Got stuck for a hot minute on this one. Let's keep the ball rolling, shall we?

Blood Ties

Chapter Four

I remember you.

Those words played in Kalego's head. In her weakened state, her voice barely there, Lilithein had insisted on telling him this during his visit. "You yelled "Over here!" You got me out...thank you," she had said as her heart rate sped up. The small act was enough to cause her pain and to hyperventilate. Her doctor ordered them to step out when this happened, and they ended up having to leave.

"I need to go home and tell Narina about this," Kalego told Opera once they were outside the hospital.

The hell-cat nodded at him. "I understand. Next time I'm free, I'll be sure to bring Shichirou with me. Hopefully Lilithein will recover soon."

The days seemed to blend together after this. Naberius Narina was going to come up for a visit at the end of the week. Kalego kept himself busy. By day, he would care for his cacti, tidy his house, go over a list of Lilithein's school supplies, and visit said niece at the hospital. He held off on shopping for furniture and clothes per Opera's request, mostly because he didn't want to deal with the hell-cat towering over him. However, this left him with the same nightly routine, one he struggled against to no avail.

After dinner was cleaned up, Kalego would go to his room and re-read the letters Helena had sent him over the past three months. They had already been processed, and Demon Border Control didn't see any significance in them that would aid their investigation. So, Kalego got to keep them.

The letters from the first two and a half months made for some nice reading, each one with a family picture attached to them. Kalego learned a few things through them. Like how his late brother-in-law, whom he learned was named Kai, was a hard worker, diligent, and loved his wife and daughter greatly. Kai was the one who got Helena to see the beauty in the countryside, and opened her eyes to a different, more peaceful way of living.

Kalego also learned that Kai had changed his name shortly after graduating from Babyls. It seemed that the two had formed a bond from their strained relationships with their families. However, according to Helena's letters, Kai was just as eager as Lilithein to meet the Naberius family. He even encouraged Helena to make contact with them.

In addition to this, Kalego learned that his niece had something to prove. Helena was training her in martial arts and charmworks, her father taught her magic and diabotany, all while Lilithein worked hard in her studies. Several children in the area looked down on her because of her family name, believing she would only ever be, in Helena's words: "a weak little puppy." Something Helena expressed some concerns about.

The last two letters were just gut-wrenching. In the first of the two, it was revealed that Naberius Kai's death occurred the day after she sent the previous letter. She didn't go into how he died, but Helena had continually blamed herself for his death multiple times, as well as how much of a useless dog she was if she couldn't protect the man she loved. In addition, her grief was amplified because they had renewed vows just last year. Honestly, Kalego could handle depressing reading, but this was too much, even for him.

The final letter was much calmer, having been written after the thirteen days of mourning. Helena lamented again, wishing her husband of sixteen years could come back, despite knowing he never would. However, she did her best to hold herself together for Lilithein's sake. At the end, she said she was going to try and reach Kalego at Babyls, fearing he may reject her, but wished to see him and the family again now more than ever.

Reading these letters were insightful, but made Kalego's stomach twist in a way he was unfamiliar with. He knew he didn't like the feeling, but for some reason, he couldn't stop torturing himself.

When Saturday came, it started off as a quiet, rainy day. Kalego was told that Lilithein would be transferred to Recovery today, so he was preparing for a longer visit. Opera was going to bring over some furniture catalogues to get a sense of her tastes, and Balam was tagging along to meet her. Narina was also coming in with a few surprises for her, so Kalego decided to prepare a gift as well. It was only a book, but it was one that he and Helena enjoyed immensely, even as they grew apart.

He gave the book a thoughtful glance before placing it in the black gift bag. He felt strange about giving a gift, not really used to interacting with children in a nicer manner. He knew he would have to adjust to that, at least while he wasn't at work.

Hopefully, she appreciates this, Kalego thought, rubbing the back of his neck.

The clock struck ten, making Kalego get up to leave. He was dressed more casually, today. In a purple button-up shirt, black pants, and a trench coat to keep the rain off him. Before leaving though, he picked up the photos Helena had sent him, placed them in a box before storing them in the bag.

He arrived at the hospital within twenty minutes, and upon entering the building, saw Opera and Balam waiting for him.

Opera, dressed in a red coat, had two packages with them. Their catalogues were wrapped in brown paper and tied together with string, which they held up with two fingers. Held to their chest was a white box with pink ribbon wrapped around it.

Balam on the other hand was holding a pot, get-well-soon balloons tied to it, and a plant in it. It was a flower, with a tall, dark blue stem and leaves. The flower itself had rows of black petals that seemed to shimmer, and its red center shined like a jewel. The beauty of the plant was enough to hold people's gaze. It was truly a unique and captivating flower. And one that Kalego recognized on sight.

"Shichirou, where did you find a black lotus at this time of year?" Kalego asked him as he approached them.

His former classmate turned towards him. "Hey, Kalego. I got this from my cousin's greenhouse. Considering how much Helena loves black lotuses, I thought it would raise Lilithein's spirits," he said.

Opera nodded and turned to Kalego. "I brought her some warm clothes to change into. A lot of people feel better in normal clothes," they said, looking down at their box and their ears lowering. "I imagine they'll be a bit large, but at least she'll be more comfortable."

Kalego turned to Opera, giving his senior a more neutral gaze. "I'm sure she will thank you, Senpai," he said, bowing slightly.

Balam looked down at the bag in Kalego's hand before turning to his friend. "You didn't happen to grab her an old favorite, did you, Kalego?" He asked, grinning behind his mask.

Kalego didn't say anything at first. He simply nodded before lifting the bag he had. "That, and a bit more. Helena had sent me some family photos with her letters. It's only right for them to be returned to Lilithein," he said, a lone figure approaching behind him.

"I agree," the person said. Looking back, the three former classmates were met by a demon with long black hair, two horns, and dark narrow eyes. He dressed in a navy turtle neck, black dress pants, and was currently wore a white coat to keep the rain off him. The man had a few presents tucked under one arm, and a smaller one in his hand. He had a calm expression, with only the faintest of smiles.

Kalego turned to the man fully, smiling himself. "Narina. I'm glad you could make it," he said.

His brother stopped before them. "I could say the same to your old classmates, here," he replied, turning to Opera and Balam and giving them a light bow. "Thank you for coming to visit Lilithein. I can't rightly express my gratitude for your presence during this time. Both for her, and my brother," he said, looking back at them.

Balam bowed to him. "Think nothing of it, Lord Narina. Kalego and Helena are important to us. We're happy to help where we can," he said.

"Indeed," Opera said, also bowing. "I just hope Lilithein is handling things well."

Kalego sighed. "As much as I share the sentiment, I severely doubt it. Lilithein's father has barely been dead a month. Combined with what happened to her and her mother, I just hope she doesn't get overwhelmed."

Opera and Narina stared at each other for a moment while Balam placed a hand on his chin, letting out a hum. In the end, no one else commented. They just checked in with reception and headed up to her room.

Lilithein had been moved to the 6th floor. She had her own room, and her hospital bed adjacent to the window. There were a few seats and a side table to place things on.

The girl was sitting up in her bed, the events of that night playing in her head. Her eyes were glazed over and her hands were tightened into fists. She didn't register anything in her surroundings until the door to her room slid open, followed by the sound of multiple footsteps. The young demon turned towards the sound, eyes wide and her body tense. Electricity emitted from her hands hands, and a golden dog stood behind her, baring its fangs.

Took a minute, but I finally found a good stopping point. Would have gone on longer, but I think I can save it for the next chapter. Lilithein's gonna have some nice bonding time with her new family. I hope you've enjoyed.