should beat him down enough for us to finish him off."

Beth nodded. A faint smile formed on her face.

"When the fight is done, I want you to shut her down with that emergency backup they installed. It will hurt. But it's better than losing her."

Beth's smile faded and she nodded sadly.

And as if right on cue, Alicia was knocked a great distance by the smirking lion.

"You've proven entertaining. I haven't had such trouble since…. Isley himself. Until you I've only fought weaklings. So, thanks for this little diversion."

Alicia paused and charged her power cannon. The lion extended his claws towards her. She formed herself into a power ball and ducked under it. With inhuman speed, she changed back to her regular form and fired her power blast at the beast.

The beast screamed and fled in terror. Alicia herself reared to the skies roaring in triumph. Then she turned her attention back to her comrades.

"Now Beth. Now!"

Beth closed her eyes and tried to implement the process. But it was taking too long. And Alicia was too fast.

Ilena/Irene took a stance and readied herself to fight the creature off. Alicia stopped just before her though and turned around to the new figure who had just appeared.

A spiky haired woman with silver eyes held some sort of recording device on her wrist. From it emitted a haunting yet mesmerizing sound. It soothed the beast in them all. Especially the awakened creature.

This bought enough time for Beth to complete her task.

Alicia's suit glowed with a strange light. Her already tired eyes closed, and she fell over onto her side.

Beth fell to the ground, exhausted but relieved. Her sister was still awakened. But under some measure of control.

"That was a rather curious trick you used there," Ilena/Irene said to the newcomer. "I would've liked to think the organization would give us such a useful device for such a situation."

"The organization didn't make this device," the newcomer replied. "This was made by other Chozo in cooperation with a rogue group of luminoth. Sadly, they were eliminated, and it never saw the light of day. Until we discovered it."

"We? And who would we be? Not the organization?"

The newcomer grimaced.

"We would never ally ourselves with such villains. No. We serve another group."

Ilena/Irene placed her hand on her sword hilt.

"And what group would that be?"

"You'll find out soon enough. Come. Noel and Sophia are waiting for you."

Ilena/Irene's eyes flashed yellow and she strode forward with her sword drawn.

"What have you done to them!?"

Just before she reached the woman she seemingly vanished into thin air.

She looked all around for her but found her gaze drawn to the sky where a massive ship had suddenly shown itself.

"We haven't hurt them. We wouldn't want to sacrifice potential witnesses to the truth and future allies."

The woman had reappeared next to Beth with her hand on her shoulder. Ilena/Irene stared shocked.

"How… How did you do that? You just disappeared into thin air!"

The newcomer smiled.

"A magician never reveals her tricks."

…

"Uh, is that the base," Raki asked.

"Yes," Jean replied. "Though I admit, it's seen better days."

"I disagree." Ophelia grinned. "Ships attacking mean more chance to fight."

"And more deaths," Flora responded. "Is battle truly all you care about?"

"Stop." Jean raised a hand. "I don't want any more fighting. I need us all united. Now, let's discus strategy…"

That plan immediately fell apart as their ship rocked from another ship impacting them.

"Great." Deneve drew both her swords. "And here I was hoping for peace and quiet."

"That's boring," said Helen. "Let's kill!"

"It's rare for us to agree," said Ophelia. "But for once that's the case! Let's go!"

"Uh… What should I do," asked Raki.

"Stay here and maintain control of ship. Clare you stay too and- "

She never got to tell Clare what she should do because the ground began shaking. The warriors began shaking in terror.

"Do you feel that! It's huge. I think we're in for a bad time…."

As if on cue, the door was torn off its handles and something moved through the room faster than the human eye could process.

Raki had blinked in fright after the door came off. One blink later and all the warriors were lying on the ground.

He stared in shock as a massive bipedal creature stood in the doorway. It had all the standard traits of a monster. Claws. Teeth. Powerful muscles. What stood out though was its head. Its head was… a brain. Literally a brain. With one eye. And that eye was trained on him.

"I sense no aura from you. You're not one of us, are you?"

The man quivered in fear as he reached down towards his holster.

His opponent was much too fast, however. With the same blinding speed, she'd used to take out the claymores, she grabbed him around the throat and lifted him into the air.

"A mere human traveling with monsters such as these?" The creature sounded amused. "It's like you're begging to be dinner."

"Luciela! Enough!"

The creature's eye softened. At least he though it did. Hard to tell. The grip around his throat did loosen a bit though as another silver-eyed woman came in. Like the creature holding him, she only had one eye. In her case, it was because her other eye was gauged out. And in its place lay a hideous scar.

"We talked about this. We do not hurt warriors. Or do you want to lose me again?"

"This isn't a warrior! It's just a snack! Can't I just have a bite out him?"

"No. If he's with them, he's off limits. Put him down."

The creature sighed and dropped him to the ground. He crawled away in terror.

Clare raised her head and glared at Rafaela with what strength she had left.

"Why? How could you?"

Rafaela looked away ashamed.

"I had a choice for her. Love or death. I choose love."

"At what cost…."

Luciela reached down and lifted all the warriors over her shoulders.

"These ones will make fine additions to our little army. Don't you fret. We respect our warriors. Unlike those bastards in black."

"No. We had a deal. They do not awaken. You promised me that. And you owe me."

The creature sighed. But nodded.

"Oh, of course. For you I'd do anything you know that. But I'm afraid it's too late for this one." She nodded at Ophelia. "She's already crossed her limit."

Ophelia's eyes shot open.

"WHAT!?"