☆ CELESTIAL CRUSADERS ☆ (Classic Edition)

☆ Chapter 12.5 - Heart of Light ☆

The gang brought their new gear to the Stargazer, and Genno brought them back to I'henová. After that was dealt with, Unizo and Petra went to sleep together, as did most team members, each in their dormitories. A long journey was before them.

However, André decided to fly around the clouds and test out his new wings. The Angel's Road skill allowed him to fly through the skies in any direction, without wind interfering. He had his fun flying, but then he noticed that Dissle was awake. He was talking to Diati.
After he notices, he immediately flies over.

¤...is that really all?¤
%The damage was minimized after the Paragons were saved. Don't worry, big brother...it's over now.%
¤How can I not worry?? If I had just noticed that he was going to do what he did sooner...I...I could've prevented all this! All these deaths! All this chaos!¤
%Brother...stop.%

André lands next to them.

¤...!¤
%How's your team?%
"Resting for the big journey. The jet lag is probably going to be a bit strong, but I think we can handle it."

Dissle took two steps towards him.

¤I am so sorry for everything I did. I understand if you can't forgive me. I...¤
"Hey. You didn't do anything wrong."
¤...what do you mean?¤
"Who told you the ancient demon lord, of all people, would go after you all of a sudden? You had no way to prepare...none of this is your fault."
%See? Even he agrees with me.%
¤You're just being nice so I don't feel bad, aren't you?¤
"How am I supposed to blame you when you were put in a unfair situation?"
¤...I just...sigh...¤

♤André is right, y'know.♤
¤Huh?¤

Madeline was still awake. She walked towards them.

♤Dictators are bad people for a reason. They take advantage of the weak for their self benefit. That's why they're illegal on planets like Malestar. You were simply another victim. You're not at fault.♤
¤...but if...if I was just strong enough...I could've prevented all this!¤
♤How are you supposed to surpass a God in a short amount of time? It's simply not possible. Especially when we're talking about someone like Xersúda.♤
¤...¤
%You may find it hard to believe...but there was nothing no one could've done. It was a unexpected attack.%
¤...I need some time to think.¤

He starts to walk away.

"...is he going to be ok?"
%You have to forgive him...ever since he learned the details of our parents' deaths, he often gets emotionally unstable. I've been helping him remain stable for the last years. Give him some time.%
♤Are you sure it's safe for him to be involved in the God's affairs if he is unstable?♤
%He's worthy. Blood of ancient gods run through our veins. He just needs to learn how to balance his emotions.%
"...if you don't mind me asking...how were the old gods like? Not many know about them."

%Well...before Drake was elected a God, he was the best blacksmith in the Multiverse. His magic talent allowed him to create nearly unbreakable tools and armor. And Danita was among the first wizards able to manipulate plant-life effectively, to the point she could create plant-life with just magic.%
♤And were you two born before or after they became gods?♤
%A bit after. They met during their initial training, and they started hanging out on their free time ever since.%
"Then how did they balance you two and their job?"
%Ara helped. She helped us out, even after the incident.%
♤Makes sense.♤

%I know my brother will make up his mind soon. I know him. But for now, you two need your rest.%
"...well, ok then."
♤C'mon, kiddo. We got a big fight coming up soon.♤

She lifts him up.
"Hey-!"

Diati chuckled a little.
Madeline carried him to his dormitory inside the ship. And hey, Fegike was there too, laying down on a hammock, playing with a pencil using wind magic.

"Oh hi."
|Sup?|

Madeline placed him on his bed and walked out of the room.
♤Sleep well, you two.♤

She closes the door.

|...so, what did papa president have for you?|
"Well...basically, a better sword and more gear for our Octoling buddies."
|Noice.|

He got off the bed and quickly went to the bathroom to change into pyjamas. Then he laid back down.

|Not gonna lie...this was all intimidating at first. Facin' the big boys already and all. But now, we got all dose sick upgrades.|
"Yep. I suppose we're all feeling more confident now."
|Ya. I got a bunch o' stuff ready on ma Portal-Bag.|
"What stuff?"
|Oh, ya know...more bombs, missiles, guns...the usual.|
"Heh. Sure sounds like tools you would use."
|Must say tho...that Uni fella knows his machines. Quick learner, too.|
"Yep. I'm willing to bet he's gonna mess with all sorts of stuff once we're done."
|I mean, I'd do the same if I was him.| She laughed a bit.
Most people would. The Multiverse is massive, and full of interesting things. Each universe has something that makes it unique in some way, shape or form.
|Ye...also kinda crazy to think that in just one day, Im doin wot I wanted to do for years.|
Its crazier to think that I went from ordinary kid to THIS in just a few days.
|Heh, ya. But hey, Im sure no ones complaining.|
True.
|Need to find some way to re-open a business soon tho.|
I mean, with Aras help, you should be golden now.
|Yeneed to think of a good place tho.|
Maybe if youre able to convince Madeline, she can help you open a shop in Malestar.
|Oh, hell ye.|

She then rolled around to face him.

|Somethin I wanna say thothanks for takin me and Shari in.|
Well, it was really the least I couldve done.
|Heh...yeah, I think imma get some sleep now.|
"Alright then. Rest well."
|Thanks. You too.|

André turns off the lights and they both go to sleep.

Once some hours of sleep passed, everyone started to slowly wake up. They all started gearing up to make the dangerous journey and literally hunt demons. The Splatoon trio now equipped their new gear, so now they were all ready.

♤Is everyone here comfortable with the chosen teams?♤

I am ready.
^So are all of us.^
》I swear we will not fail.《
×Are you sure you dont want to go with me, honey?×
◇Dont worry. Ill be fine. This quest will serve as a good way to test our independency.◇
×I just get worried, yknow?×
◇Cmon. You know I can defend myself.◇
^And we gotta keep the teams balanced.^
×well, ok then. If you insist.×
What about Dissle and Diati?
♤Dissle wont be able to fight for a while. It seems that freeing him from his demon drained most of his magics power. Its gonna take a few hours to recover. Diati insists to stay in order to take care of him.♤
And what will Ara do?
♤She will contain the demon army and make sure it doesnt spread to other vital worlds. That way, we can focus on the ones designated for us.♤
^Sounds good.^
♤Alright then. If you need to do something like get some food, drink water or something like that, nows the time. Ill go prepare the other ship.♤

Soon after the conversation, the Crusaders went back to their own dimension. Madeline went to inform her troops of their new mission and prepare the second ship while the rest made their final preparations.

Finally, once everything was set up, the mission was ready to start. The team heading towards the earth-like universe was entering their gunship, with Kelvin giving Crystal a goodbye kiss before they separate.

♤Remember to maintain order in the team and focus on the objective. We cant afford to lose this one.♤
^Dont worry, Madeline. No one will do anything funny on our watch.^
Good luck, you guys.
Same goes to you.
^Stay safe!^
And keep us updated.

They wave goodbye as the entrance hatch closes. Soon after that, the gunship starts flying and goes to space. A fleet then follows them as they go to hyperspace speed.

♤Now its our turn.♤

The rest goes back inside the Stargazer. It has begun.

To be continued.