Darkness ruled the environment and the strange sounds that could be heard in the distance were those that took place in a very strange area for Judah.
— Where am I? — Judah repeated before regaining consciousness.
— Take cover, quickly! — said a female voice very familiar to Judah.
— Huh!?.... Is that…? …Karin? — Judah said with difficulty speaking.
And it was no wonder, the voice he heard was Karin's, but there was something different, her voice sounded like she was in a very compromising situation. On the other hand, there were other sounds that could be heard in the distance, as if there was a fight in the background with several characters desperately trying to get out of the situation they were in.
— Kellye, watch out! — said a voice that seemed to be a boy.
— Khgh!
— No! Kellye! — The boy's voice said in desperation. Suddenly his tone changed — Damn you! I'll send you back to hell where you belong, you bastard!
— ..!
In the little that Judah could perceive with his hearing and sight, there was a battle in his own eyes. And standing there was a boy holding a large and imposing sword pointing at his rival. A large, mechanized being with a cold look and notable red eyes that looked at the boy. He was like the living image of a kind of statue of some god taken from the manga which was in front of him and once he perceived the sound of the voice of the young man standing, this being pronounced something that when Judah heard he did not understand the language he used.
— Etha'mundar zha'losthar, na thu'uner ke'ne'kethar Hystoria valikath. Zho'kethar — I mention the supposed "deity."
— Na'valkathar! Zhal'amun! Kura'thar, Astoria! — The mysterious boy responded in a firm and defiant voice.
After finishing those confusing phrases, the two fighters rushed to the attack to end the fight that was apparently essential for the survival of a place. And when the boy's sword was about to collide with the imposing "deity" that was in front, he woke up. He opened his eyes so quickly and immediately got up confused by what he had seen. Judah wondered what that strange dream was, so different from the one that had been following them lately. He didn't know the boy and Karin's voice because he was there in his dream, perhaps it was just a nightmare due to the events that happened with her on the island. However, the subject of his strange dream went to the background when he looked around and saw a totally different place than the one he had been in his house for a few moments.
The room looked like some kind of infirmary, but with the difference that it was extremely equipped with very advanced devices for hospitals.
— What is this place? Wasn't I at my house just a few moments ago? — Judah said, all confused.
He stood up and began to walk around the room until he came across a large metal door, it looked like those doors that appear in science fiction movies and on the side there was a control panel that seemed to be used to control the door.
— What is this? Why am I here? — Judah said to himself in a slightly desperate and worried tone — Who the hell were those guys? And why did they kidnap me?
Between his confused thoughts and his desperation to get out of that place, Judah perceived a subtle sound approaching. He leaned towards the door, carefully listening, trying to hear it better. It sounded like the echo of heels stopping right in front of the entrance. His heart was beating hard; he didn't know who or what was behind it, but one thing was certain: that person was going to come in. Maybe to check that he was still there.
With that hasty conclusion, Judah reacted instinctively. He looked around, searching for a hiding place, and saw some boxes stacked in a corner. They were large enough to hide someone of his size, so without hesitation, he slipped between them, crouching and silent.
From behind the door, he heard a soft beep! followed by the sound of the door slowly opening. Judah held his breath as he watched from his hiding spot. A female figure appeared in the doorway: a young woman of about 28 years old, with an impeccable lab coat, blonde hair, and a face of enchanting beauty, the kind of beauty that could dazzle anyone… if it wasn't accompanied by an expression of obvious irritation.
— Damn! Why do I always leave my key card in the cafeteria?! — she exclaimed, running a hand through her hair in resignation. Then she frowned and muttered – Wait… what about the boy?
–—..!
Judah felt as if his heart had stopped.
The young woman began to search frantically around the room, opening drawers, looking behind furniture, but curiously it did not occur to her to inspect the boxes. Her quick, improvised search lasted barely 15 seconds before she stopped in the middle of the room, defeated.
— No! — she exclaimed, a mixture of despair and self-pity — Why is this happening to me? I was hired just three months ago and already the patient is running away! It can't be! If I don't find him, I'll be fired immediately!
Judah, hiding, couldn't help but frown. Patient? Run away? What is she talking about, is she crazy? Meanwhile, the young woman began to pace around the room, as if her complaint could magically solve the problem.
— And all because of that damn card! —she muttered, kicking the air dramatically before stopping in front of the boxes. —Although…
Judah held his breath. Had he discovered her? But instead of checking, the young woman sighed deeply and declared.
— Never mind! If I don't find him, I'll tell my boss he was abducted by aliens! That always works in reports!
Judah didn't know whether to laugh or shudder. But one thing was clear, that clumsy nurse didn't seem to be a bad person, or at least that was what Judah deduced based on her behavior. Once the young woman hurriedly left the room, probably to inform her boss about his disappearance, she left the door ajar. Judah, seeing an opportunity, came out of his hiding place and carefully crossed the door, determined to explore the place and look for a way out.
As he made his way through the hallways, he encountered several uniformed individuals. They looked similar to the figure who had broken into his home. Although he couldn't understand what they were talking about, their relaxed mannerisms indicated that the conversation wasn't of vital importance. Shortly after, the group headed towards a large metal door that caught his attention. Judah followed them at a distance, making sure not to be discovered.
As he walked through that door, he found himself in a huge hangar. Inside it was filled with large boxes marked with strange symbols. Some seemed to contain weapons; others held packages whose contents were a mystery to him. Judah stood still, trying to process what he saw.
— What is this? — he muttered quietly, his heart racing –Terrorists? Something outside the government? Or maybe…?
His mind filled with speculation as he looked around, trying to make sense of the scene. However, one question kept nagging at his mind: Why had he been kidnapped? That doubt kept him from feeling any peace, and anxiety was beginning to take hold.
— Perhaps it could be a secret agency, young Saíto.
— ..!
Judah turned sharply, his body on alert, searching for the owner of those words. In front of him, there was a young man, probably around 29 years old. He had long blond hair, similar to the nurse he had seen before, but his demeanor was more serious, almost intimidating. But most strikingly, he also had the same uniform and the same tone of voice as the person who had been in his house before he lost consciousness.
— Excuse me, young Saito — said the blond youth — Perhaps I have misled you because of the beautiful view of our hangar. But allow me to introduce myself, I am…
Then, as if he were a dog greeting his master, someone pounced on the blonde from behind.
— Brother! I have terrible news! The patient has been abducted by aliens! — the desperate and distressed figure said.
— Ugh !
She was the nurse who was looking for Saito, who, by her words, was looking for her supposed "boss" who was no less than her older brother.
— Jaina! Won't you just jump out at me like that? — the young man said, his imperturbable appearance fading to a very different one – I'm introducing myself to young Saito!
— Hiii! — Jaina said, frightened by her brother.
As the young blond tried to regain his composure and Jaina continued to gesticulate as if she were in the middle of a low-budget soap opera, Saito watched everything with a mix of confusion and exhaustion. "If these are terrorists, I don't think they'll do a very good job," he thought, resisting the temptation to sigh.
Suddenly, the young blond man, who had remained silent until now, stepped forward elegantly, adjusting the military jacket he was wearing, as if he were about to make an important announcement.
— Allow me to introduce myself properly, Saito — His voice was firm, but with a hint of controlled arrogance, as if he was used to attracting attention wherever he went. He stepped forward, extending a hand formally — I am Lucius Arclight, vice-captain of the warship Hyperion.
Saito stared at him in silence for a moment, blinking. Then, he looked down at Lucius's outstretched hand, then back into his eyes, trying to process what he had just heard.
— Vice-captain of a warship...? — he repeated with disbelief and a little fear.
— That's right — Lucius smoothed his golden hair with practiced elegance, completely ignoring Saito's dubious tone — And I have direct orders to take you to our central command. Your questions will be answered, but only if you accompany me.
As the two young men conversed, Jaina, who had been silently watching since she saw Saito, began to slowly back away towards the exit. Her face had turned suspiciously pale, and she looked like she was trying to make herself invisible.
— Jaina? Where do you think you're going? — Lucius asked without turning to look at her, clearly aware of her presence.
— I-I… I remembered that I have to check some… medicines in the east wing! — she replied hurriedly, taking clumsy steps towards the door .
Lucius sighed and waved a hand nonchalantly
— Go, go. We don't need a terrified spectator here.
Without wasting another second, Jaina ran out of the room as if her life depended on it. Saito couldn't help but let out a short laugh before turning to Lucius.
— Alright, young Saito. Follow me — Lucius smiled again, turning with military precision.
Saito, without many options, followed Lucius with great fear and walked through a dimly lit hallway, while Saito could not help but notice the imposing feeling that Lucius emanated, it was as if any wrong step he would take would end in fatality. Judah tried not to get more upset than he was.
Finally, they came to a metal door that slid aside with a soft hum, revealing a spacious cockpit filled with consoles and holographic displays.
The view from there was impressive: a huge window revealed a vast blue ocean that stretched to the horizon, dotted with cottony clouds that seemed to float forever. It was a panorama that did not remind one of any terrestrial hospital. Then, a familiar voice sounded to their right, addressing the two young men who were still standing at the entrance.
— Welcome to Hyperion , Saito. You have finally awakened from your long sleep
—…! Mom? — Saito replied in disbelief at what he was witnessing.
Judah's surprise was as great as it was incomprehensible. In front of him, sitting in an imposing chair that seemed to be the ship's command center, was his mother, a woman of at least 39 years old with a good figure and a beauty that could make 20-year-old girls envy. In the cockpit, several people worked controlling the flight and monitoring the conditions of the Hyperion . Everyone, including his mother, wore uniforms. The operators wore white suits with orange stripes, while his mother stood out in an impeccable black uniform, adorned with a cap that gave her an air of authority. There was something about her presence, an aura that Judah had never associated with the woman he knew at home.
— Mom? What are you doing here? And why are you wearing that uniform? — Judah asked, his eyes wide and his voice filled with disbelief.
His mother gave him a warm and sweet smile, one of those that always managed to calm him down. It seemed that for that moment, the aura of fearsome authority was removed from her.
— Well, my dear son. This is my job — she replied in a light tone, as if she were talking about something trivial – I am the commander of this great ship. Isn't that amazing?
Judah blinked several times, still processing the flood of information.
— Amazing? This is… incredible! — he finally managed to say, unable to find the words to express what she felt.
She laughed tenderly at his bewildered expression and, with a gentle gesture, pointed him to a nearby chair.
— Come, my Judah. Sit down. Mother will explain everything to you calmly — she said, her tone so full of affection that for a moment the whole world seemed to shrink down to the two of them.
Judah approached slowly, still digesting the incredible revelation. He sat down in the chair next to his mother, who did not lose her warm smile as she watched his still confused expression. The dim lights of the cabin reflected on the control panels, creating an almost unreal atmosphere. At that moment, Judah's mother pressed a button and a giant screen appeared from the cabin where some animations were shown. On one of them was the ship and the faces of the members.
— Let me see, son — the mother began, her tone calm, as if she were telling a story she had waited a long time to share – I know this all comes as a surprise to you, and you have the right not to understand it right away. But there is a reason for everything. I… I am part of a special organization that focuses on the defense of the celestials.
Judah frowned upon hearing those words, processing the new information quickly.
— The Celestials? So, you're part of OASIS, which is in charge of dimensional rifts? — he asked, trying to make connections.
Judah's mother looked at him seriously, her face showing an unusual intensity.
— No, we are no longer part of them, he replied in a more serious tone. OASIS takes care of all the creatures in the rift. We are separated from them, like a rebel group you could say.
With a swift motion, she pressed a button on the panel in front of her. The screen before them changed, displaying a vivid animation. On it, a celestial, a towering and radiant figure, was battling a gigantic amorphous monster. The clash was fierce and the devastation was evident, but something in the celestial's movements bespoke a greater cause.
— While their conflict is destructive, their cause is just — Judah's mother continued, her voice deep and determined — Before the Celestials appeared, amorphous creatures emerged from the cracks and attacked the great cities. Their violence was uncontrollable. Everyone lived under the constant threat of being annihilated .
— So, the celestials came to stop them? — Judah asked, trying to understand the relationship between the two races.
Her mother nodded, her lips pursed with a distant look.
— Yes, but their intervention was not so simple. The Celestials appeared a few months after the Amorphos began to attack. At first, they stood by, watching, as if waiting for something, as if they were looking for the right moment to intervene. But when the Amorphos attacked, they did not hesitate to rush into battle.
Judah understood, more or less, the purpose of these heavenly beings. Although their intervention seemed to cause as much damage as the enemy itself, their goal was to preserve human life, even if that meant destroying part of what they were trying to protect.
— So, not only do the Celestials protect us from the Amorphos, but they also... keep us safe, albeit in a brutal way – Judah commented, taking in the weight of the situation.
— Exactly — Judah's mother said, her eyes shining with a mixture of worry and resignation — Humanity owes the Celestials a great deal, but we must also understand that we cannot always expect protection to come without consequences. However, our job here, the job of this team, is to make sure that that fight, that defense, remains possible, without the Celestials becoming a threat to themselves and to humanity.
— And me? What place do I have in all this? — Judah asked finally, looking at his mother with a mixture of uncertainty and curiosity.
Judah's mother stared at him, her serious expression turning into a smile filled with joy, but still with unwavering confidence.
— Of all the apparitions of the celestials, we have never been able to contact one as easily as you, my dear son, he said with a proud tone.
— …? — Judah looked at her as if he had just heard a joke too weird to understand.
— You're the first person to make contact with them in such a close way — the mother commented, leaning back in her chair with a sigh of resignation — The times we've tried, both with OASIS and now with EDEN, they always end in battles... or, well, in hasty escapes from their attacks.
top secret organization with government resources couldn't contact the celestials, but he, a mere teenager who barely knows how to keep his breakfast from exploding in the microwave, could? This made no sense at all. He looked at his mother as if she was going to faint from the absurdity of the situation. However, when he heard the word EDEN he remembered the scene at home and looked at Lucius who was nearby and asked.
— You mentioned EDEN at my house earlier. Is that what they call themselves?
— I apologize if the treatment at your house had to be done like this — Lucius mentioned with a look of regret — But we were afraid that perhaps OASIS would find out about our actions before we made any move, so we acted quickly.
After saying this, Judah continued to be more confused and said.
— Let me get this straight, please — Judah said, one hand on his head as if trying to keep his brain from melting – You're telling me that a super-powerful organization like OASIS hasn't been able to contact the celestials, but I, a normal kid who barely knows how to survive math class, manage to do it?
Judah let out an exasperated sigh, searching for any kind of logic that could support the reality he now lived in. But he found none.
— This is ridiculous! I'm a teenager! I don't even know how taxes work and now I'm the one chosen to talk to cosmic beings, as if I were a special guest at an intergalactic party... — Judah slumped back in his chair, staring at the ceiling in the hope that the universe would offer him some sensible answer.
Judah's mother smiled as if all this was completely normal.
— It's more than just talking to them, Judah. There's something special about you, something we can't fully understand… yet. But you'll figure it out, I promise.
Judah looked at her, completely lost.
— Anything special? Please! Maybe what I have that's special is that I'm a magnet for trouble, he replied, scratching his head, more confused than ever.
Judah's mother leaned forward, adopting a conspiratorial tone.
— Well, there's one more little thing you need to know about celestials... —Judah raised an eyebrow, expecting the worst—. In the data we scanned, most celestials have very unsettled emotions and after several trials and errors we concluded that perhaps a love effect can calm them down, like in this scene.
Then Judah's mother pressed a button and saw a celestial petting and loving a kitten and then the OASIS agents arrived so the celestial could flee, but without being able to use its power.
— So in order to have an instant and feasible love effect — Judah's mother said — It must be a much greater affection and that could be with a… kiss.
Judah looked at her as if she had forgotten how to breathe for a moment.
— So, what!? — he exclaimed, standing up from his chair –A kiss!? Are you telling me that the way to calm a celestial, who has destructive powers and can destroy cities, is to give him a kiss!?
Judah's mother put a hand to her chin, thoughtful, and then, as if she had remembered something, she added with a smile.
— Well... if you want something even more effective... have sex to them could be much more efficient.
The silence in the cabin was deathly. The operators nearby coughed uncomfortably and pretended to adjust non-existent buttons on their panels. Judah stared at her, horrified, his face turning bright red.
— What!? Mom! — he cried, almost choking on her own words. How can you say that so casually!?
— Oh, easy, my dear son — she replied, waving a hand nonchalantly — I'm not ready for you to make me a grandmother, of course. But… if you ever decide to take that path…— She trailed off, visibly embarrassed — Well, just make sure you do it responsibly.
Judah slumped back into his chair and immediately said with a red face of embarrassment.
— No… Can't at least one of your subordinates go and kiss them!
— Come on, son. The agents of our organization are too old and ugly for a beauty who is a celestial — He replied with deadly lightness.
The silence that followed was thick, heavy, and filled with discomfort. The workers in the cabin, who had until now maintained a certain composure, felt something inside them break. It wasn't the team, or the ship, or even their morale... it was their pride .
— This can't be real... this can't be happening... — Judah said with great disbelief.
Suddenly, Lucius who was standing nearby turned to them and tried to interrupt in a serious voice, although his expression was on the verge of laughter.
— Eh... Commander Hikari, perhaps we should focus on more practical tactics before exploring those kinds of options...
— Well well — taking a more serious voice Judah's mother named Hikari — You must contact Gavhariel again to be able to seal his power and not cause more harm with that power and maybe you can get a new girlfriend — said Commander Hikari with a sly smile.
— Mom! –—I screamed, very embarrassed.
With that, Commander Hikari gave Judah a device with an earpiece and told him that if he needed anything, he should call her through there so she could assist him quickly. Then, she told Lucius to go to the weapons testing lab with Judah so she could take him home since there was a teleporter there to go home. Both Lucius and Judah went straight to the lab without exchanging a word. Judah was ashamed of what his mother had told him and Lucius obeyed her order, but also with broken pride and the desire to talk to Commander Hikari about his age.
Once the two reached the teleportation sector, Lucius spoke to one of the operators, who typed something quickly into the control panel. He then looked at Judah with a mixture of formality and some barely contained amusement.
— Saito, to the teleporter. Prepare for the journey.
Judah nodded and walked towards the glowing circle that emanated flashing lights. As he stood in the center, a series of mechanical sounds and a blinding flash enveloped him. In the blink of an eye, he appeared in front of the entrance to his house.
But instead of going inside, he decided he needed some fresh air. His mind was saturated after the embarrassing and awkward conversation with his mother. A walk would help clear his mind , he thought as he walked away from the door.
— I can't believe my mother acts like that — Judah thought — I think I'd better go walk around there.
As he walked through the streets bathed in the soft orange light of dusk, an unexpected noise in his ear startled him.
— Hello?! Hyperion calling my little boy Judah — replied a cheerful voice that couldn't be mistaken.
Judah stopped dead in his tracks and looked around in confusion before touching the device to his ear.
— Mom? What's happening now? — he replied, a little exasperated.
— Nothing serious, my dear son. We were just testing your communicator. It's great, isn't it? — Commander Hikari replied enthusiastically.
Judah sighed and put a hand to his forehead.
— Mom, does this mean you can call me anytime?
— Of course! — she exclaimed with an emotion that was more terrifying than reassuring — Isn't it wonderful? I can keep an eye on you 24 hours a day now!
Judah could only mutter to himself.
— Goodbye to privacy…
— Did you say something, sonny? – Commander Hikari asked sweetly, though she clearly knew what she had said.
— Nothing, Mom. Absolutely nothing... —Judah answered, resigned as he continued his walk, wondering if his life would ever be normal again.
— Well, you must find Gavhariel quickly. We don't want OASIS to find her and get wiped out — Commander Hikari mentioned.
Then with a tone of doubt since he had heard the name before, Judah asked Commander Hikari.
— Who is Gavhariel? I don't know who that being could be?
— Well, my dear Judah, you've already met her and perhaps because her portal has closed, she should be around there — Commander Hikari mentioned.
Although it was obvious, I already knew that he was referring to Karin, however, I wanted to confirm if he was actually referring to the same person. On the other hand, Judah spoke to his mother as he walked.
— But how am I going to find her if she got lost in the forest?
— Well, if you do find her, do everything you can to make her fall for you and well, you know what, son.
— Mom! Don't go out with… again!
Suddenly, a delicate and melodious voice interrupted the conversation, full of warmth and tenderness.
—Judah... is that you? —Setsuna Yukishiro said, appearing in the middle of the street with light steps, almost as if he were floating.
Judah turned quickly, and there she was, her long white hair shining in the orange light of the sunset. Her eyes reflected a soft glow, full of sweetness and tranquility, as if her presence alone could calm any storm.
— Setsuna...? – he murmured, unable to hide his surprise.
She smiled slightly, a smile that dismantled any barriers. She took a couple of steps towards him, slightly tilting her head.
— I heard your voice and couldn't help but come looking for you. Are you okay? —she asked, with genuine concern in his tone.
It took Judah a moment to respond, feeling caught between relief and slight embarrassment at having been found in the middle of his search.
—Yes, I'm fine. But... what are you doing here? I thought you were at school or... well, somewhere else.
Setsuna let out a small laugh, soft as the wind.
— I was just buying some things for lunch when I heard your voice. I was worried knowing you sounded a little upset. If you need any help... I'm here for you, always.
Judah's mother, who had remained silent, listened to the scene with a motherly smile before hanging up, literally leaving them alone. At that moment, Judah noticed Setsuna carrying a small basket and some carefully wrapped containers in her hands. It seemed like the weight was starting to bother her, despite her reluctance to admit it.
— Hey, Setsuna... Are you sure you don't need help with that? —he asked with a kind smile, tilting his head slightly to look at the contents.
She shook her head slightly, though her expression betrayed that she wasn't so sure.
— Don't worry, Judah. I'm used to it... I don't want to bother you.
Judah sighed, insisting in a persuasive tone.
— Come on, it's no bother at all. Besides, what kind of friend would I be if I let you carry all this by yourself? Let me help you, okay?
Setsuna looked at him for a moment, doubtful, before cracking a small smile.
— Well... if you insist. Thanks, Judah.
Judah carefully picked up the basket and containers, making sure not to dislodge anything.
— No problem. So, shall we go to your house? —he asked as they began to walk together.
Setsuna nodded, relaxing a little.
—Yeah, thanks again. It's actually nice not to have to carry all this around for once.
The walk to Setsuna's house was quiet and filled with conversation. She spoke in her delicate voice about simple but lovely things, like what flavors she liked for lunch or how beautiful the sky was that afternoon. Judah found himself surprised at how easy it was to enjoy her company.
However, as they walked, something strange caught Judah's eye in the distance. His eyes narrowed as he tried to focus on what he was seeing.
In front of a fried chicken stand, Karin stood with her celestial armor shining in the sunlight, a completely out of place sight in the everyday setting. The worst, or perhaps the most hilarious, thing was that her mouth was wide open and a trickle of drool was slowly running down her throat as she stared mesmerized at the chicken skewers spinning outside the window.
Judah stood frozen for a moment in total disbelief at what he was seeing. But then he noticed something more alarming: Karin was drawing the attention of the people around her, who were watching her curiously, murmuring amongst themselves.
— Oh, no... this can't be happening... —Judah muttered to himself, feeling an urge to intervene in that scene.
Setsuna, who had not yet noticed anything, continued to speak calmly. Judah made a quick decision.
— Setsuna, give me a second. I'm going to... take care of something quickly.
Before she could respond, Judah dropped his things on a nearby bench and ran to Karin.
— Karin! —he whispered urgently as he approached. She didn't react, completely absorbed in the chicken. Judah gave her a light tap on the shoulder.
— Karin! What are you doing here? You're drawing too much attention to yourself!
Karin finally snapped out of her trance, blinking rapidly as she turned to him.
— Judah Saito… huh? Oh, the chicken smells amazing! —she replied without a trace of shame.
Judah sighed deeply, grabbing her arm.
— Come with me, before this gets worse. You can't walk around dressed like that. Come on, quick.
As he dragged her away from the stall, he could hear Setsuna calling out to him in the distance.
— Judah? Is everything okay? — she asked with a hint of confusion.
Judah could only think about how complicated it would be to explain all of this later.