Heart Like a Machine

Chapter 38

"Hey, hey, it's going to be alright," Aloy looked into my eyes, placing a hand on my left cheek. "You did great standing up to your dad. I know it wasn't the most ideal situation to be in and the most ideal conversation, but you did it. And you know your mother is here to back you up. She might not have said anything, but I could read her facial expressions. She was pained by what your dad was saying. She wanted to say something, but you know the ways of the Nora more than I do. The women, even though run by women, don't really have much power. But those who don't hold any power don't really have a voice from what I learned. But your mom is always going to be here for you. Don't forget that."

I just nodded my head and she pulled me into another embrace, running her hands up and down my back, still trying to calm me down. Once I had calmed down, I pulled away and we both walked towards where Rost and her lived. It was a bit far from the entire tribe itself. When we reached the top of the mountain, I could see she was growing sadder just by looking at the gates.

"This was once home," she said and walked towards the gates. "But it's not really home without Rost being around."

I looked around to see the training dummies of machines. She walked inside and I walked inside as well to be greeted once more by the small living space they had. The small bed and a larger bed nearby. There was a small bow and spear in the corner. I chuckled and walked towards it, picking up the small spear.

"We were so small back then," I chuckled, setting the spear down.

"There's not really much to this place," Aloy said and walked out of the house and back towards the gates.

I followed her back out and towards the gate. She walked to the right a bit and there was a small grave for Rost.

"I'll let you have a moment with Rost," I said and walked back towards the house.

"Hey, Rost. It's been a while. A lot has happened since you passed on. I was able to find out who my mother was. Turns out, I was made by a machine. And I am a clone of one of the Old Ones: Elisabet Sobeck. She made an amazing thing in her days before she passed on. There was a battle at Meridian and Y/N was even there to help me. She's helped me a lot on this journey. She's gotten me through some tough times.

"Now there's a greater threat coming and I don't know if I will be able to make the journey here afterwards. I hope I can save everyone like how Elisabet did. I know I already did, twice now, but three times is a lot on me. I know I can't do it alone. I'm grateful I have the friends that I do and hopefully they can help get the word out. With a massive calamity coming our way, we're going to need all the help we can get.

"But I know Y/N will help me get through it. I don't really have an idea on what I'm doing in terms of dating, but I do know one thing though. We're both there for each other and that's all that matters. I love and care for Y/N more than words can express. I wish you would have seen more of her, but I think you're watching after us. I hope you continue to do so. I don't know if and when I'll come back, but take care up there, Rost. Thank you for everything you've done for me."

She walked back into the house and her face looked a bit redder than it normally does. I walked over to her and pulled her into a hug. She buried her face in my shoulder and her shoulders slightly trembled. I ran my hand up and down her back like she did for me. She pulled away and let out a sigh.

"I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me, Y/N. I know we've had our rough times, but through it all, we've come together."

"I'm always going to be here for you, Aloy."

She smiled and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek before we left and headed back towards the tribe.

"Alright, who should we talk to first? Sona or the Matriarchs?"

"That's a good question," she said. "Let's see if we have any luck with the Matriarchs."

We headed to the most inner part of the tribe to see if the Matriarchs were there. Sure enough, they were all there talking to other Nora tribe members and to themselves if needed. We walked through the crowd since they had parted whenever they saw Aloy was back. 

"Aloy, you've returned," Teersa greeted her. "Welcome back, Y/N. I-I had no idea you left with Aloy."

"You think I'd let her run straight into the unknown without help?" I chuckled and placed my hand on her shoulder. 

"There's something we need to talk about," Aloy said. "If it's possible, can we address the entire tribe?"

"But of course, you are the annointed."

"Yeah, I got that when I came out of from the door," she said.

"We can call everyone here, but with the sun setting, we might as well wait until the sun has risen. So that everyone can be up bright and early to hear your message."

"Got it. Does dawn work?"

"We will get the word out as soon as possible. We shall see you tomorrow."

We walked out from the center of the tribe and kind of stood out of the outskirts.

"Where are we going to go now? We really don't have a place to stay."

"Your parents?" Aloy suggested.

"Not with my dad around."

"He can learn to suck it up," she said and sauntered off.

"Are you serious?" I asked.

"Very serious. Besides, hopefully your mom can keep him in check. I don't think you want me to do that."

"Yeah, don't put your spear in my dad's neck."

"I don't make any promises."