D.E.M.O.N.S: Getting Summoned Weekly isn't so Bad Chapter 2: A Totally Normal Birthday Part 2

As the day drew to a close and Kat prepared to depart, Lily approached her.

"Hey, I was just wondering, I mean, if you had nothing planned would you like to hang out at my house for your birthday?" Kat turned to face her friend, her thoughts racing: *Do I inquire about her parents? Should I accept? I didn't inform the old man I'd be out late, but…*

"Sure, that sounds fine with me. Will it be alright with your parents, though?" Kat inquired.

Lily's eye twitched almost imperceptibly before she replied, "Yeah, it should be fine. And I mean, I did ask. It's just, I don't know what their issue is."

*You and I both, Lily. You and I both.* Grabbing her bag and heading for the exit, the two friends walked in comfortable silence for a while.

"So, I'm sorry I can't get you anything more, but I hope you like it," Lily murmured, extending a worn-looking piece of paper.

Kat took the paper from her friend, noticing it was rolled and tied shut. "Thanks, Lily. It's fine, really, don't worry about it. But uh, can it wait until later to be opened? We're right in the middle of the sidewalk, and there isn't really anywhere to stop." Her friend's cheeks flushed, and she turned away.

"Um, yeah, ah, my mistake. It um. Yeah, it can wait until we get to my house. I'm not really sure why I didn't just wait to give it to you, honestly." *What goes on in that girl's head sometimes. She's a good friend, and her grades are excellent, but occasionally I wonder.*

Picking up their pace, the girls quickly reached a modest neighborhood, slightly off the beaten path for most. For Kat, however, it was roughly halfway between school and the Orphanage. *I wonder if I should visit more often. I haven't really had a chance to properly talk with Lily recently, outside of school.* Strolling towards a modern stone house with a small front garden, Lily approached the door and produced a key. Just as she was about to unlock it, the door swung open, revealing an unimpressed woman examining them both. *Oh, right. How could I forget.*

"Good evening, Ms. Furos. Thank you for having me over," Kat said politely as she stepped inside.

"No trouble at all, Katarina. Please, come in," Ms. Furos replied, her sharp eyes softening slightly with a small smile.

*Seriously, is it just me she dislikes, or is she naturally that unsettling?* The girls removed their shoes and proceeded towards Lily's room. "Come in. I haven't really tidied up, but you've been here before, so you know what I'm like," Lily said.

*Messy, she claims. Her room is practically cleaner than mine, and I have next to nothing in it. If she didn't have so many books scattered around, the place would be spotless.* Kat wandered in, placing her bag by the door and scanning for a place to sit. Lily's room was peculiar, with dark walls adorned with posters of strange symbols, a perfectly tidy desk, and literal stacks of books lining the walls. *Okay, well, the books are arranged quite neatly, but still, Lily, why?* She ambled over, flopping into Lily's desk chair with a sigh, finally able to relax.

"So, shall I check out this scroll now?" Kat inquired.

"Um, yeah, sure," Lily responded. Kat unfurled the scroll and began to read:

"*Thanks for everything, Kat. I truly mean it. You've helped me a great deal over these past two years, and I really wanted to do something to express that. You know how I get sometimes, stumbling over my words, so I thought I'd create a fancy 'ancient scroll' for your birthday. I wonder if my future self will even have the confidence to give this to you. Probably. I'm not quite that bad, but... Oh, did I force you to read it right after you got home? If I did, make sure to bonk me on the head next time you see me because I'm trying to be more confident in myself, I think. Really though, I just needed to say thanks, Kat.*" Following the message were several unfamiliar symbols. *Probably more of that demonic stuff. I think that's what she's been focused on lately anyway.*

Kat beckoned to Lily, who got up and slowly drifted towards her, resembling a small, frightened kitten. Kat wrapped her arms around her dear friend. "Thanks, Lily. You're the best," Kat said warmly.

"It's, it's nothing, Kat. Really, I meant every word," Lily stammered.

"Bah, you're plenty confident in class. You just need to talk to everyone else the same way you correct your teachers," Kat said with a wide grin.

Lily's face erupted in a blush at that remark but she remained silent. *Ha, she knows I'm right. I'll never forget the first time she corrected the math teacher right in the middle of class. She didn't even raise her hand. I nearly died laughing.* Kat's smile widened as Lily disentangled herself, burying half her face in the pillows on the bed.

"So, what's the research topic of the week?" Kat asked, changing the subject.

"Researching something takes me over a week, you know. That only happened once," Lily responded.

"Yes, yes, one time you practically drowned in five major research binges in a single month. I have no idea where you even unearthed half of those tomes," Kat remarked.

"You know I conduct all my research on the computer, right?" Lily gestured towards the desk.

"The kind of books I require are ancient and costly. Most of these are literally discarded junk I found lying around,"

"...What?" Kat inquired, taken aback.

"Wait, I never mentioned this to you, Kat? Some of these books possess absolutely nothing written within them. I truly wish they were real," Lily said, suppressing a laugh.

"Alright, alright, I suppose I grasp your point. Seriously, though, tell me what you've been occupied with. I genuinely enjoy hearing about your research," Kat stated.

Lily's eyes sparkled. Adjusting her glasses and letting the pillow fall, Lily began to speak, "Well, actually, I've returned to delving into demons. I did a truly dreadful job the first time around, honestly. It's just a bit challenging because all the ancient myths have been so heavily distorted within merely the last 10-20 years. Demons have transformed from these horrific soul-stealing monsters into mere 'complex human characters.' And look, don't misunderstand me, I absolutely adore that interpretation of them, I really do. But it makes delving into the history of demonic figures and the forms they once assumed incredibly difficult. You see, even..." *Here she goes. I truly wished she'd exhibit this much enthusiasm for a few more things, but at least this brings her joy. Besides, her research is consistently fascinating.*

Lily continued, mostly lamenting the hurdles in uncovering long-forgotten accounts of demons and how their portrayals had gradually shifted over time, only to be completely upended and their legacy dashed within the past decade. Then, Kat's gaze flickered towards the clock.

11:05

*Damn it, I've been listening to Lily ramble for hours. I must return before Grandpa starts to panic.*

Lily, her eyes still alight with excitement, noticed a change in Kat's demeanor. "What's wrong, Kat? I'm not boring you, am I?" Lily inquired.

"Lily, it's past eleven. I need to head back before it gets too late. I'm fortunate to have the day off tomorrow, but even so, I must be up to rouse the children," Kat replied.

Lily's eyes widened. "You can stay here if you'd like. I'm sure I can just persuade my parents, especially considering..." Kat raised her hand, halting Lily's words.

"It's fine. I can't make the old man worry again, not after last time... Anyway, I have to go. Perhaps we can catch up later. I'll check on the orphanage's status and see if any weekend tasks remain," Kat said, grabbing her bag and making a swift exit towards the door. Waving to her friend as she departed, Kat quickly made her way down the street towards the orphanage, offering a farewell wave to Lily, who stood smiling in the doorway, before turning the corner.

After a short jog, Kat found herself approaching the orphanage grounds. She noticed a light illuminated in the old man's office. *What's going on here? I know Grandpa gets a bit anxious, but why is the office light on instead?* Silently traversing the front lawn and opening the door, she surveyed the surroundings; all was quiet. The children were asleep. Kat tiptoed her way towards the office.

Kat slowly opened the door, peering inside, and spotted Gramps engrossed in reading behind his desk. Kat then stepped into the room. Gramps was indeed an eccentric character. His office was adorned with an array of rugs of various shapes and sizes. The largest rug encircled the desk, while a slightly smaller one enveloped the guest sofa in front. All the rugs featured distinct, peculiar designs, and none of them seemed to coordinate. Some rugs had spots, others stripes. While most rugs were laid out on the floor, Kat was fairly certain the curtains were also rugs. Yet, amidst this visual chaos, the two most prominent rugs stood out, boasting intricate, detailed linework in mesmerizing patterns. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Kat settled onto the sofa.

"Katarina," a pause, "Kat, I... well..." The old man sighed, turning to face her. "You've resided here for a number of years. I've cared for you for the better part of your life, and well..." Sighing once more, Gramps struggled to find his words. *What has gotten into him? Cheer up, Grandpa, this isn't the familiar, beloved old man I know.* But Kat held her tongue. This was clearly important; she wanted to grant him more time.

"You are the oldest ward the orphanage has ever housed. We possess a surprising number of connections and manage to facilitate adoptions for practically everyone. I don't quite comprehend how I achieve it, but well..." *Gramps, you're rambling again.*

"It's alright, Grandpa. Just say what you need to say; it's obviously weighing heavily on you," Kat advised. The old man sighed. Air rushed out of him as he seemed to age a decade in an instant, yet a flicker of resolve shone in his eyes.

"Kat, I cherish you like my own daughter. However, the regulations governing this orphanage prohibit me from taking in anyone over the age of eighteen. I truly regret having to tell you this. If it were only my own predicament, I might well keep quiet and not mention your impending deadline. But because I care for you, and this concerns you as well, I must ask: Kat, can you give me your word that you will secure a suitable place for yourself before turning eighteen? Please?" Gramps implored. *Damn it, Gramps, I... I had no idea. No, I still have a year. School will be over soon; I'll have ample time to find a place to live. Gramps appears stern, but I can see the sorrow in his eyes... I must try.*

"Gramps, I accept. I solemnly promise I will find my own place," Kat declared with a newfound determination.

"Good, good. Thank you, Kat. Please accept this as a token. It's not much, but I hope it's something," Gramps said, hoisting a box onto the counter.

Kat regarded the package, her gaze scrutinizing it. *Gramps has never really given anyone substantial gifts for their birthday. With so many children in the orphanage, providing birthday presents is challenging, especially with the high adoption rate. Yet, Gramps is making a significant occasion out of this... What could be inside this box?* The moment Kat's fingers brushed the lid, a searing sensation shot through her. Kat detected the faint scent of soot and ash, and her body registered an unsettling warmth. Then, it vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Nothing seemed to have occurred; barely even the memory lingered. Kat paused for a brief moment before lifting the lid, revealing an intricately patterned black kimono adorned with delicate white flowers. Kat's eyes widened in astonishment. *Gramps, what have you done? Where did you... I mean... this is, wow.*

Glancing up at Gramps in surprise, she observed him chuckling. "It once belonged to my wife. That foolish woman told me to give it to the next lass I married, so I would always remember my first." Gramps sighed, rubbing his eyes.

"That damned fool. She should have known I would never marry again, as if I could ever forget her," Gramps murmured, his gaze fixed on the ceiling.

"I hope she won't be too upset with this old man for bestowing it upon his daughter instead." With that, Gramps seemed to slump back into his chair, appearing older. Across the room, Gramps's antique clock continued its relentless ticking, each beat echoing like a hammer blow against the silence. *Damn you, old man, I am not crying.*

Walking over to Gramps, Kat embraced him. "Thank you, Gramps, for everything, truly."

After patting her on the back a few times, Gramps roused himself and headed for the door. "This old fool needs to get some sleep. It's far too late for these old bones," he stated before exiting.

Kat remained standing there for a while before carefully returning the garment to its box. She would need to find a suitable storage method, but for now, it would remain contained. *Damn you, old man, don't go giving away treasures like this. I can hardly repay you for all you've done.* Sighing, Kat made her way upstairs, expertly navigating the darkened halls with the practiced ease of someone who had been sneaking around the building since childhood. Returning to her room, she placed the box on her desk, sighed again, and retrieved her pajamas. A quick shower later, Kat was sprawled on her bed, ready for sleep.

A flash of fire, and the crackling sound of burning erupted near Kat's ear. Still half-asleep, Kat swatted at the peculiar noise before a brilliant flash engulfed the room. Once the light subsided, everything in the room appeared unchanged. There was no fire, no flames; the bed and desk were undisturbed. Yet, Kat was nowhere to be found.