The Flight

In a flash, the spell ended. Victor was brought back to the cool jungle night, the warmth of the fire tickling his face.

Victor sat up, wiping his eyes. He hadn't noticed he had been crying. Seraph was still holding onto him, shaking his head to clear his thoughts.

“I regret killing those spirits every day of my life,” he murmured. Esper looked exhausted, from both emotional and magical strain. “I'm still trying to atone for my actions.”

“But I guess even though I was banished, Gaea still had a warrant out for my death. Doesn't surprise me,” Esper mused.

“Esper,” Victor murmured, frowning, “I'm so sorry all of that happened…”

“Don't be sorry, Victor,” Esper said, “My past is my burden to bear. But I don't want Seraph to suffer like I did.” Esper reached across the campfire, gently taking Seraph’s hand. “Please, I beg that you listen to Celeste. She is a dangerous creature. Just keep yourself safe and follow her orders.”

Seraph blinked, expression conflicted. He pulled away from Esper, saying nothing.

Esper sighed, rubbing his forehead. “Alright, kids. I think it's bedtime now. Umbra won't be happy if he finds out I let you two stay up all night.”

Lowering himself to the ground, Esper shifted into a deer. “I'm sorry there aren't any blankets for you to sleep on. The jungle gets cold at night, so you guys can curl up against me.”

“Goodnight,” Victor said, laying his head on Esper’s flank. His fur was warm and soft, and the gentle rise of his chest was relaxingly rhythmic.

Wordlessly, Seraph fell beside him, draping an arm over his waist.

Feeling content, Victor's eyes started to close. In the back of his mind, thoughts of Seraph’s condition and Esper’s past swirled in his mind, but Victor was too tired to worry.

----

“Victor, are you awake?” Seraph whispered, prodding his side.

Victor's eyelids fluttered, his brain attempting to focus on the celestial spirit sitting over him.

“Yeah, I'm awake,” Victor slurred, gazing at Esper. He was fast asleep.

Seraph’s eyes were wide and tired, his cold demeanor gone. “I...I cannot stop thinking about what Esper said, Victor,” he lamented, “And I do not know if I can follow Celeste’s orders anymore… It just feels...wrong.”

Victor blinked, unsure what to say. He had never seen Seraph that distraught over anything. He seemed to be trembling, holding onto Victor's hands in pure desperation.

Heart thudding, Victor knew he had to act fast. “Hey, um, do you wanna talk?”

Seraph shook his head, standing and beginning to pace. He frantically rubbed his arms, hugging himself. He paused, suddenly coughing into his palm. Golden liquid trickled between his fingers, and Victor's stomach twisted.

“I just need to be alone and think,” Seraph’s voice cracked, the spirit on the verge of tears.

“Seraph, wait,” Victor cried, grabbing his sleeve, “Please, just talk to me! I know you're upset!”

Seraph pulled out of Victor’s weak grip, a pained look in his eyes. “I am fine,” he growled, “I just need to be alone!”

Seraph’s body changed in a split second, a massive dragon taking to the air before Victor. Victor staggered back, startled by the malice in his countenance.

“Seraph, please!” Victor shouted, jabbing at Seraph’s mind. The dragon flinched, but did not respond.

Seraph took off into the night, his scales glistening in the silver light.

Author's Note- i always wanna say "hey im on vacation, so no chapters" but i always end up writing on vacation anyway so,,,,,,

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