Aftermath

“Mary Jane,” Kori cried out, flying over to catch MJ just before she hit the ground. She carefully stood up, making sure not to move her too much in her arms. Everyone else had their attention on the once-possessed man lying dead.

“What- The plague transformed this man into a monster,” Lieutenant Taryia said with horror, “How is this possible?”

“I do not know,” Komand'r replied, “but I have a feeling our guest might.”

They did not have to wait long, as a minute later, MJ regain consciousness. She groaned, opening her eyes to see everyone in the room looking at her.

Relived, Kori quickly asked, “MJ, are you alright?”

MJ nodded. “Yeah, how long was I out?”

“Not too long, thank X'Hal,” Kori said, slowly putting MJ's feet on the ground and helping her stand up.

MJ looked towards the dead Tamaraen man, feeling sorry for not figuring out the truth sooner. However, Komand'r was quick to step in front of her.

“I thank you for your advice with the sonic weapon,” the older princess said, “but you'll forgive me for being curious about how you knew this creature's witness.”

MJ nodded, saying “That's okay. It's a long story, but the short answer is, I've meet monsters like this one before, back on my world.”

She continued somberly, “We called them Symbiotes. Usually, they needed hosts, so they usually possess people, then go on their mad sprees. I know because I had to fight off one, not too long ago.”

Komand'r grinned. “Interesting, you don't strike me as a warrior.”

MJ chuckled.,“Yeah, I'm not. I took a few self-defense class, but I'm sure I'm nowhere near your or Kori's level.”

“Well, that can be easily remedied, with the right tutor, of course,” Komand'r said, in a tone that suggests something much different.

Kori glared at her sister, not wanting to be out-shined. However, the conversation was cut short by Queen Luand'r.

“Wait, if you knew what this creature was-”

“That's the thing, I didn't,” MJ quickly said, “The Symbiotes I've faced, they usually infected one at a time. I didn't think they could spread like a virus.” Bringing the crystal into view, she said, “But I know this has something to do with it.”

As MJ told the group about the brief visions she had, Rera translated for her to the Southern Tamaraneans, as she has for this conversation. The Southerners listened carefully, especially Lieutenant Taryia.

Kori's room, Some Time Later...

“I told you, I'm fine, really!” MJ said. “No need to make a big deal out of it.”

”So you say,” Kori replied, looking at her with concern. Even though the doctor said that MJ was okay, she couldn't help but worry. “I just wish you didn't have to get involved with the battle. You are my guest here, and-”

MJ came up to her, and hugged her, “It's okay, I wouldn't have stay out of it for long anyway.”

Kori smiled, hugging her back, and the two stood like this for a minute.

However, MJ's curiosity came to the forefront. She asked carefully, “So, can I ask you a rather personal question?”

Kori nodded.

“Is there some kind of thing going on between you and your sister?”

Almost immediately, Kori turned to look at MJ. “Why do you ask?”

MJ said, “Sorry, I couldn't help but notice some tension between the two of you. Not to mention she hit you with that sound cannon. Even if it was an accident, she should have at least apologize.”

“It's nothing new for her, at least,” Kori replied sadly.

At that, MJ felt a little guilty. She said, “Sorry for bringing it up. I know family matters can be rough. Hell, I have an older sister back home, and neither of us were really speaking.”

“It is alright,” Kori said, “You were just curious about her. Nothing to be forgiven.”

MJ relaxed a bit, then clapped her hands, and said, “Alright, switching gears, what's the agenda for the rest of today?”

“Well, Mother is currently attending to our other guests, so I am not sure what I should do at the moment.”

MJ grinned. “Oh, I'm sure we'll figure something out.”