Heart Like a Machine

Chapter 81

"What did you want to talk to me about?" I asked Lis as we were sitting on the beach together.

"There's another settlement south of here."

"Another settlement?"

"Yeah, I was exploring around and I was shot down somewhere. Thankfully I landed in some water and got away from whatever was shooting me. I stumbled across this settlement called Fleet's End. And get this, they're Quen!"

"They're Quen. Do you think Alva might know them?"

"I think so. They were talking about how they were separated from their fleet. So maybe they are part of the group Alva is from."

"We'd have to let Alva know."

"I already let her know, but she hasn't gotten into contact with any of their Diviner's yet."

"I see."

"But that's not even the worst part."

"There's more?"

"There was a Zenith with them."

"A Zenith? I thought we killed all of them."

"I thought so, too. I couldn't get answers before the Zenith tried to kill me."

"I mean, you do look like your mother," I said. "I think he might have some trauma from her," I chuckled.

"Who doesn't when they see flaming red hair like mom's?"

"I wonder what this Zenith is up to."

"I don't know, but I am speculating he might know something about Nemesis."

"He doesn't realize that Nemesis is no longer coming?"

"I don't think so. I think he still believes Nemesis is coming."

"Well, if he's stirring up trouble, we might as well take care of him. Where is your mother?"

"She's out with Zo and helping with Plainsong."

"Alright. I'll tell her we're heading out somewhere, along with Beta, too."

I pressed on my Focus, "Aloy, Beta?"

"Yes?" they both asked.

"I just wanted to let you guys know we're going south of here. Lis found something that is worth taking a look into. If we find anything, we'll let you two know."

"Be careful out there," Aloy said.

"I will."

"Safe travels," Beta said.

"Alright, let's grab a couple Sunwings and head out," I said as we walked towards their perch.

Once we were on, we flew into the air and I followed Lis past Vegas and across the ocean. I was leaning back against the Sunwing, taking in the wind that was flowing.

"How did you get back here?" I asked.

"Sunwing," Lis said.

"And you didn't get shot down again?"

"The thing that was shooting me has a radius of where it shoots. Once outside of it, I was fine."

"This is going to be a long flight, isn't it?"

"Yep. Might as well sit back and relax a bit."

I just nodded and watched the water and the waves.

"Something on your mind?" Lis asked.

"I haven't been away from your mother like this in a while. I-It just doesn't feel right without her here. I know she would have came with us if she was available. But she's needed elsewhere."