15 - The Overprotective Family (1)

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*Old Note*

April 28, 2005

Sometimes everything at home is so normal that I almost think all of it was just a dream, like the nightmares. But I got a scar that is visible only in the mirror. Did you get one, too?

Your worried Friend

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*Present Day*

The whole family, minus Sanyi and Leo, who were in charge of bringing Kir and Kai home, sat in the living room, waiting.

Ilari wondered if he should text a warning to his fiancé. If a polite man like him dubbed the previous family assault somehow overwhelming, will he even survive this time if he was to come unprepared? Ilari's thought was rendered moot when the doorbell rang and his father walked in with his new fiancé and all eyes turned to them. Leo and Kai followed their humans, chatting amicably.

To his credit, Kir kept a straight, polite face despite the six pairs of senior[1] [2] eyes examining him critically.

Sanyi greeted the older generation enthusiastically and began introducing Kir and Kai to them one by one.

"Kir, Kai, this is my father, Ivan and his familiar, Njall," he said, taking Kir to the tall and handsome brown-haired old man that was Ilari's paternal grandfather, and the somber-looking jaguar with dark yellow fur and brown rosettes seated next to him. No one could imagine that this was the same jaguar that had been clinging to Ilari all day and acting like a hungry kitten.

Two pairs of copper eyes regarded Kir and Kai for several moments. Kir could suddenly understand Ilari's frustrated outburst the previous night – his paternal grandfather, his father, and his brother – they all had the same copper eyes, big feline familiars, and powerful fire magic.

"Hello," Kir and Kai said politely, holding out a hand and a paw respectively.

Ivan's eyes flashed and the unsuspecting Kir was engulfed in a bear hug. Njall, too, bumped Kai affectionately, his attitude the polar opposite of what it was a few seconds ago.

Ilari breathed a sigh of relief, hoping his maternal grandparents would not create trouble, either. His Gramps was usually the toughest nut to crack in the family, so if he and Njall liked Kir and Kai, others should be easier... Then he wondered how he'd managed to develop a soft spot for this unexpected fiancé and his stoic tiger in a day.

Ivan and Njall finally released Kir and Kai the victims of their sudden affection-attack. Sanyi and Leo took their seats next to the older pair them and while Vera and Arusha, with Arusha perched on her shoulder, led Kir and Kai to Ilari's maternal grandparents.

"This is my father, Ren and his dragon, Jade," Vera said.

The plump elderly gentleman with olive skin, reddish-gold hair and hazel eyes stood up and shook hands with Kir. The air around him seemed to ripple with his wind magic. The dragon sniffed first at Kai and then at Kir. Then he returned to Kai and wrapped his tail around the tiger's middle, cuddling him like he often did to Alair.

"Ah, so you're Corvin's grandson…you've grown up well," Ren said quietly and hugged Kir. "I'm sorry we couldn't find you and bring you with us back then…"

Kir shook his head. "That's very kind of you, but there is nothing to apologise for."

Ren patted the thin young man on the back. "What a good child," he murmured.

Vera pulled away her future son-in-law and took him to her mother. "This is my mother, Maya, and her phoenix, Talya."

The elegant lady with dark red hair and green eyes and powerful earth magic stood up and hugged Kir. The phoenix nipped Kai's ear first and then Kir's. The likeness between Maya, Vera and Ilma was quite striking.

Ilari stepped forward and led Kir and Kai to a comfortable seat. Then he turned to his family. "Shall we have some appetizers now?" he asked.

All the animals except Alair rushed at him, pushing the young man towards the kitchen. Alair, on the other hand, climbed nimbly on Kir's lap and asked, "Did you enjoy lunch?"

Kir smiled gently. "Very much so."

"Good," Alair said. "Wake me up when Ilari brings the salmon." Then he yawned delicately, curled up on Kir and went to sleep.

Kir looked at the cat helplessly while everyone else burst out laughing.

Ilari returned soon enough to find Kir getting along rather well with his family. He frowned at the sleeping (and purring contentedly) Alair on his fiance's lap.

Kir looked up at him and smiled slightly. "Did you get the salmon?"

"Not yet. Why?"

"Alair said to wake him up when you bring it," Kir relayed faithfully.

Everyone laughed again. Ilari sat down next to his fiance and stubbornly refused to get the fish his cat wanted. Thanks to that, Alair slept peacefully for quite some time while the humans and the other animals enjoyed the various starters made by Ilari's expert hands.

"Forget this detective business," Ren told his youngest grandson. "Open a restaurant instead, and you'll be a millionaire in a couple of months."

Ilari huffed indignantly.

Maya stroked his arm comfortingly. "Your cooking is indeed magnificent," she said. "This is a rare talent."

"So you really should consider the restaurant," Ivan chimed in.

"Excellent idea!" Sanyi confirmed, booming with laughter.

"Much safer than being a detective," Vera said.

"We'll support you, little brother!" Ivor and Ilma echoed in sync.

Each of the familiars also expressed their support.

Ilari's face was dark as thunder. "If you don't let me be a detective like I want to be, I'll never cook a single dish for you guys for the rest of my life!" he threatened.

"A detective is a great and noble profession," Kenya said hurriedly. "Ilari can be an excellent detective."

"We support your career choice!" Kolya added.

Ilari arched an eyebrow and shot his family an enquiring glance.

Sanyi sighed. "We know you really want to be a detective, son, but…"

"I graduated top of warrior class!" Ilari said angrily. "Don't tell me I'm too weak!"

Leo patted Ilari's knee soothingly with his big paw.

The older generations looked at each other apprehensively.