Luna couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She was actually chosen to act as a guardian for the new trainees, on their first pilgrimage!

Luna wanted to jump for joy, and puke from the nervousness. She’d never been in charge of a whole group before. Luna quickly began packing her things and getting ready. As Luna was about to step out the door and into the hallway, she froze for a moment. 

Luna suddenly swept back and scooped up the old Elven book, and shoved it into her bag. Who knows? Maybe she’ll find a book on the Elven language out in the countryside. Luna figured. 

Luna checked her belongings and double-checked them before heading out to meet the others.  As she walked out into the main foyer she spied a row of about six young kids nervously fiddling with their belongings. Then as Luna strolled towards the older Sisters, Maria caught sight of Luna and began waving. Luna gave a warm smile, and an energetic wave back. 

After reaching the older Sister, the small children cheered as they realized the Holy Saintess was going to be accompanying them on the trip. Luna laughed and greeted each of the kids. The kids in order consisted of Todd, Lucy, Maria, Eckard, Lewis, and Anna. The older Sisters checked each of the younger kid’s bags and reminded them to use the bathroom before they left.

As was customary, a group of four adventurers was assigned to act as bodyguards for the pilgrimage. Luna inspected each adventurer and immediately recognized them. 

“Hey, there ya’ Holy Saintess! Long time no see!” Ruma walked up and patted Luna on the shoulder. Ruma’s crossbow smacked against her back and her daggers clanked against her armor as she scooted around Luna. 

“So, I see ya’ missed me so much you decided to come along, huh?” 

Luna turned red, “No! I was just selected to lead the kids, Ruma. That’s all.”

Ruma laughed loudly and slapped her knee. “Damn, you're easy, kid! You’re so fun to tease!” After wiping a tear, Ruma continued. “Oh, yeah. You can call me Rue. That’s what my friends call me.”

Luna puffed up her cheeks. “What do you mean, kid? You look the same age as me, Rue!”

Rue laughed again and pointed at the chain necklace wrapped around her neck. “Well, you see this Gold badge. I may be the same age, but my experience makes me two years older than you by default. So you better treat me with respect. As your senior.”

Luna gave a disbelieving look, “Uh huh. Yeah. I’m pretty sure it doesn’t work that way.”

Rue was about to open her mouth when another voice spoke up. “Are you going to introduce us, Rue?”

Rue jumped up vigorously. “Oh yeah, that’s right. Meet my teammates.” Rue began introducing the three other adventurers one by one. 

The first to be introduced was Chris. Chris had a strong build and towering physique. Luna couldn’t say much about his face, considering it was covered in a thick-plated helmet. His armor was a bright red that gave off the faintest blue glow suggesting it was enchanted. On his back, he carried a large lance and an equally large shield. Luna felt exhausted just imagining the weight he had to carry. When Luna greeted him, a single grunt escaped the helmet. 

Another one of the members of the adventurer’s party laughed and spoke up. “Don’t worry, Chris has never been that big of a talker. I’m Ariel by the way.”

Ariel was the second to be introduced. From the looks of it, she appeared to be a mage. She had a cute face and wore round glasses that only accentuated it. On her head sat a large green pointed hat. Her staff curled at the end, around what looked like a glass orb. But Luna guessed it was something more durable than that. Ariel’s light blue hair was cut short in a neat bob cut. Her armor consisted of loose cloth that draped in a practical but fashionable sense, like Chris’s it shined with a faint blue glow. 

The last to be introduced was a fit man named Nishi Moritoki, with black medium-length hair tied into a neat ponytail and a patchy beard growing out of his chin. His armor consisted only of a cloth robe with a series of interesting patterns etched into the fabric, and a strange sword sat at the side of his hip. Similar to the other two, Luna noticed a faint glow shining from his equipment. 

As Luna examined them all one by one, Rue shot forward smacking her hands together as if she were dusting off her hands. “And you already know me! So that’s all of us! Together, we’re team Alphacentari!”

Luna smiled and greeted each of them. “It’s nice to meet all of you. Thank you for joining us on the pilgrimage.”

Various replies of, “of course” and “no problem, Your Holiness” broke out from the group. 

Suddenly, the main door of the Monastery opened and Luna noticed Joshua escorting someone she faintly recognized inside. When Luna realized who it was her eyes went wind in disbelief. The whole Monastery grew quiet, as the adventurers and Sisters bowed while directing the children to bow. 

Raiza stepped into the Monastery and looked around the foyer. Somehow she had managed to grow even taller, her wild red hair pulled back in a long ponytail that exploded in every direction. Raiza’s outfit consisted of various enchanted sets of armor strapped to a pure white military uniform, on her left shoulder hung a long red and gold cloth that draped down to her waist. Raiza’s arm rested gently, on her officer’s sword buckled tightly to her hip. 

Raiza’s entire aura had changed from what Luna had remembered of her. Long gone, was the storming and stubborn redhead. The person who stood in front of them now was an imposing figure that demanded attention and obedience. 

“Welcome to the Monastery, Lady Raiza.” HighFather Jedri stepped up and shook Raiza’s hand. After the greeting HighFather Jedri directed Raiza over to Luna. 

Luna tried her best to push away the nerves that shot up her back. “Lady Raiza, it's been a long time since-”

But Luna wasn’t able to finish, as Raiza interrupted. “So you’re the Holy Saintess? It’s a pleasure to meet you, your Holiness. My name is Raiza Solei, daughter of Wolfeaus Solei and Milliana Solei.” Raiza stuck out her hand, and Luna took it and shook it. She could feel tears beginning to burn and threaten to fall, but Luna managed to hold them back.

It made sense after all, it had been ten years since they had last met, and the two of them have both changed a lot. It… made sense that Raiza would have forgotten. So why? Why did Luna’s heart hurt so much?