Standing on the main presenting platform of her make-shift learning/teaching/observation room, Sif clears her throat and beings her lesson.

"The red fox is known as the 'true fox' within the northern hemisphere of Terra. Whilst having an elongated body, its tail was nearly half of it's body length. The paws were differently oriented, as the fore-paws had five digits and the hind paws had four. Being able to leap over six feet, they were well equip to maneuver over fences that held livestock." Sif watched as the techpreists and serfs attending listened and had taken notes, both physically and mentally.

Taking that in, she continues. "While having narrow and elongated skulls, their canines were not to be messed with, as they are documented to be relatively long compared to the fox's maw." As a demonstration, Sif shifts to resemble a red fox.

Her yellow hair turning into orange, white, and black fur as well as sprouting ears and a tail. Her hands and feet turning into the paws she had mentioned before, in less than 5 seconds, Sif was now a fox. Opening her mouth for the techpriests to see. Some simply stayed back and observed while some got closer to get a better look.

Closing her mouth, she pulls back her upper and lower lip to give the impression she is growling. "Since the fangs are elongated, a proper growl is not needed so-to-say. A simple lowering of the jaw is all that's needed to show a opposing force to not mess with the fox." While still in a fox form, she sits on the observation pad, letting the techpriests to capture her likeness with scans, photos, and sketches from the serfs attending.

Just then the door opens, showing 2 figures. Blue armour and white with red streaks on flowing robes. Titus and Theia. Sif looks at them for only a second and goes back to teaching. "A demonstration of a red fox leaping great lengths, if you may."

The magos and serfs alike stand back and wait with anticipation. Sif leaps from the pad and into the air, her orange fur rustling in the short amount of wind available. She lands a few feet in front of Titus and looks up. Titus makes no movement as Sif leaps into the air and reaches up to the top of his shoulder pouldron. Some serfs gasp and oooh as the feat of movement.

Sif then trots back to the observation pad and leaps back onto it. "With that being shown, onto the lesson. While the fur of the red fox is orange, white, and black. It can change based on thermal temperatures and seasons. For instance, when in colder climates, the fur can change to white to best blend into the surroundings as well as gain a thicker or courser fur to keep warmth in. Thermal windows are short hairs around the head and lower legs are the same all year round."

She watches the techpriests write more notes and from the corner of her eyes, she sees as Titus and Theia walk to a corner of the room and watch from afar. Smiling, she continues in her lesson, feeling like a teacher of Athens.

"On with the show-" she is cut off when she sees someone new in the crowd. Golden eyes and white hair. Never seen her before. She was small, able to blend into the robes of the serfs if not for sticking out in white clean linens. She watched the lesson from behind the robes of their serfs and techpriests, listening in like a curious lamb. Lamb…she is like a lamb.

"Canis vulpes or Vulpes vulpes, is the Latin name for red fox. Is known throughout many different cultures on Terra, and all have similar ways of being seen. Such as having the moniker of being a trickster and being associated with magic." Sif leaps off the platform and onto a computer without disturbing the keypad, as if she was lighter than air.

"There is a reason for foxes to be seen like this, they have a reputation of using tricks to kill and steal. Some see them as spirits that bring mischief, other see them as helpers or messengers." She glides across the room and slips between each serf and magos alike, watching them as they take in the words she is spewing.

"The leaps and bounds the fox does is mostly seen in farmland. Mainly with chickens and lambs being seen in the morning. No exit or entry. The fox simply jumps the fence and has a feast." Sif stops in front of the little lamb. Looking up at her, she sniffs the robes she wears. The lamb stands still and trembles slightly. She is scared. Glancing at Titus, Sif sees his eyes full of held-fury.

If the fox so much as hurts the lamb, the sheep-dog would intervene, and the sheep-dog knows the fox wouldn't dare.

In return, Sif pushes the top of her head into the young girl's hand, as if wanting a pet from the young girl.

A serf kneels down next to little sororita, "The beast won't hurt you, look." The serf pets the fox gently, scratching behind the soft black ears. The little sororita sees the orange and white tipped tail wag in excitement. Sif closes her eyes and lets the serf and the young girl pet her.

It was a wonderful and soft moment that Sif cherishes as much as she can. She looks up at the young girl, her dark blue eyes looking over her features. I was right, she really is a lamb. When their eyes met, Sif was bombarded with visions of memories. Painful memories. Red and browns accosted her mind, then blue and white.

Sacrificial lamb turned to a new pasture…Good on you Titus.

"We shall take a short recess. Reconvene in 20 minutes." With that, the techpriests and serfs around disperse and start talking in smaller groups. The serf that showed Lilia how to pet Sif stands and follows the rest of the serfs. It was now the young girl and Sif.

Still sitting in her fox form, her muzzle opens, "My name is Sif. What's your name young one?"

Titus watches from a distance. He knew he wouldn't be able to hide Lilia from Sif for very long, but watching them interact in a space full of people would be good. As well as have Theia on hand in case anything went awry.

Lilia looks at the fox, and wrings her hands in her long flowy robe. Sif waits patiently.

Moments pass, then a soft voice emanates from the little sororita. "My name is Lilia."

Sif smiles, more like a fox upturning the corners of their mouth. Titus watches still, a sheep-dog watching closely over their flock.

"That's a very beautiful name. Did you know, that 'Lilia' is from the Latin name Lilium, which means lily? The are the most wonderful flower to every look at." Lilia listens, and hangs onto every words that comes from Sif's mouth. "It's said that white lilies mean 'purity and rebirth', while orange lilies mean 'happiness and warmth'."

As Sif was talking, she turns back into her human form. Her tail recedes as well as her fur, turning back into her yellow hair and pale skin. She stands tall above Lilia, but kneels down to get eye-to-eye with her.

"And so far Lilia, you are bringing some joy to Titus." She smiles warmly, which Lilia returns a bit. Loud steps get closer to them as Titus towers over them.

"Ah Titus! The man of the hour! When were you going to tell me about little-bundle-of-joy over here?" Sif says as she gets up from kneeling.

"You have been busy, seemed fitting to catch you in a teaching moment to show you when you are not stealing left-overs."

Theia giggles while walking over, "What he means to say is, we were not sure when to introduce you two. Perhaps seeing you when you are most engaged with a class would be perfect, and it seems we were right"

It was true, Sif had a reputation of being eccentric and wild. Her known walks around the barge in different forms as well as her known thievery of sneaking food away from her fellow ultramarines is widespread amongst the serfs and Astarte alike. But when she was talking, explaining, and showing her knowledge that very few could even perceive, it was like seeing a whole new person.

"Well you should've shown her to me sooner, I'm great with kids." In that moment, Sif kneels down and in one quick motion. She picks up Lilia.

Lilia, in response, holds onto Sif. Wrapping her arms around her neck and shoulder as Sif holds her from her legs and back. Titus' eyes widens, then he ears something. Purring. Coming from Sif.

Lilia giggles as the small rumble flows through her body. "kitty"

Sif smiles and holds Lilia close.

A loud sigh resounds the instant Lieutenant Demetrian Titus sits down on his bed in his chamber to rest from his last mission, a simple and easy elimination of Xenos. For someone as experienced as he is, it is not difficult; he is a Primaris. To say that he is made for this is an understatement, his entire body is modified and prepared to face anyone who dares to disturb humanity. That intervention also essentially saved him from certain death at the hands of a filthy Xeno.

The scar on his chest is still quite noticeable, though it's not the only one. He has many scars scattered across his body, not to mention the implants he has to connect to his power armor. Another small sigh escapes his mouth.

His gaze shifts to the pillow to his right, somewhat squashed and possibly uncomfortable to sleep on, but still making do. It's easy to see how the corner of what looks like a piece of paper peeks out from under it. He can't help but let out a small laugh. He reaches out to pull out the paper, a perfectly folded piece. The smile on his lips grows slightly as he opens it. A drawing done with crayons, it's somewhat abstract, but each stroke carries the love of the person who drew it.

Titus remembers the day Lilia gave him the drawing. He had gone to visit her again at the convent on that agricultural planet, amid some teasing from Gadriel about how he worried so much about that little girl, to whom he even gave a name, buying and sending things anonymously, however, all the sisters at the convent knew they were gifts from him for the girl.

From simpler things she might need to something he thought she would like, a basic set of crayons and some paper was the last thing he sent. Something inside him is eager to see her. During his occasional visits, he notices how Lilia is growing a little more, gaining some weight, and what used to be completely bony arms now has some flesh on them.

The sisters at the convent keep him updated on every detail, even if he says it isn't necessary—a lie; he just wants to keep up appearances in front of others—but he can't help acting so gently around the little girl, just remembering how excitedly she runs to him every time she hears his footsteps, even before he calls her.

[ . . . ]

Titus's calm footsteps echo as he walks toward the convent. It's been several weeks since he last saw Lilia. After giving her a name, he doesn't even think of calling her anything else; such a soft and beautiful name is pronounced by him. He continues walking until he reaches the convent's main door.

He raises his hand to knock, but his senses alert him to something running in his direction as fast as it can. Titus turns his head slowly, watching as a small white and red figure runs toward him.

Gently yet excitedly, she hugs his leg, looking down at the white and red cap. The little girl's head lifts, staring into Titus's blue eyes. Seconds later, she smiles brightly.

Titus slowly crouches down to Lilia's level, raising his large hand toward her. His armored body is covered in blood for a moment, his hands so large they could crush the girl's head. Titus freezes, inches away from caressing the girl's head, something he usually does, but now he stops to think about how small she is.

Lilia looks at Titus doubtfully, tilts her head with a small sound of confusion, and then stands on tiptoe so her head touches Titus's hand. He snaps out of his reverie and can't help but laugh again. The Primaris truly doesn't understand how this little girl trusts him so much, and it seems that fear is the last thing she would feel about Titus.

Lifting him with one arm while Lilia carefully holds on to him, she gently hugs his neck.

— How was your day, Lilia? —

Before the girl can answer, the voice of one of the convent sisters is heard, approaching with hurried steps and a trembling voice.

— Lilia? Lilia, don't just run away. For the Emperor's sake, don't give me such scares —

The sister looks at the marine, and he looks back. Immediately afterward, they both look at Lilia. She hides behind Titus's neck, certainly somewhat embarrassed because she ran away when she heard the noise of the landing craft.

A feminine sigh resounds, and the sister laughs softly after sighing. No one in the convent can compete with the marine regarding Lilia's favoritism. She spent days drawing the marine during her breaks, just as she began to learn to sew alongside the other sisters.

— Lord Titus, it's a pleasure to see you here. You may come in. I assume it will be just a brief, sporadic visit, as always —

Titus nods back, looking at Lilia in his arms.

— Lilia, don't you think this is a perfect time to give that to Lord Titus? —

Lilia blinks several times and nods rapidly. Titus looks at Lilia with some confusion when he sees her struggling to get out of the marine's arms. He carefully lowers her and watches as she runs down the convent hallway.

— Relax, it's nothing bad, Lord Titus. Lilia's been preparing something very important for herself —

Now Titus's curiosity is gnawing at him, as he watches the little girl disappear down the hallway and reappear a few minutes later, running back, holding something in her hands.

When she stops in front of Titus, the little girl is catching her breath, panting a little from the sprint she's made to gather the important thing she'd packed.

— Lilia? —

The little girl raises her gaze to Titus; there's a sweet sparkle in her eyes when she hears her name, the name he and his beloved gave her.

Something inside Lilia tickles, she's heard about the children adopted from the orphanage, people who truly love them and allow them to call them Mom and Dad.

She quickly dismisses those selfish thoughts in her head, she shouldn't cling to anything. Rather, she's afraid of holding on to something and then simply being discarded like the trash she is.

Lilia clutches the sheet of paper in her hands. When Titus bends down to Lilia's level, she reacts with embarrassment, hiding the paper.

— Lilia... What's going on? —

Titus can tell, can tell his little girl isn't okay. He doesn't even stop to think that he's called her his little girl. He just raises his hand to her head and gently strokes her.

— Lilia, whatever you have hidden, if you give it to me, I'll treasure it —

The girl's eyes light up again with excitement. She holds out the drawing in embarrassment while tightly closing her eyes, avoiding Titus's reaction. He simply freezes, staring at the drawing, a drawing made with the crayons he bought her, a drawing of him and her.

Lilia opens her eyes and looks at Titus. He has a neutral expression on his face until he hugs the girl against him.

— I'll treasure it, Lilia, thank you —

[ . . . ]

If he ever had a moment of vulnerability, it would be when he remembered the people important to him. Initially, his beloved partner, Elitheia, and now, little by little, Lilia was slipping into his memory.

That agricultural planet was such a peaceful place that it seemed untouched by what was happening outside, as if they were simply living peacefully in a world completely parallel to what they were experiencing. The convent in question was a quiet place where the Sororitas Adeptas could take a break. Strangely, such a place existed. He learned about it thanks to his partner. She had mentioned in the past that there was a quiet place where the Sororitas Adeptas could take a short break. She herself had been there several times, as they also took seriously injured sisters there so they could recover peacefully and without worry before returning to their main task.

He raises his large hand to her face, clumsily brushing back her hair. Never in his more than two hundred years did he think they would become so attached to a girl of only ten years old, or so the Biologis tech-priest who had examined the children said. Based on her height and build, he would have said she was much younger, at most about six or seven years old, so small and so fragile.

Children who were used by heretics, children who were not to blame for what was happening to them, and yet they blamed themselves, praying to the Emperor for a better tomorrow.

It's not uncommon for orphans to exist on a hive world, overpopulation and poor oversight lead to these kinds of situations. However, he doesn't even want to remember everything the Tech-Priests told him, since he was the one who requested the children's examination and treatment.

Not only the giant heretical mark burned into their bodies, physical abuse, from beatings to amputations simply for the amusement of those disgusting swine, but what struck him the most was the Tech-Priest's superficial comment, several of those children had been forced into sexual acts with noble adults.

He clenches his jaw tightly, his blood boiling inside him, and to think that those people are still alive in that hive world.

His gaze returns to the drawing, and his facial expression softens slightly, like he'd said about a drawing of Demetrian Titus and Lilia, created by Lilia herself with crayons an anonymous source had obtained for her—everyone knows it was Titus.

Each one has an arrow pointing at them with their name written in a rather shaky way. To say that Titus loves this drawing is an understatement; it is a relic to him, so valuable that if he were to lose it, he could end up submissive in great pain just thinking about Lilia knowing that he lost it.

The simple thought of making the little girl cry hurts him more than the mortal wound they made in her chest. But there is something else in this drawing that, every time he looks at it, breaks his heart: the small marks of dried water on the paper, two in particular. He did not ask Lilia directly, but he deduces that it is because the little girl ended up crying while writing her name. He never expected her to love the name so much, as if it were the most valuable treasure she has.

He still perfectly remembers Lilia's happy face every time he calls her by her name; no matter what she's doing, she turns quickly towards him, as she recognizes his voice instantly. No, not only his voice, little Lilia even recognizes the noise the marine makes when he walks—heavy steps because of the armor, but they have something soft, as if he is afraid of breaking something in the convent. She always gets so excited when he comes to visit her, almost forgetting the rest of the sisters in the convent to give him her full attention.

At the same time, a vague thought runs through his head: how the name he and Theia had given her seemed to have revived something inside the girl, as if it shone brighter than it usually did.

He's so proud of himself for having asked Theia what he should give the little girl. At first, he'd mentioned something material that she was missing, but Theia realized something he hadn't thought of yet: he was, as always, calling her little, little girl... Various synonyms for little, but never by name.

Elitheia's contrite face when she found out everything was filled with sadness and anger. Titus admits that even he was speechless after reading the children's files. He talked about what he knew about the girl from the several times he had visited her at the convent, recounting how she was completely shy, how she ducked her head and played with her hands when she was nervous, how... This could go on for a while, and Theia wouldn't mind him at all.

Elitheia's lips formed a gentle smile. Watching her partner speak so sweetly about the little girl's activities melted her heart. She found him so adorable, even with his size and the scars on his face. He possessed such a soft side that she cherished even the little girl's small gestures.

After that, the conversation flowed like a river until they agreed that her first gift, a name, would be something she couldn't live without, something she could hold onto and claim as hers.

Theia undoubtedly suggested some very pretty names, all related to flowers, but the name she liked most was Lilia. They both liked it, though. Small, shy, and innocent, it fit the little girl's description.

The marine comes to after recalling the entire journey he went through to find little Lilia's name. He also notices his cheeks heat up slightly as he remembers how Gadriel overheard the whole conversation and made a comment that left him completely frozen.

“—Basically, it's as if you've adopted that child; you could be her parents in the child's eyes—”

At no point did he speak to Elitheia about the possibility of starting a family; there wasn't time to think about it, but he must admit that in moments of peace, he truly wants—no, longs to—start a family.

He wants to see his beloved peaceful and happy, creating a family and… Now that the marine stops to think about it, Lilia somehow reminds him of Theia, with such a calm, comforting aura, delicate and gentle gestures.

Now more than ever, he wants to find a moment to introduce Theia to Lilia. He knows how busy his partner is right now, but he will still try his best. He can only smile again, imagining a possible scenario for that introduction. Lilia would adore Theia; he knows it. He has spoken to Lilia about Theia several times, and at no point has she shown anything other than admiration.

He even remembers a little drawing Lilia made of how she imagined Theia, based on Titus's description. For some reason, she drew her with bunny ears. Titus still doesn't quite understand, but he thinks she's too cute.

[ . . . ]

But it seems someone anticipated her partner's thoughts.

Elitheia Agni, Sisters Hospitaller, has landed with one of the landing craft on the agricultural world. She knows where she is better than anyone. She calmly steps off the craft, taking steady strides until she reaches the convent doors. A few gentle knocks later, the door opens.

— Lady Elitheia, a pleasure to see you again —

The sister says as she lets the Hospitaller in.

— It's a pleasure to see you again, Sister Eva —

Theia replies softly, her gaze wandering from side to side, searching for little Lilia, and the sister seems to have noticed.

— If you're here to see Lilia, she's probably finishing her chores right now. A little while ago she was sewing with one of the sisters and then went into the kitchen to help peel some potatoes. I can guide you if you wish, Lady Elitheia —

The sister says as she lets the Hospitaller in.

Theia nods as she calmly follows the sister. She's only been to this convent twice, and both times were to heal her battle wounds. She sees how the place seems even more alive, with small potted flowers decorating the halls.

She can also hear the voices of other sisters speaking sweetly.

— ...Do you think she'll like it? It would be fine for winter, though I think I sewed one of the sleeves larger than the other. Should I sew a little more on the other sleeve? —

— ...Obviously, Lilia will like it. She's a very sweet girl. I'm sure she'll love the sweater. And stop sewing more on the sleeves. Lilia will end up dragging them around. She's already small —

The silence stretches for a few seconds, and a squeal of excitement is heard.

— ...I admit she could look very cute in an oversized sweater! —

Theia laughs softly at this conversation. Everything is truly so lively here with the little girl present. The minutes pass, and they reach the kitchen. The doors open, revealing Theia inside.

— Sister Eva, what brings you to the kitchen? —

The sister in the kitchen asks, lowering the peeler from her hands and looking toward the newcomers.

— We're looking for Lilia. Wasn't she here helping you peel the potatoes? —

Sister Eva asks while her opponent gently shakes her head.

— She finished her part a while ago. I gave her permission to go play for a bit —

— I understand... Do you know where she is? —

— No idea, Eva. Try the backyard garden. She's usually there watching the butterflies, although it's getting dark now —

With that suggestion in mind, Sister Eva and Elitheia search for the little girl throughout almost the entire convent. Nothing, nothing. It’s as if the little girl were playing hide-and-seek with them, except there’s only one other option: the little girl’s room. They should have started there, but who can blame them? Lilia tends to move around a lot; she rarely stays locked in her room.

Eva gently knocks on the bedroom door. When she doesn’t get a response, she opens it slowly. There’s no one in sight, except for a bear peeking out from the side of the closet.

— Lilia, I know you're there; come out. There are people who want to… —

Theia gestures for silence to her sister as she walks with calm steps toward the giant navy-blue teddy bear that reminds her of Titus’s hair, as well as those blue eyes. It is undoubtedly a teddy bear made in Titus’s image; Theia can’t help but smile at that.

Titus had mentioned several times that she was extremely shy around strangers, and even though he had mentioned Theia to Lilia, she was still shy and somewhat afraid of meeting new people.

— Hello, Mr. Bear. Do you know where Lilia is? —

Something stirs behind the Bear. Lilia's white hair peeks out a little as she moves the Bear's head with her hands.

— Really? I was so excited to meet her —

Theia speaks again to the bear, seeing Lilia's head moving behind it, and can't help but smile at the sight before her.

— ...Are you excited to meet her? —

Lilia's soft voice resonates as the room is completely silent. Theia is surprised for a second; even Sister Eva herself is surprised. Lilia rarely speaks; she assumes it's because of everything she went through, so no one forces her to talk. They will simply let her heal little by little from her wounds.

— Of course, I'm excited to meet her. Titus has talked so much about her that I came running without telling him. It's a secret, Mr. Bear —

Theia gestures to the bear to silence her, while Lilia lets out a small muffled laugh.

— Oh, I forgot to introduce myself properly. My name is Elitheia Agni. You can call me Theia, Mr. Bear —

There's no reaction from the stuffed animal, but Lilia pokes her head out from the side as she looks at Theia with a curious and excited expression.

— Hello, Lilia —

The softest, sweetest tone she could have used to call the little girl echoes in the room. Theia's voice is like the most harmonious melody, while Lilia stares at her with immense admiration for everything she's heard from Titus about her.

Lilia comes out from behind the closet. She had hidden herself the moment she heard a landing craft and saw it wasn't Titus's.

— …Hello —

She murmurs as Theia slowly approaches her, giving her enough time to react if she wants her to stop and not come any closer.

— It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Lilia —

Theia opens her arms to the little girl. She hesitates for a few seconds before leaning in closer and allowing the Hospitaller to embrace her. She's not as large as Titus, but she's just as kind and caring.

She has such a calming aura that makes her let her guard down without realizing it. Even in Theia's arms, she begins to talk. She expected to get little in return after hearing Titus say she wasn't very talkative, but for some reason, she was speaking. Not much, but she responded most of the time when addressed.

Lilia looked at Theia with complete excitement and admiration, listening to her every feat and fight.

— …You're amazing —

She murmurs as she rests her head against Theia's chest, slowly narrowing her eyes. It seems the little girl has experienced many emotions in a single day. Theia can't help but smile as she rests her head against the little girl's. It's just like Titus said. She doesn't know why, but she feels the need to take care of her. Something inside her stirs with excitement when the girl responds to something she's said. Something inside her thrills when she sees her smile, and look, it's just a first encounter.

— You're amazing, Lilia —

Theia places a soft kiss on the little girl's forehead as she watches her fall completely asleep in her arms.

[ . . . ]

— Lord Titus, what a surprise to see you here. You seem a little nervous. Is something wrong? —

Sister Eva asks, although she knows exactly why the marine is reacting this way. Lilia hasn't come to welcome him with open arms, even though it's nearly dusk.

— Is Lilia asleep yet? —

Titus's question makes the sister let out a small laugh, then nod in agreement.

— If she's already asleep, you can go check on her, it will be a pleasant sight for you —

That sentence leaves Titus somewhat confused. He nods as he walks toward Lilia's room. The door is ajar, and as his mind processes what his eyes are seeing, his chest begins to pound with emotion. He sees Theia hugging Lilia as the two sit on the bed. Lilia is tucked in while Theia strokes the little girl's head.

Theia raises her head, seeing her lover peering through the small opening in the door. She can't help but laugh as she gestures for him to come in.

— You should take a picture, it’ll last longer —

Titus gently shakes his head at what Theia has said.

— I'm engraving this image into my mind. I won't let it ever be forgotten —

He slowly bends down to place a gentle kiss on Theia's forehead.

— Looks like you got ahead of yourself —

Theia smiles softly as she nods and continues stroking Lilia's albino hair.

— You didn't expect me to wait to meet Lilia after you talked so much about her —

The Hospitaller replies, glancing sideways at her partner and then at the teddy bear. She then looks at the drawings she had been glancing at; they are all drawings of Titus and Lilia.

— She adores you. You're her favorite person —

Theia jokes as she watches Titus's cheeks redden at what his beloved says.

— But it seems she adores you too. She hasn't slept with anyone since she arrived. She always curls up in a ball when she sleeps, but with you, she appears completely relaxed —

The conversation between the couple continues, discussing the little girl and her peculiarities, or so it was until they both realize what it means. Theia looks at Titus, and he looks back at her, and seconds later he looks at Lilia.

Essentially, an outsider would assume they’re a family... And for some reason, neither of them dislikes it at all; they just want to create more and more memories together, as a family.

A gift is always a good thing, it means that other people care about you so much that they thought of you, even if it's just for a moment. But... so... Why are gifts so painful?

Standing there, trembling and clutching the clothes on her back, she knows full well why she’s in the orphanage director’s office, she knows exactly what’s going to happen.

She had been so tired for a few days now that she could barely keep up with the required work. The instructor had seen her and fearlessly dragged her by her clothes to the principal's office. The older man continued muttering in a deep, hateful tone.

— Damn trash… If I didn’t get any benefit from you, I’d really kill you instantly if you weren’t useful —

Thanks to being a nobleman, he possesses enough money and influence in this hive world. Both the planetary governor and the planetary guard only see the exterior of the orphanage, a sweet and warm place where the local children go to be cared for and filled with the love that was taken from them.

Or so everyone thinks, no one hears the screams, no one hears the blows. No one seems to realize what’s really going on in here. They don't just have fifteen children, they have more than fifty children in the orphanage, but those fifteen children are the ones they show to the world. The rest they hide so they can continue taking advantage of them.

The money they receive from the planetary governor for performing such a great act of charity for poor little orphans is, in turn, sent to them by other nobles who see the orphanage's charitable actions so they can claim to be good people simply because they unwittingly helped some leeches.

It's all such a well-crafted cover-up that no one would suspect that inside the orphanage, beyond the first area, there are hidden small altars praying to a God of the Warp. The strong scent of incense is justified by the fact that a pleasant aroma improves the atmosphere.

— I know you're new, you little piece of trash, but let's get one thing straight here —

He crouches down in front of her with a smile, his large hands rising to her shoulders, holding her tightly, his fingers digging into her bony collarbone.

— We gave you the gift of living on… You little shits without parents, you owe us all —

— ...I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I really so… —

The girl tries to murmur, attempting to explain the situation. The other children who had been in the orphanage longer had warned her that if she complied with everything, she would be fine. She would receive moldy bread and dirty water, but she would get something. If she didn't comply, she would face the wrath of the orphanage director.

While that would be the least of her worries, the worst that could happen would be that she would be handed over to another of these Slaanesh worshippers to do with her body as they pleased.

— ...I'm sorry… —

Before the girl can continue speaking, a loud slap echoes in the room. The girl falls hard, her thin, fragile body hitting the floor with a thud. That would definitely leave bruises. She tries to compose herself while trembling with fear. Tears begin to well up in her eyes, her vision becoming increasingly blurry.

— ...I'm sorry… I'm sorry… —

She looks up and tries to compose herself again, she attempts to apologize once more. If she insisted enough, she thought she might soften the man's heart a little...

Apparently, that wasn't the case. The girl slowly raises her head, gazing at the director of the orphanage. He spits in her face and continues muttering in a deep, disgusted tone. He then raises his leg and kicks her stomach hard, causing her to vomit the bile in her stomach, as she hadn't eaten yet, and it seems she won't.

— Damn kid… Just be quiet and stop being a nuisance —

The man's large hand reaches out toward the girl, grabbing her gray hair covered in dirt and debris, forcefully pulling her toward a small room in the office.

— You truly are a nuisance —

The door bursts open, knocking the girl over. She tumbles and slams against the table in the center of the room. On top of it are several metal utensils stained with a thick layer of dried blood.

— The only reason you worthless beings remain alive is to feed the pleasure of our Lord and Master Slaanesh, every time you cry out in pain, every time you weep in agony… —

He walks calmly around the room. Idols bearing the mark of Slaanesh are scattered throughout the space, and the crackling of coal and firewood resonates. He lets out a chilling laugh as he crouches down to grab the girl by the hair again.

— Let me give you a gift, trash. Just like I did with the rest of the trash in here, I'll give you a gift you'll never forget —

He lifts her up to his face; with his free hand, he tears off the clothes she’s wearing—if you can even call a cloth sack with a few holes clothes. The girl's naked body, eaten away by filth, is malnourished to the point where her ribs stick out from her torso. The bruises and scars spread all over her body are so numerous that they seem like they would never end. After a few seconds of chilling silence, the director throws her back hard against the ground.

The orphanage director rummages around on the table while the little girl tries to compose herself, attempting to evade the danger—in other words, trying to get away from the man approaching her with something that resembles a metal rod with a symbol on the end.

I had seen that symbol before; the symbol hung everywhere, tattooed on the bodies of the elders and burned into the skin of most children.

— I want you to scream, scream in pain, so that our Lord Slaanesh may take pleasure in your suffering —

The girl desperately tries to flee, a sharp blow to her back causes her to fall chest-first onto the floor, losing the little air her lungs can hold.

The principal's thunderous footsteps echo, as if he knows she can't do anything in this situation. No, he doesn't truly know. He knows none of the children he has here can do anything to save themselves from him. The feeling of dominance, the power he holds over these scumbags, courses through her body, creating excitement within her.

— Don't worry, it'll only hurt so much you could die —

His voice is full of mockery. The hand holding the rod moves quickly toward the girl. The red-hot metal tip embeds itself in the little girl's back. In a matter of seconds, the burning pain in her back spreads rapidly. The piercing scream of pain escaping her throat could have ripped her vocal cords, just as it could have alerted everyone in the orphanage to what was happening. After seconds that seemed like an eternity, the director abruptly pulls the rod from the girl's back, tearing off the burned skin along with it.

The smell of burning and metal permeates the room, sealed like cattle, the Mark of Slaanesh scarred red-hot on his back.

The little girl curled up on the floor, trying to hug herself tightly, while she continues to cry and scream in pain.

The noise she's making is so loud that she can't hear the other footsteps echoing, heels that anyone in the room would recognize. She gently crouches down in front of the girl’s body, who is crying non-stop, but the screams she was making slowly begin to drown out until only meaningless noises come out. It seems that her vocal cords were hurt after all. The woman's slender fingers brush the ragged gray hair from the girl's forehead to see her face.

— Oh, my poor, helpless soul… With this mark, no one will help you… Only us… Without us, you will be completely alone… Without us, the worst that can happen to you is death —

The woman's long nails dig into her cheeks, blood dripping onto the floor, while she smiles with a touch of cynicism.

— Be grateful for this beautiful gift we gave you, you little scumbag. At least you'll be useful in your miserable life —

Thunderous laughter echoes in the room as the woman drags the girl out of the office and throws her into the hallway, completely naked and crying.

She can't move, her body is completely unresponsive, and she can only feel the overwhelming pain slowly consuming her. The thought of simply closing her eyes and never opening them again crosses the girl's mind, as if death were the best option at this moment.

Small footsteps sound quickly, running toward the girl. A ragged-looking boy crouches down to her level, pulling out the dirty blanket he has brought and wrapping it around her. His small, scarred, and calloused hand caresses the girl's face.

— …I’m here… —

[ . . . ]

The air catches in her tiny lungs, her body is covered in cold sweat, while she nervously trembles like a small pudding.

She raises her little hands to her cheeks, gently slapping them, trying to push away those bitter and painful memories. It’s hard to forget; it’s truly hard to forget when, the moment you close your eyes, everything comes back to you as if they were chasing you to your grave.

She looks around the room, it's a small room with just a window, a bed, a nightstand with a lamp, and a wardrobe. However, it's completely clean. It's small, but there's not a bit of dirt, no bad smell, and no rotten food hidden under the bed for him to eat when he's so hungry it hurts. There are no... He quickly shakes his head, she has to leave those memories of the past behind him.

The little girl's small body jumps up from her bed, she can't allow herself to be overwhelmed by those memories. She looks at her reflection in the mirror in the room and observes her former scrawny body that is starting to gain some weight. She is still small, she still feels weak, but she doesn't look emaciated like before, she doesn't appear as if she has only a breath of life left.

She can't help but smile softly as she goes to her closet, taking a small stool to reach the area where the nun's habits she had been given hang.

From the first day I set foot in the convent until now, a couple of weeks later, she is still just as grateful, grateful that they are giving her something to eat other than bread made from corpse starch, which is already rotten, water, clean water, water so crystalline that her face can be reflected in it. There is so much she wants to be grateful for, but she doesn't know how to express it; she doesn't know what to say, she doesn't know how to say it. She is afraid, so afraid that if she opens her mouth, everyone will get angry with her and send her back out onto the street.

But all the sisters who were here had treated her so well, however, she could simply think that there was death, and this was merely her subconscious creating a reality so that she could rest in peace.

The first time she arrived in the arms of that great man, she didn't know what to do. She remembers what happened that day.

[ . . . ]

Everything happened so fast that her brain didn't even know how to react, but she remembers one thing clearly: the orphanage door swinging open and the men in blue armor standing beside the planetary guard.

All the children were terrified. The adults at the orphanage had endlessly told them that if the guards found them, they would kill them without hesitation.

And in the blink of an eye, the adults who once abused the children in ways no one could imagine were now on the ground, mutilated by the blow of the armored man's chainsword, while others were disfigured by bolter shots. Blood began to spread like a carpet on the ground as the noise of the chainsword, gunshots, and screams continued to echo. She hugged other children, trying to stay safe, murmuring things in low tones that only children could hear, begging the Emperor not to let them die here, as they had not even been able to live this life to the fullest.

After that, everything was confusing. None of the armed men blamed them. They even helped them leave the place, provided them with good food, and took each of them to a checkup with a Biologis tech-priest.

One of the tech-priests who had been assessing the children's condition coldly stated that none of them were free from pain and suffering. Even more so when they realized the heretical burns they had inflicted on the children, they decided to heal them without saying anything. The extraction process was painful. The children's screams echoed throughout the place, but... at least one of the gifts they had given her at the orphanage was disappearing.

With almost her entire body bandaged except for her head, sitting silently in a chair in the middle of the hallway where the tech-priests were doing their work, the girl continued to fear what would happen to her. The orphanage director had drilled into each of their heads that no one would care for them like they did, no one would care about trash like them, trash that wouldn’t even be good enough as corpse starch to make bread.

Holding her hands tightly, she trembled but didn’t cry.

She didn’t know what she should do, she didn’t know what was the right thing to do in this kind of situation. Should she be pleading for her life?

— Lieutenant Titus —

The tech-priest's robotic voice echoes throughout the room. The girl raises her gaze toward the noise, looking at the man who once carried her in his arms, this time without his helmet.

— All the children are stable. Some show severe signs of malnutrition, but there is one in particular that has raised some concerns —

Titus stares wordlessly at the tech-priest, his arms crossed. When he was assigned the mission, he had not expected this. He thought it would simply be a quick errand, but the moment Chairon saw all the heretical idols in the orphanage, he knew it would not be a quiet one.

After a brief conversation with the tech-priest, Titus strides firmly toward the girl. She quickly looks down at her hands. A man, large enough that his hand could crush her head in one motion, is coming toward her. She was obviously terrified.

He crouches in front of her, kneeling on one knee. His hand rises to his helmet, removing it and setting it aside. Titus's blue eyes gaze at the girl. Even in this situation, he did not expect to see this firsthand. He raises his hand to the girl's head. She instinctively shrinks back, afraid of him. Titus sighs softly.

— Everything will be fine now —

[ . . . ]

A soft knock resounds, bringing the little girl out of her reverie. She walks quickly to the door, standing on tiptoe to open it. She can see one of the convent sisters smiling softly.

— May I come in, little? —

The girl nods several times as she opens the door wider. The sister carries a bucket of water to the side, placing it on her small table as she picks her up and sits her back down on the bed.

— Were you able to sleep well? —

The little girl gently nods, while her sister lifts a towel and begins to softly wipe her face.

The sister is aware of the girl’s nightmares—in fact, everyone in the convent knows about them. They have wanted to approach her several times, but the sister superior said she must face her fears alone, they could only assist her if she asked.

They knew how much she had been through; they knew all too well. Beneath the layers of dirt and dried blood, there was a truly beautiful and sweet little girl.

With her face clean, the sister went to the closet and took out a habit for the little girl. They had to adapt it for her. They had never had girls that young, but they were not going to reject her.

— Let me help you, little. It's still hard for you, isn't it? —

The girl's cheeks flush with embarrassment, but she nods nonetheless. The sister can only laugh softly. It is still difficult for the little girl to move. Until just a few days ago, she couldn't even hold a spoon properly because her hands were shaking.

Everyone has been keeping an eye on this little new sister at the convent, too young to be called; rather, she was brought in by Demetrian Titus after he noticed something about her. The story of what happened to all those children is somewhat grim, and there are times when I wish I didn’t know in such detail what happened to this girl and the others in that orphanage on that hive world.

The sister raises her hand to the girl's cheek; at first, it was difficult. She was afraid of everyone, but she always stayed still. She didn't run away or hide; she only trembled with fear but never complained. She was afraid, but she was more afraid of what they would do to her if she ran away. They also have a copy of the tests that the Biologis Technopriests conducted on her, documenting all the wounds she had and everything those children suffered. They could only get a superficial idea; I personally could have vomited after discovering in detail what happened to them and what they experienced.

The little ones look at their sister's sad face. Her small hands rise to the sister’s cheeks, gently caressing her as she smiles.

She has a vague memory of someone doing this, but she can't recall who it was. The sister comes to, flashing a smile at the little girl. The little one smiles sweetly back, conveying with just a glance how grateful she is for everything. She takes a brush from the small table and begins to groom her somewhat short white hair, as they had to mend much of its damaged and dry ends.

Likewise, in the eyes of all the sisters in the convent, she is undoubtedly beautiful; she is truly beautiful.

— Let's have breakfast, little. After that, we'll do our chores, okay? —

She nods profusely and starts walking toward the door. Her sister shakes her head gently, taking her in her arms and lifting her up.

— Let this sister help you. Today is your day for laundry. I know how much you love hanging clothes —

Perhaps everyone in the convent was giving her preferential treatment, but how could they not? She had no first name, no last name, nothing when she arrived, according to the Emperor. She didn't even have a birth certificate; there was no information about her, and they didn't even know who her parents were. None of them thought it was right to name her without the little girl's permission. There was only one person who would have the right to name her, but in the end, the final decision would be this little girl's.

[ . . . ]

Carrying a small basket in her hands, she walks with all the determination in the world. The sisters who see her pass can only smile and wish the little girl a good day. She returns a big smile, but not a word escapes her lips. When she comes out to the back of the convent, into a farming world, completely calm and peaceful—surprisingly peaceful considering what is happening elsewhere.

There are already several white blankets hanging up, but the small pillowcases the little girl is carrying remain. With a bench already prepared, she climbs onto it and carefully begins to hang each one.

The wind blows with a certain force; the air is fresh and clean, it doesn't smell dirty, and there is not a single gray cloud covering the entire sky. Everything is so beautiful that it seems like a dream.

Her lips part as she glances quickly from side to side, realizing she is completely alone. She begins to hum a small, soft melody, in a tone so faint that the wind itself could drown it out. She is so absorbed in her work that she does not manage to hear the arrival of a landing craft. Had she done so, she would have run away, because there is only one person who would come to this place on a landing craft.

She continues hanging the pillowcases until the wind blows with a certain force. She closes her eyes, her hair completely disheveled. Seconds later, she feels something hard and cold against her back: a gloved hand. She opens her eyes quickly, knowing who it is.

— Hello, little one —

Demetrian Titus isn't the most talkative person, nor is he the best at starting a conversation. Usually, when they talk to him, it's certainly one-sided, but for some reason, the little girl's smile brings a certain comforting feeling to his chest.

The moment the little girl looks at Titus, her smile is so bright it could compete with the sun's rays.

He hasn't been able to stop thinking about the little girl. He has sent things to the convent anonymously for her, but he knows very well that every sister there knows it was him who sent all those little things.

— How have you been? I couldn't make it earlier due to some unfinished business, but I haven't forgotten about you. I hope you're not angry —

She looks at him as she gently shakes her head and smiles again. How ironic it is that this time it's Titus who's doing more talking than the other guy she's been speaking to.

— I’m glad you're doing well, little one. Both Gadriel and Chairon send their regards. I hope you haven't missed anything —

She quickly denies it. Titus can only let out a small laugh at the girl's reaction. Still holding her in his arms, he moves away slightly. She's so small and light that he feels he could break her if he's not careful. She's a girl; children are small. He couldn't have been a boy, but seeing this girl heals something deep inside him.

From the girl's point of view, the Ultramarine is gigantic, more than gigantic—super gigantic. It seems he doesn't even have words to describe how big his opponent looks. Titus crouches down, resting one knee on the ground. He sits in front of the girl, still very tall for her, but at least the difference is less now, and the little girl doesn't have to lift her entire head to see him.

— I've got you a gift, little one —

She blinks several times, processing the words he just said, her body automatically going on the defensive.

All the memories that come with that word overwhelm her at the speed she's recalling them, one after another, over and over again.

The girl's palms begin to sweat, filled with nerves. The gifts she had been given in the past weren't gifts she desired at all; none of them were good. She knows the man in front of her isn't like the orphanage director, but... The scar left by the healing of the burn from the Mark of Slaanesh on her back stings and burns, her knees tremble as her eyes unconsciously fill with tears.

Titus notices the girl's reaction; he seems to have touched on a sensitive subject without realizing it.

She knows the man in front of her is a good person; more than a good person, he is the best person she has ever met. He saved her from that place, got her out of there, and brought her here, but... there’s always a but... her little mind is filled with bitter memories that prevent her from moving on, and she truly believes that anyone who shows kindness is always hiding something.

Titus, realizing the situation, can only pull out what was hidden: a small blue envelope. The girl looks at it and glances at the envelope a few times until Titus brings it closer to her.

— This is your gift. If you don't like it, you can simply tear it up —

He says it as if it doesn't really matter if she tears it up. He knows she won't; she's too polite to do something like that, but he hopes he can ease her mind a little with this.

The girl looks at the envelope, looks at Titus, and then looks back at the envelope. The gold-colored seal seems so elegant and sophisticated. She's afraid of tearing something so beautiful, but under the man's insistent gaze, she slowly opens the envelope, gently taking out a soft beige paper with only one thing written on it.

She looks at the single written word and stares at Titus, somewhat confused, but she understands what it means.

—Do you like it? —

He asks, finding no specific expression on the girl's face. She blinks several times as she gazes at the paper, tears beginning to well up in the girl's eyes. Titus, alarmed when he sees this, raises his hand toward the girl, trying to find a way to stop her from crying.

— If you don't like it, we can find another one. You don't have to force yourself to call yourself that. Someone helped me choose it. I'm not the best at naming people, so… —

Titus's words slowly trail off as he sees her tremble.

— …Thank you… —

The murmur escapes her lips, her voice cracked, broken, weak, and soft. Titus stares at the girl in astonishment. She hadn't spoken at all, not even a single cry of pain when the Slaanesh burn was removed. The nuns at the convent told him she never spoke.

Titus's heart warms when he sees how the girl clutches the paper and the letter tightly to her chest as if she'd been given the most precious thing in her life.

The little girl continues murmuring thank you over and over again, though it becomes less and less clear as she cries. Titus can't help it anymore, and he picks her up, holding her against his chest, while she hugs him tightly in return.

— …Thank you… —

— You have nothing to thank me for, Lilia —

Titus holds her tightly and doesn’t let go. He doesn’t know if it’s because he’s seen how long she’s lived or if he wants to see her live a better life, to see everything the girl once wanted come true.

— …Thank you… —

The first real gift she'd ever received. There was no pain, no mockery, none of what she'd once believed gifts to be… There was only a soft warmth emanating from the Ultramarine's arms, as she heard the thump of his chest, along with gentle pats on her small back.

[ . . . ]

The minutes pass peacefully. Titus, still holding the little girl in his arms, without even thinking of letting her go, walks toward the convent.

— I'm glad you like your name, Lilia —

— …I like it a lot —

— I'm truly so glad. I had to ask for help from someone very important to me —

The little girl's bright eyes stare at Titus, seemingly filled with curiosity now. Titus's gaze softens when he mentions that.

— Who is it? —

— Someone who's my everything, surely she'd know how to take better care of you than I could —

Titus's gentle joke lingers in the air, while the little girl, Lilia, looks at Titus.

— She loves flowers. She helped me choose this name for you when I explained your whole situation to her. She said Lilia would definitely be a perfect name for you, little one, innocent, and full of life —

Lilia blinks several times, curiosity now gnawing at her.

—…What does she look like? —

The man can only smile softly as he talks to the little girl about his partner, describing her, how kind and sweet she is, and also how amazing she can be on the battlefield. He also describes her appearance while the little girl listens intently.

— …She seems amazing —

— She is, she’s looking forward to meeting you—

Titus replies, recalling Theia's words and the sad face he saw when she continued to tell him everything that happened on that supposedly easy mission.

— …She’s really looking forward to meeting me? —

She murmurs her question full of doubt, lowering her gaze, and Titus can only nod and then hug the girl more tightly.

— I swear I do, Lilia, you're an amazing girl, Theia is looking forward to meeting you —

Lilia blinks several times. Since she arrived here, she's only received praise and positive reinforcement from the sisters at the convent, which felt very strange because she sensed those words weren't meant for her. But when Titus said this, something inside her snapped. She hugs Titus even tighter, while he can only smile.

— Thank you... Thank you for everything... Thank you for the gift —

Here's my first Titus fanfic... I really wanted to write about Dad!Titus, I feel like I would be a somewhat inexperienced first-time father.

I don't know if I spelled Titus correctly, but I really liked how this version of Dad! Titus ended.

A quick mention of Theia, because I can't stop thinking that DemeTheia is canon.

Oc's :

Elitheia "Theia" Agni — @hatsubara-8chan