The Son

Matthew cringed, staring at Celeste's palm as she prepared to vaporize him with her magic. A slight tremor passed through him as he realized this was indeed the end of Matthew Jürgen Mortis.

Matthew had imagined his death as a lot more peaceful, or alternately, as something really cool, like falling off a cliff strapped to a shark with rocket boosters. Dying via vengeful spirit he had never met did not tickle his fancy in terms of his imminent demise.

Oh goodness gracious, Matthew thought, the heat from Celeste's magic warming his face, I didn't take a shower this morning. I'm going to die all sweaty and nasty.

Matthew noticed Celeste was ready. She was done prolonging his life. He flinched, closing his eyes and bracing himself for what he hoped was only a temporary burning sensation.

One, two, three, he counted down, attempting to prepare himself.

It was at that moment that time seemed to slow, and several things happened at one time.

The air shimmered, and a port split open, Victor and another child spilling out of it. Right as Celeste fired her killing blow at Matthew, the angelic boy dove in front of him, generating a glimmering shield to protect the both of them. The sizzling light magic dissolved when it hit the child's construct, but Matthew still flinched.

"SERAPH HARMONY!" Celeste boomed, and the boy that had protected Matthew and his companions looked up, fear flashing in his eyes.

"Mother, I can explain-" he started, but a severe glare from the infuriated celestial spirit quieted him.

"You dare interrupt my personal business, child?" She hissed, losing interest in Team Silver Moon. "Justify your actions, quickly." 

Seraph Harmony grabbed Victor by the arm, stopping his slow and steady walk to Umbra and Matthew. He squeaked in surprise, shrinking when he caught Celeste's eye.

"I was wrong, Mother! These people aren't bad or anything! They are Victor's friends, I heard it straight from him!" Seraph cried, visibly quaking.
Celeste took a step towards Victor, leaning down so she could properly look him in the eyes. "Oh really? Well then, Victor, I would like you to explain Seraph Harmony's actions."

----

The color drained from Victor's face, and he felt his breathing speed up. He dug his nails deeper into Seraph's detached sleeves, hoping his friend would fill in for him.

"Do not worry, Victor." Seraph murmured inside his head, but the words didn't have the calming effect the spirit intended them to have.

"Mother!" Seraph exclaimed, moving in front of Victor ever so slightly. "Victor is one of those humans that cannot speak! I will speak for him-"

"Ah, he is a mute. That can be worked around." Celeste grabbed Victor by the collar of his sweater, connecting her forehead to his. A shot of adrenaline traveled through his veins when she touched him, and he broke out into a fearful sweat. He may have recognized the spell she was using, but that didn't make the sudden physical contact any less disturbing.

"Now, human child, enlighten me." Celeste's telepathic voice hissed inside his mind, sending chills down his spine.
"Um, well-"

"H-hey?!" Umbra said weakly from the other side of the room, struggling in Esper's arms. "What did you do to my kid?!"

"Silence." Celeste said simply, holding up a hand behind her. Umbra looked offended, but kept quiet. "Continue, child."

"You see, um, my parents, Matthew and Umbra, are mercenaries, along with Esper and Aunora, and, of course, me too. We, uh, signed up to work with these two guys Finch and Hawkins, but we didn't know that they were capturing innocent creatures! I swear, I swear so much we had no idea!" Victor shifted his weight, feeling his eyes start to well with tears. "Please, Miss Celeste, please don't hurt them. I don't wanna lose my parents. Also, can you please not be mad at Seraph? This entire thing is my fault... I was too scared to correct Seraph when he first reported to you."

Celeste's expression at first was unreadable, but then it slowly shifted to content. "I see." She turned to Matthew, Aunora, Esper, and Umbra, who were watching the entire scene in confusion. "Mercanaries, is it true that you were unknowingly working with two poachers named Finch and Hawkins? Do not lie, I can sense whether you are telling the truth or not."

"It's true! Very true, my good lady!" Umbra said quickly, hand rubbing the singed fabric of his sweater. "Hawkins had left to hunt down some unknown creature, while Finch ran the second you arrived." He sighed heavily, muttering under his breath. "It seems that he wanted us to take the punishment for his crimes, the coward."

Celeste crossed her arms, an uncomfortable look flashing across her face. "Ah, if that is the case... I am sorry for the trouble." She cringed enunciating the phrase 'I am sorry', as if it pained her to say it. "This was my mistake."
Victor wormed his way out of Seraph's grip, darting across the room and throwing himself in Umbra's lap. "Dad!" he rasped in the man's ear, burying his face in his neck. Matthew knelt down beside the rest of his team, patting Victor on the back.

Seraph glanced from Celeste to the group of mercenaries before him, taking a nervous step towards them.

"So, Victor, this is your family?" he asked.

Author's Note- I'm so anxious that this isn't any good q.q Like, I intended this arc to be mostly a friendship story between Victor and Seraph, with the whole action thing on the side (pretty much the opposite of the previous arc), and I'm afraid that's not good enough... anyway, I think there will be one more chapter, then this arc will be done! 'It's About Time' will be more actiony and plot-y.