Alvios looked up at Cilia, dumbstruck. She was...alive? The blades of light in his hand began fading away, as did the pseudo-armor around his forearms and shins. He was struck by flashbacks; her screaming, tearful face as the Swarm infested her. The cold sweat threatening to slide the blade from Alvios' hands. Her fear as cold iron resolve overtook him. Better to die fast than suffer. Better to spare her guilt lest something happen.

     [i]Why did s-she have to die, Alvy?! Why my big sis?![/i]

     [color=mediumorchid][i]Don't cry, Melina... she'd want you to be strong. And I'll be here protecting you, alright? Nobody will have to die again. I promise...[/i][/color]

          [color=mediumorchid]"Cilia... I... I did it so this wouldn't happen! I never wanted this! I wanted you to be at peace...! How... how did they still take you?! I KILLED YOU!"[/color] His breathing was heavy, unstable. Jenso would understand now why the Swarm would take humans; to break down their resolve to kill loved ones.

He turned, slowly, to look at where Cilia was pointing. A wrapped body. Someone from the surface, likely to replace the dead hive queen. To replace Cilia.

     [color=mediumorchid]"Oh no..."[/color]