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After-Effect; Post-AC RP
Topic Started: Oct 24 2010, 10:41 AM (21,551 Views)
~Alissa~
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Earth seemed unlikely to Alissa, too populated, too close to the center of power for a major galactic player. Even the project that created Alissa was carried out far away from the seats of power in her own “home” government, too many prying eyes.

There was still that lingering sense of betrayal, which she knew to be irrational, no one had promised her that things like this wouldn’t happen here, just the same though she felt the betrayal of an idea sting more than she would have through possible.

Pulling her thoughts out of personal reflection a thought entered her mind “a planet this busy, everything that flies is tracked, if we can get our hands on that data and determine which ship carried Delacroix away from the hotel, perhaps we can determine its trajectory, at least for the first jump”

Hew own ships computer acted on the hunch as if it had been given the command and began searching, starting first with the data streams it already had access too, though at best it would take quite a while, at worst it would yield nothing in the end.

She turned her attention towards Rex quietly a moment a thought occurring to her “he’s given us all he knows, which isn’t much” she considered a moment “he doesn’t seem important enough to even have been a part of this to be honest, perhaps foolish enough to steal from a fairly powerful criminal, but if any fool would do….why him? Perhaps we should add his brother to the people we need to speak with, though a conversation with the Colonel may be easier to arrange.
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Clockwork Master

Jenosa gave an indifferent shrug about the mention of Rex, "I don't see any problem with him leaving; as far as I'm concerned, he's Travis's problem. He knows him more than any of us here."

She took a deep breath and sighed in thought, seeing that they're little weird, unofficial hunter meeting was coming to a close. She wasn't an apt leader, but as far as she was concerned, they need a definitive plan of action, and not just keep throwing around ideas. After considering what Omega had said, she chipped in, "Alright, as much as I'd like to right to bust down Delacroix's door, I have to admit doing it on Earth is an incredibly risky, if not stupid, idea. Considering that we have no proof, and that we don't even know who Delacroix, or who his buddies, own, we'd have the authorities right up our ass."

She shook her head and turned to Travis and Z'Gato. "Right now, I think the best thing for all of us to do is split up, as weird as it may sound. I can only assume that what Omega has in mind might help to bring about extra firepower. Still, it'll be useless to us if we have no idea what to do with it, so I think while you guys are busy with you little sojourn to who know's where, me and Alissa will do recon, and gather as much information as possible."

She sighed and looked Alissa with a friendly smile, "I don't suppose you have an extra room in your ship for me to bunk in."

`````````````````````

After everyone had dispersed, Alana walked back to her little lab that she had improvised in Travis's ship, which was surprisingly big for all things considered. For the most part, she had kept quiet for the rest of the meeting, feeling an outsider; although she had provided some helpful hints, it had mostly come from reading thriller novels. Despite her being a woman, and a medical personnel, she enjoyed a good bout of action in her literature; she just didn't like being caught in it.

For the most part of her life, she had consistently searched for a field position that she would content, fascinated with, yet also helpful to others at the same time. And so far, the only fascinating medical interventions have been dangerously treating a space pirate of an weird Ing infection; a situation she had been forced into rather uncomfortably.

honestly, all she asked for was a peaceful life that fulfilled her wants, but by the looks of it, that wasn't going to happen. Trying to get a job on a scientific vessel might be possible, but in all truth, she wasn't it was worth it; or rather, if she wanted it. Both her job at the camp, and idea of the job that she was supposed to have, seemed even more duller than before. In some respects, it seemed sticking it out in the danger was just more worth it in the end.

And really, she felt she was starting to get more used to it all; it was hard to imagine she was starting to get...braver.

To think that this day had simply started with her expecting to make a baffling explanation to a baffled man. Now, after so much had happened in such a short amount of time, it was all hard to believe that she was wrapping herself up in what looked to be a military conspiracy. And given the blood sample taken, she was definitely going to stick around, to both help and study anything weird they might come across.

Because deep down, she wondered with a tinge of fear what exactly scientists - government scientists probably - could cook up with Jenosa's blood sample.

(OOC: You may apply a time skip Jefe :))
Edited by CEMP, Feb 23 2012, 05:23 PM.
"I believe that the human spirit is indomitable. If you endeavor to achieve, it will happen given enough resolve. It may not be immediate, and often your greater dreams is something you will not achieve within your own lifetime. The effort you put forth to anything transcends yourself, for there is no futility even in death."
— Monty Oum
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~Deadly Aim~
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Deadeye '17, eager to move on from the slow-motion train wreck that was last year.
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
"Well, since you corroborated with us concerning Delacroix, I'm willing to vouch for you in the event charges are filed against you." Travis finally relaxed. He tossed Rex a card.

"Here, that card contains 2000 credits. That should be enough to get you a flight off of Hunroth and a decent meal. Oh, and by the way, in the event your brother gets paranoid, you never ratted him out to me; I'll vouch to that much if I have to drag him in. Now do yourself a favor, and keep out of this; if I catch you involved again, you -will- be doing hard time, understand?"

He undid Rex's restraints and directed him to the ramp.

"Oh, here... on the house." He handed Rex an umbrella. "It's pouring pretty good out there, watch your step."

Now then, they were finally free of prying eyes and ears, they could decide on their course of action.

"I agree with Jenosa; that actually makes plenty of sense. Delacroix just pulled an apparent Houdini on all of us, and as long as we sit here in Durendel doing nothing, we're letting him get away with it. Omega, you might want to travel with me, considering things. Alissa, I'm sorry about earlier, but Delacroix put me in a situation where I would be walking into a trap either way; he was prepared for either decision. I can pretty much verify this in that Z'gato and I faced off against a group of what I suspect to be mercenaries that tried to slow us down from reaching you and Jenosa... and then he had hired Faulias, likely knowing that he would never lay a hand on either Jenosa or myself. Hell, I don't he planned the hotel for it, but it was a good location to slow me down with."

He turned to Jenosa. "By the way, I haven't forgotten my little promise; you sure you don't want me to help you purchase a new ship? Technically, I don't think the deceased own any assets."

Then, came Omega's interjection.... and Travis had to admit, he was puzzled; Omega was down on all fours, looking at him pleadingly.

Was Omega begging him???

"Omega... I... that is asking quite a bit... but considering the circumstances and my prospects of ever getting married............ I guess I will while we wait for a lead. And by the way, do you know how to get in touch with your mother? I... want to ask her a favor."
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~DarkKnightCuron~
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Starfeather
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Z'Gato seemed relatively satisfied with the direction they were taking. At least they were taking action. However, when he heard about Omega's planned trip, Z'Gato immediately nodded his head as a sign that he would, indeed, go with Omega-Alpha on this...journey. But when Omega-Alpha started to ask Clark to come with them, Z'Gato was quite surprised, both at asking Deadeye to come with them, but also the idea of meeting Omega's daughters.

The sound that was uttered was probably both surprising and horrifying. Z'Gato was chuckling, almost laughing. For some inane reason, the whole situation struck the Chozo warrior as completely humorous, yet he tried to stifle his laughter as much as possible, due to the sensitivity and seriousness of what Omega was asking, but that really didn't stop Z'Gato from laughing about it. It was a deep, wicked-sounding noise that emanated from his helmet's voice speaker, and most in the room would probably describe it as 'down right evil.' After a moment, though, the warrior regained his composure and stepped forward.

"It appears we'll be traveling partners for the time being, then," Z'Gato said, a smirk on his face despite the helmet hiding it.
Marching to the Black Gates...
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Native Son

(If anyone thinks I'm jumping the gun here, please let me know)

Rex just sat there for a moment, as if he was trying to decide whether or not it was a trick. Soon enough he snatched up the card but forgot about the umbrella and then raced off the ship and sprinted out into the rain. He didn't stop until he found a bar. He vaguely recalled riding in a cab to the spaceport sometime later, but apart from that, the next thing he remembered was waking up on a ship. He wasn't quite sure where he was headed, but he didn't really care at this point. As long as he was going away from Hunroth, that was good enough for him.

He buzzed the flight attendant, first to ask what their destination was, and secondly to order another drink.

...................

New York City, two months later

It wasn't just raining outside. It was pounding against the windows so furiously that it seemed as if it would shatter the glass at any minute. It had been like this all day and all night, with no signs of letting up. In fact, storms were predicted for the next three days.

They'll be coming in twos, Jimmy thought as he watched the storm through his penthouse window. The lions, the tigers, the bears... we'll probably have to put carnivores on separate ships, and keep all the birds hooded, cause who knows what could happen to a bird in flight during an FTL jump?

It was all he could do to distract himself at the moment. He'd been extremely paranoid over the past several weeks, ever since Rex dropped in on him with that crazyass story. He expected that Rex might cause a little dust-up at Delacroix's poker game, but he was thinking more along the lines of Rex maybe being overserved and mouthing off at, or even slugging, someone he shouldn't. But for him to be dumb enough to steal from Delacroix... well, he probably should have expected that as well, although he wasn't sure if he should believe that Rex had been manipulated into it, though he wouldn't put it past that scheming bastard. What he hadn't expected was for things to spiral out of control so violently.

Now, Jimmy himself was in the crosshairs. Rex swore up and down that he hadn't told them anything about him, but he probably didn't have to. There was enough out there to tie him to Delacroix without anyone ever saying a word. Sooner or later, they'd be coming for him.

He glanced over at the clock. Three-fifteen in the morning. He didn't think he'd be getting any sleep tonight. He'd been feeling the noose tightening lately, and the past few days, he'd been getting the distcint feeling that he was being followed. At this point, he was far too paranoid for sleep. He just paced around his penthouse with the TV on and an M6 in his hand, chain smoking and staring out the windows into the rain.

He just knew someone was out there...
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Three Points in Full Circle

Omega-Alpha Aran. Travis "Dead-Eye" Clark. Z'Gato the Banished. The three of them had at least known of one another. The events of Hunroth brought them closer to the stars. They had gathered for what seemed a straight forward bounty to hunt.

Fate had other plans.

Coming to a dead end in their case, Travis and Z'Gato followed the strange advice of the Metroid. To any rational being, this would have been unwise. However, Z'Gato's malevolent faith had been shaken, and it was unlikely that the human would deny a Metroid's request (whether it was from intimidation or curiosity). The three landed on SR388.

It was a balmy day. The sky was sea-green with many asteroid satellites orbiting in the sky. The atmosphere was so thin that though the sun was shining an eerie blue, the stars could still be seen.

Last recorded, the planetoid should have been devoid of life. On the contrary: signs of flora and fauna were making a comeback despite the harsh climate and radiation permeation.

They did manage to meet with Samus Aran, who had been taking up residence within the ancient halls of the Chozo Ruins deep in the bowels of the earth. Travis had requested of Omega the chance to talk with her. He simply said that they would meet.

"Good to see you, Samus," Travis smiled behind his visor, but it soon faded. "On the one hand, its good to know for sure that the rumors weren't true. On the other, why aren't you wearing a suit?"

It was true. She wasn't wearing her "second skin" armor, nor was she even wearing a hazardous environmental protection suit. Her skin seemed a bit pale against the denim jeans, black tank top, and her long blonde hair. The truth was, the metroid vaccine reacted with the SR388 environment. She adapted.

"Don't worry about it, Clark," she replied with a wave of her hand. "Things change."

"I guess so," he sighed. "About why I wanted to see you. We're currently on a mission on Hunroth-."

"I can't go," she interrupted with a sigh. "Responsibilities."

Soon enough, Travis saw what kind of responsibilities she was talking about. As Omega-Alpha promised, he introduced the two guests to his 'daughters'.

Colliope. Six-foot two, humanoid digitigrade legged, and a tail that draped to her ankles just like her sisters. Shades of green bathed over her naked flesh unlike her father's which was mottled and broken by wild purple striping. Her hair was short and straight, a dark green, accented by a horn ridge that encircled the back of her crown and came to points on either side of her temples. "Why should I dress? I like Nature! That wouldn't be fun!"

Athena. Cool gray gradients accentuated her chiseled features while her head was topped with red wavy hair. At first glance, it looked like spikes poking out from beneath the hair, but it was the tips of the locks that were white. She walked with elegance, spoke with eloquence, and commanded authority. She was obviously the top tier among the three. Quiet and reserved, observant of the newcomers. She wore a white gown that exposed her shoulders, her glowing abdomen, and her arms. "Of all of Creation, you have piqued my curiosity. Do tell me more?"

Tisiphone. Shock red with violet stripes much in the same patterns as her father. Unlike the other two, her claws and horns were matte black. The horns started at her temples and curled around the sides of her head. She was the spitting image of a succubus. Embroiled in passion, quick to anger, the embodiment of wrath itself. "That's right. You should fear me. That's perfectly natural, Dear. That's your instinct to live screaming at you. Its how you know you're still alive."

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Colliope threw a party as best as she could. She wanted to celebrate the coming of hope. Food and drink was served on ancient Chozo dinnerware. The Metroids did not have a use for utensils, but Athena insisted on lending some to their non-clawed friends.

Athena also altered the climate and atmosphere in the room for the "breathers" of the group.

The meat was still alive. The queens and Omega-Alpha dined on octrolls, an amphibious creature resembling an octopus. Samus speared her fingers into a chute leach, something of a flatworm with a pair of eyes at either end. Travis was served a live chute leach as well while Z'Gato was given a fat meaty septogg, a creature that hangs from a ceiling and eyes on either side of its maw.

"Samus, I hope I'm not being rude, but...." Travis' stomach was about to churn after he saw her snap a rope of muscle loose from within the now dead leach. "How can you eat that?"

"Well?" She paused with the slimy sinew near her mouth. "When in Rome?"

Athena took notice of Travis' apprehension. She had already found herself seated next to him.

"Allow me," she said as she stabbed the creature twice, once at either end. With a swift and sure motion of her hand, the back of the chute leach was sliced open. "I do hope it suits you."

"Ooooh!" Colliope chided between bites as ash fell from her fangs. She could see the colors of her sister grow in fondness and curiosity of the human. Quickly, the metroids took note while Samus raised a brow at Travis.

Omega-Alpha was so very hopeful.

------------------------------------------------

Z'Gato and Tisiphone played all through the night. Hand to hand combat was something they both felt the need to brush up on. Besides, the warrior could tell he would take a strong liking to this one. Feisty, hot-headed, and even Samus claimed to have "troubles" with her.

Sure, the two warriors, Samus and Z'Gato spoke at length after dinner. There was much resentment he felt towards this female, this human. She was the one they called Newborn. She was the one of prophecy. A human!

The wave of anger towards the so-called "Newborn" had passed for now. What happened was in the past. That couldn't be changed. Neither could his hand in the downfall of Chozo Civilization.

Wasn't that why he was here? What could possibly be here that would start him on the path of salvation?

It was staring him right in the face.... right before she summoned a pillar of flame that engulfed him.

The base of the fire was wide, and the focus of the power was wild. Yes, it depleted his armor's energy reserves, but not as much as it could have. She was a queen. A Metroid Queen. He could sense her potential power could have been so much more devastating!

"Aim small, miss small!" he bellowed as a beam of blue pierced through the pillar. The Red Queen raised her arms and caught the ice beam across the forearms. It didn't appear to have any immediate effect, other than it certainly pissed her off.

Already, he was charging. Mystified by such a move, she was baffled how anyone could have withstood her onslaught. Then again, in her mind, he was already a god.

They clashed like two freight trains colliding head-on. At first, he was on top of her.

'Aim small, miss small,' he thought as he stared into those pools of black she calls eyes. Why did I say that? Where did that come from? These were his brother's own words.

"I see," she mused, then wrapped her arms around his broad torso with a purr. "You will know. And, when you do, I'll always know your Name to be my Lord."

"You," he hoarsely whispered.

----------------------------------------------------

"Travis." Late in the morning, the man was the last to show his face. Five o'clock shadow, slow stagger, and his hair was a total mess. He could hear Samus' voice calling his name from down the hall. This was the last person he wanted to talk to right now.

"Mmm?" was all he could utter.

"This is really important." The two found a chamber to themselves. Once the Huntress was sure of their privacy, she began to explain everything.

"I saw that you two went on a date," she spoke boldly. Travis could only scratch the back of his head sheepishly. "Sorry. I know you're a good man. And, I don't know what Omega told you, but I'm sure everything was well intentioned.

"The queens are among the strongest living organisms out here in known space. They are the top of the food chain. Make no mistake, they are probably the furthest thing from 'human' you will ever meet."

"I do respect your advice," the man said holding his hands up defensively, "but it sounds more like you're chastising me on something I already had a clue about."

"I didn't mean to sound harsh," she said with a sigh, but maintained a stern look. "I guess I'm just concerned about you and her."

"You're not the only one," he said with the same look. "We did speak at length. Very curious woman. I do know that the metroids here need help with... that... sort... of..." Samus merely raised her eyes with a smirk.

"Yes. I know. She's fascinating. I never knew I'd end up like this. Between my job and a lack of personal life.... This is all just so confusing."

"Again," she reminded, "I know you're a good man. You may be looking forward to having a family. A very alien family. This is going to be different from what you'd expect of a human family."

"How so?"

"When she lays her clutch, she's going to want to stay home and take care of the hive."

"The...."

"They're not going to look like little babies. You won't be changing diapers. You wont have ANY maternal responsibilities. All Athena will expect from you is your paternal responsibilities. To provide.

"This is a new culture. They are in a time of self-discovery. They are developing a culture of their own as we speak. Just run with it if this is where your heart truly belongs.

"Just do everyone a favor: Never, ever, ever lie to her. And, if you hurt her, I will hunt you down."

She really didn't have to tell him twice, let alone once!

Reality was then sinking in for the poor bounty hunter. Maybe it was a moment of weakness. Maybe it was his way of doing a good deed for a friend. Maybe he was truly curious about this woman named Athena.

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"You have asked Her Highness that you wished for her services," Athena told him later that day. It was surreal. Her head was in his lap staring at the ceiling with those alien baby blue eyes. "I shall go in her stead."

"I can't ask of you to do that. What use do you have for money?" Travis had learned that the metroids have no ability to use mathematics and time as it was commonly known. Ergo, they have no concept of monetary worth. They DID know of material worth, however.

"If you insist on payment, my Prince," she spoke with a dearly smile, "I wish to be paid in knowledge."

"What kind of knowledge?"

"Knowledge of your world. You have learned of mine. You know much more about me than I know of myself. You have taught me many things thus far. You intrigue me dearly. And, you are strong of mind, logic, and focus. That is your strength that I find attractive. That is why I named you as Mine. And so, I wish to know more about the world you live in. I want to know more about this Travis Clark. I want to know you more than simply 'my Prince'."

This has got to be the start of the strangest relationship. Ever. Of all time.

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The ancient Torizo stationed on SR388 bestowed what knowledge he had of the Metroids, their roots, their biology, and their original purpose. They were created by the Chozo as a defense mechanism and as a means to store, transport, and transmute energies and information.

Upon seeing the images of the original metroid queen, Omega's birth mother, Z'gato could easily assume that this was possibly the prototype of the Mother Brain on Zebes. With the way the Metroids were able to pass down genetic memory and have cognizant access to it, it was no wonder how Omega was able to understand Chozo workings, as well as some technologies in general.

There was also new information that the Torizo, with Athena's assistance in her researching talents, that revealed the locations of three planets for the queens to individually inhabit and claim as their own.

Tallon IV for Colliope. Once a Chozo colony prior to the Zebesian settlement, the architecture was built around and in conjunction with the terrain, trees, and other flora. With its abundance of life after the Great Purge, it would certainly suit this queen's talents.

Bryyo for Tisiphone. The environment there is mostly suitable for a queen with violent tastes. Hot and uninhabitable by any standards of life as it was known, this would best appeal to her desires.

Elysia for Athena. Steeped in technology, this world could easily be used as a center for learning and invention. Closely monitored by the Chozo's allies, and as rare as they were anymore, the Luminoth, this world certainly excited her to explore and to call home.

By day four, it was time for the three males to venture forth. The course was set first to Bryyo. Tisiphone was given a small box wrapped in foil with a note stating, "do not open for three cycles. Do not eat."

"Lord Z'Gato!" she called as she ran back to her Patron Deity. "I look forward to-!" But she was interrupted by the Warrior taking her arm firmly with a slap. He anchored his left hand at her elbow, and after a brief pause, she followed suit.

"We will meet again, Friend." She smiled warmly up at him. Indeed, these two became very dear friends.

The next stop was Elysia. Athena was eventually greeted by an old Luminoth who's name was unpronounceable by the young Queen. Instead, since she knew of the relationship between them and their Creators, she simply named him Uncle.

This "uncle" would soon become the Patron of her hive.... In the meantime, since she did have business to attend off world, Uncle swore that he would maintain his vigilance over her new home and welcomed her.

Finally, it was time to drop Colliope off at Tallon IV. Like her sister, Tisiphone, she was given a similar box wrapped in foil and given the same note.

The crew had been on the ship for a long while, so they disembarked to take in the fresh air. The nice breeze, the rush of white noise from the nearby waterfalls, the faint scent of the trees on the mist, the eerie whispers coming from the shadows...

Omega's red slits beneath his eyes widened as he strained his sight to peer around. There was no life out of the ordinary that he could sense, other than those that were about him. Z'Gato's arm cannon instantly came online as he leveled it.

Colliope tilted her head in curiosity. She didn't quite understand what was going on. After all, she just moved in.

"Maybe its a haunted house!" she decreed.

"We are being watched," Z'Gato hissed. "Everyone, be on your guard!"

"Unknown anomaly patterns are detected by the ships sensors," Constantine reported over Travis' commlink in his helmet. "Direction, north by north east, moving away from the landing site. They seem to be following the interior architecture. I cannot discern where they could be headed."

The feathers on the back of Z'Gato's neck stood up on end. There was only one word he could use to describe the phenomenon.

"Ghosts."

"C'mon, big guy. There's no such thing as-." Just before he could finish his sentence, a gust of wind billowed through the canyon carrying with it a wispy voice in Chozo tongue:

"Fury!"

---------------------------------------------------

The crew followed Constantine's directions in following the anomalies. Eventually, they ended up in a tall chamber. It was dark with metallic floor, walls, and ceiling. A great statue of a Chozo Priest sat on a dais in the middle of the room.

"Wow!" Colliope could hardly hold back her excitement. She ran up to the statue and knelt before it. "This is the biggest Torizo I've ever seen!"

"You've only seen the one on my home," Omega reminded her.

"So that makes my statement true!" she retorted with a wrinkle on her nose while looking back at her father. That's when the hands started to rotate. She yelped and darted back to hide behind Omega.

"Welcome, Descendant of the Ancient Golem." A loud booming voice sounded like it was emanating from everywhere. "You are before your time. What brought you?"

"They did it." She stepped out from behind Omega and pointed at the group. "Their fault!"

"You wish to make this your home as you are best suited to be the steward of this abandoned home. Maybe..... Speaking of homes...."

As once thought that the nightmares of Tallon IV had ended, it just began anew for one in particular. Unfortunately, the others had to bare witness. Twelve ghostly figures appeared. Six on each side in lines keeping the group before the statue. They were of warriors, priests, and innovators. They all stood at attention, though looked at Z'Gato with great disdain.

The statue stood, truly revealing that it was a Torizo.

"What the heck?" Travis shouted in surprise.

"You, the Banished One," it boomed.

"You broke it," Omega blurted.

"SHUT UP!" Z'gato snapped at the creature.

"The weight of your sins has broken your back. The trail of blood you have spilled leads back to you. You were the pen that drew the line on the map to Zebes in the blood of your ancestors. What say you?"

The temperature in the room felt like it just went up ten degrees. The silence was so thick it weighed heavily on those standing before them. But, it weight most heavily on the Chozo Warrior.

Z'Gato knew this was it. This was the calling. This was what those ghosts back on Hunroth pointed him to. Indeed, he was not worthy of death. This was why. He was only worth enough to sign his own death warrant issued by this mechanization crafted to stand guard over holy ground.

The Hall of the Elders.

"Guilty!" Z'Gato bellowed and shouted back as he snapped to attention and held his chin high. "You, who have been gifted the Elder's voice in their absence, issue your verdict! Do what you must to damn this forsaken warrior even further into the bowels of Hell! I know now that I am strong! But not the strength I have been asked for. I know you do not wish me dead so that I may suffer. What must I do to endure more?"

Fresh memories of Tisiphone played through his mind as he pleaded with the large Torizo statue. She saw him as a god. Yes, it stroked his ego to no end, but this was not a game. This was for real. This was for keeps. The scars he held in his heart were tearing open one by one. His very soul was beginning to bleed, and the ghosts around them could smell it.

The Torizo narrowed its mechanical eyes and glared at the broken warrior.

"What is your life?"

"My honor is my life."

"What is your fate?"

"My duty is my fate."

"What is your fear?"

"My fear is to fail."

"What is your reward?"

"My salvation is my reward."

"What is your craft?"

"My craft is Death."

"What is your pledge?"

"My pledge is eternal service."

"And you have failed, indeed." The statue lifted its hands as if in reverence to something profound. "Your trial has begun! You will venture to the Magmoor Caverns, an ancient warrior's training ground. There, you will endure pain. You will endure death. You will suffer. Does your heart have what it takes?

"Go. Now." The ghosts disappeared, and the statue returned to its original position.

"Oh, good." Omega said in relief. "It fixed itself."

--------------------------------------------------

"You're just going to run off and do something stupid?" Travis exclaimed as he snatched the warrior's left arm by the wrist. "You're going to listen to a statue!? That's it!?"

"This is between me and my Maker!" he snapped back. The two were alone standing before the elevator that would take Z'Gato to Hell.

"I don't know what kind of crazy practices your preachers preach, but this is beyond ridiculous!"

"About as ridiculous as the miracles you believe in?" That statement made Travis take pause. The Metroids saw him saying grace before digging into his meals, and they said it made sense to "thank the prey for giving their life so that others may live". Samus knew of Travis' belief structure, as did a few of his friends, and as did Trisha. He forgot that he had to bear in mind that different cultures had their own versions of Faith, even when it didn't necessarily make sense to him. But, it was real enough for those who followed theirs.

Understandingly then, he nodded and let Z'Gato go.

"Y'know," Travis started, "that statue didn't say anything about taking a friend along. Again, with that awkward silence. The broken warrior actually considered the thought.

"It didn't."

"Well?"

"Do you know what that could mean to you?"

"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name' sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: For thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou annointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever."

"You are a strange human, Travis Clark."

"And you are a strange Chozo, Z'Gato."

"You do not carry the Varia armaments. Who knows how long you may withstand the heat. The lava will be my problem, for certain."

"The Lord shall guide us, my friend, for it is His will that shall be the judge." He stared down at the platform that would take them down into the caverns with a stern look.

"The Spirits of the Ancestors shall be, as well, then."

"Have faith," the human said as he slapped the warrior on the back.

"Yet we must have our eyes open and not be blinded by it."

"Indeed. Push the button, would you?" I'm already starting to sweat."

"I just absolutely had to choose the energy blade over the grapple beam. Take the grapple beam, Father said. But, noooo.... I had to choose the blade. Bah!" -Z'Gato upon finally seeing the need for a grapple beam.

--------------------------------------------------

The trial was over. Athena was tending to Travis' wounds. Third degree scorch marks marred his body where his armor melted to his flesh. She cursed at him for being so foolish. She cried for him. But to do such a thing for a dear friend, a God amongst mortals, she cried in joy as well. She expressed how truly blessed she was to have a human like Travis as her mate.

But, she still chastised him for it, too. It must've been a miracle that the two of them survived. If it weren't for the metroid ability to transfer life energy to heal, he would've been permanently scarred and disabled. Thankfully, he was restored to perfect health.

Z'Gato, on the other hand, was out cold. In his hand was a small necklace with an amulet. It was clutched in his hands when the armor finally shut down and locked itself down.

One month later.... Z'Gato woke up from the coma. Travis, Colliope, Athena, Omega were all standing over him. The metroids tried using their healing energies to revitalize the warrior. Physically, he was healed. There was nothing they could have done for any harm that happened to the mind. Hence, the coma.

In that coma were some very vivid visions. Replays of the events of the Trial by Fire. The discussions between Travis and Z'Gato ranging from simple tactics to theology. In his mind, and in that Trial, over and over again, he bonded yet to another living being.

And a name... one he had not heard of before... the voice... it said "Starfeather, awaken to your fate, your destiny."

For years, this was something he trained himself not to do. Yet, he faltered from that. Fate demanded something from him. Something more. He found himself bonding with people more and more. For once, he found himself happy to wake up to the image of those he would call "friend" before him.

------------------------------------------------------

"Mister Clark," Constantine addressed. "You have a message."

"Is this is?"

"I believe so."

"Time to move. Omega, Athena, I hope you got enough to eat. It's going to be a while before we reach our destination. You ready?" The only reply he got was pair of very happy trills. 'That was cute... wait, I thought Athena's trill was cute? Oh boy.'

------------------------------------------------------

Gather around and listen, Childer.

Chozodia, Norfar, Tourane, Brinnestar.... These realms held the vestiges of nightmares for the Gods. The Gruk, The Great Poison, Zebellan Invasion. These realms harbored harsh environs, deadly flora and fauna, and the consumption of a great and ancient civilization - those who came before us.

To inherit such a wonder was a miracle in itself, though it brought with it a great price: to teeter on the edge of oblivion. We, the Inheritors carried with us the burden of clinging to a single thread that dangled on the brink of simply vanishing from this dream of Reality.

Just when all hope to feverishly cling onto what was left of existence, the Gods tipped the scales of Fate and sent Starfeather the Exalted, as well as two heroes: The Pharaoh and The Prince.

-Omega Stage Scholar, Chozodia, 2752 Earth Standard
Edited by transcon, Feb 25 2012, 12:25 PM.
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These last two months had been the best--and worst--of Z'Gato's life. It was strange how different he felt, his typically anger and loathing regressing down to merely a burning ember. At first, it had distressed him, the lack of anger making him feel weaker, sluggish, at first. Then, the gradual change occurred, and the unthinkable transpired. He stepped onto Tallon IV, Angry yet afraid, strong yet weak, and after he stepped off the planet he felt...

Strange.

His muscles were still powerful and strong. His zeal and prowess were still present. The exposure to the Queens, Omega-Alpha, Samus Aran, Travis Clark...their combined interaction seemed to change him, and he was not sure if it was for the better. His mind felt...balance. He was no longer punching mirrors at his own visage, and for the first time in many years, he did not wake up from the same nightmares, sweaty and breathing heavily. In fact, the trip to their destination had been...the most relaxing and restful he had had in...in a long, long time. Not since he last embraced his brother as friends, not as enemies. Not since he last called Zebes home.

It was strange. He was no longer afraid to dwell on the past anymore. It was as if looking at it was like watching someone else do the actions, rather than himself. He still felt guilty for the crimes he had committed in the name of 'power', but at the same time, he was no longer afraid to dwell on them, no longer haunted in the night by his own demons. He was not yet absolved of his sins, but...

...The thought of actually working towards his own redemption had brought him some level of serenity. Enough to finally appreciate the efforts of Travis Clark, the one who participated in a Chozo trial, of his own volition. The man...Z'Gato never saw Travis the same way again. He was no longer a weak, pathetic human, a cockroach infesting the galaxy. To say that Clark had proven himself a Chozo would be off the mark, but he had proven his courage, strength, and skill to the Chozo in the depths of hell time and again. He was a Brother-at-Arms, and Z'Gato found himself deeply respecting the man. Never had a human done such a thing for Z'Gato. Perhaps Z'Gato had been wrong about humanity, if it could produce such shining examples of nobility.

Z'Gato's thoughts strayed again, the passionate, powerful form of Tisiphone filling his mind again. Her spirit, her passion...she dominated his thoughts for most of the trip from Tallon IV. Even as he looked out of the viewport of his ship at the darkness of space, it reminded him of the beauty of Tisiphone's eyes of infinite depth. He could still feel her warm touch against his skin, their spars and their closeness having a profound effect on the warrior.

It had been a long time since he felt appreciated by another being. It had been an even longer time since he had felt wanted. A hole that had been covered by anger and resentment had made itself known as Z'Gato interacted with the passionate Metroid Queen, a hole that she had likely decided to quickly fill. Her strength attracted his strength, her spirit attracted his spirit...and she was quite attractive to his own eyes. She displayed such ferocity that he could not help but admire, and apparently, his own zeal and power attracted her in kind.

Damnit, but he could not stop thinking about her. He would have to visit her again when this mission was over, at least for a little while longer than his previous visit. It had felt...too short to his mind when he left Bryyo, having locked eyes with her on that planet for the merest of moments, and then feeling his heart beat that much harder when she smiled up at him. Her smile seemed to do that to him, always striking directly to his heart, that which ached for her attention the most. And attention he did, indeed, get from her. Her praise, her fawning, her attention...and then his attention for her in turn. It was an intoxicating feeling, to feel...loved by another. To feel that same love for another.

Z'Gato finally snapped out of his reverie as the ship's on-board computer blinked a light at him, signalling that they were approaching their destination. Flying a separate ship than Travis, the Chozo warrior at least was afforded some time to reflect not only the enchanting encounter with Tisiphone but ponder on his trials as well.

The trial through hell, fire, brimstone, and lava. Such was the heat, such was the fire, such was the hardship they both went through. Z'Gato could only recall the trial in bits and pieces, each event seeming to tug at the chains of sin around the Chozo's neck more and more. He had almost faltered many times, barely pushing forward by sheer will, as well as the helping hand of Deadeye Clark. When he had completed the trial, amulet in hand, goal achieved, that's when he remembered the smell of burning flesh in his nostrils, and when his limbs finally failed him. When his suit finally failed him.

He looked down at the chestplate of his armor. No longer was it the standard color scheme of reds, oranges, and yellows, but it was adorned by surprising shades of white, grey, and black. The Phazon Suit, it was called, or so his helmet's computer informed him. Apparently, it allowed him to be immune to outside attacks of Phazon, to a limited degree. It was not by all means foolproof, but it was better than nothing, especially after the incident at Hunroth, when Delacroix blasted his chest with a beam of Phazon. Z'Gato found that the new look of his armor was...somehow fitting.

And it was the last. A moment flickered by his mind, a mere thought. He was the last, and this armor was the last. The remains and the preservation of his culture was depending upon three young Metroid Queens. It was a startling thought, and it weighed heavily upon him. They were the only ones that could pass on his inherited culture, the only ones that could accurately pass on the stories of the Chozo, long after Z'Gato's bones had decayed. His eyes glanced at another computer screen for a moment, verifying the vast amount of Chozo history, culture, and other data that was stored on his ship. It suddenly became clear to him why he was hording all of this data, suddenly clear why he had felt the drive to pursue such relics, especially the vast librarium archive.

It...is destiny that I pass this information on to them. There can be no doubt...this information was meant to come to me, just like it is meant to go to them. I will deliver this to them after this, by any means. I suppose I must speak to The Newborn, as odd as it was for him to acknowledge her as such. The legend of prophesy foretold in nearly all Chozo stories and legends...and it was a human, of all things. He shook the statement from his mind. It would not do to think like that. But Tisiphone...she is worth every effort, every pain, every sacrifice, to ensure her future. She is worth everything. I will not fail her, he resolved, as he finally pushed a button to signal his ship to request clearance to land from the planetary authority.

"Omega, Clark, I am making my approach now," He spoke into his ship's communicator, his armor seemingly resting easier on his shoulders as he spoke. An odd conviction seemed to come over his voice and stance. Like he wasn't afraid anymore...
Marching to the Black Gates...
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"Copy that, Z'gato, you're c- er, you don't mind if I still use that name, do you?"

The last few months for Travis had been a trial of sorts, one both of great physical constraints and earth-shattering realities, and one which tested his faith greatly. He wasn't going to give up, though; God never gave up on him before, why the opposite?

And if anything, the unlikely and very confusing series of events had led the bounty hunter to something he never thought he would find:

Love.

To be sure, the relationship at first had seemed.. strange. Okay, forget strange, it was downright WEIRD at first for all parties involved. But slowly, the queen couldn't help but be curious about him... and slowly, Travis grew very curious about her.

And before he knew it, he had fallen in love with her, and she with him, so it seemed.

Travis reflected on the chat he and Samus had on SR388 shortly before they had left the planet, leaving the famed bounty there...

When he and Athena would eventually... he didn't want to think about that at the moment, Travis still wasn't trying to feel like a piece of meat Omega had brought home to his daughters. But still, the shock and gravity of the situation was enough for him... eventually, Travis Clark, one of the best hunters ever known to the Milky Way Galaxy... was going to be a father.

A father!

It made him think of his own father, admittedly; although Travis' merry brood was not going to be the typical family, he would one day eventually have family. That, and a place to truly call home. That, and unlike his own father, he planned on being there for his kids as long as he could.

Then again, did his dad ever plan on being murdered by zebesians...?

"Athena, dear? Omega? How are you two holding up back there, not too cramped for the voyage, I hope?"

The young queen had been so eager to learn about him and his knowledge, but even moreso she had feelings for him, and Travis had reciprocated those. Sure, Athena had digitgrade legs and a tail, but she was still a woman. And Travis had to admit, she was very beautiful. Maybe it was the red hair, her eyes, her calm disposition? Nah... it was all three and more.

Travis looked on the chart as they made a jump out of space... As his eyes drifted across the name of a faroff planetoid he had saved in the map directory. Hydroras II..

(If only you were alive right now, father, I'd certainly be asking a ton of advice...) His thoughts drifted as he simply sat and stared pensively at the map.

Travis gazed out of the Thunderwolf's cockpit; it'd be a bit before they reached Earth, maybe he should go see what those two were up to?
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Z'Gato nodded. "It is fine, Travis. It is my name, there is no need to change it," The Chozo said, a slight sour feel in the back of his throat at the awkward exchange, but he dismissed it, Z'Gato's respect for the man overriding his initial reaction of snapping over the communications. The Chozo also overrode his original approach vector, his ship coasting slowly towards Travis' ship and, eventually, docking with it in it's vast ship bay. It would be far more effective to land as a group, rather than divided. Besides, knowing the size of Travis' ship, they would likely get directed to two different landing platforms, therefore hindering their ability to coordinate.

Besides, Z'Gato felt oddly sociable, despite the circumstances. He was not used to interacting with people on a frequent basis, and oddly enough, he enjoyed being around Travis and Omega (despite the latter's eccentricities). He was still oddly quiet when he emerged in the main level, his helmeted head taking a cursory around the ship as he made his way towards Travis.

"Impressive ship, Clark..." He began. "I have never been to your homeworld myself. What can you tell me about it?"
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Travis had temporarily set the ship to a slow cruise autopilot setting, moving out to greet Z'gato at the Thunderwolf's dock. It wasn't a tremendous hangar by any means, but a few gunships could easily fit inside. The Arctic Storm itself was docked in the back of the hangar.

"Thanks, I hope it is... I put 6 million into this thing, I hope you and the others aren't disappointed.

"Getting back to your point though? I'll try not to rant on about it. Earth... is the homeworld of humanity. Every human that is alive today had ancestors who came from Earth. The planet itself is the third from the star of the human solar system, and is as varied as humanity itself. From the icy and unforgiving cold of the northern ice cap, to the verdant forests of America, the steamy jungles of India and Japan, and the blisteringly hot sands of the Sahara desert, it's a sprawling world. The area we are going to is in a country on the planet earth, and my homeland... the United States of America. It was formed in the earth year of 1776... and it is now the 23rd century in earth years. My homeland has existed for about 600 years as one of the most long-lived countries on Earth. And if that seems crazy, there are two powers that have lasted even longer; one that still exists, China, continues on today, although its government has changed numerous times. The other was Rome, an empire that lasted for 1000 human years. I could go on and on about Earth's history, but I would bore you... to say the least, it is the homeworld of humanity.

Travis stretched. "Nice armor by the way, where did you happen to recieve such an upgrade? It looks to be... stronger in someway, I can't put my finger on it."
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