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Chapter Text

Aloy remembers being only six years old when she first heard the word that would define her for the rest of her life.

“Seal your lips, boy! They are outcasts, both. And she… she is motherless!”

The Nora were mysterious and interesting, and she was naturally a very curious child. No matter what precautions Rost took, what rules he set into place, their paths were bound to cross, and it wasn’t long before Aloy learned all she needed to know about the tribe.

“She is a curse made flesh!”

“She’s an outcast, to be shunned.”

“Stay away, No-Mother!”

Over the years, countless insults were thrown her way, whether they were whispered behind her back or sneered in her face when no one was looking. Though, no insult hurt as badly as that first stone cast. She still carries the scar on her temple, along with a rage in her heart that she’s never quite been able to shake off.

Why?

Why didn’t she have a mother?

Rost didn’t have any answers, only a path forward, to the Proving.

Aloy was grateful for it all the time. It gave her something to strive for through the long years that followed.

Age didn’t matter when you were an outcast. No one cared if you lived or died. She and Rost had each other, though, and through seeing so many like her that weren’t able to survive their sentencing. Those that froze out in the cold or died from machines, bandits or starvation, she knew that even without her mother, she had to be grateful that she wasn’t alone.

By age eighteen, Aloy was so close to the Proving that she could barely keep herself still.

She practiced day in and day out, striving for perfection, pushing herself to her absolute limits both physically and mentally until her head hit the pillow each night.

All the while, thoughts of her mother circled her mind in an endless torrent.

Soon, she would be able to ask the matriarchs about her mother, and maybe even… find her. Learn what it was that kept them apart, and tell her all that she’s been through.

Maybe even… introduce her to Rost.

The tribe also seemed to notice the dwindling days, though, and some of their insults became harsher. More vicious. Whispers of how there was no mother waiting for her at the end of the Proving. Or even if there was, that her mother had abandoned Aloy long, long ago.

For the Nora, who worship All-Mother and the concept of motherhood above all else, to be unwanted by your mother is cruel.

Unthinkable, even.

Aloy refused to believe it, no matter what anyone said.

A wake-up call came when Rost brought her outside of the Embrace, for what she thought was a final test against a new machine.

Instead, Rost had a very important lesson to teach her.

“The strength to stand alone, Aloy, is the strength to make a stand. To serve a purpose greater than yourself.”

She thought about that lesson, maybe harder than any of the others he had taught her thus far. She didn’t understand his words. The Nora tribe hated her, and while a part of her was willing to forgive them for that, another, stronger part, hated them just as much. But Rost, he… wanted her to embrace the tribe. So much so that he was willing to separate them both for the rest of their lives.

It hurt.

Strangers have laughed at her, shunned her and hurt her all her life, but that was nothing compared to the one person she’s ever known pulling away from her.

Without Rost… she…

So, she told him no. That he taught her how to track, and wherever he went, she would follow. Always.

It didn’t matter if she was part of the tribe, and he wasn’t.

It didn’t matter if she found her mother or not.

Aloy didn’t want to exchange Rost for her mother. She wouldn’t do it.

She’d rather remain motherless forever.

Rost, though, didn’t seem to think the same way…

“This… attachment to me will only hold you back. It is my wish that you embrace the tribe.”

Aloy mulled over Rost’s words as she went into Mother’s Heart, distracted from what should be the unforgettable experience of being among so many people for the first time in her life.

She didn’t know these people, though. And that was precisely the problem.

The Proving was perfect. All of her training had paid off in the best possible way.

Aloy was the first to display her trophy, and the first to be accepted as a Brave.

But then…

…

Rost had told her to survive. His last request of her.

She would honor it as best she could.

When she woke from frenzied nightmares, Aloy saw her first glimpse of a woman with features just like hers.  

“Are you my mother?”

Hope had flared in her chest for the first time.

Until Teersa dashed all of Aloy’s fragile expectations in an instant.

“You were not born of a woman, Aloy. The mountain is your mother.”

That… didn’t make any sense.

Aloy learned more about the woman sometime later, when she rode towards Maker’s End. Sylens had chimed into her focus. An annoying occurrence of many more to come.

Still, he had precious information that no one else could provide.

That the woman who looked like her had a name: Elisabet Sobeck. 

She hated that Sylens, this stranger, had been the one to share that knowledge. That he somehow knew more about Elisabet than she ever could. But as that first gene-locked door opened, and a mechanical voice referred to Aloy not by her name, but that of Elisabet’s, she couldn’t deny the intrigue of just what exactly was going on here.

If Elisabet was her mother, why was her name registered to open doors related to the Old Ones? Why did a recording say that she was late for a meeting that occurred over 1,000 years ago?

More questions came up than answers, until she made it to the top of the ruins, and witnessed a projection of Elisabet meeting with Ted Faro.

Aloy was… mesmerized by her.

“I know you, Ted. You’ve screwed something up -something big- or you wouldn’t have eaten the crow necessary to get me here. So spit it out!”

Elisabet’s mannerisms, her expressions, her personality, her voice.

All of it was so similar to Aloy’s own.

It was… overwhelming to take in.

Aloy followed Elisabet’s trail to the Project: Zero Dawn Facility, and learned the disturbing truth of her plan. She found the alpha registry master file, and headed back to All-Mother Mountain, where she could finally learn the details of her birth.

A part of Aloy was still hoping that there was something missing in all of this.

That there may be something beyond that door besides what she already knew to be true.

Project Zero Dawn did mention the creation of human beings through GAIA’s subordinate function ELEUTHIA, and Aloy wasn’t so stupid as to not put two and two together.

While her mind already knew the truth, though, her heart still struggled to accept it…

When Aloy went into All-Mother Mountain, inside Eleuthia-9, and heard GAIA’s dying plea, she felt numb inside.

Her ears rung and her vision swam as she listened to GAIA’s unyielding belief in her. A belief to do the impossible; by purging HADES, and restoring GAIA once more to save the world.

“In you, all things are possible.”

Those words gave Aloy a glimpse of who Elisabet was, how Elisabet could and did do incredible things. But she and Aloy are not the same person. Neither is Elisabet her mother.

No, Aloy never had a mother at all.

“I’m not a person. I’m an instrument. Manufactured by a machine.”

She couldn’t stop shaking, and it wasn’t due to the cold inside the mountain.

Looking back, Aloy took everything out on the Nora. She knew she did.

She had yelled at them without restraint. It felt good at the time, too, to finally put voice to her frustrations with the tribe after so many silent years of suffering.

“First you shun me, now this?! I will NOT be worshipped! I’m not your ‘Anointed’! I don’t belong to you!”

She never asked to be shunned, ridiculed and outcast her entire life, nor did she ask now to be anointed, or have this task bigger than life itself on her shoulders.

All Aloy ever wanted… was her mother.

She still wants her mother, no matter how much time has passed.

But it’s in that wanting, that she allows herself to think of Rost, and his want for her to live for a purpose greater than herself.

So despite it all, Aloy finds the strength to continue on.

Nothing got easier.

In the ruins of GAIA Prime, Aloy found… an alter to Elisabet, surrounded by holographic flower petals, and something dropped in the pit of her stomach.

Elisabet… sacrificed herself to save her team. To save GAIA. And the entire world.

It was almost poetic, how very like Elisabet she was coming to know that action would be.

She knew, because Aloy herself would have done the same thing.

Even so, the details of Elisabet’s death brought back horrible memories of the day she lost Rost, and Aloy stood there in the frozen depths of GAIA Prime, truly reminded of just how alone she really is.

The Battle of the Alight was ultimately won, and as Aloy stabbed Sylens’ spear into its metal casing, she reached out for Elisabet.

“Elisabet Sobeck... Alpha Prime.”

Saying those words somehow felt easier than she thought they would.

She may not be Elisabet, as GAIA intended, but at least now she knows the truth.

And that was enough.

With HADES defeated, Aloy knew she had to restore the terraforming system, but there was something else she had to do first.

No, something Aloy chose to do first.

The one selfish thing she’s done since before she can remember.

Back at GAIA Prime, she had found some of Elisabet’s journals, and inside them were not just recordings and memoirs, but also coordinates. They led her to Elisabet’s childhood home, Sobeck Ranch, where Aloy came across a slumped figure on a stone bench, surrounded by brilliant purple flowers and dancing butterflies.

Aloy sank to her knees, feeling water gather in her eyes as Elisabet and GAIA’s audio log continued playing.

“If you had had a child, Elisabet, what would you have wished for him or her?”

“I guess… I would have wanted her to be… curious. And willful - unstoppable even... But with enough compassion... to heal the world… Just a little bit.”

Elisabet may no longer be alive, but… hearing Elisabet tell her stories, getting to know her.

It’s really… all Aloy ever wanted.

II

After that, the world started to die, and Elisabet’s dream started falling through her fingers.

The weight of it all was heavy, more so now than ever before.

Aloy couldn’t escape it. Not even in her dreams.

Every night, it was the same. A vision of walking under a brilliant night sky, surrounded by the flowers that had littered Elisabet’s final resting place.

Elisabet herself was always there in the center. Waiting for her.

“Even though you’ve been dead for a thousand years. You’re the closest person I’ve ever had to a mother. And for a moment, I feel whole. But it never lasts. I’m always left alone.”

Elisabet’s necklace sits heavy but comforting on her chest, a symbol of all that she’s fighting for alongside Rost’s pendant tucked safely away in her pocket.  

At the Far Zenith Launch Facility, Varl joined her, and understandably had many questions.

She had to explain that she wasn’t born, but was instead made by a machine.

That she is a clone of an Old One.

Telling this to Varl was surprisingly difficult. As if she were sharing a dirty secret.

Made even worse because Aloy never… quite got over the news herself. Sometimes she still thought of herself as a tool. Something a machine made to perform a specific task.

Varl could react in any way possible; call her crazy, leave her stranded, or look at her as if she wasn’t human at all. Memories of thrown rocks and hatred-filled gazes came flooding back to her in that moment, and she braced herself for the onslaught.

But Varl… didn’t look at her any differently.

All he had was more questions. Reasonable ones, too. About Elisabet, about GAIA, and what exactly happened inside All-Mother Mountain.

They ended up shelving the conversation. She didn’t want to think of the Nora tribe. It only reminded her of where she grew up, where she wasn’t wanted, and where she lost the one person she’d ever known.

And honestly, she had bigger worries to deal with right now than reliving the past.

She learned of Sylen’s betrayal, and followed him into the Forbidden West.

Like he knew she would.

“It won’t be easy out there – the blight, the storms, Regalla’s machine riders. But I’ll have to push through it all. Find a way to fix the world… like Elisabet would.”

Inside the Hades Proving Lab, she found recordings, two of which were of Elisabet.

Datapoints from Elisabet were always precious to Aloy. She would immediately drop whatever she was doing and hang onto Elisabet’s every word. Each file was then carefully tucked away into a special place within Aloy’s focus, safe to relive whenever she felt the need.

The first one she found was of Elisabet talking with Travis Tate. About the logic bomb he sent to Far Zenith, back when they tried to steal a copy of GAIA.

Elisabet did not seem impressed by his antics, and Aloy watched her with great fascination, getting a glimpse into how other people viewed Elisabet at the time.

“Color me confounded, Lis. How is it that someone like you – a paragon, damn near saint – can love this world so damn much, but no one in it? I mean, have you ever even had a friend?”

It was clear from that one conversation that Elisabet kept everyone at a distance.

For whatever reason, though, Aloy still didn’t know.

The other recording she found didn’t offer much help in that regard. Aloy found it deeper in the ruins; a datapoint of Elisabet talking with somebody named Tilda.

The two of them were arguing, and it was jarring for Aloy to hear Elisabet sound so angry.

“You tried to steal GAIA!”

“I had nothing to do with it. And you punished those responsible.”

Their conversation ended abruptly, and it was clear that this would be the last interaction between them.

Though, the sudden sadness in Elisabet’s voice caught Aloy’s attention.

“Enough now. Time to let go.”

Aloy could only speculate as to what that really meant.

Aloy finally found an intact copy of GAIA hidden deep within the Hades Proving Lab.

But then, Sylens betrayed her. Again.

That wasn’t even the worst of it, though…

“Genetic profile confirmed. Entry authorized. Greetings Dr. Sobeck. Please step inside.”

Another clone of Elisabet.

Aloy couldn’t believe it as the two of them locked eyes.  

Then the other clone was suddenly gone, and Aloy was pitted against a foe unlike any she had faced before.

Water carried her away, and her thoughts swirled in the waves.

Of the other clone. Of GAIA. Of Elisabet.

Though as she lay there on the beach, hurt and bleeding as she struggled to breathe, she thought of Rost, and desperately wished that she could see him once more as the world went dark.

Varl saved her life.

He took her to an outpost of the Utaru tribe, where they met Zo, and learned of the threat in the mountains west of Plainsong, where MINERVA was hiding.

Together they made their way into the facility, and restored GAIA back to the world.

Seeing GAIA come to life before her eyes was a dream come true, made even better by hearing GAIA acknowledge Aloy by her name. They talked for what felt like hours. About the subordinate functions, about the biosphere, but most concerning of all; about the mysterious strangers at the Hades Proving Lab.  

GAIA surmised that they were the descendants of Far Zenith, and it was clear that there was only one thing they could want: extinction of all life on Earth.

It was why they had their own clone of Elisabet, and were after a copy of GAIA.

Just thinking about the other girl made Aloy uneasy. Angry, even.

How could she work with the Zeniths?

How could she willingly destroy Elisabet’s dream? Not to mention the entire world?

To Aloy, it was unforgivable.

The path forward slowly became clear.

Find AETHER, DEMETER and POSEIDON and merge them together with GAIA. Capture HAPHAESTUS, and use it to create an army of machines to drive the Far Zeniths off the planet.

It was a steep task to undertake, and one with a time limit of only a few months.

Aloy unconsciously fiddled with Elisabet’s pendant in her hands as she thought it all over.

GAIA was quick to pick up on her distress, though.

“Is something wrong?”

“Um, I don’t know… it’s just that Elisabet set the bar pretty high. She had a dream for you – for life on Earth. And… a lot has gone wrong. And it’s all on my shoulders to fix it. Do you think I can do it all? Repair the system? Defeat Far Zenith? Live up to her example?”

 GAIA looked at Aloy with a knowing expression, and Aloy got the feeling that Elisabet must have asked her something similar once.

“Absolutely. In her last message, my predecessor declared her unwavering conviction in your success: “In you, all things are possible.” You prevailed in purging HADES and rebooting my system core. You will prevail in this.”

“… Thanks, GAIA.”

Aloy traveled into Tenakth territory. Met Chief Hekarro, brought down the Bulwark, and ultimately helped the Tenakth tribe help itself in their war against Regalla. Aloy collected AETHER, and even made a new friend in Kotallo, who decided to join their cause.

Upon returning to the base, it was surprising to see how lively it had become.

Erend, Zo, Varl and Kotallo. All of them allies she’s made along the way who want to help her in any way the can. It was odd, knowing that they were here, learning about her mission.

But it was not… unpleasant.

They even made a space for her, too. Her own room.

Having such a place brought up a lot of memories of the cabin she and Rost shared. It was the only safe space she had ever known, and a deep emotion tugged at her heart as she placed the trinkets from Rost and Elisabet together side by side on her shelf.

When Aloy returned AETHER to GAIA, the AI informed her that she had received a strange transmission.

She, Erend and Varl left to check it out, expecting either the subordinate function or some sort of trap. What they found instead was a dead Zenith, multiple dead Oseram, a mysterious broken weapon and… the other clone of Elisabet Sobeck.  

Aloy felt so many emotions looking down at the girl that is so much like her, reminded of the day when she saw Elisabet for the first time in All-Mother Mountain.

She stood there, frozen and numb as she listened to Beta’s imploring message, feeling all of her reservations about this girl melt away in an instant.

Time passed, and while Aloy had been hopeful that having an ally in Beta could be useful in their fight against the Zeniths, she quickly found out that things didn’t exactly get any easier once the girl woke from her injuries.

“You didn’t even know who the Zeniths really are. You were supposed to be further along by now! Coming here was a mistake. They’re going to find me. They’re going to find this place and take me back. This was all for nothing!”

Aloy was left struggling with how to respond.

They should be two of the closest people on the planet; both of them born from the same genetic code.

But there was clearly a distance between them.

Whether it was put there by Beta, or by Aloy herself, she didn’t know.

Either way, it would be untruthful to say that Aloy wasn’t happy when she eventually left Beta behind and trekked back out into the wilds.

Upon merging POSEIDON with GAIA, Beta had something interesting to share, though.

 Apparently one of the Zeniths, Tilda, could be different from the rest.

Aloy recognized Tilda’s name immediately, recounting the audio log she had found of Tilda and Elisabet’s argument. By this point she must have listened to that log about a hundred times, as is the case with all of the recordings she finds of Elisabet.

Hearing that Tilda was alive, and that she had reached out to Beta, felt a bit… suspicious to say the least.

But maybe they could use that to their advantage.

If Tilda had been willing to talk to Beta, then surely she would talk to Aloy too.

Beta was quick to dismiss her, though.

“Is there anything else about her that we may be able to use to our advantage?”

“She was the first real person who ever bothered to speak to me, I wasn’t really assessing her for strengths and weaknesses.”

Aloy is still learning, still processing, how to talk to people. How to let them in.

With Beta, everything she said, everything she did, seemed to be thrown right back in her face. Aloy had met so many people by now, but none of them have ever pushed her buttons in the way that Beta had.

Aloy didn’t know where the two of them stood.

Or if they even stood together as anything at all.  

Aloy ventured back into the wilds after that in search of DEMETER.  

She encountered a deadly new tribe, the Quen, and met Alva.

It was refreshing to be around Alva. Their time together kept Aloy’s mind off of other things.

When they discovered the truth about biomass conversion, however, Alva looked at Aloy with pleading eyes, stating that she needs the wisdom of her ancestors to help her people.

“Do you understand? My family. My sister. I left her when she was fourteen.”

Not… much younger than Beta is now.

“Already you could see her bones. They will starve.” 

For some reason, the thought of Beta going through something similar twisted Aloy’s gut in a way that she couldn’t understand.

She decided not to dwell on it.

GAIA seemed pleased with the acquisition of AETHER, POSEIDON and now DEMETER. Seeing her like that brought a great amount of happiness to Aloy, as if through GAIA, Elisabet herself was smiling down at her, proud of what she’s accomplished.

Her thoughts were redirected, however, when Varl and Beta entered the room.

Beta and GAIA had been putting serious work into researching HEPHAESTUS, and GAIA hypothesized that they would need to capture it at a cauldron with two data cores; Cauldron GEMINI. It sounded like a good plan, but as always it all came crashing down when Beta once again brought up their chances of failure.

“I suppose I could, but it’s not going to work. The Zeniths will find you.”

Aloy had to fight the urge to scowl.

The odds didn’t matter, she had to try. She always had to try. Like Elisabet would.

Why couldn’t Beta see that?

Aloy couldn’t understand her.

Maybe… she never would.

With a new direction in mind to gain Omega Clearance from Thebes, Aloy set out to find Alva. The Quen, surprisingly, had already found the hidden bunker, and upon making her way inside, Aloy immediately felt apprehensive as she took a look around.

Something about this place… felt wrong. Horribly, incredibly wrong.

The strange feeling only got worse when she saw the Quen leader, Ceo, wearing a hideous ensemble in tribute of Ted Faro.

The Quen… they somehow thought that Ted had saved the world.

But it only got worse from there.

They then produced a raiment for her, and it looked suspiciously like…

“As he is Faro, you are Sobeck. For an occasion this momentous, shouldn’t you wear proper business attire?”

“Whoa… No no no no no. No. I am not wearing that. No way.”

She couldn’t wear Elisabet’s clothes.

Aloy isn’t Elisabet.

But the Quen could never understand that.

Especially not when she was only just beginning to understand it herself.

The clothes felt unnaturally stiff and constrictive against her skin as Aloy went with Alva and the rest of the Quen down into the bunker. The notes and audio logs she found in Thebes were disturbing to say the least, but the most shocking thing came at the end.

Ted… he was still alive.

“Lis’s future. Lis’s children. Someday they’ll come. And I’ll be here to greet them… They’re gonna need me. My advice. My guidance. And then I won’t be alone anymore.”

Aloy could certainly relate to being alone. She shuddered to think of what her life would be like, if she didn’t have Rost by her side growing up.

Would she have been like Ted? Forced into madness after years of solitude?

She had seen it before in other outcasts with exceptionally long sentences. People who were left to live alone for years losing their minds trying to survive in a world where no one cared about them. The lucky ones survived until their sentence was lifted, but were never the same again.

She could only thank her lucky stars that Rost had never been among their number…

Now, though, Ted Faro couldn’t even be described as insane. He had been alone for literal centuries, and there was simply…  nothing left of him. There was only a faint sign of life flickering in that thick blob of mass that she could see through the wall with her focus.

Aloy felt sick to her stomach hearing Ted’s blubbering growls, wondering what Elisabet would think about this as the Quen burst in through the door behind her.

GAIA, while always glad to see Aloy’s safe return to base, had troubling news to share.

That HEPHAESTUS had been busy while she was away. Capturing it would take longer than they anticipated, and for any chance of their plan to work, they would need Beta’s help.

Aloy sighed, the weight of this news heavy on her shoulders.

Beta has been anything but optimistic about their odds, and Aloy could already tell that she would want no part of this change in plan.

Aloy took a steadying breath and tried to reel in her patience as she made her way downstairs. Even so, she couldn’t help the tense figure and leering steps she posed as she entered the server room, already expecting a fight.

Beta wouldn’t even look at her as Aloy made her case.

“Tell me why you won’t go.”

“What if they- What if they take me back? Alone in a cell again. Their slave… forever.”

Those words had Aloy stopping as she saw a glance into Beta’s genuine fear for the first time. Aloy tried to assure her that she and Varl will protect her. That the Zeniths will not find them.

Beta only shook her head, though, and raised her voice in panic.

Aloy was silent for a moment, trying to be patient, but when Beta snapped at her again, she couldn’t contain it any longer.

“You’re right, I don’t understand. We have the same genes. The same mind. The same heart. So why can’t you find the strength to do what has to be done? Like Elisabet would?”

Aloy has always found that strength. She’s never had a choice, but even if she did, she has always strived to follow in Elisabet’s footsteps. To protect her dream.

Why is it that Beta can’t do the same?

Hearing Beta’s voice crack, though, had Aloy stopping in her tracks.  

“Don’t you think I’ve thought about that? I don’t know what piece of Elisabet I’m missing. I don’t know what you have that I don’t.”

Aloy felt something like shame and regret twist in her chest as Beta sunk to the floor.

“What’s my defect?”

What… was it that made them both so different anyway?

The answer came as Aloy remembered Rost’s charm in her pocket. She had grabbed it from her room when she returned from Thebes, wanting to hold it close after the many disturbing realizations she’d found in that place.

Rost… he had always been there for Aloy. Always gave her strength.

He watched over her, guided her, protected her. Made her the person she was today.

Without him, she…

“Beta… look. It’s not a piece of Elisabet. The difference is… I had him. Rost.”

Without him, who’s to say that her and Beta would not be the exact same.

The… the Zeniths found them.  

GAIA and Beta were taken, and Varl…

He was the first person besides Rost to ever see the real Aloy. To truly look at her, and see someone worth having around. He tried to knock some sense into her stubborn head when she needed it most, and reminded Aloy time and again that she didn’t have to do everything alone.

That she could learn to trust other people.

He never gave up on her, and in a lot of ways, he had saved her life.

But now… she would never see him again.

What’s worse still was that the one thing Beta had ever asked her for, she couldn’t bring herself to follow through on.

She couldn’t lose both Varl and Beta in the same breath.

She couldn’t…

Aloy’s thoughts haunted her when she eventually woke up in a foreign mansion, and continued taunting her throughout a very long, monotonous talk about art of all things.

The one speaking was Tilda, one of the Zeniths. The one that had abandoned Beta.

Yes, Aloy knew exactly who she was, and something immediately felt… off about her.

Aloy didn’t like the way that Tilda spoke to her. It had her on edge, uncomfortable.

“When you’re ready, take the stairs down the hall and come see me.”

Still, Tilda provided useful information. She assured her that Beta is still alive, and Aloy could play into the relief that that knowledge gave her.

She was furious, however, when Tilda pulled out her old focus.

It was one thing for her friends to look through her logs.

But this… Tilda had no right to invade her privacy like that. To watch every detail of Aloy’s past.

Tilda was adamant, though, that she had to see them. To be enlightened.

“Incredible things. What you’ve accomplished in two decades of life. A thousand years at my back and I haven’t even come close.”

To her credit, Tilda did apologize, and stated she wanted to help restore Elisabet’s dream.

Instead of however Tilda expected her to respond to that information, though, Aloy took that as her cue then to begin her own interrogation.

She grilled Tilda for a long time at that stupid white dinner table, asking about the Zeniths, about Beta, the data channel, about Sylens and his weapon. All the while Tilda seemed restless, though noticeably kept her back straight and her words soft. She would sometimes wander behind Aloy’s chair every so often, and it made something in her skin crawl.  

Whether or not she could trust Tilda was irrelevant, though, as with all other points of discussion out of the way, Aloy finally asked her about Elisabet.

About what she was really like.

“The honest answer is that I don’t actually know. For all the time that I spent with her, she always kept a part of herself locked away. It was like that from the moment we met.”

Aloy could imagine, now… that a lot of people probably felt the same way about her. She was working on being more open with people, but she knew that she still had a lot to learn in that regard. She would do it, though. If not for herself, then for Varl, who tried to teach her the importance of putting trust in others.

As Tilda kept on talking about Elisabet, however, Aloy noticed how Tilda looked away with a whimsical expression, and it was then that the pieces started coming together.

That recording she found of their argument.

The way it was different from the rest, more personal to Elisabet at the end.

It all made sense now, through talking with Tilda.

Tilda… loved Elisabet. Or at least she did when Elisabet was still alive.

Aloy stood up as she realized this. She filed that piece of knowledge away, unsure of what to do with it at the moment, and instead pondered over everything Tilda had told her thus far.

Aloy told Tilda to open up the data channel, and spoke with Beta about a new plan. Talking to Beta again was a relief, but seeing her captured and in pain had guilt eating away at Aloy’s chest.

She had caused that. But… she would fix it.

Aloy was confident that this plan would work, as was Beta.

“As long as I know you’re coming for me, I can endure anything.”

Beta’s unwavering faith gave Aloy strength, and allowed her to finally admit to not only the world but to herself just who exactly Beta was to her.

“What did you tell her?”

“That – is between me and my sister.”

Aloy took to the skies, defeated Regalla, and regrouped with everyone at the base. Both Sylens and Tilda were there now, and having them both together was… interesting, to say the least.

She spoke with Sylens first, interrogating him about his weapon.

He seemed very protective over it, though, and something about that struck Aloy as odd.

“Suffice it to say the weapon will work. The intricacies of “how” is knowledge that is mine alone.”

Well. As long as it worked, she supposed that she could care less.

After speaking with him, Aloy then spoke to Tilda, and laid all her cards out on the table.

Tilda didn’t even try to deny that she and Elisabet had once been in a relationship.

“She had lost her mother a few years back. I filled a void for her. I know I did. But as time passed, it seemed as though she wanted less when I wanted more.”

Aloy chose to share that Elisabet seemed to regret how things ended between them.

Tilda was grateful for it, and their talk ended with her reiterating that she had no ulterior motives other than restoring Elisabet’s dream.

Somehow, though, Aloy just couldn’t believe her.

Aloy rallied everyone for a final debriefing, and took the fight to the Zeniths.

She needed to save her sister, and make them pay for what they did to Varl.

She and her team fought their way through together; Alva and Kotallo destroyed the specter drone matrix, Beta installed HEPHAESTUS into the base’s printer, and Sylens deployed his weapon.

The Zeniths were taken down one by one, until Gerard was the only one left in their way.

But he could wait.

Alva called her, stating that she found some odd information in the Zenith’s database.

“I found a bunch of flight plans and trajectories. As if the Zeniths were planning to leave Earth.”

“That doesn’t make any sense.”

“I know. But there’s more. The files I found have a lot of references to something called ‘nemesis’. Whatever it is, the Zeniths are afraid of it.”

Alva cut out after that, but it was enough for Aloy to be assured that something big was going on, and it was only a matter of time before the truth came out.

Relief flooded Aloy when she finally found Beta.

Her sister was here. And she was alive!

Aloy immediately freed her, and the two of them got to work figuring out what exactly the Zeniths had been trying to hide.

“There’s something in deep space. It’s following the Zeniths to Earth.”

Beta and Aloy shared a face of contemplation, putting pieces together.

“Aloy - I don’t think a natural disaster destroyed the Zenith’s colony on Sirius. This thing did.”

“Earth isn’t a new home for them. It’s a way station. They’re on the run.”

The true answers, though, came when Tilda literally exploded into the room, blasting Gerard to death without ceremony.

“It is us. The minds of Far Zenith.”

Some of the other members of Far Zenith wanted virtual immortality, and through an experiment gone wrong, Nemesis was created. It festered, gained sentience, and took out its revenge; destroying Sirius in a matter of hours and sending the extinction signal that woke HADES.

Tilda’s posture changed when the truth was finally out.

She stated that they must flee the planet, and that Aloy would be coming with her.

Aloy felt that same skin-crawling sensation she had back at the mansion as Tilda looked at her like a predator eyeing its prey.

“You’ll come with me to the stars. And with GAIA, we’ll create a new world, together, where that monstrosity can never find us.”

“What? No.”

Leave the Earth to die? That is the farthest thing from Elisabet’s dream. The farthest thing from anything that Aloy had ever sought out to do with her life.

Tilda would be insane to think that Aloy would ever abandon it.

“I loved Elisabet more than you could ever know. And I let her stay behind to die with the rest of humanity. A mistake I have regretted for a thousand years. Now she stands before me again, not some inferior copy… but her best possible self. So I’m not asking, you’re coming with me.”

‘That “mistake” wasn’t your choice to make, Tilda.’

Aloy blinks with surprise, confusion passing through her eyes as she looks behind her.

Through the white and gold doorway that she had entered through earlier, there now stands someone.

Or rather… something.

It’s a machine. A Clawstrider.

With eyes that are an unnaturally bright shade of pink that Aloy has never seen before.

‘… Excuse me?’ Tilda asks after a long moment of silence, once it becomes apparent that the voice came from the machine itself.

‘You heard what I said.’ The voice says again. ‘Or have you maybe gone deaf since I last saw you?’

The Clawstrider approaches further, and both Aloy and Beta easily move out of its way.

Tilda remains rooted where she stands, though, a contemplative look on her face.

Aloy has a similar expression, analyzing the voice intently, before her eyes widen as she suddenly recognizes it.

Tilda seems to realize it too, as her expression swiftly shifts to disbelief.

‘…Lis?’ 

Aloy looks at the Clawstrider, frozen in place.

It can’t be…

The Clawstrider’s eyes shine, casting a holo projection into the room.

Elisabet Sobeck has a stern expression on her face. Her arms are crossed as she looks at Tilda with an unyielding, judgmental gaze.  

‘Hello Tilda.’

Bonus Scene:

The battlefield is alight with smoke, machine sparks, and distant battle cries as Alva quickly runs towards the main building.

Kotallo is ahead of her, an ever-watchful guard should any machine dare to come close.

So far things have been going well. Alva had been honing her one and only piece of advice from Kotallo, and ran from anything dangerous while they were making their way to take down the Zenith drone matrix.

Now though, they were just trying to regroup with the others and find Aloy.

Alva skids to stop when Kotallo suddenly pauses, gripping his weapon as his eyes stare off to the side.

In response, she freezes and follows his gaze to see a towering machine running their way.

‘A Slaughterspine?!’ She gasps.

‘Brace yourself, Alva.’ Kotallo calls back. ‘They are the most bloodthirsty of hunter killers.’

‘Uh… okay.’ Alva says, brandishing her bow uncertainly.

As the machine grows closer, Kotallo roars with an intensity that scares Alva at the suddenness of it.

She bravely stands next to him, though, making ready for battle.

The Slaughterspine, however, doesn’t even spare them a glance, and Alva can feel the weight of its steps on the ground as it runs right past them. There are specter drones up ahead, but the machine plows through them as if they were mere pins to be knocked over, marching towards its goal of the Zenith Base.

‘What?’ Alva asks, confused.

‘Hm.’ Kotallo hums.

He doesn’t respond further, but from his neutral expressions that she’s slowly grown to know, she can tell that he too is bewildered by the hunter killer machine’s strange actions.

The two of them stand there for several moments in an unnatural silence among the cacophony of machines fighting all around them.

‘Did that machine… have pink eyes?’ Alva asks, dazed.

‘It appeared so.’ Kotallo says.

‘Huh… neat.’

Chapter Text

Aloy is speechless beside her sister, looking upon the holo projection of Elisabet Sobeck with shock. She’s seen that same projection hundreds of times by now. Has memorized every particle of it ages ago in the precious few logs that she’s collected over the years.

Except, this time, it’s no recording.

Elisabet has her eyes locked on Tilda, her stare stern and undeniably present in this moment.

She’s… alive.

How?

‘I…’ Tilda holds a look of pure surprise as well, and Aloy would laugh at the absurdity of it were she not so stunned herself. ‘How are you here, Lis? You… You were dead, I saw you. At your mother’s ranch.’

‘I am dead. In a sense.’ Elisabet says casually, as if she were merely talking about the weather. She waves dismissively, her machine waving its own clawed hand in synchronization with her.  ‘But I suppose you could say, that a little birdy happened upon your killer project from space,’ She gestures to the projection of Nemesis floating above the white and gold table. ‘And through some questionable means, managed to copy it for themselves.’ She then gestures to the Clawstrider she inhabits. ‘To more favorable results, as you can see.’

Aloy blinks, puzzle pieces clicking into place.

Sylens… he is the only one that would have the capabilities to do something like this.

Aloy has already figured that he would know all about Nemesis by now. From when he interrogated HADES. If he had that knowledge all along, then it wouldn’t be so outlandish to think that he could replicate it for himself.

But to what end?

Why would he decide to use it to bring Elisabet Sobeck back of all things?

Unless…

‘How long?’ Tilda asks, her awed tone of voice distracting Aloy from her thoughts. ‘How long have you been alive, Lis?’

‘Long enough to build a project or two.’ Elisabet’s face twists into a knowing smirk. An expression that Aloy herself has worn many times before. ‘Or did you really think that Sylens could have pulled off a weapon like that all on his own?’

Tilda scrunches her eyebrows, a delicate frown on her face as she realizes that she’s been played for a fool.

‘I see.’ She says slowly.

‘Consider it repayment for Far Zenith’s little stunt all those years ago.’ Elisabet says with no remorse. She holds up a hand when Tilda quickly goes to protest. ‘I have bigger grievances, though.’ Elisabet’s eyes then turn murderous. ‘Tell me. What exactly were you doing just now, Tilda?’

Tilda doesn’t answer, though she does stand up a bit straighter.

‘Because it sounded like you were making a threat.’ Elisabet takes a step, and Aloy belatedly realizes that she has purposefully placed the Clawstrider in between her and Tilda. ‘Does it still stand?’

Tilda lets out a breath through her nose, something in her eyes soft as they never leave Elisabet, before they harden into something else.

‘The real threat is Nemesis itself, Lis.’ Tilda reiterates. ‘As I said, it cannot be stopped. The only option is to flee from this world.’ Tilda continues, causing Elisabet to put her hands on her hips, unimpressed. ‘Earth doesn’t stand a chance.’ Tilda takes a step towards her. ‘So yes, my ‘invitation’ still stands. And it is now extended to you as well.’

‘Doesn’t sound like an invitation if the receiver can’t refuse.’ Elisabet points out. ‘Though, I guess you never really did put that together, now did you?’

The room goes silent then as they stare at each other, the tension in the air growing thick.

Aloy looks over each of them, only able to guess at the bad history that led to this moment.

Elisabet is ultimately the first to break the stalemate, as she unceremoniously turns and walks away down the stairs further into the room. Her actions prompt Tilda to immediately go after her, and unknowingly put distance between herself, Aloy and Beta.

Aloy recognizes the tactic for what it is, though, and motions for Beta to stay back as she follows closely behind Elisabet’s Clawstrider.

‘Lis, you can’t seriously want to stay.’ Tilda states calmly. ‘This world is a complete failure. It’s nothing like how you pictured when you were working on Zero Dawn.’ In response to her words, Elisabet whips her head towards Tilda as if she’d been slapped. ‘This wasn’t what you or your team envisioned. Surely you must realize that.’

‘Have you even looked at it?’ Elisabet accuses. She gestures to the world outside beyond the obnoxiously clean, sterile white walls that surround them. ‘New machines. Ones that I could never even dream of. New plant variations. Restored animal life. And the people, all of their new cultures and traditions.’ She lists off. ‘I don’t know what project you thought I was building, Tilda, but this. This is it. It’s life.’

She stares Tilda down with a deep-rooted determination that Aloy has seen so many times in Elisabet’s past logs. The same determination that has inspired Aloy’s own time and time again.

‘That’s very sweet, Lis.’ Tilda says with a frown on her face, as if she’s clearly growing impatient with this conversation. ‘But I need you to be serious about this.’

‘I am always serious.’ Elisabet turns away, continuing her stroll over towards a control panel podium at the back of the room. Tilda and Aloy follow her like puppets on strings. ‘Now, how long has Nemesis existed? What code variations did you use to create it?’

‘I didn’t create it. The scientists of Far Zenith did. Approximately 400 years ago.’ Tilda says while Elisabet accesses the panel and all of its information. Tilda lets her do so, seeing no point in stopping her at the moment. ‘At the start, it was used quite a few times for singular mind transferal purposes into new hosts. But overall, it was a shelved project. Declared impossible of gaining sentience. Which is why-’

‘Obviously that’s not true.’ Elisabet cuts her off as she scrolls through the files on the panel, appearing not to struggle at all with the foreign Zenith technology. Unlike Aloy, who tends to talk her way through her actions, Elisabet is eerily silent as she works, reading the data with her eyes about a mile a minute. ‘What was the first thing it did once it gained sentience?’ She eventually asks, not looking up from the interface.

‘Lis, I know what you’re doing.’ Tilda says with an exasperated breath.

‘The signal to HADES wasn’t sent until after you left Sirius.’ Elisabet ignores her, putting a contemplative hand up to her chin as her brow furrows with thought. ‘I see it here.’

‘She said they hacked their systems.’ Aloy supplies, stepping up to stand side by side with Elisabet’s projection.

A part of her is nervous to do so, especially when Elisabet turns to look at her.

This is… Elisabet Sobeck she’s talking to. She’s really here, and the weight of her gaze is overwhelming and heavy as she gives Aloy her full attention.

Aloy pushes all of her thoughts back, however, and focuses on the task at hand.

‘With codes, overrides. Wiped their entire system.’ Aloy recounts. ‘Then it took over the printing facilities.’

Elisabet nods and clicks through a few things on the interface. Aloy watches her, though can’t exactly see whatever Elisabet is looking at. Her focus is just way too outdated to keep up with Zenith technology, unfortunately.  

Regardless, Aloy’s words seem to help as Elisabet finds what she’s looking for.

‘Perfect. I thought so.’ She hums. ‘That makes things easier.’

‘What are you talking about?’ Tilda’s expression is stern before it turns thoughtful. ‘Wait. I see that look in your eye, Lis.’ She observes. ‘You have a plan, don’t you?’

‘Some idea, you could say.’ Elisabet doesn’t deny it as she shuts down the interface.

‘Whatever it is, it won’t work.’ Tilda says with a tone of finality. ‘You have not seen Nemesis in action. It’s nothing like the Faro Plague. I won’t stay here, and I won’t leave you behind again to die, either. You can’t beat this. No one can.’

‘You want to bet?’ Elisabet frowns, annoyance passing over her digital face. ‘Just because the threat is different this time around, it doesn’t change the answer that I already gave you.’ She swipes her hand through the air in a tone of her own finality. ‘I never said you had to stay here, either. If you want to leave, nothing is stopping you.’ Elisabet suddenly pauses, though, to look Tilda over. Her posture tenses as if she comes to realize something. ‘Or are you somehow thinking that I came here today to find you, Tilda?’

‘What other reason could there be?’ Tilda asks, her tone incredulous. ‘I’m the only person left on the planet who knows you for who you are, Lis. Do you not remember everything we were to each other? Or has any of that meant nothing at all to you?’

‘It’s been centuries, Tilda.’ Elisabet says slowly, as if she were reasoning with a small child. ‘I didn’t even know you were still alive until I walked up those stairs.’

Aloy can tell that Elisabet’s words are practiced and full of logic. Patient. As if they’ve had many arguments like this before.

‘That may be, but it doesn’t change my intentions now.’ Tilda’s tone is one that Aloy instantly recognizes. From the audio log of the two of them arguing. ‘I’ve laid out the odds. Sirius barely lasted a few hours, Earth will be gone in mere minutes.’ Tilda is trying to appease Elisabet, using facts to talk over her, to get what she wants. Like she tried to do to Aloy during that stupid tea party at her mansion. ‘I’ve thought over my mistakes for far longer than you can imagine. Now fate has brought us together again. I have a second chance to save you from this world’s destruction, and I’m not letting it slip away.’

‘Let me make myself perfectly clear, then.’ Elisabet stands up straight, her tone of voice strong. Similar to the tones Aloy has heard her use when addressing her team, or in her company logs: unyielding and unbreakable. ‘I’m not going anywhere with you, and whether you leave or not is no concern of mine.’ Elisabet says, her Clawstider standing just as tall behind her projection. ‘The reason that I am alive right now is to do everything I can to help save this world that GAIA created.’ She explains. ‘But the reason I came here specifically? To this base?’

Elisabet looks away for a brief moment to catch eyes with Aloy, before gazing across the room to where Beta is still cautiously listening in.

‘That is because my daughters are here. It’s as simple as that.’

Aloy whips her head towards Elisabet, her red braids flying as surprise and disbelief come over her face.

Daughter…

Elisabet called Aloy her daughter.

She… That’s…

Elisabet, though, has her gaze locked on Tilda in a glare. The Zenith herself slowly looks at Aloy and then to Beta, who is watching them with a similar look of shock.

‘… Your daughters?’ Tilda raises a platinum blonde eyebrow.

‘Yes. Aloy and Beta. The ones I heard you threaten not five minutes ago. Those daughters.’ Elisabet both looks and sounds furious as she says this, her Clawstrider snarling and fanning out the feather-like protrusions on its head. ‘Or am I really supposed to believe that you’ve somehow forgotten about that part?’  

Tilda looks her over for several seconds, as if searching for something, before her face twists into a knowing expression.

‘Of course. You’ve always wanted children.’ She says, her tone soft as if remembering a fond memory. ‘A daughter specifically. But you just never had the time. Or rather, we never had time.’ She gestures between them, earning another hissing snarl from the Clawstrider machine. ‘That invitation can extend to anyone you want, Lis. Aloy and Beta can come with us.’

‘I will not.’ Aloy finally finds her voice as she draws her brow, stepping to stand together with Elisabet. ‘You can’t force us, Tilda. Your shield is gone.’

‘I have something better.’ Tilda glares at her, then holds out her hands. ‘Specter Prime - to me.’

Aloy turns and yells for Beta to run to cover, while Elisabet’s projection fades and her Clawstrider bares its fangs.

‘Enough. You are coming with me, Lis.’ Tilda says as the hulking figure of Specter Prime comes together to loom over the room. ‘It may seem harsh now, but you’ll forgive me in a few centuries.’

Tilda quickly moves to grab them both, causing Aloy and Elisabet to separate in different directions.

Elisabet’s voice rings into Aloy’s focus while she nocks an arrow.

‘Aloy, all of Tilda’s attention will be on me.’ Elisabet says while dodging away from the specter. ‘Use that to your advantage. This thing. I’ve looked at it just now in the log. It’s nothing but a bigger version of those drones outside.’

‘Got it.’ Aloy responds, switching to acid arrows. ‘Keep her busy. This won’t take long.’

‘Stop conspiring and see reason.’ Tilda compels while grabbing for Elisabet again, earning a blast of fire along with an acidic arrow to her shields. ‘I lost you once. I’m not losing you again!’

Elisabet only lets out a concussive roar in response, causing Specter Prime to stagger. Aloy immediately takes advantage of the opening and shoots it with three acid arrows and an explosive spear, knocking off pieces of armor plating on its side.

Despite the damage, Tilda chooses to ignore Aloy’s arrows and other projectiles, one-sidedly keeping her focus centered only on Elisabet.

‘Lizzy, darling, technology is not the same as it once was in our time.’ She implores. Her tone of voice is softer now. ‘You could have a body of your own in a few weeks. And live forever within a few months.’ She swipes again, this time successfully grabbing Elisabet when she moves to dodge. Tilda forcibly drags her backwards, metal talons noisily scraping along the marble floor as Elisabet tries to resist. ‘If Aloy and Beta do not want to come with us, we could create new daughters.’ She hauls Elisabet high up into the air to see eye to eye. ‘Ones to your own specifications and desires. The possibilities are endless, Lis.’

‘You’re insane!’ Elisabet roars and erupts her fire Clawstrider into flames.

Tilda gasps, and Specter Prime instinctively drops the machine as its tentacles burn down right through the armor plates. Elisabet harshly crashes to the ground, and Aloy sucks in a breath to steady herself as she hears the familiar sound of machine metal breaking apart.

In response, a fury like no other overcomes Aloy.

She attacks Tilda in a heated frenzy, using bombs, throwing spears and arrows.

With Elisabet down, Tilda finally seems to recognize Aloy as a threat, and she shoots at her in angered retaliation, the two of them locking into a furious battle.

Slowly, Aloy’s acid arrows and other weapons eat away at Specter Prime’s defenses until the Zenith machine staggers, and light erupts from its chest. The cock pit that houses Tilda flies out and crashes into the floor across the room, causing the world to finally grow still.

Aloy breathes heavily and uses her focus to check for any signs of life. Upon seeing none, she immediately races to Elisabet’s side.

The Clawstrider is in bad shape, its metal body squeezed together from Tilda’s grip, and several of its parts are either destroyed or crushed from the fall. The pink light still shines through, though, causing some form of relief as Aloy fusses over her.

‘Do I have the parts for- ? I don’t… But maybe I could…’ Aloy talks to herself, distraught, as she rips her pack off of her side to dig through her machine parts.

‘So…’

Aloy looks up in response to a new voice entering the room, finding Sylens casually sauntering towards the projection of Nemesis.

‘Even after all this, she still tried to take you.’ He observes, barely casting a glance towards Tilda.

Elisabet shifts, seemingly gathering strength to speak.

‘Of course she did.’ She responds. ‘Knowing her, I wouldn't have expected anything less.'

The sound of her voice is high pitched and staticky through the machine’s broken vocal cords. After a moment, she leans her head back and makes some sort of chirping noise with the Clawstrider as best she can.

It’s an odd sound. One that Aloy has never heard before.

Sylens only hums in acknowledgement, watching with a bored expression as a Sunwing then flies into the room in response to Elisabet’s call.

Aloy watches it as well, noting that it’s been… overridden somehow?

Her red eyebrows pinch with confusion.

‘Well, the threat’s gone for now.’ Aloy points out. She stands and gestures to the massacre of the pristine white and gold room around them. ‘Care to explain all of this?’

Sylens merely looks at Aloy, his gaze as solid and stubborn as stone.

Thankfully, Elisabet is more willing to answer Aloy’s question.  

‘It’s as I told Tilda,’ Elisabet shifts, attempting to stand. ‘Sylens used HADES to find out about Nemesis. Their program of downloading a person’s mind into digital form isn’t so hard to replicate if you really look at it.’ Aloy would probably beg to differ about the difficulty of doing such a thing, but she lets Elisabet continue as the Clawstrider wobbles onto its feet. ‘The difficult part is gathering a person’s digital footprint, though that wasn’t much of an issue, either.’ Elisabet stands there for a moment to get her bearings. Aloy’s hands hover close, though do not touch. ‘My logs aren’t hard to find. I left them everywhere. Sylens probably has thousands of them by now just from GAIA Prime alone.’

Aloy frowns in response to this, rage coming over her face.

All this time, she had thought that Elisabet’s logs had been few and far between. She had held onto each and every one, treasuring them like rare precious pearls found in a vast ocean.

Only come to find out that Sylens had been hoarding literally thousands of them for himself.

Another good reason to put her spear through his throat.

‘Once I was conscious, we created the weapon.’ Elisabet continues, her glitchy voice pulling Aloy out of her anger. ‘Though he likes to take more credit for it than he deserves.’

‘I am choosing to ignore that statement.’ Sylens watches Elisabet take a step towards the perched Sunwing.

‘Of course you would.’ Elisabet hums, slowly making her way towards the other machine, Aloy hovering at her side. ‘You’re still bitter at me, I see.’

‘I knew exactly where I would find you.’ Sylens says. ‘Your actions are very predictable.’

‘If you say so.’ Elisabet does not sound impressed.

‘Though you should know, we still have much to discuss.’

‘As always.’ Elisabet huffs. ‘Did you do what I asked at least?’

‘In certain terms.’

Aloy can barely keep up with their conversation.

Sylens seems… irritated. No, that’s not the right word. He’s exasperated. In a way that Aloy has never seen before and could never hope to cause. Clearly Elisabet gets under his skin, and it’s satisfying to watch, especially since Aloy knows that he must absolutely hate it.

When Elisabet finally reaches her destination, Aloy looks on with growing concern as the pink light fades out of the Clawstrider’s eyes. Within moments, it falls into a heap on the floor, dead. Aloy barely has any time to mourn its loss, though, before the pink light overcomes the Sunwing instead.

‘For the record,’ Sylens says. ‘I would like to reiterate that it does not count as outsmarting someone when you can quite literally override any device or machine at will.’ He frowns as the Sunwing extends its wings, as if Elisabet were getting comfortable in her new form. ‘I would be interested to know how you’ve consistently accomplished such a feat in your current state regardless.’

‘Let’s just say that I still have my ways.’ Is all Elisabet says in response, before once again projecting the holo version of herself. She turns her attention back to Aloy to continue their conversation, her voice now much easier to understand. ‘Sylens and I have known about Nemesis for a long time. I put together some ideas of how we can overcome it, though nothing concrete yet.’

‘Just another secret he’s been keeping.’ Aloy mutters, putting her hands on her hips. ‘Speaking of…’ She turns to Sylens with an accusatory expression and gestures to Elisabet. ‘So, you were able to bring Elisabet back and you didn’t even think to tell me?’

Sylens looks at her, a guiltless expression on his face.

‘If you had known about Elisabet, would you have still so vigorously continued in your pursuit of acquiring GAIA’s subordinate functions?’ Sylens accuses. ‘Or would you have dropped everything by the wayside to spend time you did not have chasing after family ties?’

Aloy’s face twists with anger.

‘What I would have done is none of your business.’ Aloy seethes.

How dare he keep this from her.

Elisabet is so important to her. She is Aloy’s role model. Her inspiration. Everything that she strives to be and more. Literally, Elisabet is the closest thing that Aloy will ever have to a mother. And to learn that not only has she been alive this whole time, but was kept a secret for such a stupid reason?

It has Aloy seeing red.

‘The proof is in Elisabet herself.’ Sylens tone is resigned. ‘What was it you think she did once she learned of your existence?’

Aloy’s rage leaves her in an instant.

She blinks and turns to Elisabet, who makes no motion to deny this claim.

‘Hacking devices and machines is… something I’ve grown very adept at.’ Elisabet starts, gesturing to her Sunwing. ‘It’s hard to explain, but I’ve slowly been waking up over these past few weeks. It takes time for the mind to truly upload using this program, and I haven’t exactly been making things easier on myself by…’ Elisabet shakes her head. ‘Anyway, I came to realize that somehow, Sylens was alright with planning to destroy an entire tribe of people, and that somehow he didn’t think to mention any of that to me.’ She says with an accusatory tone similar to Aloy’s. ‘Suffice to say when I found out, I hacked his focus, overheard your conversation after the attack on the Tenakth people, and left soon after to find you.’ She says, her expression softening a tad. ‘Though, I didn’t know of Beta’s existence either until more recently.’

‘You could have known everything much sooner had you extended that hacking expertise to Aloy’s focus.’ Sylens points out.

Elisabet hums in a condescending way, crossing her arms.

‘You see, that’s where you and I differ. I actually have something called morals, Sylens.’

He lets out a haughty breath through his nose and shakes his head.

‘I can see where Aloy gets her inconvenient tendencies from.’ He accuses.

‘You have no idea.’

Aloy lets out a breath of her own, trying to take all of this information in.

So Elisabet has been alive for weeks, perhaps even months, and has been working with Sylens to not only defeat the Zeniths, but also start on her own plan to save the world from Nemesis.

But when she learned that Aloy existed, she dropped all of it, everything, and left to find her.

Elisabet… wanted to meet her.

That’s… It’s…

‘Either way Sylens, if you still want that spaceship and a complete copy of GAIA, it’s yours.’ Elisabet brings Aloy back to the present. ‘As discussed, we will take it from here, as long as you hold up your end.’ Aloy looks at her, her brain caught on the word “we”. ‘Though I seriously doubt you’ll go now. When there’s such a challenge to be had.’

‘I admit, I am curious to see what plan of yours could possibly combat against this.’ Sylens muses as he glances back at the projection of Nemesis. ‘It will not be easy.’

‘Nothing worth having ever is.’ Elisabet hums, before they all look up at the sound of the door opening.

Aloy’s companions filter in, immediately expressing relief upon seeing her unharmed.

‘Found her!’

‘Is she hurt?’

‘Still on her feet!’

‘Thank the Ten.’

Aloy barely registers their words, too lost in her own head, though she comes back to herself when Beta suddenly embraces her.

‘Aloy… you did it!’ Beta squeezes her tight.

Aloy startles, her expression softening as she squeezes her sister back.

‘Actually, we did it.’ She pulls away, turning to look at Elisabet.

Beta seems to stiffen in response, and Aloy watches her hesitantly approach Elisabet. The Sunwing does not move, and Elisabet’s projection looks at her with a kind expression.

‘Hello Beta.’ She greets.

‘Um… hi Elisabet.’ Beta says shyly back.

‘Wait… Elisabet??’ Erend asks, suddenly materializing at Aloy’s elbow. ‘As in what, the Elisabet Sobeck? You know, the one who made GAIA and literally saved the entire world??’ He asks in disbelief. ‘Now how the hell’d that happen?’

‘It’s um, well it’s a long story.’ Aloy turns to her friends, a genuine smile on her face. ‘But yea, it’s really her.’

A rundown of how exactly Elisabet came to live once more is shared, along with the inevitable Tremortusk in the room that is Nemesis.

Understandably, no one is exactly happy to hear that there is a new threat to their world, but they all take it in stride better than Aloy was expecting.

The talking and sharing of information lasts for quite some time, too, before the sun starts to distantly set on the horizon. The gravity of the day that they’ve all had seems to catch up with them then, and with Aloy especially. She hasn’t gotten terribly injured in the fights that she’s had to endure today, but could definitely do with some time to regroup after everything that’s happened.

‘We should head back to base for now.’ Aloy takes charge. ‘Reconnect with GAIA and figure out our next steps with Nemesis.’

No one protests this, not even Sylens. When she turns to Elisabet, though, Aloy is surprised to see a sullen look upon her digital face as she gazes at Tilda.

‘You go ahead.’ Elisabet says after a moment, retracting the holo projection of herself back into her Sunwing. ‘I should probably lay her to rest.’

‘Why show remorse for her?’ Sylens asks. ‘You saw firsthand how she singlehandedly denounced your personhood in order to achieve her goals.’

‘Believe it or not, she wasn’t always like that.’ Elisabet sighs, the sound coming out a little odd through the Sunwing’s vocal cords. ‘Plus, I have a few other things I need to do first, remember?’ She asks pointedly, causing Sylens to hum with acknowledgement.

When Elisabet spreads her wings and motions to take off, though, Aloy steps in front of her.

Her body does so instinctively. Before she can even think twice about it.

All of a sudden, somehow, the thought of separating from Elisabet is unbearable.

‘Wait.’ She implores.

Elisabet can’t go yet.

There’s so much that Aloy wants to tell her, to share with her.  

They just found each other.

‘We could go with you.’ Beta stands next to her, and Aloy is not surprised to see that she and her sister share similar expressions.

While the two of them may not have had that many talks about Elisabet so far, Aloy knows that it goes without saying just how important she is to Beta.

How important she is to the both of them.

‘What is it that you have to do?’ Aloy asks, gesturing to herself and Beta. ‘We can help.’

Elisabet is silent for a moment, looking them over through the Sunwing’s pink gaze.

‘Where I have to go…’ Elisabet starts gently. She holds up one of the Sunwing’s feet and mechanically rotates the machine parts, as if to prove a point. ‘It would be impossible for you two to follow as you are.’

Follow…

“For your sake, I must go where you will never find me. This… This is goodbye.”

“No. It’s not. You taught me how to track. Wherever you go, I can follow.”

“Not this time.”

Remembering Rost’s words, his rejection of her, causes Aloy’s chest to ache, and she quickly goes to protest in the wake of Elisabet’s words.

‘I…’ She pauses, unsure of what exactly she was going to say as Elisabet turns to her.

‘And right now GAIA needs your help most of all.’ Elisabet points out and nods towards the rig. ‘She wasn’t designed to be contained in such a small vessel for this long.’ Her voice then grows quieter as she looks Aloy and Beta over once more. ‘Besides, you’ve both been through enough today. You should rest.’

For a moment, no one says anything at all, and Aloy can barely breathe.

She resists the urge to fidget as she feels the stares of her friends against her back, the room growing tense and silent as they all wait for someone to say something.

Beta is the first to fold and remove herself from Elisabet’s way.

‘Alright…’ Beta says, her voice small as she fidgets with her hands. ‘Um, we’ll see you then. At the base.’

‘Mountains west of Plainsong. I’ve heard of it.’  Elisabet nods to her, before glancing at Aloy.

After a moment, Aloy only nods, feeling as if she has no choice but to reluctantly follow suit as she silently moves out of Elisabet’s way.

‘See you there, then…’

The trip back to base takes a few days, but thankfully it is spent without the presence of Sylens. He stated that he was going to stay behind at the Zenith Base for now, though would connect with them later on once Elisabet finishes her tasks.

Whatever those are...

 Regardless, the travel time is filled with jovial conversation about what exactly happened during the battle against the Zeniths.

Apparently, Alva and Kotallo might have run into Elisabet during the fight.

In the form of a non-hostile Slaughterspine with pink eyes.

‘It was the strangest thing. It wanted nothing to do with us.’ Alva says around the campfire. ‘Not even when Kotallo taunted it.’

‘I did not taunt it.’ Kotallo defends himself. ‘I made my stance clear. Should it approach.’

‘It was amazing! It didn’t even care about the Specters in its way, just charged right on through.’ Alva recounts. ‘It for sure must have been Elisabet.’

‘Must have been.’ Beta says.

Her voice is small as she sits by the fire, picking at her plate of Pot Stomp that Erend had earlier prepared for everyone. Aloy is suspiciously silent next to her, her food untouched as she keeps watch over the fire maybe a little bit too much.

‘Yea about that.’ Erend speaks up. ‘I heard some rumor goin’ around near Hidden Ember. You know that guy Morlund and his flyin’ balloon?’ Aloy looks up in response, her brow furrowing. ‘Apparently one night they saw a Dreadwing fly by.’

A Dreadwing? Those are very rare machines. Aloy can only think of one or two places where she’s ever found them out in the wilds. None of them being anywhere near Hidden Ember.

‘That must have been quite shocking, especially at night.’ Zo comments.

‘Scared the absolute crap out of ‘em!’ Erend laughs and gestures with his hands. ‘Have no idea if it had pink eyes or whatever, but it just kept cruisin’ on by. Didn’t even give ‘em a second glance!’

‘Now that you mention it,’ Kotallo hums thoughtfully. ‘I do recall overhearing that some fishermen near Thornmarsh reported a tamed Snapmaw off the coast. About a month or so ago.’

‘Seems Elisabet has quite the repertoire.’ Zo tilts her head as her eyes turn thoughtful. ‘I had heard that there were recent whisperings of the Land Gods interacting with another friendly machine out in the fields.’ She recounts. ‘I would not be surprised if more rumors started to surface, now that we know of their origin.’ She then turns to Aloy and Beta. ‘Speaking of, I wanted to ask how the two of you are handling this news?’

‘It’s um…’ Beta says, appearing nervous when everyone turns to her. ‘I’m still processing all of it.’

Zo hums in understanding, then turns her attention to Aloy, who has been suspiciously quiet lately.

‘I…’ Aloy starts, then looks down, a conflicted expression coming over her face.

‘That bad, huh?’ Erend hums, recognizing that look.

‘It must have been quite a shock.’ Alva says gently, though lets the subject drop.

The conversation resumes from there in a different direction, and Aloy is grateful for the distraction as she tries to sort all of this out in her head.

Their return to base is cheerful, and were it not for the looming threat of Nemesis in the distance, Aloy could almost believe that they were just returning home after a long, uneventful journey. 

Erend and Zo immediately butt heads over the Oseram’s particularly loud choice of welcome home music. Kotallo silently retreats to attend to his metal arm and weapons. Alva gleefully pours over the data that has been recovered from the Zenith base. And Aloy busies herself with bringing GAIA’s rig up into the projection room, where Beta is waiting to install the AI back to normal.

Seeing GAIA’s familiar logo, along with all of her subordinate functions, causes Aloy to release a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.

All of them are there, including APOLLO and the others that were stolen by the Zeniths.

All of them accounted for, except HEPHAESTUS. But that could wait for now.

After a few moments, GAIA materializes into the room with a flourish of golden light.

‘Hello Aloy. Beta.’ She greets them. ‘It is good to see you both.’

‘Hi GAIA.’ Aloy greets her, then gazes towards Beta. Both sisters share a look, before Aloy turns back to the AI. ‘We um, well a lot has happened since we last saw you. And we have some good news to share.’

‘Certainly. I am here to listen.’

To say that GAIA is pleased to hear of Elisabet’s extraordinary survival would be an exceedingly massive understatement. The AI is practically glowing, her realistic human projection smiling with an ease Aloy has never seen from her before.

‘Never in my time, or in that of my predecessor’s, would I ever calculate an occurrence where Elisabet would once again live.’ GAIA surmises, sounding as if she is captured in awe. ‘Truly, human ingenuity continues to astound me.’

‘I know.’ Beta gives a small, shy smile, her face showcasing a million different emotions all at once. ‘It’s… just… ‘

Aloy puts a comforting hand on her shoulder. Beta seems emotional over Elisabet’s return, but at least she seems to be handling it better than her at this point.  

For Aloy herself, all of this hasn’t really sunken in yet…

While they were still traveling, when the night was quiet and she was awake keeping watch over their campsite, Aloy took the time to listen to one of Elisabet’s logs.

One that always gave her strength when she needed it.

It was of Elisabet talking with GAIA. When they were preparing to move to GAIA Prime.

‘GAIA… there’s nothing left out there… you can’t even survive unless you’re wearing an environmental suit. There are billions dead… in fear and agony. What if… what if it was all for nothing… ?’

‘Elisabet, extinction was inevitable. Thanks to you, life will have a future.’

‘You really believe that?’

‘I believe in you, Elisabet. In you, all th-‘

Seeing a glimpse into Elisabet’s personhood, her fear, proved that Elisabet was human, and in turn, so is Aloy. That it’s alright to be afraid, but having the courage to keep going? That’s what really makes the impossible possible.

And the most impossible thing has come true, hasn’t it?

Elisabet is alive. Somewhere out there in the world.

Aloy is still trying to wrap her head around it.

‘She said that there was somewhere she had to go.’ Aloy shelves her thoughts for now as she returns her attention to GAIA. ‘Any ideas where that could be?’

‘Elisabet often spoke of Sobeck Ranch as providing comfort to her in times of need.’ GAIA proposes.  ‘Perhaps she has decided to travel there for the time being.’

‘That wouldn’t be unreasonable, I guess.’ Aloy acknowledges. She has also visited that ranch, and even without the experience of growing up there, Aloy couldn’t deny the strange sense of comfort that place somehow brought her. ‘But she said wherever she had to go, it would be impossible to follow. As if only a machine could get to it?’

‘One moment. Analyzing.’ GAIA grows quiet. ‘There are several locations in the surrounding areas that only machines will be able to traverse. Such as inside areas with volcanic activity or low oxygen levels.’

‘Can you send me a list?’ Beta asks. ‘I’ll try and look into it.’

‘Of course.’ GAIA nods. ‘At this time, I will also attempt to establish contact with Elisabet using the information provided regarding her last known location. One moment.’ GAIA looks away for a second. Aloy and Beta both grow quiet with her, until GAIA shakes her head. ‘My apologies, I was not able to establish a connection. My capabilities regarding machines are unfortunately limited at the moment without HEPHAESTUS.’

‘That’s alright, GAIA.’ Beta reassures her.

‘It was worth a try at least.’ Aloy concurs.

‘For now, we may only speculate while we wait for Elisabet to join us.’ GAIA surmises. ‘I would suggest that you both rest and recover from your recent endeavors. All information from the Zenith database has been transferred to me, and is available for review whenever you are ready.’

Aloy takes GAIA’s advice in stride and spends her time studying up on the new, foreign threat of Nemesis. As she and Beta research deeper, however, it slowly becomes apparent that they are going to need more support if they are ever going to win against that thing.

A lot more support.

‘We could send everyone out.’ Aloy suggests. The two of them are currently sitting side by side in the server room downstairs, looking over data together. ‘Gather as much help from the tribes as we can. It’ll be a tough sell, to be sure, but could be worth the effort.’

‘I think that’s a good idea.’ Beta concurs, before looking down and fidgeting with her hands. ‘But we should, um, wait for Elisabet first. She may have more information than we do, and she seemed like she has some sort of plan in mind, don’t you think?’

Aloy breathes out, looking contemplative as she crosses her arms.

It’s already been two days.

Two days of them just sitting around waiting for any sign from Elisabet, and even beyond that was the almost weeklong travel time it took to get back here in the first place.

It was so foreign for Aloy to just be… waiting around for someone else to come in with all the answers. Especially since Sylens hasn’t been answering any of her calls again, either.

‘Hey, this is what it feels like on the other side.’ Erend had poked fun at Aloy earlier that day, when she had been pacing around the base with pent up energy and all but climbing the walls with frustration. ‘Guess it’s your turn this time!’

She supposed that she had to take her lumps for that.

But still…

She can’t relax.

‘I’ve been thinking, Aloy.’ Beta says, grabbing her attention. ‘A place where humans can’t survive. Somewhere significant enough to Elisabet.’ She brings up her focus interface, clicking through to a map filled with the data points GAIA had given her earlier. She taps into it, pulling forth an image of the ruins of San Francisco. ‘I’ve cross referenced old maps and photos of the area. And it’s here, way deep down.’ She turns to Aloy. ‘Elisabet’s company. Miriam Technologies.’

Aloy blinks, shifting upwards to get a better look at the map. Inspecting further, it doesn’t showcase the surface, but rather the ocean depths. There is a suspicious fissure running through the ocean floor off the coast from Legacy’s Landfall.

If the remnants of Elisabet’s company have fallen that far down underwater over the many centuries that have passed, it would take… days to travel there.

The pressure of traveling that far underwater. No human could ever survive it.

Not even Aloy’s diving mask could help her reach something like that.

The only thing that could realistically make the trip would be a Tideripper, and they’re not exactly known to be the fastest swimmers in her experience.

‘You think she’ll find something down there?’ Aloy asks. ‘To help?’

‘I like to think so.’ Beta says, her lips slightly ticking up into a smile.

 It turns out that Aloy did not have to wait that much longer for Elisabet to arrive.

Very early the next morning, while Aloy is unable to sleep and is instead tinkering with her weapons and organizing things in her stash, GAIA calls her via focus.

‘Aloy. A machine is entering the base from the east end.’

Aloy immediately drops what she’s doing and goes into the main room, tensely listening as metal footsteps can be heard slowly approaching the exit door. After a few moments, the sound of the blue doorknob fills the space, and a Clawstrider with pink eyes casually saunters in.

It stops upon seeing Aloy, though, as if not expecting her to be waiting there.

The machine shakes its head, projecting a hologram of Elisabet into the room.

‘Good morning Aloy.’ Elisabet greets, before looking around at the darkened living room, seeming to realize what time it is. ‘I hope I didn’t wake you?’

‘What? Oh no, I was up already.’ Aloy quickly shakes her head. ‘Um, hey. Elisabet. How was, uh, your trip?’ She asks, hoping that she isn’t coming off as awkward as she feels.

Clearly, talking to Elisabet will take some getting used to now that they don’t have the mutual distraction of Tilda in their way…

‘Longer than expected.’ Elisabet says with a sigh. ‘Sorry about that.’

‘Did you… find what you were looking for?’ Aloy asks curiously.

‘I did, but I would like to wait to talk about it with both GAIA and Beta, if that’s alright?’

Aloy blinks, before nodding.

‘Sure.’ Aloy says, happy to hear that Elisabet wasn’t planning to keep secrets at least. ‘Beta is still sleeping, but GAIA is up.’ She hooks her thumb behind her, before she suddenly backpedals, her voice quickening. ‘I mean she’s always up, she’s an AI. But of course you knew that, you literally made her. So…’

Elisabet looks at Aloy for a moment.

Her gaze is a bit unnerving, as if somehow, she can see right through her.

‘Yes.’ Is all she says, before looking away at the rest of the base.  ‘This is a… regional control center.’ She recognizes, furrowing her brow. ‘I assume GAIA is in the projection room?’

‘Right.’ Aloy turns to gesture towards the stairs. ‘She’s up this way.’

Aloy didn’t really know what kind of reunion she was expecting to see when Elisabet and GAIA met once more, but seeing the proud grin that Elisabet sports upon walking up the stairs does something to her heart that Aloy can’t quite name.

‘GAIA…’ Elisabet breathes, speechless.

‘Hello Elisabet.’ GAIA greets, having a similar expression on her face as Elisabet comes to stand before her, the two of them looking at each other with awe. ‘I do not possess the words to describe how good it is to see you.’

‘And you.’ Elisabet holds out her hands, shaking her head in happy disbelief as she looks GAIA over. ‘Look at you.’ She laughs a bit, genuinely joyous in this moment. ‘After all this time…’

‘Yes.’ GAIA nods. ‘All systems are operational, though are without the subordinate functions of HEPHAESTUS and HADES.’

‘Oh. Right, I heard that HEPHAESTUS was being…’ Elisabet cups her chin with a contemplative expression.

‘Difficult, yes.’ GAIA supplies.

‘I was going to say “a brat,” but that works too.’ Elisabet huffs, as if she were talking about some misbehaving child rather than a murderous sentient AI. ‘Margo would have a few choice words, I’m sure.’

‘Indeed.’ GAIA says. ‘I have wondered, since hearing of your return, Elisabet, how the other alphas of Project Zero Dawn would react if they were alive at this moment in time as well.’

Elisabet looks away, a bittersweet expression on her face.

‘I can only imagine.’ She looks lost in memories for a moment. ‘Travis would probably riot after hearing about HADES’s recent escapades. There’d probably be a thousand emails in my box by now about how “insanely cool” it was.’ She puts a hand up to her digital temple, rubbing an ache that wasn’t there as she shakes her head.

‘And there would be talk of joyous celebrating. With pizza rolls.’ GAIA says, her voice lilting with a familiarity and teasing tone that Aloy has never heard her use.

‘And death metal.’ Elisabet echoes, her exasperation only seeming to grow, before she suddenly pauses. ‘But the others…’

Elisabet must decide not to dwell too long on that thought, as instead she sighs and changes the subject.

‘I am guessing HEPHAESTUS escaped back into the cauldron network by now?’

‘That is correct.’ GAIA confirms, and Aloy takes this opportunity to interject.

‘Beta and I have been thinking about a plan to recapture it. While we were researching about Nemesis these past few days.’ Aloy supplies. ‘But we’re sure it won’t be so easy this time.’

‘It’s not a problem, trust me.’ Elisabet waves her hand dismissively. ‘I have all of the passwords memorized, HEPHAESTUS’s included. I’ll transfer them to you.’

‘Passwords?’ Aloy turns to her with a raised brow. ‘You mean passcodes?’

Aloy is no stranger to passcodes. She’s had to use and find plenty of them in a multitude of crumbling ruins throughout her travels.

‘No, passwords. To manually get into the subordinate function’s code and override it from the inside.’ Elisabet corrects her. But when Aloy only looks at her with confusion, Elisabet extrapolates further. ‘Think of them as answers to very specific questions, that only certain people have the answers to. Once you have the answer, the system will let you in automatically.’

‘But how are they different?’ Aloy asks, still not understanding. ‘From passcodes?’

‘Passcodes are very standard, low-level security that use only numbers.’ Elisabet explains, her words and tone patient. ‘Passwords use much more. Letters, numbers, special characters. Anything really.’

‘Oh…’ Aloy tilts her head, trying to understand. ‘And all the subordinate functions have passwords like that?’

‘Everything having to do with GAIA does.’ Elisabet gestures up to the AI.

‘But even with the password, it’s still in the network.’ Aloy points out. ‘Last time we captured it, we had to have GAIA call it down. At Cauldron GEMINI.’

‘Hm, I’ll look into it. Rewrite some things to bring it down to one of the cores.’ Elisabet says, furrowing her brow with thought but appearing none too bothered. ‘Shouldn’t be that hard.’

Would it really be so simple?

Something about that rubs Aloy the wrong way, though she’s not sure exactly why.

‘I will highlight all data regarding HEPHAESTUS’s code for your review, Elisabet.’ GAIA offers.

‘Thanks, GAIA.’ Elisabet says, before walking closer to the control console. ‘Speaking of, let me take a look at yours. I’m curious to see what changes you’ve made after all this time.’

‘Certainly.’ GAIA says without protest. ‘Particularly, there is something that I might request your input on, Elisabet. It has to do with the newly re-acquired subordinate function ARTEMIS, and the genetic code for mammalian morphology zygote CAN0589ISLU5198US. The containing preservation appears to be nonresponsive.’

‘Got it.’ Elisabet says, not at all phased by the long string of letters and numbers that made Aloy’s head spin. ‘I’ll check it out.’

Aloy is left standing there, only able to watch the two of them, as if somehow she’d just been reduced to the sidelines. She tries to keep up with their conversation, but Elisabet and GAIA’s discussion is clearly a familiar, easy connection. One that has been forged over many late-night hours of camaraderie, and clearly only for the two of them as they’re both lost in their own little world of codes and data.

Until eventually, the sound of movement downstairs catches their attention.

‘It appears that Zo has awakened.’ GAIA observes, showcasing the time of day on a small interface. ‘I would surmise that she is attending to the task of preparing breakfast for everyone.’

‘Have we really been talking for that long?’ Elisabet mumbles, her brow furrowing. ‘Aloy, you must be starving by now.’

‘It’s okay.’ Aloy shakes her head, not wanting to let Elisabet out of her sight just yet. ‘I can get something later.’

‘I’m not going anywhere. I promise.’ Elisabet says, seemingly understanding her worries without words. ‘Please, go get something to eat, then come and join us with Beta when you’re ready.’

Aloy looks Elisabet over, then glances at GAIA, who appears to be in complete agreement with her creator.

‘… Okay. Til later then.’ She reluctantly agrees, knowing a dismissal when she hears one.

Bonus Scene:

Once Aloy is well out of earshot, the tension that had been in Elisabet’s mechanical shoulders loosens as she lapses into silence. She looks towards the stairs as GAIA also grows quiet behind her, both of them standing in a comfortable quiet.

‘So it… really happened, huh?’ Elisabet eventually asks, in awe. ‘And not just one, but two…’

‘Yes.’ GAIA says, her expression soft. ‘I believe in this instance, the best response to say would be that of “Congratulations”.’

‘I… Thank you.’ Elisabet says, her voice almost on autopilot as she looks dazed.

‘Query; how do you feel?’ GAIA asks.

The familiar format of question causes Elisabet to finally look away from the stairs.

‘I…’ Elisabet pauses, appearing thoughtful. ‘Like I just started, but somehow I’m doing something wrong already.’ She says honestly.

‘If it is any consolation, I can assure you that Aloy more than likely feels the same way.’ The AI assures. ‘She has asked about you, many times. Beta has as well.’

‘Did they?’ Elisabet looks contemplative as her gaze turns far away.

‘Yes. I can only speculate how overwhelming it must feel for them to know that you are once again living, Elisabet.’ GAIA says. ‘Though, rest assured, I believe that the three of you will adjust to this new dynamic, given time.’

‘I’m sure.’ Elisabet hums, before her expression hardens. ‘About that. GAIA, we seriously need to talk.’

‘Of course, Elisabet.’

Chapter Text

When Aloy and Beta eventually enter the projection room after breakfast, they are surprised to find that both GAIA and Elisabet have sullen, serious expressions.

As if they were just having a rather grave conversation, or maybe an argument of some kind?

Though, Elisabet’s expression relaxes a bit when she sees them come up the stairs.

‘Hello Aloy. Beta.’ GAIA is the first to acknowledge the two of them.

‘Good morning, GAIA.’ Beta quietly greets her. ‘Um, good morning Elisabet.’

‘Good morning, Beta.’ Elisabet greets back. ‘How was breakfast?’

‘Fine. Good.’ Beta says, perhaps a bit too quickly, and Aloy is a little relieved to see that she is not the only one nervous in Elisabet’s presence. ‘What were you and GAIA talking about?’

At this, Elisabet looks away with a contemplative gaze, prompting GAIA to answer for her.

‘Elisabet and I were discussing her present state of being, and have uncovered some rather growing concerns.’

‘What concerns?’ Beta asks, her tone worried as she looks between the two of them.

‘I’m fine, GAIA.’ Elisabet sighs.  

Aloy, though, recognizes that tone. She’s used it plenty of times herself.

Whenever she has noticeably not been fine.

‘What’s going on?’ Aloy asks directly, leaving no room for argument.

‘I am apprehensive of Elisabet’s current state of mind, given the recently reviewed information provided by the Zenith database. Particularly in regards to the Nemesis project itself.’ GAIA supplies. ‘The digitally contained minds within the program started to deteriorate over time, leading to the insanity seen today in the threat of Nemesis. Parallel to this phenomenon, Elisabet has stated that it is becoming increasingly difficult to focus with each passing day.’

‘We have time before anything damaging happens.’ Elisabet points out. ‘I can wait longer.’

‘Regardless, should this pattern continue, I fear what may permanently happen to your psyche, Elisabet.’ GAIA insists.

GAIA’s expression is concerned and Elisabet noticeably pauses in response. After a moment or two, her face shifts into a resigned frown as she crosses her arms.

‘There’s really only one long term solution here.’ She admits.

‘You’ll need a body of your own. And soon.’

Everyone turns to the new voice that flitters into the room.

After a moment, a holo projection of Sylens transmits through Aloy’s focus.

‘And who invited you to this conversation, Sylens?’ Aloy asks, still cross with him from their last interaction, and none too pleased about him apparently hacking into her focus again either.

‘I felt the need to chime in, considering the amount of progress I’ve made in that regard.’

‘Oh?’ Elisabet lifts an eyebrow.  

‘Yes, and should you have what you set out for, then the process can be started once the chamber is extracted.’

‘That’s sooner than we thought. And you confirmed it?’ Elisabet asks with suspicion.

‘Of course. When have I ever not held up my end?’

Elisabet pinches the bridge of her nose, as if gathering strength.

‘It’s done.’

‘Specifically, how much?’ Sylens pushes. ‘Per the data, you would need at least-‘

‘I said it’s done.’ Elisabet says, her tone sharp. ‘I’ve gotten everything there is left to give.’ Her Clawstrider shifts in place. Something in its mouth catches the golden light of GAIA’s projection, and Aloy notices for the first time that there is a vial hidden between its teeth. ‘If it’s all the same to you, Sylens, I’d rather refrain from discussing the details.’

‘Wait.’ Aloy holds up her hands, unable to keep up with this conversation. ‘Back up. What are you talking about?’

‘When we fought Tilda,’ Elisabet looks up at the ceiling, as if she’d rather be talking about anything else right now. ‘She mentioned I could have a body of my own in a few weeks. She wasn’t lying. It can be done through the Zenith ectogenic chambers.’

Elisabet walks her Clawstrider forward, placing the small vial into the slot of GAIA’s control panel. The panel accepts the tube without ceremony, and GAIA does not comment on it.

‘The process can be cut down even further if you have specific DNA samples to start it off with.’ Elisabet then looks away.  ‘And what we found would work best is bone marrow.’

‘Bone marrow?’ Aloy parrots. Her eyes furrow before they widen with realization.

‘Yes, and luckily for you, where and how you chose to die left a lot of things intact.’ Sylens surmises casually.  

‘But… that’s…’

Aloy looks over to Beta, unsurprised to see her horrified expression in response to this.

Elisabet notices it too and gives Sylens a pointed look.

‘Sylens.’ Elisabet says, unimpressed. ‘Some tact, please.’

‘I was only-‘

‘Quiet.’ Elisabet glares at him, and surprisingly, he complies. She then turns back to Beta and Aloy, looking weary. ‘We should have everything now to get started, but there is something I was hoping you could help me with, Aloy.’

‘Yes.’ Aloy says without question. ‘Anything.’

‘While it would probably be best to keep the ectogenic chambers where they are, I don’t trust any of the AI’s that the Zeniths have on their ship.’ Elisabet gestures with her hands as she talks, trying to put her thoughts into words. ‘There are logs of the Nemesis program, before the project turned out to be a failure. Of AI’s overseeing the return of a digital mind back into a living body. But some of the results were not…’ She noticeably pauses for maybe a few seconds too long. ‘I’d rather have the process done here. With GAIA overseeing it all. It’d be easier, in a lot of ways.’

‘Yes, and I would agree that this line of thinking would bring ease to me as well.’ GAIA concurs. ‘Sylens has already begun the process of transferring all of the logs from the Zenith ship to me, so that I may grow familiar with the process and oversee it in stride.’

‘Wait? From the Zenith ship?’ Aloy turns to Sylens. ‘You’re in space right now?’

‘For a time.’ Sylens says, none too bothered. ‘There is quite a lot of knowledge hidden away up here. Some may even provide useful for the ideas that Elisabet already came up with to eradicate Nemesis. Not to mention quite a few of my own.’  

At this, Aloy frowns.

Elisabet has mentioned having some ideas of how they can defeat Nemesis already. But what exactly are they?

‘I’m sending everything I have to both you and Beta. There’s a lot of holes, but it’s enough to start with for now.’ Elisabet says, as if already reading her mind. ‘I have the code for HEPHAESTUS, too.’

Aloy hears the small beep in her ear of data being shared and has to keep the surprise from her face as she quickly skims over the files.

Elisabet already made a code to capture HEPHAESTUS? It’s barely been an hour…

‘Though, Nemesis and HEPHAESTUS are not what I wanted to ask you about.’ Elisabet regains focus of the conversation as she brings up a map of the Far Zenith base. ‘Sylens is working on a way to detach one of the ectogenic chambers. Aloy, I was hoping you could pick it up for me and bring it back here?’

‘I can.’ Aloy nods, walking toward the projection. ‘Would a Sunwing be able to carry it?’

‘No.’ Elisabet zooms the map out a bit. ‘But I left a machine nearby that can help.’ The map pings at a certain spot off the coast. Aloy recognizes it as near that campfire on the shores across from the Zenith Base. ‘It’s a HAP-CHC03 CHIROPTERA. It should be big enough to carry it back.’

Wait.

‘A… what?’ Aloy raises a red eyebrow.

‘That’s the scientific name HEPHAESTUS gave to it.’ Elisabet clarifies, though also raises an eyebrow when Aloy still does not understand, both of them having mirror expressions of each other.

‘There is a common name for the machine that has been provided by the native tribes.’ GAIA supplies, causing them both to look up at her. ‘It is called a Dreadwing.’

‘Oh.’ Aloy says immediately. ‘Yea, um, that should be plenty big enough to get the job done.’

Elisabet curiously looks at her for a moment, before slowly nodding and moving on.

‘It’s been permanently overridden, and should come when you call it.’

‘Got it.’ Aloy nods. ‘I can head out that way tomorrow morning. Should give Sylens enough of a buffer to figure it out by the time I get there.’

‘Very well.’ Sylens says, then looks at Elisabet with a knowing, smug expression. ‘Then I wish you a very pleasant next few days, Elisabet.’

She only rolls her eyes and waves him off as his projection fades.

‘Um, is there anything I should do in the meantime?’ Beta asks once Sylens has left, clearly wanting to be of some help to Elisabet. ‘While Aloy is away?’

‘Actually, yes.’ Elisabet says with a complicated expression. ‘There’s another piece to all this.’ She puts her hands together and turns away, her back straight as she walks a few steps to gather her thoughts. Her mannerisms remind Aloy of the logs from the Project: Zero Dawn Facility, back when she was giving her professional speech about GAIA to a frightened and unknowing audience. ‘While I was gone, I went to visit my old company, and found a few things.’

‘Miriam Technologies.’ Aloy cuts in, causing Elisabet to look at her. ‘Beta and I thought that might be where you had gone.’ She gestures between herself and her sister.

‘Smart girls.’ Elisabet hums and looks away, unaware of how both Aloy and Beta soften a bit in response from that one compliment. ‘I traveled there to find my notes about something I’ve worked with before. About putting a machine to “sleep”.’ She brings up an interface of her notes and gestures to a handwritten diagram. ‘A way to shut down all unnecessary systems for an extended period of time, to preserve not just energy but all of the current data inside the machine.’ She then gestures to her Clawstrider, before crossing her arms. ‘I’m going to cut to the chase with you both, I can’t afford to keep going like this for much longer.’ She sighs, looking absolutely exhausted all of a sudden ‘For any chance of this merge to work, I need to preserve my mind as it is for the time being.’

‘So, you’ll go to sleep?’ Beta asks for clarification. ‘As in, hibernate in the Clawstrider?’

‘In a matter of speaking.’ Elisabet clarifies.

‘Elisabet will undergo a form of half shut down using the code she has modified from Miriam Technologies.’ GAIA extrapolates. ‘I will administer the code, and while Elisabet will still maintain a sense of personhood, the Clawstrider she inhabits will only have its base capabilities.’

Aloy nods along to GAIA’s explanation, her brow furrowing when she seems to understand just what exactly is going to happen.

‘So you’ll be… just a Clawstrider?’ Aloy asks.

‘Yes.’ Elisabet sighs. ‘As GAIA said, I will still be myself, don’t worry, but I won’t be able to speak with you both like this or do anything else productive.’ She gestures down to her holo projection. ‘Beta, I’m going to give you a copy of all the data Sylens used to bring back my mind. I’d like you to keep it safe.’

‘Of course.’ Beta blinks, appearing a bit touched to be trusted with such an important task. ‘Definitely. I’ll keep all of it safe, I promise.’

‘Thank you.’ Elisabet’s Clawstrider then turns its head, lifting one of the metal plumes on its neck to reveal a focus hiding inside. ‘There’s data on there that I found back at the company and in some other places too. Plus, a lot of older memories that Sylens either didn’t have access to or just didn’t bother trying to integrate.’

Elisabet pauses for a moment, her next words holding weight.

‘Literally, everything that I am is on that focus.’ She says as Beta cradles the device in her hands, as if it is the most precious treasure in the world. ‘So don’t lose it.’

Beta nods and looks over the focus with great interest, though doesn’t dare to scan its contents.

‘You can look through it, if you promise to share with your sister.’ Elisabet says anyway, already seeming to know what she is thinking. Beta quickly looks up, appearing flustered as she glances at Aloy. ‘Though, there are some parts that are… well…’ Elisabet frowns and looks away, putting a hand on her hip.

‘Zero Dawn?’ Aloy asks, assuming those memories are not exactly pleasant ones to share.

‘No.’ Elisabet sighs as she looks off in the distance. ‘Well, you’ll see.’ She puts her map interface away. ‘That should be everything.’ Elisabet’s expression then turns serious. ‘Use the plans for Nemesis any way you want. You both know this world better than I do so I’ll trust your judgement.’ Her eyes then grow annoyed as she shakes her head. ‘And it goes without saying, but do not let Sylens bully you both into anything. He agreed to stay behind to help for now, but I wouldn’t put it past him to bow out whenever it’s most convenient for him, same as always.’

Aloy huffs at this, knowing firsthand of Sylen’s treacherous ways.

Even so, she feels something swell in her chest knowing that Elisabet is willing to trust her and Beta with something this catastrophically important.

To have her trust, her acknowledgement, it means everything to Aloy.  

‘We won’t.’ She swears. ‘Thanks, Elisabet.’

Elisabet nods to her, then turns to GAIA, her expression less than happy.  

‘Is it time, you think?’ She asks, sounding reluctant.

‘As I have stated before, the sooner the better, Elisabet.’ GAIA says. Her tone is stern in the sort of way a parent would use when encouraging their child to take medicine. ‘While you are hibernating, I will watch over you alongside everyone here.’ She promises. ‘I have already contacted them via focus to inform of what will be transpiring, and they have all agreed to lend a hand with whatever you need during your most vulnerable time.’

‘That’s very nice of them.’ Elisabet says quietly, turning to look towards the doorway.

‘They are an exceptionally kind group of people, as I’m sure you will learn over the next few days.’ GAIA hums, then gestures to the control panel. ‘Now, shall we?’

The process of putting Elisabet to “sleep”, goes a lot faster than Aloy had predicted.

Almost startlingly so.

GAIA was able to set up a direct link between herself and Elisabet’s Clawstrider by using a connection wire from the main terminal. Once Aloy inserted the wire into a hidden slot on the machine’s tail, both she and Beta watched with varying levels of alarm as the pink light faded from Elisabet’s eyes, and she fell to the floor in a matter of seconds.

‘A moment.’ GAIA assures as both girls hover over the limp Clawstrider. ‘All is normal.’  

Thankfully, once the code is completed, light returns to Elisabet’s eyes. It is noticeably a different shade now. More of a dull strawberry color instead of the shining azalea pink it once was.

‘Elisabet, can you hear me?’ GAIA asks once her review of the process is complete.

Elisabet does not respond for several long moments, simply laying there on the floor and staring ahead of her in unnerving silence. Were this any normal machine, Aloy would be on edge, her hand on her spear and her instincts waiting for an attack, but now all she feels is a different kind of tension in her chest as the seconds tick by.

Eventually, slowly, Elisabet stands up and shakes her machine panels.

GAIA repeats her question, causing Elisabet to nod and turn the small feather-like protrusions on her head back and forth.

‘Are your eyes functioning as normal?’ GAIA continues, and Elisabet answers by rotating the machine’s mechanical eyes. ‘Any pain?’ Elisabet shakes her head. ‘That is good news. I will continue to monitor you and inform Aloy and Beta of any concerns.’

Elisabet opens her mouth, as if moving to thank GAIA, but all that comes out is a sort of mechanical grunt.

She quickly takes a step back, and instead opts to simply nod.

Clearly, this will take some getting used to…

The rest of the day is spent with a bit of leisure.

Aloy attends to her weapons and other tools in her arsenal, making herself busy. A Sunwing should get her down to the Zenith base in about two or three days. After adding on another to saddle up the Dreadwing and rendezvous with Sylens, that has her looking at about a weeklong round trip there and back.

‘Though if I hurry, I could maybe shave off a day or two.’ She mutters to herself. ‘I really don’t want to be gone for too long if I can help it.’

While GAIA had assured her that Elisabet will be just fine here at base, Aloy is still apprehensive about leaving her. Especially now considering they are racing against the clock with the Nemesis program.

The sound of excited chatter outside her door has Aloy looking up from her thoughts.

‘Well, at least everyone else is taking all of this in stride.’

GAIA had asked that the others welcome Elisabet as one of their own, and some were clearly more up to that task than others.

It has barely been fifteen minutes, and already Alva has caught Elisabet in a very animated, very long-winded conversation about the Old Ones and The Legacy.

‘Did the Old Ones really carry around the carcass of a water animal to hear the ocean waves?... Oh, I think Kotallo said it was called a “sea shell”?... Yes, you have heard of them!... So, is it true?... That’s so fascinating! Have you ever tried it, Elisabet?... Please tell me, was it as magical as it sounds?... Oh no, really? Why not?’

As she listens to their conversation, Aloy can’t help feeling impressed that not even Elisabet’s limited responses are able to slow Alva down in the slightest.

While putting a pair of purgewater traps away into her pack, Aloy peeks out through the doorway at the two of them. Elisabet seems to be enjoying the conversation, at least. In fact, she seems rather amused by Alva’s antics, as her tail is resting low and her head is tilted with bright, engaged eyes.

One look around the room shows Aloy that she’s not the only one listening in on the conversation, either. Erend is doing a terrible job of pretending to be busy with his focus, barely keeping the façade up by lazily clicking through the interface at random intervals. Zo is standing across from him at the counter, tending to one of the plants from the garden outside while occasionally glancing up to watch Alva and Elisabet. And while Aloy can’t exactly see Kotallo from her current vantage point, she definitely knows that he is listening, given the topic at hand.

‘Hey.’ Beta steals Aloy’s attention away as she knocks on the door frame. ‘How is packing going?’

‘Fine.’ Aloy shrugs as Beta enters the room, the door automatically closing behind her. ‘I’ll probably be in the air by the time you get up tomorrow.’

‘Okay, well. Just stay safe.’ Beta says as she watches Aloy take a seat by her stash to craft some arrows.

‘I will.’ Aloy hums with acknowledgement, before the room grows quiet. She looks up at Beta, getting the feeling there is more thather sister wants to say. ‘You going to be alright while I’m gone?’

‘I will. Uh, we will.’ Beta gestures to the main room. ‘I’ll um, I’ll watch over her. But…’

The room grows silent again, a heavy pause between them as both sisters are unsure of how to talk about this entire situation with each other.

They’ve both discussed Elisabet after what happened at the Zenith base; about the logistics of how she came back to life, and what that means for them now regarding their new mission of defeating Nemesis.

However, neither one of them has dared to bring up the actual emotional department of it all.

Aloy can only imagine that Beta feels the same way about all of this as she does, though.

While Aloy had Rost to raise her, she never had a mother. It was a fact that the Nora reminded her of every day. They branded it into Aloy’s skin with their rocks and into her heart with their words, spitting at her with harsh whispers of how unloved and unwanted she is by her mother.

Beta’s branding was similar, but while Aloy had Rost by her side, Beta had no one at all. Not to mention the fact that the Zeniths had a different way of making Beta feel worthless.

One without any words or rocks.

‘I’m… panicking, Aloy.’ Beta comes to sit next to her sister, talking frantically with her hands in the way that she does when she’s nervous. ‘What do I… how do I even talk to her? I’ve been thinking about what to say all this time, running over scenarios in dataspace, talking to GAIA and researching whatever topics I could think of, but now that she’s actually here, I just... I don’t…’

‘I’m not doing much better, Beta. Trust me.’ Aloy places a hand onto her sister’s shoulder, easing her to calm down. ‘But at least you’ll be safe here with her for a while, right? Maybe you can figure it all out while I’m gone.’

‘I don’t know about that.’ Beta frowns. ‘If it’s all the same, I’d rather go with you instead. It would probably be easier, all things considered.’

Her words cause Aloy to huff with an ironic smile.

Clearly, they both have very similar avoidant tendencies.

‘We could switch.’ Aloy offers, her tone light. ‘Though you’d have to deal with both the Dreadwing and Sylens, plus anything else that gets in the way.’

‘On second thought, nevermind.’ Beta backpedals immediately, causing the two of them to share a smile.

They both grow silent, however, upon hearing noise from the main room. They pause to listen, noting that the sound is strangely not the death metal racket that Erend usually plays.

‘Is that… music?’ Aloy ponders out loud.

‘I think so?’ Beta tilts her head.

It’s some kind of music, yes, but much more soothing, yet still jovial in tone.

When it eventually fades, the sound of Erend loudly chatting with Alva and Elisabet can be heard from out in the living room. Beta looks toward the door, listening to their conversation, before turning back to Aloy.

When she does, her face is twisted and vulnerable.

‘Aloy…’ She starts, appearing hesitant. ‘Elisabet, she… she called us her daughters.’

Aloy is silent for a few moments before nodding.

‘I know, Beta.’ Aloy says, voice stiff.

‘How do you… feel about that?’ Beta asks cautiously.

Aloy feels… like she wants to run.

Go somewhere far away into the wilds where Elisabet will never find her.

But also somehow… like she wants to go to Elisabet right now, and never let her go ever again.

All her life… Aloy has yearned for her mother. She still has fuzzy memories of being a very small child, seeing other children spending time with their mothers, and desperately wanting her own. She never understood why Rost would just gently brush the topic aside. Why he and no one else ever spoke of what happened to her. The unknown had turned into yearning. One so strong that it spurred her on to the Proving, then later still when she was unraveling the truth of Project Zero Dawn and clinging to the faint hope that her mother could somehow still be alive out there in the world.

 That yearning has burned a hole so deep into Aloy’s heart over the years that she can still feel it aching to this day. It is a raw, painful feeling that she’s learned to live with.

But now, knowing that Elisabet is here, that she’s alive, and willing to call Aloy her daughter…

It has Aloy completely frozen in a way she’s never felt before.

‘I don’t… I don’t know yet.’ Aloy eventually manages to admit.

The night had been filled with good company, and more laughter and music than Aloy was expecting, considering the odd occurrence of having a hunter-killer machine inside of their base.

Erend had joined Alva and Elisabet’s conversation, and asked for suggestions on music, never being one to shy away from an excuse to have a welcome party. Thankfully, the songs that Elisabet approved of from APOLLO’s database were much more pleasant to the ear than the ones Erend preferred, and for that she quickly won Zo’s favor. Kotallo had even joined them at some point, too, merely listening in as he took his turn making dinner for everyone.

Elisabet herself seemed to be doing just fine with all the unexpected attention, though Aloy had to figure that she must of noticed that her and Beta are keeping their distance. At least everyone else in the base offers some distraction from that, but nonetheless, Aloy knows that they can’t keep avoiding each other forever.

With a sigh, Aloy leaves her room early the next morning, her pack full and her bow and spear strapped to her back. The common room is as quiet and dark as she would expect, but there is suspiciously no sign of a pink Clawstrider anywhere.

‘GAIA?’ Aloy calls, keeping her voice low so as not to disturb the others. ‘Where’s Elisabet?’

‘Elisabet left the base through the eastern exit some time ago.’ GAIA explains, prompting Aloy to immediately turn that way.

‘Elisabet left the base? Why?’ She asks, more to herself than to GAIA. ‘Clawstriders aren’t exactly rare, but they can still be hunted for parts.’

She walks faster, realizing that this situation had the potential to turn ugly real fast. Elisabet is practically helpless right now, with no means to communicate or defend herself.

What if she is attacked by a hunter? Or fell down the cliff? Or got lost?

‘Elisabet would often tell stories of watching beautiful sunrises.’ GAIA continues, unbothered as Aloy quickly hurries down the corridor. ‘She seemed quite desolate in the knowledge that, due to the Faro Plague, she could no longer view them.’ GAIA says as Aloy opens the door and steps out into the world. ‘My assumption is that perhaps she has wanted to resume this pastime.’

GAIA’s prediction turns out to be correct as Aloy immediately catches sight of a Clawstrider watching the sunrise… next to Varl’s grave.

Elisabet looks absolutely serene among the snow and the eastern golden rays of the sun while sitting upon the green Utaru woven mats. Aloy lets out a breath, looking between her and the grave. She hesitantly approaches, feeling guilt settle into her chest as she looks at her friend’s final resting place.

She… hasn’t been out here lately.

Time was certainly a big part of it, sure, but if Aloy were honest, it was just… hard, to find the courage to sit with Varl. She knew he wouldn’t judge her for taking all the time she needs, but… she can almost see his kind smile and feel his altruistic spirit as she approaches, and knows that she should really be making more of an effort to come out here.

When Aloy finally comes to stand next to her, Elisabet looks away from the sunrise.

‘Good morning, Elisabet.’ Aloy says, trying to keep her voice as neutral as possible. ‘I see you’re uh, getting acquainted with Varl.’

Elisabet tilts her head as Aloy sits with her.

‘I’m sure he’d like the company.’ Aloy says after a moment or two. ‘Though, I’m not sure what he’d make of you, to be honest.’ She thinks for a second on that thought before her expression relaxes and she huffs out a laughing breath. ‘He probably would just, I don’t know. Make a joke about how nothing can surprise him anymore.’

She looks to Elisabet, but lifts a red eyebrow as she notices her confusion.

Oh… maybe the others haven’t explained?

‘Elisabet, this is my friend, Varl.’ Aloy gestures to the rocks, which she supposes to an unknowing party, especially to an Old One, would just appear to be an ordinary place of offering. Or one of worship perhaps. ‘He… passed away recently.’

The sudden knowledge that this monument is a grave seems to hit Elisabet like a ton of bricks. She immediately gets up and backs away, her posture lowering.

‘It’s okay.’ Aloy assures her, holding up her hands. ‘He would love the company, trust me.’ At this reassurance, Elisabet slowly sits back down, all of her attention on Aloy as the huntress gazes toward the grave. ‘We met a few years ago, and just kept running into each other. Or actually, he kept running into me. No matter how many times I tried to leave him behind.’ Her voice then lowers as her face falls. ‘He… was the best friend I could have ever asked for.’ She admits, her voice small. ‘He died, trying to protect Beta, GAIA and I…’

Aloy lets the conversation fade, her head lost in memories.

Cauldron GEMINI seems like a lifetime ago, but at the same time as if it were only yesterday. Watching Varl die right before her eyes been an unbearable pain, jabbing into an old wound she had tried to ignore from when the same thing had happened to Rost.

She is still puzzling it all together, taking her time to process what happened that day.

“Sometimes, when I think about my sister, about what she would have become if she had survived the Proving, it hurts. And I just need to bury it for a while. But only for a while, Aloy. You can’t ignore it forever. Memories always come back. The ones that matter, anyway.”

She knows, now. And she is willing to try to heed Varl’s words.

The problem, though, is that Aloy was never properly taught how to mourn. She’s lost others in battle before, but so much of her life has been spent in isolation, with only Rost at her side. He had never taught her that lesson. Whether it was through lack of time or through a simple lack of need.

They were both outcasts, after all. There was no one ever close enough to Aloy for her to mourn.

At least… not until Rost himself died, and she was left alone, struggling to pick up the pieces ever since.

Aloy sits there with Elisabet on the green woven mats for some time, simply feeling the weight of their conversation as she lets the painful memories pass by.

Eventually, among the whispering winds and dancing flakes of the mountaintop, Elisabet stands. Aloy looks up as the machine approaches the wall of the mountain, where pale blooms are growing in a small patch. Elisabet uses her legs and her tail to boost herself up towards the blooms, and Aloy watches as she gently grabs one of the white flowers off the cliffside with her teeth.

Carefully, Elisabet approaches Varl’s grave, and delicately places the bloom on top. Her pink machine eyes then close and she lowers her head, paying her respects.

Aloy gaze flickers from Elisabet to the flower for several moments, feeling something in her chest that she has no name for. Hesitantly, she also stands and goes to the cliffside to pick a small bloom, before mimicking Elisabet by placing the flower next to hers. The Clawstrider does not open her eyes, and Aloy slowly closes her own, her head pointed down in reminiscent of Elisabet’s.

The two of them stand side by side together for a moment of silence to remember and honor Varl, nothing but the wind and the snow buffeting around them on the mountainside.

When Elisabet does open her eyes, the huntress is not sure exactly what expression she’s making. It’s enough, however, for Elisabet to tilt her head again and move to approach her.

Aloy takes a step back before Elisabet can get any closer, though.

‘I should… probably get going.’ She says, hooking a thumb behind her. ‘Don’t want to keep Sylens waiting. You uh, know how he gets.’

There is a bit of humor in Aloy’s voice, but Elisabet only looks at her silently.

Aloy turns away from that gaze, lest Elisabet see more of her than she is willing to give.

‘So, I’ll be back in a few days. GAIA and Beta will keep us in touch if anything happens.’ Aloy continues, gesturing to her focus. ‘I’ll see you later then.’

At this, Elisabet nods and goes once more to take a step toward Aloy, before hesitating and ultimately keeping the distance between them. Aloy looks at her oddly, as instead of whatever it was that Elisabet was about to do, the Clawstrider only lifts up a clawed hand and waves it back and forth.

Slowly, a small, hesitant smile comes over Aloy’s face as she waves goodbye back.

With Aloy gone, GAIA observes that Elisabet seems a bit more withdrawn than yesterday.

Especially when it seems as if Beta is being a bit flighty with her as well in the absence of her elder sister.

Elisabet spends that first day with everyone else at base; talking with Alva for a few hours about different Old World topics, watching Kotallo tinker with his arm, keeping Zo company as she cooked lunch, and picking out another song or two for Erend.

Once it started to grow dark outside, and one by one the inhabitants of the base retired for the night, Elisabet retreated into the projection room.

‘Elisabet, you seem… restless.’ GAIA comments while watching the Clawstrider pace back and forth. At her words, Elisabet abruptly stops, seeming to just now notice her actions. ‘I know this is an adjustment, considering you were never skilled at rest and recuperation.’ At this, Elisabet looks at her, and even without words GAIA can feel her rebuttal. ‘Or is it perhaps something else?’

There is a lilt to GAIA’s voice, a knowing tone, and Elisabet looks away in response.

‘Either way, please relax, Elisabet, and trust me when I say that this is only temporary.’

Elisabet looks at her, something heavy and unspoken between them.

That next day, Elisabet once again sits with Varl to watch the sunrise.

It is snowing that morning, and she watches the dancing flakes fall, wistfully catching them on the nose of her machine. She must have been out there for far longer than she realized, simply admiring this new world around her, before Zo joins her once the hour grows to early afternoon.

‘Hello, Elisabet.’ Zo greets, causing the Clawstrider to blink as she’s brought out of whatever headspace she’d fallen into. ‘How are you?’ She asks, earning a huff and a nod in response. ‘I wanted to thank you, by the way.’ She says, causing Elisabet to tilt her head. ‘For visiting with Varl and keeping him company lately.’

Zo examines a few of the plants near Varl’s grave, pausing to look over the curious pair of pale blooms that now sit atop it.

A small smile comes over her face as she takes a seat next to the machine.

‘Aloy can be a bit… skittish. About visiting.’ Zo explains. ‘Beta as well.’ She says as the two of them watch the snow drift through the early afternoon sky. ‘I have noticed, that they have now extended that same avoidance to you as well.’

Elisabet does not react to this notion, but Zo continues just the same.

‘It must be a lot for them to take in… knowing that you are alive once more.’ Zo sympathizes. ‘We had all thought that you were long passed from this world. Them most of all.’ She then looks at Elisabet earnestly. ‘Give them time. And… perhaps not just them. Yourself also.’

Elisabet looks at her, but Zo only looks down and puts her hands on her growing stomach.

‘From one new mother to another.’ She acknowledges. ‘I can maybe understand some of what you are going through.’

Elisabet looks at Zo’s belly, the pink in her eyes fading to a softer light.

‘Speaking of, I was hoping you could help me with something.’ Zo stands up with purpose. ‘I want to move some of these plants inside. To bring more life into the base.’ She explains. ‘Honestly, after everything that’s happened thus far, I believe some redecorating would do all of us some good.’

Zo goes over to the small garden and pulls away a heavy pot, easily unencumbered by the weight of the large fern.

‘While I would ask one of the others to assist, Erend has stated that we do not need any more leaves inside the base.’ Her eyes and tone are flat, clearly showing her disagreement. ‘Kotallo is hard at work on fixing his arm after the battle, and Alva is currently taking her turn at preparing lunch.’ She explains. ‘So, I thought I would ask for your aid, if you wouldn’t mind.’ Her lips then curve into a sly smile as she looks at Elisabet. ‘Besides, I also heard from GAIA that you were… are an avid plant lover?’

At this, Elisabet stands up, her machine eyes bright.

‘Then we are both in good company.’

Beta is avoiding Elisabet.

She can admit it. Just like how she admitted to avoiding Aloy and everyone else here at the base after she first escaped the Zeniths. That time feels like so long ago now. Beta still feels guilty just thinking about it, knowing that somehow, she’s taken a step back into those dark days by once again hiding herself away in the server room.

But she just… wasn’t ready to face everything. Not yet.

At least she has more than enough work to occupy herself with for the time being, though.

The information and plans that Elisabet had shared with her and Aloy were both thorough and enlightening, if a bit hard to understand. Beta has seen Elisabet’s coding before, both when working with GAIA to study HEPHAESTUS before Cauldron GEMINI, and when she was going through her more detailed training modules aboard the Zenith ship.

All of Elisabet’s work is absolutely perfect. Not a single digit or decimal out of place.

Elisabet’s notes on the other hand… that was a completely different story.

It was as if the chicken scratch were written by an actual chicken, one with unlimited knowledge of lost Old World jargon. Beta supposes she can’t be too surprised, though, seeing how gibberish style notes were quite common character traits of doctors in all of the holos that she’s seen thus far.

And Elisabet is a doctor… the only one left on the planet.

Or more accurately, the only Old One left, now that Tilda and the others are dead…

The miracle of that knowledge still astounds Beta every time she stops to think about it.

That they’re all… really gone.

Never to darken her doorway again.

It sounded too good to be true…

Regardless, Beta has the feeling that she would still be taking the same amount of time to decipher Elisabet’s notes even without the Old World chicken scratch.

Seeing as there is something else a bit more tempting to look at, after all.

Even though Elisabet has given permission for Beta to go through the focus containing all her memories, she hasn’t quite gathered the courage to venture that far into it yet. Until now, all knowledge that Beta has ever been taught about Elisabet was strictly superficial; her birth date, when she graduated university, details about her company, her awards for her extensive work in green robotics, and her magnum opus; Project Zero Dawn.

All of it was crucial information for Beta to know and understand regarding Elisabet’s influence on the world and her legacy left behind.

Knowledge about Elisabet as a person, though? That was a completely different story.

The only Zenith that would have had any insight into Elisabet’s personal life was Tilda, but Beta had no way of knowing that at the time. And even if Beta somehow had prior knowledge about their previous relationship, she couldn’t imagine Tilda would have been very forthcoming with any of the details.

So, this focus with all of Elisabet’s memories, it was like a gold mine.

She was almost afraid to even touch it.

She has managed to scan its contents, though, but only had the nerve to look at pictures so far.

Even then, there was already so much to unpack.

Beta didn’t exactly know what she pictured Elisabet to look like in her younger days, but it still somehow surprised her to find what looked like pictures of her sister among the now ancient camera roll.

Elisabet looked… exactly like Aloy when she was her age.

Well, of course she did. She also looked a lot like Beta when she was that age too.

Except, it’s almost uncanny. The only difference between them being Elisabet’s hair.

Elisabet’s red tresses were long, a lot longer than Aloy’s. Beta went back through the pictures and watched as her hair grew from the short bob she had as a child, until it reached the back of her thighs when she graduated university and started working at Faro Automated Solutions.

Among the scrolling pictures, Beta saw glimpses of other people too. Of a man and woman, presumably Elisabet’s parents, and someone else there, too.

An older redheaded boy.

Elisabet… had a brother? Beta never knew.

Already that knowledge has felt like too much, and she hasn’t had the nerve to pry much deeper beyond that for today. But, there is one picture that she chose to save just for herself.

The photo is of Elisabet at her home, Sobeck Ranch. Her age is somewhere around 20 years old, looking way too much like Aloy. She is standing next to an animal, one Beta recognizes as an extinct species called a horse. It’s a black one with white markings, and in the picture, it’s playfully nibbling on Elisabet’s ponytail. The girl herself barely seems to notice, though, instead smiling and laughing warmly at the person behind the camera.

After spending a few hours debating off and on, Beta sends a copy of the photograph to Aloy, ultimately honoring Elisabet’s wish that she share with her sister.  

To her surprise, Aloy calls her almost immediately after receiving the message.

‘Hey Beta.’ Aloy greets. ‘Is that…?’

‘Yea.’ Beta has a small smile on her face as she looks at the picture. ‘She was your age.’

Aloy goes silent on the other line, before letting out a breath.

‘Her hair. It’s so long.’ Aloy comments.

Elisabet’s hair was indeed long, cascading over her shoulders in curly red waves.

‘I know. It’s so pretty.’ Beta comments, before her tone turns curious. ‘Does yours look like that too? You know, without the braids?’

‘I uh, I guess so? Never really thought about it, I guess.’ Aloy says, sounding unsure and thoughtful. ‘I always keep it braided, and there’s not exactly many mirrors out in the wilds.’

‘So it’s out of your face? For fighting?’ Beta tilts her head.

‘Something like that.’ Aloy admits. Her voice sounds complicated. ‘All Nora have braids. Varl did too, and Rost.’ She pauses; the weight of their names heavy.

Beta frowns in response, subtly picking up on Aloy’s choice of words.

Aloy has always been like that. Ultimately denying her membership in the Nora tribe.

Beta has never pried into it, not wanting to upset her sister, and she doesn’t plan to do so now.

Instead, Beta switches for a distraction by going into the video section of Elisabet’s focus. There are a few videos taken from when Elisabet was Aloy’s age, and Beta clicks on one that looks interesting.

‘Are you flying right now?’ Beta suddenly asks. ‘Or, I don’t know, fighting some big machine?’

‘Just stopped to rest and eat something.’ Aloy says. ‘Why?’

‘Look.’

Beta sends her the video file, and watches alongside Aloy as an image of Elisabet comes into view. The person behind the camera is standing next to a large white circular pen, and they center the lens onto Elisabet as she rides atop her horse. There is music playing from somewhere in the background, the exact same song that Beta and Aloy had heard yesterday.

Elisabet and her horse ride together as if in perfect tune with the music itself; making jumps, turns, trots, and side steps seemingly just for the fun of it. The two work in perfect synchronization, at one point even turning around in fast circles together as Elisabet lifts one hand off the reins, completely trusting her horse to keep her steady.

When the song ends, the camera zooms in on the huge, joyful grin that Elisabet has on her young face. She pets her horse fondly as the person behind the camera unclasps the door to the pen and steps inside.

‘Lizzy, dinner’s ready. I called you twice already.’ A woman’s voice says.

‘Make it three times?’ Elisabet teases, unbothered as she slows her horse to a walk.

The woman sighs as the horse comes over and playfully nudges the camera with its nose.

‘As happy as I am to see that you’re not holed up again working on your thesis paper…’ She chides gently. ‘It’d be nice if you actually remembered to eat once in a while, too.’

‘Hmm… I’ll see what I can do.’ Elisabet says and looks away as a new song starts to play in the background. ‘No promises, though.’

Her horse seems to already know what Elisabet is thinking, and it turns from the camera to trot off in the opposite direction.

‘Young lady.’ The woman calls after her. Her words are disapproving, but her tone is a fond form of exasperation. ‘Really. What am I going to do with you?’

The video ends there, and both Beta and Aloy go silent, the two sisters simply staring at the dark screen the video left behind.

After a few moments, Beta speaks.

‘I want to watch it again.’

‘… Me too.’

When Beta finishes her call with Aloy and eventually ventures out of her room in search of food, she finds a literal jungle growing in the common room that certainly hadn’t been there before.

She must have an absolutely perplexed look upon on her face, because Alva looks up from whatever she’s making for lunch and smiles at her knowingly.

‘Elisabet and Zo have been hard at work redecorating the base.’ Alva explains, sounding happy with this change. ‘Isn’t it great?’

‘Um, yea. I suppose.’ Beta says, looking around at the multitude of plants and other decorations that have been added to the space.

A little touch of green is among every corner. New shelves have now been hammered into the walls, too. Each one holds small trinkets from the inhabitants of the base such as decorative machine parts, weapons, scrolls, pictures or drawings. The furniture has been moved around as well, adding a new feeling to the room as there’s clearly now a space for communal lounging as well as a large dining room table for shared mealtimes.

It’s not a big change in the grand scheme of things but the place feels more… homey.

More lived in, certainly.

‘Great. More plants.’ Erend mumbles. ‘How am I supposed to focus when I walk face first into leaves every step I take?’

‘You could start by watching where you’re going.’ Zo huffs as she enters the room, carrying a small flower in her arms. Elisabet is right behind her, using her teeth to pull a rather large fiddle-leaf fig into the room.

‘I’m just saying,’ Erend starts, gesturing to the plethora of foliage all around. ‘Don’t you think this is a bit much?’

‘Nonsense.’ Zo says, her voice smug. ‘Besides, Elisabet agrees with me.’

‘Great. Now there’s two of ya to bully more plants in here.’ Erend jokes in a teasing way.

‘Precisely.’ Zo says, her tone matching his. ‘Looks like you’re outnumbered.’

Their interaction puts Beta at ease, remembering how the two of them would often butt heads not that long ago.

After Varl’s passing, they’ve clearly grown closer in their shared grief.

It was the only good thing to come out of Cauldron GEMINI.

‘Well, I say the more the merrier.’ Alva says cheerfully as Elisabet finishes noisily pulling the clay pot into the room. ‘Besides, GAIA said we should be helping to make Elisabet feel at home here, right? And what better way to do that than to let her redecorate all she wants?’

Erend only grumbles in response to this notion as Kotallo then enters the common room.

The Tenakth Marshal pauses, looking just as baffled as Beta did a few moments ago.

‘Why… are there so many plants?’

Thankfully, no one really seemed to mind the extra greenery, and Beta found that it felt kind of… nice, to see Elisabet and Zo interacting.

Like Alva, Zo didn’t seem to care about Elisabet’s current form, and discussed with her in great detail about each plant and where it should go to find the most sunlight or humidity etc.  The two did eventually take a break when Alva served lunch, some hearty stew that the Quen prefer, but then it was right back to work. Beta caught Elisabet’s eye once or twice during this time, but it seemed as if the Clawstrider was purposefully giving Beta her space for now, putting the ball into her court so to speak.

Rather than dwelling on that thought and all of the complicated feelings tangled within it, Beta chose to visit GAIA after lunch. She was surprised, though, to see that some redecorating had been done up here in the projection room as well.

There are now two desks set up parallel to each other facing GAIA, each with a small bouquet of flowers sitting innocently atop them.

One has a vase of blue forget-me-nots, while the other has yellow tulips.

‘Elisabet and Zo thought that you and Aloy might prefer to have a more permanent place to do your research.’ GAIA supplies, noticing Beta’s look of confusion.

‘I see. That’s… that’s nice of them. To do that.’ Beta acknowledges awkwardly.

‘Yes. The desks and chairs are relocated from one of the many office rooms downstairs. However, the flowers themselves are a gift from Elisabet.’ GAIA gestures Beta towards the desk with the yellow flowers, and she does not question it, knowing that Aloy prefers the color blue.

Beta takes a seat at her new desk, getting a feel for the set up. She gently touches one of the tulips, tracing her fingers across the bright yellow petals.

‘She didn’t have to do that.’ Beta says. ‘I’ll have to thank her. Later. For all of this.’

‘Yes.’ GAIA agrees. ‘I believe Elisabet wants to ensure that both you and Aloy have all of the space that you need.’

Beta looks up at her, reading into the double meaning of that statement, and looks away, unsure of how to respond to that.

After about an hour or two of use, Beta finds that she actually rather likes the new desk.

It’s certainly better than sitting on the cold floor of the server room. It’s big and spacious, too, and she can easily put her focus interface onto it for better viewing or utilize the many drawers for anything else that she needs.

Sitting here, like this, it’s easy to imagine how Elisabet and the Old Ones could get lost in technology for days on end. In fact, Beta gets so immersed in her research on Nemesis that she barely notices as someone else enters the room.

‘Hello Elisabet.’ GAIA greets, causing Beta to startle and look behind her.

The Clawstrider is carefully carrying a pot of pink carnations in her mouth. Upon seeing Beta, though, Elisabet pauses to nod in greeting, before continuing further into the room and setting the plant down delicately in front of GAIA.

She nudges the pot gently toward the AI with her nose.

‘Thank you, Elisabet. They are lovely flowers.’ GAIA smiles. ‘And I see you have acquired some of your own.’

GAIA’s words cause Beta to look more closely at Elisabet, noticing for the first time that there are daffodils woven into the cables of her Clawstrider.

‘I thought it would be a nice gift of welcome.’ Zo comes up the stairs, carrying two small ferns. ‘I told Elisabet that it must feel unnatural, to love the Earth so much, but be entirely disconnected from it in her current form.’ She places her plants down beside the pink one. ‘I thought the same may be felt by you, GAIA. So we thought it best to bring you some plants of your own.’

‘Thank you both.’ GAIA says warmly. ‘That is very thoughtful of you.’

Beta quietly watches on as Zo, GAIA and Elisabet continue to chat for a few more minutes, before the newcomers take their leave. Elisabet catches eyes with Beta on the way out, though she does not attempt to interact any further.

Beta only feels guilt settle in her chest as she silently watches Elisabet walk away.

Bonus scene:

The whistling winds of the wilds caress Aloy’s ears when she hangs up from her call with Beta. She’s sitting by a lit shelter fire, watching the flames crackle as her Sunwing hums and flies in lazy circles overhead.

Absentmindedly, Aloy reaches into her pack, and digs out the leftover Mountain Trail Bread that Kotallo had made a few days prior. She bites into it absentmindedly as her fingers tap at her focus, unable to stop herself from bringing up the video of Elisabet again.

She watches it once, twice, three times. Completely mesmerized with how carefree Elisabet seems.

All that Aloy has ever known about Elisabet Sobek was from the precious few logs she’s managed to collect over the years. She knew that Elisabet was a thoughtful, stern, strong, and unbelievably clever woman. One with an intelligence unmatched by anyone in her time, and a love for life on Earth that was as dazzling as it was bruising.

But here, in this video, lays another side of Elisabet. One that Aloy cradles close.

Elisabet is graceful, confident, joyful, and… beautiful.

Aloy shifts in her spot, tapping her focus interface to bring up the photo Beta had sent her.

Unconsciously, Aloy runs a hand through her red hair as her eyes drink in the image, suddenly feeling small for some reason in the wake of Elisabet’s unbridled joy.

‘Have I ever… looked like that?’ She asks herself as she stares at the picture.

Aloy’s fingers snag on one of the beads woven into her braids, and she looks down at it. Without thinking, she undoes the tie and removes the bead, allowing her red hair to fall in curly red waves.

Her hair sparkles in the firelight, its red hue magnified in the flames as she cradles the locks close in her hand, growing lost in thought.

After a minute or two, Aloy only sighs and starts braiding it back into place.

Chapter Text

Over the coming days, Elisabet naturally gathered quite a few more trinkets for her machine.

After Zo had weaved a plethora of yellow daffodils into her cables, Alva had thought it fitting to offer Elisabet a gift as well.

In the form of those infamous pearl shell decorations that the Quen so favor.

‘Consider it a thank you for answering all of my questions. I know there’s been a lot.’ Alva smiles while affixing a triangular string of pearl disks onto the crown of Elisabet’s head. ‘Not that I’m finished talking to you, of course! I really enjoy our conversations, and I hope you do too.’

Once the pearls are securely fastened, Alva steps back to admire her work.

‘There we go.’ She beams. ‘For the Quen, depending on where exactly you wear the pearls, the higher the honor.’ She gestures to the disks as Elisabet shakes her head, trying to cross her strawberry pink eyes to look up at them. ‘I only wish that I could give you more, but I assure you there is no higher place of honor for the Living Ancestor that saved our world.’

At this notion, Elisabet looks away, but Alva only smiles, noticing she doesn’t refuse the gift.

Not one to pass up on a growing trend, Erend offers something to Elisabet the very next day.

‘You wear it right here. Over your gut.’ Erend is holding a heavy Oseram circular plate in one hand as he pats stomach with the other. ‘Keeps it safe from arrows and all that. Plus, it sucks in real well after you’ve had a couple of beers, all sturdy and whatnot.’

Elisabet isn’t too keen on that idea, but allows him to strap the belt onto her tail instead.

‘Hey, I like it. Bet you could give someone a real concussion with that thing.’ Erend steps back, watching Elisabet sway her tail. ‘Say, Lis. You ever drink?’ He asks, earning a nod. ‘You know, I heard machines used to serve the Old Ones alcohol back in the day.’ At this, Elisabet tilts her head. ‘And they would just- just cut you off before you drunk yourself under the table!’ He says, sounding offended. ‘Well, where’s the fun in that? You know what I mean, Lis?’ In response, Elisabet only tilts her head in the other direction. ‘Well not here! Once you’re back to your old self, Kotallo and I’ll get you all set up. Hey, we can always use another drinking buddy! My treat!’

Speaking of the Tenakth Marshal, he later approaches Elisabet with an unexpected request. 

‘Elisabet, I would ask that you join me in a spar.’ Kotallo says out of the blue. ‘Aloy has told many tales of the rush of battle when fighting alongside machines.’ He informs. ‘There is a flock of Sunwings nearby that are always ready for a fight, should you wish to join me against them.’

Elisabet looks down and flexes her metal claws, appearing hesitant.

‘Eh go with him, Lis.’ Erend vouches. ‘Kotallo’s like a brick wall. Aint no danger there when he’s around.’ He says with a shrug. ‘Unless you know, you piss him off.’

‘It might be good training actually.’ Zo concurs. ‘As I’m sure you’ve noticed, this new world of ours is unlike that of old. It wouldn’t hurt to be somewhat knowledgeable in combat.’

With this notion in mind, although apprehensive, Elisabet joined Kotallo against the pack of Sunwings. Both of them got nicked once or twice but overall, the battle was won without much fuss.

Kotallo was very impressed with her tenacity, too, and offered her a Tenakth gift in thanks.

‘So, this is what it is like to have an ally in a machine.’ Kotallo muses while smearing paint onto her side. ‘Truly, it is an unforgettable experience. Thank you, Elisabet.’

The colors he chose to adorn her with are the traditional blue, yellow and white hues of Tenakth Marshals, and the colors look striking against her machine metal as she watches him work.

‘Aloy herself is considered a Champion, but she does not choose to follow the ways of my tribe. Or any tribe for that matter.’ Kotallo says while painting, his motions steady from years of practice. ‘She is truly an outlier in our world. Beta as well.’ He then looks at Elisabet with an earnest expression. ‘I am glad that they have found each other. And now you.’

Despite Kotallo’s words, Beta is the only one in the base that noticeably doesn’t spend any time with Elisabet. They both are cordial with each other, but it is clear to everyone that Elisabet is giving Beta her space for now. The others have all brought it up in one way or another, but Beta doesn’t feel comfortable talking about all of this with them.

No, the only one she does feel comfortable with is Aloy, but their conversations have been few and far between lately. Her sister has been busy meeting up with Sylens and helping with some unexpected errand for the Lowland Clan near Thornmarsh.

Something to do with choking. And blood? Beta hadn’t the courage to ask any further…

By now, though, Aloy should be on her way back, and Beta couldn’t be happier. Because honestly, she doesn’t have anything to say for herself about why she’s been avoiding Elisabet.

Talking to her is just… difficult.

Maybe a bit scary, even, and she’s secretly hoping that Aloy will help to smooth things over.

Aloy is always so capable in everything that she does, and Beta looks up to her more than she will ever know. The mere presence of her older sister makes Beta feel secure, as if there’s nothing that could stand in their way once they’re together. Not even the little voice inside her head that tends to come out whenever things get bad.

Because it’s been there. Ever since Elisabet called Beta her daughter.

Beta has never… had a mother before.

Was it like having a sister? No, it had to be different. Right? But how?

She doesn’t know, and that’s what bothers her the most.

So, until Aloy returns, Beta is perfectly happy to spend her days alone in her room or upstairs with GAIA. The new workspace is a nice distraction, too. The rhythmic hum of the AI’s processor is therapeutic as she works, her body only calling her to sleep when necessary.

Usually just about when the sun begins to peek over the horizon.

To her credit, GAIA has never commented on her less than stellar sleeping habits, but Beta knows that she must have noticed it by now.

What Beta doesn’t expect, however, is for Elisabet to notice it too…

On the fourth night since Aloy left, Elisabet curiously checks on Beta once everyone else has gone to bed. The two of them don’t exchange words, and the only reason that Beta even noticed she came to visit was because of GAIA greeting her at the door.

Around an hour later, Elisabet came back. Then again another hour later, and another, and another. Until eventually she comes to stand next to the desk. Beta herself is so engrossed in whatever program she’s researching, that she only looks up once the focus display turns off.

‘What?’ She startles as the Clawstrider nudges her rolling chair away from the desk. ‘Elisabet? What’s wrong? Are you okay?’ Beta pulls the chair back to look her over with concern.

Her chair is only pushed away once more in response.

‘Beta.’ GAIA catches her attention. ‘I believe that Elisabet is trying to tell you that it has grown quite late, and that you should retire for the evening.’

‘But it’s not late? What time is it?’ Beta stands up, confused. Even with limited facial expressions, she can clearly tell that Elisabet is quite firm in this stance for some reason.

‘It is currently 2:05 in the morning.’ GAIA supplies.

‘Oh…’ To her, that hour is not outrageous at all, but to a normal person she can maybe understand the sentiment. ‘I… okay?’ Beta says after a moment, not understanding why Elisabet would care so much about this but not wanting to upset her all the same. ‘I’ll go to bed now, then.’

Beta says goodnight to GAIA, and Elisabet ends up following her down into the sever room.

This is the first time that Elisabet has been downstairs, and Beta shyly watches her look around the circle of blinking servers. Elisabet even ventures into the side room to curiously look at the vent that Aloy had gone through ages ago. Beta had noticed it before, too, but never asked what it was that Aloy had found on the other side. Maybe she should ask about it now, once Aloy returns. Especially since Elisabet seems just as curious it as she does.

Though, her Clawstrider is comically unable to venture any further into it than the length of her nose.

When Elisabet eventually leaves the poor vent alone, and makes to continue exploring, Beta holds up her hands in alarm as the Clawstrider innocently wanders into her private room.

‘Um, wait...!’ Beta says, suddenly remembering the hologram over her bed.

Aloy had asked about it once. Why Beta chose to have a projection of Elisabet watching over her as she slept. At the time, Beta said it was a reminder of why she needed to help everyone fight back against the Zeniths. To protect not only the world but Elisabet’s dream as well.

But that wasn’t the entire truth.

Beta had kept the projection there, because…

All her life, all her training, has centered around Elisabet. The name Elisabet Sobeck was forever engrained into Beta’s mind from the moment she was born. She saw that name every single day, either directly in the pieces of data she was allowed to read, or conceptually through other forms of media or logic simulations she was thoroughly trained on.

The truth is that Elisabet is the only familiar, constant thing that Beta has ever had in her life.

The only thing that’s safe, when so many other things aren’t.

So… she can’t get rid of that projection. It hurt too much to even think about.

But now, looking at the real Elisabet, Beta freezes. Her efforts to hide the projection don’t seem to matter, either. Elisabet is clearly able to see the purple outline of her own hologram standing over Beta’s bed through the server boxes.

For a long, tense moment, neither one of them reacts.

Slowly, Elisabet tilts her head with puzzlement, and Beta hurriedly dismisses the hologram.

‘I…’ Beta starts, feeling a lump form in her throat when Elisabet turns to her. ‘You… uh…’

Beta looks down, unable to look Elisabet in the eye as shame overwhelms her.

How could she ever begin to explain this?

Elisabet backs up out of Beta’s room. She waits there for a minute or two, giving Beta a chance to speak, before turning to leave and intrude in her space no longer.

‘Wait!’ Beta calls out suddenly, causing Elisabet to startle and pause.

She said it on instinct, on impulse, from a fear that if Elisabet left now, she would regret it forever. Beta has done something like this once already, with Aloy. She pushed her sister away for a long time, only to regret it horribly when the two of them were separated. The threat of never being able to see Aloy again… it broke her spirit in more ways than the Zeniths ever could.

She never wanted to go through something like that again.

‘Elisabet, um, how much…’ Beta gathers her courage, carefully walking around the Clawstrider to take a seat on the floor. The action is familiar and safe, as she’s done this dozens of times when talking with her sister. ‘How much do you know about me?’

Elisabet tilts her head for a moment, before shaking it.

‘Nothing?’ Beta leans forward. ‘I’m sure Sylens said something? Anything?’

Again, Elisabet only shakes her head, causing Beta to raise a red eyebrow.

Wait. That’s right. Elisabet… had told Aloy that she’d only found out about Beta recently.

So, she really knew nothing about her at all?

And yet Elisabet still chose to call Beta her daughter?

That’s…

‘Okay well. Um, I was born in space. On the Zenith ship, and…’

Beta goes into her story, the words leaving her much easier than she thought they would.

She talks of her time with the Zeniths, about how stifling it was to be brought up without any connection to the outside world. How she was taken to Earth to complete the mission of capturing GAIA. About how she met Aloy, and made her escape. Then coming here, making friends, only to be the Zenith’s slave again, and Cauldron GEMINI…

Then the fight at the Zenith base, all leading up to this current moment.

While Beta was telling her tale, Elisabet had moved to sit across from her on the floor, her taloned feet splayed out comedically and her tail askew in the cramped space.

Even so, Elisabet stayed and listened to every single word.

‘I put that projection there, as a reminder of you.’ Beta admits, gesturing to her room. ‘It brought me strength, when I needed it.’ She looks down, fidgeting with her hands. ‘And now, knowing that you’re actually here, it’s… I…’ She pauses, daring to look up at Elisabet. ‘I really hope you’re… not upset… with me.’

How can Beta put into words everything that she’s been feeling these past few days?

How truly happy she is that Elisabet is alive?

Yet how overwhelming it feels to know that the one person she’s looked up to all her life is suddenly so close by?

Beta is terrified of not being good enough for the title of Elisabet’s daughter.

That somehow Elisabet will take one look into her soul and find nothing there but disappointment, just like Tilda and the rest of the Zeniths did.

Beta knows nothing of family. Or even thought of yearning for one until Aloy came along.

Is it okay to yearn for one now?

To yearn for Elisabet specifically? As her mother?

The anxiety must be clear on Beta’s face, as Elisabet gets up and comes closer. Beta forces herself to keep still, but is unable to stop from flinching as the Clawstrider leans in. Elisabet pauses for only a moment or two, before proceeding to gently press her nose against Beta’s cheek.

The action is affectionate and soft, almost shy even.

Beta leans into the touch and closes her eyes, her face scrunching up as she reaches out a hand to grasp onto Elisabet’s cables.

Two days later finds Erend and Kotallo in a stale mate. Both men are sitting on the couch in the common room, the air around them tense as they loom over a board of Machine Strike.

Elisabet is innocently standing next to them, watching Erend take his turn.

When he reaches for one of his pieces, Elisabet shifts, and he puts the piece down.

Erend then reaches for another figurine. Elisabet opens her mouth wide in a yawn, displaying razor-sharp teeth. He puts that one down too.

As Erend reaches for his last piece, Elisabet doesn’t react at all.

He makes his move and knocks one of Kotallo’s pieces off the board.

‘You are cheating.’ Kotallo suddenly accuses.

‘I’m not cheating.’ Erend asks incredulously. ‘What are you talkin’ about?’

‘Elisabet is helping you.’ Kotallo says matter of factly.

‘Hey, she is standing there, mindin’ her own business.’ Erend protests, gesturing to the Clawstrider at his side. ‘Besides, I don’t need her help to win this game!’

‘Oh really?’ Kotallo frowns.

‘Yea. I got this one in the bag.’ Erend brags while taking a swig of his beer.

Kotallo hums with suspicion, before looking critically at his options.

As if in petty response to Erend’s words, Elisabet silently comes over to Kotallo’s side of the board. When he reaches for one of his pieces, she blatantly shakes her head, causing him to pause. He instead moves his second machine, a choice that captures one of Erend’s and puts Kotallo in a perfect position to win the game.

‘Wha-?!’ Erend gapes. ‘Wait a minute, you can’t do that!’

‘I just did.’ Kotallo says smugly.

‘Lis.’ Erend looks to her, betrayed. ‘How could you do this to me, huh? Leavin’ me out to dry like that.’

‘So you admit it.’ Kotallo glares.

‘I admit nothing!’ Erend protests loudly. ‘You got nothin’ on me!’

This argument is the scene that greets Aloy when she finally returns to the base. She raises an eyebrow, watching with a perplexed gaze as the two grown men squabble over their board game.

‘Aloy.’ Zo is the first one to notice her return. ‘Welcome back.’

‘Hey Zo.’ Aloy greets. ‘Uh, what’s going on over there?’

‘Typical shenanigans, I’m afraid.’ Zo says, unimpressed. ‘Erend has been trying to use Elisabet to cheat at Machine Strike, but I’ve noticed she has secretly been leading him astray the whole game.’

‘Has she now?’ Aloy puts her hands on her hips, amused, as she turns to look at Elisabet.

The Clawstrider is innocently standing next to Kotallo and Erend, who are now not only bickering about Machine Strike, but also something to do with a keg of ale that Erend misplaced.

‘Listen, I know it was you.’ Erend accuses. ‘You can’t hide it forever.’

‘Why would I take your ale when I have my own?’ Kotallo replies rationally.

‘Oh yea? Cuz mine’s clearly better, that’s why.’ Erend slams his mug down for emphasis.

At that moment, Elisabet finally notices Aloy, and she immediately abandons the two grown men to their squabbling.

The Clawstrider stops a few steps away from her, waving a claw in hello.

‘Hey, Elisabet.’ Aloy greets her, catching sight of her trinkets for the first time. ‘You look… decorated.’

At this, Elisabet looks down at herself, moving a bit to the side to humbly show them off.

‘Elisabet has been fitting in just fine.’ Zo assures Aloy. ‘She and I have redecorated the base, as you can see.’ She gestures to the new layout and multitude of plants and shelves in the room. ‘We have all spent time together with her while you were away.’ She hums. ‘As Erend likes to say, ‘Lis is a nice old gal’. Though we both know he does not have to use that particular descriptor.’

Elisabet huffs at this alongside Zo, allowing Aloy to clearly pick up on their shared camaraderie already. But before she can comment on it, Aloy notices that a panel of armor is suspiciously missing from Elisabet’s side.

‘What happened here?’ She asks, moving closer to get a better look.

Elisabet lets her approach, but takes a step back before Aloy can touch her.

‘Kotallo and Elisabet have been sparring against the flock of Sunwings at the top of the mountain.’ Zo says, causing Aloy to whip her head towards her. ‘The two of them make quite a formidable team, though from what I’ve been told the scuffle got a bit out of hand yesterday.’

‘Sparring?’ Aloy asks, her tone skeptical. ‘Why?’

‘To test our prowess. Why else would one spar?’ Kotallo joins their circle, having apparently shaken Erend off for now. ‘I asked Elisabet to join me, and she accepted.’

His response has Aloy turning to Elisabet incredulously. The Clawstrider doesn’t return her gaze, instead wandering off towards the stairs as Alva and Beta enter the room.

‘I thought I heard Aloy down here.’ Alva grins. ‘Welcome back!’

‘Hi Aloy.’ Beta greets with a small smile, but it falls upon noticing her sister’s less than pleased expression.

‘Did you know about this? The sparring?’ Aloy asks, gesturing to Elisabet’s injury.

‘I did.’ Beta says. ‘And I’ve even tried to fix that panel, but well…’ She reaches for Elisabet’s side, but her hand ends up on the Clawstrider’s nose instead as she twists around to purposefully block the touch.

‘Well, I can certainly see where you both get your stubbornness from.’ Zo comments lightly, causing everyone to chuckle.

Aloy doesn’t find this funny, though, and reaches again to look at Elisabet’s side. Her brow furrows when her fingers touch Elisabet’s tail rather than her injury as the Clawstrider turns away from her to resolutely walk up the stairs.

‘Ah, leave her be Aloy. She’s fine.’ Erend protests as he comes to stand next to her. ‘Besides, how’d you make out with that whatchamacallit anyway?’

Aloy frowns and stands up straighter as she watches Elisabet walk away from her.

That panel is very small in the grand scheme of things. It would take seconds for her to fix it.

So why is Elisabet rejecting her help?

‘Yea, I got it.’ Aloy says, deciding to reluctantly drop the subject for now as she hooks a thumb behind her towards the west exit. ‘I’ll need some help bringing it in.’

The ectogenic chamber is huge. It’s heavy and awkwardly shaped, too, requiring all hands on deck to help bring it upstairs and properly install it into the projection room. Once completed, GAIA sets to work analyzing the data found from when the machine was last used, and they all crowd around to gawk as the new fancy piece of Zenith technology is turned on.

‘How long will it take exactly?’ Aloy asks her curiously. ‘This entire process?’

‘Given the samples that Elisabet recovered, it will take at least thirty-six hours for the ectogenic chamber to finish its printing process.’ GAIA says. ‘From there, it will take several days of constant monitoring and adjusting as Elisabet’s mind is transferred into her new human vessel.’ She then gestures to the Clawstrider. ‘However the overall completion time will depend on Elisabet herself and how well she handles the merge.’

‘This “merge”.’ Zo parrots. ‘It’s been done before? To others?’

‘It has.’ GAIA nods. ‘Before the project failed, there were multiple records of individuals undergoing the Nemesis program to transfer their minds into digital form. Then later returning those same minds into their original body or one of a new making.’ She says. ‘It is only when the program was expanded to copy and house the minds of multiple individuals, and used for more advanced purposes, that it was abandoned, creating the threat known today.’

‘All of it sounds so complicated.’ Alva says. ‘The Zeniths really knew their technology.’

Kotallo hums with acknowledgement.

‘To undergo such a feat of exchanging one’s body… It would no doubt be difficult.’ He concurs. ‘Are all of these ‘merges’ successful?’

In response to that question, GAIA suddenly grows silent. For an AI with vastly unlimited processing power, the fact that she has to pause is not lost on anyone in the room.

‘GAIA?’ Aloy asks apprehensively.

‘No, they are not.’ GAIA finally says, turning to look at her creator. ‘Elisabet. You and I had previously predicted a significant survival rate, but as I am analyzing now, that number is severely incorrect. One moment, reconfirming.’ She goes silent for a moment more, then her tone turns serious. ‘Elisabet, there is an eighty percent chance that you will not survive this merge.’

‘What?’ Zo asks in disbelief.

‘Oh no!’ Alva gasps.

‘Those odds…’ Kotallo mumbles.

‘The hell?! What’s that supposed to mean?’ Erend demands.

Everyone in the room has mixed reactions, but Beta’s voice catches Aloy’s ear the most.

‘But… but you never mentioned that!?’ Beta asks, her usually soft-spoken voice shrill.

‘Truthfully, all previous logs hinted toward a much higher success rate.’ GAIA laments. ‘Realistically speaking, those logs were taken in the Sirius star system, with ample technology available. Today, we are working with foreign technology without the foreign bodies present, so the percentage has been adjusted following the data transcribed from the chamber itself.’

GAIA pauses for a few moments, allowing everyone to digest this information.

‘These are the calculated odds as they stand.’ She continues, gazing towards her creator. ‘Elisabet, do you still wish to proceed?’

At this, the room abruptly grows quiet as everyone expectantly turns to look at her.

Elisabet is silent for only a moment, before she nods with her consent.

‘What? No.’ Aloy shakes her head, not willing to accept this at face value. ‘There has to be some other way. Some other program or code we can use. We have the chamber, right? We just-‘

‘Aloy.’ GAIA cuts her off. ‘I have run the theoretical, and both Elisabet and I have already analyzed all data. There is no other logical solution that will produce the same results in the amount of time available.’ She looks to Aloy and Beta. ‘Especially not when the threat of Nemesis still looms in the ever-closer distance and should be our main priority.’

For a moment, no one says anything at all.

Aloy pauses to think, shaking her head and looking down towards the floor as her forehead furrows with concertation.

An 80% death rate? Those odds are awful.

There must be something else.

Aloy’s attention is ultimately caught, however, at the sudden sound of her sister taking in a shuddering breath. Beta approaches Elisabet and takes the Clawstrider’s face in her hands, pressing their foreheads together.

‘No…’ Beta says, her hands and voice trembling as she squeezes her eyes shut. ‘Please…’

Aloy frowns, her face instantly losing all harsh edges. She places a hand onto Beta’s back, hoping to offer some comfort as Zo takes this opportunity to silently usher everyone out of the room and offer the three of them some privacy.

No… this can’t be how it ends.

‘GAIA, send me a copy of the Nemesis program anyway, and the logs from all the previous participants.’ Aloy’s face hardens as she taps her focus. ‘I want to look through it all.’

There has to be something that GAIA and Elisabet are missing.

There has to be.

‘Me too, GAIA.’ Beta suddenly speaks up. ‘I’ll look through them, too.’

When Aloy looks at her, both of them have mirror expressions of each other, and it brings Aloy strength knowing that she and her sister are united in this.

Aloy and Beta spend the rest of that day researching. It ends up working in their favor, actually, as the merge offers a lot of insight into Nemesis that Aloy hadn’t previously thought to look through until now.

Elisabet does not leave their sides the entire time they work, simply watching in silence.

The fact that she does not offer any guidance, or some form of resistance to their efforts, really any input at all is very… concerning, to say the least.

As if… Elisabet already knows that there’s no point in trying to find another way.

Elisabet Sobeck, who is the most intelligent scientist of her era. The last Old One to exist in their world. The living embodiment of a savior who can always find a solution.

If she thinks there’s no other choice, then…

No.

“When it looks impossible, look deeper. Then fight like you can win.”

Aloy only pushes herself harder as a result.

The two sisters work tirelessly throughout all of the next day, collaborating with each other and spit balling ideas, but nothing seems to stick. Time moves very quickly, too, and soon enough night arrives before the morning when Elisabet will undergo the merge.

The dim light of Aloy’s focus eats away at her eyes as she sifts through data. They’ve spent all this time looking for answers, yet they are still no closer to a solution than when they started. At some point during the night, though, her attention is caught away from her focus screen when Elisabet stands for the first time in hours.

Elisabet nudges her sister’s chair away from her desk, causing Beta to startle.

She looks at the Clawstrider, then back towards the screen, quickly shaking her head.

‘It’s not time yet. I… I still have a few parameters to search through and…’

‘Beta.’ GAIA calls. ‘It is nearing two o’clock in the morning.’ She gestures to Elisabet, who is now coaxing the chair closer towards the door. ‘Last night, you and Aloy did not rest at all.’ She points out. ‘You both are human, and you both are young. You should both retire for the night.’

‘But…’ Beta’s face scrunches up with a frown.

‘In this situation, those of the Old World had a particular saying.’ GAIA supplies, looking between Aloy and Beta purposefully. ‘” Mother knows best.” Please, listen to Elisabet.’

Aloy immediately tenses at this notion, but Beta’s face only falls even more.

She casts Aloy a look, before reluctantly leaving the room without further protest. Aloy silently watches her sister go, before looking up as Elisabet then approaches her next.

When Elisabet goes to nudge Aloy’s chair, the huntress gets up as if she’s been burned.

Without a word, Aloy also leaves the room, trying not to dwell on the eyes that she can feel watching her back.

Sleep does not come for Aloy that night.

She spends a lot of time tossing and turning while researching on her focus. Like she used to do as a small girl, back when she still lived in the Sacred Lands.

Although, this time, Rost isn’t here to tell her to stop.

“Aloy, a hunter knows when it’s time to hunt and when it’s time to rest.”

Aloy sighs, surrendering the thought of sleep entirely as she gets up to leave her room.

The base is quiet, only the hum of the running servers and the boom of Erend’s snores filling the empty space. Elisabet is not here, and Aloy casts a glance towards the projection room, before throwing her boots on haphazardly and turning to walk out the east exit door.

As if on instinct, she finds herself sitting with Varl, desperately wishing that she could talk to him right about now.

‘What would you say about all of this, Varl?’ She asks, her voice a whisper among the frigid mountain wind. ‘What even is there to say? Everything is… falling apart.’ She sighs, closing her eyes and lowering her head.

Aloy just got back to base, and now Elisabet might not survive tomorrow?

What is she supposed to do with that knowledge?

Aloy’s so engrossed in her own head, that she startles when something soft touches her shoulder. She quickly turns to find Elisabet standing over her with a blanket in her mouth.

They stare at each other for a moment or two, before Elisabet finishes draping the blanket over Aloy. The huntress only blinks, surprised that she didn’t notice her approach at all.

Elisabet sits down, the two of them saying nothing as they watch the snow drift in the fading candlelight.

The sunrise is not peeking over the horizon yet, but the threat of it is there all the same.  

‘There’s really… no other way. Is there?’ Aloy eventually admits, her voice a whisper.

She’s seen it all, having gone over all of the merge logs, recordings, data points, journals, and codes what must have been hundreds of times by now.

There’s nothing.

Nothing at all that can change the odds, and they don’t have time to find another solution.

Besides that, Aloy has reluctantly come to understand that this is something completely out of her depth for once. Zenith technology is not something she’s equipped to work with in the slightest, and even Beta, who has the most knowledge of the two of them, has been at a complete loss this entire time.

This is truly… the first thing that Aloy’s ever found that she can’t figure out.

The first time there is no other path to take. No other angle to find.  

And it hurts, because this…

Elisabet doesn’t respond, and Aloy takes in a breath of frigid air, stealing a glance at her.

The one and only consolation in all of this is that Elisabet does not seem concerned about the merge. These past few days there hasn’t been any hint of distress or anxiety in her at all.

Maybe that’s a good thing?

Or… it could be the complete opposite. That Elisabet is willing to march to her death once more, just as she had when she took that first step outside of GAIA Prime all those years ago.

Either way, Aloy feels nothing but exhaustion now as she looks over Elisabet’s form, wondering what outcome tomorrow will bring for the both of them. As she turns to look back at the snow, that missing panel catches her eye, and without thinking, Aloy reaches out to touch it.

Instantly, her fingers are singed with electricity.

Aloy flinches and pulls her fingers back as Elisabet startles and turns to her. She immediately stands and nudges Aloy’s hand, wanting to look at the injury. Aloy lets her do so, her reaction to the pain delayed as Elisabet noticeably fusses over her.

Aloy then watches, dazed, as the Clawstrider quickly leaves to go inside.

Elisabet returns not a minute later with one of the small boxes stationed around the base for first aid. Aloy takes the box silently, absentmindedly applying ointment to her electrical burn as Elisabet watches her like a hawk. Aloy in turn looks again at that panel, now clearly able to see the sparks of overcharged electricity that had been nearly invisible during the day.

So, this was the reason why Elisabet didn’t want Aloy or Beta to touch that panel.

She was trying to protect them.

Somehow… that hurts even worse.

Because…

A memory of Rost flutters into her head.

Aloy was about 6 or 7 years old at the time. She was training to hunt Grazers, a new machine for her to track instead of the usual Watchers that Rost had been teaching her to take down. She hid in the grass as he had taught her, and took her time watching the machine’s movements.

But as she was lining up her shot, another machine silently flanked her in the tall grass.

It was a Scrapper, and Aloy froze in fear as she turned and saw the large machine prepared to strike her down.

She was ultimately pushed out of the way before it could touch her.

Rost took the hit that was meant for Aloy, and killed the machine soon after. She remembers seeing blood on his arm that day, which later healed and became a new scar.

He never once complained about it and instead used it as a lesson.

“Aloy. The key to survival is to always take notice of your surroundings. Be more careful next time.”

He was willing to protect her. To suffer an injury in exchange for Aloy’s safety and wellbeing.

The same as Elisabet had done just now…

Aloy finishes the task of wrapping her small injury in a distracted haze. Elisabet stops her fussing and sits down soon after, satisfied that the burn has been taken care of for now. Aloy doesn’t know how long the two of them sit there after that, but when she starts to shiver from the cold, Elisabet stands up.

Unlike last time, Aloy doesn’t have the energy to keep the distance between them, and instead she curiously watches as Elisabet comes closer. The Clawstrider presses her forehead against Aloy’s, and the huntress doesn’t move, allowing herself to feel the full weight of that touch and what it means.

Aloy doesn’t protest when Elisabet ushers her back inside, merely following her guidance like a duckling following its mother.

Her mother…

Sleep forces itself upon Aloy once her head hits her pillow, the last thing she sees being the faded pink of Elisabet’s eyes watching over her.

Morning comes without ceremony, the sun rising high just as it would on any other day.

Aloy tries not to think about the bitterness of it all as GAIA primes the ectogenic chamber. By now, Elisabet’s new body is waiting inside, her familiar face that Aloy has seen so many times in holograms and in mirrors appearing lifeless and waiting.

Their friends are also here waiting, doing what they can to pass the time.

Because like Aloy, there’s simply nothing for them to do.

Zo has been obsessively weaving Utaru mats these past two days with no clear purpose for them in mind. Alva is sitting with her, sewing the blanket that she’s been working on ever since her tribe settled in Legacy’s Landfall. Across the room, Kotallo is working on carving something small out of wood with a knife, and Erend, surprisingly, is the quietest of them all. His silence is heavy and unnatural, but Aloy knows by now that he’s bracing himself for the trials ahead.

The source of their collective anxiety, though, isn’t in the room right now.

Elisabet is still outside watching the sunrise with Varl.

For what might be the last time.

Aloy tries not to think about that, too.

‘Were you able to sleep?’ Beta nudges her gently as she installs the final touches to the chamber.

Aloy looks at Beta, noticing the deep bags underneath her younger sister’s eyes.

‘No.’ Aloy sighs as she connects a few wires that GAIA had asked her to help with.

Once done, both she and Beta step back and look over the chamber.

That… should do it.

There’s nothing else to do now but… wait.

Around an hour later, everyone looks up at the sound of approaching metal talons.

Elisabet enters the room without any fanfare, looking over each of them silently. GAIA nods to her, and Elisabet returns it before walking off to speak with everyone around the room.

Zo and Alva both talk with Elisabet in hushed tones, saying their well wishes. Aloy has to look away, though, when she sees Alva’s usually cheerful face scrunch up with tears. Kotallo is next to receive a visit, and his voice is low and quiet as he encourages her resolve to persevere. Erend, despite his earlier silence, is the most vocal, and Aloy tries not to dwell on the tone of his voice as he tells her that she better not leave Aloy and Beta alone like this.

It feels like forever, though at the same time not nearly long enough, until Elisabet finally comes to stand next to the chamber with her and Beta.

‘It’s time?’ Beta asks, her voice small. Her brows upturn as she wrings her hands together.

Aloy’s expression is the same, though her gaze is turned away as she recalls what exactly will happen from here on out.  

The merge will take multiple stages to complete, each working to slowly acclimate Elisabet’s digital mind back into the world of the living. The first step is simply resting for a twenty-four-hour period to grow accustomed to her new body. The sensation of touch will then be instated, followed by hearing, then sight, smell, and finally taste. Once all five senses have been restored, Elisabet will go into a medically induced coma for another twenty-four hours to finalize the process.

Once she awakens, the merge will be complete, and she will be guaranteed to survive.

The most dangerous stage, however, is ironically the first; the sense of touch. From the logs of people that have survived it, this will be the… most excruciating pain that a person can endure. Some of the tales recorded by past Zenith participants are not for the faint of heart, and this is the stage where Elisabet is most likely to die. But if she can overcome it, her chances of survival will double. As is the case with each step to follow. However, there will be no stage that is completely safe, and no room to let their guard down until they receive the all clear.

GAIA will be monitoring it all very closely, with strict orders to inform Aloy and Beta at the first sign of any trouble.

To… say goodbye if need be.

Because if things go south, if this starts to fail, there will be absolutely nothing that anyone can do to stop it.  

It all comes down to Elisabet. She will be on her own.

The thought of it reminds Aloy of Rost’s final lesson.

“This hunt if yours to make, Aloy – yours alone. No matter what happens, I will not intervene. Do you understand? You are on your own.”

But this hunt. It isn’t Aloy’s to make.

Really, what lesson could there possibly be for her at the end of this?

Aloy comes back to herself at the gentlest touch of a metal nose against her arm.

Aloy instinctively places a hand onto Elisabet’s neck, before gazing at her sister. Beta doesn’t meet her eye, instead looking away towards the ground.

‘I…’ Aloy looks at Elisabet, feeling like there is a frog wedged in her throat.

Part of her wants to run away in this moment, keep distance between her and Elisabet.

In case something goes wrong.

But somehow Varl’s voice is inside her head, and she now knows exactly what he would say.

Aloy takes in a deep, shaky breath and moves closer, grabbing hold of the Clawstrider’s cables like a lifeline. Elisabet leans into her, showing no hesitation to reciprocate the touch. Together, the two of them stand like that for some time, before Aloy feels Elisabet shift, and Beta slots into the embrace as well.

The three of them are silent, simply existing and relishing in the miracle that allowed them all to be here, together, in this moment.

At some point, though, it has to end.

‘Elisabet. Are you ready?’ GAIA eventually calls in a gentle voice. ‘At this time I will ask to confirm your wishes once more.’ Aloy perks up a bit at this, confused. ‘That in the event this attempted merge is not successful, we are not to reinstate your mind under any circumstances.’

Elisabet noticeably pauses before nodding in response, making her wishes clear.

‘Wait… what?’ Aloy asks, this news coming out of nowhere.

‘Before Elisabet was administered the code modified from Miriam Technologies, she, Sylens and I had prior discussion regarding her current state of being.’ GAIA surmises. ‘In her own words, Elisabet stated that this digital existence is not something she would have wished for herself, if given the choice. Her wishes reflect this, should the merge be unsuccessful.’

‘No… but that’s…’ Aloy is speechless.

Aloy looks at Beta, and the surprise in her sister’s eyes confirms that she had no idea about this either. Her fingers tighten on Elisabet’s cables, unwilling to let go, as the reality of that notion sets in.

So, this merge. It really is Elisabet’s one and only shot…

Aloy startles when she feels cold metal against her forehead once more. She looks up, and feels something loosen in her chest as Elisabet looks at her. Aloy doesn’t understand exactly what Elisabet is trying to say in that moment, but… somehow, it helps, and she’s able to let go of Elisabet when she gently pulls away.

‘When you are ready then, Elisabet.’ GAIA gestures to the chamber.

The room grows heavy with silence as Elisabet approaches it. There is a slot along the side of the capsule that Beta has modified for Elisabet to insert her tail into, to begin the process.

Before she does so, though, Elisabet looks back, her eyes landing on Aloy and Beta.

She only lifts up a clawed hand, and waves it back and forth in goodbye.

Aloy and Beta do not leave Elisabet’s side, both of them silent and standing guard as the chamber glows a steady green color around the glass. The body inside has started to breathe, but nothing else has happened yet, and nothing will for the next twenty-four hours at least.

The others have slowly filtered out of the room at some point, and the lights of the projection room have dimmed, signaling that night has silently fallen outside.

‘Aloy. Beta.’ GAIA eventually says. Her face looks complicated as Aloy turns to her. ‘I have something that I need to share with you both.’

‘What is it, GAIA?’ Aloy asks.

‘I have been searching for the right time to share this with you. Originally, I had planned to show Aloy after the collection of AETHER, POSEIDON and DEMETER.’ GAIA says. ‘Once Beta was found, I had waited further.’ She shakes her head. ‘Currently, however, I have assessed, and I do not believe there will ever be a perfect time.’ She looks at them both, her expression bittersweet. ‘I wish to show you now, while Elisabet is still confirmed to be here with us. Will you listen?’

‘Yes.’ Beta says immediately. ‘But… what is it? Bad news? Something to do with Elisabet?’

‘This datapoint was recorded after the alphas of Project Zero Dawn relocated to GAIA Prime,’ GAIA recounts, loading a projection into the room, ‘and shortly before Elisabet’s death.’

Beta shifts closer to Aloy, standing side by side to watch it together.

‘I believe Elisabet would have wanted you both to see this.’

A past projection of Elisabet walks into the room.

She is looking towards a desk, where a past version of GAIA rests. A frown is upon her face, and her eyes look distracted. She lets out a breath, turning to pace back and forth while fiddling with the focus bracelet on her wrist.

‘Elisabet, I am sensing that you are… distressed?’

‘Not distressed. Just…’ Elisabet says dismissively. ‘I’ve been thinking lately. About the lightkeeper protocol.’

‘The lightkeeper protocol has been purged per your instruction.’ GAIA confirms. ‘All previous remnants of alpha DNA stored have been accurately disposed of.’

‘Right.’ Elisabet puts a hand on her hip, her mouth crooked with thought. ‘The idea wasn’t sustainable. Though…’ She pauses, then takes a seat. ‘I have a story to tell you, GAIA.’

‘Please proceed, Elisabet.’ GAIA encourages. ‘I am always happy to listen to your stories.’

Elisabet puts her fingers together and leans back in her chair.

‘This story isn’t like the others.’ She admits. ‘I’ve told you ones before about me, and about my mother. Even a few about my brother and his family.’

‘Yes. Stories of your brother James’s endeavors in the military were most interesting, given the contrast to the more recent efforts of Project Enduring Victory.’ GAIA supplies. ‘And the tale of your niece Vivian’s birth is forever saved in my databanks. To hear of human life being born, being nurtured. It is very inspiring, and I will treasure it always.’

At this, Elisabet’s expression softens.

‘Vivian is definitely a treasure. I’m glad she and her mother are safe, at least.’ She sighs, a shadow passing over her eyes. ‘You know, I… wanted a treasure of my own like that someday.’

‘Query: You are referring to a baby?’ GAIA inquires curiously.

Elisabet takes a deep breath and sits up.

‘GAIA, the story I have to tell you, I haven’t shared with anyone in a long time.’ She says, her tone suddenly serious. ‘It has to do with my father… and my wife.’

‘You have never spoken of your father.’ GAIA points out. ‘Nor mentioned having a current marital status.’

‘There’s a reason for that.’ Elisabet runs her thumb over the absent spot on her ring finger. She closes her eyes, as if gathering strength. ‘They both… died. About fifteen years ago.’

‘Query: how did they pass away?’

‘It was uh… a few years after I started Miriam Technologies.’ Elisabet shakes her head, leaning her elbow on the desk. ‘We had just flown in for the holidays, and my father picked us up from the airport.’ She sits back, her expression complicated. ‘We got into an accident.’ She says, her words heavy. ‘There was a… a drunk driver. That hit us.’

‘Query: And this accident proved to be fatal for them both?’

‘Yes, GAIA.’ Elisabet confirms. ‘As for me, I woke up days later, not remembering much of what happened.’ She closes her eyes. ‘But that’s not why I’m telling you this story.’ Her voice is small as she looks up at GAIA. ‘By that point, Moira and I had been married for a few years, and we were… well, we were trying for a baby.’ She admits. ‘I was put onto specific medication and treatments for it. But uh…’ Elisabet pauses for a long time, and GAIA patiently waits for her to continue. ‘I was severely injured. From the crash. And I wasn’t pregnant at the time, thank God, but…’

‘From APOLLO’s database of human anatomy and pharmaceuticals during that time period, the sudden removal of such a potent medication would severely impact future fertility.’

Elisabet takes a deep breath and stands up, turning away from GAIA.

‘Yes. That plus the injury on top of it… if I were ever to try again, it would…’ Elisabet sighs, her voice resigned. ‘I’ve lived with it ever since. I’ve told people, that I… never had the time. Because it’s easier that way.’ She crosses her arms. ‘But I’ve been thinking about it lately. Ever since we decided to roll back the lightkeeper protocol.’ She looks at GAIA. ‘I won’t speak for the others. But GAIA, no one knows what the future holds. What if something happens, and you need one of us?’

‘You would allow a clone of yourself to be made?’ GAIA smartly reads between the lines.

‘Not now.’ Elisabet shakes her head. ‘I agree that raising them ourselves would be outlandish. The thought of Travis raising another Travis…’ She makes a face. ‘Besides, bringing new life into this dying world right now goes against everything we’ve been trying to do with Zero Dawn.’ Elisabet crosses her arms, thinking. ‘I’m talking about in the future.’

‘Would such a need arise?’ GAIA questions.

‘It could. And so, GAIA…’ Elisabet reaches into her pocket, taking out a vial with whisps of red hair inside. ‘If you need my help. If you need my daughter’s help… I don’t want you to hesitate.’

‘Query; your daughter?’

‘Yes. My daughter.’ Elisabet nods, looking down at the small tube. ‘I’ve… always wanted one. What my mother and I had, there was nothing like it.’ She cradles the vial in her hands. ‘She was everything to me, and I once dreamed of what it would be like to have a daughter of my own. Before the accident.’  She gently twists the tube back and forth. ‘She will be a clone of mine, yes, but I’ve thought a lot about it. And I’ve realized that, her being a clone doesn’t change the fact that, to me, I would consider her to be my daughter in every way.’

‘You have spoken before of what you would have wished your child to be like, Elisabet.’ GAIA recounts. ‘Curious, willful, unstoppable, and compassionate.’

‘Yes, but above that…’ Elisabet looks at the AI, her face holding deep emotion. A wish for the future. ‘I just want her to be happy, GAIA. Maybe have a family, or a mother of her own already.’ She shakes her head. ‘I don’t want her to think that she’s some… some lesser version of me. I want her to be herself, not me.’ She says, placing a hand to her chest. ‘And I want her to know, that even if she can’t fix whatever problem you need her help with, the fact that she tries would be more than I could ever ask of her.’ Her face smiles then as she huffs with laughter. ‘And she will. If she’s anything like me, she will be incredibly stubborn and won’t give up so easily.’ She then pauses, her expression turning serious. ‘Just… GAIA?’

‘Yes, Elisabet?’

‘Watch over her for me. Keep her safe. Please.’ Elisabet pleads. ‘And if she comes to you someday, asking about me. Wanting answers.’ She takes a breath, her expression pained. ‘Tell her that I love her already. More than she’ll ever know.’

‘I will, Elisabet.’ GAIA promises without hesitation.

Elisabet nods and smiles sadly, holding onto the vial. After a moment of thought, she brings it to her lips in a kiss, before slotting it into place within GAIA’s processor.

‘Thank you for listening, GAIA. Time to tuck in.’

When the projection comes to an end, and Elisabet fades from the room, Aloy is brought back to reality with the sound of her sister sobbing. Beta crumbles to the floor, her arms wrapped arounder herself as the reality of what they just witnessed sinks in.

Aloy puts a comforting hand onto her back, surprised to find her own vision blurry.

Aloy has never been religious. The thought of the sun that the Carja worship, or the Land Gods that the Utaru adore, or of All Mother herself; they are all foreign concepts to her.

Mere figments of imagination that hold no truth in her world.

Even so, Aloy silently prays to something, anything, that will listen.

Please. Please, let Elisabet survive this.

Bonus Scene:

Sand quickly shifts, rubbing up against metal and crackling against wire as Elisabet pushes onward. The machine she inhabits is big, much bigger than the others she’s controlled before. The people seem to fear her more deeply as well, running away as she makes her way past.

A Slitherfang, that’s what they called it. A fitting name for a snake, she supposes.

The people of this new world are fascinating, and she would happily indulge in their company, if given the choice. But most of them seem to fear machines, and those that don’t have met her with weapons. A startling reality she found herself in upon waking up. So different from the dream she had for Project Zero Dawn where humans and machines could coexist in peace.

That first week was a blurry haze. There was only a deep voice, limbs that felt all wrong, and a nothingness that threatened to swallow her whole.

There is no time as a machine. No cold. Nor warmth. Nor rest.

No. She does not feel… anything. Nothing at all. Always.

Nothing but an existence of humming wire and cables.

The closest thing she’s ever been able to relate it to is the sensation of pain.

Constant, never-ending pain.

Elisabet huffs as she slithers in the sand, catching sight of a FAS-BOR7 Horus in the distance. By the second week since her revival, she had recognized that the deep voice had a name. Sylens. And that the two of them had a mission to accomplish together.

But that’s not all she had recognized…

Elisabet remembers the horror that passed over her wires upon seeing a Horus up close for the first time. Upon realizing the shelter Sylens had constructed was right underneath one. She must have stood there for hours, her Strider hooves locked into the wet sand of the marshland nearby as she looked up at the towering machine, lost in horrible memories.

Until Sylens had shaken her back to awareness.

Sylens was an enigma, even back then. He would talk to her a lot, about words she didn’t understand. They worked together to make a weapon like no other, and her new existence grew easier over time. Yet somehow harder all the same.

This life…

She used to think that anything, even death once more, would be better than this…

Until yesterday.

“So meet me, at my base. Mountains west of Plainsong. Time to submit to the inevitable, Sylens, and follow the person who actually knows what she’s doing. Don’t be late.”

Something in Elisabet came alive ever since.

She spurs her Slitherfang faster, which turns into a hyena-like machine, then a boar, then an eagle as she soars through storms toward a white spire off the coast.

Each transformation is more painful than the last, but still Elisabet continues onwards.

All the while with one name in her mind.

Aloy…

Chapter Text

“I guess… I would have wanted her to be… curious. And willful - unstoppable even... But with enough compassion... to heal the world… Just a little bit.”

Elisabet’s words float through Aloy’s ears, now in a completely new context following what she and Beta had witnessed only hours prior.

By now an entire day has passed since Elisabet has gone into the ectogenic chamber, and GAIA is preparing to engage in the first step of transferring her digital mind into her new body. However, neither Aloy nor Beta have left Elisabet’s side since the process began, and neither plan to do so now.

‘All gathered datapoints lead to the belief that this process will be… difficult to witness.’ GAIA explains carefully.

‘I don’t care.’ Aloy says flatly and gestures towards the chamber. ‘I’m not leaving her, GAIA.’

‘Me neither.’ Beta places a hand to her chest and shakes her head.

GAIA pauses, looking over the two of them with concern.

‘I promised Elisabet that I would watch over you both.’ She reminds them. ‘I do not desire for either of you to witness something that cannot be unseen.’

‘Whatever happens, GAIA, trust me when I say I’ve seen worse.’ Aloy says.

By this point, Aloy’s seen so much blood spilled that it could fill an entire ocean. And in turn she has spilled endless buckets of it herself. She’s watched Varl die right in front of her eyes, along the haunting sight of Rost being consumed by flames.

Really, what innocence of hers is GAIA trying to protect?

Beta, on the other hand…

Aloy can see the slight tremble in her younger sister’s hands as Beta wrings them together.

‘I’ll stay here with her, if you want to go.’ Aloy’s expression softens. ‘I’ll contact you if something happens.’

Beta opens her mouth to protest but appears to lose the ability to do so when she looks her older sister in the eye. Her gaze wavers as she looks from Aloy to the chamber, fear showing through on her face for what might happen to Elisabet.

‘Do you promise?’ She whispers.

Beta’s words harken back to another promise that Aloy made. And although she is sure that Beta doesn’t mean to bring up that particular chapter of their past, it still cuts into Aloy like a knife.

This time, she won’t go back on her word.

‘I do.’ Aloy puts a hand onto Beta’s shoulder and gives her a reassuring squeeze. ‘I promise.’

Beta places her hand over Aloy’s, then puts her other hand against the cool glass of the ectogenic chamber. She closes her eyes for a moment, as if to gather strength, before pulling away with a shaky breath.

‘Okay… see you soon then.’ She relents and nods to Aloy and GAIA, before reluctantly leaving the room.

Once the door closes, Aloy turns to GAIA.

‘This step of the merge will take approximately fifteen minutes, though may take longer if need be.’ GAIA surmises. ‘Elisabet has now had enough time that can possibly be given to endure this. Proceed with caution, Aloy. Once the process begins, nothing can be done to stop it.’

Aloy nods, understanding the gravity of the situation.

‘What signs are you looking for?’ She asks. ‘Ones that signal it’s starting to go south?’

‘An inability to breathe.’ GAIA says bluntly. ‘Screaming and writhing in response to the painful activating sensation of touch are normal, and not a cause for concern. I would ask that you please remember this.’

‘I will.’ Aloy says, her eyes hard as she mentally braces herself.

Testimonies of Zenith participants that have gone through the Nemesis Merge Process have all mentioned that this first step is the hardest one to overcome. That it is the most painful thing a human can experience, being forced back into the world of the living through activating the sense of touch. Some of their notes are not for the faint of heart in the slightest, and even Aloy herself had a hard time getting through a few of them.

Right now, neither Aloy nor GAIA have any idea how Elisabet will react to this. Some participants screamed and writhed until it was over. Others have reacted more harshly, panicking and injuring not just themselves but the chamber itself.

Anything could happen from this point on, and Aloy steels herself as she nods to GAIA.

‘Then, I will proceed.’ GAIA says as a countdown appears on the monitor of the chamber.

Aloy watches the numbers, tensing like a cornered predator with each tick of the display.

5… 4… 3… 2… 1…

Immediately, Elisabet gasps in response to some invisible stimulus inside the chamber. Aloy’s eyes dart over her as her new body weakly twists and turns, trying to escape the pain as her digital mind is forced to begin transferring into her new human vessel.

As she’s forced to live while essentially being at death’s doorstep.

Something in Aloy’s chest aches upon seeing Elisabet’s once calm face scrunch with pain.

Somehow, though, other than her initial reaction, Elisabet does not respond to it how Aloy predicted. She does not appear comfortable, not by any stretch of the word, but she’s not… suffering like the other participants clearly had.

There is no screaming nor flailing, nor hints of blood or injury, and before Aloy knows it, Elisabet calms and GAIA speaks once more.

‘Aloy, the first step is now complete, lasting thirteen minutes and twenty-eight seconds.’ GAIA confirms, bringing up the glowing number of Elisabet’s odds, 20%, which now rises to 40%.

Aloy lets out a breath, feeling like a huge weight has been lifted off of her shoulders as she gazes at Elisabet. Her expression softens as she simply watches her breathe, feeling confused but no less grateful that the worst part of all of this is now over.

‘Good. That’s good.’ Aloy whispers and nods, mostly to herself. ‘Elisabet is fine. She made it through the first step.’ She looks her over curiously. ‘With flying colors it seems, too.’

The sound of the door opening catches Aloy’s attention, and she looks up to see Beta quickly making her way up the stairs.

‘Elisabet. Is she?’ Beta asks, her voice hopeful yet apprehensive.

‘She’s okay, Beta.’ Aloy smiles at her sister. ‘She made it through.’

Beta’s face breaks into relief as she comes over, placing her hand next to Aloy’s on the glass. Both she and her sister grow silent, just watching Elisabet exist in their world.

‘Aloy. Beta.’ GAIA calls for their attention. ‘Though the merge was successful at this juncture, I would ask that you both test Elisabet’s sense of touch at this time.’ She says, to which Aloy is not surprised. This was outlined in the logs. A first step to ground the patient to the world of other living beings. ‘I will have the glass of the chamber lifted for five minutes. Please make contact with Elisabet in that time.’ GAIA instructs. ‘Please keep in mind, however, that she is currently without the other senses of hearing, sight, smell and taste, and will most likely startle in response.’

‘Got it.’ Aloy says, going around the chamber to stand on the other side opposite Beta.

‘She is still awake, right?’ Beta asks, her eyebrows upturned with concern.

Other than simply breathing, Elisabet has not moved this entire time.

‘Yes. She is conscious.’ GAIA confirms. ‘Are you both ready to proceed?’

When Aloy and Beta nod in response, the chamber cracks open with a loud hiss, and the glass lifts smoothly. Elisabet doesn’t respond to the sound. Her body is shaking, and her brow is furrowed with concentration as if she is using all of her strength to focus on her unsteady breathing.

For a few moments, neither Beta nor Aloy make a move, merely watching the woman from whom they were cloned after with awe. Seeing her red hair that matches their own, the familiar freckles that dance across her cheeks, the red rosacea that both Aloy and Beta inherited.

It’s her. Really her.

Elisabet’s here, and both sisters share some sort of mutual hesitance to get any closer.

‘Please proceed.’ GAIA calls gently from behind them.

‘… Right.’ Aloy comes closer and goes to do so, before finding herself frozen in place as she notices tear tracks on Elisabet’s cheeks.

An awful feeling comes over Aloy in response. One that she can’t ignore.

The thought of touching Elisabet right now, and potentially causing more pain…

A memory of Rost abruptly hits her like a tidal wave.

Aloy had been young at the time. Too young to join Rost on his hunting trips, but old enough to stay behind by herself. One day, he left in the morning, and… didn’t come back. Desperation and worry set in, along with a fear of being left alone, and despite his instructions, Aloy left the cabin.

She found Rost by one of the trails, hurt badly by machines. Aloy had instinctively reached out, trying to help, but he had quickly sucked in a breath at her touch, startling her badly as his features twisted in pain.

But Rost hadn’t been angry with her, and instead seized the opportunity to teach.

“I will show you how to properly dress wounds from now on, Aloy. Such knowledge is essential out in the wilds.”

They never spoke of it again, but she still remembers that day. Along with those feelings of fear and guilt from causing Rost pain with her touch. She feels that same hesitation now. Towards Elisabet, and Aloy’s hand hovers close to hers though does not touch.

Beta notices her sister’s unusual hesitation right away and she swallows in response. Her eyes look toward Elisabet, coming closer to the side of the chamber.

Slowly, hesitantly, Beta reaches out to touch Elisabet’s hand.

The reaction is instantaneous.

Elisabet jumps, gasping as if she’s suddenly been burned.

Beta’s freezes and her eyes widen, but before she can pull away, Elisabet lets out a shaky breath and reaches toward the foreign touch. Her face is pinched with presumably pain in the effort of doing so.

Beta grabs her hand shyly, as if one wrong move will cause Elisabet to shatter like glass.

Elisabet twitches her hand, slowly moving it upwards as if to trace the line of Beta’s arm. Beta leans down, and when Elisabet’s fingers reach short red hair, her face relaxes some.

‘Beta…?’ Elisabet’s voice is small, barely the ghost of a whisper.

Beta’s expression crumbles and she leans forward, hiding her face against Elisabet’s shoulder with the gentlest touch. Elisabet must be able to feel Beta tremble amongst her own shaking, because she quietly shushes her and rests their heads together.

For a moment, the two of them stay just like that, in their own little world.

Then Elisabet shifts, turning her head to the other side and reaching out her free hand.

She slowly opens and closes her fingers, seemingly with great effort.

It takes Aloy a few seconds to realize that Elisabet is… searching for her.

Aloy reaches out, very hesitantly grasping onto Elisabet’s hand with a gentleness mimicking her sister. She lets Elisabet travel her fingers upward, and it only takes a moment to find long hair.

‘Aloy…’ Elisabet whispers her name, gently caressing a braid of red tresses.

Aloy swallows, the emotions of hearing Elisabet call out her name too overwhelming in this moment. She’s listened to Elisabet’s logs thousands of times, has memorized every tone of her voice that she could find. Realistically, Aloy knows that her own voice sounds similar, but somehow, it’s just not the same.

It’s different, and nothing Aloy’s ever dreamed of compares to finally hearing it in person and not through some log or hologram.

Aloy crumbles, forcing past her nerves to lean her head against Elisabet’s other shoulder. The three of them stay like that for some time, grasping each other’s hands and breathing together, before Aloy feels a strange sensation against her forehead.

It’s soft, and foreign, and as she opens her eyes, she realizes exactly what it was as she watches Elisabet place a gentle kiss onto Beta’s forehead.

Aloy shudders out a breath, a painful lump forming in her throat as she grasps Elisabet’s hand harder and listens to the steady sound of her heartbeat.

Elisabet ends up falling asleep long before the five minutes were over, more than likely exhausted beyond belief. It will be another twenty-four hours before the next sensation, hearing, will be instated, and for now she’s more than earned her rest.

GAIA encourages both Aloy and Beta to follow Elisabet’s example, mentioning that they have both gotten very minimal sleep over the past few days. Understandably, both sisters protest this notion, unwilling to leave Elisabet’s side, but a compromise is reached by having them bring their bed rolls up into the projection room for now.

It wasn’t the most ideal place for sleep, but it was better than Aloy was expecting at least.

The projection room is warmer than the rest of the base, due to the presence of GAIA’s servers below and her main projection above, but it’s spacious and blissfully quiet, being far away from Erend’s loud snoring. Beta has somehow managed to find an uneasy sleep here, but Aloy is unable to let herself rest. GAIA has reaffirmed her promise to let them know if something happens, but Aloy can’t shake the feeling that if she slept now, a very familiar dream will come to her.

The thought of it is too much for Aloy to bear right now as she looks at her hands, flexing her fingers a few times before glancing toward where Elisabet sleeps.

That one handhold. That one embrace.

 It had changed everything.

Growing up, Aloy always wondered why the Nora were so obsessed with motherhood. The tribe named so many settlements and outposts after it: Mother’s Watch, Mother’s Cradle, Mother’s Crown, Mother’s Rise, Mother’s Tears. Not to mention all of the rivers, mountains, festivals and traditions that Aloy never bothered to learn the names of.

At the time, why would she care? She had been an outcast.

Motherless.

But now… Aloy can see exactly why the Nora named the most treasured part of their sacred land The Embrace, and the jewel of that land was called Mother’s Heart.

The irony of it all hits her square in the face, and she silently sits up in her bedroll, casting a glance toward Beta. Her sister looks stressed, a clear sign that the rest she’s found is more from exhaustion than anything else. Aloy watches her for a few moments then taps her focus, turns the volume down low, and looks for a particular database.

After Beta shared that photo and video of Elisabet’s younger years, Aloy has been curious to see what else her memories hold.

And right now seems like as good a time as any to take a deeper look.

Aloy purposefully clicks past the multitude of documents to find the videos and pictures. Elisabet’s notes and logs can be read some other time, when Aloy has more of an attention span to deal with the thousands of chicken scratch notes Beta had mentioned were in there.

Once Aloy finds what she’s looking for, she scrolls down, until the data comes to an abrupt stop as it reaches the very beginning.

The start of Elisabet’s life.

Aloy clicks onto the first datapoint, simply titled Elisabet, and is met with a photo of a baby.

Now, there is no actual way of knowing what Aloy looked like as a baby, though she has wondered about it a few times. Sadly, the Nora are a primitive tribe, and wouldn’t have had the technology needed to take such a picture.

Not that anyone would have cared enough about Aloy to take one back then.

No one at least, besides Rost.

Rost had said that Aloy was a very curious baby, with a stubbornness to explore and get into things that she shouldn’t. He said that she would often times leave him with more headaches than he could count, and Aloy’s lips quirk up at bit at the thought, knowing that aspect of their relationship never really changed at all.

Elisabet couldn’t have been more than a few months old when this picture was taken. A small tuft of red hair curls at the top of her head while she sleeps among pink blankets. Aloy takes her time slowly tracing her gaze over the picture, before clicking onward to the next.

Her eyes then widen with surprise.

‘Miriam…’ She whispers.

Throughout all of her travels, Aloy has heard Miriam’s name mentioned quite a few times. Elisabet often spoke about her mother in the datapoints she left behind for the world, and Aloy has found enough of them to know that mother and daughter shared an unbreakable bond. One that left Elisabet absolutely devastated once her mother passed away.

Aloy has never managed to find a single picture of Miriam, though.

Not until now.

Seeing Miriam for the first time, Aloy can’t look away as her eyes drink in the image. Miriam is holding a sleeping Elisabet in her arms with the sweetest smile on her face, her red hair falling gracefully over her shoulder as a pair of glasses settle over her nose. Aloy reaches out towards her, holding her hand there for several moments, before reluctantly letting the picture go.

She does the same to Elisabet’s father when he is seen in the next few photos that follow, though pauses when a small boy is pictured among them. Beta mentioned in their calls that Elisabet seemed to have a brother, and GAIA confirmed that fact yesterday when she shared the datapoint of Elisabet’s plea in GAIA Prime.

So, this is James. Elisabet’s brother.   

Aloy spends some time looking at him in the old photos, relishing this new information she’s learned. That Elisabet not only had a sibling, but that she was the younger of the two.

There is a particularly funny photo of them together in their childhood. Both are dressed in odd costumes, James resembling a skeleton, and Elisabet dressed like a pumpkin. James’s expression is twisted, and disdain is clear on his little face as he reluctantly holds his crying baby sister. Aloy lets out a breath of laughter and looks at Beta. She knows she can’t blame him at all, considering her own disastrous reaction when she also became an older sibling.

Leaving the photo behind, Aloy continues scrolling; going through images of Elisabet as a toddler, then a preschooler, and later a preteen. At some point videos are introduced, and Aloy is startled when she clicks over and finds a much younger version of Elisabet talking into the camera.

‘Okay, first video with the new camera.’ Elisabet adjusts the picture, looking very much like a Grazer caught unawares as she navigates the new device. ‘Well, hi. I’m Elisabet. I’m 13 years old and, getting ready to go to… college.’ Her voice is a bit strained as she says the word. ‘Classes start soon, and they make you use one of these, to start keeping logs. So I… thought I would test it out.’

Elisabet stops talking, looking over the device with apprehension, as if she’s gotten herself in way over her head. The tension of the moment is thwarted, however, when she startles and whips around, showing a young black and white animal that had snuck up behind her.

A horse. That’s what Beta called it. A Strider made flesh.

‘Star, you’re not helping right now.’ Elisabet says, her voice light and teasing. The horse bends down and playfully nips again at her hair. ‘No, you’re not.’ Elisabet’s voice lightens further as she gently pushes its nose away, the two of them having a little tug of war moment that seems familiar enough between them. ‘Why don’t you go eat your hay? You’re distracting me.’

When the horse finally turns away, Elisabet must remember that she is recording as she quickly turns back to the camera, looking a bit embarrassed.

‘Oh um, bye.’ The camera jostles as she looks for the off button. ‘I’ll um… delete this later. Maybe. I don’t know.’

The video goes black, and Aloy’s curiosity is peaked as she clicks on to the next one.

Elisabet looks to be in much lesser spirits during this recording. The calendar date in the corner showcases that it was taken a few weeks after the last one, and she is seen brushing that same horse with a frown now marring her young face.

‘Mom isn’t happy that I’m leaving for college.’ She admits, her voice small. ‘She says I’m too young, it’s too far away.’  She frowns. ‘James is the same. He joked he won’t have anyone to annoy if I’m gone, but I know he’s upset.’ Her face twists into a complicated expression as she stops brushing. ‘Dad seems to be taking it the best. He said he’s proud of me, but...’

Elisabet’s eyes look this way and that, much like Aloy herself whenever she’s trying to figure out a complicated puzzle with no clear-cut solution.

‘I’ve never seen mom so upset.’ Elisabet looks away. ‘I saw her crying this morning. She tried to hide it but…’ Elisabet blinks, and her young voice cracks a little. ‘I hate seeing my mom cry.’

Aloy frowns and glances towards the chamber, reminded of that awful feeling that came over her when she saw the tear tracks staining Elisabet’s face only a few hours prior.

‘But… I’m going.’

The video continues to play, refocusing Aloy’s attention.

‘I have things I want to do, and things I want to learn.’ She looks up at Star, her face determined as the horse whips its tail. ‘I’ll miss everyone here but… I can do this. I know I can.’

Aloy lets out a breath when the video ends.

Elisabet… she’s so headstrong. In absolutely everything that she does.

Aloy has always tried to follow her example, live up to her as best she can.

When she stops to think about it, Aloy supposes that she must have already succeeded. In some ways. She’s been told by others that she is inspiring. How the tales of her saving Merdian, becoming Chieftan of the Banuk, bequeathed as Anointed of the Nora, and flying on the Wings of the Ten will forever go down in history.

But… someone doing the inspiring also needs to be inspired themselves.

Aloy looks again at the chamber where Elisabet rests, then settles down onto her bedroll, and blissfully dreams of nothing until the sun rises.

The next day does not come any easier.

While the second step of the merge is not nearly as dangerous as the first, a person’s sense of hearing comes from the ears, which connect to the senses of taste and smell via the nose and mouth. Realistically speaking, while this stage will be much, much easier for Elisabet regarding pain, it will unfortunately take twice as long to complete in exchange.

This time, Aloy is more prepared for Elisabet’s reaction once GAIA begins, but Elisabet does not gasp or writhe this time. Instead she only places her hands over her ears and waits for it to be over.

Strangely, however, there is one point when… Elisabet’s labored breathing stops.

Aloy feels her heart drop into the pit of her stomach as something visceral seems to come over the room. It takes her a moment to recognize what it is.

The feeling of death.

She’s witnessed so many people’s dying breaths over the course of her journey, and has always noticed that there is a… strange feeling that comes over the world whenever someone passes away.

There is no way that she would ever mistake that feeling. Especially now.

No… Please. No.

Before Aloy can react further, Elisabet visibly flinches and takes a shuddering breath of air.

Aloy can feel herself finally breathe along with her, and soon after, GAIA gives the all clear.

‘Aloy, the second step has now been completed.’ Gaia confirms, causing her to sigh with relief as the survival rating of 40% jumps upwards to 60%.

‘Good. We’re not done yet, but things are looking better at least.’ Aloy nods.

Beta comes into the room mere moments later, looking less weary than yesterday but still apprehensive all the same.

‘How did she do?’ Beta asks while coming to stand next to her sister in front of the chamber.

Elisabet has gone still inside, her breathing heavy and her face turned away.

‘Logically speaking, Elisabet has done well to pass another stage,’ GAIA starts. ‘Though regrettably this time was far more dangerous for her.’

GAIA’s words cause Beta to look up with concern.

‘What do you mean?’

‘There was a moment of approximately twenty-six seconds where my sensors detected a lower level of oxygen.’ GAIA admits. ‘However, Elisabet herself regained equilibrium before I could react accordingly following the standard procedure outlined in the Nemesis project logs.’

‘You mean when she… couldn’t breathe?’ Aloy lets the heavy question drop.

She had hoped it was simply to catch her breath, but it seemed to be just the opposite.

‘So, the merge. It almost… failed this time?’ Beta asks, her words worried.

‘In layman’s terms, yes.’ GAIA nods.

‘H-how is she now, though?’ Beta asks anxiously, looking back towards the chamber.

Elisabet has not moved in the slightest.

‘She is stable.’ GAIA supplies. ‘I will afford Elisabet some time to rest, before proceeding to affirm that her sense of hearing is in place.’

At this, Aloy nods, knowing that GAIA will lock the chamber into a soundproof state, and play specific noises to test her hearing.

If all is well, Elisabet can continue to rest until the next stage of sight is instated tomorrow.

GAIA shuts the chamber down once the small respite period ends, and switches on the outside speakers to allow for Beta and Aloy to hear what is going on inside.

‘Elisabet…’ GAIA calls to her in the chamber. ‘Are you able to hear me?’

The room goes silent, but Elisabet does not answer.

‘Elisabet…’ GAIA tries again, only to receive no response once more.

GAIA pauses, more than likely assessing what to do next, and Aloy tenses. There had been a log about something like this happening once; a patient that was nonresponsive after one of the stages. The only thing that could be done was to put them back under, and their host body did not survive that stage a second time.

After a few moments, GAIA tries again with a new approach.

‘Elisabet, your daughters are here.’ GAIA suddenly says with emphasis.

Her words cause both Aloy and Beta to startle.

Even so, those words also manage to finally get a response out of Elisabet, as she flinches and weakly turns towards the sound of GAIA’s voice coming from the chamber speakers.

‘Aloy and Beta wish to know that you are alright.’ GAIA prods.

At this, Elisabet finally responds, her hands still covering her ears.

‘Yes…’ She answers, her voice tense with pain.

Aloy lets out a breath she hadn’t been aware she was holding.

The notion that Elisabet responded only when GAIA mentioned her daughters is not lost on her in the slightest. One look at Beta confirms her sister noticed it also.

That’s…

‘Are you ready to proceed with the hearing assessment?’ GAIA asks.

‘No…’ Elisabet denies weakly.

‘Is something wrong?’ GAIA questions, already moving to analyze the situation.

‘Can’t…’ Elisabet starts before gasping and removing one of her hands to cover her mouth. She curls inward, squeezing her eyes shut.

GAIA inputs a certain code.

‘You are nauseous, Elisabet. A side effect that is quite common at this stage given the unexpected pressure effecting the ear canal.’ GAIA supplies. ‘I will administer medication. A moment.’

Elisabet barely responds as a fine mist enters the chamber, her body tense and tight like a bowstring. True to GAIA’s word, after a minute or two she seems to relax, and removes her hand from her mouth.

GAIA lets her breathe, before asking to proceed once more.

‘Go ahead.’ Elisabet says, sounding exhausted as she reluctantly turns to lay on her back.

Aloy watches with fascination as some unheard sounds are played from different sides of the chamber, with Elisabet responding by saying either left or right respectively. Once finished, GAIA seems pleased with her results and allows for the glass to be lifted for ten minutes, with the intent of allowing Elisabet’s ears time to adjust to sounds outside of the chamber.

Unlike yesterday, Aloy shows no hesitation in reaching out to Elisabet once the barrier is lifted. Beta follows suit, both sisters gently grasping onto her trembling fingers.

Elisabet opens her blind eyes in response.

The color of them is a startling gray, not the green hue that they should be just yet.

‘Hi girls.’ She says, her voice weak.

‘Hey. How are you feeling?’ Aloy asks, her tone gentle. Relief settles in her chest upon noticing that Elisabet seems more aware than yesterday.

‘Not great.’ Elisabet sighs, closing her eyes.

‘We um… We heard.’ Beta says.

Her voice trembles a little, though Aloy can tell she’s trying to hide it.

‘I knew it was coming.’ Elisabet says, carefully turning onto her side and reaching towards them. Each sister takes one of her hands in response. ‘Death isn’t exactly a feeling you can forget.’

‘I know, but…’ Beta squeezes her hand.

‘I wanted to tell you both before…’ Elisabet starts. ‘Data can sometimes be biased to the people who write it.’

‘The people who write it…’ Aloy parrots. ‘You mean the Zeniths?’

‘The Zeniths wrote about their own experiences with the merge. When they were still using the Nemesis project.’ Beta nods, her brow furrowing as she digests Elisabet’s words for what they are. ‘They wrote how it was the most painful thing in existence. But if that data is biased…’ She suddenly turns to Aloy. ‘Wait, of course they would think that. Their shields. It protected them from all forms of pain.’

Aloy looks at her sister, both appearing to finally understand what they have been missing this whole time.

‘So if they’ve never felt pain in who knows how long, then…’ Aloy lets the sentence hang.

‘This whole thing is no walk in the park.’ Elisabet starts, gathering their attention. ‘But I’ve gone through worse, trust me.’ She squeezes their fingers. ‘I can do this. I know I can.’

Aloy lets out a breath, realizing those words harken back to what a much younger Elisabet had said before.

‘I know you can.’ She says. ‘I trust you.’

That night, when Beta has fallen into a more peaceful sleep beside her, Aloy delves once again into Elisabet’s memories, landing on the day of her graduation from university.

‘Mom, would you please stop fussing?’ A twenty-year-old Elisabet asks. ‘I’m going to be late.’

‘Hush. Let me fuss over my baby a bit longer.’ Miriam chides lightly, fixing Elisabet’s hair before taking her face in her hands. ‘My little girl… she’s all grown up. I can’t believe it.’

Elisabet sighs, though there is a small uptick of her lips as she allows her mother to smooth out her black cap and gown.

‘I believe it.’ A new person walks into frame. James now stands about a foot taller than his sister. He’s dressed up in a pressed military outfit, his red hair and beard look more kempt than usual as he appears to be on leave for Elisabet’s graduation. ‘I mean look at her. Not even old enough to drink yet and already got some gray hairs goin’.’

‘That’s not funny.’ Elisabet says flatly. ‘It was one hair. And it was blonde, not gray.’

‘Still counts.’ James says with a grin.

‘It doesn’t.’ Elisabet counters with a scoff, unconsciously running her hands through her hair. ‘I never should have told you that.’

‘Kids, come on.’ A voice calls behind the camera, no doubt from Elisabet’s father. ‘Lis’ll be walking soon.’

‘Alright alright.’ James holds his hands up in surrender before giving his sister a sideways hug. ‘I’ll see you later, chicken butt.’ He laughs, causing her face to wrinkle at the stupid nickname he’s given her since childhood.

The nickname is remnant of a particularly funny injury that Elisabet received as a toddler.

When her father wasn’t looking, she got into one of the coops on Sobeck Ranch. There was a rooster inside, and when she pulled just a tad too hard on its feathers, pure chaos ensued.

Aloy could barely contain her own laughter alongside a preschooler-aged James when she saw the video of a child Elisabet Sobeck running away from a rooster as their father lost his absolute marbles in the background. It only got funnier once Miriam came outside and ripped her husband a new one for being so careless.

The whole situation reminded Aloy of when Rost told her a similar story. From when she was also a toddler. Though that one apparently involved a Watcher, and was undoubtedly less funny.

Aloy just seems to take after Elisabet when it comes to getting into trouble, apparently.

 ‘Please make sure to smile, Lizzy, would you? I want some nice photos of you for once.’ Miriam says, kissing her daughter on the cheek.

‘Yes, mom.’ Elisabet rolls her eyes fondly then walks off to join the rest of her class as the ceremony starts.

The video continues, capturing several people walking across a stage to collect what looks like a scroll. When it is Elisabet’s turn, her family cheers, and the camera zooms in on her smile as she shakes an important looking person’s hand and the video cuts out.

Aloy barely skims through the next few videos after that.

They showcase Elisabet’s first days at Faro Automated Solutions. And while Aloy knows that working for Ted Faro was a part of her past, she has a hunch that Elisabet wouldn’t mind keeping those parts of it exactly where they were. Quen Legacy or no.

There is one video, however, that captures Aloy’s attention.

Elisabet is seen in her private office. Two years have passed since her graduation, judging by the calendar on the wall. There is a placard on her desk, revealing Elisabet’s current role as Head Scientist of Faro Automated Solutions. Elisabet herself seems to be quite distracted from her work today, though, as there is someone currently visiting her.

‘Moira, you can’t just come in here whenever you like.’ Elisabet chides, though there is a light, teasing tone to her voice as she flips through files. ‘I have an appointment in a few minutes.’

The other woman, Moira, has a grin on her face that is infectious.

There is something soft in her equally teasing eyes as she looks at Elisabet.

‘Well, excuse me. Here I figured that miss high and mighty wouldn’t mind a visit from those of the lower rung.’ She sasses. ‘Woe is me. I guess I was wrong.’

‘Don’t even start.’ Elisabet breathes out a laugh as she shakes her head. ‘You know, I could have you kicked out of here if I really wanted to.’ She raises a challenging red eyebrow.

Moira gasps and puts a hand to her chest, as if clutching a fake necklace in shock.

‘And abuse the very highly coveted Faro company resources?’ She asks. ‘Blaspheme. I’m calling corporate right now.

Her words cause Elisabet to laugh, and she turns away in her chair as if to hide it.

Moira comes to stand next to her, though, not allowing her the chance to shy away.

‘By the way, Lis, so what I’ve been meaning to ask,’ Her tone is more serious now, and the teasing mood is suddenly gone as Elisabet looks up at her. ‘Let me take you out for coffee sometime?’

Elisabet blinks, a small amount of red slowly coming over her cheeks.

‘…I’d like that.’

Aloy’s curiosity is immediately piqued. Elisabet did mention the name Moira in the datapoint from GAIA Prime, but Aloy’s never heard of her before. Curiously, she does a designated search for that name and is surprised to find a treasure trove of logs, videos and pictures within the database of Elisabet’s memories.

All stemming from that one interaction in Elisabet’s office.

Aloy’s looks through them all in a blur, coming to realize who exactly Moira was to Elisabet…

Five years pass by until Aloy stops on one particular day.

It’s a video, but not like the others. Not a memory, but a collage set to music.

Images of a twenty-seven-year-old Elisabet come into view, wearing the most beautiful white dress that Aloy has ever seen. Her long red hair is twisted into perfect curls, elegantly styled with flowers and a white trailing veil of flowing fabric.

Miriam is behind her, lacing up her daughter’s dress and looking teary-eyed.

Elisabet turns toward her, wiping her mother’s tears away as the two of them share a smile.

More pictures and videos follow, of people Aloy doesn’t know walking two by two down an aisle, all with smiling faces. Elisabet is then escorted down by her father as the camera centers on her teary smile. She is given away to Moira, who is already standing there in her own dress, looking just as beautiful.

The two of them hold hands before an altar of brightly colored flowers, sharing vows and eventually a kiss to the sound of applause from the hundreds of family and friends in attendance.

Elisabet looks absolutely radiant. Beautiful. Stunning. And… happy.

Aloy watches, mesmerized, as video clips pass by of Elisabet dancing, talking, toasting, and laughing with her loved ones.

All of them precious memories of what is surely the best day of her life.  

Distantly, Aloy thinks of that datapoint she had found back at the Hades Proving Lab. When Travis Tate had asked Elisabet if she’d ever even had a friend.

Sylens had said that it wasn’t surprising. That the exceptional walk a path of solitude.

But he couldn’t have been more wrong.

Elisabet had a life before Project Zero Dawn.

She had a wife. Family. Friends.

He didn’t know her at all.

And… Sylens didn’t know Aloy at all, either.

The third stage of the merge is the shortest yet, much to Aloy’s relief.

Elisabet’s sense of sight is restored without much fanfare, and her chances of survival finally reach upwards to a more reasonable number of 80%. When GAIA lifts the lid of the chamber, and Elisabet lays her green eyes onto Aloy and Beta for the first time, her face softens.

‘There you two are.’ She says, sounding breathless and more exhausted than yesterday, if that were even possible. Her eyelids flutter, noticeably struggling to stay open.

‘Hi Elisabet.’ Beta greets her, reaching for one of her hands.

Elisabet doesn’t react more than twitching her fingers.

‘You’re halfway through.’ Aloy encourages as she takes up Elisabet’s other hand. It feels so natural now, this touch between them, though the limp hand in hers is not. ‘How are you holding up?’ Aloy asks, her eyebrows upturned with concern as she cradles Elisabet’s hand in her own.

‘I feel like I’ve just been hit by a bus.’ Elisabet says, closing her eyes with a tired huff.

‘A… what?’ Aloy asks, tilting her head.

‘Bad analogy.’ Elisabet realizes. ‘Sorry about that.’

‘A bus is a bigger version of a car.’ Beta supplies for Aloy. ‘Maybe a better one would be if you were hit by one of those bigger machines? Like the ones inspired by elephants?’ She looks back towards GAIA. ‘A Tremortusk, I think?’

‘Indeed.’ GAIA confirms.

‘Then let me rephrase.’ Elisabet opens her eyes once more and focuses on Aloy through tired, cloudy vision. ‘I feel like a Tremortusk just trampled me.’

‘Ah.’ Aloy acknowledges, feeling strangely embarrassed that they had to come up with a new turn of phrase just for her to understand. ‘That would certainly uh, do some damage.’

‘I’ll live.’ Elisabet sighs, settling more comfortably into the plush bed. ‘How are you two?’

‘Fine, more or less.’ Beta answers sheepishly.

Elisabet looks over her face with an assessing gaze, before turning toward Aloy.

‘Same here. More or less.’ Aloy says in the same manner as her sister, hoping not to cause a stir when there are so many more important things to worry about right now.

Elisabet seems to see right through their antics.

‘I know it’s easier said than done,’ Elisabet acknowledges. ‘But please get some sleep.’

‘You don’t need to worry about that right now. We’re fine.’ Aloy squeezes her hand, but Elisabet only sighs and leans her head back against the pillows.

‘You two take after your grandfather, that’s for sure...’ She says, looking towards the ceiling. ‘He used to love staying up late, too. Said it was when he got his best thinking done.’ Elisabet shakes her head. ‘Your uncle did the same thing. Though he kicked the habit once Vivian was born.’

Grandfather…?

Uncle…?

Those words are so foreign to Aloy. She has even seen those people that Elisabet is referring to, but the fact that Elisabet considers Aloy and Beta to be related to any of them has never even crossed her mind until now.

‘What about you, though?’ Beta asks hesitantly, deciding to change the subject it seems.

‘I’ve always been more of a morning bird. Up and down with the sun.’ Elisabet says, looking as if she is deeply struggling to stay awake now. ‘Your grandmother was like that, too. We used to watch the sunrise together all the time. Before she...’

Elisabet noticeably pauses then, her eyes looking miles away.

Aloy immediately realizes that she hates seeing Elisabet make such an expression, and she opens her mouth as if to say something, but nothing comes out.

This is a wound she wouldn’t even begin to know how to heal…

‘Speaking of sleep.’ Elisabet eventually says as she closes her tired eyes.

‘Right. You should get some rest.’ Beta says, patting Elisabet’s hand gently.

‘We’ll see you tomorrow.’ Aloy says, those words a promise.

‘Lis, you have to give the baby back sometime.’

‘I have no idea what you’re talking about.’

A thirty-year-old Elisabet is sitting on a couch in what looks like her parents’ house.

It’s been three years since her and Moira’s marriage. By now, Elisabet has left FAS behind, and has newly started her company, Miriam Technologies. She named it after her mother, who… was recently diagnosed with a deadly Old World disease called cancer.

While Elisabet’s previous logs up until now had been melancholic, joy has been brought back into the family’s lives once more in the form of a baby girl.

James’s daughter and Elisabet’s niece; Vivian.

‘Have you ever seen anything more precious?’ Elisabet coos to the baby girl in her arms, rubbing their noses together sweetly.

‘Oh my god, I never knew you were so baby crazy.’ Moira says, exasperated. Though the smile on her face gives her away. ‘Babies are like puppies. Get too attached and you’re gonna want one of your own.’

‘And you say that like it’s a bad thing?’ Elisabet huffs out a laugh. ‘Don’t act like you don’t want one yourself.’

Moira shakes her head and runs her fingers through a lock of Elisabet’s hair.

‘Patience is a virtue’ She sing songs. ‘Give your new company some time to grow first. Or at least deal with the bucket of lawsuits from FAS.’

‘Don’t remind me.’ Elisabet rolls her eyes, before turning toward the sound of footsteps.

Miriam then enters the room. She looks in bad shape, her once thick hair falling out in places. She has a deep tiredness in her face that certainly hadn’t been there before, and she is visibly struggling to walk.

‘How are you doing, mom?’ Elisabet asks, moving to get up. ‘I thought you were with Sarah in the kitchen.’

Moira, though, waves her down as she helps her mother-in-law to sit on the couch.

‘Oh, James called her to help outside for a minute. Something to do with your father letting one of the goats out again.’ Miriam waves a hand dismissively then turns her attention to Vivian, who is curiously pulling at Elisabet’s shirt with her tiny fingers. ‘Look at this little angel.’

‘I know.’ Elisabet smiles at Vivian before handing her off to her grandmother.

‘Hi sweetheart.’ Miriam greets her granddaughter, missing the concerned glances that Elisabet and Moira share over her shoulder.

The routine of the merge has now become strangely familiar to Aloy.

Like a ruin she’s making her way out of. Or a Sunwing flight that’s tapering down to a landing.

Elisabet’s sense of smell is instated smoothly, and while she looks more exhausted than ever before, GAIA has assured both Aloy and Beta that she is making excellent progress.

They’re getting closer towards the end.

‘That is cold. You really weren’t kidding.’

About two years later, Elisabet is seen in some sort of exam office, where she is being prodded in her stomach area with some strange scanning device.

‘I was not, I’m afraid.’ The doctor says with a small laugh.

‘It can’t be that cold.’ Moira teases from Elisabet’s other side.

‘You want to switch?’ Elisabet raises a red brow.

‘Nah, I’m good.’ Moira laughs. ‘I’ll leave my midriff where it is, thank you.’

‘That’s what I thought.’ Elisabet huffs, then grows silent as the seconds tick by.

There is a tension about the room as the quiet sets in, as if waiting for something to happen.

‘Well, there’s no baby just yet, unfortunately.’ The doctor says while removing the device.

‘Really?’ Elisabet face instantly falls.

Beside her, Moira squeezes her hand and rubs her shoulder.

‘No, but not to worry. It’s normal for this type of treatment to take a few tries.’ The doctor says, appearing optimistic. ‘The good news is that the medication is still working even between attempts. So we’ll set up an appointment to try again in another six to eight weeks.’

‘Alright...’ Elisabet sits up and looks away.

Moira takes over speaking with the doctor, and once he leaves, Elisabet buries her face in her hands.

‘Hey. Flower, it’ll be okay.’ Moira wraps her arms around her. ‘You heard him, we can just try again.’

Elisabet shakes her head.

‘Maybe this was a bad idea.’ Elisabet says.

‘What makes you say that?’

‘I… feel like a failure.’ Elisabet admits, the words appearing very hard to express. ‘Like I’m already a horrible mom and I haven’t even started yet.’

‘You will not be a horrible mom.’ Moira looks at her knowingly. ‘Just ask the tiny robots you’re always mothering in your office, and our legion of baby plants that you talk to for hours on end.’

Her words are meant to be light, to make Elisabet laugh or smile, but instead her face only falls further with worry.

‘Plants and bots are nothing like a baby.’ She points out. ‘And this is making me think…’ She shakes her head and puts her hands on her stomach. ‘Maybe this isn’t the best time after all.’

‘Oh, Lis.’ Moira pulls her into a hug. ‘Miriam wouldn’t want you to wait on her account.’

‘I know.’ Elisabet says. ‘But, Moira… she’s getting worse. I called her this morning, and she sounded so miserable. It’s like she’s a completely different person.’ She looks down. ‘I was hoping to give her some good news, but now…’

‘We can still tell her we’re trying. The good news will come when it comes.’ Moira leans her head on hers, running a hand up and down her back. ‘You can still tell her your other news, right?’

‘Yea.’ Elisabet seems a bit better with the slight change in subject as she looks at her hair. It’s grown even longer now, down to her knees. ‘I think she’ll like it.’

‘She’ll love it.’ Moira agrees. ‘But are you sure? It’s gonna be weird seeing you with short hair.’

‘I want her to have it. She said it didn’t matter, but I could tell it really bothered her when she had to shave all of hers off.’ She hums. ‘Appointment’s on Wednesday, so she should have it by the time we fly out there for Christmas soon. Besides…’

Elisabet looks up at Moira. An earnest look is on her face.

‘She’s my mom. I would do anything for her.’

“She’s my mom. I would do anything for her…”

Those words stick with Aloy as she watches Elisabet overcome the final stage of the merge, the sense of taste. Elisabet herself is already falling asleep as soon as GAIA’s tests are completed, and Aloy has noticed lately that her immense exhaustion seems a bit… odd.

The other participants of the merge seemed to become more alert over time, not the other way around. GAIA hasn’t stated that there has been a cause for concern, though.

Just the opposite, actually.

‘Elisabet’s chances are now at 95% given the instatement of all five stages.’ GAIA assures, capturing her attention. ‘Now all that is left is to finalize the merge.’

But as GAIA shuts the chamber down, and Elisabet is placed into the medically induced coma, Aloy can’t shake the nagging feeling that something doesn’t feel right.

‘Dad, you didn’t have to come all the way out here. We could have called a cab.’ Elisabet says while getting into the back seat of a car.

Her father is at the wheel, and Moira climbs into the passenger seat. The outside world is dark, and light snow falls across the icy windshield as they pull away from the parking area.

‘It’s late, and your flight got delayed.’ Is all her father says as he drives onto the highway.

‘Well thanks, Pop. We appreciate it.’ Moira hums, looking back at Elisabet teasingly. ‘Some of us more than others.’

‘That is not what I said.’ Elisabet shakes her head, unimpressed.

‘I don’t mind. Since we got some precious cargo on board, I hope?’ Elisabet’s father asks.

‘Not yet.’ Elisabet sighs, her expression instantly falling as she looks out the window. She reaches unconsciously run a hand through her hair, before pausing at the unfamiliar short length.

‘But soon.’ Moira turns back in her seat and grasps onto Elisabet’s hand.

‘Soon then.’ He hums in agreement and glances at his daughter through the rearview mirror. ‘No rush.’

It only takes a second.

One moment of distraction for the entire world to crash down.

There is the strident screeching of car tires, the crack of shattering glass, the sound of metal breaking, and the darkness of the video being ultimately cut short.

‘Elisabet is now stable for the time being, though we will not know the final results until the twenty-four hour period has passed.’

Aloy looks up at GAIA, slowly nodding as she looks back towards where Elisabet rests.

Beta is next to her, squeezing Aloy’s arm so tightly that there will no doubt be nail marks left on her skin. On the other side of Aloy is Erend, who’s hand is heavy but comforting on her shoulder. Kotallo is behind them, silently watching in support. Alva is standing next to him, her hands on Aloy and Beta’s shoulders. And Zo is on the other side of Beta, quietly rubbing her back in a calming manner.

Everyone has come upstairs to show their support, hopeful that Elisabet will pull through.

‘Soon she’ll wake up, and it’ll be like a bad dream.’ Beta says, more to herself than anyone else.

‘Exactly. I bet you and Aloy can’t wait.’ Alva hums.

‘Me neither. Hey, I got a keg of beer all ready to celebrate.’ Erend laughs.

‘Let’s not celebrate the harvest before the growth is finished.’ Zo chides lightly. ‘Let her rest and recover fully first.’

‘Agreed. Sound advice.’ Kotallo nods.

Somehow, Aloy can’t quite join their conversation.

GAIA has stated more than once that since Elisabet has had little to no complications thus far, she is confident that Elisabet will persevere through the finalization process.

Even still, why can’t Aloy shake the feeling that something is wrong?

That night, Aloy dreams of walking through a field of flowers under a brilliant night sky, but there is no one waiting for her there in the center.

Bonus Scene:

“Hey Lis…

The swarm’s close. Won’t be long now.

You know, I… when you first told me about all this, I didn’t want to believe you. I mean what? Your crazy ex-boss called you up to his swanky office to tell you “hey whoopsie, so we kind of screwed the entire world over! Our bad!”

Like what the absolute hell?

But… we both know you never lie. Not when it’s this important.

It meant a lot to me, you know? That I was the first one you called when shit hit the fan.

It still does, probably now more than ever.

Cuz it didn’t hit me til the order came in. When I was called to pilot again, really pilot, for the first time in years, and they started pullin’ planes outta museums.

You remember when I taught you how to fly one? Got a lot of flack that day. Outta protocol they said, a liability they said, but I’d do it again.

It was a good time we had. We both needed it. Especially you, after everything...

But guess I’ve talked long enough. I already made one of these for Sarah and Vivi, but… for some reason yours is harder. Guess it just goes to show all we’ve gone through together til now...

But I chose this. Enduring Victory. And I’d do it again.

I’ll always have your back Lis, and that’s never going to change.

 So tell GAIA I said hi, and give ‘em hell for me, little sister.

…

… I’ll see you later, chicken butt.”

Chapter Text

Aloy wakes to the stillness of the humming projection room, somewhere deep into nightfall.

Surprisingly, Beta is not next to her as Aloy moves to sit up on her bedroll.

Today marks three days since Elisabet fell asleep.

According to GAIA, she could theoretically wake up at any moment, seeing as she has successfully passed all stages of the merge. Her chances of survival are quite high, too, though GAIA also said that being in a coma for an extended period of time could be dangerous. That it can cause all kinds of complications, and the danger only grows the longer Elisabet stays under.

Every day, every hour, every minute and moment make it harder for her to wake up.

So, if she doesn’t wake soon, then…

Aloy taps her focus, resuming where she left off in the database of Elisabet’s memories.

After the car crash in the Winter of 2052, Elisabet had woken up severely injured and all alone in a hospital bed. She had understandably been very disoriented and highly anxious, though was nearly hysterical when she learned the awful truth of what happened.

That both Moira and her father died in the crash.

‘No… You’re lying! I…’ Elisabet all but screams. Her breathing is heavy, hyperventilating with panic. ‘Where are they? Please…! Don’t tell me that…’

The complete anguish on Elisabet’s face and in her voice is something that Aloy will never forget. The sound of her devastated sobbing is akin to something Aloy has only seen out in the wilds, when witnessing the destruction that losing loved ones can cause to those left behind.

Seeing it on Elisabet’s face, though… it was too much for Aloy to take.

She could barely watch as Elisabet broke down completely.

Miriam and James had come racing into the room, and Aloy watched as they held Elisabet close that day, and throughout the many more painful days to follow.

Until not even that was possible anymore.

Miriam Sobeck passed away from cancer the following Spring, and Elisabet… was never the same again.

Over the next four years, Aloy watched her wither away from the bright, vibrant young woman she used to be, into the beginnings of the more familiar, secluded person that was recorded during the days of Project Zero Dawn. Elisabet kept everyone at an arm’s length, and threw everything into her work. Her dedication knew no bounds, as if she were pouring all of herself back into the world around her. As a result, her company grew exponentially in a short amount of time, winning countless recognition and awards, but it clearly came at a personal cost.

One that she was willing to pay.

Elisabet grew to care more about her work than she did about herself. She slowly stopped seeing her friends, and shied away from making new connections with others. She began giving away most of her and Moira’s possessions, and rarely slept as she started spending less and less time at home. She hired caretakers to look after the goats and chickens on her property, as well as the animals living at Sobeck Ranch, and rarely made time to visit her childhood home anymore.

It was as if Aloy were watching Elisabet live her life like a machine.

Still breathing, but… barely alive.

It reminded Aloy of herself, in a lot of ways… and she found it all incredibly hard to watch.

However, just like Aloy, Elisabet thankfully had people in her life that weren’t willing to give up on her. James and his wife Sarah visited her whenever possible, along with their daughter Vivian, who became very attached to Elisabet over the years.

‘Aunt Lizzy, can we visit the ranch soon and go for horse rides?’

‘Aunt Lizzy, what’s that new machine thingy you’re making?’

‘Aunt Lizzy, come over tonight. Mama and I made cookies!’

Each time, Elisabet would indulge her niece’s request, and Vivian spent quite a lot of time at Miriam Technologies as a result. There are many clips within the database that strangely seem to come from her perspective. As if they were taken from her focus. There are other clips here too, from James’s perspective, as well as from Sarah’s. Multiple videos and pictures of all of them spending time with Elisabet, whether she wanted them to or not it seems.

While watching through them, Aloy could only ponder where they came from.

‘Sylens wouldn’t have bothered spending the time to find these, that’s for sure.’ Aloy mumbles to herself. ‘So that means Elisabet must have found them. But there was probably only one real place where they could have been…’

Aloy looks toward the ectogenic chamber, trying not to think about it too deeply as she watches a clip of Vivian happily running through the glass doors of Miriam Technologies.

‘Aunt Lizzy, can you show me the dinosaur machine? Pretty please?’ Vivian pulls at Elisabet’s white lab coat during one sunny day after school.

‘How do you know about that?’ Elisabet reaches down to pick up her seven-year-old niece.

‘That guy Travis said so!’

‘Uh huh.’ Elisabet shakes her head. ‘Why am I not surprised?’

Travis Tate was a freelancer back in those days, or so he said.

He and Elisabet met years ago. While she was giving a lecture as a guest speaker for his college. Years later, they met again under rather… dubious circumstances. Aloy was only able to find brief snippets about it. Some top-secret AI projects or something like that. Either way, whatever it was, it must have gone well. Seeing as Travis felt comfortable enough with Elisabet to keep up their professional relationship afterwards.

Whenever he saw fit, that is.

‘I saw him in the cafeteria. He gave me an orange and called me a sweet little firecracker.’ Vivian recounts with a laugh, causing Elisabet to sigh. ‘Then he told me about the new dinosaur machine. Is it a T-rex!?’ Vivian prods her aunt as Elisabet walks, nodding to her colleagues politely in the hallways. ‘Is it gonna bite me if I pet it?’

‘Heavens, no.’ Elisabet shakes her head.

The two of them go through a back exit of the facility and step into a private area outside, where Elisabet puts Vivian down onto the stone walkway. The young girl follows after her to a heavily gated area, wherein three machines can be found grazing the green grass.

‘Come here, girls.’ Elisabet’s voice is light as she whistles, causing the small goat-sized machines to immediately scamper toward her.

They all stomp their feet and bounce around her excitedly, causing Vivian to gasp with glee.

‘Girls??’ Vivian gushes over the cute display and hesitantly reaches out to pet one of them. They are modeled after what Aloy has come to know is a triceratops, with the Miriam Technologies logo stamped onto their underbellies.

‘We’re working on recall.’ Elisabet hums. ‘They need to come when they’re called.’

‘Like your chickens? You call them girls too.’ Vivian grins. ‘Even the boy chickens!’

‘Exactly.’ Elisabet says, watching them interact. Her green eyes are astutely assessing, mentally taking notes.

‘What were they doing?’ Vivian asks.

‘Tending to the soil. Making new plants.’ Elisabet crouches down next to her niece and puts a hand atop one of their heads. ‘We want to make bigger ones soon. Send them out to help people.’

Vivian’s expression suddenly falls as her voice gets quieter.

‘You mean to places like where daddy is?’

James is out west fighting to deal with rising tensions between people and machines. From what Aloy has seen, his job in the military had been growing dangerous and unpredictable in those years, as he’s one of the few who knew how to manually fly a plane rather than relying on automated flight paths. The stories that he’s told Elisabet, while not exactly bright, were undoubtedly only a small fraction of the horrors he’s had to deal with day to day.

‘Yea, Vivi. Just like that.’ Elisabet runs a hand through Vivian’s red hair and stands up. ‘Let’s head inside then I’ll give your mom a call to pick you up later. I’ve got plans for tonight.’

‘What are you doing?’ Vivian asks curiously. 

‘Dinner with a friend, I guess you could say.’ Elisabet says, her expression thoughtful.

Aloy lets the video end, her attention going back to the quiet solitude of the projection room.

She turns around when a voice suddenly speaks up behind her.

‘Was that one of the Land Gods?’ Beta asks curiously, apparently holding no remorse about eavesdropping on her sister.

Aloy blinks as Beta sits down next to her.

‘Now that you mention it, I think it was.’ Aloy plays the video back.

She hadn’t been paying them much attention, being more focused on watching Elisabet and Vivian’s interactions. But as she stops the video to look closer, those machines definitely appear to be identical to Plowhorns, only much smaller in size.

‘Did HEPHAESTUS create the Land Gods off of Elisabet’s original schematics, GAIA?’ Beta asks, tilting her head with intrigue.

‘During the process of creating specialized machines to reclaim the biosphere, I recounted Elisabet’s original design for the machines now known today as Plowhorns.’ GAIA admits. ‘They were greatly useful during Elisabet’s time, and were a contributing factor for multiple awards that she won for her work in environmental progress.’ GAIA says. ‘By all accounts, those machines are a part of Elisabet’s legacy, and I felt inclined to allow them to live once more even after her death.’

‘Is that why the ones near Plainsong weren’t taken over by HEPHAESTUS after the Derangement?’ Aloy asks curiously. ‘Because they originally come from Miriam Technologies?’

She always wondered what made the Land God’s so special as to be able to resist HEPHAESTUS’s control to some degree. She knew that their original purpose was to tend to the fields that were intended to be the local food source for the whole region. But by all accounts, Plowhorns are an oddly peaceful machine, the most peaceful of them being around Plainsong. It was only in recent years that they became aggressive, and even then, they usually left people well enough alone if they kept their distance.

‘Yes.’ GAIA confirms. ‘As their design is not one of HEPHAESTUS’s creations, they were able to remain off its radar for multiple years.’ She then waves a hand to access a different database of memories. ‘Elisabet seemed to have noticed this as well.’ She says. ‘Before the merge process began, I was able to access recordings in the databanks of the Clawstrider she inhabited.’

Aloy blinks with surprise and looks toward the sleeping Clawstrider by Elisabet’s chamber. She had no idea that any length of this new lifetime of hers could have been recorded.

‘This datapoint was taken near Plainsong shortly before Elisabet’s arrival at this facility.’

The image of Plainsong comes into view, its now healed soil lush with life. A pink-eyed Clawstrider walks through the fields, the sound of its metal footsteps rhythmic with each step.

As Elisabet further approaches the village, she stops.

Among the grass and crops, a Plowhorn sows the land. Its face and tail are dug deep into the ground as it works. She is standing far enough away from both it and the settlement to not cause a stir, but one or two farmers quickly take notice of her presence nearby, looking at her wearily.

Elisabet merely watches the Plowhorn work, tilting her head with intrigue.

‘Is that?’ She mumbles to herself. ‘It can’t be…’

She stands up a bit straighter.

‘Come here, girl.’ She whistles halfheartedly, no doubt expecting it to ignore her call.

On the contrary, the Land God immediately lifts its towering head and runs toward her, causing the Clawstrider to startle with surprise.

It happily stomps its feet and bounces around her, much like its smaller predecessors.

‘Alright, calm down girl. Yes, I said calm down.’ Elisabet soothes. ‘Let me look at you.’

Elisabet looks at its belly, humming as she spots a familiar Miriam Technologies engraving.

‘I can’t believe it.’ She fondly shakes her head, sounding touched as she turns away. ‘I’ll have to… thank GAIA when I see her.’

The Plowhorn follows after her like a baby duckling through the fields. She lets it do so for a while but turns around once the other Land Gods take notice and start following her as well.

‘Dismissed.’ Elisabet says, the word firm and her command simple. ‘Attend to your task.’

One of them stomps its large front feet against the ground in protest. It is a display that has the nearby Utaru gasping in response to the sudden, seemingly aggressive behavior of one of their Gods.

Elisabet, though, is unimpressed.

‘No.’ She shakes her head and turns away.

The other Land Gods all disobediently mimic the same behavior as the first, shaking the Earth underneath their powerful feet.

‘You haven’t changed at all.’ She says with a halfhearted sigh. ‘Fine, then. If we must.’

Elisabet stomps her foot back, causing the Plowhorns to scatter happily among the fields. Elisabet casually walks after them, and calls to each one with specific whistles so that they fall perfectly in line after her like some strange form of a machine parade. The Utaru watching all have smiles on their faces, also following after her from afar but not daring to get too close.

Their behavior appears to be some sort of… game? More than likely some sort of recall practice Elisabet utilized from the Old World, if Aloy had to guess.

Once all the Land Gods are collected, they bellow and stomp their feet in unison, reminding Aloy of the song they sang when she and Zo installed the reboot code not too long ago. The Utaru watching whoop and holler in response, and Elisabet then whistles low and long, causing the Plowhorns to slowly veer off to attend to their own tasks.

She gives them one last long look, before turning onwards towards the mountains west of Plainsong.

 ‘They… they remembered her.’ Beta says in awe once the video ends. ‘That’s amazing!’

‘Indeed.’ GAIA concurs. ‘Though Plowhorns are not a one-to-one recreation of Elisabet’s original schematics, they have retained the original record for her voice recognition in their code.’

‘Elisabet’s voice…’ Aloy parrots, leaving words unspoken as she and Beta share a glance.

‘Aloy, you’ve met the Land Gods before.’ Beta points out. ‘Have they ever responded to you like that?’

‘No.’ Aloy shakes her head. ‘But I’ve never talked to them like that before either, so who knows.’

It’s not like she makes a point of baby talking deadly machines, but then again this may be something to test out whenever she’s back near Plainsong.

When no one’s around, of course…

‘I’d like to see them with you someday.’ Beta says as she and Aloy sit side by side on their bedrolls. ‘But I hope she can be with us when we do.’ She looks toward the chamber, the room growing a bit heavier all of a sudden.

‘Me too, Beta.’ Aloy says, her tone soft as she leans her shoulder onto her sisters.

The two of them have spent a lot of time here together in the projection room, waiting for Elisabet to wake up. The others have all periodically come to visit them, asking if there’s been any change, but there’s been nothing at all to report.

Elisabet hasn’t so much as twitched in the past three days.

Zo has encouraged both sisters to come downstairs anyway, to get their minds off things. And while Beta has since reluctantly taken her advice, Aloy hasn’t been able to bring herself to leave Elisabet’s side just yet.

Interacting with the others, with everything that’s going on… it’s hard.

Her first instincts are to push them away. To handle and process this on her own.

But going through Elisabet’s memories today, seeing her clam up and purposefully push away the people who care most about her, Aloy can’t help but be reminded of Varl. And of Erend.

“We fought and bled at your side, Aloy, and you just… disappear? What kind of person does that?”

“Well, consider it a punishment for running out on us on the very same night we beat HADES.”

They were both incredibly hurt by her when she left them after the Battle of Meridian.

At the time, she hadn’t given it a second thought, about how her actions could hurt them like that. She had thought it was better that way, to do everything on her own, but now…

‘Anyway, it’s uh, dinner time.’ Beta brings Aloy’s attention back to the present. ‘Erend made Meat in the Middle. He said it was one of your favorites.’ She says, almost a bit nervously. ‘Will you uh, come down? You don’t have to! But I thought I’d ask? Zo said you haven’t eaten yet… today.’

Aloy pauses, realizing her recent actions. She hasn’t so much as left this room for days.

If Varl were here, she knows that he would try everything he could to persuade her to take a break from all of this, no matter how small.

Aloy takes a deep breath and reluctantly forces herself to stand.

‘Yea… okay.’ She says, not missing the little uptick of her sister’s lips as they both head downstairs side by side.

Aloy receives a call later that night. From Sylens.

Like all of their conversations, it isn’t about anything good.

‘She is not doing well, I’m told.’ Sylens’ hologram turns towards the chamber. Elisabet is seen sleeping inside, with multiple tubes in her arms and a mask covering her face.

‘Her chances are good, but...’ Aloy sighs, crossing her arms.

‘I see.’ Sylens turns to her. ‘You do realize that given the multitude of backups for her logs, that you could simply try again should all else fail.’

‘She doesn’t want that.’ Aloy shakes her head and looks at him suspiciously. ‘But shouldn’t you already know that?’

‘Ah, yes. Her… “wishes”.’ Sylens says with that holier-than-thou tone of voice that drives Aloy insane. ‘I wonder, would those wishes even matter, if the slate were wiped clean of memory?’

‘What?’ Aloy asks, her brow furrowed.

‘She will have no memory of her time in this new world, should the cycle start again for another round.’ Sylens points out.

‘No.’ Aloy says with a tone of finality. ‘We’re not doing that.’

‘You must understand, Aloy, that the chances against Nemesis would be greatly improved with Elisabet’s old world intellect.’ Sylens says. ‘To refrain from extracting that knowledge would be… foolish, at best.’

‘Don’t talk about her like she’s some tool to be left for dead once you’ve gotten your fill.’ Aloy glares at him, her voice low and dangerous. ‘Like what you did to HADES.’ Her body is tense, like a predator ready to strike. ‘Sylens, if I find out that you- ’

‘Rest assured I have done no such thing to your precious genetic mother.’ Sylens cuts her off. ‘Though I am simply stating facts, Aloy. Surely you must realize the secrets Elisabet harbor could be astronomical to our world.’ He continues. ‘Should the wants of one woman really weigh so much?’

‘They will if I have anything to say about it.’

Aloy angrily hangs up the call by ripping her focus off her temple.

Sylens doesn’t bother to call her back after that.

‘So… her name is Tilda?’

‘James.’ Elisabet sighs, picking up on her brother’s teasing undertone right away.

She’s cooking in her kitchen, making some sort of fried rice dish as her brother’s voice floats through a speaker on the counter.

‘I’m just asking, chicken butt.’ James huffs with a laugh. ‘Would you lighten up?’

Elisabet sighs again, the action clearly more dramatic than necessary as she speaks to her annoyance of a sibling.

‘Yes. If you must know, her name is Tilda.’ She confirms.

‘Nice name.’ James hums then goes silent for a moment too long. ‘So? Is she hot?’

‘James!’ Elisabet startles, red coming over her face.

‘Well can you blame me for asking?’ James defends himself. ‘This is the first date you’ve been on in years!’

At this notion, Elisabet frowns.

By now, she’s thirty-seven years old. It’s been over five years since the accident, but Elisabet has never shown an inkling of getting close to someone again in that way.

Until now, that is.

‘How’d you meet?’ James asks curiously.

‘At the summit in Paris a few months ago.’ Elisabet seems more willing to answer this neutral question. ‘The one where I asked if you all wanted to come with me, and you said that you would rather watch paint dry.’

‘Ah, that one.’ James says, holding no remorse. ‘I mean, no offence Lis, but I’d rather not spend my limited time off traveling to who knows where to make small talk with a bunch of stuffs…’

‘Well,’ Elisabet continues, choosing to ignore that statement. ‘She sought me out the morning after I gave my key note address.’ She recounts. ‘Had a feeling she was going to, actually.’

‘So what’d she want? Just to chit chat?’

‘Not exactly. I can always tell when people want to talk my ear off about nonsense.’ Elisabet furrows her brow. ‘She asked me something about intelligence parameters. I can’t remember specifics, but she didn’t seem to like my answer. Or maybe I embarrassed her? I don’t know.’

‘Was it like when that guy from Italy asked about developing AI for something other than terraforming? And you told him in a not so nice way where he could shove it?’

Elisabet snorts, shaking her head.

‘No. Nothing like that.’ Elisabet says, adding chopped vegetables to the pan. ‘Anyway, I noticed by the way she was speaking that she knew more than she was letting on, and that’s when I recognized her.’ She recounts. ‘Tilda Van der Meer. One of the top data brokers in the country.’

‘Wha-? You’re kidding.’ James sounds speechless.

‘No, it was definitely her.’ Elisabet sighs. ‘She made that famous program to detect art forgeries, YCITT. Guess she got into the business from there.’

‘So uh, I’m guessing that’s where the conversation ended?’ James asks.

Elisabet noticeably pauses, and James sighs.

‘Lis. I get that her pretty face probably made your lizard brain explode, but people like that are dangerous.’ He chides, for once being serious. ‘For more reasons than one.’

‘I wanted to know what her angle was.’ Elisabet shrugs, watching oil sizzle in the pan. ‘We left that conversation just fine. But she kept popping up at a few other conferences I’ve gone to.’

‘Think it was a coincidence?’

‘Probably not, knowing what I know now.’ Elisabet hums. ‘Took her a few times of us getting drinks for her to say what she wanted from me.’ She says, sounding contemplative. ‘She said she wanted to take me out on a proper date, and well…’

‘What if she does something to your company?’ He asks, wary.

‘Travis has got that handled, I’m not worried.’ Elisabet waves a hand dismissively. ‘He owes me one for bailing him out at that center in Colorado last year. I swear, one of these days he’s going to end up with a price on his head…’ Elisabet frowns, before her focus pops up with a message. It’s from Tilda. ‘For now we’re keeping it casual, but she has already asked me for a second date.’

‘Well casual or no, I’m proud of you for coming out of your shell for once.’ James’s tone is encouraging. Elisabet shifts in response, uncomfortable. ‘You haven’t been the same since well… everything, and I just… we all want you to be happy. Vivi especially. She hates seeing you clam up.’

‘I know she does.’ Elisabet acknowledges. ‘It was… nice, to go out again. I do like Tilda.’ Elisabet says shyly. ‘She’s smart, very romantic, and passionate about the things she enjoys. So, who knows…’

‘Who knows…’ Her brother parrots.

Erend comes to visit Aloy the next day in the afternoon.

‘There she is.’ He greets her heartily. ‘How you holdin’ up, Aloy?’

‘Hey Erend.’ Aloy greets back, shutting down her focus. She is sitting at her desk, looking over data on Nemesis from the Zenith Base. Her set up has been moved to face the chamber, so that Aloy can always keep an eye on Elisabet.

Erend comes to stand next to Elisabet, watching the steady rise and fall of her chest with each breath.

‘I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so quiet.’ He comments lightly with a small laugh. ‘Well, besides that one time you were so quiet we didn’t even realize you were gone.’

Aloy doesn’t rise to the bait and instead quietly comes to stand next to him.

For a few moments the two of them are silent, before he speaks.

‘GAIA told us about it. How you and Beta have to make a call in a few days if nothin’ changes.’ His voice and words are heavy. ‘Aloy, I can’t imagine how hard this has gotta be for you. Really.’ He acknowledges. ‘Specially after all that bull the Nora put you through growing up.’

Aloy lets out a breath, her eyes lost in thought.

If the Nora saw her now, they’d probably praise All-Mother, crying to their goddess about the miracle of how truly blessed the Anointed is to finally be gifted a mother of her very own.

That is, if Elisabet survived this.

If she doesn’t… Well, All-Mother would probably have a reason for that too.

‘Yea, Erend.’ She doesn’t try to deny it. ‘It is.’

Erend picks up on her melancholy right away and stands up a bit straighter, placing his hand on her shoulder. He doesn’t say anything, simply being there to support her.

He’s really… grown so much since Aloy first met him. They both have.

Back then Aloy had just been a girl stumbling through the world for the first time, looking for her mother.

In a lot of ways, that hasn’t really changed…

‘She’s… very beautiful, Lis.’

‘Uh huh. Then why do you look so worried?’

Elisabet and Tilda are visiting Sobeck Ranch. At this point they’ve been together for a while, and it’s taken a lot of time for Elisabet to be comfortable enough with Tilda to finally bring her here.

‘This is Star.’ Elisabet introduces, petting her black and white horse’s neck while Star nips at her hair, same as always. ‘She is my first horse.’ She says, lightly pushing Star’s nose away and receiving a playful nudge in return. ‘She’s known me since the day she was born.’

Star is much older now. She’s retired from riding, but clearly still has a lot of spunk left in her from what Aloy can see. She and the other animals have been loving that Elisabet has been visiting the ranch more often lately, particularly ever since she and Tilda started seeing each other.

Despite everything, Aloy was surprised to find that Elisabet seems… happier, now that she has Tilda in her life, and they both seem to be doing well enough together.

Though, Aloy has noticed a few things.

‘And you’re sure she doesn’t have… fleas?’ Tilda asks, her gaze cold and judgmental.

‘Yes.’ Elisabet rolls her eyes and takes Tilda’s hand, easily putting it onto Star’s back. ‘I never knew you were such a city girl.’ She teases and grabs a brush to comb out her horse’s black mane.

‘Hm.’ Tilda hums, keeping her hand there for a moment, before removing it once Elisabet turns away. ‘Forgive me my shortcomings, then.’

Elisabet huffs and takes care of her favorite horse, before leading Star back into her stall. A beautiful chestnut colored horse is then taken out, along with another that is pure white.

‘That’s Cinnamon, and this is Sugar.’ Elisabet puts her hand on the white horse, who tosses its mane that looks like freshly fallen snow. ‘She’s very gentle, so she’ll do well for your first ride.’

‘Is this another one of your horses?’ Tilda raises a brow. ‘How many do you have exactly?’

‘I have plenty.’ She shrugs, unbothered.

‘You certainly have a way with words as well.’ Tilda raises a teasing brow. ‘Cinnamon and Sugar?’

‘Smart.’ Elisabet rolls her eyes. ‘But I didn’t name them. Cinnamon is Vivian’s horse, and Sugar belongs to Sarah. Though they won’t mind if we take them out for the day.’

‘I see.’ Tilda says, something in her tone less than neutral.

Whenever Elisabet brings up her family, Aloy has noticed that Tilda seems… defensive. Or angry, maybe? James in particular doesn’t seem to be very fond of Tilda, either, which probably doesn’t help things in the slightest. Though they both clearly try to hide it from Elisabet at least. Sarah and Vivian for their part have always been more than welcoming to Tilda, but the sentiment is not reciprocated from what Aloy has seen.

Though that fact doesn’t really surprise her at all at this point.

The two of them go out for a gentle horse ride around the property, before heading inside.

‘This is my parent’s place.’ Elisabet introduces while opening the front door and walking down a hallway towards the kitchen. ‘I’ll see what we have to drink. Have a look around if you want.’

Tilda does so, looking at the various knickknacks and pictures in the living room. She seems uncomfortable, as if she were in a pigsty and not a home that’s clearly well-loved and looked after whenever Elisabet and her brother are away.

‘Who made these paintings?’ Tilda asks, gravitating toward a beautiful collage of flowers.

‘We did it for a girl’s day sort of thing.’ Elisabet says casually from the kitchen. ‘The sunflowers are Sarah and Vivi’s. I have the lilacs. Mom did the rose, and Moira did the water lily.’

Tilda noticeably pauses, her posture straightening. She moves to leave the room but stops dead in her tracks upon seeing a particular photo hung up on the wall.

It’s a wedding photo of Elisabet and Moira. The picture perfectly captures the two of them looking absolutely beautiful and happy as they kiss underneath an altar of multi-colored flowers.

Tilda’s eyes harden as she stares at it for perhaps a bit too long.

‘I have coffee and dandelion tea.’ Elisabet reaches up into the cabinet once Tilda comes into the kitchen behind her. ‘Or there’s raspberry iced tea in the fridge. Which-?’

She turns around, only to be cut off as Tilda puts a finger underneath her chin and moves as if to pull her in for a kiss. Her touch is not gentle as she puts her other hand onto Elisabet’s waist, forcing her back against the counter as she comes closer.

Elisabet puts her hands onto Tilda’s shoulders before they can make contact.

‘What’s that look for?’ Elisabet raises an eyebrow, confused. ‘What’s wrong?’

‘Are you sure?’ Tilda asks instead of answering, pushing a stray lock of red hair behind Elisabet’s ear. ‘About marriage?’

At this question, Elisabet looks away.

It’s been almost three years now since she and Tilda have started dating. Lately talk of their future has started to come up, and Elisabet has had to draw her line in the sand.

She doesn’t want to be married again. It’s not something she is comfortable with.

But Tilda, she wants marriage, and she wants children.

Elisabet can’t have children, but even if she could, she acknowledges that at this point in her life, it’s no longer possible. She simply doesn’t have the time she used to have for such things. She’s told Tilda this before, too, but it hasn’t stopped her from toeing the line. Especially since Lis will be approaching forty soon, and Tilda will be turning thirty-five in the next year.

Even Aloy, who has no relationship experience whatsoever, can tell that the two of them want different things in life, and there’s no clear solution to be had if they choose to stay together.

‘Tilda, look.’ Elisabet sighs, removing her hands from Tilda’s shoulders as her expression turns serious. ‘If that’s not an option for you, I completely understand. But if that’s the case then maybe it would be better if we just-’

Tilda cuts her off with a kiss, not allowing Elisabet to speak further.

‘Don’t even say it.’ Tilda shushes, holding her close. ‘I was just asking, love. Not to worry.’

‘GAIA?’ Aloy asks later that night once the recording ends.

‘Yes, Aloy?’

‘Tilda is… really dead.’ Aloy looks up at the AI. ‘Right?’

‘Yes.’ GAIA confirms. ‘Elisabet advised that, following the battle atop the Far Zenith base, she personally swam her ejector pod down into the ocean depths with the use of a Tideripper machine.’ She nods. ‘All inquiries to Tilda’s Zenith implant show that it is nonresponsive as well.’

‘An ocean burial, huh?’ Aloy places her hands on her hips. ‘Well, that’s good news at least.’

Seeing all of these logs played back is… hard to watch, to say the least.

Aloy frowns and puts a hand onto the glass of the chamber, watching Elisabet sleep.

Elisabet has been through so much in her life, losing not only her partner but both of her parents in less than six months’ time. And when she finally found someone that made her happy again, it just had to be Tilda of all people.

Tilda had told Aloy that she loved Elisabet more than she will ever know, and now, after seeing all of this, Aloy knows that fact is definitely more than true.

Tilda did love Elisabet. To an obsessive, almost dangerous degree.

Even back then, she clearly wanted Elisabet all to herself, and was willing to isolate her from everyone, including her family. It was the beginning of the monster that Tilda grew to be over one thousand years later, and is clearly at the core of their not so pleasant reunion back atop the Far Zenith Base.

The only saving grace in all of this is that Elisabet herself has never been one to be so easily cowed, and that she, somehow, was able to break things off between them before the days of the Faro Plague began.

Even so, Aloy has a bad feeling about where all of this is going...

‘It… sure is something, Tilda.’ Elisabet comments, looking around.

The two of them have arrived at an extravagant getaway somewhere in the Netherlands. They are at a fancy restaurant with a glass dome overhead, displaying the brilliant winter night sky and sparkling snowflakes cascading all around in the wind.

‘Only the best for you, darling.’ Tilda kisses her hand before pulling out Elisabet’s chair.

‘Of course.’ Elisabet raises a red eyebrow as she sits down, clearly feeling out of place surrounded by such extravagance. ‘You still haven’t told me for what occasion, though?’ She points out, fidgeting with the skirt of her fancy dress that Tilda insisted she wear for whatever reason. ‘Not everyday that you would ask to take me to the city where you were born.’

‘In time.’ Tilda says in that knowing way of hers, causing Elisabet to furrow her brow.

Elisabet has expressed in earlier logs that something is… off between them, and she wasn’t sure if she wanted to continue their relationship any longer. Everything had been going so well for the first few years, and Elisabet even admitted that she had been developing deeper feelings for Tilda.

But somehow, things started to change.

Tilda was becoming more… possessive. Unpredictable.

One moment she was treating Elisabet with all the love and respect in the world, but at the drop of a hat she would grow cold or even angry with her over the smallest things. Tilda would talk over Elisabet, too, repressing her with words as if she were an incompetent child that needed to be controlled.

Anytime Moira was mentioned, especially, it was as if a bomb went off.

Elisabet never responded well to those moments, and some of their fights were not pretty to say the least. Aloy can tell that Tilda pathetically must have seen Moira as a threat, even though the other woman had been dead for almost a decade by that point.

The whole thing reminded her of what had happened with Talanah, Amadis and Ritakka. Though while Talanah chose to walk away from such a situation, Tilda instead chose to hold on.

Chose to smother Elisabet tighter and tighter, unwilling to let go.

Their meal that night is spent in comfortable conversation. Elisabet mentions being nominated for yet another award for her work green robotics, and Tilda brings up a business trip she’ll be going on soon to a country Aloy has never heard of before.

It’s only when the dinner comes to an end that Aloy realizes why Tilda brought Elisabet there.

Specifically when Tilda takes Elisabet’s hand, and gets down on one knee before her.

‘Lizzy, darling, I cannot express with words how much I love you. There’s no one else that I’d rather spend my life with. Nor anyone else that I’d rather have children with. I…’

The rest of Tilda’s words go unheard by Aloy as she watches Elisabet sit back in her seat, her eyes wide like a Grazer.

‘Elisabet Sobeck, will you marry me?’

Tilda opens a small black box to reveal the most beautiful ring that Aloy has ever seen. It absolutely sparkles in the evening twilight, whole parts expensive and breathtaking as it glitters like glowing greenshine.

‘Tilda…’ Elisabet says, appearing tense and uncomfortable as she notices that many patrons have stopped to stare by now.

To stare at her in particular.

She’s given lectures and speeches just fine over the years, but none of them have clearly been so… invasive as this. In that moment Elisabet looks nothing like the picture of tearful joy and love that had radiated off of her when Moira had asked her that same question years ago.

Made only worse by the fact that Aloy knows that she and Tilda have talked about this exact scenario before. Tilda had expressed that if she was ever going to propose to anyone, that she would do so in public, as a sign of her undying affection. Elisabet, though, has said that the thought of being asked such a personal question in public would be unbearable.

Elisabet isn’t a fan of crowds, something that Aloy has undoubtedly inherited from her. There’s always this pressure to perform, to act in a way that society most expects of her.

Tilda already knows that.

She does. So… so….

Aloy realizes at the same time as Elisabet that Tilda did this on purpose, creating a scenario where she can’t possibly refuse.

A look of betrayal overcomes Elisabet’s face as she gazes at Tilda, looking as if she’s going to be sick. She glances at the people around them as the room goes silent, waiting for her answer.

She pauses, her hands shaking as she closes her eyes.

When she opens them again, Elisabet is not happy in the slightest.

‘No.’

Her denial is abrupt. Final.

It causes an uproar, and the patrons of the restaurant gasp with shock as Elisabet calmly stands and walks out with her head held high.

Tilda, ashamed, is hot in her heels.

The two of them fight for what feels like ages, arguing as Elisabet starts packing to leave.

‘I already told you how I felt, Tilda!’ Elisabet angrily zips up her travel bag. ‘I’m done. I’ve given you enough second chances, I can’t keep doing this anymore.’

‘Can’t you see? There’s no reason the past should impede your future, Lis. Our future.’ Tilda calmly talks over her, clearly not willing to listen to Elisabet at all. ‘What happened was over a decade ago. Haven’t you considered that it’s time to move on? To find a happiness that’s better than the past?’

‘I said no.’ Elisabet glares at her and turns to leave.

‘I’m saying yes.’ Tilda says forcefully, standing in her way. ‘Do you really want to throw away everything that we have together?’

Elisabet looks at her, her chin high and her eyes assessing.

‘It’s not a competition between you and Moira. It never was.’ Elisabet says slowly, ignoring the way Tilda’s expression twists with the mention of that name. ‘I love you both, in my own way. I thought you’d see that by now.’

Tilda also raises her chin, saying nothing, and Elisabet sighs.

‘Goodbye then, Tilda.’ Elisabet says.

‘No.’

When she moves to go past, Tilda grabs her by the arms. Her nails dig into Elisabet’s skin so hard that she flinches and drops her bag. Elisabet looks up at her, her greens eyes frightened, and Tilda immediately releases her, realizing what she’d just done.

What line was just crossed.

It all ended right then between them.

Elisabet left and never looked back, and Aloy couldn’t be happier knowing that Tilda could never hurt her ever again.

A few years later, it was the beginning of the end.

Elisabet met with Ted Faro, and discovered the truth of humanity’s inevitable downfall.

“This isn’t a glitch, it’s a catastrophe.”

“Fully aware. It’s bad.”

“Bad?”

“Jesus, Lis.”

“It’s not bad, Ted. It’s apocalyptic!”

The first person Elisabet called, the first person to know the truth, was her older brother.

‘You-? You’re kidding, Lis.’ James asks in disbelief.

‘I wish I was, James. I really wish I was…’ Elisabet says, her words both heavy and final.

After that, Elisabet planned for the future. Planned for Project Zero Dawn.

It was all here in the memory database. Every single piece of her journey.

Elisabet gathered her team and started building GAIA from the ground up, hoping for a better future when the present was so rapidly dying right in front of her eyes. She went to her childhood home one last time, visited both of her parents’ graves, as well as Star’s, and shut Sobeck Ranch’s doors for good. She said goodbye to each and every animal, and released them all out into the wilds, hoping somehow that they could have some sort of life worth living before the end came.

Elisabet stayed there for as long as she could afterwards, sitting on the stone bench in the front yard. Aloy has seen so many memories of her sitting in that exact spot. Always side by side with her mother, both of them watching the sunrise while the horses and other animals ran in the fields.

Now, Elisabet sat all alone, and wept for everything she’d lost.

‘Aunt Lizzy, what do you mean?!’ Vivian’s now sixteen-year-old voice cries into Elisabet’s focus. She is distraught. Inconsolable. ‘Please go back inside! You have to! The robots. They’re-…’

‘It’s too late now, Vivi.’ Elisabet says. ‘The door is shut. Everyone inside GAIA Prime is safe.’

‘But not YOU!!!’ Vivian cries harder.

‘Lis, you…’ Sarah’s voice cuts in through the call, sounding speechless. ‘Sister… I…’

‘It’s okay, Sarah.’ Elisabet turns to walk down the mountain, leaving GAIA Prime behind. The amount of destruction in the outside world, the amount of death, causes her to pause, but only for a moment. ‘This is what I wanted. Really.’

‘You wanted to die?!’ Sarah sounds angry now.

‘If it means other people don’t have to suffer, then yes.’ Elisabet admits.

‘Don’t say that. James… He…’ Sarah’s voice cracks.

James had died months ago, going down with his squad in the air. He had said he was honored to fly one final time for life on Earth to survive. Though most of all, he was honored to fly for his little sister, who was doing everything she could to set things right.

‘I’m going home.’ Elisabet’s tone is gentler now. ‘I won’t… be able to speak to you both again.’

‘But-! Aunt Lizzy-!’ Vivian’s voice is shaky, cracking with tears and emotion.

‘Listen to your mother, Vivi. And… try to live life the best you can.’ Elisabet says. ‘This isn’t what I wanted for you both. It isn’t what I wanted for anyone.’ She admits, her voice grave. ‘But if I didn’t do this, that door would never close. They would find GAIA, and be able to find you too.’ She says. ‘I can’t… let that happen. Do you understand?’

Vivian only sobs in response, and Sarah is heard taking a deep shuddering breath.

‘Take care, Lis.’ She says. ‘I hope… you make it back home. Say hi to… Say hi to James for me. And mom, dad and Moira too. When you get to where you’re going.’

‘Thanks. I will.’ Elisabet says, before reaching up to end the call. ‘I’m heading out now.’ She says, gazing up at the mountain housing GAIA Prime one last time.

‘… I love you both.’

Days later, Elisabet Sobeck makes it back home. To Sobeck Ranch.

She sits on a stone bench in the front yard, where she and her mother would watch the sunrise.

And dies.

Aloy can feel herself shaking as she comes to the end of the memory database.

Elisabet Sobeck died at her childhood home at the age of forty-six, and now she will die here again over a thousand years later.

At this point she has been sleeping for so long that not even GAIA can understand why, and it was only a matter of time before something had to give.

Aloy looks toward the AI, who has her gaze centered on Elisabet, meticulously tracking her vitals in silence. She then gazes toward her sister, who is sleeping fitfully beside her.

Without a word, Aloy shuts down her focus and turns on her bedroll towards Elisabet’s chamber. She stares at it, committing it to memory, and finally finds the strength to let her tired eyes close, allowing her dreams to come for her once more.

Aloy finds herself walking in a familiar field of flowers, under a brilliant night sky.

The walk seems… longer this time, somehow.

More flowers are littering the field, and there’s this sense of stillness that wasn’t there before. As if the world is waiting for something to happen.

But when she finally reaches the center, it’s empty.

Aloy collapses onto the stone bench, putting her face into her hands. The dream world is silent around her. No blight taking over. No storms raging in the distance.

Only Aloy. Alone once again.

Until… there’s the sensation of something soft and foreign against her forehead.

‘Aloy…’

When the sun rises, Aloy is abruptly awoken by Beta frantically shaking her shoulder.

‘Aloy!!’

‘What?’ She immediately sits up, her hunter instincts kicking in. ‘What’s wrong?’

Aloy’s gaze centers on her sister. Beta is breathing heavily, and there are tears in her eyes.

Her tears are not ones of sorrow.

‘Aloy, she’s awake.’ Beta grins, taking shaky breaths. ‘She’s awake!’

Stunned into silence, Aloy watches her sister quickly run to the chamber, putting her hand onto the glass.

After a moment, weak fingers are seen shakily reaching out to hers.

Aloy gasps and throws her blanket off, scrambling to get up.

Elisabet is awake.

She’s alive.

Bonus Scene:

‘Vivi, what do you have there?’

Elisabet is seen in the camera view, tending to the chickens in her backyard. She turns to the person behind the camera and crouches down to their level.

‘Where did you get that focus?’ She asks, gently reaching towards the camera.

The picture wobbles as Vivian shakes her head and takes a step back.

‘You know you’re too young to have one of those.’ Elisabet raises a red brow expectantly.

‘I know, but um… it helped me find…’ Vivian speaks, her voice almost shy. ‘Um… Happy Birthday, Aunt Lizzy.’ She holds up a bouquet of dandelions, causing Elisabet to blink with surprise.

‘Oh sweetheart, they’re beautiful.’ Elisabet says, taking the flowers and reaching out to cup Vivian’s cheek. ‘Thank you, I love them.’ She says, leaning closer to the camera to put their foreheads together. ‘And I love you.’

‘I love you too.’ Beta says at the same time as Vivian, a shy smile coming over her face as she watches the sweet video come to an end.

Chapter Text

‘Alva, this is too much. I can’t accept this.’

‘Nonsense! Please, I want you to have it.’ Alva insists with a bright smile.

‘But didn’t you say that you’ve been working on it for over a year?’ Elisabet protests, looking over the blue quilt that Alva has bundled in her arms.

‘Off and on, don’t worry!’ Alva unfurls the blanket and drapes it over Elisabet, not taking no for an answer. ‘I didn’t keep up with it for a long time, because I didn’t know who I wanted to give it to. But now I do!’ She smiles earnestly. ‘I want you to have it, Elisabet. To celebrate your recovery.’

Elisabet looks at Alva from her spot reclined inside the chamber. By now the glass cover has been lifted permanently, and GAIA has since converted the inside into more of a regular style bed while she recovers.

‘That’s kind of you, Alva. Thank you.’ Elisabet says while running her free hand over the fabric, noting the intricately stitched Quen style ships, birds and ocean waves.

Her other hand is currently being held by Beta, who has been absolutely overjoyed with emotion ever since Elisabet finally woke up.

Both she and her sister didn’t hesitate to announce the good news to everyone that day.

That Elisabet has survived, and is now going to live among them in their new world.

GAIA had looked Elisabet over, too, and apparently there were no lasting health complications from the merge. Both she and Elisabet surmised that since the DNA samples were taken from a nonliving being, that the process perhaps needed more time to finalize. Or that maybe since the chamber created a perfect one-to-one replica of Elisabet from her days of working on Zero Dawn, that she simply needed more time to rest and recover.

If that were true, Aloy can’t help but feel that it’s no wonder she slept for so long. Elisabet had practically worked herself to death back then. All of the alphas and betas did while trying to meet an almost impossible deadline before the entire world was destroyed.

Ultimately, no matter the reason, GAIA has given Elisabet a clean bill of health. The only stipulation being that she needs to recover for a few weeks, and will be monitored closely for any changes. Constant exhaustion and prolonged sleep are inevitable for now, seeing as her body is currently in a very fragile state, and no one is to hinder her from that rest, not even herself.

All in the base are amendable to this condition, and Aloy takes some comfort in knowing that, at least for now, Elisabet could finally get some rest after everything she’s been through.

She survived, and that wasn’t going to change anytime soon.

Not if Aloy has anything to say about it.

Aloy keeps her hand on Elisabet’s shoulder as the others surround the chamber, all of them excited to share in this happy moment with her and Beta.

‘I hope you don’t mind, Elisabet, but I wanted to gift you something as well.’ Zo approaches once Alva steps away. ‘I took some time to think of what would be an appropriate gift for such an occasion, and in the end, I could not think of anything better.’

She places a plant down onto the small folding table tray that is attached to the side of the chamber. Its pot is intricately woven, similar to the ones that Aloy has often seen in Plainsong.

‘That’s…’ Elisabet looks at the plant’s red leaves and healthy green stocks with great interest, analyzing it with meticulous care. ‘I don’t know what species this is.’ She admits defeat.

‘I consulted with GAIA regarding which plants existed during the time of the Old Ones.’ Zo gestures to the AI. ‘And those that are new only to ours.’ She gestures toward the plant, causing Elisabet to look at her with surprise. ‘This one is called a Medicinal Wild Ember.’

Elisabet pauses for a moment, before looking towards GAIA.

‘Completely new?’

‘Correct.’ GAIA supplies. ‘This species of flora emerged through evolution within the most recent biosphere. Over approximately three hundred years ago.’

Elisabet looks back towards the plant, gingerly touching its bright red leaves. She frowns, her expression falling into something difficult to describe.

‘It’s… beautiful.’ She says, clearly taking in the gravity of what this plant represents.

New life, sprung in this new world that Elisabet always envisioned but never hoped to see for herself. Aloy watches as she prods at the dirt inside the pot almost skiddishly, touching the Earth’s soil again for the first time in over one thousand years.

‘I thought it fitting for you.’ Zo hums, gathering Elisabet’s attention back from whatever headspace she’d gone into. ‘Though I apologize, since it is not of the Old World, it has no meaning in the language of flowers.’

‘Yet.’ Elisabet corrects her. ‘You’ll just have to make one for it.’

Zo looks away, thinking for a moment, before speaking.

‘Then… I suppose I would want its meaning to be that of welcome.’ She says with a smile and a nod. ‘And congratulations for a new life worth living.’

‘Seems fitting.’ Kotallo acknowledges.

‘What’s that? The language of flowers?’ Erend asks from where he stands next to Aloy. ‘That some more Old World mumbo jumbo or somethin’?’

‘Every flower has a meaning.’ Elisabet calmly explains, unoffended by his brash words. ‘Though not a lot of people knew the language, even back then.’

‘Every flower?’ Alva gawks when Elisabet only nods, more than likely already scheming to raid the APOLLO database for this newfound language.

‘Geez, and I thought the Utaru were the real plant lovers.’ Erend nudges Zo. ‘Looks like you got some competition, huh?’

‘Not competition.’ Zo corrects him. ‘Friendly camaraderie.’ She looks to Elisabet and places a hand atop hers, both of their fingers touching the soil. ‘I’m truthy thankful that you are here with us, Elisabet. May the land forever bloom in your steps.’

‘Same to you, Zo.’ Elisabet hums, before looking towards Kotallo as he steps forward.

‘GAIA told us that it is customary for Old Ones to receive a gift whenever they recover from a major injury.’ He takes something from his pocket. ‘Such customs are not present in my tribe, but I hope you will accept this.’

He places the object on the tray, and everyone reacts accordingly to the adorably tiny figure.

It’s a Clawstrider, meticulously carved out of wood.

‘Kotallo, this must have taken ages.’ Elisabet curiously picks the object up to examine it.

‘Wood carving is one of the Tenakth’s many trades. I’ve learned since I was young.’ Kotallo says, unbothered. ‘I thought it fitting to model it after the Clawstrider that came through our doors. I hope you find it well.’

‘I do.’ Elisabet says with thanks, before looking around the side of the chamber as best she can. ‘Speaking of, where is Georgette anyway?’

‘Georgette?’ Aloy asks, confused.

‘The Velo36- ah, the uh, “claw strider”.’ Elisabet corrects herself.

‘It’s here.’ Beta says, looking down at the ground to her left. The machine is still curled up from where it laid nearly two weeks ago now. ‘You named it?’

‘I name everything.’ Elisabet delicately places the figurine down. ‘Just ask GAIA.’

‘Indeed.’ GAIA concurs. ‘I’ve often theorized that if you could give names to insects or to micro-sectors of code, Elisabet, that you would happily do so.’

‘Probably.’ Elisabet hums, laying back against the pillows as her eyes half lid and turn glassy.

Aloy notices that look immediately, having been on high alert for it these past few days.

‘Getting tired?’ Aloy asks, squeezing her shoulder gently.  

When Elisabet first woke up, that look would come over her right before she passed out from exhaustion. Her tiredness comes in waves, and she’s gotten better as the days pass by, but for now Aloy, GAIA and Beta are all on the same page of letting her rest whenever she needs.

‘I’ll go quick then.’ Erend pipes up. ‘This one’s gonna blow your forge!’

‘You didn’t have to get me anything.’ Elisabet protests. ‘None of you did. Really.’

‘Shush you.’ Erend points at her rudely, before quickly stepping behind the chamber to grab something. ‘It’s my turn now.’

When he returns, he has something on strings. Several somethings actually.

‘Ta da! Old World… thingies!’ Erend ties the strings to the collapsable arm of the table tray. ‘Uh… what are they called again?’

He looks toward GAIA, but Elisabet is the one who answers.

‘Balloons.’ Elisabet looks up at them with amazement and confusion. ‘How…?’

‘Ah, some machines have this stuff in their guts that GAIA said could make things float. Just went out and got some, made some small things outta rubber, and there you go.’ He presents them dramatically. ‘What do you think? Real sturdy, huh?’

Elisabet grabs one and pulls it down, looking the balloon over curiously. They’re all the same shade of white and seem close enough to Old World balloons as far as Aloy can tell.

When Elisabet goes to touch it, however, the balloon bursts in her face with a loud pop, causing her and the others to startle.

‘What was that about them being sturdy?’ Aloy asks, looking none too pleased as Elisabet puts a hand to her heart with shock.

‘I swear they are!’ Erend defends himself. ‘That one was just a gag. Nothin’ to worry about!’

‘They’re lovely, Erend.’ Elisabet puts the burst rubber balloon onto the tray. ‘Thank you. Really, I wasn’t expecting any of this.’

‘That’s what makes a good surprise.’ Erend says with a hearty laugh. ‘That and some good ale!’ He then holds up his hands when GAIA gives him a look. ‘Uh, once you’re better of course.’

‘Of course.’ Elisabet agrees before settling further back and letting her eyes slip close.

‘We should let you rest.’ Beta says, gently holding Elisabet’s hand between both of her own.

‘Yea, it’s been a while since you last slept, right?’ Aloy agrees.

‘You both say that as if I’m some old lady.’ Elisabet comments lightly.

‘Hey, you are an Old One.’ Erend teases. ‘Seems fitting to me.’

‘I never agreed to that title, you know.’ Elisabet sneers, though her words do not hold any bite as she sounds more exhausted than anything else.

‘We’ll head out for now then.’ Alva says as the voice of reason. ‘Pleasant dreams, Elisabet.’

‘We will see you later.’ Zo concurs.

‘Yes.’ Elisabet nods as everyone says their farewells, before relaxing further as the door closes and the room grows quiet.

Aloy gives her shoulder a squeeze then goes towards the drone footage console, intent on darkening the room.

She pauses when GAIA suddenly speaks up.

‘Elisabet, before you drift to sleep, there is something I wish to give to you as well.’

‘Oh?’ Elisabet asks, barely opening her eyes.

‘Yes. I hope that you will accept it.’ GAIA waves her hand. ‘It is a picture. I will print it for you now from the chamber’s matrix.’

Beta hands her the photo from the printer slot on the outside of the chamber. When Elisabet turns it over, her face immediately loses all exhaustion as she sits up a little bit.

‘Is this…?’ She stammers as she puts a hand to her mouth with disbelief. ‘Is this Aloy?’

Her reaction has both sisters looking at her curiously.

‘What?’ Aloy asks, coming back over to take a look.

‘Indeed. It is Aloy.’ GAIA confirms. ‘I researched into the files stored within Eleuthia-9, theorizing that you may desire such a photo, Elisabet.’

Aloy perks up at this, confused.

‘Eleuthia-9…? All-Mother Mountain?’

Elisabet turns the photo for both her and Beta to see, and Aloy blinks as she comes face to face with a picture of herself.

From when she was a baby.

The baby picture of Aloy looks nearly identical to Elisabet’s, though notably Aloy’s little face is scrunched up and looking as if she were about to cry among her sterile white blankets.

‘Aloy, you were so tiny.’ Beta comments, her tone light as she looks at the picture.

‘Yea, well, everyone is at that age.’ Aloy says, feeling strangely embarrassed for some reason as both Elisabet and Beta look over the photo with great interest.

‘Thank you, GAIA. I’m going to keep this.’ Elisabet comments as she smiles down at the baby picture. Something in her half-lidded eyes is warm, and Aloy instinctively looks away from it.

Somehow, the fact that Elisabet wants to treasure that picture…

Ever since she woke up, things have been wonderful.

So wonderful in fact, that the reality of it all has hit Aloy like a blast of icy purgewater.

The fact that she… has a mother now.

Someone who not only calls Aloy her daughter, but wants to do so.

The overwhelming feeling from before is back in her chest as Aloy watches her. Now that Elisabet is awake, she has no idea how to handle this unspoken new relationship between them.

Not to mention…

‘GAIA, is it possible to find one of Beta?’ Elisabet asks curiously. ‘In the Zenith archives?’

‘A moment.’ GAIA says, then grows quiet. ‘There are several pictures of Beta found within the Far Zenith Database.’ GAIA starts up the chamber printer once more. ‘I will print a copy of the first documented picture taken.’

Elisabet reacts to Beta’s baby picture the same way she had to Aloy’s, warmly looking over the adorable sight of both photos now stood up side by side.

‘Look at you two.’ Elisabet says fondly, tracing her fingers over each one.

‘You can barely tell us apart.’ Beta comments as she watches Elisabet’s eyes bounce from one picture to the other. Her voice is small, probably sharing some of Aloy’s earlier embarrassment as she tilts her head. ‘But at least I’m not crying in mine.’

‘I’m sure that can be arranged.’ Elisabet raises a red brow. ‘GAIA did say there were multiple pictures?’

‘On second thought, this one is just fine.’ Beta says shyly, the two of them sharing a smile as Aloy watches on.

Beta is her sister.

If Elisabet is Aloy’s mother, then she is Beta’s too.

So then why does Aloy feel something… sad whenever she sees the two of them together?

Over the next week, Elisabet continued to rest and recover, and life at the base returned to a somewhat sense normalcy. Aloy and Beta returned to refining a plan to counteract Nemesis, and Sylens would call in from time to time to offer his assistance.

During their calls, he seemed unsurprised that Elisabet had managed to survive.

Aloy knows better, though, given their previous talk.

At least for now, he is playing nice and has never requested to speak to Elisabet directly.

Which is just as well.

The further he stays away from her, the better.

Something about Elisabet makes Aloy overprotective. An instinct in her that she has only ever been felt before towards Beta.

Having Elisabet here, talking with her, getting to know her. Seeing her intelligent eyes and warm smile is everything that Aloy has ever dreamed of since she was a little girl. She wants to be around Elisabet always, to listen to her stories, and tell some of her own. But that desire is often tampered by an uncomfortable sort of… hesitance that she can’t quite describe.

Aloy can’t stop herself from keeping her distance, putting space between them.

As if Elisabet were a bright star that would swallow her whole if she got too close.

It’s a feeling only made worse by the fact that Beta seems to interact with Elisabet just fine. Almost naturally, even. As if Beta has known Elisabet for her entire lifetime.

Aloy tries not to let it bother her.

Especially when she has no idea why she can’t seem to do the same thing herself.

‘GAIA tells me that Elisabet is making good progress.’ Zo comments one day while the two of them are tending to the garden outside. ‘Hopefully soon she will be able to watch the sunrise once more. Perhaps even garden, as she is very fond of.’

Zo is slowly expanding the space near Varl’s grave to hold more plants. She and Elisabet have apparently made extensive plans to grow all sorts of vegetables here now, with eventual schemes to relocate soon to a more permanent area close by.

‘I think she’d like that.’ Aloy says absentmindedly as she is busy repotting a brussels sprout seedling. ‘She’d definitely do better than me, that’s for sure.’

‘You’re doing just fine.’ Zo looks over and comments with a wry smile.

‘You say that like I haven’t already killed the last two.’ Aloy shakes her head.

Her red brows furrow with concentration as she tries to move the sprout as gently as possible. Once finished, she sits back on her knees, looking over the absolute mess of dirt that she’s apparently made on the walkway.

Somewhere, she just knows that Varl must be laughing at her.

‘Gardening takes time. Roots do not settle in one day.’ Zo says kindly. ‘Perhaps Elisabet will teach you, once she fully recovers.’ She places her own carrot seedling into its new pot with ease. ‘It could be a nice opportunity to bond just between the two of you.’

‘Maybe…’ She says, not so sure if she wants to think about that possibility right now.

Of Elisabet teaching her anything.

Just like…

“It is one thing to hunt a beast. Another to hunt a machine. You must learn to respect their power."

Rost’s words come to her, and Aloy takes a deep breath, willing them away.

Memories of him have been coming to her recently, whenever she treks out into the wilds for food, when tending to her weapons, when cooking, making arrows, or tinkering at her work bench.  

And she has no idea why… Especially now all of a sudden…

‘Speaking of bonding,’ Zo starts. ‘I’ve noticed that she and Beta have taken to watching projections.’ She observes. ‘Beta speaks often about her favorite one, Second Time Around.’

‘Yea.’ Aloy acknowledges. ‘Beta told me they’ve been watching all sorts of things lately.’

Aloy often found them together nowadays, watching holos and talking about things she doesn’t immediately understand. From APOLLO no doubt. Or the Old World.

‘And you don’t wish to partake with them?’ Zo asks, her tone curious but non-judgmental.

‘No.’ Aloy shakes her head. ‘I guess I’ve just felt like I’d be intruding. Maybe.’

Because when Aloy had walked up to the projection room yesterday, it wasn’t Second Time Around that Elisabet and Beta were watching…

“You’re right. I don’t understand. We have the same genes. The same mind. The same heart. So why can’t you find the strength to do what has to be done? Like Elisabet would?”

Aloy pauses at the bottom of the stairs.

She had been coming to tell them that dinner was ready, and to check in on Elisabet in particular. Aloy had been out in the wilds for most of that day doing an errand for Kotallo near Arrowhand, and had been eager to return back to the base as quickly as possible.

 Hearing the recording of her own voice, though, immediately stops Aloy in her tracks. 

“Don’t you think I’ve thought about that? I don’t know what piece of Elisabet I’m missing. I don’t know what you have that I don’t.”

Hearing her sister’s words again cuts deeply into Aloy. As if they were both back down in that server room, having that horrible conversation all over again.

“What’s my defect?”

The recording stops, but Aloy barely registers it.

She… regrets how she had talked to Beta that day.

Regrets it more than a lot of things she’s done.

They’ve never spoken about it. There’s been other things to talk about, more important things to do, but it’s always been there. Lingering in the back of Aloy’s mind ever since.

‘Beta…’ Elisabet’s voice can be heard, pulling Aloy’s attention away from her thoughts. ‘Do you really believe those things about yourself?’

The room grows silent and Aloy steps closer, lingering towards the first step of the stairs.

‘Yes and no… I think.’ Beta’s voice sounds far away, as if she were lost in thought.

‘I’m beginning to see why you asked me to watch this.’ Elisabet acknowledges, her tone gentle. ‘Why would you think something’s wrong with you?’

‘Because… I…’ There is the sound of footsteps, likely from Beta pacing, trying to sort through her thoughts. ‘Because I used to look at Aloy and see everything that I should be. See everything that the Zeniths wanted of me, and everything I’ve failed at.’ The footsteps pause. ‘It used to… scare me. To talk to her.’ Aloy looks up in response to this, her brows furrowing as she frowns and looks away. ‘But then we had this talk, and things got better. Between us.’ Beta admits.

‘Have you talked to her about all of this?’ Elisabet asks.

‘No.’ Beta says. ‘No. I don’t… I don’t want to bother her.’

‘Would you think that way about her if she came to you and wanted to talk?’

Beta is silent for a moment or two.

‘No. I suppose not.’ Beta sighs. ‘But…’ She pauses, and Aloy startles when she hears the crack in her sister’s voice. ‘I’ve thought about what would have happened, if we didn’t have this talk, and I didn’t go to GEMINI. They would have taken Aloy instead.’ Her next words are so quiet that Aloy has to strain to hear them. ‘And the thought of her, going through the same things that I did…’

‘Beta…’ Elisabet calls her name. ‘Come here.’

Aloy takes the opportunity to climb the stairs a bit more. Over the lip of the projection floor, she can just make out the sight of Beta wrapped in Elisabet’s arms, her small frame shaking.

‘Beta, trust me when I say you don’t have any defect.’ Elisabet runs a hand through her short red hair. ‘And you’re not an inferior copy, either.’

Beta only clings to her tighter in response.

‘I heard her say that to you. Tilda.’ Elisabet says as anger comes over her face. ‘I’m guessing you’ve taken it to heart?’

‘I… no.’ Beta says, trying to sound firm. ‘I don’t care what she says.’

‘Good. Because she was wrong.’ Elisabet says earnestly with no room for doubt. She cups Beta’s cheek, urging her to meet her gaze. ‘You want to know why?’

‘Why?’ Beta asks.

‘Because you’re your own person, Beta.’ Elisabet simply says. ‘You and Aloy are both so much more than copies of me. I hope you realize that.’

Something catches in Aloy’s chest as she hears those words. She takes a step back, though remains close enough to continue listening in.  

‘Besides,’ Elisabet continues. ‘Who’s she to say that you aren’t like me?’ Her voice is lighter now. ‘Believe it or not, you’re just like me when I was your age.’ Elisabet says, then her face turns thoughtful. ‘And I’ve been thinking…’ She pauses for a moment, looking Beta over with a soft expression. ‘Beta, you take after your grandmother much more than you take after me.’

‘My…’ Beta pauses, unable to say the word.

‘She wore her heart on her sleeve, same as you.’ Elisabet offers. ‘I’ve always been more guarded. Out of nature, or necessity, I don’t really know.’ She sighs and looks away. ‘I’ve noticed that Aloy seems to have inherited that from me… though I perhaps wish she didn’t.’ She admits with a contemplative frown. ‘But I’m glad you have each other. You two are good for one another.’

‘You think so?’

‘I do.’ Elisabet hums. ‘Just look at that conversation.’ She nods towards the recording. ‘Watching that, all I see are two people who want to connect, but just don’t know how yet.’

‘You do?’ Beta asks, confused.

‘Not all fights are bad.’ Elisabet says by way of explanation. ‘You said you both grew closer after that, right?’

‘Then I guess… that sort of makes me feel better.’ Beta says, her voice small. ‘Maybe I’ll talk to Aloy. About all of this.’ Beta acknowledges. ‘Will you be there? When we do?’

‘I’m not going anywhere.’ Elisabet hums, gently sweeping a piece of red hair behind her ear.

It’s at this point that Aloy thinks she must has intruded enough by now, and she slowly descends out of the room, silent as a Stalker.

In doing so, she misses an important question from Beta.

‘Um… Elisabet.’ Beta starts, pulling away shyly. ‘I remembered what Zo said. About the language of flowers.’ She wrings her hands together, looking down at her lap. ‘I looked in the APOLLO database, about the ones you gave me.’

She gestures to her desk, where the yellow tulips are innocently growing in their pot. Elisabet looks over at them with her, though remains silent, allowing Beta to finish her thoughts.

‘Yellow tulips.’ Beta brings up her focus interface. ‘Happiness and hope. Yellow tulips are…’ Beta pauses, taking in a shaky breath. Elisabet silently offers her hand, and Beta clasps it tightly. ‘Yellow tulips are an expression of new beginnings. They are perfect for new mothers, as they symbolize new horizons and memories to be made between a mother and her… child.’

When she finishes, her eyes are glassy with tears and her fingers tremble in Elisabet’s grasp.

‘Can I…’ Beta gathers her courage to meet Elisabet’s eye. ‘Can I call you mom?’

Elisabet brushes her nose against Beta’s cheek, a familiar touch now between them.

‘Of course you can, Beta.’ She kisses her cheek. ‘Of course you can.’

When Aloy finishes her gardening escapade with Zo later that evening, she’s completely covered in dirt but feels accomplished, nonetheless.

It was a nice change of pace.

Doing something with her hands that didn’t involve risking her life for once.

The sound of Erend’s favorite song floats in her ears even through the shower walls as she makes herself presentable once more. After changing into her casual outfit of soft leathers, she absentmindedly runs her fingers through her hair as she makes her way upstairs.

‘Hm, some of these are starting to fall out.’ She mumbles to herself, checking over her multiple braids as she walks. ‘I’ll have to fix them later.’

It’s been a while since she’s redone them. Almost six weeks now.

The Nora tribe specializes in braids, and Aloy learned the tricks of the trade a long time ago.

Rost taught her how to keep her hair in pristine condition for weeks at a time, and precisely how to maintain them between sessions. He always stressed the importance of keeping up with her hair, stating how essential such a task is to their tribe and culture.

“A Nora’s braids are their pride. You will do well to regularly maintain yours. I will teach you, as best I can.”

He truly did try his best for her. On all fronts including this.

But within the tribe, it is a mother’s job to teach these things, and to braid their child’s hair. If the mother isn’t alive, then the duty falls to the aunt, or an elder sister, or a cousin, or grandmother.

Some other female figure in the child’s life.

Once the child grows into an adolescent, sons will maintain their own braids from then on and slowly transition to living on their own during their adult years until they find a mate. But daughters live within their family groups throughout their entire lives, and will continue to have their hair braided by their mothers even after they become mothers themselves.

The bond between a mother and her daughter is special in that way, among many others.

If Elisabet were alive when Aloy was a child, she would braid Aloy’s hair for her, teach her how to cook, how to gather herbs, and how to live among the tribe and the world. They would hunt together, cook together, spar together, make hair beads together, and even sleep together.

To be denied of such a bond is unfathomable to the Nora, and Aloy has seen the devastating loss it can cause. With Sona, who was unconsolable with rage after her daughter’s death during the Proving. Or with Arana, who put her life on the line to hang on to the spear her mother left behind.

Aloy pauses, letting her thoughts drift back to the Nora Sacred Lands for the first time in ages. Back to those hazy days before the Proving, when life seemed so much simpler.

Rost had tried his best to fill the void of motherhood for Aloy. But there were many limits that he could not cross either per tribal law, or simply through a lack of knowledge. Once Aloy had learned to how to braid her own hair, he had let her do so by herself from then on. He taught her how to cook, but only the most basic of meals fit for survival. He showed her how to make hair beads, but he never wore the ones she made for him.

At the time, none of that bothered Aloy.

It wasn’t until much later, when she entered Mother’s Heart, that she realized just how much she had been missing out on…

Aloy sighs and drops her braids, absentmindedly letting her feet guide her the rest of the way into the projection room.

Elisabet is awake and busy looking over a parchment of paper. GAIA forbade her from wearing a focus just yet, stating that it would be dangerous to strain her newly healed eyes. Alva had suggested reading to pass the time, and Elisabet took to it like a Snapmaw to water, wanting to learn everything about the newly constructed culture and languages that this world had to offer.

She looks up when Aloy approaches.

‘Hey Elisabet.’ Aloy greets her. ‘What are you looking at?’

‘Some scripture. I think?’ Elisabet raises a red brow. ‘Erend gave it to me. Said it was… um…’ She pauses. ‘Car-… something.’

‘Carja.’ Aloy supplies.

‘Carja.’ Elisabet repeats the word, trying to commit it to memory as she puts the paper down. ‘How are you doing? I haven’t seen you since this morning.’

‘Zo was showing me how to plant vegetables.’ Aloy hooks a thumb behind her. ‘Can’t say I’m any good at it, but I think she appreciated the help.’

‘Did you like it?’ Elisabet asks curiously.

‘I think so. But uh, not so sure if it liked me.’ Aloy says with a bit of humor in her voice as she looks at her nails. ‘I don’t think I’ll be getting the dirt out anytime soon. And looks like I got a splinter.’ She prods at the middle of her right hand. ‘At least it won’t bother me too bad there.’

She has had splinters on her fingers before, and they hurt like hell whenever she had to nock an arrow.

‘Let me see.’ Elisabet reaches for her hand, and Aloy tenses but lets her take it.

Elisabet turns her hand back and forth, examining Aloy’s tiny injury.

‘Hm, not too far deep.’ She prods at Aloy’s red and irritated skin for a moment before turning to her table tray.

There is a syringe there, more than likely from when Zo had visited earlier. She and Elisabet are experimenting lately with different types of natural serums for plant growth, and a syringe is essential for getting the right dosage for each plant.

This one, however, appears empty and unused as Elisabet snatches it up.

She takes the top off the blunt syringe, places the hole over the splinter and pulls the handle. Aloy watches her curiously, frowning as the suction of the syringe pulls at her skin weirdly.

When Elisabet takes it away, the splinter goes with it. Easy as can be.

‘How?’ Aloy flexes her hand, feeling no pain.

‘It’s an old trick I found.’ Elisabet shakes her head. ‘Vivian used to get splinters by the dozens, and she would scream bloody murder if you tried to dig it out.’

Aloy pauses in response to the name.

‘You uh…’ Aloy says, almost cautiously. ‘You and Vivian were close, huh?’

‘Yes.’ Elisabet says, busy checking Aloy’s hand one more time to be sure the entire splinter got out. ‘She was always getting into anything and everything.’ She lets Aloy’s hand go and places the top back on the syringe. ‘Used to drive her parents crazy, but she was always perfectly behaved whenever she was with me.’

‘Really?’ Aloy asked, bemused.

‘Quite the little actress.’ Elisabet concurs, shaking her head.

‘So she was spoiled?’ Aloy asks curiously, taking a seat in the chair they’ve been keeping at her bedside.

‘No, I wouldn’t say that.’ Elisabet frowns with thought. ‘At most she was a bit eccentric. But that mellowed out as she got older, and…’ She sighs. ‘Other things became more important.’

Aloy is silent then, feeling guilty for causing the conversation to go down a dark road.

It just seemed impossible not to bring up.

All of Elisabet’s family, friends, neighbors… all of them are dead. Literally all of the people that lived on the planet in her time were wiped out by the Faro Plague. There unfortunately just isn’t any way to talk to Elisabet about her past without bringing up the horrible way that it all ended.

But Aloy is willing to try.

‘I would have liked to meet her.’ Aloy decides to say, hoping for a more neutral ground.

‘I think she would have liked you and your sister.’ Elisabet admits, before making a face, thinking better on it. ‘Though maybe not at first.’

‘Really? Why?’ Aloy frowns, furrowing her brow with confusion.

‘She would have probably been a bit shy around the two of you.’ Elisabet hums with thought. ‘For as much of an extrovert as Vivian was, she always had a hard time adjusting to new people in the family for some reason.’ She recounts. ‘When my cousin had his baby, we introduced her to that side for the first time, and she wouldn’t talk to any of them for the first few days.’

‘Did you do anything to help with that?’ Aloy asks quietly. ‘Anything to ease the introductions at all?’

Something about this conversation is striking a chord, and the question slips out of her mouth before she really thinks about it.

‘Hm…’ Elisabet crosses her arms, thinking. ‘Well…’

Before she can answer, they are interrupted as someone comes up the stairs.

Beta enters the room, carrying a small spider plant.

‘Oh, sorry! I didn’t mean to interrupt.’ Beta apologizes shyly, already taking a step back towards the door.

Elisabet only waves her closer.

‘What’s the matter, Beta? You look flustered.’

‘Um, Zo gave me this plant. To take downstairs into the basement.’ Beta comes to stand next to her sister. ‘But I can’t find the can of serum or the syringe she mentioned.’

‘I have a syringe. Perfect timing.’ Elisabet says, handing it over. ‘For the serum, there’s a box underneath the breakfast bar. Unless Erend moved it again to make more room for his ale.’

‘Got it.’ Beta nods before a very shy expression comes over face. ‘Thanks m… mom.’

Beta says the word with a pause, a brief hesitation, but the fact that she says it at all has Aloy’s head whipping around to look at her with surprise.

Since when has Beta…?

‘You’re welcome, Beta.’ Elisabet smiles as she scampers off, before turning to Aloy once they’re alone. ‘I’m sorry Aloy, we were talking about-‘

‘Actually, I should probably go to bed.’ Aloy says quickly, standing up. ‘It’s getting late.’

It wasn’t.

Elisabet looks at her, tilting her head and assessing her wordlessly. Her gaze is heavy, and Aloy tries not to squirm under it.

Ultimately, whatever Elisabet sees, she decides to let go.

‘Alright.’ She says. ‘Then, sweet dreams Aloy.’

‘Um, thanks. You too.’

Aloy makes arrows that night in her room. Way more than she would ever need. She puts them all away into her stash, and wishes that she could put her racing thoughts in there with them.

She doesn’t understand why the thought of Beta calling Elisabet ‘mom’ hurts so badly.

She isn’t jealous, though. That much she’s come to understand.

Beta deserves to have a mother in her life. To have family that she can count on. Aloy can fill the role of sister for her, but something like mother would be way beyond her knowledge.

Really, a relationship with Elisabet is something that would be great for Beta.

Something great for the both of them, actually.

But then why… is Aloy hesitating?

Aloy snaps the lid of her stash shut with perhaps a bit more force than necessary, and looks towards her shelf, where two necklaces hang side by side.

Letting out a breath, she stands and takes them down, cradling them both in her hands.

‘Rost. What would you think about all of this?’ She wonders out loud, rubbing her thumb over the charm he gave her.

Rost never spoke about Aloy’s mother.

How could he? When not even the matriarchs could understand the truth about her birth?

Regardless, Rost did what he could to answer Aloy’s questions.

And despite knowing nothing about her at all, Rost never spoke badly about Aloy’s mother.

“I do not know what All-Mother intends, Aloy, but I would like to think that you can find her someday.”

Rost had never claimed Aloy as his daughter, but she knew that he loved her.

He’d always expressed that to her, in his own way, even if she didn’t realize it at the time.

Aloy remembers back to the day before the Proving as he stares down at his charm, now understanding why he chose to push her away.

“This… attachment to me will only hold you back. It is my wish that you embrace the tribe.”

‘The tribe… Embrace the tribe.’ Aloy parrots absentmindedly.

The Nora tribe, who embrace motherhood above all else.

‘Embrace the tribe… Mother’s Embrace…’ Aloy runs her fingers over Elisabet’s pendant.

An embrace of a mother. The crown jewel of the Nora Sacred Land.

Aloy had only learned of it recently.

‘Was that what you were trying to tell me, Rost? To embrace not just the tribe, but maybe… my mother, too?’

The thought has her head spinning, and she spends quite some time there on the floor, thinking long into the night well after the others have gone to bed.

‘Alright. Here we go.’ Erend grins, slapping the side of the chamber. ‘First day with legs, let’s get walkin’!’

‘Take your time, Elisabet.’ Zo cautions. ‘Flowers grow at their own pace.’

‘I vouch that you stand with vigor.’ Kotallo says. ‘The rest of your body will follow.’

‘Oh, but don’t stand up too fast, you might fall!’ Alva quickly says.

‘You all are not helping, let me be clear.’ Elisabet holds up a hand with a frown on her face.

Today is the day that GAIA has given Elisabet the initiative to take her first steps in this new world. To no longer be bedridden, and to gain a small bit of her independence back.

Of course, not everything will happen at once.

Right now, the goal is to stand.

The rest will follow as Elisabet moves in the right direction of her healing journey.

Currently Elisabet is sitting on the edge of the chamber in her white Zenith medical gown. Beta and Aloy are on either side of her, ready to assist if needed. Just getting to this point had been a bit of an ordeal, however, as Elisabet struggled to use the muscles in her legs for the first time.

‘When you are ready, Elisabet.’ GAIA supplies, unintentionally hushing the room.

‘Right.’ Elisabet looks at her then takes a deep breath.

She stares at the floor for a few moments, before her gaze hardens and she slowly slides off the bed. Once Elisabet’s bare feet touch the cold metal ground, she nearly falls over from shock. Aloy is right there beside her in an instant, easily supporting her while Beta hovers worriedly nearby.

After maybe a second of standing on her own, Elisabet takes in a sharp breath.

‘That’s enough.’ She gasps.

Her face is scrunched with pain as Aloy and Beta quickly help her to sit back down.

Once her feet are off the ground, Elisabet leans forward, putting her face into her hands.

‘You did well, Elisabet.’ GAIA encourages.

‘That hurt so badly.’ Elisabet admits, taking deep shaky breaths as Beta gently rubs her back. ‘Like knives in my feet.’

‘Understandable.’ GAIA supplies. ‘The sensation is extreme as your body adjusts, though trust that given time, it will lessen and eventually disappear altogether.’

‘Can’t wait, I guess.’ Elisabet says, breathless as she turns in place. ‘I need to lie down.’

Aloy helps her to do so without question or protest.

‘You did great. Really.’ Beta encourages.

‘I don’t feel like I did anything at all.’ Elisabet admits as exhaustion comes over her face.

‘Nah, you climbed one hell of a mountain today.’ Erend says. ‘Don’t sell yourself short.’

‘Yes, progress is progress either way.’ Zo hums with acknowledgement.

Aloy adjust the blankets, pillow and quilt, then takes a step back.

She removes her hands from Elisabet once she’s no longer needed, her body remaining tense until a safe amount of distance is between them once more.

 Elisabet ends up falling asleep shortly after that, drifting away into slumber with the progress she’s gained today. GAIA has stated that, with practice, she should be able to start walking soon, and from there could begin venturing around the base whenever she wants.

Perhaps, even beyond.

Beta mused to Aloy that maybe Elisabet will want to travel after she fully recovers.

‘She seemed to do that a lot.’ Beta says. ‘Maybe she’ll want to visit some of the settlements? She’s been really interested in learning about all of the new tribes and cultures.’

‘Maybe…’ Aloy says, her expression far away.

If Elisabet does travel, would Aloy go with her? And Beta too?

Would all three of them travel together?

Aloy used to think about traveling when she was growing up. When the pain of being an outcast became too much, and she thought of leaving the Nora Sacred Lands behind.

She brought it up once. To Rost.

He did not take it well.

“The Embrace is our home, Aloy. The thought of abandoning All-Mother is… You should not speak of such things.”

Knowing his story, learning of what happened to his wife and daughter, and the pain he endured to be allowed to live once more in The Embrace…

It’s no wonder he had reacted so badly to the thought of Aloy throwing it all away.

Despite that, Aloy is now thousands of miles away from the tribe, and Rost is… no longer alive.

Nowhere has really felt like home for Aloy ever since.

Consumed by racing thoughts, Aloy is unable to sleep that night.

‘Rost wanted me to… embrace the tribe.’ She speaks to herself, the tone of her own voice calming her down much like it always does. ‘To live among others and, to serve a purpose greater than myself.’ She twirls his charm around in her hands, thinking back to that horrible day.

Rost had told her to survive. His last wish of her.

‘To survive is to… live.’ Aloy ponders, her voice growing quiet.

She has watched Elisabet live her life at her lowest. Like a machine. And saw how the important people in her life rallied around her, trying to make her realize that there was more to living than simply surviving. At the time, watching their efforts and listening to their words hadn’t meant much to Aloy, but now she’s realizing… that she has people in her life like that too.

Varl, Erend, Teb, Talanah, Petra, Uthid, Vanasha, Gildun, Aratak, Ourea, CYAN, Vala, Avad, Zo, Alva, Kotallo, Beta, GAIA, Rost…

And now Elisabet.

Aloy hasn’t thought about living in a long time. Hasn’t considered her own wants and needs since she was a little girl.

And right now, Aloy… she wants…

With purpose, Aloy tosses her blanket aside and gets up from bed. With a practiced stride of confidence, she goes up the stairs to the projection room, not even acknowledging GAIA as she makes a beeline straight for Elisabet’s bedside.

But as she lays eyes on her, sees her turned back, and hears her steady breathing, Aloy pauses, suddenly losing all momentum.

Nerves set in as she’s suddenly stuck in place, caught like a Grazer in the path of an arrow.

An arrow that hits her in the form of a memory. One she had forgotten about until now.

That’s right.

A long time ago, she had… tried this same thing with Rost.

It was cold, in the dead of winter, and there was a draft in the cabin that had given way. Aloy was little, about five years old, and she woke up late into the night.

She had… gone to Rost’s bedside, wanting to sleep huddled together in the cold.

He had woken up immediately, hunter instincts on alert. He fixed the draft and gently returned her to bed, substituting his own warmth by covering her in multiple blankets, including his own, and tucking her in tightly.

“Such things are meant to be shared with your mother, Aloy, not with me. Sleep now.”

His rejection wasn’t meant to be cruel, but at the time it had stung her badly. That feeling comes over Aloy full force again now as she hesitates at Elisabet’s bedside.

She doesn’t know how long she stands there until GAIA speaks up, startling her.

‘Aloy, Elisabet is quite a heavy sleeper.’ The AI supplies. Her words and gaze are soft. ‘You will not wake her, I assure you.’

Aloy looks up at her, feeling as if her mouth is suddenly drier than a desert as her entire body tenses. She forces herself to swallow through it anyway, and takes a deep shaky breath.

Aloy pulls the blankets back and quietly slides into bed beside Elisabet. The chamber is plenty big enough for two people, and she is easily undisturbed as Aloy settles in behind her. All confidence in her chest is now gone, replaced only by a nervousness she hasn’t felt since she was a small child.

But there is something else there, too, something stronger.

It’s oddly soothing, and Aloy moves the tiniest bit closer to Elisabet in response to it.

Before she can think about it further, Aloy falls asleep with one hand just barely grasping the fabric at Elisabet’s back.

Bonus Scene:

‘M… mom. I’ve been meaning to ask.’ Beta pipes up one afternoon when it’s just the two of them. ‘The Zeniths, they were able to clone you on their ship, and made me. As a result.’ She says, gesturing to herself awkwardly. ‘But there’s something GAIA and I never figured out. How did they get your genetic material in the first place?’

Elisabet, who is in the middle of tending to the plant that Zo gifted her, noticeably pauses.

‘You don’t have to tell me. It’s probably… not very pleasant to talk about. And I was just wondering, anyway.’ Beta quickly says, though calms when Elisabet sits up a bit straighter.

‘I’ll tell you. But you probably won’t like my answer.’ Elisabet says, looking uncomfortable.

‘I think I’d like to know, if that’s okay.’ Beta says, bracing herself for the truth. ‘It’s part of where I came from.’

Elisabet looks at her before putting the serum syringe down, giving Beta her full attention.

‘I suppose that’s true.’ She says and sighs. ‘I’ve thought about it, too.’ She admits. ‘Back then, obtaining my DNA likely wasn’t at the top of Far Zenith’s priority list.’ Her brow furrows with thought. ‘There’s really only one instance that makes sense.’

Elisabet sits back in her bed and crosses her arms.

‘They made contact with us. To trade off the ectogenic chambers for their final copy of APOLLO.’ Elisabet recounts. ‘Things were… bad, but they obviously took the risk to meet us in person.’ She says. ‘They sent three people. One of them was Tilda.’

‘Did she… do something? To you?’ Beta asks, her eyes complicated at the thought of Tilda.

‘She tried to force me to go with her, like she tried to do with me and your sister. And I remember her...’ Elisabet suddenly sits up, reaching her hands into her hair. ‘Actually, my body is the same as back then, so I should be able to feel it.’ She pauses then pulls her hair away from behind her ear to reveal the tiniest little bald spot.

‘She pulled your hair out?’ Beta gapes.

‘Well, I also yanked a chunk out of hers, too.’ Elisabet admits.

‘You did not.’ Beta gasps.

‘I didn’t intend to, but now, after everything she did, I’d do it again.’ She says with no remorse. ‘Either way, she left in a hurry after that, and I’m guessing they probably saved the “sample”.’

‘So that’s really what happened?’ Beta asks.

‘There is no other occasion that I can think of.’ Elisabet surmises. ‘I was so unbelievably busy at the time, and we never made contact with Far Zenith before or after that.’

‘Does it make you feel bad?’ Beta asks shyly. ‘Knowing that they just… took a piece of you like that?’

‘No.’ Elisabet says and cups Beta’s cheek. ‘Because I got you in exchange for it.’

She kisses Beta’s forehead, causing her daughter to relax into her embrace

‘And I wouldn’t trade that for anything in the world. Old or new.’

Chapter Text

Aloy’s vision is blurry as her eyes crack open, taking in the fuzzy murmurs of people talking nearby as her mind wakes to whispered words.

‘I’m not… I’m looking… plant life…’

‘Regardless Elisa… rest…’

‘Shh. Don’t… her.’

She feels warm, but also strangely… tethered?

Not in a bad way. Not at all.

The sound of humming enters her ears, along with what sounds like rustling paper pages. Aloy allows her eyes to adjust further, finally realizing the position she’s in.

More than half of her body is resting on Elisabet. Aloy’s frame is coiled around her side, her arm is wound over Elisabet’s middle, and her head is resting on her shoulder. She can distantly feel the unfamiliar, almost burning sensation of Elisabet’s arm around her back, and Aloy can feel more than hear Elisabet’s words, along with the soothing rhythm of her steady heartbeat.

Aloy listens to it, letting out a breath and closing her eyes once more as a gentle touch moves a stray piece of hair away from her face. In the next moment she feels a soft and foreign sensation against her forehead, causing all of the tension in her body to ease.

For the first time in ages, Aloy allows herself to fall back into her dreams.

Elisabet was fast asleep by the time Aloy next awoke later that morning, and was ultimately undisturbed as the huntress slipped away unnoticed.

Aloy never brought up what happened that night, and Elisabet didn’t ask about it either.

It was a… secret between them. One that no one else has to know.

Over the coming days, Elisabet steadily gained strength until she was able to navigate throughout the base on her own. Small trips at first, such as to the bathroom or the living room, but soon enough it was as if she had never been bedridden at all.

Ever since then, Aloy has noticed that the base feels… different.

There is a sense of warmth here that certainly wasn’t there before.

Aloy often hears Alva excitedly talking with Elisabet, asking endless questions about her latest discoveries from the APOLLO database.

‘Elisabet, and what was this drink like? “Coffee”? The Legacy tells us that the Old Ones drank it in the mornings. Sometimes multiple times a day!’

‘Oh, it was the best thing that you can ever imagine.’

‘So, I can safely assume that you liked it?’

‘I’ve already started drafting a plan to bring it back, yes…’

Erend has taken it upon himself to do odd jobs around the base for Elisabet, putting his hammer to good use under her instruction. They both came up with a new floor plan, strategically tearing down a few walls here and there to open the space more for the growing number of people living here. Elisabet even showed him how to use the base’s printing facility to make a few Old World objects, tools and appliances.

‘Hey Lis, so is this really an oven? You know, for cooking?’

‘Yes. Why?’

‘Just looks small is all. How am I supposed to roast a whole pig in this thing?’

‘I… suppose we can put a bigger one outside?’

‘Ha! Now you’re talkin’!’

Kotallo usually approaches Elisabet sometime in the evenings. Although they’ve unfortunately lost the ability to fight together, he’s been learning from her about a different way to hone his skills.

Through a new strategic game that the Old Ones called chess.

‘You’re a quick study, Kotallo. It’s not easy to catch onto the nuances of this game.’

‘I will consider that a great compliment. Though truthfully, I can see the similarities between this game and that of machine strike.’

‘Maybe it originated from chess? You’ve said before that some of your tribal customs have been influenced by the past?’

‘Perhaps. Who’s to say either way.’

When Elisabet isn’t spending time with any one of them, she is usually outside with Zo in the garden. They’ve been tending to the ever-growing number of plants together like clockwork, building out a new system to hopefully expand the space in the near future.

‘The squash could grow here nicely. Would leave enough space for the cucumbers?’

‘If we move the squash there, however, what of the onions?’

‘The scallions or the vidalias?’

‘The um, forgive me. I’m trying to recall the difference. The… green onions?’

‘The scallions, then.’

‘Of course. Seems I will have to continue my studies of Old World horticulture.’

‘You’re picking it up well enough. Don’t sell yourself short.’

This place is… filled with Elisabet’s voice now. Her influence, her guidance, her teachings.

It’s comforting. Knowing that she is here.

Especially when it comes time to start enacting their plan against Nemesis.

Aloy and Beta have finally settled on an idea, and Elisabet has followed them in stride without question. It feels amazing to have her confidence. To know that Elisabet believes in her and Beta, and truly thought that they were taking the right steps to combat this threat to their new world.

And so, it was settled.

“My friends have a new mission - to spread the word, and ask for help.

They’ve taken it in stride. I think it’s because they’ve always known what I’ve only just started to understand. That the people of this world have the strength to fight any battle. The ingenuity to solve any problem. The courage to overcome any obstacle. And the resilience to rise after any setback.

As for me… I can’t say I’m not afraid.

What lies ahead will be harder than anything we’ve faced before.

But I know I can put the fear aside.

Because for the first time in my life, I feel like I’m not alone...”

 With the deep-rooted confidence of knowing that she has Elisabet’s full faith and approval, Aloy sets out for the first time in weeks to trek back into the wilds.

Free to the world once more, she took her time embracing the wilds that she grew up in, reminding herself of who she is, at her core. Of that girl who had worked so hard to win the Proving years ago, who loved testing out new weapons and traps, adored finding new machines to override, and could get lost in herself for hours on end alone with her thoughts.

She doesn’t end up spending a terribly long time away, though.

Only long enough to ensure that everyone has settled in at their posts, and to clean up any lingering tasks that she wanted to take care of from her log.

Aloy gathered materials to upgrade her gear, helped Morlund with his flying balloon, found a few black boxes, and finally completed that ocean cauldron by the coast she had been putting off. The flight back to base feels so much easier after that, like a breath of fresh air now that she has spent some time away.

Even so, Aloy steels herself as she sees the mountains west of Plainsong come into view, remembering the resolve she made to herself to spend more time with Elisabet from now on.

To actually talk to her, and make the most of their time together.

All-Mother only knows what Rost or Varl would say about her squandering such an opportunity. She has to be better about getting to know Elisabet, especially after the scare they had with the merge… She can’t afford to waste any more time being stupidly insecure.

Not with everything she’s ever wanted finally at her fingertips.

Aloy can’t help from tensing as she opens the door to the base, her back tight like one of her bowstrings as she looks around for any sign of Elisabet or Beta. The living room is empty, but somehow, that sense of warmth is strangely still there.

Perhaps faded with the loss of the others, but there all the same.

It causes the tension in her frame to ease as she curiously walks through the empty space.

At first glance, things haven’t changed all that much.

Everything is in its proper spot, same as how her friends left it, but she can tell right away that Sylens has been through here recently. A fact which coincides with Beta’s updates.

While Aloy isn’t particularly fond of the idea of him interacting with Elisabet and Beta, at least he appears to be gone for now. Probably hiding in whatever hole he’s gotten his hands on this time to be an annoyance once more.

Aloy frowns at that thought and turns away from his room, moving into her own to unpack. It’s currently still pretty early in the morning, much too early for Beta to be awake, but she has a hunch about where Elisabet might be at this hour.

‘Welcome back, Aloy.’ GAIA greets through her focus as she is putting some of her weapons away. ‘All has been well since your departure. Elisabet is awake and enjoying the sunrise with Varl should you wish to visit her.’

‘Thought so. Thanks, GAIA.’ Aloy closes the lid to her stash.

The thought of knowing exactly where Elisabet is at this time of day reminds Aloy of a different kind of strength that was always there. Of exiting a cabin somewhere far to the East, and finding a certain someone fletching arrows by a crackling golden campfire each night.

Aloy pauses at that thought and glances at the pendant hanging on her shelf.

Something stirs in her chest for a moment and she thinks about grabbing it, before ultimately deciding to leave it behind as she walks out of the base in search of Elisabet.

The garden is now flourishing, slowly growing new vegetables and an array of carefully chosen fruits. It’s an odd, but welcome sight to say the least. The only gardens that Aloy has ever encountered were on the road, particularly by Utaru territory, or the odd few in the outskirts of Meridian. The Nora tribe, if they had any gardens, were purposefully not something that she took notice of. Rost had told her that such things were forbidden to even think about, as an outcast could quickly grow desperate for food and succumb to the temptation of stealing.

“Once that happens, the tribe has every right to react accordingly. You must be cautious of such things, Aloy.”

At the time, she didn’t have the courage to ask what that punishment would be.

Aloy pauses and quickly shakes her head, willing thoughts of the Nora tribe out of her mind.

It’s so strange. She’s been thinking about them almost constantly now, whereas before she hadn’t given them a second thought ever since the Battle of the Alight.

Aloy walks a little faster up the walkway, noticing that there is a proper bridge over the icy water and stairs now leading up to the garden. She glances to silently pay her respects to Varl’s grave, before checking out the other new additions to this space. There is a table and a few chairs out here now, along with a rather large floating bench hung up by chains. Elisabet is sitting in it, using her legs to casually swing it back and forth as she’s busy working on something in her lap.

Aloy looks at her for a moment, noticing that she is wearing the raiment that the Quen created in her image. Aloy had given it to her right before she left, hoping to use that limited timing to avoid any questions about it. She had originally kept those clothes because she didn’t have the heart to throw them away, but she supposes that sometimes things must happen for a reason. Seeing as she was now able to pass them along to their rightful owner.

Elisabet herself had been visibly thankful for the familiar clothes, but if she was curious about where they from, she ultimately didn’t question it. Which is just as well, because Aloy couldn’t even begin to imagine how to explain everything that had happened in Thebes.

Probably a conversation for another day…

But seeing Elisabet now, wearing those clothes, causes Aloy to pause.

Her face shifts into a small smile as she is instantly reminded of her dream. Of finding Elisabet waiting for her on a different bench among a field of blooming flowers.

Even more so when Elisabet looks up and also smiles upon seeing her standing there.

‘Aloy. When did you get back?’ She asks.

‘Just now actually.’ Aloy takes a moment to find her feet before coming to sit next to her.

‘I was wondering why you didn’t answer this morning.’ Elisabet comments lightly.

Ever since Aloy left, Elisabet has called her each and every morning. At first, Aloy was confused why Elisabet chose to send her a request for a call. Usually, whenever anyone wanted to talk to her, their voice floated into her focus without warning. Whether she was open to it or not.

Elisabet’s calls, however, clearly gave Aloy a choice to either accept or decline them.

True to her word at the Zenith base, Aloy can tell that Elisabet very clearly values her privacy.

To have her space respected like that, especially when so many have invaded it in the past…

In return, Aloy has never refused a call from Elisabet. Even on the few occasions when she could not answer, she always made sure to call her right back. Their calls do not last very long, either. Elisabet doesn’t demand Aloy’s time, and she doesn’t extrapolate the conversation unless Aloy initiates it.

Elisabet just… genuinely wants to know where Aloy is and if she is okay.

Just wants to check in, nothing more, and seeing Elisabet’s name flash across her focus never fails to cause a small smile to come over Aloy’s face whenever the sun rises.

This morning was the only time when she didn’t answer Elisabet’s call, as she had already been gliding down off her Sunwing to meet her in person.

‘How are you feeling?’ Aloy looks her over. ‘Any more pain since last time?’

When Aloy had left the base, Elisabet still dealt with small bursts of pain if she stood up for too long, or if she moved a certain way. GAIA had said it would lessen over time, like many things, yet still prescribed Elisabet a few stronger medications for the time being.

‘It comes and goes.’ Elisabet shrugs, returning to her work. ‘Much better than what it was, that’s for sure.’

Aloy hums, happy to hear that, before catching a glimpse of what Elisabet has in her lap.

‘What are you doing?’ Aloy asks curiously.

There is a basket of yellow flowers next to her on the ground, and Elisabet seems to be weaving them together for some reason.

‘I collected those dandelions because they were in the way of a project I want to do. I was maybe going to brew some tea with them later.’ Elisabet muses. ‘But first I wanted to see if I still remembered how to weave them together.’

‘Weave them? Why?’ Aloy tilts her head, leaning closer.

Right now, the dandelions are all daisy chained together, their green stems forming a long line. Aloy furrows her brow, wondering what it is that she’s making.

A rope maybe? But it’s made out of flowers? That won’t hold for long.

‘You’ll see.’ Elisabet says. ‘How was your flight? You said yesterday that you were planning to fly back from that camp? The one in the middle of nowhere.’

Aloy can’t resist the uptick of her mouth in response.

Elisabet wasn’t always the best at remembering the names of settlements. Things like Meridian or The Grove were easy enough to remember, but she tended to struggle with ones that had adjective type names.

“Scorching… Spear? No, that’s not right.”

“SwampThorn? I’m close, aren’t I?”

At least she is getting the gist, if not the names.

‘It was fine.’ Aloy shrugs. ‘Sort of a long flight, but I didn’t run into any trouble at least.’

‘Well, I’m glad you made it home safe.’ Elisabet comments casually, unaware of how Aloy tenses next to her.

Home…

Could that be the warm feeling that’s been inside the base lately?

Before Aloy can think more deeply about that thought, Elisabet clicks her tongue and holds up her handiwork.

‘There we go.’ She looks over the chain of puffy yellow flowers, before grabbing a bit of twine.

Aloy watches curiously as Elisabet ties the two ends together, making a circle.

‘What is it?’ Aloy tilts her head, confused.

‘Here.’ Elisabet reaches over and places it atop Aloy’s head. ‘It’s a dandelion crown.’

She casually fixes the circlet of flowers over her braids with a gentle touch. Aloy instinctively tenses in response, unprepared for the sudden touch and unknowing how to respond, especially when Elisabet adjusts her long red hair to fall nicely over her shoulders.

‘There. Absolutely beautiful.’ Elisabet comments, her words coming naturally and sounding full of something that Aloy doesn’t dare think about.

After a moment, she pulls away, before pausing as she seems to notice Aloy’s posture.

The two of them haven’t touched since Aloy snuck into Elisabet’s bed some time ago, as if after that one moment, all of the courage she had was gone in an instant. Elisabet has noticed this change in her as well, and has kept a bit of distance between them ever since.

More for Aloy’s sake than her own.

A clear respect of boundaries.

Elisabet doesn’t take her words back now, though, and Aloy… doesn’t know how to feel about that. She’s been called so many things before, both good and bad, but those words from Elisabet make something in her chest light up like a flame. A foreign warmth spreads across her cheeks that has no business being there in the harsh chilled weather atop the mountain.

When Aloy doesn’t respond, Elisabet pulls away further, creating more distance between them, and Aloy wants to shoot herself with a plasma arrow.

Aloy… she wants a connection with Elisabet. She can admit it.

She wants Elisabet’s touch, her smile, and her embrace. She came here today with a clear resolve to be more open with that wanting.

So why? Why does she always find herself hesitating?

She doesn’t understand.

‘It’s… I love it.’ Aloy quickly offers instead, trying to appease the awkward tension that fills the air between them. ‘Thank you.’

Elisabet only gives her a small smile and looks away to grab more dandelions. Something in her eyes is closed off, but she doesn’t apologize for her touch, thank goodness.

‘You said you wanted to see if you remembered how to make one.’ Aloy says, wanting to keep the conversation going. ‘You used to make these?’

‘I did. With my mother, a long time ago.’ Elisabet sets out the flowers as if to start making a new one. ‘She taught me how to make crowns, and how to weave them into hair braids.’

Braids?

Aloy knows all about braids. The Nora have so many of them, all for any number of occasions and traditions. Even as an outcast, there were dozens that she could remember off the top of her head from Rost’s teachings alone.

But braiding flowers into her hair… that’d be something new.

‘Can you… show me?’ Aloy asks, her voice small all of a sudden without her consent.

‘Sure.’ Elisabet agrees easily, pulling up more dandelions from the basket. ‘Crowns are easy to make. I’m sure you’ll catch onto it fast.’

‘Not the… not the crown.’ Aloy clears her throat. ‘The braids…’

‘Oh.’ Elisabet straightens up. ‘It’s been such a long time.’ She puts her hand up to her chin, her brow furrowing. ‘I think I remember, but mine isn’t…’ She takes a lock of her own red hair, frowning at the short length.

‘You can use my hair.’ Aloy says, almost too fast.

Elisabet blinks at her, startled, before shaking her head.

‘Aloy, you don’t want me braiding your hair. It’s been years since I’ve braided anything.’

‘I can always fix it later.’ Aloy insists.

Elisabet looks at her for a long moment, slowly taking in Aloy’s posture and expression. Somehow, even without words, she seems to understand that Aloy is asking much more of her than simply braiding hair.

‘Alright.’ Elisabet relents.

Aloy ends up laying down on the swing bench, her head resting in Elisabet’s lap. She didn’t want Aloy to be uncomfortable on the cold ground of the mountain, and Aloy could not muster up any protest.

Especially not as the reality of what is about to happen sets in.

Aloy tries not to tense up as Elisabet runs a hand through her hair, looking for a spot that wouldn’t interfere with the other braids already peppered throughout her red locks.

‘Are you sure?’ Elisabet asks one last time, sounding more hesitant now after seeing all of Aloy’s perfect braids up close. ‘They’re not going to be as good as yours.’

That’s the point.

They will be Elisabet’s braids. In Aloy’s hair.

But somehow those words die on her tongue.

To the Nora, especially to Nora daughters, having their hair braided by their mother is ritualistic. Sacred. It is a way to take their mother with them. Always.

Or so Aloy has been told all her life.

Ever since she was a little girl, she’s craved that connection. With every fiber of her being. As she grew older, she had thought she already snuffed out that naive girlish want.

But now… with Elisabet here… it’s…

In the end, Aloy can only nod, settling further onto her side and handing Elisabet a small pouch of hair ties. Elisabet takes them without any further protest and combs her fingers through her hair for a few moments longer.

Aloy tenses as she feels that first pull against her scalp.

The last time she felt someone touch her hair like this was when she was very young.

Young enough for Rost to still be teaching her how to braid.

“Rost, do it for me again! Please. I haven’t learned it yet.”

“Aloy, soon you will need to learn how to do this on your own.”

 Rost’s words sounded a bit exasperated, but his tone of voice gave him away. By then she had already learned how to braid, and he probably knew it too.

Still, he always chose to indulge her. Until the day came when he could no longer do so.

“But why can’t you keep doing it for me all the time?”

“Because, Aloy…’

Rost had let out a sighing breath, and she remembers how he turned her little face up to look at him.

“I am not your mother.”

The sensation against her hair is the same as it was back then, and something hurts in Aloy’s chest as the memory flashes by.

‘Aloy…’ Elisabet calls, resting a hand on her elbow. ‘Talk to me.’ She says simply. ‘You’re shaking.’

‘I… don’t know.’ Aloy admits after a bit of effort.

‘Do you want me to stop?’ Elisabet asks, already pulling her hands away.

‘No.’ Aloy says firmly, putting a hand onto Elisabet’s knee. ‘Please.’

Elisabet is silent, and when Aloy peeks over her shoulder, her face is contemplative and assessing. A deep intelligence is behind her eyes as she looks at Aloy, her gaze heavy.  

But she doesn’t ask further, simply doing as Aloy requests, and starts braiding.

The pull slowly gets easier to deal with, and after a few minutes Elisabet brings Aloy’s long hair forward to show her the braid, now filled with dandelions.

‘You weave the stems through it in alternating sections. Here, you see?’

Aloy looks at it with interest, nodding as she doesn’t trust her own voice in this moment.

She takes a piece of her own hair from behind her ear and tries to duplicate Elisabet’s handiwork. It ends up looking lopsided, especially at this angle, but is pretty all the same. The two of them then take out their respective braids and rework them together until they’re just right, before moving on to make more and more.

Aloy ends up with about five different braids full of fluffy yellow dandelions. Combined with the crown, they feel like a soothing waterfall of flowers as they cascade down her back and shoulders.

What’s even better still is that when Elisabet runs out of dandelions, she simply continues braiding anyway, seemingly for the fun of it and nothing else.

Aloy lets out a breath, content and settled as she looks out at the frozen world beyond the mountains, feeling the rays of the rising sun kiss her face as she relaxes further into Elisabet.

‘Aloy. Those came out so pretty.’ Beta compliments sometime later as they’re walking up into the projection room. ‘And I like your crown.’

Aloy and Elisabet spent a few hours on the garden swing, simply spending time together without words as Aloy rested with her head in Elisabet’s lap. She maybe thought that she would be embarrassed about it when Beta asked what they were doing out there for so long, but for some reason she’s not.

It’s as if her body really needed that time somehow.

Perhaps in a way that she didn’t understand.

‘Thanks.’ Aloy says, keening her eyes upwards to look at the dandelion crown on her head. ‘Me too.’

Beta then curiously gestures to a braid resting on Aloy’s right shoulder.

‘What kind of braids are those by the way? They’re different than the other ones you have.’

Aloy raises a brow and pulls the braid closer to examine it. Instead of the standard plait, this one weaves back and forth into itself in a much thicker, tighter braid. 

It’s unlike any that Aloy’s seen before.

‘I don’t know.’ She admits, tilting her head.

‘Hm…’ Beta gazes at it with puzzlement also, before looking up as Elisabet enters the room behind them. ‘Mom, what kind of braids are these? The ones you did to Aloy’s hair?’ She asks, missing how her sister startles next to her.

Although Beta doesn’t appear to stutter anymore at the title, Aloy still isn’t gotten used to her calling Elisabet that. Not at all.

‘It’s called a fishtail braid.’ Elisabet supplies easily while walking past them with three cups of water.

It’s then that Aloy notices a third desk in the center of the room that hadn’t been there before. Elisabet’s desk has already seen some use it seems. There are several flowers on it, as well as numerous pieces of paper, Old World electronic files, machine parts and books.

‘Is it sort of like a ponytail?’ Aloy asks, wrinkling her brow with thought as she watches Elisabet place a cup onto each desk.

She’s heard of a ponytail at least. But ‘fishtail’ is something new.

‘They’re both named simply because that’s how they look.’ Elisabet explains while pressing a button on one of the devices atop her desk. GAIA’s logo shines from it while it quietly boots up. ‘A ponytail looks like a pony’s tail, and a fishtail, well…’ Elisabet lets the sentence hang as Aloy examines the braid again with interest.

There is nothing like a fishtail braid in the Nora tribe.

No, this is a braid from Elisabet’s world.

Something for only Aloy to wear.

The thought fills her with a strange warmth as she carefully brushes the braid behind her shoulder to settle against her back with the others.

Being back at base, with both Elisabet and Beta here, is an experience that Aloy can’t entirely describe. It’s made twice as intense, too, given the fact that no one else is here.

It is just the three of them, plus GAIA, all working together towards the same goal.

Aloy’s senses, which are usually hyper focused on anything and everything around her in the wilds, are slowed down here in a way that she wasn’t expecting. Beta’s huffs of confusion whenever she gets stuck, the clack of Elisabet’s fast typing, and the sound of the two of them bouncing ideas off of GAIA, all become background noise for Aloy in a strangely comforting way.

Slowly growing familiar to her, and associated with only the two of them in her mind.  

Like the sound of Rost fletching arrows, or chopping wood in the back yard, or grinding flowers for face paint, or turning stew over in that clanky metal pot.

As she thinks of him Aloy unconsciously reaches up towards her neck, and frowns when she doesn’t feel a familiar pendant hanging there.

Night falls upon the world at some point, and Elisabet decides to make dinner.

This is the first time that she’s offered to do so, and it’s met with protest.

‘But, you shouldn’t stand up for that long. What about the pain in your feet?’ Beta questions. ‘Or your back? Yesterday you said it was hurting a lot, right?’

‘I could make something?’ Aloy offers, and tries not to be offended as she sees her sister grimace in her peripheral.

She already knows from the others that her cooking skills leave much to be desired.

But it couldn’t be that bad, right?

‘I have a chair. I’ll be fine.’ Elisabet waves off their concerns. ‘I promise to let you both swoop in if there’s a problem.’ She switches the oven on and starts grabbing cooking utensils Aloy has never seen from out of the cupboards. ‘Let me do this. I want to.’

Despite Aloy and Beta’s near constant check-ins, Elisabet easily cooks something simple from the Old World. Her cooking is different than anything Aloy has tasted before. It’s not as spicy as traditional Carja dishes, nor as mild as the Quen’s typical fish cuisine, or as greasy as the Oseram’s.

No, it was simply just… flavorful. In the best way.

Apparently, according to Elisabet, it was a dish that she used to make all the time. Called spaghetti and meatballs, complimented with some oven toasted garlic bread.

‘Usually, I’d have a glass of wine with something like this.’ Elisabet says while placing a basket of bread on the new dining table in the living room. ‘But apparently all this place has for alcohol is beer and nothing else.’

‘Sounds like there’s only one culprit for that.’ Aloy muses while taking a piece of bread, immediately enjoying the crunch and the flavor as she takes a bite.

‘I wonder if Erend will ever drink it all?’ Beta ponders, looking around her sister to glance at the multiple cases of beer huddled by his usual spot.

There’s even more in his room, supposedly. 

‘He’ll have to at some point. Because it’s going to sit there and collect dust otherwise.’  Elisabet muses while twisting her fork to gather up her pasta noodles.

Aloy pauses to watch her, having previously been having a hard time taking bites without getting sauce everywhere. Without even thinking about it, Aloy mimics her, finding right away that this technique is much easier.

‘Not a fan of beer, huh?’ Aloy teases.

‘Let’s just say of all the things I’m thrilled this world was able to recreate, beer is definitely not one of them, no.’ Elisabet says, earning a chuckle from both Beta and Aloy respectively.

Once dinner ends, Beta asks Aloy if she would like to watch a holo with her and Elisabet. Apparently, it’s become sort of a routine for them to watch one every couple of days after dinner.

‘You could join us, if you want?’ Beta asks shyly.

While Aloy is happy to see that she and Elisabet have gotten closer, especially with how worried Beta was about all of this at first, something in her declines the offer.

‘You go on ahead.’ Aloy nods towards the stairs. ‘I want to finish what I was doing up there.’

Beta looks at her, and Aloy can almost feel how her sister deflates at the refusal.

‘Oh, okay. Well, next time then.’

‘Next time then.’ Aloy parrots, then turns and makes her way into the projection room.

The dome has gone back to its normal black state by now, having been set onto the desert theme for most of the day per Beta’s request.

‘Hello, Aloy.’ GAIA smiles as she comes up the stairs. ‘How did you enjoy your meal?’

‘It was really good.’ Aloy admits as she goes past GAIA towards the drone module. ‘I haven’t had a meal like that in a long time.’

Others have made meals for her before. There is a rotation here at the base, after all.

But this felt more… personal.

Elisabet had said that she wanted to do it and was already planning to make more meals for them in the future.

It’s… something that a mother would do, Aloy realizes.

It’s such a small thing, but it means so much more than she thought it would.

Aloy lets that thought drift away as she absentmindedly clicks through the drone overlay options for the dome, eventually landing on the snowy mountaintops. With a satisfied nod and a short mention of approval from GAIA, Aloy turns and approaches the AI.

‘GAIA, how have things really been going around here? With Beta and Elisabet?’ She asks, knowing that the AI will give her a straight answer.

Beta seems fine whenever they’ve called each other. Elisabet has as well.

There’s no cause for concern, but a more thorough analysis couldn’t hurt.

‘Elisabet is making excellent progress in her healing journey.’ GAIA supplies. ‘She still grows winded when performing physical exertion, and struggles from time to time with moderate pain. However, her vitals signs are all continuously healthy per her latest analysis.’ GAIA looks to Aloy with interest. ‘As for her mentality, she and Beta have grown quite close. The two of them seem much happier, now that they have found each other. And you as well.’

‘That’s good.’ Aloy says, feeling a smile creep onto her face as she looks away. ‘After everything the two of them have been through, I’m glad they’ve found some happiness.’

‘Indeed.’ GAIA nods. ‘Though, Beta has divulged that she has missed you terribly while you were away.’ She recounts, causing Aloy to blink and look up at her. ‘And although Elisabet has not said so directly, I know she has worried for your safe return.’

‘She doesn’t have to.’ Aloy assures. ‘I can handle myself.’

‘Of course.’ GAIAI hums, before the sound of sudden music comes from downstairs.

Aloy tilts her head as she listens, hearing Beta and Elisabet talking over the beginnings of a holo. When she eventually turns back to GAIA, her expression slips as she fiddles with her fingers.

‘GAIA, I’ve been meaning to ask for your help. With something.’ Aloy admits, speaking with her hands as she often does when she’s a bit nervous.

It’s a trait she shares with Beta, though she’s unsure if they both inherited it from Elisabet.

There’s so many little things like that. Things that she wants to ask Elisabet.

But there never seems to be the right time.

Or at least that’s what she keeps telling herself.

‘Certainly, Aloy. What do you need assistance with?’ GAIA asks.

‘You have access to APOLLO.’ Aloy says, earning an affirmative nod from GAIA. ‘Do you think you could assign me some training modules? About, I don’t know… coding maybe? Or data?’

While collaborating with Beta and Elisabet today, it is slowly becoming apparent to Aloy that she is sorely lagging behind when it comes to technical knowledge. Especially when directly compared to the two of them. Aloy isn’t a doctor, nor is she trained to use Zenith technology. And while Aloy has grown and learned so much over the past few years, she’s unfortunately come to realize that she still has so much more to learn and catch up on.

Thanks to one Ted Faro…

‘I certainly can.’ GAIA tilts her head a bit. ‘However, if you are requesting to learn about coding and robotic engineering, there would be no better teacher than Elisabet herself.’

‘I know.’ Aloy says, having expected this comment in some form. She crosses her arms over her chest as she glances back to the stairs. ‘I don’t want to bother her with this.’

‘Based on all previous encounters noted between Elisabet and yourself, as well as my understanding of her personality, I do not believe Elisabet would see your inquiry as a bother in the slightest.’

Aloy frowns, the thought of Rost entering her head once more.

He taught her everything that he knows.

The thought of learning from Elisabet in that way…

Learning how to braid flowers was one thing, but learning Elisabet’s craft? Her entire legacy and expertise?

That’s something else entirely and Aloy doesn’t want to think about it right now.

‘I know. But, I just have to do this on my own.’ She eventually says.

‘As you wish then, Aloy.’ GAIA waves her hand, bringing up the APOLLO interface. ‘I will assign a few modules to acclimate you to the APOLLO learning database.’

‘Thanks, GAIA.’

Aloy would probably never admit it, but she’s found a new respect for Beta tonight.

Her sister had said she’d learned physics, biochemistry, calculus, biology…

Aloy is struggling with just the basic practice modules.

This way of learning is completely alien to her. She couldn’t imagine how long it took for Beta to actually learn everything that she knows today from this thing, not to mention the amount of time she must have spent at a desk going over numbers and code figures.

Elisabet too, for that matter.

It is taking every ounce of concentration for Aloy to keep focus on her virtual tasks, that she barely hears when someone else enters the room. One glance up confirms that it’s only Beta, but Aloy still flips a switch on her focus, setting the device onto the privacy setting.

‘Hey Beta. How was the holo?’ Aloy asks, thankful for the excuse to take a break.

‘It was really great!’ Beta smiles and takes a seat at her own desk. ‘It was about a mermaid who fell in love with a prince.’

‘A… what?’ Aloy looks at her, confused.

‘A mermaid. They are these mystical creatures that live in the ocean and are half human, half fish.’ Beta explains excitedly and pokes through her focus interface. Not a moment later, Aloy here’s the sound of data being shared. ‘The mermaid in the holo was named Ariel. She reminded me of you, actually.’

Aloy raises an eyebrow and opens the file, only to be greeted by a picture of a girl with a green fish tail and long red hair swimming joyfully through the ocean waves.

‘… It’s the hair, isn’t it?’ Aloy asks, giving her a look.

‘Well, yes that.’ Beta waves a hand dismissively. ‘But she’s so headstrong, and curious about new things from the human world. And of course, she can swim forever underwater, just like you.’ Beta swivels in her chair to properly face her desk display. ‘Mom picked it out. She said she used to watch it all the time when she was a kid.’

Aloy tilts her head, imagining a young Elisabet watching a screen full of mermaids.

‘You two have gotten pretty close, huh?’ Aloy comments quietly, seemingly more to herself than anything else.

Beta hears her, though, and turns to look back at her older sister.

‘I’ve been meaning to tell you, Aloy. I see what you mean now. About the strength that’s always there.’ Beta places a hand to her heart. ‘I can go to her for anything, and just knowing that she’s there, it’s…’

‘There’s no other feeling like it.’ Aloy acknowledges, her face softening as she sees her sister’s happy expression.

‘Yea.’ Beta says with a shy smile. ‘What about you? She did your hair this morning. Have you been spending any more time together besides that?’

‘Not really.’ Aloy says, using her foot to swivel her chair back and forth, something in her instantly easing as she feels the new braids sway against her back. ‘She calls me every morning, but I haven’t… not yet.’

Beta looks at her and nods.

‘I think you’ll get there. Some day.’ She says, trying to be helpful. ‘It’s different for me, because I’ve never had… but you…’

‘I know, Beta.’ Aloy sighs, turning back to her focus interface.

The two of them lapse into silence after that, working together in a comfortable silence. At some point the snowy mountaintops grow dark into night around them, hundreds of white snowflakes adrift as little particles of light in the projection glow.

It’s a short while after that when the sound of footsteps can be heard.

Elisabet enters the projection room without ceremony, and pauses at the top of the stairs. She gives Beta a look, which the younger redhead returns with a surprised, almost sheepish gaze.

Aloy only looks between them with confusion, unable to decipher their silent conversation.

‘Um, just a few more minutes.’ Beta eventually says. ‘I didn’t realize the time.’

Elisabet sighs and goes to Beta’s desk, shutting off the display with the push of a button.

‘I don’t think so.’ Elisabet says, both looking and sounding tired. As if she’d just woken up.

‘But this time I’m really close to…’ Beta starts.

‘Beta.’ Elisabet shakes her head. ‘You asked me for help to fix your sleep schedule, and I promised you that I would.’ She says, her voice firm yet understanding. ‘But nothing’s going to change unless you’re consistent with it. That means the same time every night.’

Beta looks up at Elisabet, before glancing at her sister.

‘Don’t look at me.’ Aloy holds up her hands, now catching on to what all the fuss is about. ‘Believe it or not, your sleep schedule’s worse than mine.’

‘I don’t think that’s true?’ Beta denies. ‘Sometimes you stay up all night, too.’

‘Only when I have to.’ Aloy says with a frown.

It isn’t exactly something she does often, or rather she tries not to anyway. But when the world needs saving, sometimes it’s unfortunately just inevitable.

Beta opens her mouth to protest further, and Elisabet frowns at her.

‘Beta. Do not drag your sister into this.’ Elisabet places her hands on her hips disapprovingly. ‘Aloy is a grown woman who can handle her own sleep schedule. She doesn’t need me to baby her.’

Aloy silently sits up a bit straighter, her chest tightening for some reason in response to those words.

‘Okay…’ Beta relents. ‘It’s just… really hard. There was no day or night cycle on the Odyssey.’

‘I know. It will be hard for a while at first.’ Elisabet acknowledges, then pauses to hold out a hand expectantly. ‘You said you’ve been too distracted by NEMESIS’s code to sleep, right? I bet I know of a simple way to fix that.’

‘I…’ Beta says, her words dying in her throat as she hesitantly looks at Elisabet’s hand. After a moment she nods, resolve coming over her eyes. ‘You’re right.’ She agrees, hesitantly taking off her focus and handing it to Elisabet.

‘You’ve lived your whole life connected to a device. No wonder you can’t sleep.’ Elisabet says gently, reaching out to brush her fingers through Beta’s hair, where her scar lay underneath. ‘Just try it for tonight. See how it goes.’ She says reasonably, causing Beta to nod once more. ‘Really, you shouldn’t be sleeping with a focus on anyway.’ Elisabet says, tucking a lock of red hair behind Beta’s ear. ‘Surprised you haven’t poked your eye out yet.’

‘Is that even possible?’ Beta asks suspiciously and looks at her sister.

‘It’s never happened to me.’ Aloy simply shrugs.

‘It’s possible.’ Elisabet looks at Aloy and shakes her head. ‘Trust me, GAIA and I would know.’

‘Indeed.’ GAIA agrees. ‘While Travis was uncomfortable for several days, thankfully there was no lasting damage from the injury.’

‘There was actually.’ Elisabet says lightly. ‘Don’t forget about his ego, GAIA.’

‘Of course.’ GAIA acknowledges, causing both sisters to chuckle.

‘Well, goodnight then.’ Beta takes a deep reluctant breath. ‘I’ll uh, let you know how it goes.’

‘Alright. Sweet dreams, Beta.’ Elisabet says with a fond smile, which is shared by Beta for a moment before she walks away.

Once it’s just the two of them, Elisabet turns to Aloy casually.

‘How are things going so far?’ She asks, her tone curious. ‘I’ve been meaning to ask what you’ve been doing over here.’

‘It’s been… going well. I guess.’ Aloy says. ‘GAIA’s been helping me with a few things.’

Her focus is still set to private, but Elisabet furrows her brow as she looks at where the display screen should be. Aloy feels tension come over her frame with anticipation, as if Elisabet somehow already knows what’s there without being able to see it.

‘Well, if you ever get stuck, you can always ask me for help.’ Elisabet offers.

‘I know.’ Aloy says and looks away from Elisabet’s gaze. ‘I will. If I need to.’

Elisabet frowns for a moment, looking over her.

‘… Alright.’ Elisabet hums then puts Beta’s focus into her pocket.  ‘I’ll be going to go back to sleep myself, then.’ She says with a yawn, before noticeably pausing.

For a moment, Aloy thinks that maybe Elisabet will also tell her to go to sleep, but instead she only reaches toward a dandelion still weaved into her red hair.

Elisabet’s fingers hover close, but noticeably do not touch.

‘Don’t forget to take these out before you go to bed.’ She humbly reminds Aloy. ‘Or you’ll wake up with yellow stains everywhere.’

‘Oh…’ Aloy says, looking at her braids before touching the crown still resting atop her head. She’d sort of forgotten it was there. ‘Right. Didn’t think about that.’

Elisabet only smiles at her knowingly and turns to leave the room.

‘Well, goodnight Aloy.’

‘Goodnight… Elisabet.’ Aloy silently watches her go before turning to finish her work alone.

About an hour or so later, Aloy returns to her room and sits down on her bed.

She gingerly takes the dandelion crown off her head, cradling it close as she looks it over. She has met plenty of weavers across her travels, and while Aloy has never thought about taking up that profession herself, she has weaved a basket or two in the past. This style of binding, however, is odd. She spends quite a bit of time looking it over, trying to decipher the secret of how exactly Elisabet managed to create it.

‘I’d probably have to take it apart to understand.’ She mumbles to herself, before shaking her head, unwilling to do so in the slightest.

Instead, Aloy places the crown onto her shelf, right next to the jewelry stand with Elisabet and Rost’s pendants resting on it. Aloy looks them both over as she cautiously takes the other dandelions out of her hair. Her fingers are purposeful yet hesitant, desperately trying not to damage the braids underneath as she delicately places the flowers onto her desk.

‘I wonder what Rost would think. About this.’ She muses, cautiously running her fingers over Elisabet’s braids. ‘If he saw me now, I’d… like to think he would be happy for me. For finding the answers I’ve wanted. And… for at least trying to be open with Elisabet.’

Aloy thinks that thought over, knowing that she should be trying harder still.

“Precision… not enough… must be… perfect.”

She frowns as her old words come back to her, from the Proving.

She likes to think that she’s gotten better at that mindset. About not always needing to be perfect. But sometimes those thoughts will rear their ugly head. Especially whenever something important comes along.

And right now, this is too important for her let up on.

Aloy has to be better about forming a connection with Elisabet. She has to try harder.

She knows she does. And she will, no matter what it takes.

She sighs as she lies down in her bed, suddenly exhausted as she touches her new braids. Aloy traces her fingers over them, taking her time to memorize each and every one until sleep starts to come for her. Before it does, she reaches up after a moment’s deliberation, and takes off her focus to put it safely to the side.

She falls asleep soon after, her fingers carefully cradling red fishtail braids.

Bonus Scene:

‘I don’t know what I’m doing, GAIA.’ Elisabet admits the next morning, when the sun hasn’t yet begun to peek over the horizon and Aloy and Beta are still sleeping soundly in their beds.

‘It is my deduction that motherhood is not an easy task to undertake.’ GAIA surmises through Elisabet’s focus.

‘That’s true.’ Elisabet sighs, taking a sip from her mug of dandelion tea as she leans her hip against the breakfast bar. ‘Beta I have experience with, I guess you could say. Vivian was around her age before the world changed.’ She frowns, tapping her mug with her finger. ‘But Aloy… she’s an adult, and I don’t know if she needs me the same way. I don’t know when I’m pushing too hard, or if I should even be pushing at all.’

‘Query: Did you stop needing or wanting your mother when you were Aloy’s age, Elisabet?’

‘No.’ Elisabet closes her eyes and shakes her head, her expression softening. ‘I still need her, even now.’

‘Then perhaps Aloy thinks of you in the same way.’ GAIA proposes. ‘Even if she has never said so out loud.’

‘Hm.’ Elisabet hums, thinking. ‘You may be right.’ She admits. ‘It’s… different. Being on the other side.’ She muses. ‘Moira and I took parenting classes, but that was about how to raise a baby. Not anything like this.’

‘I would say that you are doing a magnificent job, Elisabet, especially in regards to the current circumstances.’ GAIA praises, her words genuine. ‘Both Aloy and Beta are noticeably at ease in your presence, and you are currently going through great lengths to care for both of them to the best of your ability.’

In response to those words, Elisabet only lets out a breath, looking towards Aloy’s room.

She ultimately neither confirms nor denies GAIA’s words as she silently heads outside to watch the sunrise.

Chapter Text

When Aloy wakes the next morning, she’s disappointed to realize she missed the sunrise. With a sluggish energy, she dresses for the day and leaves her room, before pausing as she notices a curiously open doorway.

‘That’s the botany room.’ She peeks inside. ‘Looks like it’s Elisabet’s room now.’ She muses lightly. ‘Figures the one room filled with plant seeds would be the one she chose.’

Aloy then lapses into silence as she stands at the entrance, unwilling to go in any farther. This was one of the rooms that was remodeled, and it looks almost unrecognizable from what it once was. New paint, new equipment and furniture. She spots a few things on Elisabet’s personal desk. What look like machine parts she’s been tinkering with, along with various notebooks, pencils and datapoints. Her bed is situated in the middle of the room now, and there are pictures on the nightstand, two of which Aloy instantly recognizes.

‘That’s… the picture of me.’ She whispers, unconsciously stepping closer. ‘And Beta.’ Aloy looks at the baby photos, feeling her face grow hot for some reason as she quickly leaves.

She strides outside through the east exit, looking towards where Varl rests.

Strangely, Elisabet is not there.

‘Where did…?’ Aloy ponders while tapping her focus. ‘She can’t have gone far. She’s still recovering.’ Aloy talks to herself. ‘She was definitely out here this morning, so where…?’

Her answer comes as she picks up Elisabet’s footprints leading away from the porch swing.

Aloy quickly follows them down the trail of the mountain. She crosses the river, using a bridge that definitely hadn’t been there before, and jogs up a little hill to spot her in the field below.

She immediately picks up her pace when she realizes that Elisabet is not alone.

Her focus picks up the outline of a machine, and Aloy instinctively grabs her bow.

‘Georgette.’ Elisabet whistles with a scolding voice, causing Aloy to skid to a stop in the dirt. ‘Don’t even think about it.’

Aloy comes upon the scene of Elisabet, surrounded by stakes, wire, and mesh. There is a wooden structure next to her, and she appears to be building an outline for a fence around it.

A machine is there, too, but one proper glance at it causes Aloy to relax.

It’s a Clawstrider. With familiar pink eyes and Tenakth colors painted along its sides.

‘You’re a menace. You know that?’ Elisabet says lightly as the machine nudges her with its nose. She then looks up, finally noticing she’s not alone. ‘Aloy. Good morning.’ Elisabet raises an eyebrow as she sees the weapon in her hands. ‘Everything alright?’

‘Yea.’ Aloy says, awkwardly putting away her bow. ‘Just… woke up.’ She says, lamely coughing and gesturing to the Clawstrider. ‘Been a while since I saw um… ?’

Elisabet looks between her and the machine.

‘Her name is Georgette.’ Elisabet supplies. ‘She’s perfectly safe.’ She guesses at Aloy’s concern. ‘Check her with your focus if you want, her code’s pretty interesting.’

Aloy tilts her head at the explanation and does so curiously.

The machine shows up pink on the focus readings, and all of the normal information that a Clawstrider would display is still intact. Aloy taps further, trying to see the code that Elisabet is referring to, but all she finds is the name ‘Georgette’ labeled onto the machine’s interface.

‘Why “Georgette”?’

‘No reason. It just seemed fitting at the time.’ Elisabet shrugs as the Clawstrider rubs its face against her arm. ‘She’s unlike any machine I’ve seen so far, that’s for sure.’

‘Really?’ Aloy asks, coming closer to Georgette and placing a hand on her side. To Elisabet’s point, the machine doesn’t shy away from her touch.  

‘Yes. She hasn’t been overridden, if you can believe that. The pink is just left over. From before the merge.’ Elisabet hums as the Clawstrider walks away. ‘This is her natural behavior. Very docile.’ She watches Georgette go for a pile of wooden stakes. ‘And stubborn.’ She whistles again, causing the machine to obediently turn away from the pile without so much as a command.

‘You got her to understand you.’ Aloy blinks, inspired, as Georgette finds a branch to chew on instead. ‘How?’ She asks, recalling Elisabet had done something similar with the Land Gods.

‘Training.’ Elisabet says simply, turning back to whatever it is she’s working on. ‘I’ve been studying her. Trying to find what makes her so different from all the other ‘hunter killers’ out there.’

‘Have you found anything yet?’ Aloy questions.

‘HEPHAESTUS makes batches of machines all at once.’ Elisabet explains, lining up a pair of stakes on the ground before shaking her head and moving them farther apart. ‘Like any batch of well, anything, there’s bound to be good ones and bad ones.’

‘So it could be some sort of glitch?’ Aloy reads between the lines, causing Elisabet to nod.

‘As advanced as the terraforming system is, it can’t possibly keep track of every individual machine that’s made. Whether GAIA and HEPHEASTUS are merged together or not.’ Elisabet says. ‘And sometimes exceptions can make it through the process.’ She then sighs, frowning with a weary expression as her gaze looks far away. ‘But this glitch isn’t world ending at least.’

‘… Right.’

Aloy also frowns as she watches Georgette happily munch away on a branch. She knows of the glitch that caused the Faro Plague, obviously, but seeing a current day example of it…

‘What are you building?’ Aloy instead chooses to pivot the conversation as she looks over the wooden structure. It’s some sort of little house, with a ramp coming out the front door. Her eyes are bright and curious as she watches Elisabet work on outlining the fence around it.

‘A new project.’ Elisabet says, something in her softening as she notices Aloy’s curious gaze.

‘Something to do with plants?’ Aloy teases.

‘You would think, but no.’ Elisabet’s words are much lighter now as she talks about one of her projects. ‘I decided that it would be a good idea to put down some roots. Not just for me, but for you and Beta too.’

‘Meaning?’ Aloy tilts her head and furrows her brow, not understanding.

‘I’m going to start a farm.’ Elisabet declares. ‘Not the best place for it.’ She gestures around at the chilly mountainside. ‘But for now it’ll do. Well, I’m hoping at least.’

‘A farm. You mean like…?’ Aloy lets the question fall.

She hasn’t brought up Sobeck Ranch around Elisabet. Neither has Beta. They’ve both mutually realized that neither of them ever want to upset her by bringing up that place.

In any way, shape or form.

‘I have it all planned out.’ Elisabet thankfully does not seem to notice Aloy’s line of thinking as she lightly hammers one of the small stakes into the ground. ‘First we start with chickens. Then goats. Maybe pigs, turkeys or sheep after that. See what happens from there.’ She peeks over her shoulder. ‘But as it stands, if we’re going to stay here, we’re going to need one.’ She gestures to the cliffside by the base. ‘Zo and I already started the garden. This is the next step.’

‘I’m not understanding.’ Aloy admits, confused. ‘Why do we need a farm?’

Rost never had a farm back in the Sacred Lands. There was always plenty of game to go around, and both he and Aloy were well versed in hunting for their own meals.

And what else is a farm good for if not food?

‘There’s a lot of good trade with farmlands. Milk, wool, soap, cheese. The list goes on and on.’ She shrugs, and Aloy blinks, feeling sort of foolish for not realizing that of course Elisabet would have the knowledge to make such things. ‘Eggs for example are very sought after right now by Zo’s uh… tribe? The…’

‘Utaru.’ Aloy supplies.

‘The Utaru.’ Elisabet parrots. ‘Their lands have gotten better after what happened with DEMETER, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.’ She grabs a piece of wire and looks around for a tool she’s misplaced. ‘Zo told me there’s not a lot of good places to raise animals now, and that’s where we could start.’

‘So the animals wouldn’t be for meat?’ Aloy asks for clarification.

‘No. At least not at first. We’d need a whole flock to thrive before that.’ Elisabet hums. ‘So, I’m building a coop. Or trying to anyway. It’s been slow going because I need Beta or Zo’s help with certain parts. Plus someone over there keeps getting in the way.’ She nods to Georgette, who has gotten bored with her stick and is now sniffing at a bundle of mesh. ‘Honestly, it’s like having a toddler and a dog all at once.’ She shakes her head, getting up to lightly push Georgette’s nose away from it.

Aloy lets out a breath of laughter in response, before they are interrupted by the sound of someone coming up the path. Elisabet gives a low whistle, and Georgette takes off running in the opposite direction. Without missing a beat, Elisabet then turns toward the noise, walking up over the tiny hill to look down towards the river, Aloy following at her heels.

‘Good mornin’ Lis!’ A gentleman calls, waving a hand. He looks to be Utaru, and he has a kind smile on his elderly face. ‘Hard at work so early?’

‘I could ask the same of you, Yel.’ Elisabet crosses the bridge to meet him halfway.

‘Not at all. Not at all.’ The old man says. ‘Been up some three hours now already.’

‘New record?’ Elisabet asks lightly.

‘Hardly.’ Yel laughs good-naturedly, then seems to notice Aloy for the first time.

Aloy looks him over, her red brows furrowed. Through all of her adventures into No Man’s Land, through Plainsong and the like, she can’t say that she has met this person before.

Or rather, if she did, she couldn’t remember him.

Which is just as well, because he doesn’t recognize her either.

‘And who’s this?’ He asks politely.

Aloy opens her mouth to respond, but Elisabet puts a hand onto her shoulder.

‘This is my eldest daughter, Aloy.’ Elisabet introduces her.

Her words are casual, as if it was the most natural thing for her to say in the world.

Aloy immediately tenses in response, her brain short circuiting as Elisabet refers to her as her daughter once more.

‘Aloy, this is Yel.’ Elisabet continues. ‘Zo introduced us, and he’s been helping me get some things started.’

‘My my, well aren’t you just the spitting image of your mother.’ Yel comments with a smile. ‘Pleasure to meet you, Aloy.’

‘Yea. Uh, same here.’ Aloy says. Her voice is uncharacteristically small.

Yel seems not to notice, though, as he turns back to Elisabet.

‘So, how’s the prep goin’? I’m hopin’ to get you those chicks soon.’

‘I should be done in a few days I think.’

‘Sounds swell. So, have you…’

Aloy lets their conversation drift through her ears, standing on the sidelines as the two adults talk. Once they finish, she waves a goodbye to Yel as if on autopilot, and follows Elisabet inside, her head lost in a thousand thoughts.

She startles when Elisabet speaks her name.

‘Huh?’ Aloy asks, dazed.

‘I asked if you could please wake your sister.’ Elisabet gently repeats. ‘I’m going to get breakfast started.’

‘Oh.’ Aloy says. ‘Uh… sure.’

Elisabet looks her over.

‘Are you feeling alright? I called you a few times.’ She reaches to put a hand to her forehead.

Aloy flinches and backs away as if she’s been burned.

It happens on instinct, but she doesn’t have the capacity to feel guilty for it right now.

‘I’m fine.’ Aloy deflects and heads to the server room, missing how Elisabet looks after her with a concerned gaze.

Aloy avoids Elisabet for the rest of the day.

She doesn’t mean to. Not really.

Kotallo called her after breakfast, stating that Yarra needed her help with something at Scalding Spear. After that, she got carried away doing the relic ruin at Dry Yearn. Then there was a herd of apex machines that got in her way to a nearby vista point. Upon defeating them and pinpointing the signal, she sat down to rest and took her time reading through the description.

It spoke of what the looming structure of Scalding Spear used to be. Back in the Old World.

It was…. a part of Elisabet’s company, Miriam Technologies.

Aloy can feel her chest tighten as she finishes reading about the green solar energy it once created, and looks down upon the Tenakth settlement lit up in the distance. Without thinking, she forgoes her original plan of finding a place to camp for the night, and instead heads back to base. But by the time she returns, the lights have already dimmed dark and Elisabet’s door is shut.

Aloy looks at it, her shoulders dropping as she frowns. She moves to go upstairs instead, hoping to find her sister, before pausing as she notices something on the counter.

‘What’s this?’ She picks up a covered bowl. There is a note stuck on top.

Her name is written on it, and Aloy raises a red eyebrow as she lifts the lid. Inside is some sort of rice dish with vegetables and beans, and Aloy feels something warm in her chest as she grabs a fork and takes it upstairs.

‘Aloy, you’re back.’ Beta greets her. ‘How was your day?’

‘Good.’ Aloy says noncommittally as she sits at her desk, stirring the contents of the bowl. It’s no longer warm, but she finds that she doesn’t really care. ‘Did Elisabet make this?’

‘She wanted to make sure you had something to eat if you came back late.’ Beta nods.

Visions of Rost bubble up beneath the surface of Aloy’s memories; of him cooking stew by the fire, waiting for her to return from hunting no matter how long she spent away.  

‘That’s… nice of her.’ Aloy says. Her tone sounds far away as she takes a bite of the food.

The dish is simple; but to Aloy it is the best thing she’s tasted in years. She devours it, savoring every bite made just for her, feeling something in her chest constrict in a suffocating way.

Once she finishes, she looks up to find her sister watching her.

‘What?’ She asks, a bit embarrassed to be watched while eating.

‘Nothing.’ Beta says. ‘Just… you can talk to me about it, you know. About everything.’ She waves a hand in the direction of the stairs.

In the direction of Elisabet.

‘I’m fine, Beta.’ Aloy dismisses. ‘Really.’

Beta looks at her, clearly not believing her words, though lets the subject drop.

Aloy spends the next week and a half away from the base.

Alva had called her, stating she needed help convincing the Quen to lend their aid against NEMESIS. It was a constant back and forth from the moment she landed in Legacy’s Landfall. To their credit, they are a very intelligent tribe, if a bit misguided and with out-of-date information, so naturally they had many questions they wanted personally answered by the Living Ancestor herself.

Little did they know that the actual Living Ancestor that they so revere is currently still alive.

Regardless, Aloy is absolutely exhausted after she finishes her task. She pokes around San Francisco for a day or two, dreading the very long flight back to base. In doing so, she finds a vista point she missed near the Golden Gate Bridge. It mentions Miriam Technologies again, and the work they put in to clean up the ocean from critical levels of plastic pollution.

‘Another one.’ She mumbles as she swims. ‘I think I’m getting close to finding them all.’

Ever since Aloy found that vista point back at Scalding Spear, she has gone back over the others that she had found thus far. At the time she uncovered them, she had resolved to read them later ob, when they weren’t racing against the clock to defeat the Zeniths.

So, it was only recently that she came to realize… all of them have to do with Elisabet’s company.

The Daunt was actually a National Park, where Miriam Technologies made wilderness management machines. The Stillsands was Las Vegas, whose water system was managed through their robotic ecosystem. Dunehollow was the Vegas Strip, that flourished using their filtration system for the dome. The Memorial Grove was actually the Mojave Battlefield, where the company donated bots to clean up radiation after the Hot Zone Crisis. The Greenhouse was FAS West which, while not being one of Miriam’s locations, was emphasized as a place of unified action where the two competing companies shared research in the spirit of generosity and collaboration.

All of it was so… inspiring. To know the exact lengths that Elisabet went to in order to heal the world, even well before the Faro Plague.

Seeing that side of her only makes Aloy miss her all the more.

‘I should… probably head back.’ Aloy speaks to herself as she wrings out her hair on the shore, pausing to caress fishtail braids. ‘I think I’ve done everything I can for now out this way.’

Before she can call her Sunwing, however, her focus picks up a signal. She follows it up high to scan another vista point of skyscrapers. It talks about San Francisco; the start of Miriam Technologies and the heart of the company, founded by Elisabet Sobeck in 2049. Aloy finds heartfelt notes inside from past participants of the tour, all of them thanking Elisabet for the hard work she and her company has done to change lives around the world.

‘I wonder if Elisabet ever saw all of these messages.’ Aloy ponders, before being distracted as a final set of coordinates pop up onto her focus.

She follows the signal to find a prize cache with… a recording of Elisabet inside.

“Hello, I’m Dr. Elisabet Sobeck. Thank you for completing the Vista Point tour. I hope it’s given you a better idea of the work we do at Miriam Technologies. But more importantly, why it is so critical. As you’ve seen, life is fragile. And as my mother once told me, it needs our support, our care, and our love to survive. I hope this message, which is the core of Miriam’s mission, means as much to you as it does to me.”

‘It does, Elisabet.’ Aloy watches the gentle waves crash onto the shore as gulls fly past the Golden Gate Bridge. ‘Thank you.’ She whispers, falling to sit on the broken ruins beneath her feet.

It feels hard to breathe all of a sudden, and she taps her focus to look through her contacts. The name ‘Elisabet Sobeck’ pops up, and Aloy unconsciously reaches for it, before stopping herself at the last second.

Elisabet… has tried to call her during this trip. Each and every morning, when the sun rises.

Aloy is ashamed to admit that she hasn’t answered any of them.

She wraps her arms around her knees and hides her face into them, feeling as if she’s going to be sick.

It is so incredibly hard now. To talk to Elisabet.

The worst part about it is that she has no idea why.

When Aloy eventually returns to the base, the late afternoon sun is just starting to set over the horizon. She leads her Sunwing lower, and the two of them circle around the mountainside as she taps her focus, spying Elisabet sitting outside with Varl in her usual spot.

Aloy takes a deep breath to settle her nerves, then jumps off, deploying her glider.

Elisabet looks up from the journal she’s writing in as Aloy’s feet touch down.

‘Aloy.’ She greets. ‘Just dropping in?’

‘Guess you could say that.’ Aloy pauses, noticing that thankfully Elisabet doesn’t seem to be angry with her about their missed calls. ‘How… how have you been?’ She asks almost shyly.

‘Good. Your sister and I have made headway with a much safer plan for HEPHAESTUS.’ Elisabet says casually, continuing with whatever she’s writing. ‘Actually, GAIA was hoping to talk to you about that, because we’d like to put it into action soon.’

‘Got it.’ Aloy comes to sit next to Elisabet on the porch swing. ‘I’ll talk to her later then.’

The two of them sit there in silence for a few moments, Aloy shyly watching Elisabet write.

‘How’s your uh, farm going?’ She unconsciously fiddles with her fingers and nods down the hill, where she can see the wooden coop through the snow-frosted trees. If she looks further still, she can see the faint pink of Georgette causing mischief somewhere among the brush.

‘The coop’s done, just waiting on Yel to get the chicks ready for us.’ Elisabet closes her journal and picks up her mug of coffee from the patio table. ‘But I’ve been benched for a little while.’

‘Benched?’ Aloy tilts her head.

Elisabet holds up her free hand, showing off a few nasty looking scars and blisters.

‘GAIA told me to take a break. That I don’t always have to run myself into the ground.’ Elisabet flexes her fingers. ‘She’s right but well, let’s just say I’ve never been good at staying still.’

‘Me neither.’ Aloy admits while reaching into her pack. ‘But those look pretty bad. Have you been putting salve on them? Or eaten any berries?’

‘Salve, yes. Berries… no?’ Elisabet raises a red eyebrow. ‘Why do you ask?’

‘Here, I have an extra pouch.’ Aloy pulls out a small bag but hesitates to hand it over as she sees the familiar blue stitches in the tanned fabric.

“They taste bitter, but they could save your life. Always keep your pouch full of medicinal berries, flowers and plants.”

Without thinking, Rost’s words come back to Aloy. From when he made this set of pouches for her, when she was still a young girl.

As she hands the berries over to Elisabet, another, less pleasant memory flashes.

“Children, come with me. She’s an outcast, to be shunned.”

Of when she offered berries to someone else. A mother in the Nora tribe.

How she and the rest of the children shunned her.

How she didn’t understand why she was an outcast.

Why her own mother wasn’t there…

For a moment, Elisabet’s face is not her own as she takes the pouch, and Aloy tenses, waiting for harsh words to follow.

Elisabet only pulls out a few berries, though, looking them over curiously with her focus.

‘This is a new species. GAIA must have made these for the first ancestors that were released from ELEUTHIA, because they didn’t know how to care for themselves.’ Elisabet muses, tilting her head as she eats one. ‘Not very tasty to say the least.’ She makes a face before looking at her hands. ‘But very effective.’ She says with surprise. ‘Thank you, Aloy. I’ll keep these close. Maybe study them, actually.’ She turns and pulls out another, smaller notebook from her pocket. ‘My list just keeps growing bigger and bigger.’

‘I… you’re welcome.’ Aloy says almost too quietly, causing Elisabet to look up at her.

‘Aloy?’ Elisabet reaches toward her with concern.

Aloy shrinks back from her touch, quickly standing up.

‘I think I’ll go talk to GAIA. I shouldn’t uh, keep her waiting.’

Elisabet sits up straighter, her face falling with worry.

‘What’s wro-“

‘I’ll catch up with you later.’ Aloy cuts her off and goes inside, feeling something awful bubbling up in her chest.

After speaking with GAIA, Aloy goes to her room and stays there for the rest of the day.

‘Why are these memories coming up now of all times?’ Aloy angrily asks herself as she fletches arrow after arrow to put into her stash. Anything to keep her traitorous mind busy. ‘Why?’

“Memories always come back. The ones that matter anyway.”

Varl’s words float through her mind, and she sighs, closing her eyes.

At the time, she told him that she had bigger worries to deal with than dwelling on the past.

‘But if not now, then when?’ She whispers to herself, lost in thought.

Aloy looks up when there’s a sudden knock at her door. She sits up straighter on the floor and taps her focus, finding Elisabet standing there.

‘Come in.’ Aloy moves to get up but pauses as she sees the worried look on Elisabet’s face.

‘Aloy, are you busy?’ Elisabet asks, gently requesting her time.

‘No, I’ve got time.’ Aloy stands and walks around the desk by her bed. She stops in the middle of the room, something preventing her from moving closer. ‘What’s wrong?’

‘I should be the one asking you that.’ Elisabet shuts the door. ‘Aloy, I think we need to talk.’

Aloy tenses, unconsciously crossing her arms and looking away.

‘What about?’ She asks cautiously.

Elisabet looks at her, her expression soft and open.

‘Aloy, I understand that this…’ Elisabet starts, gesturing between the two of them. She noticeably does not encroach any further into Aloy’s space. ‘It’s…’ She pauses, shaking her head as she thinks of the right words. ‘Your sister and I have already talked about everything.’ She gestures to the door, and Aloy can see through her focus that thankfully Beta is nowhere nearby to overhear wherever this conversation is going. ‘How she never had… anyone. In her life.’ She almost trips over the words, anger coming over her eyes for a moment before she stores it away. ‘I don’t know if that’s the case for you, too. And I’m not asking.’

She looks Aloy over, her expression growing… sad. Or guilty perhaps?

‘But, Aloy…’ She starts again. ‘If I’m making you uncomfortable. If I’m doing something wrong, I need to know. Please.’

‘You’re not making me uncomfortable.’ Aloy quickly shakes her head, confused. ‘You’re not.’

‘Then I’m not understanding.’ Elisabet admits. She moves to take a step closer before hesitating, keeping the distance between them. ‘Every time we get close, you look like you’re either going to faint or run away.’ She says, causing Aloy to pause, unsure of what to say. ‘Aloy, if you’re somehow trying to… protect my feelings, you don’t have to.’ She assures. ‘If you don’t want us to be anything to each other besides friends or allies, that’s okay.’

‘That’s not...’ Aloy stutters, shaking her head once more as her whole body tenses, her mouth suddenly going dry as something hurts sharply in her chest. ‘I don’t…’

Elisabet pauses, giving her a chance to speak.

When Aloy doesn’t respond further, her expression softens.

‘I’ve always had a tendency to run headfirst into things. Especially now, after everything that’s happened, I don’t want to take anything in this new life for granted.’ Her eyes turn far away. ‘But I… realized that I never asked you. If I could call you my daughter.’ Elisabet reflects. ‘You’ve looked so uncomfortable whenever I’ve said it.’ She recounts, looking Aloy over as the huntress stands there, frozen. ‘I’m sorry, I should have asked first because...’ She then sighs. ‘Listen Aloy, if you already have a mother, I’m not trying to take her place. I promise.’ She says earnestly. ‘So, if you need me to back off. If you need me to leave you alone, I can do that.’

Aloy’s eyes snap to hers, panic coming over her as she goes to stand before Elisabet.

‘No…’ The word comes out of her mouth like vomit as her mind forces up horrible memories.

“Why are you talking like we’ll never see each other again? No… No…!”

“You should be with the tribe. And I will always be an outcast.”

“But I told you, I have that figured out! I’ll come to you in secret. I’ll be the one breaking the law, now you! You don’t even have to talk to me!”

Her fingers shake as she reaches out toward Elisabet, her hands hovering but not touching.

Always close, never touching.

Rost never… closed that distance between them.

He was many things to her; a teacher, a guide, a friend, a…

He loved her, in his own way.

For Aloy, it was enough.

But…

Aloy nearly jumps out of her skin when a hand encloses her own. She looks up, seeing Elisabet’s hand entwined in hers. Her grip is not tight, not overwhelming or forceful, but it’s there all the same.

Aloy swallows the painful lump in her throat, taking a shaky breath. With resolve and resignation, she taps her focus, sifting through her own data files to input a search.

For one particular word that she was hoping could explain it all.

Elisabet looks up as Aloy’s focus suddenly projects a multitude of memories.

“They are outcasts, both. And she… she is motherless!”

“Look who’s come in from the wilds! The motherless outcast!”

“ Motherless chuff.”

“Hey! You’re that motherless girl! The one who’s mother never claimed her!”

“What have you brought us now, you motherless curse?”

‘What?’ Elisabet whispers, confused, as the memories play out one after the other.

Aloy takes a breath, grasping Elisabet’s hand harder as she lets the focus finish its search. Once completed, it starts to autoplay more of her memories, starting from the very beginning.

“She is a curse made flesh!”

“She’s an outcast, to be shunned.”

“Stay away, No-Mother!”

At some point, Elisabet lowers to the floor, and Aloy follows her down, sitting side by side. These are the sections of data that GAIA marked as important in her focus recordings. Some of it has been shared with others, during their training, but most were marked for Aloy’s own benefit should she ever wish to relive them.

At the time, Aloy was… less than pleased to have her life dissected in such a way. To have the days of her existence sifted into neat little piles while the rest fell by the wayside.

Now, though, she is grateful for GAIA’s insight as she doesn’t have to muster up the strength to speak. Not when seeing Rost again, hearing his words, and seeing his smile, has every fiber of her being shaking with something she doesn’t understand.

“Well, if you’re going to go sneaking away from home, you’re going to need to know how to survive in the wild.”

Aloy dares a glance at Elisabet, who for her part is watching in quiet fascination, analyzing every scene like the trained scientist she is. As if she already knows just how privileged this moment is, that Aloy has chosen to share these memories with her.

“Why am I an outcast?”

“Aloy… this is not the time.”

These memories of Rost… Aloy hasn’t thought about them in ages. Hasn’t even considered looking them up in the database of her focus until now.

It’s been too hard to even think about.

“Are you worrying about what happens… after the Proving?”

“What happens is clear. You will be accepted as one of the tribe, and I will still be an outcast, to be shunned.”

Seeing them now, with Elisabet at her side, it’s somehow easier to handle.

Regardless, Aloy grips Elisabet’s hand tighter when they reach the day of the Proving.

“Aloy!... Survive!”

Elisabet audibly gasps and covers her mouth with shock, her eyes never leaving the screen as Rost is consumed by flames.

Aloy takes deep breaths in through her nose, looking away.

Her entire world had been destroyed that day. In a span of a few hours, she had gone from outcast, to Brave, then Seeker. It was whiplash ten times over. All made worse by the fact that the one singular person in her life… was no longer there.

A sense of numbness takes over Aloy as the focus continues.

As her life continues, without Rost.

“Then make it quick, I’m heading in. You need to stop listening to Ted and start listening to me.”

Elisabet furrows her brows at the memory from inside All-Mother Mountain, but her posture softens, and she squeezes Aloy’s hand in response to her past self’s words.

“Are you my mother?”

Aloy can’t bring herself to look up as the focus keeps playing, showing her leaving the Nora Sacred Lands to finally begin her journey. She shakily stops it there, unable to watch any longer.

Back then, Aloy had been so broken. So desperate for any form of connection.

Now that her deepest fear had come true. Now that she was all alone.

She would have done absolutely anything to learn more about her mother, and when she finally learned of Elisabet’s death, it only broke her more. Ever since then, she has climbed the highest mountains, traversed the hottest deserts, and swam through the deepest channels. Just for scraps of data about the woman who is the closest thing she will ever have to a mother.

To find some connection to her. One that would heal the broken hole left behind.

But now…

Aloy knows that Elisabet adores sunrises. That she is obsessed with flowers. That her favorite animals are horses. That she is a wonderful cook. That she has at least two notebooks with her at all times. That she loves to learn new things. That she hums while she works. That she can’t handle spicy foods. That her nose wrinkles whenever she talks to someone she’d rather avoid. That her smile is something not easily given. And that her laughter is the sweetest thing in the world.

Aloy once again feels like a fool, to have spent this long keeping distance between them.

She should have been trying harder to bond with Elisabet.

She shouldn’t have been wasting time like thi-…

‘No wonder you’ve been so distant.’ Elisabet says softly, causing Aloy to break from her thoughts. ‘I’m so sorry. About Rost.’

Aloy shakes her head.

‘No, that was so long ago, and…’

She looks up, meeting Elisabet’s gaze for the first time in what feels like forever.

Her expression is open and understanding, and it startles Aloy. As if somehow Elisabet can see right through her for all that she is.

‘Now I understand, why you’ve been keeping your distance.’

‘You do?’ Aloy asks, confused.

‘Because it would hurt less. If something like that happens again.’ Elisabet nods toward the focus screen, and Aloy feels as if she has just been punched in the gut.

Was the truth really so simple? So cowardly?

‘And this tribe. The Nora.’ Elisabet continues, cutting off Aloy’s thoughts before they can travel farther. ‘To outcast a child just because…’ Her eyes grow hard before she sighs with resignation. ‘I wish I could have been there, Aloy.’

‘I wish that too.’ Aloy says, grateful that Elisabet doesn’t apologize for her absence.

Because it wasn’t her fault.

It’s a complete miracle that Elisabet is even alive today to be having this conversation.

Aloy takes a breath and releases her hand, standing up on numb legs to turn towards her shelf. She takes Elisabet’s trinket down, before pausing as she looks at Rost’s pendant. With shaky fingers, she also takes it off the hook and cradles them both as she sits down once more.

‘This… I found it with you.’ Aloy explains, her gaze lowered. ‘I found your journals. In GAIA Prime. And visited… you. At the ranch.’ She holds up the necklace, watching it twirl in the low candlelight. ‘I’m sorry it’s taken this long for me to give it back to you.’

She hands the trinket over to Elisabet, who looks at it silently, before glancing at the other charm Aloy has in her hands.

‘Rost gave me this.’ Aloy says, feeling exhausted all of a sudden as she looks at it. ‘I’ve kept it with me. Ever since...’

She lets the sentence hang as she gives it to Elisabet.

‘He loved you very much.’ Elisabet cradles it, causing Aloy to look up. ‘That day he told you about the Proving, when you were still so little. The look on his face…’ Elisabet recounts. ‘I’m sure he realized that one day you would grow up and have to leave him.’ She gazes at Aloy with a sad smile. ‘It must have been hard. For both of you.’ She acknowledges.

‘It was.’ Aloy says, feeling her face fall against her will. ‘He…’

Elisabet returns Rost’s pendant to Aloy, giving them both a moment to acknowledge and remember him, before she looks at her world charm.

‘My brother gave me this. The day after I told him about Zero Dawn.’ Elisabet recounts, her gaze lost in memories. ‘He said it was a reminder. Of how big the weight of the world actually is, if you let the people you love help you carry it.’

She runs her fingers over the familiar necklace, before unclasping the hook and moving to place it around Aloy’s neck.  

Aloy looks at her with surprise, but Elisabet only shakes her head.

‘Keep them. Both of them.’ Elisabet finishes closing the necklace clasp. ‘To remind you that you’re loved, Aloy.’ Her expression softens as she closes Aloy’s hand around Rost’s pendant. ‘By both him…’ She fixes the world charm around her neck, and Aloy can feel its weight pressing against her heart as Elisabet cups her cheek. ‘And me.’

Aloy’s face crumbles, and she speaks the only word she can muster in that moment.

‘Mother…’ She calls to Elisabet.

‘Aloy.’ Elisabet responds, pulling her into a tight embrace.

Aloy collapses into her, and lets Elisabet hold her through the flood.

For as long as she needs.

‘I had a feeling there was more to the hair braids. You were shaking the entire time.’

‘Yea. It’s uh, really important to the Nora. Mothers doing their daughter’s braids.’

‘And it’s important to you too?’

‘Yea. More than I realized, I guess…’

The two of them are now lounging together on Aloy’s bed. It took what felt like ages for her to finally settle down, and once she did, Elisabet was there to pick up the pieces.

Neither one of them has let go of each other since.

‘I can do them.’ Elisabet agrees easily, running a hand through Aloy’s hair. ‘They might all be fishtails at first, though.’ She hums. ‘I can do normal plaits, but they always turn out a bit… wonky.’

‘I like the fishtails.’ Aloy admits, peeking up from where her head lay on her shoulder.

Elisabet has her back to the door, turned to shield Aloy from anyone that may enter the room. It’s an odd feeling, being protected like this, but Aloy finds that she doesn’t really mind it all that much in this moment.

‘Alright then.’ Elisabet caresses a fishtail braid. ‘Did you want me to braid mine, too?’

Aloy pauses.

It’s normal for mothers and daughters to have matching braids. Sona and Vala were a perfect example, and she has seen plenty of other mother-daughter duos in Mother’s Heart.

But the thought of Elisabet having matching braids with Aloy?

That’s…

‘If you really don’t mind.’ She says after a moment. Almost shyly. ‘Then, I’d like that.’

‘I wouldn’t mind at all.’ Elisabet says, giving Aloy a squeeze. ‘What about Beta?’

‘She can too, if she wants.’ Aloy says easily, something flip flopping in the chest at the thought of all three of them wearing matching braids.

‘Then we can ask her tomorrow.’ Elisabet hums, putting their foreheads together sweetly.

The weight of it reminds Aloy of when Elisabet was still a Clawstrider, and this time she leans into it, allowing the familiar touch to ground her now just as it did back then.

‘Is there anything else you’ve wanted to try?’ Elisabet asks after a moment, pulling back a small fraction. ‘GAIA told me a bit about the Nora tribe, but not much. The was something about co-sleeping?’ She asks. ‘She brought it up the morning after you snuck into my bed, saying that maybe you wanted to connect with me in some way.’

‘That uh, is pretty much it, yea.’ Aloy says, a bit embarrassed now to be talking about it so casually. ‘I should have maybe asked you first…’

‘Nonsense.’ Elisabet kisses her forehead. ‘My door’s always open.’

‘Okay…’ Aloy turns her face away, feeling her ears turn red. ‘Um, besides that…  I guess, cooking together?’

‘I think I would offer that anyway.’ Elisabet smiles. ‘Your sister said that you’re quite a terrible cook, sorry to say.’

‘Wow, thanks.’ Aloy scoffs with a bit of a laugh. ‘I’ll have to bring that up with her later.’

‘I can teach you how to cook, Aloy.’ Elisabet offers, rubbing her back. ‘It’s not a bother at all.’

Aloy takes in a breath, feeling vulnerable opening up like this, but not wanting to stop.

‘We could make beads. Together?’ She holds up one of her braids, showing off the red and blue beads at the end. ‘They’re just as important as the braids.’

Elisabet looks at them curiously.

‘What are they made out of?’

‘Wood. But others are made out of clay.’ Aloy supplies.

‘You’d have to teach me.’ Elisabet says. ‘Or I could show you how to make ones out of resin if you want.’

‘What’s that?’ Aloy lifts a red brow.

‘It’s this kind of… liquid, that forms into a solid, and encases things.’ Elisabet explains.

‘What kinds of things?’ Aloy asks.

‘Colored dyes. Glitter. Stones. Flower petals.’ Elisabet shrugs. ‘Anything really.’

‘Flower petals?’ Aloy parrots. ‘They’d have to be pretty small to fit into a bead.’ She muses, looking at her braids. ‘But maybe the ones on my desk could manage it?’

‘Blue Forget-Me-Nots.’ Elisabet nods, suddenly looking at Aloy with a much softer gleam in her eyes. ‘Those flowers have a very special meaning. If hair beads are as revered as you say, then I couldn’t think of a better flower.’

‘You said before that there’s a language of flowers.’ Aloy says, remembering that conversation from what was weeks ago now. ‘What do they mean?’

Elisabet smiles at her, before tapping her focus to look it up in the APOLLO database.

‘Forget-Me-Nots represent love and memories. Giving someone this flower means you truly love and keep that person in your thoughts.’ She reads, causing Aloy to unconsciously sink into her as her eyes widen. ‘Blue Forget-Me-Nots hold a special place regarding family ties, as they symbolize the unbreakable bond and eternal affection between a mother and her child.’

Aloy feels her mouth go dry as Elisabet finishes reading the definition.

‘I… .’ She says, tongue tied. ‘I didn’t know.’

Elisabet leans her forehead against Aloy’s once more.

‘Knowing what I know now, I’m glad I chose those flowers to share with you.’

‘Me too.’ Aloy shyly looks up at her. ‘Will you teach me? About the language of flowers?’

‘Of course.’ Elisabet tucks a piece of hair behind her ear. ‘There’s a lot that I want to teach you and your sister.’

‘Like what?’ Aloy raises a red eyebrow.

‘Well, I already know you’ve been looking up training modules about coding.’ Elisabet reveals casually.

‘How did..?’ Aloy startles.

‘It wasn’t hard to imagine that’s what you’ve been so secretive about…’ Elisabet says with no remorse. ‘Beta and I have experience in that department, but you only started your journey a few years ago. And after everything that happened with APOLLO…’ Elisabet lets out an angered breath through her nose, letting that particular sour subject go for another day. ‘Anyway, I want to teach you both how I override machines.’ She shares. ‘And you’ll need a good coding foundation to start with.’

‘How you override machines?’ Aloy asks. ‘With the pink eyes?’

‘Yes. It’s very simple, and a lot safer than the override module you’ve got taped to your spear.’ Elisabet says teasingly.

‘It’s not taped.’ Aloy scrunches her nose.

‘Stapled, then.’ Elisabet pokes a finger to Aloy’s nose, causing her to smile.

The two of them grow silent after that for a great long while, simply existing together in a tight embrace, before Aloy speaks up.

‘I’ve always been… chasing after you.’ She starts, her voice small. ‘Trying to find you at first, then just… trying to live up to you.’ Elisabet strokes her back comfortingly. ‘Fighting machines, uniting tribes, healing the world. It’s been my entire life until now.’ She admits. ‘I’ve never had a mother, so it… I may need…’ She doesn’t know exactly what she’s asking for, but Elisabet cups her cheek, gently turning her daughter’s face up to meet her gaze.

‘I know, Aloy. I know.’ Elisabet hums. ‘We’ll work through it all. Together.’

‘Together…’ Aloy repeats, allowing herself to be held as she listens to her mother’s heart.

End

Bonus Scene:

‘Mom, you should be in the middle. I’ll get the blankets.’ Beta sounds giddy as she excitedly scampers off towards the closet. ‘Be right back!’

Aloy looks at her quizzically while performing her assigned task of gathering pillows.

‘What holo are we even watching?’ Aloy asks, tossing them onto the living room floor.

‘I think you should pick.’ Elisabet says while shaking salt and pepper into a bowl of something that Aloy can’t quite see.

‘How about Second Time Around?’ Beta pipes up, returning to place the blankets down next to the pillows. ‘You’ve never seen it before, right?’

‘I think maybe not, Beta.’ Elisabet vetoes that option real quick. ‘We’ve watched the whole series already in the past few weeks.’ She points out. ‘It’s called Second Time Around, but I’d rather not make it an actual “second time around,” if you please.’

Her words cause Aloy to snort as she sits down atop the blankets.

Elisabet comes over to her a moment later, handing her a blue ceramic bowl. Inside are little yellow snacks drizzled in butter, salt and pepper.

‘Elisa…’ She pauses, allowing herself time to say the word she wants to say. ‘Mother, what is this called?’

‘It’s called popcorn, Aloy.’ Elisabet runs a hand through her hair as she walks away.

Aloy smiles and watches her go, something settling in her chest. She takes a bite of the popcorn, before taking more as the taste and crunch are very quickly addicting.  

‘What are the options?’ Aloy asks when Beta sits down next to her.

‘Anything you want.’ Beta shrugs. ‘There’s so many to choose from.’

‘Oh really?’ Aloy asks curiously.

Her sister pulls up the list of available holos, and Aloy immediately feels overwhelmed as she sees the scroll bar that seems to go on for forever and eternity.

‘What genre are you thinking? That’d narrow things down.’ Elisabet returns to hand Beta her own bowl of popcorn. ‘Or if you have something specific in mind.’

‘Hm….’ Aloy pauses, thinking. ‘Beta said that some holos can have animals as characters?’

‘Oh, there are plenty of those.’ Elisabet takes her seat in between the two sisters with her own snack bowl. Beta hands her the controller for the projector, and Elisabet clicks onto her private collection. ‘I have a few saved that I like. We could start there.’

Elisabet inputs a search. The smaller list is already much less intimidating as Aloy watches it slowly scroll down, her eyes landing on one in particular.

‘Is that a Tremortusk?’ Aloy points.

Elisabet tilts her head, likely trying to remember what that new world term means.

‘Yes.’ Beta answers for her. ‘Elephants, they’re called.’

‘Let’s watch that one.’ Aloy shrugs. ‘What’s it called? Dumbo?’

‘It’s a good one. A classic.’ Elisabet praises as she presses play and settles down with her daughters.

The story of a baby elephant being born into the world unfolds.  

At first, Aloy is entranced by simply watching the colorful animation play out, thinking that perhaps this is a taste of the wonder and spectacle of storytelling that Morlund and his crew are always raving on about. Frustration quickly comes over her, however, when the baby elephant is picked on from the very moment he’s born.

It reminds her of a very similar, more personal story…

But unlike that one, the elephant’s mother is there for him. Seeing her be so protective of her baby, and later watching them innocently bond together, has something inside of Aloy easing. She unconsciously leans into Elisabet just the tiniest bit, and her posture softens when she feels her mother silently return the touch.

The story continues from there for a while, before it all seems to come crashing down.

‘What are they doing to her?’ Aloy asks as the humans shackle the mother elephant.

‘They’re taking her away from her baby.’ Elisabet nods toward the screen.

By this point she is fully lying down in the blankets, having given up her own bowl of popcorn once she realized Aloy’s bowl was empty. Beta also gave her bowl to her sister, stating that she should have as much as she wants since it’s her first time watching a holo. It’s such a small gesture, but Aloy can’t help feeling touched as she munches on the offered snacks and watches the screen.

‘What? But that’s awful.’ Beta lays down next to Elisabet, clinging to her as they all watch the baby elephant cry for his mother.

‘I know.’ Aloy frowns bitterly, watching as the other elephants preach on about dignity and honor.

It’s funny really. How they feel they have the right to say those things after so easily casting out one of their own since birth.

Aloy shakes her head, realizing that she is caring way too much about this make believe holo. Elisabet had said that holos were a way for people to live through another person’s story. For entertainment purposes, sure, but there can also be a feeling of catharsis as its possible to see yourself reflected in specific characters as the story unfolds.

Aloy hadn’t thought much about it at the time, but now she finds it very easy to see herself in that little baby elephant. Especially when he finally gets the chance to see his mother again.

“Baby Mine, don’t you cry…~

Baby Mine, dry your eyes…~

Rest your head close to my heart, never to part, Baby of Mine…~”

Aloy startles at the words of the song.

Following along to the lyrics are images of various animals with their mothers, and Aloy turns when she hears her sister shift to squeeze Elisabet tighter. Their mother, though, seems to have just been starting to fall asleep, and she takes in a deep, tired breath, pulling Beta close.

After a moment of watching the two of them, Aloy puts the popcorn bowls aside. She hesitantly lays down as well, moving closer. Even half asleep, Elisabet doesn’t hesitate to wrap an arm around her too, causing something in Aloy to ease with warmth.

“From your head to your toes. You’re so sweet goodness knows…~

You are so precious to me. Cute as can be. Baby of mine…~

Baby Mine... Baby Mine...~”

As the song comes to an end, Elisabet kisses each of their foreheads. She slips further back into the blankets and pillows, embracing both of her children in her sleep.

‘She always falls asleep in the middle.’ Beta whispers and grasps Aloy’s hand, causing her older sister to smile as they both look up at their mother.

Beta ends up falling asleep alongside Elisabet somewhere closer to the end of the story.

Aloy doesn’t join them, and instead stays awake to watch the whole thing, wanting to know what happens. She watches on through pink elephants and learning how to… fly?

Her chest feels warmer still when she sees the little elephant finally find his place in the world. Despite it all, through the fame and the fortune, it’s obvious that the one thing that means the most to him is that he can finally be with his mother.

Aloy clings to Elisabet a bit more and grasps Beta’s hand a bit tighter once the holo finishes, and the two elephants are finally reunited. The projector screen quietly turns off and the lights dim, more than likely from GAIA’s doing, and she too falls asleep soon afterwards.

Aloy doesn’t know how her own story will end, but she does know that she can face whatever the future brings, as long as she has her mother and her sister by her side.

Bonus Bonus Scene:

Aloy wakes the next morning with the sound of the east exit door closing. She sits up in the nest of blankets and pillows, seeing Beta still asleep next to her. Aloy gently tucks her sister in, knowing that it will be several hours more before she wakes, and gets up to leave the base.

Elisabet is sitting on her favorite bench, overlooking the sunrise with a cup of coffee.

Aloy joins her, a blanket nestled around her shoulders to combat the morning chill.

‘Aloy.’ Elisabet looks up as her daughter lays down next to her, resting her head in her lap. ‘Sunrise, I didn’t mean to wake you up.’ She doesn’t hesitate to run her fingers through Aloy’s long hair soothingly, jostling red tresses full of fishtail braids.

‘You didn’t.’ Aloy eases into her touch as the two of them look out at the rising sun. A content smile comes over her face in response to the nickname her mother chose for her.

‘I just didn’t want to miss this.’

Chapter Text

Mother's Blossom

The three of them eventually decide to head toward a nearby ruin to break for lunch. It is a crumbling brick building. With abandoned metal tracks, creeping vines and rusted railcars, all of which immediately caught Beta’s interest upon arrival.

‘What do you think this building used to be?’ Beta asks, looking around curiously as she and her sister sit side by side on the ground.

‘I’ve been here before. All I know is that the Utaru call it the Restless Weald.’ Aloy shrugs, taking a bite of one of the sandwiches that Elisabet had made for them this morning. ‘There should be an ornament around here somewhere, but I haven’t gotten it yet.’ She then turns toward Elisabet curiously. ‘Mother, would you know?’

‘This may be a surprise to the both of you, but I don’t know every single building that we may come across.’ Elisabet says from where she sits on a low broken wall. Both of her daughters had insisted she take the only functional seat in the area, and she hadn’t the heart to argue with them. ‘But…’ She squints at the crumbling bricks and overgrowth. ‘It was probably a railway station.’

‘Is that sort of like what we saw in Dumbo?’ Aloy asks, recalling that specific scene in detail. ‘At the beginning? When all of the animals were boarding the train?’

Ever since watching that holo, Aloy has seen a few others here and there. No story has ever managed to grip her as much as that first one, but she’s finding that holos can sometimes be surprisingly helpful to bridge any communication gaps as they arise.

‘Yes.’ Elisabet nods. ‘People would come here from all over to board trains.’ She looks around the building, her green eyes landing on the rusted tracks outside. ‘Going anywhere they wanted to go.’

‘I wonder what this place was actually called. From back in the Old World.’ Beta muses, getting caught up in the mystery of it all. ‘We could maybe find out more if we look around, you think?’

‘Probably.’ Aloy shrugs, and Beta glances at her before looking toward their mother.

Beta has mentioned before that she would be interested in exploring ancient ruins, and Aloy has even said that they maybe could explore one together someday.

But…

While Elisabet has been making leaps and bounds of progress lately, this is the first time that she’s ever been this far away from home. And even though she has been doing just fine so far, Beta and Aloy promised both GAIA and each other that they wouldn’t push her past her limits today.

‘I can watch from here.’ Elisabet says, picking up on her daughters’ hesitance right away.

‘No.’ Aloy shakes her head. ‘We should probably head back soon.’

‘Right.’ Beta starts, immediately agreeing. ‘We can-‘

‘Girls.’ Elisabet cuts them off, her tone low with logic and reason. ‘It’ll do me no harm to simply sit here for a while so that you two can go explore.’ She waves them off toward the ruin. ‘Go on. Get some good bonding time in.’

At their mother’s insistence, once lunch is finished, Aloy scales the wall nearby with ease and helps her sister up to take a better look around.

‘There’s the datapoint I found.’ Aloy says as they both scan the message left on the floor.

Beta reads the document over. It’s of a person berating someone new to the building for not knowing the year it was constructed. She frowns and tilts her head as she finishes examining the datapoint, before approaching the nearby door lock to notice that a key module has already been inserted.

‘It needs a code.’ Beta reads the message over again. ‘There’s a number on the outside of the building?’

‘Right. This is how far I’ve gotten.’ Aloy turns away from her to peek around a giant hole in the wall. ‘I can’t remember why I never finished it. I think I got distracted by something.’

‘Knowing you, that sounds probable.’ Beta says absentmindedly.

‘Well, you don’t have to say it like that.’ Aloy says, her voice light in response.

‘Ah!’ Beta realizes her mistake, reaching out for her sister in apology as Aloy jumps down onto the ground outside of the building. ‘I-… I didn’t mean it that way!’ She calls after her.

‘Sure.’ Aloy teases. ‘Anyway, sit tight! I’ll look around for the code.’

‘… Okay.’ Beta anxiously picks at the fur lined braces around her wrists.

‘Try 1923.’ Aloy calls up to her, prompting Beta to focus instead on inputting the offered numbers.

‘That did it!’ Beta calls back as the door opens. ‘Looks like there’s a zipline into another room.’

She looks at the awaiting zipline, then reaches into one of the satchels around her waist. This Nora Brave outfit still has a few of her sister’s things left in its pockets. A knife, rope, some climbing gear, etc.

A trolley for ziplining is among them, and Beta looks at it curiously before glancing up at the tempting yellow line. 

‘Okay, I’m coming back up.’ Aloy walks back inside the building just in time to see Beta clumsily go down the zipline.

She can only watch with surprise as her sister crashes through an open hole in the opposite wall, thankfully not slamming into it and breaking her neck. The huntress listens as Beta noisily falls into a hidden room, the sound of clattering rubble clamoring in her wake.

‘Are you okay?’ Aloy calls, coming to stand underneath the hole in the wall. She reaches up and tries to climb, but there are no hand holds in the smooth, ancient brick.

‘Yea. I’m… fine.’ Beta groans. Her voice sounds embarrassed, clearly only having injured her pride more than anything else. ‘Just fine!’

Aloy only snorts in response and goes to follow her. In doing so, she runs into her mother.

‘What was that?’ Elisabet asks suspiciously.

‘Nothing.’ Aloy says as she jumps up to start scaling the wall.

‘It didn’t sound like nothing.’ Her mother raises a challenging red eyebrow.

‘Well… it was.’ Aloy shrugs, a bit of humor in her voice.

Elisabet frowns at her, putting her hands on her hips.

‘Aloy.’ She says disapprovingly.

‘We’re okay, I promise.’ Aloy assures, pulling herself up.

Ultimately their conversation ends there as Aloy hastily follows Beta down the zipline.

‘Okay. Where-?’ She looks around once she lands, spotting her sister nursing a bruise on her knee. ‘Why didn’t you wait for me?’ Aloy frowns at her, putting her hands on her hips in a manner mimicking their mother.

‘I can manage a zipline.’ Beta defends herself.

‘Oh yea? And how well did that work out for you?’ Aloy crosses her arms, equal parts judging and amused.

‘Can you please just blow up the wall now?’ Beta ears are red as she gestures to the firegleam nearby.

‘Okay okay.’ Aloy scoffs out a laugh and brandishes her spear.

She walks over toward the glowing red crystals, absentmindedly hearing Elisabet’s voice float through the open ruins.           

‘Hello? Oh, hi Zo, how are you?…  No, I’m out with the girls right now.’ Elisabet says, her voice muffled a bit through the brick walls. ‘I am. Why do you sound like you don’t believe me?’ She asks lightly. ‘… Oh. I suppose that’s fair.’ She then sighs. ‘Yes, I promise I am taking it easy. As I hope you are too, for that matter? I know you were worried about the…’

At her mother’s concerned tone, Aloy pauses just before her spear touches the firegleam.

Beta stands up and dusts herself off, having apparently finished sulking about her knee.

‘What’s wro-?’ She moves to ask, but pauses as her sister holds up a hand.

They both listen in on their mother’s conversation.

‘Zo, if you want me to go down there… Don’t worry about that. If you need me, I will be there.’ Elisabet says earnestly. ‘Alright, but are you sure?’ Her voice then grows a bit softer as she hears Zo’s presumably next words. ‘Zo, I promise you have nothing to worry about. You’re going to be an amazing mother… Yes. I know so.’ Elisabet then pauses. ‘… Me? I am not a perfect mom, Zo.’ She sighs heavily, her words carrying some unknown weight. ‘To be honest, I don’t even think I’m a good one half the time...’

At this notion, Aloy frowns and lowers her spear.

She looks at her sister, who also has a similar look of confusion on her face.

What?

‘Well, thank you, but… No. I suppose you’re right.’ Elisabet relents as their conversation wraps up. ‘Okay, I’ll catch you tomorrow. Goodbye.’

Elisabet’s voice fades, and Aloy takes that as her queue to finally ignite the firegleam. The resounding explosion is deafening, and Elisabet’s startled voice can be heard once the rubble clears.

‘What was that?!’

‘Firegleam!’ Aloy shouts back.

‘Sorry!’ Beta shouts as well.

‘Are you hurt?!’

‘No.’ Aloy walks out of the room just in time to see her mother rounding the corner along the train tracks to meet them. ‘I think we’re figuring it out.’

‘Oh.’ Elisabet says, looking her daughters over worriedly before noticing their destructive handiwork. ‘I see.’ She puts a relieved hand over her heart. ‘Firegleam. Right.’ She repeats, recounting that new world term and what it means.

‘I think we’re almost done.’ Beta says reassuringly, coming to stand by Elisabet.

Her mother tuts and takes her face in her hands, making sure that she’s really alright, as Aloy walks off to pull a nearby railcar into the now open room.

Without any fanfare, she uses it to climb the walls with ease as Beta and Elisabet watch on.

‘You make it look so easy.’ Beta laments.

‘It is. With practice.’ Aloy says, jumping backwards to grab a beam on the opposite wall. ‘You would know. If you got up to train with me every once in a while.’

‘I do.’ Beta defends herself. ‘Sometimes.’

‘Just be careful up there, Aloy.’ Elisabet calls as she watches her daughter cling to yellow pipes and staggered bricks like a Clamberjaw. ‘Please.’

‘Yes, mother.’ A small smile comes over Aloy’s face as she pulls herself up onto the second floor. ‘Always.’

It only takes a moment or two for her to claim her prize.  

‘What did you find?’ Beta asks curiously when her sister jumps down.

‘The ornament.’ Aloy hands it over to Beta. Her sister curiously takes the small round object, examining the moon crescents it projects with great interest. ‘And some other things.’ Aloy shrugs. ‘There was a cache up there with some shards and an ancient necklace.’

‘An ancient necklace?’ Elisabet parrots, raising a red eyebrow.

‘Yea.’ Aloy says casually, pulling the item out of her pocket and handing it over. ‘Here.’

Elisabet takes it, her brow furrowing with confusion as she silently takes her time inspecting the small, engraved metal plate and cord.

After a moment, her eyes widen like saucers.

She gasps, dropping it into the dirt and taking a startled step back.

‘What’s the matter, mom?’ Beta startles as well and looks at her with concern.

‘Nothing.’ Elisabet says, shaking her head as Aloy picks it back up. ‘Um, I’m sorry. What did you say it was?’

‘An ancient necklace.’ Aloy repeats. ‘I find them all the time.’ She says, blinking with surprise as Elisabet only seems to grow more visibly upset by that notion. ‘They’re used for selling to merchants. There’s just so many of them lying around that they aren’t worth much.’

‘I… I see…’ Elisabet says.

Something in her eyes grows dark and closed off as she looks at it, an unknown weight coming over her face.

‘Mother?’ Aloy asks, concerned, as she reaches to put a hand on her arm.

Elisabet allows the touch but shakes her head quickly.

‘I’m… kind of tired, girls.’ She admits. ‘I’d like to go back, if that’s okay.’

‘Are you hurting again?’ Beta asks with a worried frown.

‘No, just… I think I need to lie down.’ Elisabet turns and quickly exits the ruin.

Her daughters share a worried glance, before hurriedly following after her.