Aloy and Allam were walking through the busy streets of Meridian on their way to the Palace of the Sun. The ancient soldier carried a bag on his back, which contained some hunting "trophies". The core of the Stormbird they killed on the mountain and a piece of the lower jaw of a Thunderjaw they found on their way to Meridian.

People gave both travelers curious and confused looks. Aloy was walking around displaying the Shield-Weaver without any concern, while Allam was not wearing his poncho so everyone could see his armor and his weapons.

Citizen Oseram: Look at that armor, I've never seen anything like it. Is it an ancient armor? -The woman murmured as she looked at the couple.

Citizen Carja: Is that the Old One you were talking about so much? -the man asked a guard who was next to him.

Traveler: What kind of weapons are those? -The man wondered as he saw the ancient soldier's weapons.

Artisan Carja: What wild garments, you can tell they are from the East -said a woman while she looked at Aloy's clothes.

Those and many more comments were the ones that came out of the mouths of passers-by. Aloy did not care what people said, she was used to being judged, but Allam realized that people already knew that he was an Old One, the news of his exploits in the Avad's palace had already reached the mouth of the citizens and he was not very comfortable with people knowing of his existence.

Both kept walking until they reached the Palace of the Sun. The young couple began to climb the steps of the Palace of the Sun and reached the balcony where Avad always sat.

Allam Pov

Seeing us, Avad quickly got up from his seat, but he had his eyes fixed on Aloy and he looked something... nervous... What was happening to him?

Avad: A-Aloy, Allam. What...what brings you back to Meridian? -said the man with a nervous voice. Thats weird

Marad appeared behind the tycoon, and he didn't take his eyes off of me and I know why, you gossip bitch.

Aloy: A threat is coming to Meridian - she told him bluntly, she looked so beautiful when she has that determined expression on her face.

Avad: Are you talking about the Shadow Carja? Allam had already warned me last month and the reports that my scouts have been sending me have not been encouraging at all -explained the Solminium tycoon.

Me: That's not all. The Shadow Carja have an internal faction called Eclipse, a very powerful and extremist religious sect. The one who directs them is a bastard named Helis -he told the man and he nodded with a surprised look.

Aloy: That's not the worst of it. They come with something...a machine, a demon or a god, whatever you want to call it and he doesn't care about Meridian. His name is HADES, and he is interested in the Spire and if he gets to her, he will raise more war machines than we can kill, killing all of us -I finished explaining to Avad, who was wide-eyed like plates.

The man blinked trying to assimilate all the information that just came to him.

Avad: I-I'm still trying to...understand the situation, but...my responsibility falls on Meridian, Aloy -the man told my girlfriend.

Me: Meridian isn't the target, Avad, it's the Spire. You have to defend her -I repeated to the man.

Marad: Your Luminescence, what if we send the Vanguard to the Spire? -The man suggested to the king, who took on an expression of realization.

Avad: Yes, you are right. Erend knows Aloy and Allam, he won't question it -the sovereign replied to his adviser.

Aloy: And have the guard fortify the West Ridge, where they can be seen protecting Meridian and the Needle -the redhead told the advisor, to which he nodded and left in search of the Oseram.

Avad: Aloy, I want to apologize for my behavior in our last meeting...after everything that happened with Ersa...I was...confused -said the man somewhat regretfully.

wait, huh? What is he talking about?

Avad: And if we are going to fight on the verge of death, well, I prefer to do it with your forgiveness -the man told him, I just looked at them confused.

What the hell is he talking about?

Aloy: And you do...as long as you don't mistake me for her again- the huntress said with an understanding half smile.

What?! What the fuck are they even talking about?!

Avad: Even a king can learn from his mistakes. Well...I'm glad...we put that aside -said the relieved man, as if a great weight had been lifted from him.

Judging from his reaction, I think he thought it would be worse. But what did he tell her?

Avad: Okay, now that we put that aside. What can you tell me about our enemies? I want to hear everything -said the Sun King, but I still doubted that he told Aloy.

Me: Not to be nosy or anything but...what exactly did you say to Aloy? It had to be something very bad for you to have to apologize and everything -I asked him and he blushed a little at the question, confusing me more.

Aloy let out a tired sigh and grabbed my hand.

Aloy: Could you give us a moment? -My girlfriend asked as she pulled me by the arm and led him off the balcony.

General Pov

Avad was calm. Aloy forgave him and it was better than expected. He expected her to slap him or humiliate him a bit for what he did, but luckily none of that happened. Whereas with Allam...although Avad would never admit it out loud, the ancient soldier intimidated him a bit. For his armor, weapons and strength.

Avad: She was like Esra, but at the same time so different -said the tycoon with a smile, thinking of Erend's sister.

Allam: HE SAID WHAT?! -came the surprised voice of the ancient soldier.

The Sun King looked for the origin of the voice, but he could not see them anywhere. Avad had a feeling they were talking about him, and he knew it was about what he told Aloy. But why did Allam care?

Allam: Who do you think you are, you snot faced little punk! -the ancient soldier threatened again, worrying the Sun King a little.

Marad had mentioned it to him; the former soldier had feelings for the huntress, explaining his hostile and distrustful behavior towards them when they first met. This assumption was confirmed by Vanasha, when he saved Allam in Shadow Carja territory and according to his report, the only thing the soldier talked about was Aloy.

After a few moments, Aloy came back together with Allam, but Allam had his helmet on, and strangely, Avad felt that Allam was glaring daggers at him.

Aloy: I'm sorry I'm late, we had a few... hiccups -said the Nora huntress as she gave the ancient soldier a serious look.

With that look from the redhead, Aloy was commanding Allam to calm down and not let jealousy get the best of him.

Avad: So...you and...? -said the tycoon as he pointed his finger at both foreigners. Aloy just nodded with a smile.

Avad: I didn't see that coming -said the tycoon as he put his hand behind his neck.

Moments later...

Allam and Aloy walked through the streets of Meridian, holding hands, while they ate some chicken croquettes. Avad had asked them to wait a couple of hours until Marad returned, so the pair decided to go do something else.

Aloy: I'm glad you controlled yourself in the palace, Al. I'm proud of you -said the huntress while she ate.

Allam: Chew first love...and thank you -said the ancient soldier with an empty mouth.

Allam: So where are we going again? -the ancient soldier asked his girlfriend.

Aloy: To see my sponsor, Talanah Kane Padish. I've told you about her, haven't I? -The redhead replied to her boyfriend.

Allam: Several times... but because of her we had to fight with a Thunderjaw -said the soldier remembering with some fear having to fight with the giant metallic T-Rex.

Aloy: It wasn't that bad either Al -said the redhead as she hugged her boyfriend, putting a hand around his back.

Allam: According to you, at least one supercharged metal lizard didn't homerun your body -said the ancient soldier remembering how the beast had struck him with its tail and dented his armor in the process.

Aloy: You know I got really scared when that hit you, right? -said the redhead, standing in front of the soldier and taking his face by the cheeks.

Allam: I know...but I'd rather be the one taking the hits than you. I wouldn't want someone to damage your pretty face -said the ancient soldier as he caressed the redhead's cheek, making her blush at the compliment.

Aloy: Oh stop, you're a flatterer -she said blushing while she gave him a loving smile.

Allam: And you love that I flatter you and pamper you -said the ancient soldier with a romantic smile, and then joining her lips with his in a tender and short kiss.

Aloy: I can't get enough of this -she said breaking away from the kiss.

Allam: And I think I never will -said the soldier, while he gave the redhead a small kiss on the nose.

Aloy: Come on, we have to go on -said the hunter to grab her boyfriend's hand and talk to her.

Allam: I follow you princess -said the soldier with a smile.

They both walked until they reached the steps of the Meridian Hunters' Lodge. The place where the best hunters go to prove their mettle and their machine hunting skills.

Although only people born into nobility can join, a certain Black-haired Falcon plans to change those rules and open the doors to anyone who wants to show off her skills.

They both arrived and were greeted by an old retired Falcon named Ligan.

Ligan: Ah, Talanah's Thrush, and I see you've brought a guest. What do you need? -The man greeted the redhead.

Aloy: Hey Ligan. This is Allam, my lover. I came to see Talanah, I have some trophies to deliver -said the hunter as she lifted the sack of robot parts.

Ligan: Well, you're a little late. She just came out after Ahsis. They heard that there was a sighting of Redmaw in the jungle of the jewel, and they went out to look for it -explained the man, taking Aloy by surprise and confusing Allam.

Aloy: Did she go out looking for Redmaw alone? Which way did they go -asked the hunter Nora, Allam was a bit confused but if Aloy was worried about that "Redmaw" then he should be too.

Ligan: They're southwest of here. Near the longneck to the southwest -the retired hunter told them.

Aloy: Okay, I'll leave you my trophies and I'll go get her. Thanks Ligan -said the redhead to take her boyfriend by the hand and start pulling him.

It took Allam a few seconds to get used to the sudden change in speed, but when he got used to it, he was able to run alongside Aloy.

They both reached the elevator that would take them to Meridan's village. They got lucky and there was one ready to go down.

Allam: Aloy, what is this "Redmaw"? Why does he have you so worried? -he asked the huntress curiously.

Aloy: From what I understand, it's a Thunderjaw that no one has been able to hunt. Talanah and Ahsis are obsessed with hunting him down, but knowing what kind of vermin Ahsis is, he probably sent mercenaries after Talanah -the redhead explained.

Allam: Why would he send mercenaries after her? I don't understand anything -said the soldier more confused than anything else.

The redhead sighed, knowing that it would take him a while to explain.

Aloy: Al, I'll explain the whole thing to you later, but we need to help Talanah. That's the only thing you need to know for now -the woman told him and the soldier just nodded.

They both got out of the elevator at full speed and headed to the outskirts of the village. Aloy reprogrammed a Strider and they both got on top of it.

An hour later...

They had both been riding for an hour already. They had just passed the longneck that Ligan had told them about.

They began to hear battle growls in the distance and they knew who it was.

They went as far into the jungle as they could, until they saw Talanah using her sword to fight the mercenaries.

Allam grabbed his assault rifle and jumped down from the machine, then ran to help the Falcon. Allam slid across the ground and shot a round at a mercenary's head, killing him The mercenaries and Talanah became aware of the ancient man's presence.

Aloy stood on the Strider's back and, bow in hand, fired two arrows at a mercenary, hitting him in the forehead and chest.

Allam: How do you like your ribs?! -Said the ancient soldier as he fired an incendiary bomb from his grenade launcher.

Aloy ran to help Talanah. The woman had slashed a mercenary's neck, but another of them was going to attack her from behind her, seeing this, Aloy threw her spear at the man, killing him and drawing the black-haired woman's attention.

Talanah: Aloy, what are you doing here? -The Hawk asked her Thrush surprised by her sudden appearance.

Aloy: Ligan told me you came out after Ahsis. I can't let my Hawk take down Redmaw on her own -the hunter told her with a friendly smile.

Talanah smiled and nodded.

Talanah: You're a serious case, you know that right? -the Carja huntress joked to the redhead, she just laughed a little.

Aloy: We are, say it well -replied the joke to the black-haired girl.

A man's shout drew their attention to the fight. They saw a man fly through the air and crash into the mountain wall, before falling to the ground. Both women reacted differently.

Talanah: What the hell? -said the hunter surprised and confused.

Aloy: Be more careful love, you almost hit us -said the hunter to her boyfriend.

The black-haired girl looked at her strangely and confused.

Talanah: Wait, what? -Asked the hunter surprised, not knowing if she had heard correctly what the redhead said.

Whereas with Allam...

Mercenary: Kill that son of a bitch! A mercenary yelled as he watched as Allam broke a mercenary's collarbone and then threw him against a stone. There were only four mercenaries left in total.

One of the men tried to attack Allam with his spear, but Allam dodged it. He grabbed the spear and kicked at it, causing the man to lose his grip and balance on him.

The ancient soldier snapped the spear in two and hurled the tip like a javelin at another mercenary, killing him instantly.

The mercenary Allam took the spear from got up, but the soldier plunged the other end of the spear into his chest, piercing him. Allam grabbed the bloody end sticking out of the man's back and proceeded to pull the spear out of him, all bloody.

Allam hurled said spear at one of the two mercenaries, but the latter narrowly dodged it.

A mercenary tried to slash at him with his sword, but Allam deployed his electromagnetic shield and unfurled his blade.

Allam: Well, who wants to go first? -asked the man defiantly as he approached them. With his helmet on and weapons displayed on him, along with the corpses around him, it gave Allam a more sinister and intimidating look.

The mercenaries knew better than anyone that Allam was a force to be reckoned with. He killed over half a squad and they valued his life more than any number of metal shards.

Both men ran out of the area scared.

Allam: Ha, one of them shat his pants -said the ancient soldier, apparently amused.

Allam retracted his blade and shut down his shield, to return to the girls. He double jumped and was in front of the women.

Talanah: Thanks for the assistance. You must be Allam, right? Aloy has told me a lot about you. My name is Talanah Kane Padish, Falcon of the Meridian Hunter Lodge -the brunette cordially greeted.

Allam removed his helmet revealing his face. It brought a pleased smile on his face. Talanah blushed slightly at the sight of the ancient soldier.

Allam: I'm Allam Blake, the pleasure is mine. Aloy told me about you too -said the soldier taking his hand out to shake hands, but both women looked at him confused.

Allam: No handshake? Ok -said the soldier retracting his hand, seeing that no one knew his old courtesy gestures.

Talanah: W-Well, since we introduced ourselves, we should follow Ahsis, but I don't know where he went -the raven-haired woman said, shooting quick glances at the ancient soldier.

Aloy was seeing the Thunderjaw's footsteps thanks to her Focus on him, so he motioned for them to follow her.

They walked for a while until they finally reached where Ahsis and Redmaw were fighting.

Aloy: He's doing very well -said the huntress as she watched the man fight.

But just saying that, the machine hit him with its tail, which sent him flying, crashing into a rock.

Both women were looking on in surprise and with some grimaces of pain, while Allam was laughing his ass off.

Allam: It was about damn time that somebody else got the short end of the stick -said the soldier in a low voice while he remembers the Thunderjaw that swatted him like a baseball days ago.

Aloy looked at her boyfriend and he stopped laughing. Allam coughed a little and put on a serious expression.

Allam: So, this is Redmaw, a fucking Thunderjaw -said the ancient soldier already thinking about what will happen to him when he faces him.

Aloy: Do you think we can handle him? -the redhead asked the black-haired girl.

Talanah: With the three of us here...I hope so -said the Carja huntress, trying to sound confident.

Allam looked at the terrain and it was perfect to fight and at the same time set a trap for the beast.

Allam: If we plant some traps around the place, we might have a bigger advantage over the machine. But we'll need someone to distract him while someone plants the bombs -said the ancient soldier as he looked at the terrain, trying to think of a war tactic to finish off the immense machine.

Both women looked at him with slightly Machiavellian smiles. Allam sensing the penetrating gaze of both women, he turned to look at them.

Allam: Is something wrong? -asked the ancient soldier somewhat concerned.

Aloy: You are the perfect distraction. You distract Redmaw and we plant the traps. Then you bring him to the traps, and we knock down his cannons with destroying arrows -said the girl with a smile.

Allam's skin had turned white just thinking about it.

Allam: Hell no -said the ancient soldier in a monotone.

Talana: Please! -The brunette asked the man, trying to convince him.

Aloy: Please, Al~ -the woman continued to ask with a sweet voice, the man was trying not to give in, and she knew he didn't have much resistance left.

Aloy: Please love~ -said the hunter sweetly, making puppy eyes and calling it love, which consequently made Allam look at her...Aloy managed to break him.

Allam Pov

The things I do for my girl...

I came out of hiding and began to attract the Thunderjaw's attention.

Me: Hey ugly! -I yelled and the machine looked where I was.

I hate my fucking life...

I watched as the girls planted the traps and mines behind the Thunderjaw.

Me: You think you're all legendary because these hunters call you Redmaw, but you're nothing special to me. You're just a fucking toaster with legs, who doesn't even know how to toast bread! Your mom was a fridge and a cheap ass one, she stunk like death every time someone opened it -I yelled as I took the safety off my light machine gun.

The machine's eyes turned from yellow to red. I don't know if it was that that pissed him off or it was simply because he saw me.

I could see how Aloy and Talanah were hidden with their bows drawn and each with two destroyer arrows.

Me: Come at me, you cheap ass Godzilla! -I said as I started shooting at the machine.

Both girls shot their arrows and the cannons on their backs fell off.

The machine ran towards me. I ran to her and slipped under her jaw. Shooting off the cooling water containers that were under the machine.

Me: Hey ugly, I'm here! -I shouted as I stood in front of one of the traps. The Thunderjaw roared and started running towards me. I shot the radar that was on his back, leaving him without vision.

When she was close, I double-jumped onto her back, slid down her lower back, and landed on the ground. The large metal beast took the traps squarely, dealing heavy damage and knocking the cannons out of its face.

I spotted one of the Thunderjaw's disc launchers and ran out to grab it.

Talanah and Aloy fired arrows and bombs nonstop at the gigantic machine, causing it to focus on them for a moment. With the disc launcher in hand, I began shooting the metal lizard with its own gun, giving it a spoonful of its own medicine.

Me: Oh, you don't like it? Well, that's how I feel every time you shoot me with that motherfucker -I said mockingly against the metallic tyrannosaurus.

When I ran out of ammunition for the disc launcher, I dropped the gun. I switched to my grenade launcher and filled it with explosive ammo. I moved in front of the Thunderjaw and fired at its center, blowing up the shield that protected it and alongside it, exposing the core of the machine.

The machine looked at me and I swear it narrowed its eyes at me, annoyed to the core. Aloy shot him with an explosive arrow on the other side of the machine, opening another opening for him.

The huge Thunderjaw charged at me and tried to bite me, but I turned and got out of the way. The machine turned its head and tried to bite me more than once; when it got tired of trying to bite me, it headbutted me and sent me flying backwards a few meters.

The metal beast turned and tried to swat me with its tail, but I moved out of the way and narrowly missed it. Redmaw swiped her tail and hitting me sent me flying through the air. I fell between Aloy and Talanah slumped and sore.

Aloy/Talanah: Allam! -both girls shouted when they saw me fall.

I was getting up with some difficulty from the pain, I saw the Thunderjaw and I swear the damn thing was laughing at me.

Me: Now you went too far. I'm going to screw you over, you miserable son of a bitch! -I said as I unfolded my electrified blade and activated my electromagnetic shield and ran towards the metal tyrannosaurus.

General Pov

Aloy: Uh oh -said the hunter preparing several arrows on her bow. The Falcon of the Lodge of Hunters did the same as her, as they followed the ancient man.

Allam fought against the metallic tyrannosaurus, slashing his face or taking hits with his shield. The ancient soldier jumped up and landed on the back of the metallic beast. It went to the rear and severed the Thunderjaws's antennae, then overloaded the power coils between its tail and back.

The coils exploded and electrified the Thunderjaw a bit. Allam's X-01 absorbed the electricity, reinforcing the shield and electrifying the blade even more.

Allam slid down the Thunderjaw's tail until he could see where the tail and body connected. Allam inserted his blade into the tail of the machine, and it began to cut it. Then he got down and with all his strength tore off the tip of the Thunderjaw's tail.

With said piece, he moved to the face of the machine and with a double jump he broke it in the face of the machine.

Aloy was shooting at the machine's weak points to finish it off, but Talanah was shocked by what she had seen. The strength, brutality, agility, and courage of the ancient soldier had left her more than amazed. She felt a blush come to her face and she felt ashamed of herself.

Talanah: What are you doing Talanah? He is your Thrush's man, and she is your friend. Keep your head on the hunt, Padish -said the Falcon trying to get the ancient soldier out of her mind.

Returned with Allam...

The Thunderjaw roared at the ancient soldier, who was standing on a large rock with weapons spread out on him.

Allam: Your mom was a cheap ass whore! -the man returned the cry to the machine.

The Thunderjaw lunged at the ancient soldier. But he dodged the attack and embedded his blade in the metal beast's head. Allam grabbed onto the wiring with his free hand and began slashing at his eyes with his blade.

The Thunderjaw moved its head erratically until the man lost his grip on it. Allam stood up quickly and glared at the machine with hatred.

The Thunderjaw roared at him again.

Allam: Your mom sucks cocks in hell! -the ancient soldier replied to the machine.

Aloy and Tanalah shot several arrows at the center of the thunderer, so that an explosive bomb was released by the ancient soldier. Talanah fired one last arrow, and with that, the machine shut down and fell to the ground dead.

Talanah: We did it... we took down Redmaw! -said the black-haired huntress happy and excited.

Allam walked towards the girls and saw that the man from earlier, that Ahsis.

Allam: Girls, this guy is not as dead as we thought -the soldier called both girls and they came and saw the man on his deathbed.

Talanah: I finished off Redmaw Ahsis...I'm the new Sunhawk -the woman said proudly, the man just looked at her annoyed.

Ahsis: You...will be the downfall of...the Lodge...garbage like you -the man tried to say, but he passed away before he could finish speaking.

Talanah: Goodbye Ahsis -said the black-haired woman to go to the Thunderjaw's corpse and extract a trophy as proof.

Talanah: I don't know how to thank you...this has been the best thing that has happened to me in a long time. You are a great person Aloy, you too Allam -the hunter thanked them.

Aloy: Don't worry, that's what friends are for -said the redhead with a smile on her face.

Moments later...

Our travelers returned to Meridian and went back to the Lodge. They entered the great hall of the Lodge, and it was dazzling, full of respectable hunters and huntresses, with the corpse of a Thunderjaw mounted on the ceiling. Under the corpse of the machine, was the bar, where there were several drunk hunters and others talking about their exploits and hunts. To one side of the entrance was a band of musicians playing, with various people dancing around or just enjoying the music in their seats.

Ligan: Oh, Tanalah and Aloy, I see you're back safe and sound. You too, young... Allam right? - greeted the man. The ancient soldier nodded at his question.

Ligan: And where is Sunhawk Ahsis? -asked the retired hunter.

Talanah: He didn't survive. But there's a new Sunhawk -the huntress said as she held up her trophy from the Redmaw.

The hunter saw the young black-haired woman surprised and he nodded. He asked her to follow him and they went up the stairs of the complex. Ligan rang a bell to attract the attention of those present.

Ligan: The Sunhawk Ahsis has perished at the hands of the Redmaw. Ahsis went out alone this afternoon, without his Thrush in search of the fabled machine. The Falcon, Tanalah Kane Padish and her Thrush, Aloy, killed the mechanical beast instead -exclaimed the man and those present murmured in surprise at the news.

Ligan: As tradition dictates, Talanah Kane Padish, the assassin of the infamous Redmaw, is the new Sunhawk of the Meridian Hunter Lodge, may her name resonate in the stories and songs of future generations -claimed the man leaving the podium to the woman.

Tanalah stood up and took the necessary oaths to become the new Sunhawk. After the oath, she said a prayer for her fallen family.

After finishing, the hunters who were in the bar raised their glasses and began to call out her name. The woman had a smile plastered on her face.

Allam Pov

Good for her...apparently it was something she wanted for a long time. That position carries a great sentimental value for her, I don't know which one, but it carries it.

I looked at Aloy and saw that she had a smile plastered on her face, a proud smile.

Me: Hey, I'm going to see if Marad is back, see you there? -I told my girlfriend and she looked at me surprised.

Aloy: Don't you want us to go together? the hunter asked me, somewhat confused.

Me: If you want, but I have a feeling you also want to be here and celebrate with your friend. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. I will not start a bar fight again. I promise -I said with some grace and she just sighed with a smile.

Aloy: Just don't kill with Avad, okay? -She told me, to which I nodded with a thumbs up.

I started to walk towards the exit, but Aloy stopped me to give me a hug, which I gladly accepted.

Aloy: I love you -said the redhead suddenly, she had a smile, a little blush and a sparkle in her eyes that I couldn't explain.

Me: I love you too -I answered her with a smile.

I gave her a short, tender kiss on her lips and we broke away from her embrace. I said goodbye and went back to the Palace of the Sun. I noticed that it was already getting dark, because of the mixture between orange and purple that was in the sky, I would say that it was around 7 at night.

After a few minutes, I arrived at the Palace of the Sun and at the door I saw that Marad was waiting for me.

Me: Marad -I greeted him

Marad: Ah, the Old One. I already spoke with Erend and he and his Vanguard are at the Spire awaiting further instructions. Also...it's worth mentioning that a detachment of Nora soldiers arrived in Meridian this afternoon. Saying that they came for you and Aloy, we offered them lodging but they refused -the man explained to me and I was a little surprised that they really came. Could it be that the Matriarchs have changed the laws or what?

Me: I see... Who was leading the Nora? -I asked curiously.

Marad: Two young girls, teenagers if I'm not mistaken. They wore armor and weapons similar to yours, they claim to be your, sisters? -commented the man somewhat surprised, I simply hit my face with my hand.

Me: Damn...those two can't help but get into trouble, right? -I said in a tired voice.

I don't want my sisters here, not in Meridian. With an Eclipse attack imminent, I want them as far away from here as possible.

Me: They are my little sisters. Thanks for letting me know Marad -I thanked the man.

Marad: And that's not all, Petra appeared in the East sector looking for Aloy -said the man, but I just looked at him confused, who the hell was Petra?

Me: Who is Petra?-I asked the royal counselor with some confusion since I didn't recognize that name.

Marad: Right, you were drunk when that happened...Petra is an Oseram who worked in the Meridian elevators a few years ago, besides, she is the leader of the Oseram village of Rockclift -the man explained to me, remembering the village that Aloy and Erend went to a while ago.

Me: Don't even remind me about it -I said to him, with some embarrassment remembering that day.

Marad: I would recommend that you find your lover and go check the city's defenses before the fight. When you're done, you can go to Olin's old house. We have cleaned and prepared it for you -the man told me, but he saw my expression of surprise when he mentioned that Aloy and I were a couple.

Me: H-How? When? -I asked the man incredulously.

??: Have you already forgotten who I worked for? -said a feminine voice and behind Marad, Vanasha appeared.

Me: Vanasha, it had to be you -I told her as the woman approached with a smile.

Vanasha: Nice to see you again too, Allam. Did you manage to reunite with your girl? she asked me playfully. This woman must seriously learn not to snitch so much.

Me: I'm here and I'm still alive, so you can say yes -I answered her while I moved my hands showing myself.

Me: Well, it was nice to catch up. I'll go find Aloy and we'll check the city's defenses. We'll see each other tomorrow... I hope it's not in combat -I said goodbye to them and went back to Meridian to look for my girlfriend.

Somewhere else...

General Pov

Helis was in one of the Eclipse camps in the desert. His large army guarded the area. Helis looked at the map and it remembered the areas where his troops would attack. According to his calculations, they would arrive at Holy Meridian tomorrow morning and he had a path prepared to infiltrate the Palace and during the commotion, assassinate Avad and Aloy.

An Eclipse trooper entered his tent.

Soldier: Sir, your armor is ready -said the soldier, catching Helis's attention.

The soldier led the man to another tent where his new armor was. It was the combination of his Krestel armor, with parts of the Ultrawave, painted black with red lines. His sword was freshly sharpened and hung on a banner.

The man put on his armor and went on to put on his exoskeleton, which had also been painted black with red lines.

Helis grabbed his saber and stepped out of the tent. He climbed on top of a Kopesh and addressed his troops.

Helis: Brothers, this is our last night in Exile! Tonight we will prepare for the coming battle! Today we fight and tomorrow we will celebrate over the corpses of usurpers! Avad is nothing but a usurper, a false idol! We will retake the Holy Meridian and we will expel those foreigners who step on and dirty our sacred land! - the man cried out, the troops shouted euphorically for their leader.

Helis: Our eyes were opened by the Great Buried Shadow and with that illumination, we will ride to victory. For the Holy Meridian and for the Great Buried Shadow! -cried the man raising his sword.

The Eclipse troops shouted elated at their leader's words. Helis looked with an evil smile at his troops.

Helis: You don't have much left in power, Avad. I'm coming for your pathetic ass -said the man with venom and maleficence in his voice.