As Rethavok were prone to going into a feral defensive rage over their threatened kids, as Rethan society began to grow, most Rethans started raising their kids in large nurseries, in order to better protect their babies and also not become adrenaline-fuelled monsters at the sight of their kids being accidentally hurt, especially as some Rethans were particularly prone to doing so.
This was probably the reason why four Rethans were currently trying to stop the General of Heroes from stampeding into a private hospital room with those familiar early symptoms of rage in their eyes.
“WHERE IS MY KID? I WILL KILL WHOEVER DARED HURT MY KID!”
Really, the colossal Rethan, who stood over half a metre taller than most other Rethans, was too mentally addled by the desire to protect that they weren’t really listening to what other people were saying to them. If it wasn’t for their partner Relkir somewhat leading Gath around, the Keeper probably would have taken out a couple of walls or something by now.
Finally though, Relkir was told where their adopted child was, and they managed to gently nudge Gath towards a private ward on an upper floor. Immediately, Gath charged into the room but came to an abrupt halt.
“Hi, mama, are you alright?” Litvir asked as they stood by the window, peering out of it.
Gath stared at Litvir. Litvir glanced at Relkir, who was standing behind Gath, then thought for a moment. Litvir very rarely willingly used their telepathy, but they decided to send Gath a small telepathic message, saying that Litvir was safe and they could calm down. This seemed to work, and Gath slowly plodded forward until they were in arms’ reach of Litvir. Once they were close enough, Litvir hugged Gath tightly.
“Mama, I am not hurt, I am safe, you do not need to be angry.”
Gath relaxed a little, took a deep breath then hugged Litvir back.
“Mama, it is all alright.”
Litvir smiled, then sat Gath down on the bed and patted them on the shoulder. Gath stared somewhat blankly at Litvir, their head still caught in a half Defensive Stance state.
“Litvir… you… uh…”
“I am fine, mama! I am a deity, I am already healed up!”
Litvir wasn’t wearing much armour, mostly just fabric wraps so they were comfortable. They removed the (admittedly rather pointless) bandages from their chest, then presented themselves to Gath, proving that Litvir was no longer in danger. While there was a large, slightly grey scar in the middle of Litvir’s chest, their internal organs were intact, and the scar would fade over time. Gath ran their hands across Litvir’s chest, inspecting the wounds themselves, then pulled Litvir into a hug, sobbing loudly and incoherently. Litvir just shrugged and hugged Gath back, letting their adopted mother slowly calm themselves down.
Still standing in the doorway, Relkir breathed a sigh of relief, then jumped a little as someone put their hand on Relkir’s shoulder.
“Oh. Sorry. I did not mean to scare you.”
“It is fine, Rethais. Are you alright? Are you hurt?” Relkir asked.
“I am not injured in the slightest. But I am very angry…” Rethais sighed. “Mind if we talk in private, briefly?”
Relkir nodded, letting Rethais pull them to one side. “You seem more than just angry.”
“Well, I am angry and upset. My poor nibling just got shot, and last year, you and Retvik got shot. And in my first year in office, there were thirty failed assassination attempts against me. I do not understand why so many people seem to want me dead, when all I have done is try and make things better for Rethans.”
Relkir shrugged. “To be fair, the Torr were the ones trying to assassinate you last year, and the Sudden Darkness was trying to kill everyone.”
“That is true, but this is bothering me. I had the former All-Ksa pop by earlier to check on Litvir and myself, and Lysar asked Kyr Elkay if other leaders had such high assassination attempts as I have had. I know our terms in power are ten years, which is longer than most races apart from the Spasts and the Thraki, but I am only halfway through mine and have had more attempts on my life than the damned Lord King has.”
Relkir thought for a moment, then frowned. “I will be honest, I think it is because we are Rethavok. The other members of the Twelve do not want us becoming big and powerful politically because we are big and powerful physically and numerically. We essentially have the biggest military in the universe, we are all colossal armoured brutes who know how to both follow orders and fight, and, well, I guess that vok like the Torr and the Temthans can see us as a threat. Doubly so since you are well-liked by the majority, and recent reports have suggested that we would all happily follow you into battle if needed.
“Also, we are one of the first lines of defence of the universe, and we are the reason why terrorist cults like the Yisic Circle no longer exist, while also facilitating peaceful solutions for other groups. After all, we assisted somewhat when the Perpetual Abyss rejoined the Lanex by offering a neutral ground to negotiate, as well as temporary living spaces. We keep the order and the peace, and, admittedly, killing you would be the easiest way to disrupt that peace.”
Rethais blinked, then tutted. “I am so glad I put you into your own Legion. Your intellect HAS to be shared.”
“I appreciate that, but we ought to work something out in the mean time. I assume Ritlir, Lysar and Jeliira are already working on this?”
“They are, yes, but I am admittedly still a little shocked by what happened. I think you and Gath would have both lost it if you had seen how much blood was everywhere.”
Relkir sighed some more. “That is understandable. You should stay here for a bit. And bring Lysar too. So we can all be here for Litvir, as a family.”
“How comes?”
“Two reasons. Firstly, we need to show that we are still strong, and that love and family trump violence. Secondly… I think Lysar needs to be by your side. They are probably just as worried about you as Gath and I are about Litvir.”
“You are absolutely right…” Rethais also sighed. “Very well. I will call Lysar and get them to come here. Their captains can do the hard work, Lysar needs to know that I am safe. Thank you, Relkir.”
“No worries. I am going to go and check on my partner and my kid.”
Rethais patted Relkir on the shoulder. “You do that. I shall be with you in a moment.”