This isn't goodbye

As the last traces of Halo, Whisper, and Warden vanished into the distance he couldn't deny that rather a large part of him wanted to break down and weep. There was still that boy inside of him, who had watched friend after friend abandon him. He and Halo had built something to last. He had to believe it would survive this distance.

He turned his attention to the remaining kids, trying to keep the wobble out of his voice. “Who wants a hug?” He asked. His wings were spread out either side of him, cupped inwards at the edges. The perfect place for any yearling to tuck themselves into.

He knew why Halo was doing it. It was clear that the trauma from the flood wasn't fading with Whisper. She needed space and time from the Armada. This was Halo's' idea, and he believed in her. But that didn't make this any easier.