Chapter 12: Encounter with a Bounty Hunter
Sora held the Keyblade in front of his chest; his gaze remained fixed on the silhouette lurking from within the smoke. Every muscle in his body was rigid in apprehension. But his thoughts were loose, tumbling through his mind in worry: the most important being getting Yoshi to safety. There was no time for setbacks.
The person emerged from the debris, standing tall and imposing over the duo. Their bright orange futuristic amour lit the room with a sense of outgoing pride. The person wore a red helmet with a green visor covering the eyes. In their right hand was a silver arm cannon.
While this person wasn't a Heartless, Sora had no idea if they were hostile. Or were they even a person in the first place? His only way of knowing was to stare into the visor; and, thankfully, eyes stared back at him. Good, he thought. There had to be some form of humanity strolling around in that armor.
Sora lowered his weapon to the ground. "Listen, we mean no harm. We're just travelers."
No matter how hard Sora tried, he couldn't see the expression that lay beyond the visor. The person continued pointing their arm cannon at the duo. An uncomfortable silence squirmed throughout the room.
"You sure this guy isn't dangerous?" Luigi asked with a nervous whisper.
"You have to trust me on this," Sora said.
Moments felt like hours. Sora and Luigi's bodies were frozen with nervous anticipation. They were staring down a giant hole that might release an impending projectile. Their fate was in this person's hands.
To their relief, the person lowered the arm cannon. The tense, silent air decompressed. Luigi felt himself sighing in relief. Sora noticed the stranger was starting to leave. Something about that helmet looked familiar. Its design reminded him of something he saw earlier. He wondered—
"Wait!" Sora said. The person looked over their shoulder. "That giant ship out there – it's yours, isn't it?"
No response.
"What are you doing?" Luigi asked.
Ignoring him, Sora said, "Then you must have some sort of medical equipment on there, right? Our friend is hurt, and we're not sure if he's going to make it. Please, can you help him out?"
The person glared at Yoshi's unconscious body. Sora could sense that this person was feeling conflicted. He noticed their free hand clenching. Luigi thought Sora was insane for asking this random stranger – they knew nothing about them. Not even a name, or what they looked like under that armor. Then, Luigi glared back at Yoshi. He would do anything to save his life. Logic was meaningless when it came to the person you love.
"Please," Luigi said; his breath was shaking. "He's like a son to me."
The person glanced back the door for a long duration of time. A simple shake of the head would suffice! They couldn't take the suspense. Soon, the person walked towards the door. Sora and Luigi felt their spirits descent over a cliff. But their mood changed when the person stopped at the door, looked over their shoulder, and gestured at it.
"D-Do you want us to follow you?" Sora asked.
The person nodded and walked outside. Sora and Luigi felt an instant sense of relief drizzle over their heads. Any extra hands were a welcomed addition. They picked up Yoshi, supported him like crutches, and walked out the door
Their trek back to the mysterious person's ship was protracted. Yoshi's feet dragged across the floor, producing an annoying scrapping sound that jeered in their ears. But tedium set it when they found themselves having to descend the platforms; Sora and Luigi took turns hoisting him down from one to the other. Meanwhile, the stranger served as their temporarily bodyguard, scanning the deserted area for any hostile creatures.
Upon reaching the ground level, the group proceeded towards the long tunnel leading to the surface. Or, at least they would've, if not for the sudden, inopportune appearance of the flying Heartless. Sora was about to summon his Keyblade when the stranger pointed the arm cannon at them; a small missile flew out of the cannon's dark, intimating maw, and left behind a long white trail.
When the missile collided with the middle Heartless, a powerful explosion engulfed all three of them in its burning wrath. Once the smoke cleared, the Heartless emerged as a pile of ash on the ground – their remains were forever prisoners within the planet's cold, hard surface. Sora and Luigi stared in complete shock with unblinking eyes, unable to form a sentence.
The two noticed the stranger waving a frantic hand, instructing them to keep moving forward. As the person entered the next door, Sora and Luigi glanced at each other in confusion; their new ally seemed to let their actions do all the talking. Even a mime would find this person's actions too quiet.
"Boy, this guy really brings a whole new meaning to the term 'strong, silent type,' huh?" Sora said.
Luigi groaned. "Can we keep moving? Those ten stacks of pancakes in Yoshi's belly aren't making this walk any easier."
They continued ascending the cave back to the entrance. Sora felt the back of his neck become numb from Yoshi's arm. Walking up a simple cave felt like climbing a steep mountain; every step was difficult, but Sora's determination to save Yoshi kept him going.
After a long trudge through the cave, they arrived back outside and walked over to the stranger's ship. Once inside, they traversed down a hallway. Overhead were small circular lights that illuminated the halls. The walls were coated in a dark shade of green. They passed by various rooms, including a kitchen, bedroom, and more. Why would one person need a ship this big, Sora thought? You could fit a group of people in here and go on an intergalactic cruise across the stars.
Towards the end of the hall, they entered a room on the left. It was about a descent size. To either side of them were cabinets that held miscellaneous items. In front of them was a machine that caught Sora and Luigi's eyes: it was a giant tube that rested at about a forty-five-degree angle. A glass latch was attached overhead. Next to the tube was a small computer.
The strange walked over to the computer, sat down at it, pressed a few buttons, and activated the machine, which let out a bellowing yawn throughout the room.
"What is this thing?" Sora asked. "Is it going to help him?"
The stranger placed both hands on their helmet. Sora felt a twinge of excitement and curiosity drum on his ribcage. He couldn't wait to get a proper look at their new friend. A golden wave of long hair emerged from within the helmet and spun around the person's face until gravity forced it behind their neck.
Their mysterious ally was a young woman with confident, stern, green eyes.
"Yes," she said. "It will revitalize him. Sorry for the silent treatment. My mic's defective. Been meaning to make repairs."
Sora, in complete surprise, asked, "You're a…GIRL!?"
"Last I checked, yes," the woman said with a chuckle.
"Sora!" Luigi shouted at him in anger.
Sora covered his mouth in embarrassment. His face was so flushed that it made a chili pepper look bland by comparison.
Rubbing his head apologetically, he said, "Well…I mean…it's not like there's anything wrong with…I just…"
"Relax," the woman said with an understanding smile. "It's fine. If you saw a person over six feet tall wearing a power suit, you'd probably make assumptions, too."
"Pay no mind to him," Luigi said. "This is his first time in space. Not used to all the sights and sounds yet. So, what exactly is this thing? Is it safe?"
"One hundred percent," the woman said. "And if you hope to save your friend, we should get him in there now."
After laying Yoshi down in the tube, the woman closed the hatch and pressed a few more buttons. A bright yellow glow appeared from underneath his back. Golden sparkles radiated around his entire body like fluffs of a dandelion floating in the gentle wind. Sora and Luigi leaned towards the glass for a better view, watching in nervous anticipation.
"How exactly does this thing work?" Luigi asked the woman, while still staring at Yoshi.
"Well, it's called a Light Energy Rejuvenator," she said. "It contains a strong amount of artificial light energy, made specifically to heal the body. Inside all of us is natural light, which absorbs the artificial ones floating around. Once inside, that light traverses the body, completely rejuvenating all wounds, no matter how severe."
Sora was amazed. In a million years would he never imagine a contraption of this nature to exist. If a device like this was available on his island, the doctor would become an extinct profession.
"So in other words: he'll be just fine?" Luigi asked.
"Absolutely," the woman said. She glanced at the screen with a puzzled expression. "Peculiar – the scanner shows that your friend doesn't have that much light energy."
Sora felt a nervous chill from that troubling, vague statement.
"Is that a bad thing?" Sora asked.
"Not at all," the woman said. "Just means the process is going to take longer. Usually it takes a mere thirty seconds for me. I have plenty of light energy inside my body."
Sora's thoughts flickered from concern to intrigue. He remembered what Leon told him about the heart – how darkness resided within each one, preparing to fester like an uncurable virus. So it must've been taking an extensive period of time for that artificial light to shovel its way through the soil of darkness.
But this led to a huge question: why does this woman have more light in her heart? Was it something you receive at birth? Or, like physical exercise, was it something you had to develop overtime? Sora could hear the ominous, dark voice of the hooded man he met at the Secret Place whisper in his ear with an air of smugness:
See? You'll never understand anything.
Sora wiped the thought away like an annoying stain on his shirt. Despite not knowing if he'd see that man again, his pride was determined to prove him wrong.
"Either way, I'm so glad he'll be okay," Luigi said in relief. "I can't thank you enough…uh…what's your name?"
"Samus," she said. "Samus Aran."
After introductions, Samus walked over to a drawer and pulled out a miniature screwdriver. "So I'm surprised to see other people on this planet. No one has set foot on here in years. Is there a reason for your visit?"
She returned to her seat, picked up her helmet, and started tinkering around with its insides. Sora started to open his mouth, but Luigi interrupted him.
"It's top secret," Luigi said.
Samus glared at him in suspicion. Not the best way to break the ice with someone, Sora thought.
"Well, I feel like we have something in common," she said; her expression didn't change. "I'm here for top secret reasons as well." She resumed work on her helmet. "Once your friend is healed up, you need to leave the ship immediately. And I suggest leaving the planet as well. As you've no doubt figured out, it isn't exactly a tropical resort."
"But we can't abandon our own mission," Luigi said.
Samus closed her eyes, annoyed that they weren't heeding her warning. "Tell me. How knowledgeable are you about this planet? Do you even know its name?"
"All we know is that it used to be inhabited," Sora said.
Samus looked down at her helmet. Pleasant memories started to fill her sugar bowl of nostalgia. Those brief moments of joy brought her back to a time of innocents – when the world seemed big, but Samus never felt intimated by its size, because she wasn't alone. Then, a dark ink of sorrow spilled onto those happy images. She had to stop focusing on the past. It was gone forever. There was no looking back.
"That's true," she said with a somber tone in her voice. "This planet used to flourish. But now it's home to some of the most dangerous creatures this size of the planet."
Luigi leaned back in fear. "You know, I think I didn't like knowing."
"There are many hazardous areas, too," Samus said. "You haven't even reached the deepest caves, or walked the fiery undergrounds of Nofair." She faced the two, her suspicions growing stronger. "Under normal circumstances, you wouldn't survive outside. How are you three able to withstand this planet's harsh atmosphere?"
Sora looked at Luigi to see if he could give an answer. He responded with a shake of his head.
"Still secretive, huh?" Samus asked, sounding a bit upset. "In that case, I won't say anymore."
Growing tired of this unhealthy communication, Sora said, "We can't really explain. But, still, we're not leaving. I don't care how dangerous this planet is; I'm not going to give up in what we're searching for."
Samus felt a smirk crawl up her lips. She could see a stubborn resolve on his face that would not shatter at even the most argumentative of words.
"You've got spunk," Samus said. "You remind me of myself when I was your age. Always running into danger headfirst. But, again, you don't understand what awaits you in there."
This conversation had turned into a tennis match; the ball continued going back and forth without end. Either way, they weren't going to be discouraged by Samus' warnings. Then, Sora remembered how difficult traveling through the planet had been for them earlier. So many nondescript rooms that lead to dead ends. Even with the 3DS, they were still lost.
That's when he thought of an idea: "Hey, we may not have to tell each other why we're here, but that doesn't mean we can't help each other out. Why not let us come along with you? You seem to know this planet well."
"I work alone," she said in a harsh tone. "I don't want you in my way."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Sora asked, irritated. "It's the logical thing to do!"
"Because I do things my own way," Samus said. "It's far more efficient than working with people whose ideas differ from yours."
Luigi shrugged. "If this is what she wants, then we should respect that"
But Sora refused to let an opportunity escape his clutches.
"I know," Sora said, "but, we're all going the same way. She can at least point us in the right direction. Is that too much to ask for?"
Samus sighed in aggravation. Sora refused to take no for answer. At first, she was growing tired of hearing him drone on and on like broken record. How would having three complete strangers accompany be beneficial towards the mission? But she couldn't help but admire Sora's persistent attitude.
In her youth, she was enlisted in a military organized called the Federation Police Force. A rookie about Sora's age would have crumbled into nervous dust from a daunting mission. But not Sora. Nothing could bend his nerves of steel; and she could feel it resonate within her soul.
"Alright," Samus said. "I can guide you through the planet for a little while. Just as long as you promise not to intervene with my mission. Deal?"
Sora smiled. "Deal."
A sudden buzzing noise screamed in their ears. Samus looked at the computer monitor.
"Perfect timing," she said. "Your friend should be fully healed."
Their eyes lit up in excitement, but they were a bit weary. Did the machine really work? Would Yoshi be able to stand again? Sora couldn't forgive himself if something bad happened to him. The hatch opened, and Luigi ran over to the dinosaur's side. He placed his hands right on Yoshi's shoulders, giving them a gentle shake.
"Little buddy? Are you okay?" No response. Luigi felt his stomach tense in fear. "Say something! Do something! Please!"
Silence.
And then, Luigi's cheek was assaulted by a sloppy, wet tongue. Yoshi looked up at his parental figure with a loving smile. Luigi could feel all the tension melt away quicker than an iceberg on the beach.
"I think he's going to be okay," Sora said; he thought he was going to faint from the overwhelming relief.
Luigi wiped the drool from his face. "Yuck! I'll let that slobber slide this time!"
Luigi felt tears swell in his ducts. He was overcome with so much joy. There was no way he could keep to himself anymore, and hugged the dinosaur with all his might.
"I was so worried!" Luigi said as he cried on Yoshi's shoulder. "Don't scare me like that again!"
Yoshi hugged him back and whispered, "It okay, Luigi. Yoshi all better now. Can me get lollipop for doctor checkup?"
Luigi pulled away, laughed, and rubbed the dinosaur's head for that comment. Sora walked over to the machine. Even though Yoshi was fine now, he still felt guilt hang over him like a broken lightbulb.
"I'm glad you're okay," Sora said. He glanced away from him in remorse. "Yoshi…w-what you did back there…I…"
"That's what friends do," Yoshi said with an understanding smile. "Sora would do the same, yes?"
Sora pet Yoshi's head, feeling better from his reassuring words. "In a heartbeat."
Samus felt the heat of their bond embrace her face. It had been too long since she felt a strong sense of comradery. She started reminiscing about her days in the Police Force again. When first joining the force, she didn't have any friends. Her childhood was fraught with tragedy; she was forced to carry the pain in the chambers of her heart. Every day it hurt. But then, she met two friends who helped alleviate that pain – who reminded her that life can be full of happiness.
But, again, that was the past. The ties of their friendship had been cut like a scissor. Thinking about it now only brought her grief. What was the point of remembering those good times with friends when you'll never get to experience them again?
While the trio waited outside for Samus, she walked into the cockpit. Unlike the Labo Ship, it was spacious, and instead of buttons, the controls were accessible on computer monitors. Samus sat down, tapped on one of the screens, and an image appeared in front of her. Every part of her body deflated in sadness upon what she witnessed.
But she closed her eyes, throwing those negative feelings into a wastebasket. Her mission was far more important than anything else. Strong emotions would only inhibit her goals. That's the way she operated: Alone. Detached.
Deep down, though, a small child wept by herself in a dark cavern, and refused to leave.
"Are you sure you're okay to keep going?" Luigi asked; his concerns spun around in a blender of anxiety.
Yoshi slumped his shoulders. "Me told you before: Yoshi fine."
The trio were waiting outside of the ship for Samus. Luigi still had doubts about Yoshi travelling with them. Who wouldn't? He was gazing over Yoshi like a concerned parent.
"C'mon, Luigi," Yoshi said. "Me feel great! Yoshi ready for anything now!" He flexed his arms and sucked in his stomach. "See? Me got rock-hard body!"
"Yeah, but you're also extremely ticklish." Luigi tickled Yoshi's stomach, causing the dinosaur to laugh, which echoed throughout the somber atmosphere of the planet.
But one person wasn't laughing. He was leaned against the ship, lost in deep thought, with his arms crossed.
"I don't get it," Sora said. The two turned to face him. "Why can't we tell Samus a thing about ourselves? Doesn't exactly make us trustworthy, you know?"
Luigi sighed. "You think I don't know what? The problem is that letting people know where we're from can lead to disaster. The may end up finding our own world. Could you image if a whole group visited our kingdom? It'd be too much! Our usual way of life would be disrupted. We can't have that!"
Sora tried digesting the earful of information, but, like a stubborn piece of gum, it refused to settle in his stomach. Communication was important no matter where you go – not only to learn about where you are, but to gain the confidence and reliability of a new ally. These strict rules felt like a detriment to their journey.
"I guess," Sora said with a tone of reluctance in his voice.
"Also, let's make sure not to stay with Samus for too long," Luigi said. "She clearly doesn't want us involved with her mission. Technically we shouldn't be helping her, either."
"That because we outsiders," Yoshi said. "We be muddling."
"Meddling," Luigi said with a stern tone in his voice.
Yoshi chuckled in embarrassment. "Right, meddling. And that against the rules."
"Seriously?" Sora asked, rubbing his temples.
"It's like this," Luigi said. "Every world is defined by its particular boundaries. Within which some understands of reality emerges as truth. Two truths cannot coexist, and so from the introduction of foreign bodies is conflict and chaos spawned. THAT'S why we limit our involvement in local affairs."
His response was met with two blank expressions. He felt like the rocks found his explanation more meaningful than the others did. Sora placed his arms behind his head.
"Jeeze, if I wanted a mouthful of rules, I shoulda just gone to school," Sora said.
Yoshi raised his hand. "Me have question. Can Luigi repeat ending? And middle? And beginning?"
"You two are impossible!" Luigi said, throwing his hands up in defeat.
"It's just…when I thought about traveling to other worlds," Sora said, "I didn't expect there to be so many laws."
"It's called living in the real world," Luigi said with a sincere look in his eyes. "We can't control everything. It's all about coping with disappointment and accepting reality."
Sora frowned. "Well, this is something we've dreamed about since childhood. I think my brain is going to accept coping as a foreign body for now."
Their conversation was interrupted by a mechanical whirring sound coming from the ship. Everyone looked to see Samus emerging from the roof. She leaped off it, landing right nearby them.
"Can you guys hear me alright?" Samus asked, testing her repaired microphone.
"Loud and clear," Sora said.
"Then follow me into the cave. Let's not linger."
Mamar had been chained to a wall, with metal cufflinks attached to her limbs. But the feeling of being constrained meant nothing compared to staring right into the emotionless holes that were supposed to be Ridley's eyes. His hot odorous breath hit her like steam from a train. He was fastening metal clamps to her body.
As he finished, Ridley heard a familiar buzzing noise ring in his ears. In a reluctant manner, he flew over to the computer monitor, sat down, and pressed a button. He winced, already anticipating another verbal lashing from his leader.
"Yes, master," he said.
"Ridley," the voice said with that horrible soul-piercing hiss, "there's been an unexpected development."
"What is it?"
"Some of our henchmen have reported that three strangers are accompanying that meddlesome bounty hunter. Are they with the Galactic Federation?"
"No. Those are the fools Bowser warned us about. Do not be concerned. They will simply slow her down."
Her voice roared through the speakers, sending a paralyzing shock of fear through Ridley's body. "Slow her down!? They're quickly approaching Brinstar, you idiot! Kraid is the only one guarding the elevator to our base! He's going to need reinforcements! I suggest moving your wings as if your life depended on it!"
The transmission ended before Ridley could utter a single word. That little girl in his mind started growing taller, morphing into a woman. Her green eyes brightened in the darkness and stared over him like a cat preparing to scratch at a helpless mouse. Everything was coming together, he thought. I can't enrage my master further, not when we're so close to ultimate power. I don't want to suffer again.
"How you let your overconfidence blind your judgement," Mamar said. "You've clearly underestimated the power of my friends. And now that they've allied with your greatest foe, you'll be—"
Ridley spun around and snarled right in her face, making the Star Spirit's moment of confidence shrivel into a timid piece of fruit.
"Trying to bite back, are you!? See, I take issue with some self-righteous ignoramus talking down to me! You should consider yourself lucky to be a part of my master's grand scheme."
He flew right up to the Star Spirit's face, once again forcing her to gaze into those emotionless yellow eyes.
"Otherwise I'd take great pleasure in making your journey to oblivion as painful as possible," he said with a soft hiss.
Mamar shook in fear; her courage had been devoured by Ridley's overwhelming might.
"Now that's a good Star Spirit." He snapped his finger, summoning a few Heartless to his side. "You two, take her to our master. She'll need to be prepped for the transfer. The rest of you – assist Kraid in annihilating our unwelcomed guests. I must attend to the baby."
Mamar remained a broken mess of fear and hopelessness as the Heartless carried her off for parts unknown.
Despite their earlier encounter with the Heartless, the group's journey throughout the planet's veins seemed to be easygoing. Which only kept everyone on edge. With Samus' help, they were able to continue deeper within the world. She seemed to know which corridor to traverse through, as if it were second nature to her.
Sometimes while they traveled through a room, she would stop and glance around at its architecture. While Sora couldn't see through the visor, he could tell she was admiring its layout. There was a sense of infatuation with this world – that much was clear. He had a strong feeling that it held some sentimental value towards her; it was like how he felt whenever visiting the Secret Place on his island.
It made him wonder: did she live here at once point? He wanted to ask, but had a feeling either Samus would refuse to answer or Luigi would just lecture him again. It was an annoying predicament to be stuck in, like being trapped between a fissure.
Upon entering the next room, Sora and his friends were surprised to see they were in a jungle-like environment. Overgrown vegetation was spread throughout the entire area, with tall flowers sticking up from the ground. They were amazed life still flourished beneath the dry, barren surface of the planet.
"This is cool," Sora said, gazing around the room. "Didn't expect to find so much grass down here."
"It's all thanks to the brilliant minds of the Chozo race," Samus said. "They used bioengineering to create vegetation indoors, allowing the creatures to survive within the planet."
"Chozo?" Luigi asked. "Are they the ones that lived here?"
Samus nodded. "Unfortunately, they met their demise at the hands of space pirates many years ago."
Samus focus shifted to another bird-like statue covered with strains of grass. Much like the planet, it was an obscure relic that would remain lifeless for eternity. Samus stared at the statue for a long time, again confirming Sora's suspicions about her living on this planet. If it was true, he couldn't help but sympathize with her. He missed his home, too. Although Samus could at least return here and visit it whenever. He didn't have that luxury, unfortunately.
"Such a wise, intelligent race they were," Samus said with sadness in her voice. "Full of unconditional love."
"Samus," Sora said in a gentle, commiserative tone.
The sentimental river of emotions was drained by a sudden rustling sound. Everyone assumed their battle positions.
"Ready to face the true dangers of this planet?" Samus asked.
"Bring them on!" Sora said.
"Couldn't they bring it on somewhere else?" Luigi asked, nervous.
The rustling became louder and louder as the group remained still with anticipation. Soon, the sound filled the whole room, hammering on their ears. Their heads jerked around the room for any signs of the culprits. Everyone was on edge.
A monkey-like creature with blue fur landed on Luigi's head. He screamed in surprise and threw the creature off him. It rolled onto the ground, hopped back up, turned to face the group, and was accompanied by two more creatures. They approached the four with inquiring expressions; their antennae were stiff as a board, completely alert.
Sora could sense that these creatures were harmless and made the Keyblade vanish. Before he could speak, Samus ran past him like an excited child entering a carnival and leaned down to them.
"Wow!" she said in excitement. "I haven't seen these little guys in years! Taught me some of my moves! They're so cute!"
Upon realizing her serious demeanor slipped onto a sheet of child-like merriment, she stood up, cleared her throat, and turned to face the others; they just stared at her.
"These are Etecoons," she said in a serious, informative voice. "Primate-like creatures that inhabit this part of Brinstar. Very friendly. Completely harmless."
Sora approached one of them with slow, careful footsteps, kneeled over, and stuck his finger out towards one of them. At first, the creature seemed weary, but it soon gazed straight into his blue eyes, noticing a warm, gentle glow sparkling from the irises. Feeling a sense of security, the creature approached Sora's finger, sniffed it, and then rubbed its head against his palm.
"So cool," Sora said. "Try it, Yoshi. They won't bite."
Yoshi was nervous at first, but he could see a reassuring smile on Sora's face. It filled his chest with a burst of confidence. He approached an Etecoon, mimicked Sora's gesture, and received the same friendly rub.
"Who's a little guy?" Yoshi asked with a big smile on his face.
"As enthralled as you all are by these creatures, we are on a mission," Samus said. "No time to linger."
Sora glanced over at her. "Aw, c'mon. Live a little. Give these guys a pet. You were the one fangirling over them."
Sora could have sworn he saw a hint of red in Samus' visor as she crossed her arms.
"Me? Don't be absurd."
The third Etecoon climbed around Luigi, exploring every detail of this strange new lifeform that's visiting their home.
"Hey!" Luigi said.
"Oh, I forgot to mention," Samus said: "they are highly inquisitive, and take a hands-on approach when meeting new people."
The creature jumped onto the plumber's shoulders and starts picking at his hair.
Luigi frowned. "Oh, thanks for telling me that n—stop picking the bugs from my hair."
"Don't worry, pal," Sora said with a grin. "That little guy is just monkeying around."
Luigi scowled at Sora with an expression that indicating he was planning to name his first tapeworm after him. Feeling bold around the plumber, the Etecoon grabbed his hat and scurried off with it. Luigi chased after the creature, knocking both Sora and Yoshi aside in the process. He didn't care that danger could pounce on him at any second from the shadows – that hat was a part of his identity.
Luigi ran deeper the jungle's throat, catching up to the playful Etecoon. But they both came to a sudden halt when more flying Heartless appeared right in front of them. Aside from the usual red and blue, a yellow one was among their ranks. Luigi and the Etecoon yelped in fear.
"You know what?" Luigi asked, turning to the Etecoon. "You keep it! It looks better on you."
The Etecoon shoved it into his hands.
"No, no," Luigi said, forcing it back on the Etecoon, "I insist!"
The game of hot potato continued, as the Etecoon forced the hat back on Luigi.
"Happy Birthday!" Luigi shoved it back, only for the Etecoon to slam the hat on his head and ran for dear life.
Luigi noticed the Heartless growling at him with vicious sharp teeth, ready to open his chest like a can-opener and devour his heart.
With a nervous grin, Luigi said, "Hey now! Are any of you having a Birthday today? I can give you a hat as a piece offering."
The creatures roared in his face, and he sprinted back towards the others.
"Gang way!" Luigi said. "Incoming party poopers!"
Samus pointed her arm cannon at Luigi. "Duck!"
Luigi dove onto his stomach as an incoming missile flew by his head, crashing right into one of the Heartless, which blew it into pieces. The remaining Etecoon fled because of the commotion. Two more Heartless appeared to replace their fallen comrade. Sora and his friends prepared to fight, and Samus ran ahead of them before they could move.
Samus unleashed a purple whip of energy that wrapped itself around a red Heartless' neck, and she forced the creature onto the ground. Before the Heartless could recover, she rammed her shoulder right into its chest, knocking straight across the room. Another one flew at her, claws straight out, preparing to pounce.
She kneeled and charged her cannon; a fire orange glow filled the vacant hole. As the creature prepared to strike, Samus delivered an uppercut that moved in an arch; giant balls of fire spewed out from the cannon, burning the creature; it crashed onto the ground from the overwhelming pain. Sora ran into the deliver a strike while it was vulnerable.
"Wombo combo!" Sora shouted.
"I got this one," Samus said.
She fired that purple whip again, which wrapped around the Heartless' tail, and dragged it towards her.
"Hey!" Sora said with a scowl.
Samus glanced above him. "You've got your own problems!"
Sora looked up to see a yellow flying Heartless swing its hand at him; a tiny circle of light appeared above his head. On instinct, he leaped back, dodging a miniature lightning bolt. Luigi came in riding Yoshi. The dinosaur produced an egg, threw it above him, and Luigi swung it straight into the Heartless' face.
Luigi leaped off Yoshi and slammed the Heartless into the ground with his hammer. Upon standing up – in a complete daze – the Heartless had just enough time to see Sora slash right across its chest, finishing it off for good.
Meanwhile, Samus knocked another one straight into the ground. Before the Heartless could sit up, she leaped on top of it and slammed her foot on its chest. Her arm cannon was pointed right in its face. The Heartless' last moments were to watch in defeat as a bright ball of energy exhaled from the cannon's mouth.
The group was speechless at Samus' impressive feats. For creature's she had never encountered, Samus was able to adapt to their fighting style and counter them with ease. As Samus turned to face the group, a yellow arrow blinked in her visor, indicating that a Heartless was nearby them. Indeed, it flew straight for her. Sora ran to help, but Samus turned around and destroyed it in the blink of an eye with her cannon.
"Like I said, I don't need help," Samus said.
Sora felt a bit a discouraged from her attitude when it came to teamwork. She seemed so confident in herself; and while confidence was important for any person, one should never loosen the grip on its leash, as it would run away and meet with a possibly fatal mishap.
Make no mistake – he didn't doubt her abilities. Far from it. There was just a rash of concern irritating his forehead. He didn't know how powerful the Heartless could become, and was worried her lack of understanding them may be detrimental.
For now, he wouldn't argue, not when time refused to show them a hint of mercy.
"Well, okay," Sora said. "If you're sure."
Yoshi whispered to Luigi, "What her deal?"
"Some people are just loners, I guess," Luigi said with a shrug.
Everyone moved forward into the next few areas, noticing a radical change in the environment. The lush green vegetation was replaced by menacing red rocks. They found themselves traveling through giant caverns; small pools of water were scattered throughout them, no doubt plagued by infectious creatures that would turn a bright, healthy body into an apocalyptic wasteland.
Giant red flowers resembling a Venus flytrap could sense the group strolling by them; their mouths chomped down in frequent, ecstatic intervals, hungry for flesh. Unfortunately, they were cursed to remain stagnant forever, as they lacked the proper limbs.
At the end of the cavern was another door; unlike the others they've opened, this one lacked the blue glow. It appeared to be inoperative. But a more prominent feature caught their attention overhead: a statue of a menacing monster with two horns and eyes attached to the wall. It loomed down at them with its perpetual gaping jaw filled with teeth, delivering a silent, angry roar at the intruders.
Luigi gulped. "Well that's not ominous."
Samus approached the door and activated the scanner on her visor. A yellow square encased the door; numbers and letters appeared next to it, appearing as a jumbled mess that counted upwards. After a few moments of analyzing the door, a red silhouette of a giant, obese creature appeared on screen. Spikes were protruding from its stomach.
Samus smirked. "Just what I've been looking for." She faced Luigi. "That scanner of yours – is it picking up anything here?"
Luigi pulled out the 3DS and scanned the door, confirming that the signal was getting stronger behind it. Sora walked over to it, tapping it with the Keyblade. No movement. He tried bashing it. Still no avail. He turned to the others with a shrug.
Samus pointed her arm cannon towards the door. "Stand aside."
Sora rejoined the group, and Samus launched a missile right into the door, causing a small explosion in the process.
"I guess sometimes taking the extreme way is the best way," Sora said, shouting over the loud explosion, shielding his eyes.
The smoke cleared to reveal an unscathed door. Samus bit her lip in frustration.
Yoshi's eyes widened in surprise. "This door mean business! It must've taken on final form! We cannot grasp it!"
Luigi glared at Yoshi in confusion. Meanwhile, Sora walked over to Samus.
"Any ideas?" he asked her.
Samus activated her scanner to search for an alternative path through the indestructible door. Upon looking up at the statue, a red circle appeared deep within its throat. Samus' frustrations were wiped away with a brightly colored brush of delight.
"Aha!" she said exclaimed. "There's a switch hidden with that statue's mouth."
Luigi glared at the 3DS in disappointment. All his little device could do was show him the location of the Star Spirits – nothing more.
"Something tells me the professor was cheap with this thing," Luigi said. "Next time I want a super suit like Samus!"
Sora had walked over to the statue and stared up at it. "Would stop complaining about it and come give me a boost? I can try to reach it."
"Not a good idea," Samus said. "The switch is too far back." She heisted for a moment. "I think I might need your help to reach it."
Sora grinned. "See? A little help ain't so bad."
"I suppose," Samus said. "But once we're inside, I surmise things will most likely be less cryptic."
Luigi glanced around the room, incredulous of Samus' statement. "Given how every room has been cryptic so far, I have my doubts."
"Alright," Samus said, as she approached Luigi, "here's what I want you to do. Stand right in front of me. I'm about to do something that may startle you. Try not to be alarmed."
With a boastful pat of his chest, Luigi said, "Do your worst. I've seen it all."
A whisper of doubt tickled at her ear. Given how secretive the group had been (especially Luigi), Samus was a bit hesitant to put her trust in them. But she had no choice. Beyond the door lay the key to her success, and she couldn't linger in her mission.
"Okay," Samus said. "Hold out your hands."
Luigi complied; all three of them watched in amazement as Samus transformed into a small orange ball, making a perfect landing in Luigi's gloved hands. Luigi, upon screaming in shock, threw the ball straight into the air. Sora hurried over and caught it just in time. He turned to Luigi with a narrow look in his eyes.
"Good job, Luigi," Sora said in sarcasm. "She only WARNED that she was about to do something strange."
Luigi blushed; his expression was timid. "O-Okay. Maybe next time I need a pre-warning before the actual warning."
"Oh brother," Yoshi said, shaking his head.
Sora turned his attention back to the giant ball in his hands. Was that really Samus? He chastised Luigi just a moment ago for being alarmed, but the feeling of holding a live person in this manner made him feel uncomfortable.
"S-Samus?" Sora asked, bringing the ball up to his face. "Can you hear me?"
"Affirmative."
Sora almost dropped her in surprise; he couldn't believe this was real. With each passing moment, his perception of the word impossible drifted further away into a sea of ambiguity. Luigi and Yoshi huddled around him. Even they – who came from a world filled with unimaginable sights – were astonished by Samus' transformation.
"How'd you do that?" Luigi asked. "Are you just THAT flexible? If I were a yoga instructor, I'd be reevaluating my life at this point."
"My suit allows me to transform into this ball," Samus said. "I can use it to maneuver through tight spaces."
"She look like a meatball," Yoshi said.
Luigi's eyes darted straight at the dinosaur. "Don't. Even."
"Me wasn't going to!" Yoshi said with a defensive tone in his voice. "Honest! Luigi has to have SOME faith in Yoshi!"
"What are you talking about?" Samus asked.
"You don't want to know," Sora said.
Sora handed Samus over to Luigi (who promised to be careful this time), and he leaped into the air using his incredible jumping ability. He inserted Samus into the statue's mouth; she rolled down its narrow, dry throat until colliding with a yellow switch. The group noticed the familiar blue glow rejuvenate the once lusterless door, and it opened for them.
Samus rejoined the others, reverted to her human form, and the four pushed forward. Once inside, they noticed a radical change in scenery. The planet's intestines had been infected by cold metal floors and ceilings coated in a dark shade of green. Silver cylinders stuck out of the floor, and the room's walls were caged. Beyond the cages were a highway of connected pipes.
Sora thought he heard Samus grunt in disapproval, and it was easy to surmise why she uttered that noise: no one wanted to see the natural face of their home tarnished by industrial makeup.
Heartless soon appeared in their path. They battled their way through the hallway, encountering flying ones, the usual Shadows, and even some Soldiers. Respecting Samus' wishes, the trio made sure to keep their distance from her during the fight, focusing on a small group of Heartless.
Towards the end of the hall was a rather large door that towered over them. Using her scanner, Samus detected her target was behind it. She smirked in contentment, but it faltered into an exasperated scowl upon seeing more Heartless. This battle was growing monotonous, she thought. Time was of the essence, and the Heatless were like annoying weeds that continued appearing in cracks on the pavement. There seemed to be no end to them.
At this point, Samus knew her only chance to reach the door would require Sora and his friends' assistance again. Her loner mentality was being tossed around in a washing machine of contradicting thoughts, surprised that she was accepting help from strangers.
"Hey!" Samus called to Sora. "Can you keep these guys busy? I'm going to make a run for the door!"
Sora moved out of the way of a flying Heartless, and hit it in the back with his Keyblade. He then turned to face her with a concerned expression.
"Are you sure?" Sora asked.
"Positive," she said. "We're wasting our time with the appetizers! The main course is right behind that door!"
Yoshi, whose understanding of expressions flew by him like a plane carrying a blank advertisement, said, "Ooh! Then Yoshi request he come, too! Main course me specialty!"
"That's not what she means," Luigi said, knocking a Heartless away with a fire spell. "Knowing our luck, we're the ones who'd be the main course."
For a moment, Sora's outlook on her plan stood behind a closed window of doubt. He hated not knowing what would become of her. But she was putting her faith in them; it would be discourteous not to do the same. Still, while Sora found himself lifting that window, it didn't open completely.
"Alright! Leave it to us!" Sora said.
Samus nodded and hurried towards the door, avoiding Heartless from every angle. She fired an energy shot right at the door, forcing it open. Her heart pounded faster with each step – the target was so close. She could smell its foul stench wrinkle her nose. After dodging a lightning bolt from another Heartless, she leaped through the door, and it closed behind her.
She rolled onto the floor and got into a kneeled position. The only sound she could hear was her own breath. Everything else in the air remained frozen in unnerving silence. Samus stood up, keeping her free hand gripped to the top of the arm cannon. Unlike the previous room, this one was filled with vine-like walls, and the ground was covered in grass, with giant thorns sticking out as its hair. It was like a defiant part of the world refused to be consumed by the industrial takeover.
The room was massive in size. Floating green platforms hovered above Samus' head. She scanned the area for any signs of her target. Not a soul whispered from within the barren room. A strain of sweat slid down her forehead. She was adamant that her target was here. There couldn't be a mistake.
While scrutinizing every detail, she noticed an elevator at the end of the room. Earlier, Samus interrogated some Space Pirates she defeated; in their emotionally drained state, they revealed an elevator that would lead her to their leader – the mastermind orchestrating the takeover of the entire universe.
Now, that elevator stood right in front of her, waiting to be used. She sighed; it wasn't going to be easy. The Space Pirates had wits to match their iron strength. A trap was waiting to pounce on Samus like a ferocious lion, and feast on her optimism.
"Come out, Kraid!" Samus shouted, pouring her voice into the empty pitcher of silence. "You can't hide from me! Afraid I'll beat you again? Just face me and get it over with!"
A sound refused to respond from within the silent room.
For the moment.
Then, a livid earthquake answered Samus' boast. She almost stumbled over from the sudden vibration of the ground. An outpour of adrenaline burst through her veins like a dam. Her eyes darted around the room for any signs of Kraid.
But she wouldn't have to wait long to see him.
The earth crumbled into a pathetic mess as a giant creature tunneled out of the ground and towered over Samus. She felt her jaw drop from the creature's sheer size. Buildings would tremble before his height. Kraid was a dinosaur-like monster with scaly green skin, a long tail, and had an oval shaped head. Spikes protrude from his head; more spikes rested inside three huge holes attached to his stomach.
His three red eyes glared down at the tiny insect trying to oppose him. Pleasurable drool poured from his mouth like a waterfall. Samus was perplexed by his appearance. Was this the same creature she fought before? She remembered him being a lot….smaller.
"Okay," she said. "You've obviously been eating your veggies since our last encounter."
A dark aura surrounded Kraid's body, and he responded with a fierce roar. Samus resolve did not waver from the earth-shattering noise; it stood tall, ready to fight.
"Doesn't matter," she said. "Makes you an easier target!"
Kraid swung his giant claws at her. Samus shot her purple whip like a grappling hook at a platform high above her, and pulled herself onto it, avoiding the incoming attack. She charged energy in her cannon, leaped over him, and fired the attack right at his head. Upon contact, Kraid shook it off as if a gentle leaf had fallen on it. Samus landed on the other side of the room, turned around, and gritted her teeth at him. Her normal attacks weren't going to suffice.
Kraid brought his tail down, but she rolled out before it could crush her like a fire ant. He stuck out his giant claw. His dirty sharp nails were engulfed in a cocoon of darkness, and he launched tiny spikes at her. Samus ran away from the continuous downpour. Something about Kraid seemed different (aside from the obvious increase size). He seemed to be using an unidentifiable dark magic. Where did he obtain this strange power? Samus shelved the question for later; staying alive was far more important.
Samus leaped against a wall and fired another missile at Kraid's hand, which knocked it back from the shock. Although the attack appeared to not deal any damage. Instead, he seemed more irritated, as if someone had repeatedly tapped him on the shoulder. After uttering another deafening roar, Kraid launched the spikes on his stomach, and they flew towards Samus' position.
She used her beam again to grapple onto another platform, just missing the spikes. After pulling herself onto the platform, she saw him swing his claws, releasing a dark wave of energy. She leaped over it and landed on another platform. Samus retaliated by firing another charged shot at his face. Kraid brought his giant hand up and crushed the energy beam into specks of harmless light.
Samus could feel frustration seep through her steel coat of confidence. She had never faced a tougher opponent. But she had to keep any doubts sealed behind a fence. If they broke through, it would ruin her concentration, and she would be vulnerable. She experienced that feeling once as a child, and made a promise to never let it loom over her heart again.
Remain strong, she thought. Don't let the weakness win.
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