Upon GAIA’s reminder that Elisabet’s temperature is starting to drop below a normal range, the small family of three head upstairs to continue their conversation elsewhere.
Georgette is dutifully waiting for them in the server room, her pink nose cutely pressed into the vent as far as it will go. The Clawstrider is a familiar, steady presence for all of them to lean on as they slowly make their way upstairs.
The clock on the living room wall shows that it is now somewhere close to 3AM, and they all gravitate toward Elisabet’s room without words.
Georgette settles at the foot of the bed, resting her chin upon a quilt of Quen waves and ships, and silently watches as her human family settles down. Elisabet turns on the heated blanket, and Aloy quickly leaves to change out of her armor. Beta hovers close to Elisabet as she lays down, easily maneuvering Georgette’s head up and out of the way when needed without a second thought.
Her mother notices this with a lingering gaze, but doesn’t comment as Aloy soon returns after only a few moments more.
The two sisters climb into bed beside their mother, with Georgette resting her head atop their feet. Once all of them are content and comfortable, Elisabet brings up her memory database, displaying a folder that neither Aloy nor Beta have seen before.
‘Here it is.’ Elisabet’s fingers are a bit shaky as she selects one of the videos inside.
She hesitates, pausing to touch the empty spot on her ring finger, before pressing play.
Beta shares a glance with Aloy, both of them curious about whatever it is their mother wants to show them.
‘Alright, I’m thinking pink. Manifesting pink. Yup.’
‘You know that pink doesn’t automatically mean girl, right?’
‘Shhh. You’re ruining my concentration.’
Elisabet and Moira are shown in the camera view. They are currently standing in a bedroom of their house; one that has never been seen before in other videos or pictures. Elisabet looks to be in her early 30’s, her hair long and flowing down to her knees in curly red waves.
There is a tarp on the floor, and tape on the outlines of the currently white colored walls.
A can of pink paint is innocently placed in the middle of the room.
‘Speaking of, have you thought of any baby names yet?’ Elisabet changes the subject as she watches Moira use a screwdriver to crack open the lid.
Her hands are noticeably on her back and stomach, but there is no bump in her belly.
‘Uh…’ Moira pauses. ‘Not really. Isn’t it too early? You just started taking those meds.’
‘By that logic, isn’t it too early to be painting a baby room?’ Elisabet counters.
‘Touché.’
‘Sarah said it’s better to start thinking now.’ Elisabet wanders into the hallway to grab a book. ‘She gave me this the other day. It helped her and James pick out Vivian’s name.’
‘Hm. What you got, then?’ Moira grabs a paint brush as Elisabet flips to a random page.
‘Prudence?’
‘Um, no.’ Moira shakes her head.
‘Bertha?’
‘I don’t think so.’ She makes a face.
‘Ella-Vader.’
‘Oh come on, that’s not in there.’ Moira says in exasperated disbelief, walking over to read the book from over her wife’s shoulder. ‘… I stand fucking corrected.’
Elisabet lightly hits her with the book.
‘You’d better cut it with the swearing once our daughter gets here.’
‘Yea right.’ Moira laughs. ‘Hello? She’ll be our daughter! Of course she’ll swear like a sailor!’
Elisabet only rolls her eyes, then turns to her with a more serious tone.
‘I don’t care which first name we pick, you know.’ She confesses, rubbing a hand over her belly. ‘But are you still okay with the middle name I chose?’
‘Yea.’ Moira puts the brush down and places a hand over hers. ‘After your mom, right?’
‘I’ve always wanted to do that. Especially now, with the…’ A dark shadow passes over her eyes for a moment, before she looks at Moira curiously. ‘Is there anything like that for you? Something that you really want?’
‘Hm.’ Moira taps her contemplative fingers against Elisabet’s still empty stomach. ‘Well… I would like twins.’
‘Twins?’ Elisabet startles. ‘I know we want more than one, but…’
‘Hey, you asked.’ Moira shrugs. ‘Two little red headed babies? Who both look just like you? It’s a pretty good fantasy.’
‘I’d be as big as a blimp.’ Elisabet protests, making a face as she imagines it.
‘But you’d be a cute blimp.’ Moira kisses her nose, causing Elisabet to playfully furrow her brow. ‘Any ideas for a second middle name?’
‘Now that’s definitely too early.’
‘Humor me, flower.’
‘Oh…’ Elisabet thinks for a moment. ‘I wouldn’t even know where to begin.’
‘We can trade off.’ Moira suggests. ‘You take the first one’s middle name, and I got the next?’
‘You sound like you already have an idea.’ She calls out suspiciously.
‘I do.’ Moira suddenly looks sentimental. ‘Lillian.’
Elisabet noticeably pauses.
‘For water lilies?’ She asks gently, her face twisting with something unreadable.
‘Mom’s favorite. Mine too.’ Moira nods, her expression matching her wife’s. ‘Wouldn’t feel right to pick anything else.’ Her eyes then grow teasing. ‘Plus, didn’t think you’d mind the whole flower angle?’
‘Not at all.’ Elisabet smiles, both of their hands entwining upon her stomach. ‘It’s a deal.’
As the video comes to an end, Elisabet clutches both of her daughters close.
‘I’ve never shown that to anyone before.’ Her voice is quiet, her eyes far away. ‘It was our secret.’
‘So… Miriam…?’ Aloy trails off, unable to finish her thought.
‘Aloy Miriam Sobeck.’ Elisabet finishes for her, green eyes growing soft. ‘After your grandmother.’ She reaches to cup her cheek. ‘That name has always been yours, Aloy. If you want it.’
A warmth spreads over Aloy’s skin as she leans into her mother’s touch.
‘I like that…’ She whispers.
Elisabet runs her fingers through her hair for a moment then kisses her forehead.
Beta is unable to help herself from fidgeting when Elisabet inevitably turns to her.
‘Lillian?’ Beta asks before her mother can speak, her eyes vulnerable and wide.
‘Moira chose that name to honor her mother.’ Elisabet taps her focus band. ‘They were very close, and she raised Moira all alone, after her father left them before she was born.’ She recounts, looking for a specific picture. ‘Their backyard had the most beautiful pond I’ve ever seen. And every summer, it was always covered end to end with water lilies.’
She allows her face to relax with nostalgia as she brings up a family photo.
It was taken on the shore of a beautiful pond in early Summer; the time of year when water lilies blossom at their brightest. Elisabet and Moira are seen in the middle beside their parents and siblings, along with a horse wearing a collar of flowers.
Elisabet is once again wearing a stunning dress of gorgeous white.
‘We got married in that backyard.’ Her smile is bittersweet as she looks at the picture, then turns affectionate as she gazes at Beta. ‘Moira loved that pond and the happy memories she built there with her mother, and she chose that name so that she could pass on a piece of it in some way.’
Elisabet brushes the backs of her fingers against Beta’s cheek, gently turning her chin up.
‘Beta Lillian Sobeck.’
Beta takes a deep breath as she hears the full name out loud, savoring the sound of it.
‘Looking back,’ Elisabet toys with the pink lotus beads in her daughter’s braids. ‘It’s ironic that you all chose a lotus for me.’ She hums, eyes lost in memories. ‘They share a lot in common with water lilies. They both grow in ponds, and they both symbolize rebirth.’
‘Can we make water lily beads?’ Beta suddenly asks, looking inspired. ‘For Moira?’
‘I think she’d like that.’ Elisabet says with a kind smile.
‘Do you have more memories of her?’ Aloy asks, as if afraid to upset her mother by asking too much. ‘That you’d be willing to share?’
‘Actually, yes.’ Elisabet looks at her daughters, something showing in her gaze that neither Aloy nor Beta can describe. ‘Moira made messages for you.’
‘What?’ Beta asks, not understanding. ‘For us?’
But Moira died centuries ago.
How would that even be possible?
‘Yes.’ Elisabet pulls up another video, her gaze soft as she presses play. ‘Just for you.’
Moira comes into view, a fond smile on her face as she talks to the camera. The sun is shining overhead in the blue sky behind her, with several birds flying in lazy patterns across the clouds.
‘Hi baby.’ She greets, both her voice and her eyes warm. ‘It’s Mama.’
Beta startles at this notion, feeling her mouth go dry.
‘Your mom doesn’t know I’m making this yet.’ She leans back, looking side to side suspiciously. ‘But, well… My mom did this for me, back when I was still in her belly. So, I thought I’d make a tradition out of it.’ She then tilts her head with a thoughtful gaze. ‘Granted, you’re not like, in your mom’s belly yet. But details, am I right?’
Moira laughs and stands, the camera moving with her as she goes to sit down on the patio. The space is surrounded by flowers and growing vegetables, no doubt from Elisabet’s handiwork, and several chickens and goats can be seen roaming the grass nearby.
‘We don’t know your name yet, but we’re working on it.’ She makes a guilty face as she places the camera down on the table. ‘Your mom’s busy and I’m well… me.’ She smiles sheepishly. ‘I’m sure you’ll know what I mean by the time you’re watching this.’ She laughs again. ‘But it’s fiiiinnee. Whatever name we pick out is gonna be absolutely beautiful, just like you.’
She looks at the camera then for a few moments, the smile on her face slowly becoming full of something that Beta doesn’t exactly have a name for.
‘Baby, your mom and I can’t wait to meet you.’ Her tone is low and sincere. ‘I know you’re going to look just like her, too. You’ll have her red hair, and her smile.’ Her eyes crinkle with joy. ‘And my sense of humor. Oh, God. We’ll both be dry and sarcastic as hell. Won’t that be fun.’ She cackles, but then suddenly startles. ‘Oh, uh oops, wasn’t supposed to swear in this.’ She quickly backpedals, adjusting the camera. ‘Ah, actually, you know what?’ She waves a hand dismissively. ‘I’ll just show it to you when you’re older.’ She nods, looking proud of herself. ‘There. Crisis averted. And Lis says I’m not a good problem solver.’
That pulls a chuckle out of Beta and an amused snort out of Aloy.
Moira’s eyes gleam, as if she can see the two of them right through the camera lens.
‘But that’s all I wanted to say for now. I’ll make more for you later, sweet pea.’
She blows a kiss to the screen.
‘I love you! Bye!’
Beta lets out a weighted breath, catching eyes with her sister.
Aloy looks just as speechless as she is.
Beta opens her mouth, unsure of what to say, but they both turn back to the screen as another video starts.
This one opens with Moira going through the doors of Miriam Technologies. The date of the recording signals that it’s only been about a year or two since the company was founded.
It must be early in the morning, as the employees coming and going are sparse in number.
None of them look Moira’s way as she talks to the camera.
‘This is your mom’s stomping grounds, baby.’ She introduces, swinging the camera around to show the front lobby. ‘She’s very important, you know. CEO and all that.’ She says with a playful snort. ‘Which for you mostly means that despite our best efforts, you’re probably going to grow up spoiled as hell.’ She sarcastically laments as she walks past reception, pausing to wave hello to the person behind the desk. ‘It all still feels very new, but it came out great. And I’m sure you and Vivi will be in and outta here like little hellions once you’re both old enough to walk.’
She scans a badge and opens a glass door with Miriam’s logo on it, proceeding through the pristinely clean halls, past several labs and offices, and up a staircase.
‘Anyway, let’s go bother your mother, shall we?’ She declares like a menace.
At this notion, present day Elisabet only rolls her eyes fondly as the video keeps playing. The name Dr. Elisabet R. Sobeck, Ph.D is shown on a placard by the heavy wooden doors to her office, and they all watch as Moira cheekily takes the name plate out and flips it upside down.
When Moira goes into the office without knocking, Elisabet is seen sitting behind her desk, working on a device similar to the one she has now in the projection room.
Her green eyes are focused, not looking up as Moira enters the room.
‘You didn’t knock.’
‘It’s fine.’ Moira says with no remorse. ‘I have wife privileges.’
‘What if I was in a meeting?’ Elisabet raises a challenging red eyebrow.
‘They would have stopped me at the front desk.’ Moira says, unbothered as she continues filming. ‘Anyway, so here’s her fancy schmancy office. Not as fancy as I think she deserves, but she didn’t want the red-carpet treatment, as you probably guessed it.’
Elisabet pauses her typing and looks up.
‘Who are you talking to?’
‘Our baby.’ Moira says simply and centers the camera onto Elisabet’s surprised face. ‘I’m making her videos. Like mom used to do for me.’
When Moira comes closer to her with the camera, Elisabet’s eyes shift with warmth.
‘Hi baby.’ Her voice is a whisper as she reaches to cup the camera lens, her touch hesitant as if it was made of glass. ‘Your mama didn’t tell me she was making these?’
‘It was our secret.’ Moira says, getting her attention. ‘You know, a mother-daughter secret.’
‘Uh huh.’ Elisabet looks suspicious. ‘And was it also your “mother-daughter secret” that you messed with my name placard?’
‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’ Moira bluffs, poker face strong. ‘Maybe you’re getting paranoid, flower? New place and all that.’ She muses. ‘Or there could be ghosts about.’ She shakes the camera, aghast. ‘It must be because you’re so boo-tiful. They can scare-sly believe it!’
Beta outright laughs as both past and present Elisabet only give Moira an unimpressed stare.
‘You’re so predictable.’ She says flatly, shaking her head.
‘I thought it was funny.’ Moira defends herself as she turns the camera back around. ‘It was, right baby? Don’t listen to your mother. She has no sense of humor.’
That strangles a laugh out of Aloy, only causing Beta to cackle louder.
‘Quit filling our child’s head with lies.’ Elisabet flicks her long, red ponytail over her shoulder, going back to work. ‘Anyway, sorry not sorry, but you need to leave, and I need to get this done.’
‘Alright alright, sheesh I’m going. You’re welcome, by the way.’ Moira places something down onto the desk. A peace offering of coffee. ‘Have a good day, flower.’ She gives her wife a goodbye kiss, and the video ends with the two of them sharing a smile.
Beta allows her giggles to subside as she relaxes into her mother, feeling affectionate fingers running through her hair as the next video starts.
Moira is seen back at their house in the backyard, holding something yellow in her hands.
She looks less happy in this recording.
‘Hi baby.’ Moira greets with melancholy. ‘Your mom’s not doing so well.’
At this notion, both Aloy and Beta look at their mother with surprise.
Elisabet says nothing, merely watching the video unfold.
‘She had been feeling okay with the medication til now, but this morning she was throwing up really bad.’ Her eyebrows upturn with pity, but then her voice turns optimistic. ‘So, lesson for you, sweet pea. I’m gonna share the number one rule of what to do when your mom isn’t feeling well.’
Beta watches out of the corner of her eye as Aloy leans forward, entirely engaged by whatever she has to say. Beta looks toward the screen as well, giving Moira her full attention.
The yellow thing is then held up, revealing a bouquet of dandelions.
‘Ta da! Flowers.’ She declares. ‘Your mom is oobssesssed with them.’ She says dramatically. ‘It’s an addiction. We’ve had her diagnosed, and sadly there’s just no cure. It’s quite tragic really.’
She shakes her head, falsely forlorn.
‘Anyway, I’m sure you’re gonna learn allllll about the language of flowers from her. But let me be a good first example.’ She waves the bouquet. ‘Dandelions. They are symbols of healing, cuz they can grow anywhere, and always find a way to thrive. Just like your mom.’ Moira says with pride. ‘So, let’s go give ‘em to her, shall we?’
Moira takes the camera inside, through the kitchen and up the stairs to their bedroom, but pauses when there are voices heard within. She cracks the door open just in time to see Elisabet walking toward their bed, as if she just came out of the bathroom.
She looks pale. One hand is braced against her back, and the other is tightly clutching her stomach as she talks to someone through her focus band.
‘Lizzy. Angel, you need to breathe.’
Present day Elisabet sharply recoils. She gasps, a shocked hand flying up to her mouth.
Beta looks at her mother, noticing her eyes are crinkled and watery.
It takes her a moment to realize who that voice must belong to.
‘I don’t know if I can do this, mom.’ Elisabet says, sounding distraught.
‘Of course you can.’ Miriam hums. ‘It’s just a little morning sickness. Nothing to worry about.’
‘Not that.’ Elisabet corrects her. ‘This. All of it.’ She says with emphasis, her face pinched with pain. ‘Mom, I haven’t even started yet and it’s already so hard.’
She gingerly lays down on the bed, her back to the door.
‘When they told me this medication would make me feel like I’m already pregnant, I didn’t think it would be like this.’ She holds a hand up, her fingers shaking. ‘It hurts… it hurts a lot.’
‘I know it’s hard.’ Miriam soothes. ‘But it’ll be worth it in the end, you’ll see. The moment you hold that baby, nothing else will matter.’
‘I want to.’ Elisabet curls into herself. ‘I want to hold her so bad, mom. I want her in my arms.’
Aloy leans further into her mother’s embrace, her eyebrows upturned.
On Elisabet’s other side, Beta does the same.
Their mother only shifts to hold them both impossibly tight in her arms. Her body is tense and her brow is furrowed with a different kind of pain as she listens to her late mother’s voice.
‘I know. And you will someday. I promise.’ Miriam says gently. ‘In the meantime, try to stop worrying. The medication is doing its work.’ She says, before her voice lightens and shifts into a very soft scolding reminder. ‘And Elisabet Rachel, how many times have I told you to stop furrowing your brow like that? It’s going to stay that way one of these days if you don’t learn to relax.’
Present day Elisabet shifts, obediently relaxing as if her mother is talking directly to her.
‘I’m not.’ Her past self defends, furrowing her brow even further with confusion as she looks at her focus band. She then sighs, letting her hand flop down. ‘How do you always know?’
‘I know.’ Miriam says simply. ‘Because I’m your mother.’
Elisabet goes to protest, but the words die in her throat.
‘Anyway, get some rest, daughter.’ Miriam continues. ‘I’ll talk to you soon, okay? I love you, my busy Lizzy bee.’
‘I love you too.’ Elisabet says it back. ‘I’ll catch you tomorrow, mom.’
Once the call ends, Moira takes that as an opportunity to finally enter the room.
‘Hey, flower.’ She greets gently. ‘Did you throw up again?’
Elisabet only nods, looking exhausted as Moira pulls the blankets up around her.
‘Ever since they upped my dosage last week, it’s just…’
Moira noticeably pauses, sitting down on the bed and placing a hand to her forehead.
‘You’ve been like this since last week?’ She asks incredulously, to which Elisabet only looks away. ‘I’ll call the doctor, and we’ll get it straightened out.’ She assures. ‘Maybe take some time off for you to adjust.’
‘No.’ Elisabet immediately shakes her head. ‘We’ve barely started. I can’t back out now.’
‘Lis…’ Moira lightly sighs, giving her a look.
‘Stop. I’m fin-’
‘Don’t even say it!’
Moira quickly cuts her off, holding up a hand.
‘Those words are like a curse in this family.’ She seethes, taking a deep breath to keep her ire contained. ‘Lis, please stop hiding things like this from me. Please just let other people help you, for God’s sake. Especially when it’s about something as important as our baby.’
Present day Elisabet only quietly sucks in a breath of guilt, not daring to look at Aloy or Beta.
But past Elisabet merely blinks, seeming to just now notice the camera.
‘Are you making another video?’ She puts a hand over her stomach.
‘You’re not getting out of this so easily.’ Moira scolds, before reluctantly relenting for now. ‘But yea. We brought you these.’
Moira gives her the golden bouquet of flowers.
‘Dandelions…’ A smile instantly comes over Elisabet’s face as she takes them, running her fingers over the golden petals. ‘Is this your way of saying I’m going to get through this?’
‘Most definitely.’ Moira says with conviction. ‘Flower, nothing’s gonna stop us from having a kid.’ She shakes the camera. ‘See? I got video proof.’
‘I don’t think it works like that.’
‘Course it does.’ Moira insists. ‘You’re gonna be an amazing mom.’
‘You’ve said that.’ Elisabet sighs. ‘Mom and Dad have said that. James and Sarah too.’ She turns her gaze away, a foreign expression overcoming her face. ‘But…’
Moira puts a hand over hers atop her stomach. Her face eases with genuine confusion.
‘Why do you keep thinking that you won’t be?’
Beta glances at her mother in that moment, surprised to see that both of her past and present selves share the same expression.
Neither of them say anything.
Elisabet only looks at her focus band, where the name “Mom🐝” is still lit up.
Moira shifts, her expression turning serious.
‘Lis. You are going to be the best mom in the entire world.’ She declares, waving a hand with emphasis. ‘You’re gonna love that kid so much that it hurts you. You’ll listen to her, and guide her, and teach her everything you know.’ Her words are sincere, her eyes holding no doubt. ‘There’s nothing that you wouldn’t do for her. I can see it in the way you’re always holding your stomach, even though there’s nothing there yet. By how excited you’ve been, that you already set up parenting classes for us months in advance. And all the baby books you’ve secretly been collecting ever since we got engaged.’
Elisabet tries to look away, but Moira cups her cheek, not letting her.
‘Lis, you could literally save the whole world if you put your mind to it.’ She says earnestly. ‘Being a mom is gonna be a cakewalk.’
‘You really think so?’ Elisabet unconsciously asks at the same time as her past counterpart, voice barely a whisper.
‘I know so.’ Moira nods. ‘But hey, if you don’t believe me…’
She looks toward the camera and taps the lens with a smile.
‘Ask our daughter.’
Elisabet lets out a breath as the recording fades to black.
She hits the stop button before another one can play out, leaving the room in silence.
‘I… must have forgotten about that one.’ She eventually says, looking dazed. ‘I haven’t watched these in ages.’ She shakes her head. ‘Tilda hated when I so much as thought about Moira.’ She wrinkles her nose with anger. ‘And there were so many times that I almost just… threw them all away. They were too painful to watch, ever since the accident.’
‘Moira’s right, you know.’ Aloy declares, gathering her attention. ‘You are the best mother in the entire world.’
‘Right.’ Beta concurs, placing a hand over heart. ‘We wouldn’t want anyone else.’
‘Oh, girls.’ Elisabet pulls them close, clutching her daughters tight in her embrace. ‘I’m sorry for worrying you.’
‘It goes both ways.’ Aloy squeezes her. ‘You worry about us too.’
‘Always.’ Elisabet softens with warmth. ‘You’re my daughters.’ She then pauses, looking thoughtful. ‘And… in a way, Moira’s too. If you want to be.’
‘I’d like that.’ Beta decides with a small, shy smile. ‘Having another mom.’
‘Me too.’ Aloy nods toward the paused video. ‘I wish we could have met her.’ She admits, bittersweet. ‘But I’m glad that she made these.’
‘There’s more.’ Elisabet backs out of the focus folder to send a package of datapoints along. ‘Moira’s mother made videos like this for her, too.’ She explains. ‘And Moira loved them so much. She always talked about making her own for our children someday.’ She says, eyes lost in memories. ‘She was so excited to make these, and they’re all for you.’
Beta opens up her focus once the data is shared, scrolling through the multitude of videos. There are pictures here too. Of the baby room in progress, of family gatherings, and multiple shots of her and Elisabet together as a couple both before and after their marriage.
She glances at her sister as Aloy also peruses the files, her green eyes vibrant with interest.
Green eyes that look so much like their mother’s.
That thought suddenly causes something to shift inside Beta.
A certain… otherness comes over her.
Like a bucket of icy purgewater.
‘Are you really sure I can have these?’ Beta asks before she can stop herself.
‘Yes, of course.’ Elisabet looks at her quizzically. ‘Why not?’
‘But they’re…’ Beta starts, anxiety spiking as she is unable to look her mother in the eye. ‘They’re for Aloy, right?’
The sentiment of ‘they’re not for me’ goes unsaid.
Somehow, though, Elisabet reads it loud and clear.
‘Beta.’ She untangles herself from the blankets to take Beta’s face in her hands. ‘Beta, you…’ She trails off, looking her daughter over critically, her intelligent eyes assessing. ‘This is it. Isn’t it?’ She says with realization. ‘This is what has been bothering you.’
‘I…’ Beta looks away from her mother, only to meet her sister’s concerned gaze.
She looks down instead to the woven quilt of Quen waves and ships, clutching it tightly.
‘Um…’
‘You don’t think you’re good enough to be my daughter, do you?’ Elisabet sits back, stunned. ‘You think that only Aloy is.’
Her words are a fact, not a question.
‘What?’ Aloy’s voice rises with incredulity as she looks at her sister for an explanation. ‘Just me? But that doesn’t make any sense. Why?’
‘You’re…’ Beta starts, realizing she’s been caught.
She tries to back away but doesn’t get very far as Aloy insistently grabs her wrist.
Beta looks at her sister’s hand, shyly shaking in her grasp.
‘You’re the good daughter, Aloy.’ Beta eventually relents.
You’re the good daughter. Not me.
I’m the useless one.
The one that’s afraid of machines.
The one that can’t look people in the eye.
The one that is terrified that both of you are going to leave.
Elisabet doesn’t need a daughter like her.
Beta knows it already.
‘What are you talking about?’ Aloy asks, her brows furrowed with disbelief. ‘If anything, you’re the good daughter, Beta. Not me.’
…
Huh?
‘What?’
Beta looks up at her, stunned and confused.
‘You’re the one who bonded with mother first.’ Aloy points out. ‘The one who called her mom first.’
‘But you’re the Savior!’ Beta argues, gesturing to her sister. ‘Literally! You saved the world from HADES.’
‘You escaped the Zeniths.’ Aloy counters, making the same gesture. ‘And you used HEPHAESTUS against them.’
‘But you rebooted GAIA!’ Beta’s voice grows heated as she tries to be heard.
‘And you made the generators.’ Aloy’s face twists with irritation, her voice angered now. ‘Beta, I don’t know where this is coming from, but you need to stop. You’re-‘
‘That’s right! You don’t!’
Beta all but yells, unconsciously responding to her sister’s harsh tone.
One that sounds familiar.
And so much like…
‘You don’t understan- !’
The look that comes over Aloy’s face immediately causes Beta to stop.
She breathes, frozen with guilt, as she recognizes those words.
She eventually looks down, her voice hollow and quiet.
‘… You and mom don’t need me.’
‘You’ve got it backwards.’ Aloy objects, causing Beta to look at her with confusion. ‘Just look at all the progress you and mother have made these past few days. You did all of that without me.’
‘No!’ Beta shakes her head. ‘But you-‘
‘Girls.’ Elisabet’s voice is small, only a whisper.
It’s enough for them to grow silent.
‘All this time… both of you…’ Elisabet starts, something in her gaze breaking as she looks between them. Then her face hardens with something unrecognizable. ‘Aloy. Beta. Listen to me.’
She addresses them both seriously, her words alone making them meet her gaze.
‘I do not havea favorite daughter.’ She reaches out to cup their cheeks, her touch like a balm neither sister knew they needed. ‘You heard what I said to GAIA, right? Before I left GAIA Prime?’
To this, Aloy and Beta silently nod, remembering that horrible day when Elisabet went under to start the merge.
When GAIA had shared their mother’s dying plea.
‘I said, ‘Tell her that I love her already. More than she’ll ever know.’’ She clarifies. ‘That applies to both of you. No matter which one of you was born first. Or who did what, or when.’
She turns to Beta, her nose touching her cheek.
‘I am never going to leave you.’
She then turns to Aloy, placing their foreheads together.
‘And I already think that you’re perfect, even when you mess up.’
She looks at them both, catching their green eyes with hers.
‘I love you.’
Both of her daughters startle as they hear those words so directly.
‘And I love being your mom.’ Elisabet continues, her tone true and honest as her face softens with something Beta now has a name for. ‘I love waking up in the morning and finding that you both have snuck into my bed. I love teaching you new things. I love spending time with you, and being there when you need me.’ She pulls them closer. ‘And I love how curious, willful, and unstoppable you both are.’ Her smile is infectious, and slowly spreads across her daughter’s faces.
Elisabet then sits back, pain overcoming her gaze.
‘I mourned whatever child I would have had long ago. After the accident. And…’ She pauses, gathering her words. ‘I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve died inside just thinking about it.’ She reveals, probably for the first time in years. ‘And it wasn’t easy. Coming back to life. Being a machine.’ Her face is filled with mixed emotions. ‘But believe me when I say that I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Because from the moment I saw you two, everything changed.’ She looks back at her focus screen, to the many datapoints of her past life. ‘I started remembering the person who I used to be, and… the person who I want to be.’
Elisabet runs her fingers through their hair with the gentlest touch.
‘So, you both are miracles to me. And I love you both so much.’ Her face crinkles with emotion, pulling them impossibly close. ‘You’re my daughters.’ She whispers. ‘My girls.’
‘I love you.’ Beta’s voice quivers as she repeats it back to her mother, the words leaving her by instinct and emotion alone.
‘I love you.’ Aloy says it as well, reaching up to clutch onto her mother.
Then, a familiar pause falls over them.
The feeling that something is missing.
Beta uncomfortably shifts in response to it, intending to let it pass once more.
But Aloy, however, grasps onto her hand.
‘And…’
Aloy starts, appearing to have a hard time speaking but deciding to push through anyway.
‘I love you too, Beta.’
Beta pauses, suddenly feeling like its hard to breathe.
She and Aloy have always had their ups and downs. Neither one of them ever even knew that the other existed, much less think that they would collide in the way that they have.
For a long time, Beta actually thought that Aloy hated her.
But hearing those words now.
It causes something in her chest to hurt.
‘You really mean that?’ Beta asks before she can help it.
Aloy pauses, noticing the glassy look in her little sister’s eyes.
‘Beta…’ She starts in disbelief, eyes widening as she seems to internally realize something.
About why Beta keeps dreaming about Aloy rejecting her.
‘… You think that I don’t? Aloy’s voice is quiet, her brows upturned.
Beta’s immediate thought is to deny it.
But as she opens her mouth, all she can feel is a lump forming in her throat.
Water gathers in her gaze, and she takes in a shaky breath as a wet sensation runs down her cheek.
Aloy’s expression hardens.
‘I do, Beta.’ She pushes forward to catch her little sister in her arms for the first time. ‘I love you.’
Beta quietly shudders, clutching onto her big sister as if she is the only lifeline in the world.
‘I love you, Aloy.’ Her voice shakes. ‘You’re my sister.’
‘And you’re my sister.’ Aloy hugs her back just as tightly.
Their hair tangles together, braids entwining with beads of yellow and blue petals.
After what feels like an eternity, the two sisters pull away to find that their mother has been watching over them with a proud look in her gaze.
‘That’s my girls…’ Is all she says as, outside, the sun starts to rise across the blossoming flowers along the mountainside.
End
Bonus Scene:
The sound of chirping wakes Beta, along with something small and sharp poking her nose.
Her green eyes flutter open, finding a ball of fluffy feathers in her face.
‘Mother asked me to wake you.’ Aloy says from somewhere above her. ‘Figured I’d let Pumpkin do the dirty work this time.’
‘It’s not a bad way to wake up.’ Beta yawns. ‘How’s mom doing?’
‘Good. We watched the sunrise.’ Aloy says, casually sitting cross-legged atop the bed while Pumpkin tries to squirm into her lap. ‘And she took her medicine.’
‘Really?’ Beta asks. ‘That’s good.’
Apparently, GAIA has been trying for a while now to get Elisabet to take medication for her maternal depression. And it was only after their talk a few nights ago that she finally agreed. Beta and Aloy have been a big factor in that, expressing wholeheartedly that they would much rather see their mother healthy and happy than have to watch her work herself to death all over again.
‘I hope it helps her.’ Beta sits up.
‘Me too.’ Aloy says. ‘But if it doesn’t, we’ll be there for her, right?’
‘Right.’ Beta says with a smile. ‘So, where is she now?’
‘She said she had something to show us.’ Aloy hooks her thumb back towards the door and gets up to leave. ‘Some project she’s been working on.’
Beta takes a moment to stretch, watching as little Pumpkin hops along the hills and valleys of the blankets to escape. She scoops him up before he can fall, and places him down on the floor.
The baby chick cutely follows after Aloy, with Beta tagging along soon after.
As she makes her way upstairs, she’s surprised to find that the living room feels warmer today for some reason.
Not in temperature, but in something else…
Beta realizes what it is as her attention is caught by the basin near the West Exit. This one had previously been filled with plants by Zo, but Elisabet has now turned it into a little indoor pond. It’s where she planted all of the extra flowers that they didn’t use for their hair beads; Blue Forget-Me-Nots, Pink Carnations, Yellow Tulips, and Lotus Flowers.
But now, there are Pink Water Lilies innocently bobbing atop the water.
Steadily growing alongside Pink Lotuses.
And on the wall above the pond, the once empty space is now filled with pictures.
All of them are photos of family; some old, some new.
Aloy. Beta. Varl. Zo. Erend. Alva. Kotallo.
Elisabet. Moira. Star. Miriam. James. Sarah. Vivian. Elisabet’s father. Moira’s mother.
Even Rost is there too, his likeness steady and silent just as it was the last time Beta had seen him in her sister’s memories.
At the center of the collage is a familiar picture. The same one that was hung up in the family home on Sobeck Ranch. The photo perfectly captures Elisabet and Moira looking absolutely beautiful on their wedding day, as they kiss underneath an altar of multi-colored water lilies.
Beta’s expression softens as she looks at the photo, feeling warmth settle in her chest as she reaches out to touch it, her fingers unconsciously lingering on Moira.
She only turns away upon hearing her name being called.
Beta crosses the rest of the living room to find her mother and sister near one of the unused doors of the base. This one leads to the broken elevator shaft that Aloy had scaled ages ago to find MINERVA. And despite it clearly being a dead-end door, Elisabet seems to have found a use for it.
‘Girls, you’re just in time.’ Elisabet greets. ‘I finally have something I want you to try.’
‘What is it?’ Aloy asks curiously.
Elisabet finishes adjusting a panel on the wall beside the door.
It closes, a ring of blue light taking shape in the middle.
‘You’ll see.’ She stands and taps something on her focus band.
The ring on the door turns red, and Elisabet steps in front of it.
“Hold for Indentiscan.”
A red beam of light shoots out from the top of the door, scanning her.
“State name and rank to proceed.”
‘Elisabet Sobeck. Alpha Prime.’ She says, to which the door immediately opens.
“Genetic profile confirmed. Entry authorized. Greetings, Dr. Sobeck. Please step inside.”
Beta can’t help but smile with a little bit of laughter as her mother dully mouths the tediously familiar words. Once the synthetic voice finishes its monologue, Elisabet taps her focus band, resetting the door back to red.
She then looks toward her two daughters.
‘Your turn.’
‘But why?’ Aloy asks, already knowing the outcome of this all too well.
‘Just humor me, girls.’ Elisabet holds up her hands, stepping out of the way.
Both Aloy and Beta share a look, recognizing from their mother’s familiar tone that there is something here she must want to teach.
Aloy moves to step forward, but pauses when Beta takes the lead.
‘My turn to go first, don’t you think?’ Beta asks, remembering her sister’s words from what feels like ages ago now.
Aloy only blinks, her expression easing as she nods.
Beta steps forward toward the door, allowing it to scan her. But as she says the practiced words she and her sister have religiously used so many times before, something odd happens.
“Error. Genetic profile and name do not match.”
Beta startles, taking a step back as if she has just been slapped.
‘Try again, blossom.’ Is all Elisabet says in explanation, her eyes soft and knowing.
Beta looks at her, trying to piece together the puzzle that her mother wants to show her. When it finally clicks, her eyes widen and she excitedly steps up to the door once more.
‘Beta Sobeck. Alpha Prime.’
“Genetic profile confirmed. Entry authorized. Greetings, Beta. Please step inside.”
Beta nearly does so, before remembering that it leads to a 20-foot drop into an elevator shaft. She instead turns toward her mother, her eyes crinkling with joy.
Elisabet opens her arms when Beta collides into her, crushing her mother in an embrace.
‘Thought I’d give the Alpha Prime Registry a change.’ She reveals.
‘So that’s why Alpha Prime Privileges were down.’ Aloy says with realization, watching as her mother taps her focus band once more to reset the door.
‘Yes.’ Elisabet says, watching as Aloy steps up to take her turn. ‘It’s been long overdue.’
“State name and rank to proceed.”
‘Aloy Sobeck.’ She says her name with pride. ‘Alpha Prime.’
“Genetic profile confirmed. Entry authorized. Greetings, Aloy. Please step inside.”
Once finished, Aloy turns to join them, but Elisabet steps back.
The two sisters watch as their mother undoes one of her braids.
And it’s at this moment they realize her hair no longer holds GAIA’s Pink Carnation beads.
Now, there is something entirely new in their place…
‘Here.’ She says, holding two beads out to her daughters.
Beta and Aloy look at them with wonder.
‘Purple roses.’ Elisabet’s voice is shaky for only a moment as she lets out a breath, collecting herself. ‘For a magical, once in a lifetime connection.’
‘But… you…?’ Aloy asks, voice barely a whisper.
‘For a long time, I’ve hated talking to other people about my family.’ She confesses. ‘A lot of those who claimed to know me, never even knew I was a widow. Or what happened to my father.’ She looks at the beads, and the vibrant purple rose petals within. ‘But, I don’t want to do that with the two of you.’ She says with finality. ‘I want you both to know Moira, and your grandfather. Your uncle, your aunt, and your cousin.’
She pauses, her brow wrinkling as she looks at her children.
‘And I want you both to know your grandmother.’ Elisabet’s voice is raw, her tone quiet and real. ‘How… kind-hearted she was. How she loved the world and everyone in it. And…’ She then glances at Aloy, resigned. ‘She was the one who suggested I start doing yoga.’ She confesses, closing her eyes. ‘Because even when she was lying there dying in that hospital bed, all she could think about was my brother and I. And she wanted to make sure I had something to hold on to. So that I wouldn’t be lonely without her every sunrise.’
Elisabet looks at the purple beads once more.
‘She was the bestmom in the entire world. And these are to honor her.’ She acknowledges. ‘Miriam Sobeck. My mother. And your grandmother.’ She says earnestly, then nods toward the collage of photos above the pond. ‘And I’d like to make more, for the rest of our family.’
Aloy looks over to it, realizing all of whom Elisabet is referring to.
Her eyebrow upturn at this notion, and she takes a bead, holding onto it as if it’s the most precious thing in the world.
Beta does the same, but there is something left that she doesn’t understand.
‘But… why are you giving a bead to us now?’ Beta asks, wanting to know what could possibly call for such a priceless gift. ‘What’s the occasion?’
‘For being you.’ Is all Elisabet says, looking over each of her daughters with pride.
‘Just you, and no one else.’
Bonus Bonus Scene:
“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….”
‘… I see those tears, sunrise.’ Elisabet points out gently once the memory comes to an end.
The three of them are once again sitting together in a line, watching the last of Aloy’s memories before her journey into the Forbidden West.
This time they’re not alone.
GAIA is among them in the projection room, and Georgette is here lying on the floor, loafing like a bench behind her human family as she watches them braid each other’s hair.
‘It was really hard. Finding you there.’ Aloy acknowledges with a bit of reluctance. ‘I guess… a part of me wished that you were somehow still alive.’
She glances back at her mother, whose expression softens as she reaches to brush a lock of hair behind Aloy’s ear.
‘Well… looks like you got your wish.’ Elisabet hums.
‘Right.’ Aloy smiles, then looks off to the side, thoughtful. ‘I guess maybe we should thank Sylens for that one of these days.’
‘No.’ Elisabet immediately shakes her head, wrinkling her nose. ‘His ego is big enough already.’
‘That’s true.’ Aloy agrees with a laugh, turning to face forward once more.
Behind her, Beta is hard at work, taking great care as she meticulously braids Aloy’s hair.
It is a privilege she never once thought Aloy would trust her with, but her sister had insisted that Beta be the one to find a place for her newest addition.
A Pink Water Lily bead glimmers in GAIA’s golden light as Beta holds it up.
Moira’s beads came out beautifully, the shade of pink a distinct color that harmonizes well with Elisabet’s Pink Lotus petals.
Beta gently runs her fingers across the bead as she weaves it through her sister’s red locks, feeling her mother do the same thing behind her. But Beta’s attention is ultimately stollen away, however, when she hears Aloy huff with irritation.
When Beta looks at Aloy, she notices that her sister’s eyes are narrowed in the way they get whenever she’s frustrated with herself.
Beta looks down into her lap, spying the dandelion crown she’s weaving.
‘What’s wrong?’
‘This is harder than I thought it’d be.’ Aloy holds up a lopsided circlet of dandelions. Her fingers are covered in sap and there are several broken stems on the floor next to her.
‘Aloy…’ Elisabet starts gently. ‘Not everything you do has to be per-‘
‘It’s perfect!’ Beta reaches forward to hug her arms across her sister’s shoulders. ‘It came out so pretty!’
Aloy noticeably pauses at those words, tensing like a bowstring as her sister holds her tight.
Beta also tenses, thinking that she has somehow crossed a line.
But an amused snort only leaves Aloy’s lips.
‘Then congratulations.’ She sarcastically shoves the crown onto her little sister’s head. ‘It’s yours.’
Her words cause Beta to smile, and she wears the crown with pride as she clutches Aloy even tighter.
Warmth settles in her chest as she feels the tenseness in her big sister’s frame relax, and, after a moment, Aloy silently reaches up to grasp Beta’s hand in hers.
Neither of them cares when the dandelion sap smears across their skin.
Dream Eater Allyphant Creations 
Leave a comment