Chapter 1: Bad Memories

Date: June 23, 2452

Location: GF Quarantine Area: Omega

Condition of target area: Highly radioactive. Few lifeforms present.

"Why the hell are we down here, sir?" complained one of the Federation marines. "Really, why are here? There's nothing down here except us! The damn Science team doesn't need help collecting samples and that bounty hunter over there certainly doesn't need our help."

"Because," replied the marine's CO, "they already sent in two other Science teams and one small group of marines and all them went missing. Plus, there's been an increase in Pirate activity in this particular area. So quit your damn complaining and do your job!"

"Yes sir," grumbled the marine.

Even though she wasn't complaining out loud, Samus also did not want to be there. It reminded her too much of Tallon IV. She also agreed on the fact that there was nothing out there and her gunship's onboard computer verified that. It was a desolate, radioactive wasteland with a few rotting buildings, forests, and lakes that were also quite barren. But one building did interest her a little bit. A somewhat small and considerably well preserved building that she saw as she was entering the landing zone. It appeared to be pure of all of the foul impurities in this dark wasteland.

"Hey! I think I found something!" yelled one of the Science operatives excitedly.

"I swear Anderson, if it's another one those useless relics you found today, I'm going to beat upside the head with this Geiger counter!" yelled the lead Science Tech. The Science team so far had found a grand total of twenty of some rather unimportant objects, mainly located in what appeared to be a village at some point.

"No, I found this highly radioactive rock! I think it might be Phazon," Anderson stated.

Samus flinched when she heard this. Phazon!?! No! Impossible! I destroyed every once of that substance. How can there more of it? she thought with disbelief.

"Phazon? How is that possible?" the leader of the Science team questioned.

"That's what probably caused the destruction of this village and surrounding areas" one of the Science Techs stated.

"But how did it not spread throughout the rest of planet?" asked the lead Tech.

Before anyone could answer, a loud, monstrous shriek pierced the air.

"What the hell was that?" asked the marine that was complaining before.

"The reason you're here," replied his CO coolly, "Now let's go! I think it came from the north."

They didn't know it, but the entire party was standing on the remains of the Human Village and that shriek came from one of the blackest places in Gensokyo: Scarlet Devil Mansion.