At the medical center's headquarters, the doctors informed Ryota that they did not have enough equipment to help his sister.
She needed to be transferred as quickly as possible to a real hospital.
A few moments later, an ambulance carried Emi away to the Andore Care Institute, the most renowned establishment on the entire planet.
Ryota remained frozen, watching the vehicle disappear into the distance, his heart heavy and his mind overwhelmed by a fear he desperately tried to contain.
***
Hours passed, slow and endless.
Sitting on a bench in front of the waiting room, Ryota appeared calm, his hands clasped together, his gaze fixed on the floor.
But inside him, fear was growing.
The fear of losing her.
Then, the door opened.
A doctor came out and walked toward him.
Ryota's heart skipped a beat.
He stood up at once, ready to hear what he dreaded most.
— How is she…? he asked in a tense voice.
— Her condition has stabilized, the doctor replied. Her body is resting.
At those words, Ryota let out a faint smile, relieved despite the anxiety that still lingered.
— That's good… I was so scared.
But the doctor's expression hardened.
— However, I need to talk to you about something more serious.
Stay calm, we are doing our best to find a solution.
Ryota felt his stomach tighten.
He saw hesitation in the doctor's eyes, as if he were searching for the right words.
— Tell me… what does she have? What is happening to my sister?
— Very well. Your sister is afflicted with a very ancient disease.
It only affects hybrids belonging to extremely rare lineages.
Your sister being a half-kitsune… an origin that has now disappeared.
Ryota's breath caught.
— It's… the same disease our mother had?
— Exactly.
According to her file, I can tell you one thing with certainty: if your sister's kitsune essence fades away… her body and her mind will follow.
Unfortunately, this essence diminishes over time because of the disease.
I am sorry.
The doctor bowed slightly before leaving, leaving Ryota alone in the silent hallway.
He remained still for a few seconds, then headed toward Emi's room.
He entered quietly, sat beside her, and took her hand in his.
— I'm here… he murmured.
The tears he had been holding back for far too long finally fell.
══ ✦ ══
— Kaïs… I need your help.
— Ryota? I'm at work. Is it urgent?
He stayed silent for a moment.
He didn't want to disturb her… but he no longer knew where else to turn.
That silence was enough for Kaïs to understand.
— I'm coming. Wait for me.
They met outside, near a public square where children were playing and laughing.
Ryota was sitting on a bench, watching the scene with a fragile smile, hiding a deep despair.
— You don't look well, Kaïs said as she approached. What's going on?
— Kaïs… thank you for coming.
— Of course. I told you, I'm here if you need help. So?
— It's Emi… she's in the hospital.
She has the same disease as our mother.
Kaïs went pale.
— Shit… I'm sorry, Ryota.
He opened up to her, as he always had.
Since their childhood, Kaïs had always been there.
In happy moments as well as the darkest ones.
She knew the entire story of Ryota and Emi, almost as if she were part of their family.
— Don't lose hope, Ryota, she said, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Do you remember everything the three of us have overcome? You, Emi, and me.
— Yes… but what do you want us to do?
The doctors haven't found anything yet.
— Then we'll search. Together.
Keep faith in your sister.
For weeks, Ryota and Kaïs searched relentlessly.
Ancient remedies, medical research, consultations with the greatest specialists in Andora…
They exhausted themselves.
But Emi's condition continued to deteriorate.
Little by little, Ryota's hope crumbled.
One evening, Kaïs, exhausted, fell asleep on the living room couch.
Ryota, on the other hand, couldn't close his eyes.
He got up.
— I have to be with her…
He returned to the hospital.
***
Sitting beside Emi's bed, he took her hand.
The warmth of her fingers soothed him.
— I won't leave you… he murmured.
Without realizing it, he fell asleep in turn.
That night, Ryota had a dream.
A dream… that could save his sister.