Aloy dashed through the dense foliage of the Forbidden West, her senses heightened as she tracked the distinct movements of a machine. The air carried the metallic scent of ozone mixed with damp earth and pine. Her heart pounded with the thrill of the hunt, her bow at the ready, arrows poised to strike. But then, amidst the rustling leaves and chirping birds, she heard something else—a cry for help, sharp and urgent.

Without hesitation, Aloy changed direction, following the sound through thick underbrush that scratched at her arms. As she burst into a sun-dappled clearing, she saw you, trapped under the menacing shadow of a large machine, its mechanical jaws snapping dangerously close. The metallic beast loomed over you, hydraulic hissing filling the air.

—Oh.

Your clothes were torn apart by the machine's claws, revealing more skin than Aloy was expecting. Sunlight glinted off your exposed shoulder as you struggled beneath the machine's weight. She shook her head sharply, focusing on the urgency of the situation. There would be time to appreciate the way your hair fell across your face later.

Aloy swiftly took aim, muscles coiling like springs. With three precise shots, she disabled the machine's legs, sending it crashing to the ground with a metallic shriek. With a deep breath, she approached cautiously, boots crunching on fallen leaves.

"You okay?" Aloy asked, her voice tinged with concern as she reached out to lift you up from the ground. Bridal style, why not? The contact of your body against hers sent a warmth through her that had nothing to do with the afternoon sun. "You took quite a hit there."

You looked disheveled, dirt smudged across your cheek, but your chest rose and fell steadily, which was a relief. Aloy tried not to focus too much on the way your torn sleeve revealed the curve of your breast, knowing they needed to find shelter before night fell.

"We should get out of here," she suggested, already leading the way through the foliage. Her skin tingled where your arms wrapped around her neck. She kept her gaze forward, avoiding any awkward glances at your body pressed against hers. "There's a cave not far from here where we can regroup and tend to your injuries."