Heart Like a Machine

Chapter 29

"Here's the plan, everyone," Aloy said as we all gathered in the main center of the base.

I looked over to finally see Sylens in person and there was a Zenith with us. I presumed it was Tilda. While Aloy was out finding the subordinate functions for GAIA, Beta had mentioned her and her relationship with Tilda. But there was something about her. The Zeniths always had their shields on. If she truly trusted us, her shields would be down. I got a feeling that she didn't fully trust either of us. She just wanted something to do with Aloy. No matter what happens in that battlefield, I was going to stay by her side. I can't risk anything. And finally, the newest addition other than Sylens and Tilda was the rebel Tenakth that was causing trouble within the tribe: Regalla. The same Regalla we had fought during the Embassy.

"Our meet up point is here," she said and pointed to a map. "Once we all meet up there, Tilda is going to lead us from the back entrance. From there, we're going to make our way to the base as close as we can. Beta is informed of her role and she knows what to do. Sylens has a device that is going to take down the Zenith's shields. Once we're in the base, we're going to go to the top where Beta is. Retrieve Beta and GAIA and then get out of there. We're all going to come back alive. I'll head out once I'm ready and I'll call you all to the meeting point."

They nodded their heads and we broke away. Aloy walked over to Kotallo and Alva to speak with them privately. I walked into my room to get things ready. I looked at the covering that Zo had made for me to use. I picked it up and that was when Aloy walked into the room.

"Are you ready? You and I are going to head out. I want to bring you along for the ride."

"Y-Yeah, just one thing," I said and turned to her.

"What's that?"

I handed her the covering Zo had made.

"Zo had made this for you. To keep your stomach safe since she too seemed to notice that some of the clothing you wear these days reveal your stomach. Can't really do much protecting when nothing's there," I chuckled.

"I see your point, but this has proven to be effective in protecting myself. I don't know how, but it has. So I want you to wear it. It'll protect your still healing wounds."

"Are you sure?"I asked.

"Yeah. Yeah I'll be fine. I'll have you by my side the entire way. Just like you have always been throughout this journey."

"I tried to be there as much as I could."

"I couldn't have done any of this without you and the others. But there's something about Tilda that is putting me off edge. That's why I want you by my side."

"You can count on me, Aloy."

She smiled and pulled me into a hug. I tightly hugged her back, not wanting to let her go.

"We should get going," she said and pulled away.

I nodded my head, "I'll meet you out there."

She nodded and she walked out of my room. I put on the covering and grabbed my weapons. I headed outside to see Aloy was waiting for me. She was sitting on a Sunwing. I climbed down from the mountain and she jumped on, holding her hand out. I grabbed onto it and she helped me climb onto the Sunwing.

"You're going to want to hold on tight," she said.

I tightly wrapped my arms around her waist as she flew into the air.

"A-Aloy!" I yelled as I watched the ground become smaller and smaller. "H-How much have you flown?"

"Not long, but we'll be fine."

"Are you sure?" I asked. "I-Is it bad to let you know I hate heights?!"

"How did you live on the mountain?"

"I never looked down is the thing and just didn't think much about it!"

"Try using that method now."

She reached down and placed her hand on one of mine, "I'm right here, Y/N. I won't let you fall."

"And if I do?"

"I'll save you."

I nodded. As we were flying, I started to admire the view. Seeing all the trees and the mountains come in and out of view. Not to mention being high in the sky. Seeing the sky was amazing as it was getting close to dusk. I smiled to myself as I nuzzled closer to Aloy. 

"Starting to get used to being up here?"

"Not really, but knowing I'm not alone makes it better."

"Want to try flying one of these one day?"

"One day, but not today," I chuckled. "Maybe some flying lessons would be good and they'd be closer to the ground."

"We'll gradually get you up here. It's a wonderful view."

I looked to my right to see there was a hawk flying with us.

"Aloy, look," I said and pointed to the hawk.

She turned and saw the bird flying right beside us. "That's another thing I love about flying up here. Don't have to worry about machines other than other Sunwings and Stormbirds. But getting to see the birds upclose is amazing."

She slowly stood up and was crouched on the body of the Sunwing.

"Aloy, what are you doing?"

"Take these," she said and handed me the wired reins. 

"Aloy!"

She extended her arms out and she slowly walked on the wings of the Sunwing, wanting to get a closer view of the hawk.

"A-Aloy," I was getting nervous again.

"Keep the Sunwing steady," she said and was getting closer to the hawk.

"I'm glad you're the one to risk your life to touch a bird," I said.

"I never gotten to see one this close up," she said and was almost touching the bird, but it flew off.

She carefully turned and started to walk back to where I was. She got back into the sitting position and I immediately wrapped my arms around her waist.

"Before flying lessons, maybe you should get me acustomed to flying first," I laughed nervously.

She smiled and placed her one hand back on top of my hands, holding onto them, "We'll definitely be flying more often now, Y/N."