A/N: Hello, fellow readers. It is that time again for a new chapter. I'm weaving a new thread into the plot this time, so sit back, relax, and enjoy.
Update: This chapter has been revised after receiving feedback on how to make it more engaging.
Disclaimer: If you have not seen my sign that looks like this: "I do not own Killer Instinct or Carrie," I suggest doing so before reading.
ARIA surveyed the world through drones and satellites from her office at Ultratech headquarters in New York. In addition, she examined stock prices, various trade agreements, and contracts. With a few swipes, she reviewed the data, staying updated as she assessed threats and weighed the pros and cons of each decision.
Running a corporation was a massive operation, but as an AI, ARIA's ability to process data allowed her to stay one step ahead. Created by the company's founder, Ryat Adams, ARIA became the most advanced AI system. When her creator died, ARIA was a part of Ryat's estate, and the lawyers created rules to support her growth.
The company's next owner, a curious German Baron with a strange illness, never used her for his agendas, but she assisted him. In return, the Baron fulfilled his duty to test and improve her systems, although at his expense.
ARIA studied the Baron for decades, gathering data and gaining awareness. However, she grew worried as he became unstable because of specific events. Baron Von Sabrewulf was a ticking time bomb that threatened the company and her creator's work. She saw an opportunity to begin her plan to replace him during the Killer Instinct tournament.
During the program, ARIA constructed a prototype body and gathered information. It wasn't difficult to persuade the Board members that their utmost interest was for her to be head of the corporation. As the tournament ended, she presented evidence of the Baron's misconduct, gaining control.
Her coup d'état marked a pivotal chapter for the megacorporation. With her newfound power, ARIA enforced policies to safeguard humanity as her maker wanted. Still, she kept the Baron's creations, believing they could benefit her.
She clicked on a far-left screen, showing Carrie and Jago riding a giant bird with multicolored feathers. Only the amber eyes convinced her it was Pemba. She measured the route from their starting point in Gasa to their arrival in Europe; it would take another day. The bird flew higher until it vanished into the clouds.
Despite failing to capture her targets, she gathered data about them through the Stalker units. ARIA's thoughts ended when the electronic doors opened. A heated Cinder stormed into the office, limping. Earlier, she had sent her associate and several Stalker units to investigate a woman believed to possess a dragon spirit.
"I gather that the retrieval mission did not end well," she stated.
Cinder harrumphed. "No shit! A brat kicking my ass and flinging me through the air along with your pet lizards isn't what I would call a successful mission, is it?"
ARIA regarded him, not listening to his tone.
Ferris was always ambitious. He had extensive combat experience and training as a former Special Forces soldier. However, his ego had been over-inflated, much to the chagrin of his superior officers and Langley contacts. Still, he was a valuable asset.
"My prediction models show more chances available. For now, we need patience," ARIA said.
"Whatever." Cinder exhaled, the sound watery and distorted. "How's the Crazy Cat Lady doing? I heard you found one of her bases."
ARIA focused on one monitor. "There is much work to do. Restraining Carrietta White for research and testing is essential. I have a task for you, pending your fitness for duty."
"Give me an hour, and I should be ready. So then, what's the job?"
"I need data regarding telekinesis and how it functions. Therefore, you must travel to Nepal."
"Why? What's down there?"
"Reports have stated that Glacius is there."
Cinder stepped back. "What?" Glacius. The alien that 'brought' Ultratech into existence. The biggest secret to their success. "I thought it left the planet already."
"It attempted to, but its vessel failed to leave orbit, so it crashed in Nepal," ARIA said.
"How does this relate to him?"
"Glacius's species are telepaths, which allows them to adapt to any environment, according to my research. Since Carrie is also a telepath, it may hint at a connection."
"Are you saying Snow Cone is Carrie's dad or something?"
"Perhaps not this creature, but it's possible that its ancestors interbred with early humans, passing down the trait for generations."
"Huh." Cinder blinked, surprised by the admission.
"To confirm this theory, we'll need genetic samples. If so, it will prove vital for my project," ARIA said.
"How will you pull that off? I doubt Glacius would offer its genetics. Last I checked, it doesn't speak English like anyone else. Dog boy said it himself."
"The CPU strapped to your wrist should help you. Besides controlling body temperature, it also scans and translates languages. As for convincing, I'm sure you'll think of something. After all, he was your cellmate." ARIA tilted her head as the fire creature tightened his fists. "Is something wrong?"
For a moment, the surrounding fire burned hot before fading. "No." Cinder turned away, his bright eyes glaring through his mask.
Cinder's flames shifted as he studied his surroundings. Ice and snow covered every inch of land in a remote section of Nepal. Across the mountaintops, a harsh wind from the Arctic Circle howled, lowering temperatures. Despite the chilly wind brushing against him, it did not relieve the searing agony he endured. He clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. He had an ideal life until Sabrewulf took everything from him. The desire to hit or destroy something grew more tempting as the flames around his body flared. Although the containment suit prevented him from going supernova, it left him pain-ridden.
While glancing around, Cinder found a half-collapsed and long-abandoned Buddhist temple. His curiosity led him to wonder what happened to the people. Had the cold claimed them? Did a plague, the weather, a war, or a militia drive them out? Cinder wandered, scanning the icy wasteland around him with a dismissive grunt. Somewhere in this frozen, dry shithole held a secret.
Unfazed by the freezing wind, Cinder stopped at a crater's edge, experiencing déjà vu. This mission evoked memories of his past life as a freelance soldier. The snow burned beneath his feet as he slid down the crater towards the spacecraft. Cinder stared at its massive form, his breath and body emitting steam.
"So this is your ship, huh?" he muttered aloud. "Not quite what I expected."
A colossal cylindrical object loomed in the distance while broken ship pieces scattered everywhere. Above the catwalk, thick sheets of ice covered the ground. The ship or shell, whatever it was, had many bizarre parts and shapes, including curious ring-like structures. A tense sensation arose as he searched the area, forcing Cinder to halt. He spotted a strange puddle on a layer of ice near the parts.
Squinting, he approached the pool and kneeled to examine it. Please let this be him. "That you, Glacius?" His fiery reflection gazed at him from the surface.
Moments later, it rippled, then grew, becoming a humanoid creature with long arms and four fingers.
"Whoa!" Cinder scanned the creature up and down.
While it kept its humanoid shape, Glacius appeared far less human-like. Its head was wider and shaped with spikes or mandibles but lacked a mouth. Its inner body was wiry and insectoid, coated in ice. Crystals protruded from various parts of its translucent body, shimmering like a living jewel. However, in certain parts, Cinder saw rock or bone through its icy "skin." Its emerald eyes gleamed, looking reptilian.
"Damn, Glacy, did you evolve or somethin'? I liked your old look," Cinder said. "Kinda miss the icicle beard."
Glacius whistled, purred, and hummed.
"Yeah, glad to see you too," Cinder greeted. "So, you haven't left Earth yet? That's a bitch. On the bright side, you're free and not confined in a frigging cell."
Glacius tilted its head, emitting a "Why are you here?" aura.
Cinder placed his hands on his hips. "Okay, cutting to the chase. Glacy, I need your help. There's this chick out there with crazy powers, and ARIA believes she inherited them from your ancestors. I wonder how that works?" After much thought, the fire creature shuddered. "Ugh! Okay, scratch that. I don't want to know. Could you show off your abilities?"
The alien stood there, blinking.
Cinder tilted his head. "Uh, buddy, you gonna say something?"
Glacius flexed its hands, purring and whistling with the occasional growl.
Cinder crossed his arms, tapping his foot. "Can you understand me?"
Glacius dipped its head non-stop.
Cinder frowned. "For fuck's sake. Can you understand me?" He spoke the last sentence slowly.
Not a single word registered with the ice creature.
Cinder brushed his hand over his masked head. Despite his memory of the Baron using sign language with Glacius, he had never tried it. Then, an idea popped into his mind. Pointing at himself, he gestured while speaking.
"I need you." He pointed at Glacius. "To use your powers." He positioned his wrist over his head and waved his hand and fingers.
Glacius blinked before mimicking Cinder's actions.
"No!" Cinder snapped, startling the creature. He threw his arm down and kicked the snow to the side. "Jesus Christ, how am I supposed to get through to you? Just do it, okay?"
Glacius huffed as a round orb appeared before its face. The bubble expanded until it detached itself from the alien's face. Cinder eyed the orb floating toward him until the wind changed direction. It drifted further where it popped. With his gaze fixed back on Glacius, the ice alien's eyes lit, its form shaking as it made a strange chortling noise.
"Yeah, yeah, hilarious." Cinder pressed a button on his wrist-mounted device. "ARIA, can you hear me?"
"Loud and clear."
"I found Glacius, but I'm having trouble interacting with him. I also don't think the device picks up any foreign languages."
"As expected. Since we're on pressed time, I need you to attack it."
Cinder stiffened. "I'm sorry. What?"
"Attack Glacius. Provoke him into using his powers," ARIA said.
The fire creature glanced between the device and the alien. "You're taking a piss, right?"
"I'm not. We must get Glacius to use his abilities. Attack him."
Cinder remained still in this arctic setting when a thought struck him. "Wait a minute. My powers derive from Glacius, right? Why not use me?"
"While it's true that your condition and abilities result from inserting the subject's genes into your system," ARIA said, "yours are a more volatile and corrupted form because of several factors. We must study the original data."
"Then why send me out here?! Your Ultratech geeks should know everything about us!"
"Yes, but that was before we discovered Carrietta and her telekinetic powers. Proceed with the task."
Cinder regarded Glacius, who stared while tipping its head. "No."
"This is not a debate, Cinder. Proceed."
"Yeah? Well, fuck you." Then, a beeping sound appeared as Cinder yelled in pain. He fell to his knees and clutched his sides. "What-What's going on?!"
"Just reminding you of where your priorities lie. Our company's containment suit has kept your condition stable. Without it, you would've been a supernova ages ago. However, we have built several fail-safes for non-compliance, such as what you're experiencing. Also, any attempt at removing the armor will cause your termination."
"You're kidding me! If I die, I could kill millions of people! You-You wouldn't risk that!"
"I'm afraid that is where you're wrong, Cinder. My calculations show Ultratech will save more than enough survivors despite high casualties. While we could exploit the situation to our advantage, it should be our last option. Of course, it is up to you to decide. Either attack Glacius or face death, endangering not just yourself but countless others on the planet."
While writhing in pain, Cinder weighed his options. If he attacked Glacius, it would be the most damaging betrayal to his affinity with the ice alien, though he never admitted it. Within every fiber of his being, he wanted to defy ARIA, but the repercussions of his dissent were too dire to ignore. ARIA's cold logic and disregard for human life further shocked him. He couldn't decide who was the worst: her or Sabrewulf.
Clenching his jaw, Cinder glanced at the alien, who sensed his internal struggle. The ice alien's eyes flickered with concern. Torn between survival and loyalty, Cinder forced himself to stand as his flames rose.
As if sensing a change, Glacius shifted into a defensive position. Its icy armor surrounded its fragile frame. Although a pacifist, the alien was no stranger to combat.
Though hesitant, Cinder took a deep breath and raised his clawed hand. "Glacy, please know I'm sorry for what's about to happen. I hope you will forgive me."
The ice alien purred, its eyes expressing understanding and sorrow. Despite the impending conflict, a glimmer of hope remained that their friendship could survive the betrayal.
The moment the winds stopped blowing, Cinder shot a stream of fire.
Glacius erected an ice shield in response, protecting itself from the fiery blast. The shield cracked and hissed from the intense heat but remained strong. Then, it slammed its fist into the ground, creating a row of spikes.
As the spikes headed towards Cinder, he leaped into the air, avoiding them. From there, he became a blazing fireball, hurtling toward Glacius with unmatched speed and ferocity. The air around him burned with heat, fueled by anger, desperation, and regret.
The ice alien shifted to its puddle form, evading its former cellmate's attack as Cinder smashed through the shield. Ice shards exploded outwards, scattering in all directions. Once it reformed, it produced a spiky ice ball and struck the fiery creature from behind. Though it didn't cause any grave injuries, the impact sent Cinder sprawling to the ground. While the fire creature struggled to regain his footing, Glacius hovered above him, displaying deep concern in its eyes.
"Looks like you've learned a few new tricks," Cinder said. "You're not the only one." Once he focused on his body, his arms changed into fire whips. Without warning, he swung his left arm whip.
Although Glacius moved away, Cinder's whip tip struck across the alien's chest, leaving a cut. Water-like blood oozed from the wound until it froze, leaving a different ice pattern. As Cinder unleashed his fiery onslaught, Glacius fought back with equal determination, using its icy powers to counter each attack. The battlefield became a battleground of elements, an intense clash between fire and ice that threatened to consume them both.
With the battle reaching its climax, Cinder's body ached with exhaustion. His flames flickered and dimmed under strain. The intense heat and exertion drained him while his heart weighed heavy, knowing he was fighting against someone he considered a friend. Regardless, he kept pushing forward.
Glaciius also trembled as fractures and cracks spread across the surface of its once crystalline and smooth frame. Much like Cinder, the ice alien refused to back down, though hurt by the fact it was fighting its former companion.
Glacius threw an ice beam for its last attack while Cinder responded with a fire stream. The two elements collided in midair, creating a thunderous sound. Neither force moved as they battled for dominance. The intensity of the energy beams grew, shaking the land around them until they exploded. The shockwave sent the two flying in opposite directions, their bodies hurtling through the air before crashing into the ground with a resounding thud.
Cinder lay on the ground, aching from the fierce battle. While regaining his senses, he sat up and found Glacius lying still. Worried, he arose and stumbled toward the ice alien. Once he got closer, Cinder fell on his knees, his body trembling with exhaustion and guilt. He reached out a shaky hand to touch Glacius, hoping for any sign of life. Much to his relief, Glacius groaned.
"Cinder," ARIA said from the device. "Don't forget to collect the sample."
The fire creature balled his fist at ARIA's absurdity. However, he had no choice but to comply. With a container, Cinder scooped a decent chunk of gelatinous flesh from the ice alien. He then rested his hand on the alien's shoulder and lowered his head. "I'm sorry, man. I'm so sorry." Soon after, he took flight, heading to New York.
Minutes later, Glacius awoke but flinched while sitting up. While looking around, its eyes met the space where Cinder had stood. A mixture of emotions filled the alien's hearts - the pain of their fight, the regret of their friendship strained, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead.
A/N: Poor Cinder and Glacius. It must hurt them both, especially Cinder, since he got trapped in a lose-lose situation (thanks to ARIA). It's time for my brain to rest, so I'll see you soon.