Chapter 2: The Beginning of a New Life
On July 30th, in a spacious room decorated in shades of red, a chandelier hung in the center, filling the space with a warm light. Refined furniture surrounded the room, but all attention was focused on a large bed. On it, a woman groaned in pain as a group of women whispered anxiously. The groans intensified until, finally, a piercing scream broke through the air.
A nurse quickly approached, holding a newborn baby crying loudly.
"Congratulations, it's a boy!" the nurse announced with a smile.
Another nurse took the baby and wrapped him in a clean towel. Meanwhile, a third woman hurried out to inform the father of the situation. Shortly after, a man with an elegant appearance entered the room. He had red hair, and furry ears protruded from the top of his head. His reddish beard framed an expression where joy and sorrow battled for dominance. When his eyes fell on the child, his heart clenched. The baby had the same red hair and the same furry ears, but his face was tender and innocent. The nurse carefully handed him the baby.
The man approached the bed, where his wife lay exhausted. Her skin was pale—so pale it seemed life was slowly slipping away from her.
"Henri, I want to see our baby," the woman said weakly.
"Yes, my love," Henri responded, handing her the child with utmost care.
The woman smiled with infinite tenderness as she held her baby. In her gaze, there was a love so deep it could melt even the coldest of souls. It was a smile filled with peace, with absolute love.
"My precious treasure... I'm sorry I won't be able to see you grow, but I will always be with you, deep in your heart. Your family will be by your side when you feel lost and need someone to trust. Make sure to get along with your big sister, play with her a lot. From today, your name will be Cale. Grow up with a big and joyful heart. Mommy loves you very much, little one." With these words, the mother kissed her son's forehead and, with her last breath, handed him back to Henri.
Henri held the baby as he watched his wife exhale her final breath. Her features softened into an expression of peace, like a painter's masterpiece frozen in time. Jayce—or rather, Cale, as he was now called—couldn't hold back his tears. The pain of losing his mother was unbearable. His father, trying to stay strong, also let out a few tears, his sobs muffled as he cradled the little one in his arms.
After several minutes, Cale fell asleep in his father's arms.
When Cale woke up, he found himself in a white crib in the middle of a spacious room. Above his head, a baby mobile spun slowly. He noticed another baby in a crib beside his—a girl with big eyes who stared at him curiously. As they silently observed each other, their father's voice resonated in the room.
"Ameri, this is your brother, Cale. You are his older sister. Take care of him, okay? Make sure he's not too mischievous when I'm not around. Mom can no longer be with us, so now it's just the three of us. But remember, she always loved us and always will." Henri gently stroked Ameri's head with a warm smile.
Ameri closed her eyes and nodded with a soft sound of acknowledgment.
As he listened to his father's words, Cale couldn't help but wonder,
"Does Dad really think I'll be that mischievous when I grow up?"
Six months later, Cale slept in his crib, with Ameri by his side. She had gotten used to playing with his cheeks while he slept, hugging him like a pillow. The days in his new home felt slow and monotonous for Cale. If it weren't for Ameri constantly playing with him, his time would have passed without much interest. Baby toys didn't appeal to him at all.
Their father would usually come at night to read them stories, though sometimes he couldn't return due to work. The maids fed them, and Ameri often shared soft food with him. Despite the routine, Cale found growing comfort in his new life, especially when Ameri hugged him to sleep. At first, he thought he would be suffocated by her hugs, but he soon discovered that gently stroking her cheek made her loosen her grip a little. Over time, he got used to it, and that nightly routine became a part of his daily life.
Two years passed quickly. During that time, Ameri decided to follow in their father's footsteps and train to become the head of demon security. Her attitude became more serious and confident, though she always relaxed around her younger brother. She loved sleeping with Cale, using him as a dakimakura every night.
One day, their father took them to work to introduce them to everyone. Both were in a double stroller, dressed in adorable matching outfits. When they arrived, their father formally introduced them, bowing beside them. The employees, upon seeing them, were instantly captivated by their cuteness. Cale smiled at their reactions, while Ameri, embarrassed, lowered her head—making her look even more adorable.
Over time, their bond as a family grew stronger. Henri took them to many places and bought them everything that caught their interest. He even taught them about their lineage and the powers that ran through their veins. Cale knew his abilities wouldn't be exactly like his sister's, but perhaps they would have something in common with their mother's.
Cale began to imagine his future. With his power as a spirit tamer, he would have to explore much of the Netherworld. Why not become an explorer? He could record the secrets of that mysterious world and, most importantly, never be alone—he would always have companions. The thought reminded him of a certain blonde boy who had loved exploring Runeterra.
With a smile on his lips, Cale closed his eyes, ready for whatever the future had in store for him.