AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Hello there people. It has been a while since I've published anything over here but the past three years have been way too hectic. As everyone can imagine of course. This story started as an idea in my head but I am not quite sure where I am going to take it yet. Hell, not sure if I am going to continue it either.This story takes place AFTER the fight with Tilda but before any of the events of "The Burning Shores". This story aims to include a rather weird polygamy between Aloy, Talanah, Seyka and my very own OC. You will be introduced to her eventually of course so you are very welcome to read.IF YOU DO NOT LIKE THIS IDEA, PLEASE SPARE US THE BS AND DO NOT LEAVE A HATEFUL REVIEW. You are just going to make yourself look like a loser complaining on a fanfiction website.

Without further ado, I wish all of you a wonderful day.

-DRON

CHAPTER 1: A NEW DISCOVERY

"You said there was something you wanted to talk about?"

"I've been speaking with GAIA. She mentioned that the Zeniths bind metal with flesh to make themselves stronger. I was wondering…" Kotallo paused, avoiding Aloy's eyes. "If you'd help me do the same."

"You want to make yourself a new arm." Aloy pointed at the missing limb of the tenakth warrior.

"Yes… GAIA insists she can help me build such a thing, if I can get the necessary data and materials. She believes these things lie in the place where Beta hid from the Zeniths."

"Their ancient research lab." Aloy nodded, following Kotallo's plan.

"I am not as familiar with Old World machinery as you are. I could use your assistance." Kotallo continued.

"It might be dangerous. The Zeniths probably still keep an eye on that place." Aloy sighed remember their rather close call when retrieving Beta. "We were lucky to get out of there alive the first time."

"I see." Kotallo looked to the ground slightly dejected but taking Aloy's word for a fact.

"…But sounds like this is worth the risk." Aloy smiled.

"By the Ten, we shall see it through." Kotallo punched the air

"I'll call you when I'm near the Zenith lab. We'll get what you need for that new arm of yours."

"Thank you, Aloy."

"Hey Kotallo!" Aloy pressed her finger to the focus as she took a sit near the fire to keep herself warm. "I'm at the Zenith Lab. Ready to come over?"

"I'm on my way."

The wait…. Was considerable. Kotallo had stayed close to the location provided by GAIA on purpose waiting for Aloy to pop up. However, with a renewed spirit, he walked the distance at a rapid pace. Happy, to have a replacement for his arm.

"Aloy, I appreciate you meeting me here."

"I'm happy to help!" Aloy replied, shaking some snow off her armor, relieved to get moving. "Did GAIA mentioned where exactly in the Zenith Lab We'd find what you need?"

"She mentioned the chamber where you found Beta, and the "Database" that lies within. She said it'll help us find the knowledge and components I require to build a new arm." Kotallo explained as Aloy moved around the fire, paying close attention to his words.

"At least we know where to look. We will have to be quick about it, in case the Zeniths are watching."

"Understood."

"I think I found what we are looking for." Aloy pointed at a console with a faint green glow coming from it.

"Let's hope it holds the answers we seek." Kotallo followed, hand with weapon ready, covering Aloy's back.

"I'll download the database to your Focus so you can search through it later…." Aloy hesitated for a second as she found a log on the console pinging a code. 104.

"…What about the components?" Kotallo asked, looking at Aloy as she turned around and stared at the console from before.

Aloy's heart accelerated at the idea currently lodging into her brain. Could there be another one on those capsules?

"…There should be somewhere on the –"

Crash!

"SPECTERS!" Kotallo yelled as he pushed Aloy out the way of a volley of projectiles coming from the machines.

"You found the components?" Kotallo closed in on Aloy who had trashed the entire place and blown up a wall to get the materials they needed.

"See for yourself!" Aloy pulled a ragged bag with a smile.

"You have my thanks, Aloy." Kotallo bowed sounding a bit more concerned than he should have.

"Is something wrong?" Aloy asked, patiently waiting for Kotallo to speak.

"I was just thinking about what it will be like after I build the arm. Will I feel different? Whole again?" ugh! "Idle thoughts. They can wait until we are back at base."

"You go on ahead. I might want to take one more look around in case there's anything useful." Aloy opened her arms, as if indicating to the whole building. Though granted, she wanted to examine one place in particular. The doubt in her head was living rent free, and she had to see to believe.

"Very well." Kotallo agreed. "I look forward to putting what we found to good use." Kotallo put his hand to his chest. "Walk with the Ten."

Aloy nodded as she saw Kotallo walk past the door with a rather heavy bag full of metal scraps and pieces. As soon as he disappeared, she took to a run towards the looming console. Each step heavier than the previous one. What would she do if there is another person inside these capsules? Nah, most likely it was a tribe member, who unknowingly triggered the machine. However, how did such tribe member get inside? For all she knew, there was no entrance besides the gaping hole in the mountain. The main entrance had collapsed centuries ago if anything.

Aloy reduced herself to a little jog, going through her new documents trying to find the one with the code to the damned capsule. How did no one notice? There is no way the Zeniths did not check the facility after Beta came inside the facility not too long ago.

A seeping cold had crawled up her body and arms for Aloy. She felt nervous, excited, scared to the crazy thoughts coming forth. Aloy shook her head to regain control of her body as she approached the consoled and typed 104.

The machine groaned in protest yet again due to the sudden request. As if asking to stop after so many years of service. Aloy waited patiently by the terminal as the red lights stared at her menacingly. Suddenly, the capsule with the number 104 showed itself making her way down. The machine made its descent slowly but surely, to Aloy, taking longer than necessary.

Aloy stepped aside as the capsule slid through the platform towards the console. Aloy gulped as the machine hissed and opened its rather opaque glass cover. When the smoke cleared, Aloy was able to identify that there was indeed another human being. However, this human being was an old one.

"G-GAIA?" Aloy tapped into her focus.

"Yes Aloy? I can sense distress in your voice. Do you need assistance?"

"Have Beta and Zo meet me at the base and have Zo prepare a medical bed. I have found an Old One."