From the balcony, the two looked down at the mess of floating islands below. Many times Ratella had forgotten he was currently floating on the border between the atmosphere and space.
Looking down from his balcony often cleared Ratella's mind, pulling him from the illusion of being an ordinary orphan. The islands below tied the moment to present reality.
The master and student stared into the distance, taking solace in each other's presence.
"You've come a long way ever since I found you in that village."
"Yeah, who knows what would have happened if you didn't find me?"
"I'm glad I did. You've been a source of happiness for me for these last few years, freeing me from my boredom," said Luna, her tone soft and empathic, no lies laced within her words.
"You were the first light to shine into the endless darkness surrounding my everyday life," said Ratella, looking towards the gleaming moon hovering in the distance. "Wingless Vermin was my nickname; who knew my life would end up like this?"
"You are no longer a wingless vermin; you are a proud Seraphim and my successor."
"Successor? But I do not wish to see you die."
"My time will eventually come when it does; please take the Radiances' Blade in my memory."
"Why are you saying this?"
"Seraphim may have immortal forms, but we are not completely impervious to physical harm."
"If the Primordial Light allows your death, I would never serve him again. So no, I will not take the Radiances' Blade in your place as it is yours and yours alone," exclaimed Ratella, adamant upon his topic.
Ratella's caring and love for Luna had only grown stronger over the years; without her, he knew his life would only continue to be a misguided quest.
"Please don't say things like that, but if that is your decision, then I will not push any further," said Luna, a single tear rolling down her cheek.
He couldn't tell if this was a positive reaction; her expression remained neutral.
"Your martial training is now complete, your skills with the blade and lance have vastly improved from your first lesson, becoming an indistinguishable warrior even among the best of the choir, but please always be wary of whatever opponent you face, no matter their appearance," stated Luna, avoiding further questioning from the boy by changing the subject.
The moon's rays tilted towards them, casting light upon them and illuminating Luna's beauty.
"So what is next for you?"
"I've received orders from the Primordial Light to eliminate traitors in the Sun Dominion and restore peace. It may take time to uproot them all."
"Okay, just be careful. I don't doubt your ability, but you never know what could happen after all."
"Thank you. If you want, we can discuss your future."
"My future? Sure."
"You'll be used for the execution of all traitorous legions hiding in Kathoros, most likely."
"Yes, I expected that much, but it is of no real concern to me as a Seraphim. If that is my duty, then I shall perform as needed."
Luna turned to face him, her wide smile painted on her face. "I'm glad you've finally accepted who you truly are."
"So it's my time to get an Edict tomorrow and meet with the Primordial Light, one of the Gods that governs the world. It's quite intimidating to be totally honest."
"Worry not, you'll be fine. The Primordial Light is an odd character but bears no true malice in his heart, only doing what he deems necessary. After your meeting, you will join Michael's service until the Primordial Light orders you otherwise," stated Luna.
"I'll dampen my worries. I trust your opinion, Luna. If I may, who else is in Michael's service?"
"No one. He doesn't need bodyguards, he thought it would be a good learning experience for you in the political world of Kathoros," said Luna, inducing Ratella's left brow to raise in surprise. "And in his words, he can test his edict on my more unruly subjects."
"The Seraphims are so weird," stated Ratella, thinking back upon Zafikel's and Luna's previous behaviour.
"Ha. Yeah, we really aren't, we, but don't forget you're a Seraphim too, making you weird too."
Their laughter filled the quiet air as Luna turned, her gaze lingering on the distant lights of Kathoros below, the present moment giving way to the duties awaiting each of them.
"It seems it's time for me to go. It was fun training you, Ratella. I have high hopes for you."
"Wait, may I see your eyes before you go?" asked Ratella, stopping Luna dead in her tracks, halting her exit to Kathoros.
"Are you sure you want to see them?" asked Luna, looking towards Ratella, her lips quivering slightly.
"Of course."
Luna removed her wings, covering her eyes, revealing a set of translucent, snow-white eyes peering back at him, a scar running sideways across her face.
This revolution did nothing to diminish her beauty; it amplified her charm and affected his mind.
"Pretty," exclaimed Ratella truthfully, causing Luna's eyes to widen with shock before turning heel and walking off down the hallway.
"Wait!" shouted Ratella, desperately trying to figure out if he said something wrong, but nothing negative came to his mind.
Luna gave no response and continued her walk, giving no indication she had even heard his shouts.
Ratella gave no chase, thinking it the wrong decision at the moment; she had a mission, and so did he.
Out of Ratella's view, a stream of tears flowed down Luna's cheeks. Not ones full of sorrow, but joy, retreating once she felt this emotion coming.
Neither of them knew when they would see each other again, but still longed for their next meeting even after a minute apart.