Aloy could see Seyka on the beach. She was sitting in the dry sand, waves rustling back and forth, cool dusk light falling. In the distance was the island where Londra’s launch tower waited for them and, connected to the tower by scoffolding, was the rocket, half overgrown with vines. At the very top of the building was yet another missile launcher that shot anything down that approached by sea or air. Even as she watched, a flock of Waterwings, aquatic versions of Sunwings, darted in and out of the water. The moment they were within range, leaping high from the waves, the tower released missiles and shot each one down.
Though the tower, the missile launcher, rocket and Londra should have been her greatest concern, Aloy found herself focussed entirely on Seyka.
She used her shieldwing to glide down to the beach, landing softly in the grains, walking to where Seyka sat and joining her in the sand. They sat in silence, Aloy trying to figure out what to say. It had all been in her head but the moment she was next to Seyka, her words seemed like not enough.
“If Nemesis is coming…then there’s no point in stopping Londra from launching that rocket and killing all of us. In fact, we should welcome it,” Seyka said quietly and Aloy’s heart cringed, “but you’re here…trying to stop him…so you must have hope that we could have a future.”
We could have a future? Did Seyka mean the people of earth as a whole…or she and Aloy?
“I…have hope.” Aloy said quietly. “I don’t know yet what I’m going to do…but I refuse to lay down and die and let this…thing destroy what others died defending,” she watched the last drops of light dance across the water’s surface, “and I’m not the only one in this. There are others who know and are willing. Even now they’re recruiting volunteers from their tribes, spreading the word. They believe we have a chance.”
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“I’m not sure I believe we do,” Aloy swallowed tightly then gasped as Seyka turned to her, her eyes intensifying, “but I believe in you.”
Aloy’s heart raced. She was suddenly overwhelmed with awkwardness and alarm. She stood up, tucking her hair back. “I…I know you feel you have an obligation to your people,” she held up her hand as Seyka went to argue, “but I want you to consider…that coming back with me to the mainland and being a part of what we’re doing…you’d be saving millions of lives including the Quen.”
Seyka pressed her lips together, her brow furrowed. “It’s tempting,” she sighed, “but if we can’t stop Londra…”
“I know,” Aloy insisted, “but if we can stop him and save your sister…”
“Well…I’d be hard pressed to say no then.” Seyka laughed and held out her hands. Aloy grasped them and pulled her up, Seyka bumping lightly into her. Aloy gave a small laugh and backed away. “First thing’s first,” Seyka pointed at the sentry tower, “is how we’re going to get past that.”
“Can’t fly in and can’t use your skiff…” Aloy muttered.
“Pity we can’t ride a Waterwing like your Sunwing.” Seyka put her hands on her hips. “If only we could breathe under water.”
Aloy brightened. “Wait…I can!” She tapped her FOCUS and scrolled through her files, sending one to Seyka. “These are the build instructions for a diving mask. If you can get a machine kneecap and synthetic membrane, I’ll source the compressed air module.”
“Wait,” Seyka gasped, “you’re telling me I’m going to be able to breathe under water?”
“Yep and on the back of an overridden Waterwing, we’ll get through those turbulent currents and reach the island without Londra knowing we’re there.”
“I’m in.” Seyka laughed. “I even know where to start looking!”
“Then we’ll meet back here as soon as we’ve got the parts and I’ll bring a Waterwing.” Aloy beamed. “See you soon.”