Warning: This chapter contains themes of self-harm, which will be disturbing to some readers. Discretion is advised.

Chapter 8: Mercury, Body and Soul

The next day, everyone on the ship was extremely concerned. Mercury had not left her room since the previous night. After breakfast, the captain decided to take matters into her own hands.

"Mercury, open up already!" Kurabe shouted while knocking on the door. "Answer me, please! We're all worried sick about you!"

There was no response.

"Can't we just try to open the door by force?" Meta asked.

"We'll have to if this keeps up. I'd rather not if I don't have to." Kurabe sighed.

Reedy walked up between them, pushing up his glasses.

"Allow me."

He then lifted a finger and turned it into a key.

"Mer, this is your last warning. Open the door, please."

"I'm tired, go away..." a dull voice replied from inside.

That tone of voice saddened everyone who heard it.

"Sensei, can we just let her rest for a bit? I want her to get better soon." The youth asked.

Kurabe and Reedy looked at each other, both conflicted about what to do. The man nodded towards her.

"Mercury, we'll leave you alone for two hours. You better be prepared to talk by then." The warrior said, trying to hide the desperation in her voice.

There was no response, but the group then left.

Sitting down in the cafeteria, the trio each had hard to read expressions. Meta looked at his mentor and Reedy, eyes filled with grief.

"Sensei, what exactly happened to her? She's alive. She survived being attacked by that... that thing. So, why? Why is she in so much pain?"

Kurabe looked at him with a slightly irritated expression.

"I imagine that being assimilated is a terrifying process, Meta." She said bluntly.

"I know, but isn't there something more to it?"

The warrior then gave a sigh. "It's also because to assimilate a Limet, one would have to assimilate their core."

"You mean her heart?"

Kurabe fell silent for a moment. "Unfortunately, there's more to it than just that. Reedy, could you please explain it? I need to get some air."

The man's eyes widened upon hearing that.

"Why?"

The warrior simply looked at him.

"You're more qualified to talk about it than I am. Besides, I'd rather not accidentally destroy the cafeteria." Kurabe was clearly on edge at the moment.

The man silently pushed up his glasses.

"Well, first I must ask you if you've had... "the talk" with him." He said with a slight cough.

"Yes, so you can skip that part of it, Reedy. If you need me, I'll be outside."

After Kurabe left, Meta became noticeably uncomfortable. Not only because of the situation and the implied subject matter, but he was also remembering back to that discussion his mentor had with him. More specifically, how embarrassed he felt about hearing it.

"What does that have to do with Mercury's heart?"

"Well, this should make it a lot easier since you know about that..." Reedy uttered before sighing and continuing. "While the Limet's core is its heart, it serves one other purpose: reproduction."

Meta's eyes widened in horror. "Then you mean...?"

The man silently nodded. "When two Limets reproduce, they split themselves in half to create a new whole Limet. The parents will be inactive for a few months to recover after this. If done willingly, it creates a feeling of euphoria. If done forcefully, it creates great pain. That is why you must not touch a Limet's core without permission. By this logic, I think you can deduce why a Limet being assimilated by another Limet is such a horrid experience."

Meta looked even more horrified than before. "So, Mercury went through all of that? Damn it! I should have been with her! It should have been me!"

"Don't you DARE say something like that! Do you know how much it would have destroyed your mentor if something were to happen to you!?"

The youth flinched at the sudden anger coming from Reedy.

"You're right, I apologize..."

He then heard a loud boom and saw a large spike of ice from outside the cafeteria window.

"I've never seen sensei so furious..."

"Considering what happened to Mercury, I can hardly blame her. Even I'm having a hard time restraining myself." He could only really sit in silence for a moment.

"Reedy, if you don't mind talking about it... Mercury said that she'd be dead if it weren't for Kurabe. What exactly happened to her?"

Reedy then sighed. "I suppose you have a right to know. It could help us take our minds off what happened for a bit. I warn you, Meta, it's a long story."

The youth nodded. "Tell me."

Reedy took of his glasses, cleaning them as he cleared his throat.

"As you are aware, many in the galaxy fear us Limets. It was no different in the Organization. When we joined, we each faced our own share of hardships. Ridicule, other members picking fights with us, and barely disguised contempt. Even some attempts on our lives. The general kept ordering the instigators to quit, but they wouldn't listen. As a result, Mercury was an outcast for no fault of her own. Besides me, only a handful of others were kind to her."

He put his glasses back on.

"One day, Mercury was placed in charge of squad. They were tasked with eliminating a small rebel army. While she was a competent leader, her squad mates were a different story. They refused to listen to her orders, disobeyed, and ridiculed her. This resulted in her force getting ambushed by the army. Taken by surprise, all of the soldiers placed under Mercury died in seconds. She put a good fight, managing to fight them off for a total of five hours. Unfortunately, even with her incredible skills, she was outnumbered and outmatched. One of the enemy soldiers got a lucky shot with an arrow and caused massive damage to her core. She was unable to move and completely at the mercy of the rebel army."

Reedy took a drink of water before continuing.

"Then Kurabe showed up. She was stationed at a different location than Mercury and was ordered to stay put. She disregarded her direct orders and left to help Mercury. When asked how she knew Mercury was in danger she replied with one word: Instinct. Before Mercury could be killed, Kurabe eliminated every enemy that got in her way. That's not to say she won unscathed; she got a nasty scar over her left eye while protecting Mercury. It's long since healed but it's something Mercury still beats herself up over."

Meta took a moment to process what he heard. Reedy then looked him directly in the eyes.

"At first, Mercury didn't know why Kurabe would risk herself like that. It made no sense to her. Her answer shook Mercury's heart that day..."

"Do I need a reason to protect my friend?" Kurabe said, finishing the story for Reedy.

The youth became silent, as if not knowing how to respond.

"That wasn't it, though. There was one more incident that happened..." The warrior added.

"Huh?"

"This was after the Childs Case... the first and only time the 0.01% fail rate of the Reedy Exam occurred."

The youth's eyes widened.

Reedy nodded. "During that case, the hivemind, was a normal Limet named Childs that became one. No one knows how or why, but it's an extremely rare thing that can happen. After that, hate towards Limets skyrocketed..."

It was then that Kurabe continued.

"During that time, a mob was after Mercury due to her being a Limet. At some point, I stepped in and fought them off, but I was critically injured by the end."

That surprised Meta. "How? Were they that strong?"

The warrior shook her head. "Not at all. They were still members of our organization. I couldn't just kill them all."

Reedy then stood up. "Thankfully, the general punished everyone involved with the mob."

Meta nodded. "I don't get it. I understand that some Limets are horrible, but Mercury isn't like that! She's not a monster!"

"I'm a monster."

Mercury kept repeating that phrase in mind over and over again. Her body, or more accurately, her soul was drained of all her spirit. She didn't even want to get out of her bed, though she was starting to force herself out. Out of her bed and out of their lives.

"An hour passed since Kurabe left. I need to get out of here. Hopefully, no one's near the freezer."

She then began to roll herself toward the door.

"...this will all be over soon..."

Upon leaving her room, she was pleasantly surprised to see that no one was outside and guarding her room.

"I just need to make it there..."

After hours of being left alone with her thoughts and the horrible nightmares she had last night, Mercury came to one single conclusion: The GranEssex... no, the universe would be better off without a monster like her.

"Because of me, Kurabe has suffered fatal injuries for no reason. Reedy's position in the Organization has been challenged and compromised because of his connections to me. I'm a liability, a huge risk, a burden. An unnecessary burden, especially to her." Mercury thought to herself as she moved towards the freezer.

However, she then heard a voice that broke her out of her thoughts.

"Vice captain, where are you going?" She turned to see it was one of the Bukisets.

Mentally cursing her luck, Mercury put on a fake smile.

"I'm heading to the bathroom, nothing to be concerned about."

The Bukiset seemed to give a doubtful look.

"...are you sure you're ok? You don't look so good. Wait there for a moment, I'm going to call the infirmary."

He then began to punch a number into his communication device.

Mercury scowled. She didn't have time for this. Last thing she needed was Kurabe or Reedy getting to her. Seeing them would just make things harder for her. Not wanting to waste time Mercury started sprinting.

"HEY! GET BACK HERE!" The Bukiset shouted.

"Mercury left her room and is acting strangely?" Kurabe asked another Bukiset, who had entered the cafeteria to relay the message.

"Yes."

"We have to find her!" Meta shouted.

"Agreed, she can be anywhere by now. Or anything." Reedy said, trying his best to not lose his composure.

"There's no need for that. I already know where she is." The warrior said.

Reedy gave a questioning look. "How?"

"Instinct."

"Then where is she, sensei?" Her student quickly asked, ready to sprint out at any moment.

"The freezer." She said before vanishing from sight.

"I-I didn't even see her move!" Meta exclaimed.

"Enough gawking, Meta, we need to follow her." The man commented as he rushed out the nearby door.

He nodded before quickly running after him.

Mercury managed to slip under the freezer door thanks to her blob form. Now, she was ready. Soon the nightmares would be gone, and she would never bring harm upon her family ever again. Despite the seemingly relaxed attitude she had most of the time, she had always blamed herself for any negative experience that happens to others and after what happened yesterday, she was convinced that she was nothing more than a monster that brought misfortune wherever she went. Her body began to hurt from the cold. After at least an hour, her core would break from the intensity and low temperatures.

"Now, no one else will have to suffer..."

Her breathing began to slow down as she shivered. While the cold did hurt, it didn't hurt as bad as what happened yesterday... as being nearly assimilated. Nothing would hurt as bad as that. Just then a loud bang could be heard on the freezer door. Mercury already knew who it was.

"Mercury!?"

"How did you know I was here!?"

"Call it instinct. Now get out here this instant!"

"Why!? What could you possibly want with a monster like me!?" The blob yelled.

She desperately didn't want to see her right now. If she saw Kurabe's face, she was sure it would break her resolve.

She then heard a sigh from outside.

"You aren't a monster, Mercury. Don't be ridiculous. Now come out on your own volition before I open this door and drag you out."

Mercury became silent. Tears were starting to form in her eyes, but why? Was it due to the cold? Was it because of Kurabe? She just didn't know.

"Kurabe, I'm a monster. I'm a pathetic creature that deserves this. What that hivemind did to me... it hurt so much. But it doesn't hurt as much as thought of me becoming the same! There's a chance I could become a hivemind! A chance I could kill you and Reedy and Meta and everyone! Why can't you see that!?"

Kurabe was stunned by her words.

"Oh, Mercury, I should have been there for you." She whispered.

"Kurabe, we came to-" Before Reedy could continue, the warrior summoned an unbreakable wall of ice behind her, completely stopping them.

"Sensei, why did-"

Kurabe only replied with a look that simply said "Let me handle this alone.". Both Meta and Reedy nodded.

"It's time we talk face to face... one on one." She said towards the freezer before teleporting inside.

"So, you're like this not only because of what you experenced, but also because you're afraid of becoming like Childs?" The warrior asked as she approached.

"Kurabe, just stay back!"

Kurabe only kept approaching.

"Mercury, I can feel just how much pain you're in right now. It's alright, I'm here for you." She then raised her eye visor, sitting it on top of her head to show a sympathetic gaze.

However, the blob didn't drop her guard. "Leave me alone! Why won't you let me die!?"

"You know why, Mercury. I would never allow you to die."

"But why? Why do you care so much about a monster like me!?"

"Why should I need a reason to care about my friend?"

The blob only seemed to become angered with that statement. "Kurabe, when I was being assimilated, I experienced the worst pain imaginable. I've done that to other creatures! I've assimilated before! It... it must have been torture for them. I'm a horrible monster! Why can't you see that!?"

The warrior had an unreadable expression as she knelt down towards the blob.

"Mercury, how many creatures have you actually assimilated?"

Mercury froze. "I'm not sure... at least six. But that doesn't mean-"

"And how many of them were murderers and actual monsters?"

"...All of them, but still I-"

"Did you enjoy assimilating them?"

"Of course not!" Mercury yelled before fully realizing what she said.

"Mercury, you asked why I couldn't see you as a monster. The answer is simple. It's because you aren't one."

However, this only seemed to make the blob more upset.

"You're wrong! You're wrong! You're wrong! You're wrong! You're wrong! Stop making up things! I can assimilate like that monster! At this point, I might as well be one! I'm horrible! I'm the worst! Why can't you understand that!?"

After a moment of silence, Kurabe gave a slight sigh as she stared at the shuddering metal blob.

"Do you want to know what I think?"

She scooped Mercury up in her hands.

"When I look at you right now, I don't see a monster. I don't even see a Limet. All I see is my best friend in the whole universe, and her name is Mercury."

Admittedly the blob couldn't find the words to create a proper reply to that. Mercury truly appreciated her friend's kindness, but she still doubted herself. She then began to speak.

"Kurabe, I'm sorry, but-"

"Mercury, let me ask you something. You think you're a monster because you can assimilate. Then do you believe Reedy is a monster as well?"

"What!? Of course he's not!"

Kurabe nodded in response. "Exactly. He's a stubborn piece of work, but he's no monster. Let me ask another question. There are many stories of Star Warriors who strayed from the path of justice and used their power to create chaos across the universe. I'm more than capable of that kind of destruction... I have the power to destroy an entire planet or two... and even more without those seals on Rubis and Grenat. Am I a monster? Better yet, Meta is also a Star Warrior. Is he a monster just because he was born as one?"

"What?! No!"

"Then if I'm not a monster and if Meta isn't a monster, why call yourself a monster?"

"Because I am!"

"No. You. Aren't."

At that point, it was clear that the warrior was beginning to lose her patience.

The blob then shouted at her. "Kurabe, why are you trying so hard to convince me otherwise?! Just leave me be!"

"Because I love you like the sister I never had!"

Suddenly, Kurabe wrapped Mercury in a warm hug. Despite them being in the freezer, Mercury began to feel warmth cover her body. But why?

"Kurabe, you still want me even after all the trouble I've caused?" She asked in surprise.

Kurabe looked deep into her eyes. "What trouble?"

Mercury's eyes widened.

"Don't lie to me! You've gotten hurt because of me! Several times! I remember that day, the day when you were impaled by a hundred spears because of me! You almost died and it was my fault!"

"But I didn't. I'm still alive and so are you. Mercury, I've always known that you blamed yourself for that and many other things, but there's nothing for you to be sorry about. I chose to protect my best friend and I would gladly get impaled if it meant protecting you. Besides, don't tell me you've forgotten about the countless you've saved my ass. Honestly, I wouldn't be called "the Unkillable" if it wasn't for you."

As if not knowing how to respond to that, Mercury only gave a slight sigh as she sank into the hug.

"Why... are you so warm...?" The blob uttered dully.

Kurabe laughed. "Do I really need to spell it out for you? I'm warm because my sister is safe in my arms. That and I can sense a different emotion coming from you right now. I'm a Star Warrior, remember?"

The blob looked at her for a moment and then nodded. "What's that?"

"You're happy, Mercury. When people are happy, they become warm inside like you are right now. See? You still have your emotions. A monster like that hivemind wouldn't feel happiness from this."

Then another thought came to the blob's mind. "...Kurabe, do I deserve to be happy?"

"I feel like you already know my answer, Mercury. You more than deserve it." She replied with a smile.

"...but it still hurts, Kurabe. I still hurt."

"I know, I know, but that's what you have a family for, Mercury. We're here to help you. The pain from yesterday will never leave, no matter how much we wish it would. But we can help you move past it. I will help you through it."

The blob only remained silent. "Do you really think so, Kurabe? Do you really mean everything?"

"Mercury, I promise you. Nothing can stop me from helping you. Even if the embodiment of death tried to take you away, I would kill them. Simply put, I would kill death itself to save you."

The blob became silent once more, as if not knowing what to say, yet now feeling able to accept her friend's hug.

"Kurabe... can we stay like this, just for a little longer?"

"Of course, Mercury. If that's what you want." She whispered.

Tears then began to flow from both of their eyes. For the next thirty minutes, they simply sat there, embracing one another. Eventually, Mercury found the strength to slowly regain her humanoid form, still clinging onto Kurabe.

Suddenly, the warrior spoke up. "Alright, Mercury, we should get moving. The others are probably worried sick about us."

"...ok." The woman nodded.

She then suddenly fell over in a slight daze, her legs now completely stiff from the cold.

"...ah, that's right, we're still in the freezer." Kurabe uttered as she began to quickly carry her out of the room.

Once out of the room, Kurabe dropped the wall of ice to reveal not just the worried expressions of Meta and Reedy, but also the entire crew of the GranEssex as well.

"Would you look at that, Mercury. They've all come together for you."

Admittedly, the woman had no idea how to react to this. Suddenly, she was tackled by Meta, who began to hug her as hard as he could, afraid that if he let go, she would disappear. She continued to remain silent as she simply returned it, still processing everything that happened. Reedy then walked forward.

"Mercury, etch what I'm about to say into your brain. You will never become a hivemind." He said slowly, making sure the woman registered exactly what he meant.

"...I understand, Reed." She replied.

Mercury could then hear every other member of the ship calling out to her, letting her know how worried they were about her and, most importantly, how they also considered her a family. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, she gave a small, genuine smile.

"...Maybe I could try living, just for a while longer." She whispered.

She then felt her cheek being pinched by Reedy.

"A while? You better want to longer than that, Mer."

Mercury chuckled. "Don't worry Reed, a while to me is a long time. Kurabe, Star Warriors can live up to a thousand years, right?"

"That's correct, though some have lived beyond that."

The woman nodded happily. "There you have it, then. I'll be here for a long, long time. Too bad for you, Kurabe, you're stuck with me, sister."

"I wouldn't want it any other way." She replied with a smile.

Mercury smiled back.

"The pain won't go away, but I won't let it stop me. You here that, you monster? I'll never let you win. I'm more than just a Limet. My name is Mercury, and I will always be Mercury." She thought to herself.

For the next few hours, Mercury spent time with her friends and family aboard the GranEssex, this time with her acting the complete opposite from earlier today.

"I think I'm going to head to bed, I'm extremely tired." She said while yawning.

"Do you need help getting back to your room?" Kurabe asked.

"I-I think I'll be..."

"Meta, how about you take Mercury to her room?"

Meta nodded in response. "Will do, sensei."

The warrior gave a slight chuckle as they walked out.

"Meta, I appreciate it but really, I can walk on my own feet."

"It's sensei's orders, Mercury."

"Her orders were to walk me, not hold my hand." She said with a laugh.

Almost immediately, a bright red blush shot across his face.

"I-I was just so worried about you..." He uttered shyly.

"And I'm truly grateful for that."

He seemed to squeeze her hand more tightly as he averted his gaze.

"...damn sensei... she set me up for this..."

Mercury looked confused by that statement, much to his relief.

"Well, here's my stop. Good night, Meta."

"Good night, Mercury. Hope you sleep well tonight." He nodded.

Meta left and Mercury went into her room and immediately got into bed. Unlike last night, Mercury had no trouble falling fast asleep, knowing that she had a reliable family watching over her.

A nice conclusion to this mini-arc. I hope that you all enjoyed it regardless of the darker themes this time around.

Admittedly, I have these chapters finished well in advanced, it just takes a bit of time for me to finish the illustrations for the AO3 version.