Still here. Sorry for the delay. Life sucks.
"Pris. Steady there."
"Steady? Steady!? She's there! Right there! Asleep!"
"We don't know that- "
"We do! We do know that! You can feel her aura! Her stench! She must die!"
"How is this possible?" Samus stared befuddled at the sleeping woman in the tube. The one who just minutes ago had them trapped in an insane world in the mind and more or less at her mercy.
"Simple, really. I put her there."
A powerful aura shot up from behind them. They jumped slightly. Caught off guard. Both wheeled around. Weapons drawn.
"The hunter. A claymore with full body armor. And Priscilla. An unstable number one who can hide her aura. Such waves you've been making in the galaxy. Almost as much as her."
The man before them certainly didn't look like a monster. With his long hair and kind smile, he actually looked quite approachable. But the immense aura radiating off him reminded them otherwise. Only a select few creatures could give off that kind of energy.
"You're an abyssal one," Priscilla spat.
"Indeed," the man responded politely. "Can you guess which one?"
"Well since you've got a weapon in your hand and between your legs, I'm guessing… Isley the silver King," Samus mused.
The man laughed. A polite non malicious laugh. It made him scarier in their eyes.
"Very good. You've done your history. I've heard the organization doesn't bother to tell soldiers that unless they're of a certain rank. Almost like they don't care."
"You by contrast have shown great care. Care for fellow monsters," snarked Priscilla.
"I might have a little fondness. The poor woman has been through quite a lot. You two and her have much in common. Perhaps that's why you were so hard to pull out of her grasp. She must have really liked you."
"Liked us? Strange way to show it!"
"Why is she here" Samus interjected."
"Not of her own will. We heard of Riful's activity on Tallon IV. So, we thought we'd pay her a little visit. Can't have her breaking the fragile treaty, we abyssals have had going for so long can we?"
"But we beat you to it," Samus stated more than asked.
"Indeed. While many of my brothers were angry we missed the fight, I for one appreciate you saving us the effort. We arrived at the remnants of the mine. Quite an impressive accomplishment. Many were tempted to turn to Riful's side after a look around."
"She didn't make it. She just found it."
"I thought as much. Riful was a skilled warrior. Not inventor. She nor her… Partner. Anyway, by the time we arrived, the organization had already looted the place. But at the very bottom of the rubble, we found this poor soul and three others who we had heard were long dead. Yet there they were. Merely unconscious. The poison within them active."
"And you brought them here," Priscilla shouted. "You didn't think to kill them then and there?"
"One of us tried actually. From Teresa's body, a blue tendril struck. A few more tried. And died. Eventually we decided harm wasn't an option. When we simply moved her, it seemed to not have an effect. We decided it was too risky to attempt further action and kept them in stasis here."
"You choose to keep her here in the sanctuary fortress? A luminoth hold?"
"Oh, I've had control of this place for some time. The Luminoth have access to such amazing tech. Almost comparable to the Chozo, no?"
He stared at Samus. She frowned. What did he want her to say?
"Well of course. They were allies. They shared many things, including much of their technology."
"And their history as well. They might have spread out somewhat after a time. But they share many of the same successes and tragedies."
"To a point, yes. They scoured the boundaries of this galaxy and beyond. They did many good things for the universe."
"And many terrible things. Remember the metroids?"
Samus inhaled deeply.
"Yes. I am aware of that. It's true that- "
"Enough," Priscilla interrupted. "I apologize Samus, but… You. Why are we here? Why did you capture us? You're a monster! A criminal! An enemy of the organization and the galaxy!"
Isley didn't seem fazed one bit by any of those statements.
"Guilty as charged. Of course, I wasn't always this way. Once I was like you. She was like you. The best warriors of our generations. Models to look up to. Inspirational. What happened to us could have happened to anyone."
"You're not just anyone. You're monsters."
Isley raised an eyebrow.
"And so were the majority of warriors who ever lived. They were brave noble people who gave it their all. Fought with all their might. And they succumbed to something they had no control over. Does that not make them more victims than monsters?"
"When a warrior awakens, their soul is shattered. All traces of their old self is extinguished. What remains is a bloodthirsty shell, hellbent on destruction. We're not killing a friend or sister in arms. We're killing an impostor in their skin!"
Isley turned to Samus.
"And if your beloved here were to awaken, what then? Would you kill her without a second thought?"
Both their faces flashed cherry red.
"Be- Beloved!? What madness are you babbling about?"
"Is she not your beloved? Does she not occupy your thoughts? Does she not stick by your side nearly every second of every day?"
"Tha- That doesn't make her beloved! It makes her a sister! I- Samus, my dear- I- I mean my friend! Please ignore this beast! He seeks to drive us apart! Take you from me!"
"Take her from you? Interesting."
Samus retained her usual stoic expression through this admittedly amusing act of drama. She already knew Priscilla's feelings. She'd been exposed to their full force when their minds were one. She hadn't had any time to process the best reaction to this information.
"In any case, I apologize. All descriptions of your… closeness suggested something deeper. But- Never mind. It's clear the organization has done quite well with you. That you would volunteer to kill someone you trust with your life. And they call us monsters."
"Even if the organization isn't perfect, they keep the galaxy safe from monsters like you," Priscilla spat. "Monsters who terrorize and devour the innocent. You and Teresa deserve each other."
"Perhaps we do. After all, we're both fulfilling the purpose the organization intended for us. The perfect weapon. That's what they always wanted. The goal of their centuries wide scam."
"What in goddess's name are you talking about? I just told you. The purpose of the organization is protection of the galaxy from beats like you!"
"Indeed, you believe that. No questioning from you. No debate. Your mind is made up. But what about you, hunter? Child of the Chozo? Do you not question this group of mysterious men to whom you've pledged your soul?"
Samus' silence made Priscilla's jaw drop.
"Samus! Of course, you don't question! Right?"
"Enough. It's time we discussed this in a more appropriate place. Come. Let me open your eyes.
….
"I am not a monster! I am not an awakened being! That bitch is lying!"
"That bitch is right here," Rafaela responded from the cockpit. Her choice to not look back at Ophelia only enraged her more.
"Look at me when I talk to you! Don't you dare fucking ignore me!"
Rafaela sighed and turned to the children bound and tied to their seats.
"I am not ignoring you. I was simply not looking at you.
"Why? Can't look out of shame? Traitor!"
Though she kept her face stoic, Clare could indeed see shame etched in Rafaela's expression.
"Indeed. I am a traitor. Whichever choice I made; I would be a traitor. Either to my job, or to my blood. My sister."
"And so, you choose your sister? A monster?"
Rafaela paused.
"Yes. A monster. But is that not what we all are? Monsters in human suits? Are we not forced to deny our true selves all the time?"
"Our true selves? Beasts with no humanity? That's our true selves?"
"Certainly yours," Rafaela responded. "Bloodlust drives you."
"And it will continue to drive you. Quite a force you'll be. Nothing next to me though."
A woman with brown hair in a red dress walked into the passenger area. Her hair was done into buns. She gave off a powerful aura.
"Damn," Helen whistled. "If I didn't have Deneve… Uh, I mean… Forget I said that babe, ok?"
"Sure," Deneve replied. "I'll just put it in the box of nonsense Helen says on a regular basis."
"Who are you," Clare asked. While the others found themselves scurrying backwards, she and Ophelia stood their ground.
The regal woman smiled and leaned in, placing her hand on Clare's cheek.
"You may not remember me. But I remember you my dear. Even with that new hair and eye color, I recognize the same innocence."
"Innocence?"
"Through my haze as your adoptive mother and her fellow kidnappers brought me aboard her ship, I saw your face. I've forgotten many faces in my endlessly long life. But yours is recent. And the way you looked at that woman: That half Chozo creature- "
"Don't you dare call her a creature!" Clare made a move towards her but was stopped by Rafaela's hand on her shoulder.
"Luci. Don't antagonize them."
"Luci?" Ophelia's face began to contort with anger. "Luciela!? Awakened being!?"
Light began flaring about her. Her eyes turned yellow.
"Ophi, no!" Clare placed her arms around her lover in a vain attempt to calm her down. "You're nearing your limit! You need to stop!"
"Let her do it," Luciela said. "She already passed her limit long ago. Her passing the point of no return is only a matter of time."
"No," Ophelia howled. "I am not awakening! I am not a monster!"
"Not yet," Luciela hummed.
"Luci. We had an agreement."
"And I'm keeping it! Haven't touched the little rascals! No matter how hard they make it. Of course, it'll be hard to make the others do the same."
"Others?" Ophelia's eyes began looking about wildly. "More monsters?"
"We have a meeting with some. It appears the galaxy is in a state of emergency and the federation is quite unable to deal with it. So, we'll be doing their job for them."
"What does that mean?"
"You'll see soon enough dearies. Just play nice and who knows? You may get to see your dear hunter again before long!"
"You… Don't you dare…"
"Fear not! From what I hear, the plan isn't to hurt her! I'm all delighted to meet her anyway! As long as she's willing to play along, we should all be set to meet her before long!"
Clare couldn't question that as she was forced to hold Ophelia back. Rafaela approached. Looking somewhat nervous.
"There may be a way to keep her from changing. Completely anyway."
"How!? How!? Please, I don't care what I have to do!"
"Wow," Helen wondered. "Why does she care so much about that bitch. She's never done anything for her."
Deneve shook her head. "You're blind dear."
"You know how number 2 and 3 are linked by the power suits Samus helped build? They use those suits to keep each other's energy in check and never let their humanity completely falter."
"You think I could do something like that with Ophelia?"
" I am not trusting you with anything!"
"Ophi. We don't have a lot of choices. We have to take help where we can get it."
She growled but didn't say anything further. Rafaela did.
"I know… I- "
"Rafaela, if you're going to apologize, save it. You made your choice. Now live with it. We are no longer sisters."
Her one eye showed sadness, but she nodded and returned to flying.
All Clare could do was hold her beloved close and wait what appeared to be a bleak future. She'd never prayed before. But the temptation was strong right now.
….
"O-Lir. We have guests seeking enlightenment."
O-Lir as Isley addressed him was to Samus' surprise not another awakened being but rather a Luminoth. He floated as his kind did above the ground at the edge of the platform. He was staring out into the beyond. In the valley below could be seen hundreds of glowing lights. Signs of a city? Couldn't be determined from this distance.
"Is that all the guests, monster? Or do you have someone else you're having fun with? Hidden away for you to torment?"
"Come now. Monster? Is that any way to address your creation?"
"Not my creation. I was not there."
"Your kind did. This place was one of the first factories. Or was it the first? Is this where the first failure died in its tube?"
"Enough of this nonsense!"
"Pris. Calm down."
"No! I'm tired of this! Why are we here? Why are we not killing these monsters?"
"These," Isley asked with some amusement. "If I'm one such monster, who are the others? O-Lir here? Alicia?"
"Alicia?"
They suddenly recognized the even more powerful aura. They turned to see one of the twins bearing power armor. Number 3 Beth or Number 2 Alicia. She was sitting down next to…. Some black hunched humanoid with a blade in place of her left hand. The rest of her body was covered by power suit. Galatea stood on its opposite side with her hand placed upon its forehead. Samus could sense her manipulating yoki energy. The other claymores kept their distance. Bewilderment and fear on their faces.
"Alicia?" Samus took a step back.
"Remarkable isn't she," Commented Isley. "A fusion of metal and bone. Strong enough to be another abyssal one if you ask me. And an ideal candidate for the war. Everything you ever wanted, correct Luminoth?"
O-Lir didn't respond. But his face reeked of guilt.
"Her strength is remarkable. No doubt. I've seen it myself."
"Sid? Galk? Oh, for the love of…. Anthony…"
"Hiya princess! Weird the places we meet huh? "
"Getting humans involved," Priscilla growled. "Or do you hope to use them as leverage against us? Either way, you really are the lowest, Silver King."
"Oh, I have no intent to use them against anyone. As members of the galactic federation however, it seems only fair for this lot to witness the truth."
"Oh, I think, we've grasped the truth quite well," mumbled Sid. He appeared exhausted and was wrapped in bandages. A prize from his recent adventures. "We're clearly out of our depth here. Untrained and unable to deal with these monsters. As much as I hate to admit it, We need the organization. Creepy men in black and all."
Priscilla seemed relieved at someone speaking her language.
"That was the plan," Said O-Lir.
"Plan?"
"They wanted the federation to see the beast's power. To feel powerless. To believe their only chance is to give the organization their complete faith."
"And they had the perfect mascot," Miria interjected while looking at Samus. "The hunter. A member of both the federation and the organization. A bridge between two vastly separate groups. "
"Shit!" Sid literally jumped in the air. "Don't sneak up on us like that!"
"I've been here the entire time."
Sid opened his mouth to respond but caught himself, sighed and hung his head in shame.
"I'm one of the best soldiers in the federation. Decorated and respected for my service. I've fought in some of the worst places in the galaxy against impossible odds."
He took a deep breath.
"And next to even the weakest claymore, I'm nothing. We can't beat these beasts. Whatever they've done, we need the organization. "
"The organization makes these beasts."
Everyone turned to Miria. Her right-hand Tabitha frowned.
" Captain isn't that a bit… sudden?"
"No. It's why they're here. To hear the truth isn't it? Might as well get it over with."
"Liars!"
Priscilla's eyes flashed. Energy pulsed in the air around her.
"Woah! Pris! Calm down! All right!"
"Liars! Filth! How dare you lie! Trash the organization's name!? For that you die! Every one of you!"
The others took fighting stances. Prepared to put her down if necessary.
But Samus couldn't have that. Wouldn't have that. She loved this unstable girl. No matter how frustrating.
She thought over how Alicia and Beth linked themselves. Their armor. Their energy.
She took a leap of faith and stuck something from her armor into Priscilla's back.
….
"Welcome, my brethren! It's been some time, has it not?"
The claymore children stood at the back of the large audience chamber of the space pirate ship Rafaela had flown them to. Rafaela stood before them, daring any awakened beings or yoma to approach them. Apparently, she had quite the reputation judging from all the frightened looks thrown her way.
So here they were on this ship surrounded by monsters they'd pledged an oath to kill. Their only safety from it all was a fellow warrior who'd already broken that oath. And all they could do was listen and stare (glare in Ophelia's case) at the other child upon the stage. One who had tortured and made most of them what they were today.
Overall, not the best day.
Riful's constant glances and smiles back in their direction did nothing for their nerves.
"Luciela and I apologize for our absences these last several years."
"No, I don't," Luciela said.
Riful glanced back bewildered.
"You don't?"
"No. You just apologized for me. What do I have to apologize for?"
"Like I said, for our disappearance these last- "
"Thought you said absence."
Riful sighed at her "friend's haughtiness. No one who without awareness of their identities would have guessed the little girl was several centuries older than the regal woman.
"Luci, I'm trying to reestablish- "
"Why should I apologize," Rafaela's sister interrupted. "You think I choose to become a prisoner?"
"You lacked strength! You were weak!"
Her eyes flashed yellow.
"Who the fuck said that? Step up here now coward and I'll show you who's weak, you coward!"
Riful sighed and sent tentacles through the nearby wall.
"Remember folks. I'm top dog here. So, when I tell everyone to stop, then stop. Mkay?"
That shut them up. Though didn't stop the angry glares at one another.
"Great! Isn't it great to get along! Everyone is friends here!"
"Ophi." Clare placed her hand on Ophelia's shoulder. "Easy there. Now's not the time."
"Now then. I understand the anger behind some of us- Well all of us here. It's been a rough few years for us all. Our esteemed mother brain here was beaten and captured. Our operations on Tallon IV were brought low and since then we've been getting picked off one by one. Not the finest of times. Let me tell you!"
Agreements could be heard throughout the crowd. At least that's what Clare assumed the growls meant.
"But that was just the beginning! Mark my words! This downward trend isn't going to stop! The organization is already moving to bring the federation into their web. Show them how to hunt us!"
She took a deep breath.
"But as bad as that is, it's nothing compared to what awaits us in the dark. Waiting for us all to destroy each other. Take us by surprise. For you see my friends, there is a greater threat than even the organization and federation united."
Auras began fluctuating. A sign of fear. Including from Riful herself.
"It turn out there is another enemy that has been here in this galaxy for some time. An ancient evil that has come from beyond. Many of us have already had encounters with this evil. It is the same evil that put our lovely Luciela out of commission all those years ago. It lurked beneath our feet in the mines of Tallon IV. And it's coming to consume us all."
She took a deep breath. Her eyes darted back and forth with worry. As if dreading what came next.
"With that consideration, I have formed an alliance with a lesser evil. Silver King Isley."
The chamber filled with roars of rage. Disbelief. Accusations of weakness towards Riful. Whoring herself out to a lesser being.
That particular awakened being found a large carbon rod shot through his head courtesy of Riful's boyfriend.
"No one talks to Riful that way, you hear me? Nobody! You do. Splat!" Dauf beat his fists together.
"Thank you Daufy! That's why you're my man! Now then, a whore? Really? Me? Do you all forget who I am? What I've done! I brought you all together didn't I? Do you forget what you all were before me? Nothing! No one! I've kept us all together these years! Kept us from fracturing! And now I'm making the choices no one else will!"
"Prove your strength! Prove you're not whoring yourself out!"
Everyone looked out around the crowd to see who issued out that claim. They couldn't tell who. Strangely, Riful didn't seem too concerned.
"Prove my strength? Fine. If that's what it takes. Dauf. Bring out number two."
"You sure Riful? He's not exactly- "
"Dauf. Now."
The ugly man nodded with some reluctance and moved off the stage.
"Damn is he ugly," Helen whispered to Deneve. "What does she see in him?"
"Funny," Ophelia smiled. "I ask Deneve that about you all the time."
"You fucking- "
"Quiet," whispered Deneve. "Both of you."
Jean rubbed Raki's shoulders. The only human on this ship. Though he tried to hide his fear, his darting eyes running back and forth.
"Easy there," Jean whispered. "Easy."
"They're gonna know, "Raki whispered back. Any minute now they're gonna know. And then they'll come for me."
"That won't happen," said Rafaela. "I won't let them."
"Not sure you have a choice," Raki replied. Neither of their assurances seemed to be helping him.
"You aren't exactly someone we can trust anymore Rafaela," said Flora.
"I swear to you on my honor as- "
"Honor? You forfeit all honor. In our eyes at least."
Rafaela couldn't find any way to respond to that. Merely stare. Hard to read anything behind that expression.
Their attention was drawn back to the stage as Dauf rolled a capsule onto the stage. Within…
"Ridley," Clare hissed. "I can't believe the organization kept him alive."
"They wanted to try and reprogram him," said Jean. "Too bad they didn't recognize the failure of such an attempt sooner."
"They never should have tried to begin with. Not with him. Not after what he did to Samus."
After rolling the dragon into the middle of the stage, Dauf took one last look at his- Adopted daughter? Lover? Clare still wasn't sure about the nature of their relationship. Only that it was deeply unhealthy.
In any case, the abyssal one simply nodded her head with a smile.
"Hold it."
That smile disappeared and she sighed.
"Problem, Luciela?"
"What do you think you're doing with my right hand?"
"A demonstration. Proof of my power."
"ON MY SOLDIER? I think not."
Riful dodged as a tail emerged from under Luciela's dress. Everyone in the crow started shouting or hollering.
"Ophi. Stay."
"Don't tell me to stay! They're gonna fight! I want in on this!"
"What are you doing," Dauf demanded angrily. "You mess with my girl, and you get smashed!"
"Easy Daufy!" Riful held up her hand. Her eyes never left her fellow abyssal one.
"Perhaps I should prove myself against you, then? Are you truly that eager to get ripped to shreds?"
"Not in the slightest! I just don't like anyone putting their fingers on my property. No matter their rank or intentions."
"Well, this presents a problem then? However, should I prove my superior strength to all these fine monstrosities?"
"Prove it to me."
Riful stared. Something dangerous came across her face. She began to change shape.
"You really want to be enemies? Not friends?"
The youthful claymores looked in on fear and awe as the little girl grew into a towering red eyed jet-black woman atop a tower of tentacles- No. Not tentacles. Ribbons. Beautiful and terrifying.
Luciela also changed form. Hers resembled a massive cat with two jaws one on top of the other. Jagged bony plates came out of her back. Two tails from behind. She too was magnificent. Awe inspiring.
Ophelia in particular appeared entranced. She took a step forward. Her face no longer displaying anger. More like admiration.
"Easy there Ophi. Easy."
"Do you see them? They're amazing."
Alarm bells went off in Clare's mind.
The massive beings stared at each other. Everyone held their breaths. Waiting for the first strike.
What they got instead was Luciela's laughter. Rather a lovely sound for such a fearsome being.
"Impressive. No fear. Absolute certainty in your power. Been too long since I've had someone willing to face me unflinchingly."
"Likewise. Personally, I'm fine with that. I prefer friends to foes."
Both women retained their former shapes. Luciela turned to her loyalists.
"She's strong. We work with her. For now."
Sounds of agreement ran through the crowd. The claymores let out a collective sigh of relief. Not that it dissipated the underlying dread they all felt.
They were more likely than not going to die here.
….
"How is she?"
Samus turned with some surprise to see Beth of all people standing at the entrance to the medical room. The same place they had woken up in. Samus had hoped to not have to use it again so soon, but Priscilla had to be rendered unconscious before her outburst destroyed the whole damn fortress. The energy she produced was that strong.
"She's tired. Her yoki levels are back down to safe levels. But she's still giving off little energy bursts. It's like she's still trying to awaken."
"Even though you still have your port in her back?"
Said port Beth referred to was a line connection from Samus' armor into Priscilla's spine.
"It better helps me synchronize my yoki with her own. I don't have the skill of Galatea here."
"You give me too much credit," the blind girl smiled from the other end of the bed in which Priscilla slumbered. Both hands around the unconscious woman's head.
"You're trying to do with her what I tried to do with my sister."
Samus struggled to look her in the eyes from her chair next to Priscilla's bed. Not just from shame. But also, fatigue. Her sleep during her capture from Agon wasn't exactly filled with sweet dreams and she'd been at this for over an hour trying to keep Priscilla's levels low. Even in sleep, the kid was a pain in the ass. Not she cared for her any less.
"More or less yes. Harder to do though. She doesn't have the armor herself and we're not.. well, connected like you and Alicia."
"So, it's my fault then that Alicia is the way she is?"
Her normally stoic face displayed sorrow. She couldn't hold it in.
"No. I don't think so. I saw your yoki synchronization. You two are perfectly linked. I doubt you could ever slip up without some outside factor throwing you off."
Her tears kept flowing but her face scrunched up, signifying anger.
"So then, the problem must have been with the armor. Your armor."
Samus bit her lip.
"We did what you said. We followed your procedures. Obeyed your commands. And my sister is still… A monster."
She felt her aura fluctuating. This wasn't good. She needed total concentration for Priscilla's sake, and this was not helping.
Crap. Beth took a step closer. Still crying. And angry.
"That woman is everything to me. Without her I am nothing. Nothing, do you understand? NOTHING!"
"Beth! Please! Calm down- "
"YOU'VE TAKEN EVERYTHING FROM ME! WE TRUSTED YOU! WE- "
"Shall we look at her?"
The luminoth hovered in the door behind them. He looked calm in the face of the brewing shitstorm.
"I have some experience with Chozo power armor. Perhaps I can help you reconnect."
Still crying and still very angry, Beth reluctantly nodded and walked out of the room.
"Hunter? Perhaps you could come with us? It has been some time since I've done this, and I could use help from someone with more recent history."
"I- I don't know. I can't just leave Priscilla."
"I could try."
Yuma strode in from behind. She rubbed the back of her head sheepishly.
"I mean you did tell me. A bit. Kind of. I could probably stabilize her until you return. Maybe."
Samus pursed her lips.
"You don't sound too certain Yuma. I don't think- "
"I too can provide assistance."
"Gah!" Yuma leaped into the air and whirled around to face Tabitha.
"How do you do that? I didn't even feel that!"
"You couldn't? That's wonderful! I've tried so hard to mask my aura! I'm so relieved!"
Noticing everyone's raised eyebrows she corrected herself.
"I mean…" She cleared her throat.
"I know how to manage some of the medical equipment here. I can use it to keep her steady as well."
Samus nodded reluctantly after some thought and pulled her cord out of Priscilla's back. Slowly, with care.
"Samus," she whispered.
The hunter stopped. Her breath caught in her throat. She felt Cynthia's hand on her shoulder
"Samus. She'll be fine. I promise."
Samus took a deep breath and moved aside for Yuma to insert her own connection. After looking over it to make sure she had it all correct, she left the room.
"Samus…"
It took everything she had not to rush back to Priscilla's side.
She strolled out of the room and nearly jumped out of her skin.
"Where are you going, Sammy? Mind if we come with?"
"Noel, I don't think she appreciates that name," Sophia said
"Nonsense! Sammy loves it when I call her that! Isn't that right, Sammy? A sign of best friends!"
"So that shudder she gives whenever you call her that is a sign of happiness?"
Noel tilted her head and looked to Samus for answers.
"It's fine. I have no issue with you calling me that. It's just- Besides you and Pris, the only other person to call me that is someone I don't- Uh…. What's the right word?"
"Don't like em?"
"Yeah. That's it. She sees me as competition. A rival for greatest bounty hunter in the galaxy. Even though I'm not technically a bounty hunter anymore."
"Really? Where is this bitch? I'll give her a taste of my mind!"
"That might be hard to do. Find her anyway. She's a shape changer. Can take the form of anything"
"Wha? There are species that can shape change? Why the fuck can't we do that?"
"We sort of can," Sophia pointed out. "Awakened beings can change between their human and monster forms."
"Well, yeah. But to take the shape of ANYTHING? That's so frigging unfair! And she didn't need to take any monster enhancement procedures or whatever we did! She's born and boom! Can you imagine if she'd been a claymore!? How strong she could have become?"
That got Samus thinking.
"You know. That raises an interesting point. I know why we're all woman. But all human? Are there no non-human warriors in our ranks?"
"None. We tried with them. It didn't work. Most non-human species out there have too advanced DNA for us to work with. Too many mutations inherited and passed down through the generations. It refused the changes we offered. Human DNA by contrast is much simpler. Easier to manipulate when you can neither cast ice or electricity from birth. The perfect specimen."
The Luminoth didn't even turn to them. Just continued floating. Even as the warriors sent strange looks his way.
"Right." Noel of course broke the silence. "Because you made the yoma or something."
"We had a hand in it yes. We needed a special type of soldier. One who could be sued against beings superior in every conceivable way. Strength. Speed. Endurance."
"Uh huh."
The luminoth finally turned around to face Noel.
"You do not believe me, do you?"
"Uh… No! I thought you said the organization made the monsters!"
"First of all, I said that. Not him."
The claymores leaped into the air at Miria's sudden closeness.
"Fuck," Noel cursed. "Can you stop sneaking up like that."
"Second," Miria continue ignoring her. "It's a special type of treatment that produces these creatures. A type very few can do. The creation of such abominations is- "
She quit mid-sentence with a look from O-Lir.
"Is what?"
"Gah!" Noel swung around. "Ilena! Don't sneak up on me too!"
"We will discuss that later," O-Lir responded. "For now, let us see to this poor creature."
"My sister is not a creature."
O-Lir nodded at Beth.
"My apologies. I meant no disrespect."
They walked into the chamber where Alicia was still lying down. The music on the speakers helping her keep calm.
"Remarkable," O-Lir whispered. "She truly is a sight to behold."
"That music's also pretty impressive. Anything that can keep an awakened being docile. If the organization made yoma, why don't they have such a weapon?"
The organization didn't make this. When this place was abandoned, some Luminoth such as me with a… conscience took it upon ourselves to study the secrets of the monsters they made. We only recently made this work of art."
Ilena/Irene frowned.
"Why would you not give this to the organization then? This could help save countless lives. People. Warriors."
"They have no need for it. Too much exposure makes them docile. Unwilling to fight. They want killers. Not pacifists."
The luminoth beckoned Samus and Beth to Alicia's side. With Samus' help, he connected the two sets of power armor and frowned at what he found.
"You seeing what I'm seeing," Samus asked.
"I believe so. Whoever set this up did not do the most appropriate job."
"Indeed, they did not." Samus sighed. "They were doing so well when I checked before. I don't get it…"
"They dabble only in destruction. This armor is a thing of beauty."
"What are you talking about? This thing can destroy!"
"Created with love. Created for you. By people who loved you and saw you as a person. Whoever made this saw this poor woman as a tool."
Beth leaned in close to her sister. Observing her tranquility. Feeling her energy come more into tune with herself.
"So, it wasn't me then? It wasn't my fault?"
"No, my child. I think you simply had some bad luck. Now then. Let's see if we can pull her back from the darkness."
With both Samus and Beth connected to the number two warrior, they tried to pull on her conscience. Pull her back to the surface.
"Alicia," Beth whispered. "Return to us. Come back."
The creature looked them square in the eyes. Its expression full of anger. It pulled against them.
Beth gripped Samus' non cannon arm. It was the only way to stay focused.
"Come back. Come back!."
Alicia did not come back. She didn't attack, but she would not embrace her humanity. She refused to let go.
Beth let go of Samus' hand and rushed to her sister. She gripped her shiny black head in her hands.
"Please! Listen to me! Return! I beg you!"
The creature stared a few minutes longer. She even leaned in.
Everyone in the room tensed up.
But then, anticlimactically, she laid her head back down on the bed and curled up once again like a lion.
Beth could only sit at the edge of the bed and sob.
"It is me… I'm the problem… I'm the failure….."
Sophia moved to comfort her but was held back by Ilena/Irene.
"Give her space."
Sophia then looked at Samus. Followed by a glance back at Ilena/Irene who nodded.
Samus sat on her knees while Sophia wrapped her arms around her waist and placed her head on her shoulders.
"I don't understand… I gave it all I got. Why didn't it work?"
"It is difficult to say," the Luminoth mused. "It seems the most likely culprit is the strength of her inner beast. She refuses to hear her humanity and has pushed it to the side of her skull."
Miria strode forward past the claymores and stood at the other end of Alicia's bed. Her expression was hard to read like most warriors.
"It was devastating enough to make metroids. To have had a hand in the creation of the yoma… It must have broken something in the Chozo. No wonder they retreated from the sights of society."
Samus perked up.
"What? What did you say?"
"Phantom," O-Lir warned. Again, you reveal too much too quickly."
"She's strong. She can take it."
Samus rose to her feet. Her aura began spiking.
"Are you saying…. The Chozo…. Keepers of peace…. Greatest people in the galaxy….. Did you just…."
"Claim that they helped the organization create the monsters you have sworn to kill? Yes, I did just say that."
This time, it was Samus who lost her shit. Fortunately, her outburst was far less impactful than Priscilla's and it took much less effort to subdue her and wrestle her to the ground.
"Bitch," she screamed. "Whore! Lowlife! How dare you talk about them that way! How dare you!"
Ilena/Irene. Noel. Sophia. The first three. The first three warriors in her life. Who she had saved. Stuck with through thick and thin were there for her now.
Noel held her down. Ilena/Irene manipulated energy as best she could. Sophia continued hugging and whispering to her softly.
They stuck together with her. As they always had as she cursed, screamed, and cried. Rebelled against the truth.
….
"Lord Rigaldo! We believe we found something!"
The lion growled.
"I told you. Don't call me that. I am no king nor lord. We have only one lord. One we must find as soon as possible."
"That's what we wished to discuss uh…"
"Just Rigaldo is fine."
"Just Rigaldo? Seems weird given your strength but… fine. Our communications interceptors have picked up a message from a federation soldier named Anthony Higgs."
"And what does this meatbag have to say? Who is it addressed to?"
"To the federation itself. IT mentions the sanctuary fortress. Silver King Isley. A claymore named Samus Aran."
"The hunter." Rigaldo licked his lips. "We've met before. Got saved by that cute little phantom bitch. If she's with Isley. And there's only one reason he'd want to see her."
"To show her our lord?"
"Exactly."
"Strange isn't it though? I thought you'd searched the sanctuary fortress."
"I did. I went all over that place before the blue opened my eyes. She wasn't there to begin with. He must have moved her back in afterwards thinking I wouldn't try again. Clever."
"If he's so clever, why would he allow a federation soldier to send this missive?"
"He didn't. He would never take this risk. I bet this poor fool sent it through a supposedly secure communication channel. One he didn't realize we'd hacked some time ago. Truly humans are foolish creatures. To think we'd ever been like them."
"So does this mean- "
"Yes. The time has come. To bring her back. Ready our siblings. It's time to bring on the apocalypse! There will be blood tonight!"
….
Samus turned her head to the bed next to her. Peered into Priscilla's eyes. They each could tell what the other was thinking. And not because of shared aura.
"We need to go"
"Glad to see you've come to your senses. What changed your mind?"
"They blame the Chozo. I refuse to believe that they would take part in anything like this."
"Exactly! The Organization too! They're saints who would never- "
"Ok, maybe… Let's not go that far. But I do think it's time to leave. I've seen enough."
"Good. Then let's go. Let's get that wretched abyssal one. One less monster to deal with."
"You really think we can take him?"
"I can. You just get the others. I'll take the bastard's head."
"I… That sounds reckless. We should gather everyone and then go fight him; I know you're tough shit but this guy's got centuries of experience over you."
"Indeed, I do. And I'm so much more for debate. Much more civilized and less bloody."
Their heads whipped to the door. To the long-haired (and admittedly attractive) man looking at them.
"Fine," Priscilla responded while rising from the bed. "We do it now."
She leaped at the abyssal one who dodged with ease. He looked over his shoulder at the hunter.
"If you still have doubts, please go to the archives with the Luminoth. Look up the records about Old Bird."
The man then turned to his opponent and began to change.
Samus gasped as a great black centaur with blue pupilless eyes and arms resembling a bow.
"If we're going to fight, can we take it to the roofs? There's a lot of useful information preserved here, and I'd rather not have it damaged."
Both leaped up into the air. Samus ran out and saw them clashing in the air. Their blows shaking the air around them.
"Hey Sammy! Look at the kid go," Noel yelled. "You should be proud!"
"Concern is what I feel right now."
"Me too! Let's give her a hand!"
"No. We'd only get in the way. We should go to the archives."
"What? No, screw that! I wanna fight!"
"You're free to," Sophia said walking around the corner. "It would certainly make my life easier."
Samus didn't have time to waste with their arguments, so she just ran towards… Actually, where were the archives?
"Miria, she shouted. "Miria!"
"My what a nuisance. This place has sure become more exciting since we brought you here."
"Gah!" Noel jumped in the air and glared at Miria. "How'd you sneak up on us like that? Stop it!"
"The hunter called, and I came. Now how can I assist?"
"I want to see the archives. Take me there. And hurry, while there's something left of this place."
"Fair enough. This way please."
Samus thought she was fast. But she and even her present sisters struggled to keep up with this spiky haired woman.
"You'd be a pretty high ranked warrior were you in our ranks you know," Sophia said.
"I would never work for such vermin. And hopefully after today you won't either."
"You will work for The Silver King Isley, however. Is that correct?"
"Gah! Irene! Why is everyone sneaking up on me like that? Stop it!"
"Pay more attention," Sophia quipped.
"I don't work for him," Miria responded to Ilena/Irene. "We work together for a common cause. For survival. Personally, I have no issue if your friend destroys him up there."
The four claymores stared at each other. That had been a lie. Why bullshit about that?
"Hey, princess! What's going on up there? Your friend's having one helluva freak out up there! Shouldn't you be… You know… Calming her down."
"Eh. It helps to let her blow off some steam. She needs it."
Sid had his hands behind his head while he looked all around with extreme bewilderment. The sign of a man out of his depth.
"This is crazy. I'm in crazy town. Everything's going to hell."
"Easy there Sid," Galk said to his partner. "A top captain of the federation has to keep his act cool. Calm. Collected. Set a good example for the troops."
"What troops? There are no troops here!"
Galk nodded at the claymores.
"Oh. Right well…." Sid Trailed off. "Look I don't think they need me to set an example for them. I.. forget it. Why's number 1 fighting? Are we rebelling?"
"Not yet," Samus replied. "I'm going to check out one last thing. If it doesn't have any proof, then yes. We kill the bastard."
"Not any issue with that, correct Spiky," Noel asked Miria.
She didn't respond.
In the archives, they found files lining the walls from top to bottom. It was like a light show. Each light signifying a different file. A different package of knowledge. In the center of the lower floor hovered the luminoth. His back turned to them as he looked at the hologram of another Luminoth.
"My love," he responded without turning around. "Lost long ago to one of the poor souls you've fought. Ridley the cunning god of Death. I believe you've met."
Samus clenched her fist.
"Oh, we've met all right. Now the organization has him. Trying to reprogram him."
"Then they have not learned their lessons. They still think because they had a hand in making this that they can control it. Does that not alone make one question in- "
Samus held up a hand.
"You're working with an awakened one. That argument you're making falls a little flat."
The luminoth turned and stared at Samus' annoyed expression for a few seconds. Hard to read.
"Fair enough I suppose. Though I sense the source of this disbelief surrounds the Chozo."
"That they would lower themselves to helping the organization? You're goddamn right. Can I believe those creepy men would make people into monsters? Totally. Can I believe that the Chozo would lower themselves to such an action. Not a chance at all. And if I can't believe you about that, why should I believe you about anything?"
"Would you follow me, please? I can show you something that might make clear your path."
"Am I going to like it?"
"No. Not in the slightest. But nothing hurts like the truth."
Noel stepped in front of Samus and pointed an accusing finger.
"Just so you know, we outnumber you one to like a Gazillion! So don't try anything funny!"
"Noted. This way please."
Stairs lay in the corner of the room winding down. The Luminoth of course didn't even use them. No need when you can hover. The workings of which Samus still didn't understand.
Down into the dark they went. And dark it was. No lights here. Except the ones they made.
"Goddess," Sophia muttered. "Where are the lights? Do you truly have none down here?"
"We have little need of this place now. We try to forget it. Beneath us, I know. But some memories are too painful. We cannot move on while they haunt us."
"So, you bury them? Pretend they never existed?"
The luminoth didn't respond. But with the light from Samus' visor se saw his shoulders slump a bit. Sophia took his silence as an excuse to continue.
"So, what is this place? This sanctuary fortress? And what's that down in the valley? It looks like a grand city."
"Did you not pass through it on your way here? No. You landed on the landing pad. They told you to stay out of the city I assume."
Sophia seemed uncomfortable this time. Galk took this time to speak up.
"It was your representative at the temple. Your sentinel I believe. He said it was a matter of respect."
The luminoth nodded.
"U-Mos. How close we used to be. I assume he told you also to not stay long at all. To take no records."
"They.. Yes. They did. In truth they simply wanted visual confirmation."
"They didn't expect you to return," Miria interjected. "They wanted to know if rumors of Isley making base here had any substance to it. They had no belief that you would return."
They stared at her.
"Can you prove that" Galk pressed. Anger not so subtle in his tone.
"I can't. It simply makes sense."
"Makes sense," Noel laughed. "Sure! Send two single digits and an elite federation soldier to their deaths! Great thinking!"
"It lends credibility to their desire for you to live. Plus, they would be rid of two warriors who at the very least I can tell have a reputation as troublemakers."
"What," Sophia yelled in shock. "Maybe her! No in fact, definitely her! She's a troublemaker, no argument there! But me?"
"She does tend to bring out her worst around you," Ilena/Irene noted.
"That's hardly my fault! She's just jealous of my.. well, everything! I mean look at me! My strength! My beauty!"
"Beauty," Noel half snorted half asked. "You look like a- "
"Enough," Ilena/Irene snapped. "I have no patience for your bickering."
They shut their mouths and looked towards the ground. Their faces showing embarrassment. Miria's meanwhile showed pride at having been proven right.
"I don't believe," Galk said rather loudly and angrily. You would have me believe that the federation sent me- "
"I don't believe they would," Miria interrupted. "I believe the organization did not provide them all the necessary information about this place and the awakened ones inhabiting it. They did not for instance say that they suspected the silver king Isley was your suspected target did they?"
Samus was likewise curious about this. She hadn't heard what exactly they were meant to do. Their silence to that question only seemed to increase Miria's resolve.
"It would have been a boon to strengthen this alliance. Further proof that the federation is unequipped to manage these beasts."
Samus sighed.
"Enough. That's all speculation on your end. Sophia asked what this place was."
"The center of our civilization on this world. From here, we spread out and covered Aether with our love."
Everyone made the cringiest of faces at that. Even the Luminoth seemed a little embarrassed at this.
"All our accumulated knowledge found its way here. This became the ultimate center of knowledge. A library in truth. In time it became a place to experiment. Put that knowledge to effective use."
"And some of that knowledge was made to make monsters?"
"With the help of the Chozo yes. When it came to the flesh, they excelled I am ashamed to admit."
Samus took a deep breath, trying to keep her building anger in check. Ilena/Irene put a hand on her shoulder to try and steady her.
"And why would they do that!? Why would the arbiters of peace and equality- Who raised me. Who saved my life from such monsters you claim they created. Who told the organization that no. They wouldn't hand me over to be another grunt. Who told me not to join them no matter what. Why would they. MY FAMILY. Why would they do such a thing? WHY?"
They stopped before a door. A foreboding door. Though no one could sense any auras, a chill went up their spine. Humans and claymores alike. Even Miria and the luminoth who undoubtedly knew what lay within showed great discomfort.
Something lurked on the other side of this door. Something… bad. Bad enough to make the hunter and her three most trusted friends save Priscilla stare at each other. Dread etched over their faces.
The luminoth turned to them.
"They did such a thing to protect the galaxy… from this."
The door opened to a vast room with large test tubes. A vast laboratory of sorts it appeared. In truth it highly reminded Samus of the mines on Tallon IV. Where Teresa first awoke. First set her eyes upon her. Touched her.
It wasn't the past or memories that made her froze, however. It was the… Things within the tubes. Noel as usual summarized it best.
"What the fuck is that!?"
….
"I must confess you're very impressive dear."
"Don't talk down to me villain! You abandoned our cause! Our people! One of only four number ones in all history weak enough to succumb! Disgraceful!"
The great horse that was Isley's awakened form panted and sweated atop the nearly entirely destroyed building. He'd never been on the losing end like this. Not once in all his centuries. This girl was really something. A force of nature. She really had no idea the kind of power she had at her fingertips. With time, she might have stood a chance against Teresa herself. Before she got infected anyway.
He was in quite the predicament. He could only keep the girl distracted for so long before she either finished him off or she realized he'd led her down to the city below the fortress on the hill to buy time.
This wasn't a battle he could win. Not something he'd ever imagined to admit to himself. No. All that mattered was the hunter. By now O-Lir would have shown her the lab and hopefully the holograms. If little miss perfect here heard it from the hunter's mouth, they might have a chance.
If he didn't die before that.
"You know, I wouldn't say that I succumbed really. More like- "
Before he could blink, he realized the girl was next to him. Even by the speeds their kind ere known for, he was taken off guard. He barely dodged.
She growled and cursed as he once again leaped away, refusing to fight.
"Face me coward! Or has centuries of picking off vermin made you weak?"
"Hardly. You're just a little above my pay grade, dear."
His speed decreased from exhaustion allowed her to catch up and get her sword an inch away from his face.
Fortunately, one of the greatest benefits of Isley's beastly shape was the endless mutability of his arms. He could turn them into whatever weapon he needed. Which at this moment was a great ebony shield which blocked the livid warrior's sword. He still winced from the impact though.
"And in any case. I didn't succumb to the curse. I choose it."
Wrong thing to say. She grew even more livid.
"Choose it? CHOOSE IT!? THEN YOU ARE TRULY DAMNED!"
He stayed still upon the building, doing his best to counter her swings. He didn't have the strength left to keep jumping from building to building and he didn't want to make her realize he was just leading her on a wild goose chase.
"I did it for a noble cause. My brothers all went mad. Lost their minds. Slaves to a curse they never asked for. So, I took it upon myself to save them. Lift their souls free."
Priscilla paused but for a moment, but it was enough for him to push her back and send her flying. She landed with grace on her feet on another building.
"So, you're telling me you did what you did out of the kindness of your heart? And everything after that? All the destruction and deaths by your hand? All of that justified?"
"No. Perhaps not. Not by your standards, but still- "
"Then you've only further proven my point!"
Well, that didn't do the job. What next?
Well, he didn't have to wonder for long. A humongous surge in foreign aura put an end to their battle.
Both dodged without any need to vocalize their warning. They then immediately turned on their numerous opponents.
It was honestly too easy. Even for them overpowered as they were.
Even the most ignorant and incapable warrior could easily tell these grunts were merely stalling them for time. Keeping them away from the fortress. That was where they were needed. But there were too many. No way through.
Priscilla felt sweat pore down her cheeks. She prayed to the goddess for Samus' safety.
….
"What the hell, these awakened beings all pretty much look the same!"
"I have to concur with Noel," said Sophia. "Awakened beings are infamous for their varied shapes. These all look more like members of the same species."
The same species they referred to tall creatures the height of Isley's awakened form. They had a similar shape as well. Standing tall on two feet and sporting muscular arms. Two eyes on either side of their head and armored scales all over their unseemly mass.
"Huh." Anthony tapped his chin and looked closer. "You know they kind of remind me of something. Something I've read about. What is it? Guys? You know what I'm talking about?"
"Dragons," Sid responded. "They kind of look like dragons."
"Dragons!" Anthony snapped his fingers. "That's it! Dragons! Fucking dragons!" The man started to laugh.
"What a ride this has been! I reunite with princess! Fight huge monsters! Get kidnapped! And now fucking dragons! Hahaha! This is the best job I've ever taken!"
"Dragon," the Luminoth repeated. "Yes. I have heard that term. Human origin Though in this case, the proper title for these behemoths would be- Asarakam."
Noel laughed aloud until she saw everyone staring at her.
"Wait, you're serious. That's what you call them?"
"Question the name all you want. But their existence is real. As is their power."
The luminoth floated over to a console in the center of the room.
"And why have we never heard of such creatures," Ilena/Irene asked with a healthy amount of skepticism. "Surely all military forces in the galaxy would at least be made aware."
"All too true," Galk agreed. "The federation is told how to react to Yoma. Even if it's only to keep our distance and let the claymores manage it."
Miria answered this question.
"Because they're not here. Not in this galaxy. Another galaxy."
"What do you mean," Noel asked. "What galaxy? Where can we go to kill them!?"
Miria seemed ready to respond but the luminoth cut her off.
"Not now captain. One thing at a time. We brought the hunter here to tell her harsh truths. A difficult step in anyone's life. But a necessary one."
Two large holograms then formed in the center of the room. Gasps emerged from everyone in the room save the phantom and Luminoth himself.
Most of the shock came from the recognition of the first hologram. Rimuto. Leader of the organization.
"The parasite doesn't seem to do the job my friend. It has so far caused the host to die rather than awaken."
The other host- Samus couldn't help wondering if her visor was broken- a Chozo held his hands at his side and slightly shook them. A sign of distress as Samus had learned from her time among them.
"I believe the trick is- "
Samus didn't even listen to what they said. She merely fell to her knees.
"Princess? Princess! You ok?"
"Sammy! Sammy, talk to me! Follow my fingers!"
Sammy did not talk to her.
"Where will you go? Surely not to the organization?"
Warm arms encircled her. Old Bird pulled her in close. The closest he would ever have to a daughter and the closest she would ever have to a father.
"Whatever happens out there Samus, remember this. You are no monster."
"Thank you papa."
"Sammy? Speak to me! Sammy!"
Anthony waved his hand across Samus' face. Nothing happened. She continued twitching.
"Prin- "Anthony stopped, deciding this wasn't the best time for that. "Samus. Can you understand me?"
While Noel, Sophia, and Anthony tried to wake their hunter up from her stupor, the rest felt their own resolve being assessed from this revelation. They barely heard any more of Rimuto's questions about the parasite or the Chozo's suggestions.
"This…" Ilena/Irene took a pause. "This must be a joke."
"Then how," the Luminoth asked, "Did we fake these holograms?"
Ilena/Irene wondered how indeed. But she couldn't think up an answer. Holograms were specifically designed to replay events. Not manipulate them.
"I… I…"
"Are you fucking kidding me!?"
Everyone jumped at Sid's outburst.
"That bastard made these motherfuckers and then makes us pay to clean them up!? Are you fucking kidding me!? I'm gonna- "
Galk grabbed his partner's hand.
"Hold on there, Sid. Let's wait a minute. Not do anything rash."
"Nothing rash!? Nothing rash!? Fuck that shit! We need to… We need to….."
He paused as reality set in. What were they supposed to do exactly?
"Tell the truth."
Everyone stared at Miria with her hands folded.
"Tell the truth. Tell the federation."
"Why," Sid yelled again while pointing at her. "Why don't you tell them?"
Miria rubbed the back of her head. Somewhat suggesting embarrassment.
"I… I made a mistake a while back. Got on the federation's bad side. Now I can't set foot anywhere nearby. That's why I didn't bring the hunter here all the way to the rendezvous site."
"Nor can I say the truth either," the Luminoth spoke up. "I am an outcast from my people. I cannot approach and do anything. But you: Heroes of the federation. IF you told them- "
"Told them what!? Told them what!? That the sole defense against the yoma is their creator? You want us to say that?"
"And what about us," Sophia asked while rising up form her place at Samus' side. "Are we supposed to stand with them? Confirm what they say."
"It would be a boon. No question."
"Turn against the organization? Turn against our lives?"
"And what," Noel asked. "Work with you? What do we do then? WHAT DO WE DO?"
The warriors stared at the ones who brought them here. Then at each other. What were they meant to do? What could they do?
Slowly they turned to Samus for advice. The de facto leader.
Feeling their eyes wandering towards her, she slowly raised her head to meet their gaze. She had trouble focusing with her mind in shambles.
"I… I don't know what to…. To do…"
Life as usual decided for her.
The sound of an explosion rang out in the distance somewhere above them. The lights went out casting them in darkness.
All claymores were then hit with a wave of aura energy coming in from all around. Miria broke the silence and though they couldn't see her face, they could hear fear in her voice for the first time.
"They've come. To wake her up."