2298
Gertok Galaxy
Planet Celestine
The Celestine Kingdom
Celestine Nature Reserve
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“This bathing suit is giving 1890s,” Malyla commented, a hint of disgust in her voice as she looked down at the sun themed bathing suit. “Is this really all you have?”

Luna's fingers twisted the blue crescent shaped buttons on her swimsuit. “Indeed it is. We do not swim very often, well, Lunari does not. Solari, on the other hand, does swim quite often, and I heard that during the summer solstice celebration, which is also Solana's birthday, they hold a swimming competition.” She replied, perking up at the latter of her words.

Malyla furrowed her brows, her disgust for the dated swimsuit momentarily forgotten. “So, is the swimming competition part of her birthday or just a tradition?” she inquired, acting nonchalantly about her question.

“It has no correlation between the two.” Luna began, letting her arms fall to her sides. “Solana just happened to be born on the summer solstice. The competition has happened for a long time, and I am unsure how long it has been. Mother would have known, though, Solana would not. She never partook in it. She believed it was unbecoming of an heir.”

Malyla raised her eyebrows, intrigued by Luna's words. "So, Solana has never participated because of that? That is the most prissy thing I have ever heard, and it seemed very fitting with how self-righteous your sister is."

Luna nodded, her expression turning a bit more morose. "Yes, she has, which did not go too well with fellow Solari. She was objecting to a tradition. Even Mother participated, and she is... was the Empress.” her voice trailed off, getting caught in her throat.

Sammy spoke up, unbeknownst to him, putting a pause of Malyla's and Luna's conversation as he pushed waxy thick blue leaves out of his way as he followed behind Fletcher down an overgrown path. “Are you sure it is this way, Luna?” he asked, looking over her shoulder.

Luna nodded her head, glad that Sammy had spoken up, her fingers still messing with her swimsuit. “Yes, the map says this way.” She held up a small handheld device that showed a digital map of the planet. "Correct, Pedro?”

Pedro followed right beside Luna, glancing occasionally over at the handheld just to make sure it was working. “Yes, you are correct. It should be less than half a mile, and we should get there in about ten minutes.

“Only if we stop stopping every minute for Sammy to collect plants and fruit.” Malyla interjected, sending a glare back to her brother who already had a half a bag full of items he had foraged.

Sammy stuck his tongue out at Malyla, not bothered by her irritation. "It's called gathering ingredients, and we can use it during our stay here. I have many recipes from the cookbook Luna had given me to try my hand at authentic Lunari and Solari cuisine, and it all hinges on native Celestine plants, fruits, and vegetables."

Fletcher chuckled as he heard Sammy speak, amused by the siblings' banter. "That is one of the reasons we had come out here, besides to do what Luna wanted to with her freedom. I also need plants and herbs for medical purposes, a task I entrusted to Sammy."

Malyla rolled her eyes but didn't argue, knowing that Fletcher had a point. "Fine," she grumbled, looking down at the ground and pushing one of her pigtails to her back.

☀️〰️🌑

They eventually arrived at a clearing, where a vast lagoon lay before them, its azure waters glistening under the radiant sun. On either side, tawny rock walls rose majestically, native flowers creeped out between cracks and over divots. Between them was the waterfall cascading from the horizon, creating a seamless blend of sky and water, fading into the water below.

A collection of wows, awesomes, and cools echoed amongst the group as they stopped on the sandy shores. Their eyes scanned the whole area as they dispersed in different directions, marveling at the splendor and beauty.

“Luna,” Hara began, gazing up at the towering rock wall in front and above her, the mist from the azure waterfall kissing her skin. “This isn't something you can free climb without the risk of breaking a bone or falling to your death, even with water down below.”

Luna stood beside Hara and gazed up, a frown on her lips and slumped shoulders. “Perhaps I misjudged,” she sighed softly, her voice disappointed. “I had only seen a portrait of it in the dining hall.”

Fletcher joined Luna and Hara, also eyeing the sheer rock wall in front of them. "It does look pretty treacherous," he agreed, shaking his head slowly. "I'm not sure free climbing is the best idea. Maybe there's another way around?"

"You're probably right. I'll look for another way because my noodle arms ain't climbing up anything just yet." Hara lightheartedly joked as she walked along the rock wall, her fingers brushing flowers sticking out of the cracks.

Sammy walked around the lagoon's shore, a look of wonder on his face as he appreciated the natural beauty before him. "This place is breathtaking," he said, squatting down to touch the water. "Luna, are there fish in here?”

Luna nodded as she walked over to Sammy, standing beside him as they gazed at the clear waters. "Yes, there are many species of fish in this lagoon," she replied, her voice quiet and thoughtful.

"Oh yeah?" Sammy asked, raising a brow as he dipped his fingers into the water and made ripples. "Are they safe to eat?" he looked up at Luna with a soft smile.

Luna shrugged her shoulders, running her fingers over golden and fuzzy cattail-like reeds. "I am not sure. We do not eat fish." she replied, plucking one of the reeds.

Fletcher, overhearing Sammy and Luna's conversation, walked over to them and crouched down at Sammy's side. "Really? No fish?" he inquired, watching Sammy rummage through the backpack he had slipped off his back. "What's the reason for that?"

Luna paused for a moment, her fingers delicately twirling the cattail-like reed. "The people of Celestine have a long-standing belief that consuming a life form as majestic and rare as a fish is disrespectful at best and taboo at worst." she explained, her gaze focused on the cattail.

Sammy and Fletcher exchanged glances with each other, both equally surprised and curious by this notion.

"Wow," Sammy said, still letting the water drip through his fingers. "So, it's considered... disrespectful to eat fish here?" he asked, a little disappointed because he loved fish but didn't want to disrespect Luna or her culture.

Luna nodded, letting the cattail-like reed fall back to the ground. "Yes. Fish are one of the most rare aquatic animals on Celestine since we do not have very many large bodies of water. It is believed that they are sacred in a sense." Her lips turned up in a small frown. "There is a Lunari legend that says fish once flew amongst the stars but got lost and became a pattern in the sky so anyone who follows it will return home.”

“Huh,” Zaheer spoke up, looking between Luna and the shimmering water as he approached. "Fish amongst the stars? That's an interesting Lunari legend, and it's a constellation. I think I know which one you are speaking about." he mused, his gaze lingering on the lagoon. "Do you think it has any basis in truth?"

Luna shook her head, leaning down to pick up another cattail-like reed. "No, I do not. It is an old legend and has been passed down for generations. It is just a folktale," she replied, her fingers gently running over the reed.

"Hey guys, up here!" Hara's voice rang out from the top of the waterfall. She waved her hands in the air to get their attention. "There is a path between the rocks that leads up here. I think it was carved or something, but it is a little steep, so you need to be careful.”

The group looked up to see Hara standing on a ledge next to the waterfall, her arms raised.

"Steep?" Fletcher called out, a sense of concern coloring his tone. "How steep are we talking?" he glanced back at Luna, who seemed to be confused by what Hara said, while Pedro seemed nervous and hesitant by how he twisted a lock of hair around his finger.

Hara chuckled at Fletcher's concern, tilting her head a bit. "About a 45° angle," she replied, to which Fletcher held his hand up to the degree. "So just watch your footing and lean forward a bit. You should be fine," she reassured, passing it off as nothing too serious.

"Oh, that is quite treacherous..." Luna looked at Fletcher's hand with wide eyes. She shifted her gaze up towards Hara and swallowed thickly. "How did you manage to get up there so quickly?" she inquired with a hint of surprise in her voice.

"Heh, I just did..." Hara's voice tailed off as she recalled how she bear-crawled up the stairs like a deranged horror creature, though the small bit of pride she had wouldn't allow her to admit that.

Fletcher was a little worried about the incline Hara mentioned and looked over at Luna again. "It seems like a pretty steep slope. Are you sure you can manage it?" he asked, his eyes lingering on her nervous expression.

"I..." Luna fidgeted with her swimsuit straps, feeling a wave of worry hit her. "I... I am not entirely sure." she replied  hesitantly, her gaze flitting between the path up the waterfall and Fletcher. "However, I must overcome my fear no matter what.”

Fletcher nodded his head reassuringly, his eyes soft as he spoke. "I'll be right behind you, of course." he said, a small smile on his face. "I won't let anything happen to you."

Luna looked up at Fletcher and gave a soft smile. His words put some of her nerves to rest, and she supposed it was because of his warm, reassuring voice. “I… I trust you.”

Pedro joined Fletcher and Luna's side and reached out a hand, placing it on her shoulder. "I may or may be just as nervous. I've never particularly liked heights, although it's more of the falling for me than the height itself.” he explained, letting her know she wasn't the only one afraid.

Malyla brushed past her and started to climb up the narrow slope, looking down at her feet while making sure to step on the small steps. "It's not that hard. You're both being dramatic." She commented, glancing back at Luna and Pedro.

Fletcher frowned, giving Malyla a disapproving look to her crude comment. “Malyla, you shouldn't dismiss their fears… and she is out of ear shot.” He frowned, shaking his head and turning towards the others. “Don't listen to her. You have every right to feel the way you do,”

“Fletcher's right,” Zaheer agreed, brushing past Pedro and Luna, stopping at the foot of the slope. “Just take your time and don't rush it.” he reassured them with a kind smile before climbing up.

Fletcher placed his hand on Pedro's shoulder as well before releasing his and Luna's, bringing his hand back to his side. “I'll bring up the rear, and if at any time you feel you can't continue, don't push it. Facing fears takes time.” he kindly said before turning to Sammy. “Aren't you coming long?”

Sammy quickly snapped out of his contemplation on the lagoon in front of him and shook his head. "No, I'm not. There are plants in this lagoon. I want to drive down and get." he replied, carefully stepping down into the water and clenched his jaw. "Cold! Cold! Cold! Cold!" he hissed, taking a deep breath and letting it out.

Fletcher couldn't help but chuckle at Sammy's reaction to the water's chill. "Looks like we're all in for a cold swim." he mused, beginning to slowly follow Luna and Pedro up the slope between the rocks.

Sammy shivered, his teeth chattering as he nodded. "D-Definitely not going in the deep end." he affirmed, wading through the chilly water and reaching to grab at a plant.

Hara wiggled her toes in the water as she was finally joined by the others at the top of the waterfall. “Be careful. At some points, the water is deeper, and the undercurrent is strong.” She pointed out, pointing to the few rocks poking out of the water. “Step on those to avoid it.”

Fletcher nodded, taking note of Hara's warning. "Thanks for the heads up." he said as he stepped onto one of the rocks before stepping into some shallow water, holding out his hand and helping the others over the rocks to keep up with Hara.

The lagoon was truly breathtaking from this vantage point. The water was an alluring blend of azure and sapphire, sparkling like jewels under the radiant sun. Small specks of colorful plants merged together under the water, making a watercolor effect.

"Oh," Luna marveled, momentarily forgetting her fear of heights as she held Hara's hand and peered down over the waterfall. "That is breathtaking,”

Pedro peered over the edge of the rock they were standing on, a mix of awe and trepidation filling his expression. "It's so beautiful." he murmured, taking in the panoramic view of the lagoon's sparkling waters and colorful vegetation beneath.

Fletcher chuckled, noticing the awe on Pedro's face. "It is, isn't it?" he agreed, stepping closer to the edge and leaning over, looking down at the water below.

"CANNONBALL!" Zaheer's voice called out as he ran past them, his feet splashing up cold water onto the other's legs before jumping off the waterfall, tucking his legs against his chest. He splashed into the deep sapphire waters below, creating a decent size wave.

"Ack!" Sammy got caught in the crossfire and was showered with the cold water, causing him to yelp, pulling the handful of plants out and hurrying out of the water.

Fletcher couldn't help but laugh as Zaheer's cannonball and subsequent splash caught Sammy off guard, who was desperately trying to escape the cold water. "Zaheer, watch where you jump and land. You almost landed on Sammy!" he called down at Zaheer.

Zaheer popped his head up and grinned, treading water and wiping his wet hair from his face he turned to Sammy. "Sorry!" he called back, not sounding all that, sorry. "It's actually warm in the middle of the lagoon!" He called up, kicking his feet, keeping above water as he looked floated on his back.

"Really?" Hara called back, earning a confirmation from Zaheer. "Well, that is crazy that the middle is warm, but the rest isn't," she brushed it off and looked at Luna and Pedro. "Wanna jump together?”

"Jump?" Luna asked, her fear of heights quickly rushing back at the mere thought of jumping off a waterfall. "Jump together," She swallowed thickly and looked back at Hara with a nervous expression on her face. "I... I am not so sure. It looks quite far down," she admitted, her voice trembling. "What if I land wrong and break something..."

Pedro, sensing Luna's hesitation, gripped her hand a bit tighter. "It is okay, Luna. You don't have to jump," he said softly, trying to soothe her anxiety. "You did well making up here. That is a big feat itself.”

Hara nodded, understanding Luna's apprehensiveness. "Pedro's right." she said gently, giving Luna a comforting smile. "Climbing up here is already a big achievement if you're afraid of heights, and it's okay to take things at your own pace." She placed her hand on Luna's shoulder.

"Oh, come on," Malyla, who had finally spoken up after standing on the other side of the waterfall bank, rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Any jump from any height into water could be dangerous if you land wrong.”

Fletcher gave Malyla a disapproving look, her blunt and dismissive tone bothering him. "Malyla," he admonished her, his voice firm but not unkind. "Don't say those types of things. It isn't helping.”

Malyla huffed, crossing her arms defensively. "I'm just being realistic. Life is dangerous." she commented, dashing past them and forward diving into the water in one fluid motion, going deep into the sapphire water and surfacing half a minute later. "See, completely fine,” she called up, floating on her back beside Zaheer, who gave her a frown at her attitude.

Fletcher sighed as Malyla disregarded his words and jumped into the water. He shifted his attention back to Luna, who still looked nervous and apprehensive. "Ignore her," he reassured her with a kind smile.

"Yeah, Malyla doesn't always think before she speaks or acts.” Pedro chimed in, gripping Luna's hand reassuringly. “It's your choice whether you want to jump or not. Whatever you choose, we will follow, right, Hara?”

Hara firmly nodded, gripping Luna's other hand tightly with a reassuring smile. “Yeah,” she firmly agreed, exchanging a quick glance with Pedro before looking back at Luna. ”You jump, I jump.”

Luna's fear-filled gaze flitted between Fletcher's reassuring smile, Pedro's supportive words, and Hara's firm grip on her hand. Anxiety still raced through her, making her heart pound rapidly, but she noticed a small sparkle of courage igniting in her, pushing through the turmoil.

She took a deep breath, steadying herself as her mind raced. "Alright." She nodded, her voice quiet and somewhat unconvinced. "I..." she paused, swallowing down her anxiety. "Let us jump together." She repeated more confidently this time.

Fletcher noticed the flicker of courage in Luna's gaze, proud of her for pushing through her doubts. “That’s the spirit,” He gently reached up and ruffled her hair, keeping a reassuring smile on his face.

Luna's face flushed at the tender and endearing action. she didn't mind her hair was messed up. She simply found her heart swelling with affection. She smiled brightly, letting out an amused short huff of air, her eyes sparkling.

Hara and Pedro exchanged a soft look of encouragement between each other before shifting their gaze back to Luna with a proud smile.

“It’s going to be alright.” Hara softly reassured her, gripping her hand a tad bit tighter. "We will jump on the count of three, okay?” she inquired, earning a nod from Pedro.

Luna took a deep breath, her heart still racing, but the courage and reassurance from her friends gave her a sense of determination. "Okay," she whispered, her voice a bit shaky but firm.

Pedro and Hara gripped each of her hands while Fletcher stood close to her behind her, their supportive presence grounding her further as they began to count down.

"One,"

"Two,"

"Three,”

Before Luna could even process the gravity of the moment or even give her doubts a chance to resurface, Hara and Pedro pulled her along, their hands firmly grasping hers.

The rush of the cool air against her face sent a jolt of anticipation through her body. The wind whipped past her, her stomach flipping with equal parts fear and excitement in the form of a squeal.

Soon enough, the impact of the water was felt. They had landed into the water with a loud splash, and the force of the landing caused the water to burst around them.

Luna found herself submerged under the surface, her eyes shut tightly as the water cold engulfed her. She slowly opened them under the water, her vision blurry, yet she could still make out the sunlight's reflection through the water, the sapphire color mixing with the colorful aquatic plants making a watercolor effect.

For a moment, she was taken back by the beauty before she kicked her feet and surfaced, gasping for air, and she moved her hand out of her face. "That... was..." she paused, trying to find the right words. "Exhilarating!”

Fletcher surfaced after her, although he had cannonballed in. “You did well, Luna, conquering your fear. I'm impressed.” he praised her, reaching out and placing his hand on her head.

Luna beamed brightly at his praise as she felt him withdraw his hand. “I did, did I not? Ha!” she could feel pride well up in her chest at the notion she had just jumped from the waterfall and into the water without getting hurt.

Hara surfaced beside her with a wide grin, her hair braids to her back. "Nippy," She wiped away the glistening water from her cheeks as Pedro's head poked out of the water next to them.

Pedro nodded, his teeth chattering a bit as he tried to speak. "That was... amazing!" he managed to say between chattering teeth, his face flushed from the adrenaline. "But this water is freezing!”

“It gets warmer the farther from the center you are,” Malyla commented, back stroking around the outer edge of the lagoon and turning around just before the waterfall.

“I want to do it again!” Luna exclaimed, swimming over to the edge and quickly pulling herself out.

Her fear was slowly ebbing away and replaced with determination to be confident enough to take riskier jumps if necessary as a Celestial Guardian.

🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑☀️🌑

A/N:
I may be on a roll with the chapters. I've been inspired and have been solely focused on this book since I've got the most planned out for it. I also have been starting to draw the characters again with my slightly new style, which includes drawing their whole outfits from a reference which is crazy because we've got their normal outfits, the swimming ones, the pajamas, the celestial guardian outfits, the athletic outfits, and for book two they will all be getting uniforms to wear.

Chapter Talk:
I am enjoying world building and adding little tide bits here and there. Celestine is a beautiful planet, and I do want to show its majesty. I have been enjoying sprinkling lore through these chapters. I just don't want to waste the planet I created by only focusing on reconnaissance missions and finding the Celestial Dragons and Artifacts.

I suppose you could say this is a filler chapter, I suppose, but it did give Luna some growth and determination to try more new things on her own. Having the encouragement and reassurance from everyone was something Luna didn't get a lot of and now that Solana isn't there to chide her every second, she can grow and do things she wouldn't be able to do otherwise.

As well as growth to the other characters too. It's really important to me that I flesh out the characters and world build because I love both, and both are definitely my strong suit.

Also, after the reconnaissance mission things get A LOT darker, I mean super dark and near the end of this book and into the second it's like anime dark so I want to give some lighthearted chapters because pretty soon there will only be small bits of lighthearted moments.

I haven't forgotten about Varian, Chenoa, Summer Dawn, General Nox, Logan, and Solana, they will come soon, don't worry. I just want to focus on Luna, Fletcher, Hara, Malyla, Pedro, and Zaheer while using this time away from them to explore the planet.

Thanks for reading!