The Room

Shapes blurred and colors blended as Seraph soared across the sky, gleefully narrating everything they passed by.

"The Crystal Lake is directly below us. The waters are incredibly reflective and fit for drinking," Seraph murmured, nodding down at a massive body of water below them.

Victor barely had time to comprehend the sight before it was a smudge in the distance.

As the Celestial Palace approached ever closer, Victor felt his palms start to sweat. The pink tinted-structure stood like an intimidating fortress, bringing back memories of the previous time he had visited. Victor could now see that spirits were assembled on the courtyard, small, colorful dots stirring about in front of the castle.

Seraph seemed to notice them too, and for a second, he saw the dragon's expression waver.

"I am going to take us directly to my room. I would rather not land out in the open," Seraph said, his tone rushed.

With one last worrisome look at the front of the castle and its crowd, Victor clutched Seraph's mane tighter. Behind him, Esper held him around the waist, keeping the vicious wind from beating the younger child.

Seraph made a sharp turn, bringing the group around the side of the castle. It was even bigger than it seemed at first glance, stretching far into the back. Wide walls dotted with windows symbolizing rooms fenced around an enormous, enclosed garden area. They made their way to one of the four tall towers that stood at each corner of the Palace, its steeple top glimmering with a silver tip.

"We are here," Seraph said helpfully, referring to a broad balcony on the very top of the tower. "I am going to need you to jump onto my balcony. Please be very careful. I will catch you if you fall."

Seraph had stopped beside the railing of a marble-constructed balcony, slowly shifting up and down in an attempt to hover. Swallowing dryly, Victor let his eyes wander, spotting the several-inch wide gap that led to the staggering fall under them. Victor suddenly felt very, very afraid and his surroundings started to swim around him.

"Don't worry," Esper whispered in his ear, pressing him against his chest, "I've got you."

Dazed and breathing hard, Victor allowed himself to be lifted up by Esper, who held him tightly in his arms. Effortlessly, Esper jumped from Seraph's back, landing nimbly on the stone floor of the balcony. He gently put Victor down, the boy nearly falling over. Esper caught him with a well-placed grab at his shirt collar.

Seraph transformed into his human form once again, joining them on the windy platform. He ceremoniously threw open the door, waving his arms at his bedroom.

"Please," he called, "come in!"

Nervously tightening the strap of his bag, Victor hesitantly led the way.

Seraph's bedroom, to put it bluntly, was grand.

The ceilings were astonishingly high and the room seemed to have an echo to it. It was in a perfect circular shape, almost like a wide cylinder. The floors, like the rest of the palace, had clean, reflective surfaces. His bed was covered in puffy, soft sheets and was surrounded by a sheer white veil. It almost reminded Victor of a princess's room.

"Please enjoy yourself!" Seraph said, clapping his hands. "Sit on my bed if you wish! It is very soft!"

Esper took upon his offer, letting his body sink into the plush mattress.

Seraph jumped up on down excitedly, shaking Victor by the arm. "I cannot believe my plan worked! This is very good!"

Victor looked concerned. "Plan?" Esper even perked up.

Seraph nodded. "Yes, yes, I feel somewhat bad for my vague deception, but I had to!" The spirit wrapped an arm around Victor, leading him to a window and pulling the frilly curtain away. It revealed a view of the enclosed courtyard, where some kind of festival seemed to be going on.

"You see, my friend, there is a very special event going on. This week, The Gathering of the Spirits is being held in the Celestial Realm! It is an amazing thing to experience, and I wanted you two to see it." Seraph rubbed his arm. "However, I was unsure if your parents would allow you to come to such an event, so I simply left out that information. The Gathering of the Spirits usually involves sport fighting and displays of magic, and it is quite cool! But you parents seem to come off as humans that would not approve of you being around that alone."

Victor blushed, wringing his hands. Seraph was right, Umbra would have a conniption if he knew that this sleep over took place in a dangerous (and probably sacred) festival of magic and combat. Guilt boiled in his stomach as he realized that he was technically lying to his parents.

Seraph blinked, looking behind Victor. "Esper...are you okay?"

Esper was hunched over, hugging his chest and bowing his head. Victor could see that he was gasping for breath. At Seraph's words, Esper looked up, startled.

"I-I am fine," he said hurriedly, "I was just surprised that The Gathering of the Spirits was happening now." He gave the two children a forced smile, an expression that Victor often used when he wasn't okay in the least bit.

Seraph embraced Victor, laying his head on his shoulder. "Please forgive me, I just wanted you to see a wonderful sight from my world."

Victor bit his lip. "It's fine, dude. I understand." His throat felt dry, but he shoved down his negative feelings. It was obvious Seraph was desperate to impress him. He could relate, as he had often gone out of his way to make sure his only friend was amused.

"This should be very fun! As a noble, I have special privileges, so I can get us lots of food and extra things!"

Esper suddenly sat up, shoulders stiff. "Someone's coming," he hissed.

Seraph turned his head to his bedroom door, sweat forming on his brow. "Oh no, it must be Mother. She said she was going to talk to me tonight." Seraph hurried to the other side of the room, shakily opening his closest door and gesturing at it. "Quickly, please get it! You are probably not supposed to be here! Mother does not know!"

"Wait, you didn't ask your mom for permission?" Victor's mouth gaped in horror at the thought of angering the powerful Mother spirit.

"No, I was not sure if she would say yes!" Seraph cried, shoving Victor and Esper into his closet. "Just stay here and wait until she leaves! Thank you!" He shut the door, leaving a slit so Victor could see into the room.

Holding his hands behind his back, Seraph approached the door. At that second, a curt knock was heard.

"Seraph Harmony, are you decent?" Celeste's voice was like deep, fine silk.

"Y-yes ma'am," Seraph whispered.

"Then I am coming in."

Author's Note- what's been your favorite arc so far?