Heart Like a Machine

Chapter 9

I opened my eyes to find myself inside a dark room. The only light there was were the glow of some machine eyes looking at me. I grew worried since I was probably no where near Meridian and I had no idea if Aloy had made it back alright. I prayed and hoped she did. The last thing we both need is to think we're both dead. I heard footsteps walking towards me. 

"Where am I?" I blurted out.

"Beneath Sunfall."

"Sunfall? Who are you?"

"We are known as the Shadow Carja."

I looked closely to see it was the man who was at The Proving. His hair was pulled back into a high ponytail and the sides were shaved off. He still had that scowl I remember so well. 

"You were there," I said.

"Yes, I was there at The Proving."

"What do you want with Aloy?" I asked.

He took a close look at my face, noticing my obvious markings, "You were with her."

"I might have been."

"I recognize those Nora markings anywhere. And you had a boar cloak just like this one. You definitely were there," he said. "Why would I tell you what our plan is?"

"It's not like I'm getting out of here anytime soon," I said.

"True true, but if you do manage to make a break for it, I don't want you running off with valuable information."

"Just tell me what you're planning and I'll do whatever you ask of me."

He chuckled, "How about you do whatever we tell you or you die beneath my feet."

This man meant buisness and I was right now on his territory. Whatever he was going to say was going to go through no matter what. I had to comply with what he wants me to do for the time being and hope that I can get out of there whenever I do see the light of day.

"Fine," I said.

"You're going to help us plan an assault on Meridian. We're going to take it back and rule it from there. Sun King Avad does not know what he's doing and is making the Carja look weak. Making it look soft and will roll over and accept death like a coward."

"I can tell you right now that Avad is not like that," I said.

"How do you know? Have you ever met the Sun King himself?"

"No, but I have heard about him. He wants to right the wrongs his father made and is therefore aplogizing to the other tribes who suffered at the hands of the Carja."

"He's a weakling for doing it! He's opening up the gate for anyone to attack. That's what we're going to do. We're going to attack Meridian and take it down."

"And you want my help by doing what?"

"You were one of the best hunters I have seen on that mountain. I figured you would be on the frontlines with me. You take out any of the Oseram and Carja you see so that we can get inside and do what we need to do."

"And that is?" I asked.

"So that our God can set things right."

"God?" I asked.

"Our devine being has returned to us and we now do his bidding. We follow his command and it wants to reach a tower in Meridian so it can send out a signal. A signal to awaken the previous machines of this land."

"I see," I said.

"We have these powerful machines that will definitely cause havoc in Meridian. Deathbringers, as their name suggests, is going to bring death no matter where it goes. And it will kill everyone in Meridian."

"I see," I said, not really listening, only to the important parts of what their plan is.

"Are you in?"

I had to be convinving. I thought for a second before I replied.

"What do I gain out of it?"

He was about to say something, but another voice cut in. They walked into the room and all I could really see was the glow on their arms. It looked like they had wires imbedded into their arms and legs. Once they came more into the light, I could finally see him better.

"Who are you?" I asked.

"Sylens. I am a wandering traveler in the pursuit of knowledge. I have read many logs from the Old Ones and have devoted myself to this sentient AI known as HADES, only to gain more knowledge from it."

"HADES? Old Ones? AI? What are you going on about?"

"Perhaps this would be better," he said and put something on my ear.

Soon, there was a lot of holographic stuff floating around me. I could see past walls and see what was nearby. So is that what Aloy had all along? Was this how she was able to see the unseen?

"That is a Focus. The Old Ones created it in order to help us learn what had happened in the past. And you have a lot to learn from the Old Ones. I suggest we get you caught up with the rest before we get you battle ready for the attack on Meridian."

"Wait, you're actually going to attack Meridian?"

"Yes. Consider this what you get out for helping us. Also I won't spy on you like how I do with Aloy."

"You're spying on her?" I asked.

"Yes. I am a great mechanic as well. So I am able to contact her. But don't try it. I made it so you wouldn't be able to contact anyone other than the Shadow Carja. It's just a safety precaution so that you don't tell Aloy you're here and ruin everything we have planned here."

"Answer me this, Sylens," I said. "Are you helping her or are you hurting her?"

"Both. I am leading her on with what is happening so she can figure it out herself, but I am also against her. She is very important so she must remain alive and must be killed at the same time. You'll understand one day. Now, get her to training so she is battle ready for the attack with three days time."

"Yes, Sylens," the man said.

Sylens disappeared into the darkness and the man came over to unbind me from the chair I was sitting in, only to bind my arms behind my back.

"Let's see what you got."

"She's not here?!" I grew worried.

"No. I looked all over Meridian and even asked Sun King Avad if he has seen her."

I let out a sigh, but took in a deep breath. I tried not to lose control here. 

"Wherever you are, Y/N, I hope you're safe."