Chapter Text
Jamil was stalking down the halls of Night Raven College muttering about idiots all of them idiots. This week their school had the honor of housing a very prestigious guest! A demi-god no less. One who had won the hearts and minds of much of the public. Kalim just so happened to be at the top of that list. His charge was absolutely enamored with the tales of the great Hercules And had begged the headmaster to allow him to host the demi-god in Scarabia. Much to Jamil’s dismay, the headmaster had quickly acquiesced to the request and here Jamil was stuck preparing chambers, a meal, and a full-on party and parade. He had two weeks' worth of work to do in a single day.
How little had changed since the incident where he Overblot and Kalim’s overtures of change had quickly flown out the window. The boy didn’t understand, could never understand. Even if deep down in his heart he knew Kalim meant no malice, he’d almost have felt better if he had. The naivety of his charge had compounded everything in his life 10 fold.
So here he was cursing both Hercules and Kalim’s names as he headed to the kitchens praying that there was enough stock to prepare a feast to suit a demi-god.
What he wasn’t expecting however was the almost sardonic laugh that reached his ears. He turned around to glare at the offending creature that dare mock his torture only to be met with the yellow gaze of Ignihyde’s elusive housewarden. “I’m sorry, but I’ve never heard someone speak with such destain towards my cousin before. Outside my father of course. People tend to kiss the ground he’s walked on.”
Jamil took a moment to process the statement the other made before his face twisted in surprise. “He’s…he’s your cousin?!?”
“You don’t see the family resemblance?” Idia motioned to himself with a toothy grin, that Jamil was certain was sharper than any snake’s fangs.
“Given that Hercules is a large muscle-bound moron with red hair, No it was not immediately obvious,” Jamil spoke dryly though internally his mind was racing. “Wait that means….”
“The blue flaming hair didn’t give it away?” Idia frowned a bit and Jamil once again couldn’t discern if the other was mocking him or not. “For someone who seems to like to deceive other people I figured you’d have realized it before now.”
“You’re Hade’s son.” Jamil breathed out as he felt his heart race, and for the first time in his life, he actually felt something akin to real fear.
“Keep it our little secret okay? So far I’ve managed to keep my head down and under the radar of the pesky npc’s that populate this school. If they knew what I was, I’d never get a moment's peace. Look at how they flock to that idiot. “ Idia gestured with his head toward the poster advertising his cousin’s arrival. “What Azul would do if he thought he could get a favor from the Lord of the Underworld’s son? I quite enjoy him thinking I’m some low-level noob. “
“Then why tell me?” Jamil’s eyes narrowed. There had to be a catch there was always a catch.
Idia just shrugged and continued on his own path toward the kitchen. He’d intended to stock up well enough that neither he nor Ortho would have to leave the solitude of their dorm during the man’s stay. “I never expected a mortal to possibly understand.” the flames on his hair crackled as Jamil fell in step with him. “Those born into privilege never do. They think the world works the same for everyone. For eon’s my uncle, and his family, have enjoyed living in a paradise amongst the clouds, with no cares or wants. They can’t fathom the idea of someone not being happy with their lot in life. The concept is so foreign to them that it hurts. ” Idia paused for a moment as he wrapped his arms around himself almost shrinking in as his eyes became oddly distant. Now that he was this close he could see that Idia’s eyes weren’t just yellow but an eerie glowing gold and he wondered how anyone could have mistaken the other for a human.
“In contrast, my father was tasked with guarding the underworld. A bleak existence surrounded by souls that wish nothing more than to return to the world of the living.” Idia spoke softly now. “We’re cursed to dwell there surrounded by the dead. Knowing nothing of the pleasures those on Olympus have. I was only allowed to leave so I could receive my education here at NRC. But the day I graduate I have nothing to look forward to but returning to that world of emptiness and sorrow.”
Idia truly didn’t know why he was telling Jamil all this. He knew forging any kind of relationship was something pointless. It's why he never let Azul closer than someone he knew through his gaming club. The other never knowing how much he cherished these interactions. It was better this way he always told himself that. Any connection he made would only torment him, and drive him to madness once he returned to the underworld. It was something his family was predisposed to after all.
“In the end, it drove my father mad. He tried to overthrow and kill my uncle. When the dust settled he lost, and the only reason he was allowed to maintain his position is no one else wanted his cursed task. It was the reason I was born. To one day replace him.” Idia finished his story
He could hear the audible intake of breath from Jamil. He tried to school the expression on his face, but he couldn’t help the pain that shone in his own eyes. They walked in silence a bit longer before Jamil finally broke the silence. “Is that…is that why you never treated me different? Like the others did once they found out what I’d done to Kalim?” no one ever seemed to want to speak about the incident, But he could tell the looks, the wary glances he received. It had been swept under the rug, but still, everything had tilted and seemed off skew. And even after his effort, he knew his future would be the same. Kalim had promised to set him free, but the idiot didn’t even understand the binding magic that was on him…the curse that had been placed on his family. He knew the other had earnestly meant his words, but he also knew he’d never be able to lift it. Not while he was still alive.
Idia had been the only one to treat him exactly the same. A fact he’d brushed off, never giving much thought to the eccentric dorm lead. That apparently had been a miss calculation on his part.
In response, the other hummed a bit before letting out a sigh. “I’m hardly in a position to judge you. In fact, I think it let me understand you a bit better.”
And for once, Jamil felt those weren't just idle platitudes like he was used to receiving. Idia’s story had certainly opened his own eyes, and somehow he felt a bit less…angry…lonely…he wasn’t sure. He knew there wasn’t a solution for either of their situations. But knowing….knowing someone understood how he felt on such a level. There was an odd sense of peace to it.
When they reached their destination and Idia sighed. “Hercules can handle just about any pallet but anything refined would be lost on him. Your best bet to impress him is quantity, not quality. And meat, lots of meat, cheese, and honey. And if you know how to acquire it wine.”
“I…” Jamil stuttered not used to being at a loss for words, nor expressing gratitude without some hidden meaning behind it. Still, he managed a soft. “Thank you. For everything.”
“No problem. I’ll see you next week.” Idia replied before disappearing into the depths of the kitchen as if he had never been there, to begin with.
-----------------------------------
It was less than the aforementioned week when Jamil was surprised to see Idia once more. This time, students were clamoring around the halls, and he had walked up to see what the commotion was. There stood Idia gripped tightly in Hercules’s arms as he gave the other a bone-crushing hug. “Cuz! How are you! I was hoping to run into you! It's why I accepted Crowley’s invitation. You’re so hard to pin down and I really wanted to catch up and see how your schooling was doing.”
Jamil recognized the face Idia was wearing, it was the very same one that he’s worn a thousand times as Kalim’s actions made his life harder and more miserable without realizing it. The idiot demi-god not knowing the impact he was having on the life of his cousin, who only wanted his peace and quiet.
The gasps through the crowd and the chatter that erupted was clue enough that Idia’s secret was out. And Jamil moved forward, something telling him he had to help. The drive to lend an honest hand to someone in need was a new feeling he’d evaluate later, but he didn’t make it in time as Azul stepped forward first. Surprise was written on the usually stoic and mischievous Octavinelle leader’s face. “Idia, I’m hurt why didn’t you tell me?”
Jamil expected to see the pain on Idia’s face but all he saw was an almost accepting sadness like he’d lost something precious to him. No one else seemed to be reading the situation.
“Is this your friend? Why don’t you introduce us?” Hercules replied jovially as he turned to Azul.
“I…” Idia’s panic was rising and finally, Jamil saw his opening grabbing the other by the wrist.
“Sorry to interrupt your family reunion but Idia and I have a project we’re working on that's due tomorrow and we need to get started on it now. You’ll have to wait.” Jamil grinned at the redhead.
“Ah, Jamil right? , Good to see you. Thank you for the lovely meal last night. Kalim talks highly of you and tells me you’re rather studious. I guess he was right. I’m sorry if I interrupted your school work Idia, We’ll have to catch up another time this week.” the idiot beamed.
“Ah..yes…sorry,” Idia replied as he allowed Jamil to pull him away as he could feel Azul staring at his back. He had to know there was no such project.
Once they were away from the crowd of Hercules’s adoring fans. Idia sighed and looked to Jamil. “Thank you.”
“No problem.” Jamil shook his head. “Are you going to be alright?”
“I….” Idia squeezed his eyes shut. “I don’t have a choice.”
The demi-god turned and left and Jamil’s heart hammered in his chest. Why was he so helpless. Was there really nothing he could do beyond what he'd done?
He could almost feel the darkness as it seemed to envelop the boy in front of him.
Yet somehow, when he heard the screams later that week, and looked out to see students fleeing, as the visage of Idia, donned in his father’s robes, ink dripping from him entered the school’s courtyard. He found himself surprised if nothing else that it hadn’t happened sooner.