Suspicions

It wasn't long until Kori was back in the throne room, only now it wasn't just her and her mother. There was also Komand'r, who was her usual stoic self, Rera, and Alisand'r, a proud member of the Royal Guard. Sitting across from them were guests from the Southern States of Tamaran.

“I aplogize for being late,” Kori said, as she landed. “I was-”

“There's no need to apologize,” said Lieutenant Taryia, the leader of the Southern group. “We only just arrived after all.“

“Indeed,” Queen Luand'r said, “and we have wonderful news to share with you today.”

At that, Kori quickly sat down at the table. She, along with the Queen, informed their guests the events of the last few days concerning their new visitor from Earth and the shard she brought with her. However, when they finished, Lieutenant Taryia had a concerning look on her face.

She finally said, “I'm not sure I can believe it.”

“May I ask why?” Kori replied.

Taryia continued, “It's just...a strange plague comes to our world, nothing like we've ever seen, and now a woman from another planet comes bearing the only possible remedy for it? Something about it seems too much of a coincidence.”

“I agree,” said Nile, a Southern Second Lieutenant. “For all we know, both this plague and this outsider has been sent here by the Citadel.”

“That can't be,” Kori objected. “I have seen Mary Jane's actions with my own eyes, and I will tell you now that she is no Citadel spy.”

Komand'r nodded her head, saying “I agree with my sister, coincidence alone can't prove anything. Besides, isn't the Citadel also suffering from it? It would be extremely foolish of them to create a bio-weapon and not be able to control it.”

“I suppose,” Taryia said, “but still, we cannot ignore this. Perhaps if we could speak to her-”

Suddenly the conversation was interrupted by the sounds of something crashing through the wall, followed by a monstrous roar. Kori and the others ran out of the room, and immediately spot the source: an infected man warped into a black-covered monster.

“X'hal,” Kori whispered. The man-turned-monster then turned his head towards them, and roared again before charging the group.

As she walked down the halls with Rera, MJ's thoughts drifted back to Kori. While she still enjoyed the baths, it wasn't quite the same without the princess. MJ knows the two of them have spent a lot of time together. Perhaps now is the time to talk. She just hopes that Kori will like her current outfit, a simple purple dress.

However, MJ is suddenly ripped from her thoughts by the sound of a hideous roar. She and Rera shared a look, and quickly ran towards it. They soon spot the monster fighting the Royal Family and their guests.

Kori and Alisand'r both attack, keeping the creature on the defense for the moment. The others are wielding spears, pointing them at it, and guarding the Queen and Princess Komand'r.

However, when MJ saw the creature in full, she is struck by a horrible realization. The monster's large white eyes, wide grin and gooey skin were unmistakable.

“Oh, my god,” MJ said in horror, as the Symbiote went on the offensive.