Although Liam MacGregor would make a full recovery, it looked as if he would be spending Christmas at the hospital. Nat and her mother would not leave his side. If Liam couldn't be home for Christmas then they would bring Christmas to him.
This was how Nat now found herself waking up in her father's hospital room on Christmas morning. Stretching as the early morning light now flooded her fathers hospital room, Nat glanced at her father's bed, seeing her mother resting her head on his chest.
"You stupid man," she whimpered. "You stupid, beautiful, compassionate man." A feeling of awkwardness washed over the young teen, Nat watching her mother cling to her husband's chest.
Marisa wasn't one to show emotion like this. Far to often growing up. Nat had heard her father refer to Marisa as the "tough one". Marisa was the one who handed out discipline, she was the one Nat went to if she was asking permission. It wasn't that she didn't love and respect her father, it was just that Marisa always carried herself with such authority.
Now Nat could see just how much Marisa needed her husband. The vampires features had shifted, her face more feral with eyes a solid red. The womans vampiric features were on full display for all to see yet, as Nat gazed at her she noticed vulnerability not ferocity.
Bloody tears leaked from the womans eyes, her face feral yet sorrowful. Nat almost felt like she was gazing at a ferocious animal that was mourning the injury to her master. "Mom," Nat asked nervously.
Marisa raised her head, wiping the bloody tears from her cheeks as she tried to compose herself. Quickly her features changed, becoming more human. The vampire composing herself and once more hiding her vulnerability. "Nat," she sniffed. "How did you sleep?"
"I slept okay mom," Nat replied. "How's dad?"
"The doctors gave your father some extra medication last night," she sighed. "He was in a bit of discomfort so I asked them to help him."
"I'm surprised they listened," Nat stated. "Also, how did they agree to let us camp out in dad's room all week." Marisa chuckled, almost girlishly before flashing her daughter a sly smile. "One of the many perks of being a vampire," she smirked. "A little bit of mind control can go along way to getting what you wish. All I needed to do was gaze into their eyes and offer a suggestion. After that they proved to be much more willing to listen." Nat nodded, casting her mother a dubious look. Mind controlling people didn't sound like something her mother should be boasting about.
"Don't give me that look I was just trying to make your father comfortable," Marisa exclaimed. "Also don't you even think of doing this yourself. Is that understood young lady?" Nat nodded, this was one ability she had no desire to explore. "So mom," Nat said quickly, trying to change the subject. "Have you thought about what I asked?"
Marisa nodded, sighing as she looked first to her husband then Nat. "Yes," she sighed. "And while I don't condone violence, you have a point. You do need to know how to defend yourself."
"So you'll teach me?"
Marisa shook her head no, she had someone much better in mind. Nat would just have to be patient. "I have the perfect teacher and you'll get to meet them when we open our gifts."
A few hours later, after Liam MacGregor had awoken, the family found themselves opening their Christmas gifts. Maria and Liam fawning over the gifts they had purchased for one another. "New gloves just what I was hoping for," Liam smiled. "Thank you. I'm sorry we have to spend Christmas in the hospital."
"Hush," Marisa smiled. "You being okay is all the gift I could ever hope for. Besides the doctors say you can head home in another day or two."
"Mom, Dad" Nat asked. "Thank you for the gifts but you said someone was coming to teach me to fight?" Liam and Marisa paused, Nat's father giving his wife a concerned look, as Marisa tried to put him at ease. "We already agreed on this Liam she should learn to take care of herself."
"I know," he sighed. "Its just....I hate the idea of my little girl having to fight."
"As do I," Marisa replied. "But unfortunately this is the world we live in. If this Ezekiel Kane is out there, then Natalia needs to be able to defend herself." Liam nodded in acceptance as Marisa turned to Nat, a warm smile on her face.
Before Nat could answer she was surprised as a portal now opened inside the hospital room. Letting out a small gasp, Nat watched as a figure now stepped through. "Wait is that?"
"Yes," Marisa smiled. "Ever since I began working on my novel I've been in contact with Mr. Akira. After talking with him about our....situation, he agreed to teach you how to defend yourself." Nat now gawked as she gazed at the five tailed kitsune.
Akira smirked, the kitsune now looming over the teenage dhamphir as his tails swished behind him. "Prepare yourself Natalia MacGregor," he stated. "When we are finished I anticipate you to fight as well as any kitsune warrior."