"So, this is what it's like to be linked again. I've missed this little sister. Missed you."
"What do you mean? We've been on Zebes for 7 months now."
"But we haven't exactly talked much have we? You've been avoiding me it seems."
"Don't be all high and mighty, Luciela. You've been distant yourself. I've seen you spending all that time with that little dragon freak. What are you two planning"
Luciela grimaced.
"You make it seem so sinister. We're on the run for our lives. Our enemies are more powerful than ever. We need to consider all available options."
"All available options? In other words, you're not considering morality or any ethical concerns?"
"Of course not! We're not humans. We needn't hold ourselves to such minor standards."
"Well, that doesn't make me feel good about having you in here milling about the hunter's head. Why do you want to do this anyway? I don't think you've had a single conversation with her like… ever. The only connection she has to you is well…. Me, and her acquisition of you on this very planet."
Luciela grinned. A lovely smile. Such a vast contrast to her awakened form.
"I have talked with her friends though. Th others who "acquired" me that day. Lucky them I'd been beaten badly or that might have ended quite differently."
"So, you want revenge is that it?"
"Revenge? Oh, please. We crushed their hopes and dreams. They've realized their entire life's purpose has been a sham. And they're forced to collaborate with us. Their mortal enemies. Did you see how broken the others were when they awoke?"
"So why did you want to do this? Why try and wake her up?"
"Plenty of reasons!"
"And that would be?"
"Shh. Up ahead. Don't you see?"
Flames is what they saw. A village on fire. Screams. Monsters running about. A familiar voice echoing above the racket.
"We are the harbinger of their perfection! Prepare these humans for ascension!"
"I know that voice…. Ridley?"
It was the great purple dragon himself. One of the few awakened beings who had never resumed his normal human form in all the centuries since his awakening. Or so he claimed.
"You know the drill! You know your assignments! Follow them!"
"This is K-2L."
Luciela stared.
"How do you know that? You been there?"
"No. But these are her memories. Where else and when else could this happen?"
Both of them knew of Ridley's old team. How they had travelled the stars and ravaged villages. More than anything else had they demonstrated the need for the organization and their warriors.
Until they learned the organization made such monsters.
"There was something particularly strange about his gang. Something different from other yoma. Do you recall what it was Luciela?"
"Of course, I do little sister. I collaborated with him. They spared the children."
"What?"
She followed he older sister's finger and had her question answered. The monsters were dragging out the parents but leaving the children alone to scream and cry in the doorway.
"What is this? They're principled murderers or something?"
"Hi there!"
Her one eye widened as she saw a little blonde girl rush out towards the purple dragon. She did not appear to have much awareness of the surrounding chaos.
"Can you play?"
The dragon tilted his head down at her.
"Sure! Why don't you go stand over there? Oh, but wait! Can you call your parents out first?"
"Samus! Get back here!"
The dragon grinned.
"Never mind. Wait here little girl."
Her eyes widened as Ridley flew at her mother.
A few minutes later the children were all stationed about the center of the colony, watching the beasts feed on the flesh of their parents. They screamed and cried as their parents were ripped to shreds.
"What is this," Rafaela said with wide eyes. "It's one thing to feed on parents and children. But to make the children watch… This is beyond evil. Did you know he did this?"
"I did. But you and I are no strangers to morally que- "
"Not like this. This is something else entirely."
When the horrendous feast ended, the great dragon wiped his mouth of blood and kneeled down before the young bounty hunter.
"That was something fun right? Or maybe not for you so much. Don't worry. Next time, I'll help you get accustomed."
He stood back up to his full height and towered over the crowd of trembling children.
"Remember this feeling kiddos. Remember that dread. That's life. That's humanity's true state of being. Remember this day and let that pain and exhilaration drive you. Later!"
And to their shock, the creatures left. The colony burned to the ground with all the children left standing there and crying. In the center the young future hunter stared at the stars with a clenched fist.
"Well, isn't this nice. A trip down miss Aran's memories! If we follow them to the end, maybe we'll get to find her and pull her out of her rut!"
"That… How does that even work? What is this really?"
"I'm not sure. But let's proceed anyway! By the end, I'll know miss Aran better than anyone!
Rafaela frowned. Even before she awakened, her sister's smirk always irritated her. She was so pretty.
"Who are you?"
They jumped and wheeled around to find the girl staring up into their eyes.
"You can see us? Can you recognize us?"
The girl shook her head.
"No. But something about you feels…. Familiar…"
"That's because we've met! Although perhaps you've never seen me this hot, hmm?"
The girl blinked.
"What?"
"I'm saying you saw me at my ugliest! Looking like a giant brain! Now though…" She did a little twirl.
"Whaddaya think? Pretty hot, huh?"
The girl blushed and looked away from the woman creepily touching her. Rafaela gave her sister a nasty stare.
"Luci, she's a child!"
"No, she isn't. This is a memory. The real thing is quite the sight. It almost makes me forgive her for giving me to the organization. Almost."
"I don't understand. What's going on? What do you want?"
"You, little girl! You're coming home with us! So come along!" Samus screamed as she lifted her up.
"Luci! Put her down! She doesn't know what's going on!"
"Really? And why is that? How do you not know what's going on? I mean you've lived this right?"
"Maybe? I… I WANT MY MOM! WHERE IS SHE? MOM!"
Rafaela pulled her from her sister's grasp and held her close.
"I don't know what's going on…. I don't know who you are…. I don't know what to do…. I just want my mom…."
"So do we all," Rafaela muttered. "But they're gone, just like…."
"We'd like you back little missy. In the real world. We could use your hand."
"I don't understand. Why should I go anywhere with you? I don't know you!"
"Well, little lady, who else are you going to go with?"
"Come on. Come back with us. You may have lost your mother, but you're one yourself now. Your little Clare misses you so."
The girl seemed to calm at that.
"Clare… That sounds familiar. Maybe I- "
"You two! What are you doing here?"
A woman with long hair and pointed ears came marching towards them. Her eyes displayed great annoyance.
"Oh, hello Ilena. Or was it Irene? No one can seem to agree on that. Anyway, nothing to fear just- "
"Prying into her memories without permission? I told you that was my job!"
"And you were getting nowhere. Figured it was time for me to step in. My role as a number 1 and all that."
"Clare… I know that name. Is she my age?"
"You could say that" Luciela grinned. "You can play with her. You just have to wake up."
"I don't know… Is it even scarier out there?"
"Yes," the older woman said leaning in. "But you're strong enough to manage it."
The girl took one last teary look around the remnants of her home then nodded and hugged Luciela.
"I think we've convinced her. Pull us out."
….
Samus Aran opened her eyes. She felt a presence. A pulsing aura.
She didn't know what else to do, or where she was, so she followed it out of the darkness.
Aka, she opened her eyes. Only to immediately close when another body leaped on her chest.
"Finally! Took your time waking up sleepy head!"
"Noel, please. Get off her."
Opening her eyes fully, she found herself face to face with… her friends. Yes. Her friends. Her first true friends.
"Noel. Sophia."
"She remembers us! And she said my name first! See? I'm special! Her favorite! But you're pretty great too, Soph."
"Hmph!"
"You two should really just kiss and get it over with."
They whipped around to the smiling woman in the red dress and her embarrassed one-eyed sister. In the corner on another bed sat Ilena/Irene.
"Glad we you finally decided to join us again, kiddo. You made a cute little girl by the way."
"I… Who are you again?"
"Excuse me? We just talked!"
"This is my sister. Luciela."
Luciela. Where had she heard that name?
"Aka, Mother Brain," Noel growled.
"Mother brain? What?"
"Wow, you really must be tired. You know the abyssal one? Caught her on Zebes? Our first date together?"
"That's a rather misleading term Noel," Sophia said.
"Yes. Planet Zebes. Your home and mine once upon a time."
"Your- Never mind. Why are we here?"
"We've been on the move for the better part of the last 7 months. The organization has been hunting us down. We finally managed to throw them off our track and decided to regroup somewhere familiar."
"And so, you choose my home?"
"As I said. We're familiar with it. Or so we thought. Turns out there might be more to this place than I thought. More than you might have thought."
"You still won't tell us what you mean," Noel grumbled.
"Now now! We're still not entirely sure we can trust you yet. You're still part human. And you did hand me over to the organization. Maybe if we spend time together we can build that trust, hmm?"
"Hold on, you can't just- "
Her stomach cramped up. Something kicked against it from the inside, sending her reeling to the ground.
"Easy there, dear," Sophia said calmly. "You shouldn't make any sudden movements right now. You've undergone some changes…"
"What is that feeling inside? It's like something is trying to get out…"
"Something is. Phazon."
Her heart beat faster, nearly drowning out the rest of the world.
"Before we crossed back from Dark Aether, Teresa jabbed us. It seems there is phazon now flowing through our veins and the twins."
"Twins?"
"Oh yes. Alicia and Beth made it through with us. And Tabitha. She's infected with a tiny amount"
"What? Hold on- "
"The point is this," Ilena/Irene interrupted. "Phazon is within us all and doesn't appear to be having any major negative effects. But they don't want to take chances. So, they keep us here to try and understand the impact on our bodies."
"Yes. Every day, we're given some time to experiment with it. See how to use it if possible. We're not entirely sure how though. We don't have control it seems."
"Clare… I want to see Clare."
"And so, you shall," Luciela smirked. "As loathe as I am to part with that adorable little munchkin, I'll let her see you a little later."
"Part? What have you done with her?"
"Nothing! Nothing! Well, nothing bad anyway. She's been a busy little bee. She's even grown up some more. Filled out. You might like her that way."
"You pervy old- "
Her stomach grumbled.
"Food! That's what this needs," Noel interjected excitedly. "Let's get you some good grub!"
"Right sure. I guess I could use some energy."
"Listen, sisters. Can you fetch this woman and us our portion for the day?"
Rafaela looked with concern at her sister. She never did enjoy taking orders.
To her amazement, the abyssal one simply smiled and nodded.
"Of course. Anything for our newest member. Remember we're here for each other, so don't hesitate to ask."
The claymores stared after her while she walked away. Rafaela stood there for a minute.
"Samus I- It's good to see you again. "
"Keep away one eye," Noel warned. "You let her out. You made this all possible."
"What? You let Luciela out?"
"I… She's my sister. I couldn't- "
"Leave her? Ye you could have. And we wouldn't be surrounded by monsters and afraid for our lives."
"Look- "
"Rafaela," Ilena/Irene interrupted. "I think you should go."
She nodded sadly and left.
"I feel bad for her."
"Don't Sammy," Noel assured her. "She made her choice."
"She also helped me and Clare on Tallon IV. Without her help, we might not have reached you in the mines."
"She betrayed us. Betrayed us all. We might not be in this mess if not for her. Trapped with the three abyssal ones."
"Three? Isley I guess would be the other one. And if Alicia's alive I guess she counts as another abyssal right?"
"Huh? Oh. Good point. No, we meant Riful. She helped Rafaela break Luciela out."
"What? Are we going to awaken? Wait. Has Clare awakened?"
"No," Ilena/Irene interjected Riful certainly wants it. But to maintain the delicate "peace" here, we've all agreed to certain conditions. They also figure it would make it harder to gain our support. "
"Couldn't overlook that sarcastic way you said peace I," Noel said.
"Because it's not sustainable. Our only union here is our hatred for the organization. Beyond that however, these are monsters in body and soul. There's a reason they've never united before now. No telling how long this can last."
"So, in truth it's just us. Us against the organization."
Ilena/Irene didn't show any emotion even as she nodded and confirmed her worries.
Samus sighed. She should have stayed asleep.
….
Screw that. She should never have fallen asleep to begin with, she thought as she held her adoptive daughter in her arms. She'd certainly grown a bit more, but she still remained overshadowed by her adoptive mother's 6 ft 3 at a comparatively diminutive 5 ft 6. And she was unlikely to grow further due to yoma flesh's aging suppressant effects. Samus smirked inside as she realized her little girl would always remain her little girl. Looking up to her figuratively and literally.
"I missed you mama."
Noel snickered.
"Aren't you a little old to be using that term?"
"Shut up," Samus ordered. Sophia smirked at Noel's recoil.
"It's been awful without you awake. So many monsters curious how I'd look awakened. Riful has made many offers to me. It's hard to resist them. Even harder for Ophelia."
"Ophelia? Tell me you're not still dating her!"
"Well…"
"Dating? Ha!" Noel could barely hold in her laughter. "Practically married with all the time they spend together!"
"I… I have to. I'm her Beth."
"What?"
"She was close to awakening. I needed a way to stabilize her. So, I linked our suits just like we did with the twins. We don't have the connection they shared from being born together, but it's better than letting her suffer."
Samus smiled thinly.
"It's touching. Whatever I think of Ophelia, I want you to be happy. If she brings you some measure of happiness, that's good to hear."
"Really? You approve then?"
"I don't want her to awaken either. She helped us on Tallon IV After all."
"She's still a pain in the ass," Noel muttered.
"There's something else," Clare added with concern etched over her features. "One of the reasons we choose to come to Zebes. They're asking me to make power suits. They think it will give us an edge against the organization."
"I… See. Not surprising."
Clare raised an eyebrow.
"I admit. I expected you to show more anger over this."
Samus chuckled. It made everyone in the room uncomfortable.
"Why? It's common isn't it? To use Chozo designs to cause pain and misery. It's what they do."
"I thought- "
"You thought wrong. Didn't they tell you? The Chozo made the yoma. Just like they made the metroids. They helped the organization unleash unspeakable evil onto the galaxy. All that peace and harmony stuff I preached to you: It's all bullshit."
"I know. I mean I know they made the yoma. But bullshit? I'm fairly sure that's just your opinion."
"A very logical opinion given what we now know. To think when I first came to this planet, I would have done anything to earn the attention of those birds. Done anything to fit in and gain their acceptance. My whole life defined by what they preached." She breathed in deep. "What a fucking joke. My whole life is a joke! Everything I taught you is a joke!"
Clare pulled back. Noel and Sophia looked at each other, unsure how to act. Ilena/Irene broke the silence.
"Clare, maybe we should give her some space."
The young woman seemed hesitant but nodded and moved to leave.
"It's good to see you mama. I'm glad you're back with us again."
Samus knew in her heart the right thing to do in this moment would be to reach out and apologize. To hold her girl close. To be a lifeline for each other.
But in this particular moment as she sat their upon the bed sobbing, she couldn't bring herself to care.
"All right. That's enough pity for me. Let's go punch something."
"Punch something," Sophia asked. "Dear, please don't speak like Noel. It doesn't suit you."
"Why not? I'm a monster aren't I? Isn't that what they wanted us to be? Come on. Let's go practice being monsters."
….
Samus panted. Ilena/Irene by contrast seemed quite fine.
"You've still got it I see," she panted.
A bare flicker of a smile crossed the number 4's face.
"I am- Was number 4. Whether part of the organization or not, it would behoove me to stay in shape."
"Can't say the same," Samus groaned. "People always asked how I never made it into the single digits."
"Well, you're not fighting your normal way. I can tell you that."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning, you're not using your armor. You're relying solely on your swordplay when part of your effectiveness is your combination of sword and power armor."
"Yes, well. That was the past. We're turning over a new leaf. Starting fresh."
"By forsaking your main weapon?"
Samus didn't speak for a moment. When she opened her mouth to respond, someone else beat her to it.
"Ms. Aran? Is that you?"
"Tabitha was it? Glad to see you're here. Where's Mir- "
Oh right. She recalled the last minutes traveling through the darkness too late. Tabitha's face fell.
"I'm sorry. She was- "
"Not was. Is. She's alive I know it."
"Right. Of course," Ilena/Irene interceded. "Well, in any case, she and you both helped us, and we'd like to return the favor."
"We showed you the truth warriors. It's up to you what to do with that knowledge."
Samus seemed hesitant to respond again out of fear of saying the wrong thing once more. Noel responded instead.
"Wanna fight again? I promise to go easy on you this time."
Tabitha frowned.
"Never go easy on me. You don't learn that way."
She vanished and reappeared close to Noel though slightly to her left. The latter shook her head.
"Your accuracy's still a bit off. Didn't get much of a chance to see how the phantom did it, but I think she would have come a little closer to my center."
" I… I'm sorry. I don't follow."
"Yeah. Guess I wouldn't either. Let's see… What I'm trying to say is I'm guessing you wanted to appear before me to get a hit in at one of my frontal arteries, right?"
"What? I don't want to kill you!"
"No! Of course not! Who in their right mind would want to kill me! I'm awesome! But assuming I was someone you wanted to kill, which of course I'm not, You'd probably want to make a frontal assault for vital organs right? Unless you were hoping to take me from the side?"
"No. I wanted to attack from the front."
"Right. Well, if you had managed that, you'd have me in a fair pickle. Your speed is very impressive. It's your accuracy that could use some more work."
Samus rubbed her chin in contemplation.
"Isn't that Miria's technique? Weren't you more about hiding yoki and stealth?"
"Yes. I hope to master both. It could allow me to traverse even quicker without attracting much attention."
"Yeah, imagine,." Noel grinned. "Going back and forth while slicing and dicing monsters before they can sense her. She'll be a force of destruction."
"I'll never be as good as captain Miria. Not even 1/16th as good. But anything I can do to help save her I must take."
"What about the phazon? Have you been able to use it?"
"No. None of us have. It's flowing through our veins without any noticeable effects. But we don't have any way to take advantage of it."
"Not that I would want to," Sophia shuddered. "You saw what that stuff did to Teresa and her servants. It's bad news no matter how you look at it. And isn't anyone affected by it controllable by her?"
"That should be the case," Ilena/Irene pondered. "But look at the twins."
"The twins?"
Samus whipped her head around. She saw nothing.
"They're not here. They're in quarantine. Both are awakened and infused with phazon to the point where you can see it all over their veins. But they don't act like puppets to Teresa's will."
"Ladies. Ladies, please. Let's get along. We're all monsters here."
"Ophi! Look! She's awake!"
Alicia and Beth took a small step back from Ophelia as she walked into the room. She too had grown up substantially. She still possessed that same braid and smirk, however.
"Aww, and here we were doing so well at curing you of your reliance on momma."
"Nice to see you too Ophelia. You've grown."
"Not really," Noel scowled. "Still a bitch."
Ophelia scowled back and seemed ready to respond but a nudge from Clare made her stop.
"Fine. Guess I gotta try to make peace with mother-in-law."
Samus cringed at hearing herself referred to as such. Ophelia walked forward and threw her arms around her.
Nobody moved. It seemed so out of place. Someone waited for a pin to drop."
"Look, I know I give you a lot of shit. But you mean a lot to Clare. And to me to."
"What," Noel said deadpan.
"Yeah. I know how that sounds. But you saved us from that crazy Riful lady. Kept me alive. Gave me purpose. And now here we are."
Samus stared at her expressionless. Ophelia fidgeted.
"Damn your stare. I'm not good at this am I?"
"No. But you're trying for Clare. And that's a start I guess."
"Right. Uh…"
"Look. You want my approval or whatever? Protect my Clare. That's all I ask."
Ophelia grinned.
"Now you're speaking my language. I'm already doing well on that road. Let me show you. Clare! Let's give her a demonstration!"
Clare's eyes darted her guardian's way with frightened eyes.
"It's ok honey," Samus reassured her. "I want to see what you've learned. Go ahead."
Ophelia grinned as Clare closed her eyes.
"I'm ready Ophelia. Change."
"Gladly. Whaddaya say Stormwind? Wanna go a round?"
Noel grimaced and shook her head.
"No? Figures. For all your tough talk, you know you don't stand a chance against me."
"I'll fight."
Everyone stared with surprise at Tabitha stepping forward with determination in her eyes.
"Awesome. Glad to see someone with some balls."
"I'll fight too," Samus announced stepping forward."
Clare's eyes widened, while Ophelia's turned dangerous.
"I don't think Clare would want me to hurt her momma. Grief makes her bad under the sheets."
"Ophi!"
"I could use the practice. And you could use the challenge, right?"
The braided woman grinned.
"You heard her Clare. Let's transform!"
And before their eyes, that's exactly what she did. Where once a fierce young woman stood now stood a naga-like creature with Ophelia's face.
"Let's go."
She lunged forward and took a bite out of Tabitha's shoulder.
"Bleh," she cursed as she spit out the chunk of meat. "Not the tastiest. Let's hope you fight better than you taste."
Samus looked to Clare to see if she noticed her girlfriend's behavior. But her adoptive daughter had her eyes shut. In concentration. Sweat ran down her cheek from the strain.
"Concentrate little bird."
She was concentrating. With all her might, she wanted to yell it out. But she dare not. Those red eyes did not allow complaint of any kind.
"Concentrate on your aura. Little by little, increase the energy output. Let the beast out. It is the only way to save your friend."
Said friend, a full-fledged Chozo was being beaten by other members of the Mawkin Tribe. Samus struggled against the chains to help him. But such an act was beyond the strength of a mere human. Or even a human hybrid.
"Evaluate your strength. Increase. Without fear. Without- "
"Look behind you!"
Samus looked too late. Something hit her in the back and knocked her to the ground.
"Awareness lady," Ophelia chided.
Samus growled and kicked out into Ophelia's chest.
Around the outskirts of the arena, her friends and Tabitha murmured in discomfort.
"What was that" Sophia wondered softly. "It felt like I was someone else for a moment."
Tabitha was off kilter from apparently reliving the same image. Samus bit her lower lip in anticipation. Looked like she was on her own.
She used an inferior version of Ilena/Irene's quicksword she'd developed over the years. It didn't prove effective at dealing damage but rather at keeping them off balance and distracted.
The creature screeched causing Clare to open her eyes.
"Ophelia! I – "
Her eyes widened even further as she collapsed to the ground while clutching her forehead.
"Clare! What's wrong?"
She didn't get a chance to check on her girl as Ophelia's screams grew more demonic. Her cries of pain and frustration sounded less like a human shriek and more like an animal growl.
Tabitha at this moment finally rose to her feet and attacked Ophelia from behind.
"Wait," Samus started. "I think we should- "
Too late. Ophelia responded in kind and grabbed her with claws. Tabitha was too slow with her mirage.
Samus sent her sword for the creature's back. This only made her madder.
"You're dead! Both of you!"
Sophia raced to Clare's side and gripped her shoulders.
"Darling. You need to concentrate. Your beloved needs you to hold it together or she'll lose herself."
Both Samus and Tabitha struggled with one of Ophelia's arms. The creature clawed and screamed
"Eat you! I'll eat you!"
Clare's eyes opened and she reached out to link up with Ophelia's aura.
"I can feel her… But she's too far gone…. I can't- "
"Tabitha! Samus!," Ilena/Irene yelled. "Move!"
A spiky bone hit Ophelia in the back and knocked her to the ground. The two claymores who barely got out of the way watched as she slowly reverted to human form.
"I… I reached her," Clare said with effort. "Thank you Isley."
The silver-haired man lowered his right arm now covered in spikes.
"It seems your link is harder to manage without the formation of an aura. Like the twins developed. It makes it difficult for you to maintain a balance."
"Aw! You ruined it!"
Riful of the west leaned against the southwest corner of the arena with her usual cheeky grin.
"She looks so pretty as a monster! Why'd you have to spoil the moment?"
….
"I'm not seeing any change in your phazon. It did pulse in tune with your blood, but after all these months it hasn't had any major change or impact on your body. Neither you nor the other warriors infected seem to have found any way to use it."
Samus stared blankly at Adam Malkovich. Or rather, the man who used to be Adam Malkovich as he examined her. He was very insistent. He'd always been.
"As of this moment, the phazon doesn't appear to be debilitating in any way that I can see. On the surface, there shouldn't be anything holding you back from field duty. Any objections with that lady?"
"Don't call me that."
He stared into her eyes. Her very soul. She stared back. He broke the concentration first. Not something he would have done when she was a child.
"Well, I do have objections with letting you back out to fight. Physically, you don't display any issues. But your hesitancy to fight to your full potential out there today. I worry for you if that's going to be a regular issue."
"I can fight, thank you very much."
"But you won't. Not with your armor. The thing that has kept you alive so long."
"I don't need it."
"Wrong. You very much do need it. It's an essential weapon for you. You've never been as effective with the sword as your sisters. Without it, how do you plan to live? Protect Clare?"
"Why do you care? I'll probably die. No great loss for you."
"Quite a great loss for me actually. For all of us. We need you."
"To beat the organization? You have tons of fighters better than me even with the armor."
Adam pursed his lips, seeming unsure if he should say whatever he intended to, but ultimately relenting.
"We need more than fighters. We need skills. And you can provide certain skills no one else here can."
"Such as?"
"This was your home. The Chozo raised you here. And as we've learned, they had many secrets to uncover. Who better to help us uncover said secrets deep within this planet?"
Samus blinked.
"What?"
Adam sighed.
"Right. Let me rephrase that. There are numerous passages throughout the lower reaches of Zebes. They believe filled with secrets. Weapons. The kind we could use against the organization. But there are impenetrable doors blocking the way. Doors even we can't destroy with our strength."
"And so, you want me to open them and lead you through. What makes you think I even know how to do that?"
He stared at her. She squirmed a bit.
"Samus. I say this for your own good. They're currently weighing who's valuable and who's not. Riful especially is the type who removes those who do not prove useful."
"Are you threatening me?"
"I'm saying this for your own good. For your own future and those of your friends, think about how you can aid. We're your only friends in this galaxy. And yes. I realize that most here probably don't consider you a friend. More an asset. It is essential you remain one."
"Like you care."
"I do care. I've always cared. Why do you think I saved you?"
….
"Back off all of you."
"We're just inducting the kid commander."
"You'll do none of that Chronos. Now back off. I won't warn you again."
The long-haired man and the other awakened beings backed away from the blonde-haired girl. The commander walked up to her and kneeled down next to her.
"Those silver eyes mark you as an outcast wherever you go. Especially here. It marks you as prey to them. As long as you have it."
I will not be a monster. I won't let that winged freak win."
Adam sighed.
"Then how do you plan to go anywhere in this galaxy? You are neither fully human nor fully beast. It will be difficult to go anywhere or do anything."
"So, I become a monster and what?"
"You might have a chance for revenge."
"Revenge," she stated factly. "I don't want revenge. I want my mom."
Adam had a hard time keeping a straight face. A rarity for him.
"We don't have moms. We have brothers. Sisters. Through tough love, we help you find the right path forward. We're our own family. With our own purpose."
"I want a different family."
The man didn't respond. Just kept staring while rubbing her back. She felt guilty for some reason.
"I say this because I see something in you. A strength.
….
"I saw you arguing with Captain Adam."
Samus collapsed from her down dog position onto her back. She cursed then opened her eyes to stare into Ilena/Irene's face.
"How did you hide your yoki?"
"I didn't. You just weren't paying attention."
"Right. Guess that's why I'm not a single digit."
"You certainly could be after all you've survived."
"Hmph. Wouldn't Rubel be proud. So, what's this about Adam? Were you spying on me when he gave me his "medical opinion?"
"I saw it in my mind. A younger you arguing with him about family."
Samus' eyes widened while Ilena/Irene's retained her almost comical blank slate.
"I was just remembering that. A memory from long ago. Between the time he saved me from the ruins of my colony and when the Chozo rescu- Found me."
"I see. So, you too share a link with us."
"A what?"
"A linked mind. Like Teresa has with her slaves. Something we discovered quickly after we awoke. We had numerous moments- still have some where we all got a glimpse into someone's thoughts. Usually Noel."
"So, we have our own little hive mind. Why don't we have Teresa breathing down our neck and giving us commands? Unless…. she is without our knowledge."
Ilena/Irene placed a hand on her friend's trembling shoulder.
"I wouldn't worry. We've had no contact with her or any of her slaves since Dark Aether. Our assumption is that since they're in another dimension, they have no way to probe us. But this phazon has strange qualities. And the quantity in this realm of existence still appears linked. Thereby binding those of us in said realm together."
"So, in other words, we can read each other's minds. Even without our permission? This just gets better and better."
"There are ways to protect your inner thoughts. it might sound silly. In fact, I've no doubt it does. But I find a stable calm mind is the best way to keep your thoughts intact."
"A stable mind?"
"We find meditation and mindfulness the best cure. We actually used some Chozo mediation techniques we learned. "
Samus cringed.
"I sense you're less than thrilled about such a recommendation. But unless you want us to gleam all your deep secrets, I think you should take it up."
Samus didn't respond.
"Not just to keep your thoughts private. But in order. I sense your aura is unstable. If we are to proceed it would help that you remain focused and unclouded by doubt about your purpose."
"I have no doubt about my purpose. I know what I must do."
"Do you? If we go to battle with the organization, we go to battle with our former friends and allies."
Priscilla Samus thought.
"If you're full of doubt now, how can we trust you when the time comes to face our foes?"
"Surely you don't want me to help these monsters steal Chozo weaponry?"
Ilena/Irene waved her hand in dismissal.
"I'm not talking about that. I'm worried about you. You've had a lot of disturbing revelations and life-changing events. Enough to break the will of even the strongest warrior. I want to make sure you're strong enough to go on. To fight. To live."
"I am perfectly capable of fighting thank you."
"Not to your full potential. And certainly not without your armor."
"I have other techniques. Like…. quick sword."
"You mean….. My quick sword?"
"Yes. You're not worried about copyright, or anything are you?"
The pointy eared woman pulled her sword out from its harness, causing Samus to step back.
"I meant that as a joke. Sorry. I'll stop if you want me to."
"That is not the issue. I wonder. How well can you use quick sword. Because in all honesty, your speed has never impressed me."
Though her expression remained solemn, Samus felt shame build up and threaten to overwhelm her. Ilena/Irene was a dear friend. A mentor even. Her disapproval stung like no sword ever could.
"That right there is the problem I believe. Though you hide it well, I can feel your shame. Your passion. Within you burns a maelstrom of emotions. That doesn't work well for this kind of technique which requires a calm steady mind. You couldn't access it in the past and I'm not sure you can use it now when your mind is so fractured by confusion and doubt."
"What about you? Can you use it? I mean I'm not the only one going through self-reflection surely?"
Ilena/Irene looked her sword over, twisting it around in her grip and examining every angle as if looking for any blemishes or imperfections.
"I… Confess. I too have had trouble with it in recent months. My speed isn't what it used to be. The turmoil in my heart has never burdened me so. My identity is compromised. I can't focus. My purpose…. My reason for living… I…"
Samus silenced this uncharacteristic display of vulnerability with one of her own. She reached out and wrapped her arms around her… friend. Yes that seemed right to say.
Ilena/Irene stiffened in surprise but returned the favor shortly. Albeit somewhat awkwardly.
"Seems we've all changed somewhat," Samus mused. "Can you imagine either of us giving out hugs before?"
"No. We're all going through changes. It appears I'll have to reexamine my primary means of defense."
"And I mine. We're different people. We can't rely on- "
"Hold on now. If you want to expand your skills and tactics that's one thing. But I believe that you can still very much use your armor unlike me and quick sword."
Samus pulled away in response to that. Ilena/Irene struggled to hide her disappointment.
"Samus….. I haven't said this before. Something I regret. But I hold you dear to me. I consider you an essential part of my life. A friend. As no doubt do Noel and Sophia. I only ask you not to deprive yourself of a valuable tool because I care for you. Using the Chozo's weapons does not mean you follow their beliefs or endorse their creation of monsters. We must use every available resource we have. Please don't make your survival that much less likely. I would be devastated if you perished. "
"And I you," Samus responded.
They couldn't keep the awkward smile off both their faces. It seemed entirely out of place on them, but also just felt right.
….
"Finally! Our friend has joined us!
Samus kept her face dispassionate and clear in response to Luciela's giddiness and Rafaela's nervousness. Or perhaps shame was the right word for the latter.
"What exactly do you hope to find on this world? More weapons?"
"Of a sort yes. I heard of such rumors when I arrived on this world before."
"Before? You mean before we dragged you off and stuck you in a tube."
"Correct. Thank you for that by the way. Really appreciate it."
"So, you came to this world because of such rumors?"
"No. I heard it from the inhabitants when I arrived here."
"Inhabitants?"
"Ridley and his pirates."
Both sisters stared very intensely at Samus' reaction to the mention of that name. To their surprise, she handled it very well. The only sign of her discomfort was her clenched hand.
"So, he was here when you arrived."
"He was drawn to this place by the promise of power. He must have been somewhat drunk on his battle prowess because he challenged me to battle."
The elegant woman gave a demonic bloodthirsty grin that seemed out of place on her.
"I may not look it, but I was number 1 for a reason. I put him in his place. It was the most fun I'd had in decades let me tell you."
"I wish I could have seen it."
"Well after I humbled him, we had an agreement. He'd follow my command and I would permit Zebes to remain their stronghold and excavation site. We made a lot of progress in expanding through the belly of your home world. But there is still more to see I reckon. To find. And then you showed up."
"When we found you injured," Samus finished for her.
Luciela squirmed uncomfortably.
"Anyway. We've decided it's worth a look. The organization confiscated or destroyed whatever it found her when you ransacked the place. But there's more down there."
"And why should I help you acquire it? Sure, we want the organization defeated. But what comes after?"
Luciela smirked.
"That's been… a point of contention amongst us all. No one can agree. But I think whoever commands the most power and authority around here gets to decide that."
"And so, I should give you control of potential Chozo weapons of mass destruction?"
"I wouldn't say full control. More like share it? Hmm? Whaddaya say?"
"I say I don't know you well enough to share anything."
"Fair enough. But we'll have to trust each other at some point if we hope to survive. We can't be picky about friends, can we?"
That was the unfortunate truth wasn't it, Samus realized. She really was stuck with these monsters. Suddenly a part of her found herself wishing she'd remained blind to the organization's true purpose.
"I know this seems strange to hear. But given everyone else on this planet currently, you're better off working with me and my dear sister here. Isley's plans for the future seem realistic at best. And Riful's…. Don't offer much in the way of equality for humans and beasts. Not something I think you'd want."
"And you could collaborate with me after I hauled your butt off to prison?"
"I… admit. That does put a damper on our whole relationship. But hey! You were just doing your job! This is a new day for us all! Turn over a new leaf and all that. Besides, my dear sister begged me to show compassion."
"And you think I could collaborate with you when you admit to hiring Ridley on as an employee? After you saw my past?"
"I'm not sure I could call Ridley my employee anymore. He's shown much more alignment with Riful recently."
Samus gave her own savage grin.
"Then you wouldn't mind if I were to go put his eyes out right now?"
"I wouldn't. But he's not currently here. He went on a scout of another portion of the planet and hasn't returned."
He'd better not die, she thought. That's for me.
"And even so, the peace here is fragile. Everyone's looking for some excuse to break it and go back to good old slaughter. It's who we are. It's what we do."
Samus sighed.
"Well, that doesn't really alleviate my fears about this alliance. I've heard enough. I'm off to think this over. I will give you an answer… whenever I think one up I suppose."
She turned around and started her way back towards her chambers. She didn't like walking outside of it. Too many eyes on her. Examining her. Pulling her apart. Sizing her up.
Not too different from her childhood.
"Samus. Wait"
She suppressed a sigh and turned around to face Rafaela who took a step back from the ferocity of her gaze.
"I don't trust you either Rafaela. Not after what you did."
"She… She's my sister. My family. Is there nothing you would not do for your family?"
"My family is dead. And they weren't mon- "
Oh right. They were monsters. Monsters who turned little girls into weapons. So much for that argument.
"Anyway, you said you were going to kill her, right? You said yourself you thought she was beyond salvation."
"I know what I thought. What I promised. But when it came time, I couldn't do it. Not my flesh and blood. Imperfect though she may be. If Clare awakened- If Priscilla awakened- Could you bring yourself to kill them? Someone you loved? Genuinely loved?"
Samus practiced another moment of silence.
"I thought not. I hope you never have to experience that."
"If you're trying to justify yourself to me save it. We have a common goal and that's enough to work with you for now. Just don't act like we're friends. You put Clare in danger, and I can't forgive that."
"Yes. I put her in danger. But I've also kept her out of danger these last few months. I… I know I don't show it. But I do care for her. For the children. For you."
Samus almost laughed. It sounded so strange coming from the one-eyed warrior.
"And despite everything, I appreciate you bringing me back to the fold. Finding me on Tallon IV. Before that I'd spent over a century wandering aimlessly. Achieving nothing of value. I found purpose again thanks to you. So… Truly. Thank you."
Samus stared in silence for a moment before turning around and continuing the march to her room. Even without looking, she could feel Rafaela's disappointment through her aura. Part of her was tempted to turn around and say something to give her a little hope of a rekindled friendship. But no. Better she get the message. Trust is hard to rebuild.
Once upon a time, she would have called that part of her the Chozo half. Oh, how future her would laugh at past her.
She returned to her shared room with her former claymores and found the room empty. She fell forward upon her bed and buried her head into the pillow.
Apparently the universe didn't think she was cursed enough, as the door opened, and someone walked in. They paused at the edge of her bed in defiance of her inner wishes.
Please leave, she thought. Please leave. Leave me in peace.
They did not leave and instead wrapped their arms around her chest and lay their head upon her back. She wanted to tell them off before she recognized the aura.
"Clare? Is that you?"
"Hmm. I don't care what Ophelia says. I wear momma's girl with pride."
"Glad to hear it."
"This is where it all began for you and me. Well, ok. Technically that colony was. But this was your first mission. If you hadn't done it…"
"Who knows what would have happened. I've wondered that too. Maybe you would have had a normal life."
"I wouldn't want that. You saved me from Rosemary. You gave me love. If I weren't like this, I couldn't repay your kindness. It's why I do what I do. I hope to get strong enough to protect you as you do me."
"Protect…. Speaking of protect… Did Rafaela protect you during my coma?"
She flipped onto her back to stare up at her adoptive daughter as she responded.
"As best she could. I think she felt guilt over her decision. She admitted it was impulsive to free Luciela. But we do stupid things for those we love. Don't we?"
"True. Too true. Like you and Ophelia."
"Hey!"
"What? It's true isn't it? You telling me you don't have to do incredibly difficult things for her all the time?"
"Fine," she admitted after a long pause. "But it's worth it."
"Goddess knows why."
She chuckled at Clare's annoyed expression.
"A lot happened during our time as warriors. She provided comfort. Helped me through the rough moments. You weren't around as much as I would have liked. Without her, I might have lost it a few times. She was my lifeline and I hers. Like you and Priscilla."
"Priscilla… You know right now I wish I hadn't left. I wish I didn't know the truth"
"What? You mean about the organization?"
"About them. The Chozo. All of it. I mean there were rough times sure. But we had purpose. Friends. Family of a sort. Not the men in black. But our comrades in arms. We could trust them. Trust them to fulfill what seemed like a noble goal. Now here we are. Stuck with comrades we can't trust. And for what goal? What is these creature's end game? I don't think the abyssals and I agree on that. I miss it. Those three years. I miss Priscilla."
Clare tightened her hug.
"I miss it too. I miss my allies still there. Our allies we will no doubt have to fight. But our mission. Our goal. It was all a lie. A lie to fulfill the dreams of egotistical small men. Our happiness- Our comradery- All in service to a lie."
"A lie," Samus repeated. "We lived a lie. Just like I lived a lie here with the Chozo."
Clare's aura tensed up. Concern etched its way onto her face.
"So here we are," Samus continued. "Living the truth. I recall someone once long ago said the truth would set you free. I don't feel very free right now."
"Nor I. At least we have each other as cellmates. And we'll find our freedom as we always have. Together."
"Together," Samus responded as they tightened their hold around each other.
"Clare. Have you heard anything about Priscilla? Is there any way to- "
"I'm sure she's fine. But I don't think it's the best idea to contact her. We're still at war with her leaders. And we have no connection to her."
Connection… Connection…. She had one. Phazon. Didn't they share it? Share a mind in the phazon? Was it still possible?
"Clare sweetie. I'm going to close my eyes for a bit."
She did so and reached down inside herself. Down to her heart.
She followed the streams of energy. Focused on the little blue dots. The poison infecting her system.
They had a mind of their own. A vast mind. Stretching across the cosmos. It rippled through space. She followed it. Followed the familiar energy. The unstable energy. The immense power. All too familiar.
She found her sitting up against a wall. She hugged herself, shivering. She'd gotten used to having Samus around to hug during unstable moments.
"Pris?"
The number 1 immediately tensed up. She looked about frantically.
"Who? What?"
"Pris! It's me! I'm alive!"
"I… Who's there? Show yourself!"
"I'm here! Look at me!"
Their eyes met.
"It… It can't be. Samus?"
She lost contact at that moment. Whether due to effort or distance. As their hands reached out for each other, darkness took hold.
She woke up back on Zebes. Back in reality. Back in a nightmare.