Sendak held his kit tight to his chest as he made his way back over to the ship. He had been so scared when he lost sight of Illaru, thinking he had been kidnapped or something equally as horrible. The larger galra quietly licked the kit’s head, trying to calm him down as best he could.
As soon as they were back in the safety of the ship Sendak set the kit in one of the chairs and retrieved the first aid kit before taking out some disinfectant spray. “This may sting a little so just stay still, little one.”
He then carefully disinfected the wounds, cleaned them off, and wrapped them in bandages before backing up to look to the kit. “Illaru.. You know you’re not supposed to run off like that. You made me very worried.”
It was one of the days where Anika didn’t have work. A friend invited her to go out for the day but bailed on her last minute. The mercenary had already arrived on the planet the two were scheduled to meet on. There had been many things on the celestial body, such as shops, cafe’s, and some other pleasant things to visit. There also was a big building on the side of the central town, a small sign was mounted above the door that read ‘ORPHANAGE’ in big bold letters. This intrigued Anika because multiple times in her life, she had been almost gone to one of these places. Seeing a flower shop right next to her, she bought a bouquet to bring flowers to some of the children, hoping it could brighten some of their days.
She entered by pushing open the door, seeing a person at a desk, and a stair case that most likely lead to the children’s bedrooms.
I might not be able to make the whole comic, but I did make this to go with a little, quick story thing...
I remember them....
They helped me without a single misplaced question. Even when pleaded to that they would be the ones to take the fall they still helped. They hid those who needed help.
And I had needed help.
It was my poor mistakes that had cause me to find myself with several ships on my tail when I stumbled upon those two. They were carrying their trading wares from the morning back to their home. They didn't offer words, only picking my injured self up and retreating back to the safety of their home.
Their oldest had patched me up and gave his bed to me until I was more than able again. They never took money or information from me. They did simply because they could.
But nothing good could ever last in this universe as it stands.
The Empire came before the sun rose, tearing into the house without care. Fire drew the adults out like rats. Straight out into a shower of bullets that tore them down until they breathed no more.
Their oldest kept me aptly hidden in a room meant for such circumstances. How many had they helped that a room needed to exist?
I remember their faces.
Once the land fell silence I peeked out. What I found only halfway surprised me: Three bodies sprawled out where they fell. Blood seeping from each of them.
At least I was able to give them a proper sending.
But I remember him.
Hearing him at the last moment before putting his mother's body into it's final resting place made my heart sink. He cried out into the silence to mourn the best his underdeveloped mind could. I searched through both pouches of the parents, finding four other kits who had already passed.
And then I saw him.
His ear was already clawed open and he was more than freezing. I should have known they were carrying earlier. I could have at least saved the children.
He clung to me once he was wrapped up in the only blankets I could find in the home. I knew I couldn't keep him, even if my group was more than capable with several parents already. But I couldn't risk it.
Maybe that was really the first mistake.
I dropped him off at the closest orphanage. Perhaps I could return for him once he was of age to start training. A fine warrior I could see him becoming.
But to have him return to my presence so quickly...
The royal palace was a big place and an exciting place if one knew where to look for fun.
When one’s Caretaker lost himself in a book or dozed off or had to focus on something else for a moment, there was a chance to Sneak Out, and Sneaking Out was definitely fun. The tall servants were good for piggyback rides, the kitchens always had cookies and the garden was huge, reaching as far as the forest, and the forest had glowing flowers and shining stones and monsters lurking in the shadows.
Of course, the best thing was when Lord Sendak wasn’t away on boring meetings, but Lord Sendak was Important, and he was away often. The Caretaker knew some fun things, like stories and swordplay, bur he knew a lot of boring things, too; and he wanted to share those things far more often than the fun ones. So Sneaking Out was always a prefered way to spend time and besides, when Lord Sendak came to end Sneaking Out, the servants and soldiers covered from his growl, and that was funny.
The day was bright, the corridors bathed in sharp sunlight and lunch just ended, and most people liked to take a little nap with their bellies full, even the Royals. Napping was good, too, but there were more boring lessons waiting in the afternoon, and the breeze sneaking in through the open windows carried scents and the doors weren’t locked.
Illaru was quickly wrapped up into another,more fluffy blanket before he's handed back to Sendak. "He's very underweight for his age. Honestly he shouldn't be out of a pouch right now. I don't know what they were thinking." The medic made a face. "As long as we get him on a better diet he'll be alright. Being warm shouldnt be a problem with how clingy he is to you." Speaking of the tiny kit, he was currently holding very tightly onto Sendak.
Sendak was furious. So so furious. His kit was sick and it was the orphanage’s fault, he thinks they should pay. But, that would come later. He had to take care of his kit.
Sendak carefully took Illaru into his arms and kisses his forehead, purring softly to calm the kit. He then carefully lowers the kit into his pouch to keep him warm and safe. He looks back up at the medic and sighs. “I can get myself producing milk again and I’ll try to eat more. That should be a good diet for him.”
There's a gentle, tiny pap on his shoulder before there's a small hug. "It's okay... Dad, it's okay." Illaru's voice is sleepy and quiet.
It had been a while since he’d had a nightmare featuring.. him. Honestly, Sendak felt like he had Illaru to thank for that. But, of course, that couldn’t last forever. Sendak was having a dream of that horrible person attacking and trying to kill little Illaru and he could no nothing about it. He was forced to watch as Illaru was killed.
Then, he was startled awake by his kit’s small voice. He panted loudly as he tried to calm himself down.. and then Illaru hugged him. He couldn’t stop himself from sobbing openly. He hugged Illaru back, so happy that he was okay and that it was just a dream. “I-I probably woke you u-up, didn’t I I? I-I’m sorry little o-one…”
