Chapter Text
Zandik found himself drifting off to sleep, his will to fight slowly fading as slumber takes over his entire body. The two adults watched him fight a losing battle eventually succumbing to his human needs. He laid comfortably slack in Herta's arms after Ratio handed him over. For a second the two didn't say anything, letting silence play out as they both sat at the same corner as before. Herta's brows twitched getting more and more annoyed at Ratio's silence. He said they needed to talk but then proceeded not to speak. What was wrong with him?
Biting her lip Herta couldn't take the silence anymore, "hey you said we had something to talk about? Well, the brats asleep so what is it then?"
Ratio went straight to the point, "do you know who's Zandik's previous guardians are?"
"No," Herta simply said. Ratio didn't need to know that Zandik was in fact from another universe. It isn't a secret but it wasn't her business to tell people. If he really wants to know, then Zandik himself can tell him.
Ratio stilled for half a second, "did you abduct this child from his guardians?"
Herta's response was immediate, "what no, why would I do that? I wouldn't do something so idiotic. The brat was found by the Nameless inside of one of my space station, I discovered he was a Genius so I took it upon myself to care for him that's all. If you don't believe me then just ask them yourself."
"Did you not think of finding his home or at the very least a relative of his?"
"Tch, the kid has been asking me to send him so I've been trying to find a way–"
"–don't," Ratio interrupted her, Herta blinked clearly not expecting to be interrupted, "Zandik may want to return to his home planet, but I do not recommend it. In our short time together, I had discovered something… disturbing. In one instance I had lost him inside the mall, however when I had found him," he paused choosing his next words carefully, "he seemingly shut down. Calling his name, or shaking him didn't initiate a response from him and when he came to his senses, he began to cry and while it is concerning that isn't what I wanted to point out. No, it's what he said right after. He asked me, why I didn't hit him."
Herta blinked, as stated before she wasn't the best person with kids. Most of their problems and emotional needs go right over her head, so she didn't find anything strange with Zandik's behavior. Children cry all the time over the smallest of things, but even a woman like Herta with little to no emotional intelligence knew something was wrong if a kid asked an adult why they didn't hit them. She purse her lips pondering about what Ratio had said. Herta is a woman who keeps her promises but she can't just drop off a kid who is obviously being abused. However, she is luckily a Genius so a solution immediately popped in her head. They did say it would take time for him to get home but they never gave him specific time frame. As long as they make minimal progression, it would take at least years for them to get him home. By that time the kid would have no desire to go back anymore, there problem solved.
"I see… well if that's the case then I'll be sure to not bring him home," Herta held her face with her palm blankly looking at the man in front of her.
"It's good we came to a consensus, however that is not the only thing I wish to discuss," Herta's brows raised. What more does this man want to talk about?
"Miss Herta, from what I can see you are no fit to care for child like Zandik. I on the other hand am," Herta's eyes narrowed. Just what was this man insinuating? Yeah she acknowledges that she wasn't the best for a kid's guardian but she could learn, learning was one of the things she was amazing at. As long as there are books about it then it wouldn't pose a problem for Herta. She frowned slightly annoyed at the his words, but let's him continue on with his explanation.
"However, I cannot simply take him from you. He doesn't trust me yet and me taking away the only person he seemingly trust would only result in our relationship straining. That is why, I propose we co-parent him."
Herta almost laughed actually she did laugh. Co-parent!? That was the most absurd thing she had ever heard in her entire life! The only person she would even entertain the idea to would be Screwllum, and still she wouldn't fully agree to it. Just what does this man thinks she is? At this point she was contemplating whether she should just get up and leave, but she was curious as to why Ratio had suggested something so ludicrous. So she stayed for now wanting to hear his entire explanation.
"This way I'll be sure his developed does not get skewed, and you'll be able to keep an eye on his progress as a Genius. If you wish you may take him home but my home will be the location he'll be staying at the most."
It was logically sound but it didn't give her a good feeling. Something about his words gives her a bad taste. Her eyes stared at the peacefully sleeping boy, his chest rising and falling. Quiet murmurings leaving his tiny lips, his small fragile-looking body curling in her arms. Reminding her of a small girl from long ago, wandering lost searching for anyone to guide her… Somewhere in her heart something inside squeezed. As much as she hates to admit it, she can't give him a proper home to prosper. Herta maybe a prideful woman, but she knows when to put that pride aside. This was one of those times.
"Fine, but on the weekends he's coming with me."
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"In summary we will be delaying sending young Zandik home while you and Dr. Ratio become young Zandik's guardians together?" The entire situation was too bizarre for Screwllum to process, he craned his neck so far it started to like it was going to fall off, "have you informed young Zandik about this circumstance?"
"Not yet, but once he wakes up," Herta brushes him off, paying attention to the data calculating right before her very eyes. She wasn't intentionally doing it, but she can't help it. Screwllum knew that so he didn't push the topic further, instead he directed his attention at the sleeping Zandik laid on the couch.
He walked towards him slowly, his hands made of cold metallic iron shaped into stiffed fingers brushed against the soft curls of the slumbering boy. For an intellitron like him, human children always looked and felt like living breathing porcelain dolls. Zandik grumbled, a small sigh left his mouth as his eyes fluttered open revealing a pair of ruby eyes. He blinked taking a couple of seconds to respond to seeing Screwllum. He forced his body to move up immediately causing him to hit Screwllum's metal hand.
"Ouch!" Zandik yelped, caressing his head that was hit. Hearts snapped her head, her expression said nothing while her eyes betrayed her. It's purple gaze full of worry and concern.
"Apologies, I did not mean to hurt you," Screwllum's hand hovered just above the boys head, "are you quite alright?"
Zandik sniffed a tear in, nodding slowly, "I'm okay, it just stings a bit," he had experienced worst, for him this was just minor pain he could ignore, or that's what he thinks. Unbeknownst to him, a splash of blood had clung onto the gloves had of Screwllum. Herta wouldn't have noticed it nor would the boy, but his sensors picked it up immediately. The slight scent of iron sent alarms inside of Screwllum's head. In his enchanted sight he could see the patch of blood staining the boy's minty hair.
Screwllum reacted fast, he materialized a soft cloth lightly dipped in alcohol and began to gently dap the wounded area. Zandik flinched not expecting the intellitron to dap his head out of nowhere. The alcohol stung but it didn't hurt, it was more like a tickle. Zandik stared at the intellitron wondering why he was doing this, once again the adults of this world baffled him.
"Young Zandik, I sincerely apologize. I did not mean to cause you injury," Screwllum stopped, the white cloth he held now stained with red. Zandik noticed it and wondered if his wound was that bad, he touched his head and immediately felt a sharp sting penetrate his whole head.
"Screwy, I can't believe you would hurt a kid. I thought I knew you," Herta joked appearing right besides Screwllum. After hearing Zandik yell, she couldn't help but investigate on what had happened. When she arrived all she saw was Screwllum dapping a white cloth onto the brat's head. She figured her partner had accidentally bonked the brat in the head resulting in him bleeding.
"It's okay I'm not that hurt," Zandik comforted Screwllum. The intellitron merely bowed ashamed at his actions, even if it was just an accident.
"Right now that you're awake brat. I have something to tell you," Herta announced now seating next to Zandik, "me and that Ratio guy decided to enroll you into Verity Prime University but under a condition," the boy somewhat deflated, of course there was going to be a catch what did he expect? "That you'll be staying with Ratio on the weekdays while on the weekends you'll be staying with me."
Zandik stayed silent processing the information Herta had given him. It wasn't a bad condition he liked Ratio enough, and he'd still be able to meet Herta again. However, disappointed still entered his heart though not enough that he would make a fuss about the change of plans. After all he had expected to stay in this fantastical space station for a while and explore every corner and secrets it has to offer.
"Okay," he merely said not being able to hide his disappointment. Screwllum took notice, of his dismay. His quick processors gave him a small idea. Around a day or two the intellitron had visited a planet known for its sweets to discuss a few things with a friend of his. His friend insisted that he should take some candy with him, even though as a non-organic being he isn't required to eat. He agreed only to appear polite, he didn't think he would find some use for it. Snapping his fingers a drop of multi-colored wrapped sweets appeared at the palms of his hand, he offered them towards the boy as a sort of comfort.
Zandik stared at the wrapped candy, having no idea what it was. Even so he took them out of curiosity and unwrapped it's colorful wrapping with clumsy hands revealing a round sticky pink ball. Taking a small sniff he smelt a pleasant sweet scent coming from it. He determined from that small smell that this must be some sort of food. Taking a leap of fate, popping the candy into his mouth and was immediately bombarded with the taste of condense sugar flavored with artificial strawberry. Zandik never tasted anything like it before, it was strange but that didn't mean he hated it. Actually he really likes the taste. He took the rest of the candies, devouring each one like a starving hyena.
Meanwhile Screwllum turned to Herta, "suggestion: it would be ideal that we start to prepare for young Zandik's departure."
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Zandik stared at Ratio, the man before him had the same expression he always had. Nothing. This was one aspect Zandik didn't like about Ratio. Not because he thinks he looks strange or uncanny in a way, no it was kind of the opposite. It reminded of his own face. His face just looked really familiar that's all. Without being prompted to, Zandik walked towards Ratio but not before turning back and giving Herta and Screwllum a wave of goodbye.
"Have you packed everything?" The man asked. Zandik nodded in response. There wasn't much to be packed anyways, he barely had anything except for the things he bought at the mall.
The space shuttle Ratio had prepared opened as they stood in front of it revealing a crisp and neat looking interior. It has giant windows all around showing the shining stars outside of the ship, and in the middle was some sort of conversational pits you'd find in some rich persons house. The doors of the shuttle closed when they entered, the lights inside immediately dimming into a warmer color. Pleasing to Zandik's vision. The two sat at the opposite sides as though they were avoiding each other. That might be true for Zandik's case. However, it wasn't entirely true. Ratio had merely wanted a seat that would be far enough to give the kid some space and at the same time close enough that Ratio can keep watch.
"Where are we going?" Zandik abruptly questioned while staring at the shimmering stars forming multiple nebula's and clusters of colors.
"Kion VII, it is where Verity Prime University is located and it is where you'll be staying in for the time being."
Zandik hummed a bit excited at the prospect of being able to go to school. It might not be the Akademiya but going to school outside of Teyvat was so much better in his opinion. He knows he'll learn so many more things here than in Teyvat. All the advance science and technology at his finger tips, it was making him antsy. He really couldn't wait–
A massive jolt interrupted his thoughts. Zandik felt as if his stomach had rolled into itself, jumbling all it's empty contents. His head began to spin along, drops of sweat forming at his temple. He was going to hurl, no he is! He had no time to react as clear liquid unceremoniously left his mouth spilling onto the metallic floor. In his hazy mind he didn't notice Ratio moving next to him and covering his mouth and nose with a embroidered cloth. Ratio rubbed his back in a circular movement though it didn't help much it did give him a sense of comfort and distraction from the dizziness.
The purple haired doctor's lips formed a small frown. Herta hadn't mentioned the kid having motion sickness, if he had known he would've prepared motion sickness medicine in advanced. Oh well, at least he knows now and can prevent it in the future. For now he needs to focus on the dazed kid. The ride would only take at most a few minutes so the kid only needs to hold on until then.
… Well he held up pretty well, only vomiting a total of One time. Most of the trip consisted of Zandik zoning in and out of consciousness, fighting his urge to puke out all the remaining acid inside his stomach. Ratio notes in his head that he'll have to buy some motion sickness medicine when he has the time, which means tomorrow morning.
Zandik was a bit dizzy from the whole trip holding onto Ratio's hems of his clothe for dear life even then he was still able to admire the tall building towering everything in its path, it's peak reaching the heavens. It reminded of obelisk for worshiping gods he saw in a book once, but of course this building was much much taller. He might have stared for far to long as Ratio nudge him awake.
"It is best not to stare for too long, there are others walking," the mundanite said as he begins to walk towards the entrance. Zandik nodded slightly embarrassed before following him inside.
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Ratio's apartment had little to no decoration, only a couple of painting here and there depicting various landscaped of lakes or forest. Other than that there were bookcases all around filled to the brim with different types of books perfectly organized in genre and color. It caught the boy's attention instantly. He stared at each of the books, trying to read the complicated titles in concentration. Ratio watched him silently, a bit amused at the boy's focus. Then a small idea appeared in his mind. The kid doesn't know the universal language nor basic information yet so this would be the best time for him teach the young boy just before the school year starts.
He sat down on his couch, materializing a pencil and stacks of paper on his coffee table. He a wrote words on the paper, ones that should be very easy to read. Zandik the curious kid that he is peered over, wondering what he was writing.
"What's that?" He asked while squinting his eyes at the written words.
"Preparation. From what Herta has told me, you have yet to receive proper education. While I did accept you into the waiting list you still have to prove yourself worthy to enroll into Verity Prime," he finished writing the paper now filled with different rudimentary words any toddler can read, "We only have two months before the grand opening. I know you're a bright kid but without basic schooling, you will fall behind. If you really want to learn inside Verity Prime then prove it," he slid the paper towards Zandik, "now let's start our last minute lecture."
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Ratio was honestly impressed. It's only been five hours and Zandik has already read three sentences of a language he barely knows, albeit with broken pronunciation, it's impressive none the less. If he keeps this up then he'll be able to fully master the language around a month or two… however, that's a problem. Zandik not only has to learn how to read but also basic informed about math, science, history, and exogeography. In the end he'll fall behind the others no matter what. Maybe he should take his offer back, clearly the kid isn't ready for Verity Prime. Ratio knows the university like the back of his hand, he didn't spend most of his life there for nothing. That university is a breeding ground for competition, by the time the kid sets foot into its grounds he'll be eaten alive. He figures that maybe private tutoring might fare better for the kid, after all Ratio isn't too sure if the boy can handle being in school with full of people. Specially with his rather complicated situation, he should take—
"What's this," Zandik pointed at a dissertation laid next to Ratio. While the boy was focusing on learning how to read, Ratio on the other hand has been grading his students works to pass the time. The dissertation Zandik pointed to belonged to one of his top students, it was a side project his student has been working on since the start of the school year. His student gave it to him to double check if everything was in order, which it was. No surprises there.
"It's a dissertation that studies the migration of Acuate plants from the planet Gijro II."
"Really?" The boy tilted his head, his eyes glimmering with curiosity, "can I learn more about it?" While he usually doesn't entertain questions, Zandik has so far been asking the right ones. For that he'll give the kid what he requested. With a swift click of his finger a hologram appeared depicting various planets with text underneath. He showed it to the boy intending to read them for him, but he was flat out rejected.
"Oh? Is there a reason as to why you refuse my help?"
"I want to do it myself! I want to practice my reading while learning new things!" Zandik exclaimed. This time around Radio couldn't stop a smile forming, somewhat happy to find that there are still kids in this world that still wish to rid themselves of ignorance.
"Good answer, ten points," he answered instinctively, "you may proceed."
Zandik stilled for a bit, surprised at the words that came from Ratio's mouth…. Ten points… a warm fuzzy feeling spreads across his chest and cheeks, for some reason Zandik was now more motivated to read than ever before.
Silence once more filled the room, creating a sense of serenity between the two. They sat side by side, grading and reading at the same time, solely focusing on their own task. Until Zandik broke it an hour later.
"Ummm, Mr. Ratio," he asked in whisper, "is this really correct?"he points at formula again showing slight apprehension. Ratio glanced at the paper, founding no fault in it.
"Is is," he simply said going back to his work but Zandik was not going to let this matter go. Somewhere in his child brain screamed that something was wrong, he looked back at the floating screens displaying the descriptions of each of the Acuate plants. One tiny detail caught his eye, glittering like treasure inside a dimply lit hall. It was eating him inside, he needs to correct it. He took a piece of paper and began sloppy copying the letters to form the sentence he wants.
Minutes had gone by and by the time he was finished Ratio was already preparing his room. He peered into his new bedroom, it didn't have much to offer. Like the rest of the apartment, it barely had any decorations . Only a bed, a closer, and a night stand inside. It was kinda bland for Zandik's taste but he isn't one to complain when he is given free shelter. Hesitantly he walked towards the mundanite who was straightening his sheets.
"Mr. Ratio, I want to show you this," he showed the piece of paper that he had written on. Ratio was rather silent, it made Zandik nervous. Maybe he shouldn't have shown him this, after all Ratio had already said that the paper was fine. So why did he have to go out of his way and try to prove that he was wrong… he closed his eyes already expecting a harsh punishment to come from the man before him. Yet it never happened instead he heard a small him.
"We did not account for that, good job, ten points. I'll be sure to tell my student to change it."
Zandik stood there frozen, thinking 'that was it?' He felt relief wash over him. His tight grip he hadn't noticed on the paper loosened. He glanced at the paper finding that it's all crumbled at the edges. He tried straighten but well it didn't work to good. Finally Zandik decided to exit the room going back to the living room to flatten the paper with multiple book he can get his hands on. Meanwhile Ratio watched as he went, his mind divided.
Zandik has just showed him something neither him or his student were able to catch, it was a minuscule detail many would overlook yet the boy had seen it right away and pieced the right puzzle… perhaps Ratio was wrong in his earlier assessment. Zandik might still be eaten alive, but Ratio can tell. He'll survive, one way or another.