Heart Like a Machine

Chapter 10

I was looking at what I needed to change into for the battle against Meridian. It was similar to what Helis is going to be wearing. I had a headdress that was going to cover most of my face since they didn't want anyone to recognize me. They had wiped off my markings that the Nora had given me. I was going to be wearing a red feathery cape and a breastplate. My stomach was exposed, which was a poor design choice, and there were markings on my stomach. I was going to be wearing like this battle skirt, which I preferred pants, and then gladiator looking shoes. I still had my bow and spear and I attached the pouch for my arrows to my belt. I finished getting everything on when Helis came in with what he was wearing.

"We're getting ready to move out."

I just nodded my head. The three days I have been here were excruciating. I was put through hard training regiments, nothing I was used to, and I suffered many beatings if I didn't do anything correct. I just wanted to be back with the others. I just hoped Aloy was ok and that her Focus was able to tell her that I was not an enemy. The last thing I need for her is to put an arrow or her spear through any part of me.

"Let's get going," he said once he got the word from Sylens.

I walked out of the room with him and followed behind him, since I was going to be following him for the majority of the battle. The Deathbringers and Corruptors were getting ready to move out. The Shadow Carja were riding on corrupted Striders and Chargers. They even had more corrupted machines such as Thunderjaws and Sawtooths. This was going to be a pretty bloody battle if they are able to turn the tide in their favor. Right now, it looks as if the tide is pretty much in their favor.

"Let's move out!" Helis said and started to lead the assault on Meridian.

Even though I didn't get to spend too much time tinkering and playing with machines, unlike Aloy, I was able to find a way to modify the Focus I was using. I was now able to contact anyone I wanted to and block out those who wanted to listen in. It wasn't great handiwork, but I figured if I survived this and so did Aloy, she would help me either get a new Focus or help me remodify mine to be in better condition. Because every now and then it would shock me when I tried to contact someone.

I could see we were closing in on Meridian. We were going to come in towards the back front. The Deathbringers were already firing at the large gate while the others were releasing the corrupted machines to fight on their behalf.

"We don't go in just yet. We have a special way of getting in," he said and I followed him. 

I scanned the area and watched as people were running around, trying to get everything ready. There was one person who stuck out from the rest. They were running towards the trouble, such as the corrupted machines, instead of helping people get prepared. I knew it had to be her. I kept following Helis until the time was right to reveal myself. Maybe during this battle wasn't such a good time and who knows whats to come after. We snuck in and there were Shadow Carja ready to detonate within the gate itself. When the bombs went off, it confused a whole lot of the Caja who were nearby. Helis came out from the hole and jumped down, looking around waiting to start his carnage. I followed right behind him to see Aloy had looked up to see us. I don't think she recognized me.

"Now there's two?" is what I heard.

I wanted to tell her right now that I was on her side, but with Helis still in the picture, I would surely get killed by him if I revealed myself. So I stuck with the plan I was creating in my head.

"You, go over there and take down any Carja you see. I need a rematch with the red head," Helis said.

I nodded and ran in the opposite direction, getting my bow ready. I looked over to see Aloy was running after Helis, wanting to fight him. When I was face to face with the first Carja I saw, I grabbed them by the shoulders and pulled them into an area where Helis couldn't see me.

"Get your hands off me!"

"Shh, shh, I'm on your side," I said and dropped my bow and spear. "I'm on your side."

"How can I trust you?" they asked.

"You know Aloy?"

"Yes."

"I'm a friend of hers. We grew up together. Just ask her and she will tell you."

"We'll take you in until we can get a definitive answer from her."

I just nodded, "Please, do what you must with me."

They went down into where I presumed was the dungeon and put me behind bars. I rested my head against the wall and looked up at the ceiling. 

"Take him down, Aloy."

A while later, the explosions died down and the shaking had finally stopped. I opened my eyes to hear everything was calm and steady. All I had to do now was wait for what was to come next. Knowing I had time on my hands, I closed my eyes, getting the much needed rest I deserved.

"They said you knew them," one of the Carja said.

"I know them?" I asked.

"Yes. That you grew up together."

Realization hit and I darted off down to where they were.

"Aloy, wait! They could be just saying that," Erend said and ran after me.

"I know them. They would never lie about being friends with me."

I entered the dungeon where they were being held. I saw that they were resting their head against the wall. I slowly walked over to the bars and rattled them a bit, waking them up. They looked into my eyes and waved.

"Is it really you?" I asked.

She removed the headdress that she was wearing and revealed her face.

"It's really me, Aloy."