Successful mission

Once clear of the city, it’s a simple task to disappear into the woods, although the exhaustion from using the armor slows you for a time. You also note that Kaeli occasionally grimaces, rubbing her temples. When you ask, she simply sighs.

“I can feel it, digging deeper. I hope you’re right about a cure, Nicholas, because I won’t be able to resist the corruption for long.”

You nod. “I hope so too. But it’s not my cure. Samus is the one who taught us how to do it. You’ll be the first we try it on.”

She looks at you. “Samus is with you? Is he well?”

You gesture into a clearing ahead of you. “Ask him yourself.”

Kaeli gasps, looking into the cleaning, where Samus sits, waiting on a fallen log. In the biggest display of emotion you’ve seen from her, she smiles as she slowly approaches the demigod. “It worked? The device freed you?”

Samus stands as Kaeli approaches, and nods. “It did. My mind is still recovering, but I am free of the hold your former comrades had on me. I thank you, and I am in your debt.”

“Any debt you had is repaid by having them come to free me.”

He shakes his head. “I did little. This was all Nicholas.”

Kaeli looks at you, seemingly surprised. “You…did this on your own? Why?”

You shrug. “I couldn’t abandon you here, after what you’ve risked to save us. And me, specifically. Despite everything you’ve gone through, you’ve remained a good person.”

Kaeli looks away, and after a moment, she speaks, quietly. “I…thank you. You really are something special, just like the rumors say.”

You chuckle. “I don’t think I’d go that far, but we’ll have to talk about those rumors. I’ll admit I’m curious. But we need to get back to Thalberg so we can get you cured.”

Samus steps closer. “Agreed. Shall I transport us, then?”

You lift a hand. “Just a moment. While it’s fresh in my mind, I need to speak with Lilith.”

Samus nods, and he and Kaeli step away. Ferra remains, holding your hand as usual.

Ugh, is this about killing that idiot mage? You should be thanking me.

You sigh. “It wasn’t necessary to kill him, Lilith. I don’t just murder people.”

Well, I do. You knew what I was when you put me on. Don’t get all righteous on me now.

Ferra shakes her head. “There is more to you than your compulsion. We have seen that.”

You nod. “You need to learn to fight that side of things.”

Why? It hurts to fight it. And I’m only hurting your enemies anyway.

You nod again. “Yes, it was an enemy. And I’m sure it’s easier to give in. But all it does is take you farther away from what you really want.”

Oh? And what do you think I really want, if you’re so wise?

Ferra answers for you, squeezing your hand. “Love. Companionship. Affection. All of the things we share with each other.”

Lilith is quiet for a long time, before replying very quietly.

You…I need to think. We’ll talk later.

You nod, walking back to Kaeli and Samus. “We’re finished. Let’s go back.”

Samus nods. “Come close. I wouldn’t want to leave anyone behind.”

You and Ferra step closer, with Ferra smiling as she leans against you. Kaeli steps in close as well, and after a moment of hesitation, gently places a hand on your forearm. You feel her trembling slightly, and you wonder how long it’s been since she’s been this close to anyone. Before you can think or say anything more, however, Samus closes his eyes, and there’s a bright flash as he transports you away.