Page 41 of Dark's Savior

Aly nodded, though he didn't see. She followed quickly behind, keeping her suit lights dim enough to not cause attention but bright enough to see her steps.

They made their way down to the last level of the mine. Once they left the elevator and started again across the great open space that was the bottom, it seemed no time at all before they entered the tunnel hiding the metal door and were back at the lair.

As they entered and the door closed behind them, Aly saw Xilya talking with Nar by the console. They turned their heads to her, one looking annoyed, the other slightly amused.

"So, you have finally chosen," Xilya said to Ryziel. "Good. I take it we go down today?"

Ryziel made for several bags near the metal table with the central grate. "Yes. As soon as everything is packed."

Aly stood between the console and the table with the ship ahead of her. She stared at it now with hopeful anticipation. Several days ago, she never would have thought she would be back to see it, back in this chamber, back with...him. She looked over as Ryziel picked up the bags and a set of metal containers with straps attached off the ground and set them on the table, opening them to fill them with the things they would need for their journey. His back was turned to her, allowing her to admire his broad shoulders and slim waist without him noticing.

"So, human," Xilya said, stepping away from the console to stand beside her. Aly stiffened considerably, taking in the rather aggressive and sharp physique of the female vrisha before her. They really were terrifying, especially up close. "I take it you have no training whatsoever in combat or heavy terrain?"

Aly glanced behind her at Nar, who gave her a fiery sort of glare, then slowly shook her head. "Afraid not."

"I see," said Xilya. "Would you say, then, that you are at least agile? Could run at great distances if need be?"

"Run?" Aly said.

"From possible dangers," Xilya explained. "I'm sure you have already been warned of the many things that lurk in the deeper below."

"Oh. Right." Aly shifted, looking at her feet. " I think I can run all right."

Nar snorted. "Oh, she certainly proved she can run when the sluths were chasing her. Not that she was quick enough or strong enough to not get caught."

"It won't matter," Ryziel said as he continued to fill the bags. "She won't need to run for any reason."

Because he—or rather they, as it seemed Xilya was joining them—would be there to protect her. It wasn't said but implied enough that Aly understood. She could see by Ryziel's hardened expression and Xilya's bowed gaze that bringing her was a considerable risk they were now willing to bear.

"If you have a spare weapon, a shooter even, I could probably defend myself if need be," Aly said, glancing between them, not wishing to seem suddenly such a burden.

They were each silent until Nar burst out laughing.

"Ah, she can't be this thick-brained, can she?" he said, leaning back in his high seat by the map. "Oh, lady, you are naive. This is why I really think this is a bad idea."

"Quiet, Nar," Xilya hissed. The vrisha female looked back at her. "There are no weapons here, softling, save those you see before you."

Aly looked between Xilya and Ryziel. "You mean you'll—what? Pummel the monsters with your fists?"

Xilya made a sort of shrug. "More or less. And if that doesn't work, I have my second choice right beside me." She brought up her tail and swung it close to Aly, who flinched at the small dagger-like spike at the end.

"And...Ryziel?" Aly shifted her gaze slowly over to him.

Xilya smiled. "He has his own advantages too. Though he has yet to offer to challenge me in a fight, I believe he is capable of holding his own."

Ryziel's mouth thinned as he tied the bags closed. "It's time to go. Nar, link us up and be ready. We leave as soon as the canisters are pressurized." Ryziel went over to a large metal chest by the wall and opened it. He sifted through a few unseen items until he took out one in particular and turned back to Aly. "As for you," he said, approaching her with a dark oval-shaped object now in his hand, "you will wear this."

Aly took the object, turned it, over and saw that it was...

"A...helmet?" she said.

He made no comment as he went past her to gather the bags. She looked back at the other two then back down at the helmet with its black exterior and blue shield.

Funny how she had always believed helmets just never existed on Lethe Maws, considering the section leaders never gave them out or spoke of them as a necessity in the mines. Yet, here one was, likely stolen from a storehouse above. Aly shook her head, thinking it probably still wouldn't do her much good. Even so, she didn't protest.

"Safety first," she said and put it on.

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