Chapter 112

The girl gazed into the sky and saw the stars and wounded bloody moon at an awkward angle. It was still there, even in a different place, which she found curious. She wished for a better ceiling or window, or nothing at all. When she heard Reaz giving up her best attempt, something in her shook and then she turned. “Celeste?” she said smoothly.

“Oh, you can speak when you want, eh? Maybe some practice starts with the name. How about making a more complicated name?” Reaz suggested, thinking about it some more, and seemed to learn something new today. She considered it as a good thing.

Meanwhile, Dreadus was a third wheel and figured the name was already decided. Reaz was surprisingly helpful once again, and he felt glad for that on such an occasion, even if the reality of their team wasn't always so smooth sailing.

“Celeste. Celeste. Celeste!” the girl repeatedly said, until she shouted and started to dance and run all over the seated area. Hound joined her, seemingly confused about what was going on, but they both ran around like wild animals and felt proud and good doing that.

Dreadus sighed and liked the name. “Celeste? Is there some meaning to this name?” He asked Reaz, who shrugged.

“Who gives a fuck? No idea. It might have to do with stars and whatnot. Luna is something I've heard from babysitting while the rest came alongside it. Names are whatever. It's a shame I even had the mental capacity to remember that. Shame.”

“Babysitting?”

“You know, I had to make some money early and Hunters were close. Complicated stuff. Almost immoral stuff.”

“You did that? Never heard of it.”

“You never asked.”

Dreadus felt some shock. “Wait, are you even Reaz? What is your name?! You are shockingly cooperative today.”

This time Reaz reconsidered her life's choices like never before, contemplating her words, and acts, and indeed, there were some dubious situations today that were unlike the usual. Perhaps she was getting busy thinking about the near future and it ended up changing her as well.

“I am surrounded by idiots.”

Looking around, nothing was looking very promising.

***

The journey to the Federation was long because of the lack of teleporting, yet it was also steady and special because of it. When everything was right around them, flanking their helicopter and leaving everything great, something was great about this.

Australia was left behind a long time ago, with many Walkers as well. Most were either flying, shifting between some resting position in jets because of their ability to hover or fly was usually limited. Thus, it was important to cycle those Walkers, for there was no ground below their feet.

Not only was there enough fuel plans for this journey, followed with incredible and fervent protection, but very few Darks would dare to approach them, let alone come close enough for that Sea.

Dreadus wasn't certain who or how many great Walkers were around them, though he counted dozens of Rank 7s, and who knew how many Rank 8s were secretly around? If Fain were involved, followed by Upper Pillar from Emblem Association, and numerous others from the Federation that had their stakes in this Sea, it wouldn't be surprising if half of the entire military force was in some way involved in this operation.

Sure, most of it wasn't right around this helicopter, aiming at the journey that would soon cross North America, where things might get difficult.

The journey across the ocean was extremely calm with few interceptions from Darks.

Once below the ground and watching the immense lands cruised by many Named and ordered by none, some things got worse, but not the picture. Named Celeste, the girl saw a new continent and there was no small excitement on her face. There were wild welcoming attacks right at the entrance, notable from every window that Celeste observed.

Unfortunately, she was unaware of the cockpit, where the most significant windows and the greatest view helped the Academy's greatest pilots and decision-makers. Dreadus nor Reaz thought about it, but they were unable to be part of it any longer. Academy and Federation were enough for this operation.

They had to travel across North America, and a lot of military forces scattered around the ground will intercept possible issues. Because of that, this single operation turned from something barely involving a hundred people, into something outlandish and fit for a war.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

In all of this, Dreadus and the rest were half sure of what it meant and what would come, while the Crystal Water Sea was right aside from them, unchanging.

Celeste had already forgotten about it and was happy to have a name and great views of the destruction of a new land. It felt familiar to see but things weren't as common as she thought. She sang in constantly and Hound was happy she was happy. They had been on this journey for more than half a day already with more to come, while the land was nothing like the Terraformed or untouched parts of Australia.

“Any news?” Dreadus asked Reaz, who seemed to catch a breath and her wounds and appearance changed for the better.

“Patience. I think our purpose has ended. Nobody even mentions us to move or help, so it is either because they don't want us, don't need us, or they want to have their own journey and rewards. Every superior said that we don't matter anymore, so we should think of what we have. The rest is for others.”

“Exactly what I would do anyway. Good.”

“That's naive or absolutely fantastic, or stupid. What if some crazy Darks would show up? What then? Do you think this scale and direction involves enough Rank 8s?” Reaz asked a good question. “Frankly, I doubt it is normal that none of the crazies came over so far. Weren't we way too close to Flood, or was Australia or our acts too little or timed well? I mean, we know that our operation had come at that, but how about the Hunger, Plague, or.... others.”

“Not my problem. Perhaps this isn't good enough for them, they are sleeping, or someone stopped them from getting too close. Who knows what Fain does, you see? And it isn't as if the others are weak either and we don't know everything. Federation must've done a lot to get this going even with Fain, and this process is bigger than we can see. I can tell that.”

Reaz hummed in complicated ideas. “And I am not stupid.”

“Hopefully...”

“Anyway,” Reaz ignored his snarky comment, feeling bored and willing to talk or tease her little captain.

It couldn't be helped.

There might be wars below and incredible displays of power and fighting spirit, which was all Reaz loved and wanted to touch, but they passed it, causing Celeste to cheer for them anyway.

Soon, hours passed, showing great cities, lands, nests, and darkness. Half a day had passed with moving deeper, and travel got a bit slower because of sheer dangers and scale.

They approached the end of northern America and yet another ocean was ahead of them. It was an arduous journey and Dreadus felt terrible that this was how humanity traveled before the Dawn. But they had much faster planes than some helicopters, and he could travel even faster if nothing pestered him, this mission or Sea included. A lot of Walkers were capable of much more, thanks to their Emblems as their tools.

The Federation was around the corner, and with the sea below, their journey was guaranteed to be successful and coming to an end. Celeste felt absolutely thrilled and discovered a large new land below with a completely new understanding. The Zone was intense, wars real, and be it Walekrs or Darks, she didn't back down her eyes against anything.

A couple of hours later, the Federation was right beyond the horizon, looking safe and heavenly for everyone surrounding a large helicopter bearing a couple of freaky gifts.

“At last! Look and cherish this view, Celeste. Things won't be like this. This kind of view is one of a kind.” Dreadus cheered and glanced at the widow that Celeste already observed, wondering what exactly the Federation looked like.

In the past day, Dreadus talked to her a lot and even Reaz did the same due to her boredom and surprising feelings that touched upon her understanding of Celeste. Due to her limited basic knowledge, history, and mood, words, and many topics left some impression, creating more doubts, questions, or work for this pair of high-rank Walkers.

At least she started to talk some more, but it was hardly enough, which frustrated Reaz. As for Dreadus, he had no concern with that. Celeste could grow up from now, rather than be in a cage of that Holy Land or time fit for no teenager, let alone a child. However, she had an Emblem, which created a topic and depth that neither of them could overlook. Still, Dreadus gave up being too specific or caring for something left for a better time, or for better people than him or Reaz.

So, yes. He did not decide on any of his three choices.

The mere point that Celeste became curious and showed it like a kid, changed and confirmed she was fine. Relatively fine, of course. She lacked what one might call normal and Reaz accepted it through many lessons and efforts. Right now, the best way to help her was to give her immediate and physical evidence that the escape was successful, she was safe, and that she shouldn't worry over some things they didn't know, but felt they could imagine.

A new world was right before her eyes!

Reaz knocked on the wall to get their attention and stood behind them. “So, what are we planning after coming to the Federation?”

“What else but finish this mission? In fact, I've lost rock-paper-scissors, so you get the privilege to eat up the merits close and exactly how you like it. Do it. I will be busy, I think.”

Reaz was glad to hear it again. “Good. I like that, so what about Celeste?”

“What bout her?”

“Do you plan to walk around like this, or consider... the usual shit. You don't change, men. They are simple creatures, while this one is...” Pointing at a petite small girl who looked like a beggar in the Outside, it was not hard to argue that Celeste didn't look that good. Her only upside was a relatively charming face, messy hair, strong exposed legs, and shiny Emblem that created many wonders up to one's wits.

Her shirt wasn't so good after all, so Reaz felt inclined to at least help get her shitty leader some sense of duty or give Celeste something necessary. Unexpectedly, Reaz started to think about Celeste more and more and her irritation rose and lessened in different directions because of it.

Dreadus forgot about the sense of self or clothes, and when he looked at Celeste, he couldn't acknowledge her lacking appearance. “I will buy her something better when we solve our problems, or get things sorted out. I am still thinking, you see.”

“You?” Reaz had a bad premonition and appeared shocked and doubtful. “Oh, no. Not again.”

“What? Is that a problem for you? I lost already, so...”

Reaz sized him and smirked. “Count me in. Consider this loss as a reward and the winner dictates the rules. I will go too. No way I will let you do it alone. I am also part of your team. Don't forget that.”

Dreadus sighed. “Just what are you trying to say? Are you fishing for something?”

“Fishing?” Celeste inquired from behind. She heard something about fishes and whatnot, though she never considered that word as precious as a rabbit.