“You’re here to visit Lynda Sparks? Sir, may I know what your relationship is with her?”

“I’m her teacher from Saint High.”

“Oh, I see. Lynda Sparks’ teacher, erm-hrm.”

The nurse tabulated some data into the floating panel.

“Do you happen to know where Miss Nyill is? Xe’s a nurse working here.”

“Miss Nyill? I’m sorry, I don’t remember which department xe’s working in this week. Do you need hir for anything?”

“No, I thought to give my greetings. If xe’s busy then it’s alright.”

The nurse nodded and directed us to the quarantine center for NtBM. A directory shown in AR was provided. It’s in tower U section 3 on the 5th floor.

“It’s the first time I’ve come so deep into the hospital. It feels like a hotel for some reason.”

Lia observed, seeing how there were open cafes, lounges, and greenery everywhere.

We passed by the dialysis center before reaching tower U. We took the elevator. Cain even talked with one of the doctors. The doctor was, of course, an angel and was curious as to why Cain was helping a demon, me.

Oddly enough, the doctor left with an understanding demeanor and we were even given some pointers on how to behave as to protect ourselves when approaching NtBM patients.

We reached the reverse isolation center where, surprisingly, I found myself standing in front of a demon nurse. Xe had a black crown with gold flakes just above it. Is this the effect of wearing the chain? I suppose that’s why the angels call it a coronet.

Crowns actually vary in colour. It can be red, black, gold or light blue. The rule of thumb is if the crown looks dark and scary, it's a demon. Bright and divine, angel.

The nurse educated us on some of the precautions such as not to act in erratic ways and always be considerate of the patients. Avoid showing bare skin as it may sometimes stimulate the patient’s appetite for blood.

After that we were ushered in, the nurse leading us in the front.

There were more than one rooms in this one stretch of hall. The interior of which looked like executive rooms decorated and furnished to hotel standard.

“I’m Shelly Roth, the nurse attending to Lynda. Avner, is your name, correct? How are you doing so far?”

“Alright, I guess?”

Xe peeked behind. Cain was conversing with Lia.

“I know, it can sometimes be confusing when there’s an obvious line between two factions. But just because discrimnation exists, it doesn’t mean one is better than the other. I want to persuade you to look at it more objectively at least.”

“Okay?”

“I’ve been there just like you. You just have to get used to it. Sooner or later, it’ll become part of everyday life.”

Feeling some level of shame from hirs words, I began reassessing my assumptions.

Perhaps, I’ve been misled by each individual’s biased perspectives. Lucifer wasn’t wrong about angels being a bummer. But she also isn’t right about angels and demons not being able to coexist in peace. Nurse Shelly is proof of that.

Then again, I don’t know enough about the situation to really judge anything. Maybe Lucifer’s claim is right? Something happened to make her think that angels can’t be trusted? Mistakes can happen no matter which faction you’re from. Perhaps Cain didn’t do what he did on purpose.

In the end, it’s up to the individual’s own point of view, isn’t it?

Whatever it is, nurse Shelly’s words did something to jog my thoughts. I shouldn’t just believe one is good and the other isn’t.

So, what exactly was Avner of the 233rd aiming for when he said he wanted peace for angels and demons?

Didn’t it already exist? Or is what I’m seeing the fruit of his actions? I have no idea.

Xe knocked before entering.

“Good morning Miss Lynda, nurse Shelly here. You have visitors.”

“I do?”

We made our way into the room. There I saw Lynda. Her silky peace-orange hair loosely hung over her shoulders, some curled around her ears. Her eyes were wide open, exasperated at our arrival.

“Avner! Mister Cain! I thought you’d never come. Who’s this? Your etler, Avner?”

“Hello, I’m Lia.”

“Xe’s so cute,” Lynda grinned. I noticed how her teeth had changed.

“There are seats here that you can use.”

“Thank you.”

“How are you feeling Lynda? Any odd tingling sensations anywhere on your body?”

“No, I’m feeling normal.”

“Alright, then I won't disturb your time together. If you need anything, press the call bell alright?”

“I will, thank you.”

The nurse left with those words. Lynda began.

“I’m still under observation. I’ll only be discharged once they confirm that everything about me is A-O-K.”

“Are you really a vampire?” Lia asked.

“Sure am, look,” Lynda pointed at her teeth– her fangs.

“Then do you drink blood? What does it taste like?”

“It still tastes like blood. I don’t like it, but I have no choice but to drink it.”

I walked over and browsed the terminal. Information regarding Lynda popped up.

She’s become a stage two vampire. What?

So they gave her human blood instead of vampire blood..

“No gifts?”

“Gifts? No..” Lia replied, looking at me.

“I didn’t even know we were coming.”

“Really?”

“Mister Cain just told me we’re going to the hospital and that’s how we ended up here.”

“Huh? I thought you knew we were coming here?”

“Nope.”

“Really? Then did you bring anything, Mister Cain?”

“A light snack, if you would consider it. I made these myself.”

Cain took out a small packet of cookies from pocket. So that’s what it was.

“Oh, thank you!”