The Baddass Luna

In the Mountains,

"Teacher John Mayer, are you sure you can take care of Seraphine? She's only three years old; you might have a hard time," Grandma Sarah said, worrying as she looked around the house.

Teacher John Mayer laughed, "Don't worry, I can take care of these little angels," he replied as he took Seraphine to Sarah.

"Mom, don't worry. Teacher Mayer can take care of Seraphine, and you have taught him everything he should do," Mara retorted while laughing as she arranged the kitchen supplies. She has also set Seraphine's belongings so that Teacher Mayer can easily find her needs in the future.

Sarah sighed, "Okay, every weekend, we bring your supply. I also made a list of the do's and don'ts of taking care of the baby." she added.

Teacher Mayer just nodded and took Seraphine out of the house and played there.

"Don't worry, Mom, the baby will be okay here. You saw how teacher Mayer took care of her, " Mara said while watching the two.

It was getting dark when Mara and Sarah decided to left the mountain.

"So, it's just you and me, little child," Teacher Mayer said with a smile as he entered the room.

---------

The next few days were easy for Teacher Mayer and Seraphine; it wasn't hard to take care of the child because she didn't cry or get sick.

And as discussed, every weekend, Mara and Sarah visit them to provide supplies. And it is also the time Teacher Mayer gets down to go to the city; that's when he has time to do the things he needs to do.

"Where do you think Teacher Mayer goes every time he goes down the mountain? Does he have a family?" Sarah asked her daughter when Teacher Mayer once left.

"Mom, Teacher Mayer is the most secretive I've ever met; no one knows about his personal life," Mara replied while also looking at Teacher Mayer, who was walking fast.

"Da-da"

They both turned to Seraphine as she quickly ran out of the house and chased after the Teacher.

"Seraphine, that's dangerous. Don't run fast; what if you fall?" Mara asserted after chasing the child, who was already out of the house.

Seraphine seemed to cry as she looked at the place where teacher Mayer went.

"It looks like our angel is big and knows how to chase after his guardian now," Sarah commented as she closed the door so Seraphine couldn't get out.

Hours passed, but Teacher Mayer still didn't come back, and three-year-old Seraphine didn't seem to like it. While the two were busy cooking, she walked to the door.

The two were shocked when they heard the loud bang. They immediately looked at the reason and were just as shocked when they saw the destroyed door. They were immediately anxious when they did not see Seraphine inside the house.

"Seraphine! Seraphine!" Sarah didn't know what to do. Then she heard Teacher Mayer.

"She is here," Teacher Mayer shouted while Seraphine got up and hugged him happily.

Mara and Sarah immediately said, "I thought someone broke in and took her!" Sarah exclaimed in terror as she took Seraphine.

"What happens?' Teacher Mayer asked as he looked at the ruined door.

"We don't know, we just heard a loud noise, and when we came out, the door's broken, and Seraphine was gone," Mara explained.

They went inside together while thinking about the possibility of what had happened.

"Seraphine, did you do that?" Teacher Mayer asks.

"Why are you asking the child? Teacher Mayer, Seraphine is only three years old. How can she break down that door!" Sarah asserted in shock, "We should eat and forget what happened," she added and put Seraphine in her chair.

Teacher Mayer sat down and did not mention what had happened. But in his mind, it was forging.

.....

"Seraphine, you're turning four years old, so let's start your training. Do you like that?" Teacher Mayer asked as he led her to the top of the mountain.

Seraphine nodded and hugged teacher Mayer tightly. When they got to the mountain, the first lesson for her began.

At a young age, Teacher Mayer taught me how to punch and kick correctly. Also, at an early age, Seraphine was taught discipline in everything she did. Climbing the mountain has also become her routine every morning. Because of her young age and natural talent, she quickly learned what teacher Mayer taught.

Years passed.

Seraphine's only break from training was whenever Mara and Sarah came. And now she is excited, waiting for their arrival.

"What took them so long? Teacher Mayer, what did grandma say?" Seraphine asked as she stretched her neck at the sight of the road.

"Seraphine, it's only eight o'clock in the morning. Maybe they're still on the road," Teacher Mayer retorted, laughing as he continued painting.

"Hmm, teacher, have you forgotten? Now it is my sixteenth birthday!" Seraphine asserted while frowning; then, she approached him.

"Then I wish you a happy birthday," Teacher Mayer responded and looked at her. Then turned his gaze back to his drawing.

Seraphine frowned, "What are you drawing? How many days have you been focusing on that?" she asked while looking at the picture. Although Seraphine saw that her teacher was good at drawing, he kept his works hidden.

"If you peek at my drawing, I'll punish you with three hours of training! And I'm sure you don't want to sweat on your birthday," Teacher Mayer threatened with a sweet smile.

Because of what she heard, Seraphine quickly walked away from him. She decided to look at the road again, and her frown disappeared, seeing the two figures approaching the house.

"Grandma Sarah! Aunt Mara!" Seraphine shouted loudly and quickly ran to meet them.

"My beautiful Seraphine, Happy birthday! You will definitely like my gift," Grandma hugged her.

"We also bring you cake, and I will cook your favorites too!" Aunt Mara added while kissing her.

"It's a good thing I have grandma and aunt! Because if it's only me and Tea, her Meyer? I definitely wouldn't have a cake and a gift!" Seraphine complained as they walked back to the house.

"Don't you know that your teacher has been taunting us for a few days? He reminded us of what to cook and buy for the celebration," Sarah explained.

Knowing this, Seraphine immediately approached Teacher Mayer, who was already standing and waiting for them, "Thank you," she whispered and hugged him tightly.

"Because of the few years I've been torturing you with the training, I thought I'd give you a celebration, even though it's not what you dreamed o; hopefully, it will fill your grief," Teacher Mayer said as he patted her back.

That's enough of your drama, and today is our day of rejoicing!" Grandma sighed when she saw Seraphine crying.

"Your grandma is right. I'm only allowing you to have fun because it's your birthday. After this, you will start the more brutal practice," Teacher Mayer said with a smile as he handed her his drawing.

Seraphine sighed and let go of the hug, "I hope you don't remind me of the training you're preparing," she muttered and looked at the drawing. She was stunned. Then Seraphine looked at Teacher Mayer with questioning in her eyes.

"Didn't you like it?" Teacher Mayer raised an eyebrow as he sat in the living room, arranging the decorations grandma and aunt had brought.

"What did your teacher draw?" Grandma asked as she took the drawing in Seraphine's hand.

"Wow, teacher Mayer, how did you draw me so beautifully" Grandma exclaimed excitedly.

Mara, who was busy cooking, quickly approached and looked at the drawing, and like her mother, she was also pleased to see her face.

"Teacher John, your skill in drawing is tremendous. It's an honor to be painted by the legend," Mara asserted, then returned the drawing to Seraphine. Then she returned to the kitchen to continue cooking.

Seraphine sat down next to teacher Mayer, "Are they my parents?" she asked while staring at the two faces in the drawing.

"Yes, but since I haven't seen them in a long time, I'm not sure what they look like," Mayer responds and smiles.

"Thank you so much. At least I have an idea of what my parents look like," sadness wrapped Seraphine's face as she stared at the two faces.

"Child, don't worry, and I assure you you will see them. The training I am doing is preparing for your release into the world where many trials await you," Teacher Mayer explained as he patted her back.

Seraphine stared again at the faces of the two people she had long dreamed of seeing. Although Teacher Mayer had already told her why they had to split up, she still had other questions that Teacher Mayer could not answer.

..........

"Aunt Mara, I'm not comfortable in my clothes," Seraphine complained as she looked at her reflection in the mirror.

"Seraphine, you're sixteen now, but I haven't seen you wear a dress! I'm buying you a dress, but I haven't even seen you wear them!" Mara complains while fixing her long-shinny-black hair.

Seraphine sighed and let her aunt do what she wanted with her hair and face.

They were in front of the mirror for an hour when Aunt Mara finished fixing her makeup and hair. "Seraphine, you are so beautiful! If you had grown up with us, I would always make you gorgeous," she commented while staring at Seraphine's reflection in the mirror.

Seraphine looked at herself in the mirror and frowned as she saw her reflection, "Is that me?" she couldn't believe it; the woman in the mirror looked like an angel with a gentle face.

"I can't believe the speed of time. Next year, you will be able to see your mate, so you should also learn to take care of yourself," Mara added as she helped her stand.

"Aunt Mara, how can I see my mate if I'm just here on the hill and the only one I see is Teacher Mayer?" Seraphine replied, laughing as she pulled her aunt out of the room.

"That's what we should talk about later. I won't let you not find your mate just because of your training," Mara declared before they left the room.

Seraphine's smile faded when she saw the reaction of grandma and teacher Mayer. "Do I look weird?" she asked, seeing teacher Mayer frowning.

"Yes, you look weird," Teacher Mayer asserted.

"Teacher! Don't say that! Seraphine might believe you! My angel, you look stunning," Grandma approached Seraphine and guided her to the table to blow out the candle.

"My granddaughter, even if you don't wear make-up and nice dresses, you are still the most beautiful girl in my eyes," teacher Mayer said while sitting at the table.

"Did those words come from my teacher? Gosh! I would believe it!" Seraphine giggles as she looks at everyone. During her time with teacher Mayer, he rarely praised her appearance.

Laughter filled the whole household.

They started the little party by singing and blowing out candles. Then they sat together and shared the dishes wholeheartedly prepared by Grandma Sarah and Aunt Mara for her birthday. Although Seraphine's parents were not by her side, it did not make her sad. Because the three with whom she grew up were loving and thoughtful.

When the dinner was over, Seraphine rested outside the house and looked at the moon, which was incandescent. She pulled out teacher Mayer's drawing and stared at it happily.

"To the Goddess of the moon, I hope my family is reunited. That's been y only wish since childhood. And until now you still don't give it to me. But I'm not grumping; the time will come. And you will grant my request as well, " Seraphine whispered as she held up the picture and stared at the moon.

Inside the house, Teacher Mayer, Sarah, and Mara are talking seriously.

"Teacher Mayer, Seraphine is sixteen years old, and at this age, she can find her mate," Mara retorted.

"I know, but Seraphine is not ready... On her eighteen birthday... At that time, I will allow her to leave the mountain and seek her destiny," Teacher Mayer said while looking at Seraphine, who was then seriously looking at the moon.

"Teacher Mayer is right... Seraphine is no ordinary wolf. When she leaves this mountain, she will face many trials, especially when everyone finds out that she is the child who possesses the blood of our god," Sarah uttered and signed.

"Now, I'm preparing for her first change that will take place at the next full moon. Because no one knows what the difference is between a wolf with the blood of a god," Teacher Mayer asserts.

"Let's just pray that she doesn't suffer," Sarah states.

The three looked at Seraphine. The concern for the child they have been protecting since birth is reflected in their eyes.

"Seraphine, The first change is excruciating, but you must go through it. Let it go, don't hold back, and go with the flow." Teacher Mayer explains while taking a walk in front of her.

"Teacher, how many times have you told me? Don't worry, I'm okay. We all have to go on the first shift, and I'm excited to see my wolf form," Seraphine replied to her teacher with a smile while looking for a good seat.

Teacher Mayer stared at her and sighed, "You just like that! When he changes for the first time, his action is the same as yours," Teacher Mayer said as he stepped aside from his seat.

"Teacher, in all the important events in my father's life, you are his companion. So I am also happy that, in the critical events in my life, you are also my companion, but hopefully, in the next few years, we will be complete," Seraphine said with a smile.

"Child, with a little patience, you can be with them. Then, we can go around the world... let's travel and learn. That's my long-held dream in my life," teacher Mayer retorted with a smile as he messed up her hair.

Seraphine's face immediately lit up, "If you take me on your journey, I will be delighted! I also dream of seeing in person the places you have drawn," she replied happily.

"Then we have an agreement. We will travel the world together," Teacher Mayer said as he stood up. "The full moon is near. Remember my instructions. I'm just outside and waiting for you to come out," he added, before hesitating to step out of the cave.

"Teacher, don't forget to draw my wolf," Seraphine joked as she waved her hand.

Teacher Mayer raised his hand and thumbed up.

Alone in the cave, Seraphine instantly feels her nervousness.

"Seraphine breath, you can do this!" she whispered to herself as she watched the rising moon.

The peak of the moon came, so Seraphine immediately closed her eyes and prepared herself for the painful shifting. But she frowned; a few minutes before the full moon came, Seraphine didn't feel any pain or anything. "What's going on?" she asked as she opened her eyes.

Then Seraphine closed her eyes again and felt her body. However, a few minutes later, she felt nothing, so she quickly ran out of the cave, "Teacher Mayer! What's going on? I'm not changing into my wolf!"

Teacher Mayer immediately comes to her; he is also lost and worried.

"What's happening?" Teacher Mayer inspected her from head to toe. "Let's not get confused and nervous. Maybe you're different. As I said, the blood of god runs through your body..."

"Then I don't have a wolf? You said, when I turn sixteen, I will feel my wolf? But I'm already sixteen, and I don't feel my wolf!" Seraphine couldn't stop herself and burst into tears.

"Don't say that. Let's wait. You turn sixteen, and this is your first full moon," Teacher Mayer explained, and hugged her.

"I don't know if having the blood of God is a blessing or a curse!" Seraphine couldn't help herself from saying this. They are now walking back to the house.

"Seraphine, don't think like that! You will always remember that you are a blessing," teacher Mayer asserted.

Because of disappointment, Seraphine didn't say a word until they got home.

"What happened?" Mara asked excitedly.

But Seraphine did not answer her, as she immediately went straight to her room and locked herself there.

Sarah and Mara approached teacher Mayer and asked what had happened. They knew now was Seraphine's first shift, so they went to the mountain even if it wasn't weekends.

"What happened? Did she have a hard time?" Sarah asked worriedly.

Teacher Mayer sat down in the living room, "She doesn't change," he stated while closing his eyes tightly.

Surprised, Mara and Sarah looked at each other and sat down next to Teacher Mayer simultaneously.

"How did that happen? Everyone turns at the age of sixteen," Sarah asserted in shock.

"But ma, we should not forget that Seraphine is not normal, and she is unique," Mara responded.

"I'll explain that to her, but she seems problematic. She's been excited about meeting her wolf and now she is disappointed..." teacher Mayer hissed and signed as he looked at Seraphine's room.

"Give her time. Maybe she's just dissatisfied," Mara replied and stood up to brew coffee. Teacher Mayer and Sarah sighed at the same time.

When Mara delivered the coffee to teacher Mayer and her mom, she immediately knocked on Seraphine's door, "Can I come in?" she asked. Without hearing any answer from Seraphine, she enters.

Seraphine immediately covered her face with a pillow when she heard her aunt enter the room.

"Teacher Mayer told us. He said you were disappointed for not changing into your wolf. You would be delighted! You haven't experienced the scary change yet!" Aunt Mara's laughter caused her to turn around.

"You're just scaring me to lose my sense of being different," Seraphine replied with a frown.

"And why would I do that? I'm just telling you the truth. Although it's fun to meet my wolf, I still can't forget the pain of my first shifting," Mara insisted as she pinched her cheek.

Mara began to recount her experience of her first time changing as a wolf, even when she met her mate and the first heat in the eighteenth year. Mara stopped speaking when she saw Seraphine had closed her eyes and was sound asleep. She slowly stood up and left the room.

Then she caught up with teacher Mayer and her mother, facing each other in the living room and drinking wine.

"Can I join?" Mara interrupted the two's conversation.

"How's Seraphine?"

Mara smoked and explained. When the two found out that Seraphine was acceptable and sound asleep, they resumed drinking.

........

While everyone is sound asleep. Seraphine woke up sweating. She immediately looked at her hands and she felt as if they were on fire. However, she could not cry because of the worry that her grandma and aunt would wake up, so she got up quickly and left the house.

She quickly ran away from the house, and when she was sure it was far away, she only let out a suppressed scream as her tears flowed.