The Innocence Robbery

Life, Trauma/ Loss

Aero, feeling exhausted from the eerie tiles and the treacherous sewers, took a detour to the Golden Tankard to rest. Meanwhile, the rest of the party arrived at the hospital, ready to reunite the missing children with their relieved parents. Outside the hospital, a small celebration erupted, filled with joy and gratitude. However, their elation was short-lived as they were informed that they were needed for an urgent discussion. A familiar figure, the doctor they had encountered before, approached them with heavy news. The innocent Chava had tragically succumbed to the relentless sickness that had plagued her since their departure from Ignus Gramine. Pusish was devastated, mourning the loss of his last blood relative. In a somber meeting room, Alfie, feeling a mix of grief and anger, turned to prayer, addressing Malum, the God of the Wicked. Surprisingly, Malum declared that he had no hand in Chava's fate and felt no obligation to intervene. In response, Alfie removed the belt from his waist, denouncing its connection to Malum, at least for the time being.   Later, the doctor informed Pusish and the group that they could bid farewell to Chava one last time. As they entered the room, they found the casket closed, signifying the finality of her passing. Pusish shared a tender and heartfelt goodbye with his departed relative. As he began to make his way toward the exit, a chilling and bizarre occurrence unfolded. The benevolent doctor, who had shown great patience and kindness, transformed into a grotesque, amorphous demon. With a wide smirk across his face, the demon turned to face Alfie, Arnie, and Day. Holding the swaddled body of Chava, the demon let out a laugh that resonated with familiar echoes of Malum. As quickly as the demonic figure appeared, it vanished into thin air, leaving the room empty, with even the casket that held Chava moments before mysteriously gone.   Alarmed, the group rushed out to find Pusish, and along the way, Arnie and Alfie caught sight of the doctor. Acting swiftly, they cornered him in a utility closet, pressing him against the wall, demanding answers about the bewildering events. Surprisingly, the old doctor seemed genuinely perplexed and denied any knowledge of the accusations. Reluctantly, Alfie released his grip, and Arnie handed the doctor a rolled-up piece of paper, believing it to contain a potential cure for Reselin overdoses. As the group reconvened and departed from the hospital, the doctors left behind cheered at the discovery of this newfound cure, their hope renewed.