Kellie trailed behind Mika and Kiko as they slowly opened the door to their mothers room. Gazing inside Kellie could see the nine tails laying quietly on her hospital bed, her husband by his side. Although Kellie couldnt see Tatsu's face, his body language spoke volumes.
Tatsus shoulders were slumped, his head hanging as even his golden ears seemed to droop. The nine tail kitsune appeared heartbroken as he held his wife's hand. Kellie could see a 5 tail kitsune nurse checking various monitors. Seeing Tatsus Tatsus daughters enter she bowed her head solemnly before exiting the room. "How are you dad," Kiko said quietly.
Tatsu only grunted, his focus solely on his wife as Mika now hugged him tightly. "Father is mother okay," Mika asked, her eyes filling with tears.
"Coma," he whispered. "She clings to life but barely." Tatsu trailed off letting out a sigh as he played his head on his wives chest.
"She'll be okay pop," Kiko said quietly, placing her hand on her father's shoulder. "I wanted to talk with you though. Not sure if you heard that Lilith wants an alliance."
Tatsu nodded, still gazing at his wives sleeping face. "Dad was wondering what your opinion was," Kiko stated.
"I trust you with this Kiko," he said quietly. "Do what is best for the clan. I am not getting involved until your mother is well. My sole responsibility is to her now."
"But pop," Kiko said. Tatsu whipped his head around, finally giving Kellie a clear view of his face. The divine kitsunes eyes were filled with both anguish and rage. Kellie shivered as she saw his eyes glare at his daughters. "Shizen comes first," he bellowed. "My wife, your mother, she is all that matters. To hell with the clan as long as she suffers."
"Father you dont mean that," Mika gasped. Tatsus snarled as he looked at his daughters before he began to compose himself. "I am sorry my daughters," he sighed. "Your mothers injuries have clouded my judgement."
"I understand father," Kiko said quietly, hugging her father. "I wont let you down."
"You never have Kiko," Tatsu said forcing a smile. "I have always been proud of you. You have managed to combine the modern world into our culture. You shall make us proud when you negotiate with the demon queen."
"You think talking with Lilith is a good idea," Mika asked.
"Yes," Tatsu nodded. "Lilith has seen what is approaching. She knows that none of us can hope to stand alone against it. An alliance is in both of our interests."
"So we can trust her," Kiko asked.
"I wouldn't go that far," Tatsu said. "Afterall she is a demon and she has already attacked two of my daughters. I shall have my revenge later, for now we need allies."
Kiko smiled, bending down give give her father a kiss on top of his head. "Thank you father," she whispered. Tatsu reached up with one arm squeezing his daughter tightly. "Thank you daughter," he said. "I know you will make me proud."
As the trio turned to leave Tatsu called out for Kellie, pausing she remained behind with the divine kitsune. "You needed to talk with me sir?"
"Kellie," he said softly. "I should thank you for Liliths change of heart. You may have unintentionally given us hope for the future."
Kellie thanked the divine kitsune as he now sighed sadly. "I fear the worse is yet to come," he said. "Many shall die before this is over. You must help my daughters forge an alliance with the demons as well as bring others to our side."
"I'll try," Kellie said quietly. Tatsu turned slowly looking the teen over. "You can Kellie," he said. "Your father is respected by all. As his daughter the other magical families will have respect for you. Help my daughters forge these alliances. Only by combining all of our power can we hope to see this through."
"Other magical families," Kellie asked.
"Dragons, the far, the undead," Tatsu stated. "If we are to survive we shall need a United front. Make them understand."
"I will," Kellie promised. As she turned to leave Tatsu called for her once more.
"Please keep my daughters safe," he asked. "I can not bare to lose anymore of my family." Kellie could only nod as she left the room. She had been charged with uniting the entire magical world against this threat. Hopefully she was up to the task.