It has been nine years since Loki last met Xynos for the first time, and she still remembers and thinks back at that awful behavior of him. She'll be seventeen in six months from now and she deeply dreads the day she has to marry that virion. She sits down next to her mother, who seems very nervous. Freya's waiting for a phone call from the doctor, which will tell if she has cancer or if the weirdly shaped proteins they found are hopefully just something benign. Then the phone finally rings and Freya talks with her doctor about her diagnosis. She calmly puts the phone back and sits back down on the sofa. She blankly stares at the tv without saying a word. Loki notices that something is wrong. ''Mama?'' She whispers. Then Freya starts to cry.

Six months later, Loki is standing in front of the altar. She's wearing a beautiful white dress, exactly the one her mother wore at her wedding. Loki should be feeling happy, but she's not. Her thoughts are with her mother who's terminally ill. Freya is feeling sick but she decided to be on her daughter's supposed 'big day' anyway. She doesn't seem to notice that Xynos is holding her paw and slipping the marriage bracelet onto her wrist. ''AHEM!''. Loki snaps out of her deep thoughts and meets the eyes of the priest, who seems mildly annoyed that she's not paying attention. ''Sorry.'' Loki whispers. Then the priest continues. ''I repeat! Will you, Princess Loki Reeve, take this virion as your husband and care for him, until death will part you?'' He asks. Loki looks Xynos in the eyes and all she wants to say is the word 'no', but she knows that she can't. Her father made it extra clear to her that she can't say no at the altar. ''Dare to say no, you demon, and I'll rip out your bloody throat! And this time, your mother won't be there to save your sorry arse!'' He threatened her. Loki closes her eyes and swallows as she tries to hold back her tears. ''I... I do.'' She says. She then slips the marriage bracelet around Xynos's wrist. ''Then I now declare you husband and wife!'' The priest says. Loki awkwardly touches noses with Xynos, and as soon as the party starts, she flees to the bathroom. She collapses and starts to cry. Her mother notices and follows her into the bathroom, and sits down to comfort her.

The next day, Loki parts with her family and steps into Xynos's fancy 1960's Jaguar Mark II car. She's still crying as they're leaving London. Xynos just ignores it. Loki thinks back at what her mother said to her the day before. ''One day, coronaviruses will change, and all these rules and traditions will disappear.'' She said. ''But WHEN, Mama?! It's been like this for over a thousands of years, if not millions! Will it even change while I'm still alive?! Or, when my children are alive, or my grandchildren... what about my great-grandchildren?!'' Loki sobbed to her mother. ''There's just still too many particles who think this is normal, both virions and virionesses alike. How would this HELL change if there's even other virionesses who support this?! I don't want to live like this, nor do I want this life for my children!''. Loki feels bad that she fell out to her ill mother like that, but she just couldn't help it.

When they arrive at the gates of the Burgess nest, Loki looks up at the family heraldry again. She still feels a cold chill when she looks at it. The guard opens the gate and Xynos drives into the territory. He drives past the palace she visited when she was little. Instead, he stops and parks his car on the terrain of a smaller building near the palace. Xynos notices that Loki has a confused expression. ''My parents gave me both my own house and this car for my sixteenth birthday.'' He explains. Loki already knows that the Burgess family are the richest of all coronaviruses in England, so it doesn't surprise her at all. Xynos seems surprisingly kind as he carries Loki's bags inside the house and keeps talking to her in a more gentle tone than usual. Loki unpacks her bags and looks for a place to put her belongings. Xynos says that, because the house is hers now too, she can put her belongings wherever she wants.

Four months later, Loki finally starts to get used to her marriage with Xynos. He didn't seem to be as mean as she remembers. Her parents-in-law turned out to be nicer as she remembered as well. They're just a tad on the stern side sometimes, but not straight up mean. It must've been just her eight year old mind that thought that, back when she first met them. As usual, she and Xynos get out of bed around six in the morning. Xynos, because he has to go to his work, Loki simply because it's her job to prepare their breakfast and his lunch for at work. Loki regularly starts to feel nauseous and bloated though, and she has to make a fast sprint to the toilet whenever she feels that she has to throw up. It's been this way every morning since a few weeks ago, and it seems to get worse with every new day. ''I think you might be expecting.'' Their maid says. Loki looks at the macrophage in full disbelief. But she might indeed be right. ''Oh! Shouldn't I've said that, Loki?'' The maid asks once she notices. ''It's alright, Amelia. It's just... I'm still so young. I'd rather wait to after age twenty-five or so.'' Loki explains. ''Maybe you're just a little sick. Either way, it's a good idea to see the doctor.'' Amelia says.

Loki followed Amelia's advice and went to to see the doctor the next day. He also said that there's a high chance that she's indeed going to have a pup, but he also explained the possible illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. While home, she waited for the phone to ring. She felt nervous, which reminded her of her mother who waited for a call that would tell if she were sick or not. though, Loki most likely doesn't have cancer, so what does she feel so nervous for? Probably because she rather doesn't want to have a pup just yet... maybe just not at all? Then the phone rings and Loki picks it up. The doctor explains to her that she's indeed pregnant. Loki puts the phone back and sits down on the sofa. Amelia enters the room a few seconds later. ''So, what's the diagno-'' Amelia hasn't finished her sentence yet and Loki bursts out in tears. ''What's the matter?" She asks. ''I'm pregnant, but I don't want to put a new life on this world, not as long as our nasty culture hasn't been changed yet! God, I feel so bloody bad for this poor pup already!'' She cries. Amelia sits down next to Loki to comfort her. ''Hey, I know it's specially bad for virionesses. But, if it's a boy, the-''. Loki stares at her for a moment, then she explains how it basically affects both boys and girl pups. ''A boy in general would be better treated, yes. But, do you even realise that most will be send to the army by their fathers? Xynos once said that his son will go to the army! And that the 'no divorce law' goes for them too? And if it is indeed a boy, he'll be raised thinking females are lesser than him. I'll be looked down on by my own son, just as my brothers do to my mother!'' Loki sobs. Amelia felt ashamed for her clumsy reaction, but decides to just let Loki cry for as long she needs and save an apology for later. She gets up and walks to the kitchen to get her a glass of water.

That evening, Loki is laying on the sofa watching Tom and Jerry. However, she's not really paying attention to what's happening on the screen. Xynos enters the room and stares at her in confusion. ''Oi! Why aren't you at French class?'' He asks. Loki listlessly looks up at him, then back at the tv. ''Don't feel well.'' She replies softly. 'Xynos just shrugs his shoulders and sits down on his lazy chair as he throws off his shoes and opens his beer. ''I'm pregnant by the way.'' Loki says. Xynos just were about to sip from his beer, but instead turns his head to Loki. ''Wait... what did you just say?'' He asks. ''You're going to be a father.'' Loki replies. Xynos gently puts down his beer, gets up and pulls Loki up to hug her. ''Oh, that's just brilliant news!'' He says. Then Loki starts to cry. ''Why are you crying? This is great, you should be happy!'' Xynos says. Loki suddenly feels enraged at his words, but manages to calm herself. ''Hormones. It makes me emotional.'' She says as an excuse as she put up a fake smile.

A few weeks later, Loki goes to the doctor for a scan. The doctor says reveals that the pup is a boy, and Xynos was totally over the mountains of the news. Of course he's happy. All virions hope for a boy, as girls are worthless to them. Xynos drops Loki off at their house, before he returns to his work. ''So? Could the doctor already see what it is?'' Amelia excitedly asks when Loki enters the house. ''It's a boy.'' Loki replies, before she lays down on the sofa again. ''I'm sorry, I shouldn't be so excited.'' Amelia apologizes. ''Ah, it's alright, sweetie. ''. Loki says. Loki decides to sit upright so Amelia can sit down next to her. ''You can of course always try to raise him the way you want. Maybe he won't end up like the other virions that way.'' Amelia explains, almost like she can read her mistress's mind. ''You're home all day. And you clearly think differently compared to the other sars coronavirus two particles around here.

''My mother did when she was young. Her best friends have always been her parent's maids. I'm just like my mother.'' Loki smiles. But then her smile fades away when she remembers that she and Xynos were arguing about their pup's name. ''I have a beautiful name in mind for my son... but Xynos doesn't want that name to be his first given name. He thinks it should be his middle name.'' Loki says. Amelia turns a bit closer with curiosity. ''Oh, tell me!'' She says. ''Matthias.'' Loki replies. ''That's a beautiful name alright. And quite rare too, I love it!'' Amelia says. ''But, what name does Xynos wants to give him, then?''. ''Cecil.'' Loki replies. Amelia's face turns sours upon hearing Xynos's name choice. ''I personally don't have anything against the name, but there's already so many Cecils in this family.'' Amelia says. Loki sighs and rolls her eyes when she remembers how any times she got introduced to a Cecil when she just joined the family. ''Huh, you know what? I'll help you register your son with the name you chose as his first name. He deserves an unique name!'' Amelia continues.

''How?'' Loki asks.

''When he's born, I'll quickly go to the city hall to register him as Matthias for you! And Cecil as his middle name.'' Amelia explains.

''Amelia, sweetie... Xynos will be angry if he finds out. He'll fire you!'' Loki squeals.

''Don't worry, Loki. I'm planning to leave right after I've put this name on the papers! I'm want to search for my family. They'll be happy to see me again, after these dickheads abducted and enslaved me when I was still a kitten. I'll be more than happy to be a free cell at once!'' Amelia says as she looks to the other side with a snarl and a hiss.

''Oh, I'm going to miss you so much! But I hope that you'll find your family, Amelia. And please, try to write letters so now and then, alright?'' Loki says as she hugs Amelia.

''I will.'' Amelia promises.

''Loki... Loki!.... LOKI!'' Loki wakes up and looks around to see who called out her name. But she sees no one and thinks that it must've been just a dream or her own imagination. Then she feels a paw on her shoulder and quickly turns around with a gasp. ''It's alright sweetie, it's just me.'' Loki stares right into the golden-yellow eyes of her mother. Loki stares at her and notices that she looks healthy again, which is impossible, because she looked so weak and frail just a week ago. ''W-what... how...?''. She stutters in surprise. ''I'm here to say goodbye, sweetie.''. Freya explains. She wraps her arms around Loki and hugs her tightly. ''You're going to be a great mother to little Matthias, and I'll be watching over both of you.'' She says as she touches Loki's belly, before she turns around and walks out of the bedroom. Loki keeps staring at the spot where her mother just stood and a thousand thoughts went through her head. Then the realisation struck her. Her mother has past.

Loki stared at the soil where her mother just has been buried. She wants to go inside, but somehow she can't move. ''Loki! It's raining like crazy. Are you coming inside, or what?!'' Xynos yells at her. But Loki doesn't react at all. Xynos decides to walk over to her and drag her inside, but Etna grabs him by the arm and tells him to leave her be. Xynos then returns to the building. Etna takes a chair, walks over to Loki and offers her to take a seat. ''You look like you're about to pop, sis. And your legs must be tired. Please, sit down while you stare at Mum. '' He says. Loki stares at her brorher in surpise but then sits down in the chair. ''Wh... why are you so kind and considerate to me so out of a sudden?'' She asks. ''Because I feel guilty. I've been an arse to you, but I want to do better. In Mum's case, I'm too late now. But you're still here.'' Etna explains. Loki bursts out in tears as she hugs Etna. She never thought Etna was actually just like her and their mother, and that his behavior was all indoctrination by their father. Luckily, Etna came to the realisation that it's all so wrong.

Three weeks later, Loki suddenly wakes up with excruciating belly cramps, and wakes up Xynos too. ''What is it?'' He yawns. ''You need to bring me to the hospital!'' Loki says. Xynos just sleepily stares at her. ''Why exactly now?'' He asks. ''Because I'm in labour, you knob!'' She screams. Xynos suddenly is fully awake, jumps out of the bed and quickly changes clothes. Then he helps Loki into the car and races her to the hospital. Once at the hospital and laying in a bed, Xynos decides to leave. ''Where are you going?'' She asks. ''Going to the pub, watching football with the boys. I'll be back once the pup has arrived.'' He says. ''It's the middle of the night! There's no fucking football game on right now!'' Loki yells. ''Hey... I'm just not interested to sit down, having you squeezing my damn paw and hearing you screaming all night long, alright?'' Xynos replies. ''Please, stay! It hurts and I'm scared!''. Loki starts to cry but that still doesn't withhold Xynos from leaving. He turns around and walks out of the room. ''Oh, hey! Here's a nurse, Loki. She'll happily take my place!'' He yells from the hallway as he gives the nurse a slap on her shoulder and redirects her towards Loki's room. The nurse enters the room and sits down next to Loki and holds her paw, which calms her down a bit.

Several hours later, Loki is finally able to hold her son for the first time. She smiles every time he makes soft baby noises. ''My little Matthias.'' She says as she gently strokes his head and tiny ears. The door of her room suddenly slams open and Xynos enters. ''Well, then, let me see him!'' He demands. He turns to the pup and then his excited expression turns to disappointment. ''Why is he so small?'' He asks. ''Because he's a newborn pup, Xynos. All pups are small when they've just been born.'' Loki explains. ''I know that! But, I remember seeing a cousin as a newborn and he was way bigger than this one.'' Xynos says.

''He'll grow. You'll see.''

''But he'll stay smaller than other virions, Loki. This pup is a runt and it's your fault. You didn't ate enough while you were pregnant!''

Loki doesn't know how to react and instead just stares at Xynos in disbelief. ''Anyway, his name will be Cecil. '' Xynos reveals before leaving the room again. Loki is still flabbergasted by Xynos's reaction, but she quickly forgets about it when she turns back at Matthias. ''You look so much like your Grandmama.'' She smiles. Loki is suddenly startled by a loud tapping noise. She looks to her left and sees a huge crow sitting in front of the window. The crow has piercing golden-yellow eyes with slit pupils, something she's never seen before in these birds. Loki remembers that her mother loved crows. And that one night, when her mother died, that her soul explained to her that she'll watch over her and her son. ''Mama... '' Loki whispers as she stares into the eyes of the crow. Then she holds Matthias in a way that the crow can see him. The crow takes a bow and caws one time before it flies away.

A few hours later in the morning, Amelia visits Loki and Matthias at the hospital. ''Oh my god, he's so cute!'' Amelia squeals. ''Can I touch him?''. Loki nods and hold Matthias a little closer to Amelia. ''Oooohhh... his proteins are so soft.'' Amelia says as she touches his head. But Matthias starts to cry, so Amelia quickly retreats. ''I had my claws retracted. What did I do wrong?'' She asks with a scared voice. ''You did nothing wrong, sweetie. He's just hungry. '' Loki reassures her. ''Ah... I'll give you some privacy then. Oh, and I'll register him at the city hall, as promised.''. Loki's eyes fill up with tears as she recalls that day her friend indeed made that promise. Amelia notices and hugs Loki. ''Please, sweetie. Be careful. Do NOT get caught!'' Loki cries. ''I'll be careful and I won't get caught!'' Amelia says before she leaves.

When he has brought his wife and son back home, Xynos goes to the city hall to register his son's name. ''Uh... your son already has been registered, sir.'' The rhinovirus virioness at the counter explains. Xynos's eyes widen in surprise. ''How?! I haven't even been here yet! There must be a mistake!'' He says. ''Your son's name is Matthias Cecil Burgess, right?'' The bacterium asks. ''No. His name is Cecil Matthias Burgess!'' Xynos says. The virioness takes the certificate to check. ''Well, his certificate goes as following, sir. 'Matthias Cecil Burgess, born 12 April 1977 in Brighton England, Father is Xynos Cornelius Burgess and Mother is Loki Reeve-Burgess''. She explains. ''WHO IN THE BLOODY FUCKING...!''. Xynos is furious! He storms out of the city hall and drives back home.

''LOKI!!!'' Xynos yells loudly as he slams through the front door. Loki anxiously walks down the stairs and doesn't want to look Xynos in the eyes. ''Please, keep your voice down, dear. The pup is sleeping.'' She says in a soft but shivering voice. ''WHAT DID YOU DO?! WHY IS MY SON ALREADY REGISTERED... AND WITH THE WRONG NAME?!'' Xynos yells. Loki just stands there and still doesn't want to look her husband in the eyes. She displays a slight hunched stance, with her tails between her legs, her ears pinned back and the whites of her eyes showing. Xynos comes closer to her with her deep growl. ''WHAT. DID. YOU. DO. LOKI?!'' Xynos yells in her face. ''I-I-I d-don't know what y-you're talking about... d-dear... ''Loki stutters. Xynos snarls and grabs her by the throat. ''You CLEARLY know what I'm talking about, you BITCH! Now, tell me. Why has my bloody son already been registered. And WHO did it? Was it you, Loki? You did this, huh?'' He growls. ''I-it wasn't me!'' Loki gasps. Xynos is squeezing her throat so hard that she can barely breathe. Then Xynos smacks her against the floor. ''Then WHO did it? I know that you know who did it! So, tell me then, who did it?'' Xynos continues. ''I don't know!'' Loki cries. For a few seconds, Xynos watches Loki laying on the floor, shivering from fear. Then he walks out of the house and into his car. He drives away with shrieking tires.

Back at the city hall, Xynos asks for information about the person who came to register his son. He becomes even more infuriated when the one at the counter tells that a 'petite, ginger macrophage lady' came a few hours earlier to register his son. He drives back home and tells his younger brothers and cousins to go out and track Amelia. They got his permission to shoot her through the head when they find her. Loki is sitting on the sofa, sobbing and with her face wet from tears. She knows that Amelia is in huge danger now, but she can only hope that she won't be found and killed. She also fears for her own life, after what Xynos did to her. And what about little Matthias? If that monster doesn't mind hurting her, what about him then? Doesn't he even mind killing anyone of his own family? ''Now I understand why everyone here is so afraid of this family.'' She thinks to herself. Xynos enters the house again and walks past Loki to sit down into his lazy chair and with his feet on the table. As always, he starts up the tv and opens a bottle of beer to drink. ''The name can't be legally changed at the city hall, but in this territory and house, he'll be known as Cecil. You understand?'' Xynos says. ''Yes... Xynos.'' Loki replies. ''And I won't hire any maids anymore. No more secret little helpers for you!'' Xynos adds.