Chapter Text
The netherworld is a dangerous place. Everything, from the plants to wildlife, will try to kill anything else for survival. That's just the environment they were born in. Of course, this makes most species evolve to only have a few offspring for the parents to focus their efforts on. Demons are no exception, curling around their rare fledgling like a dragon guarding their hoard.
As a side effect of this, most netherworld creatures also have a habit of adopting. Programmed into their very DNA to care for small creatures that hiss and snap. It's completely different from everything else embedded in them to survive.
Now even as demons civilized themselves and left the Dark ages behind, their old habits of nest robbing hasn't completely disappeared. They've only dressed it up with words like "adoption" and "more fit to care." So no one questioned when famously childless and single Lord Sullivan suddenly showed up with a child that's very much grown. They were only curious on what kind of fledgling would make him act.
When they actually met Iruma, all the confusion instantly cleared up.
Opera's ear flicked towards the explosion echoing downstairs. They sigh, slight annoyance rising at the mess they'd have to clean before they can tamper it down. Chairman adopted a new ward, a grandson specially. Moreover, it was human child. Now, they have done some research in caring for fledgling but the differences between species was unknown to them. They couldn't use their own childhood as an example. As far as they know, they were the picture perfect fledgling.
The human, however, already caused so much of a ruckus that Kalego called and demanded they get Lord Sullivan on the phone. With a little bit of eavesdropping, that wasn't really eavesdropping due to how loud the teacher was shouting, they found out that the human got into a fight on the first day. Surprising due to the meek and apologetic behavior they saw from him previously. They were worried he wouldn't even return at all, not get into a fight.
Privately, they had thought he wouldn't last long while acting like that. Honestly, all of it just reinforced their idea that fledglings were a hassle. Something worth protecting, as all young are, but nothing something they'd want for themself. Not with the stories and well known reputation of demon kits being little hellions. A similarity that human kids share apparently.
Their tail swished, flicking back and forth as they lowered the duster in their hands. Opera left it on the shelf they were working on before leaping off the banister to the floor. Their shoes click as they headed towards the kitchen, the source of the explosion noise. Being closer allows them to hear the soft scrape of porcelain on the tiles. Ears immediately pinning back at the thought of the danger, they hurry inside.
As expected, their young ward was trying to clean up a shattered mug. Smoke swirled around the place, staining the air with a burnt smell. With one smooth motion, they take the broom out of his hands and gently push him away from the sharp pieces. "Iruma," a sharp chiding tone slips out before they can stop it, "You mustn't touch the jagged edges, we can't have you going to Babyls with an injury."
The hair on the boy's head withers, drooping down as he draws into himself. Unbefitting for a demon, he stutters out an apology, "Opera I—I'm sorry, I just wanted a warm cup of milk."
Their tail flicks, a hand twisting to call a levitation spell on the broken shards. The porcelain lifts from the ground, hovering themselves into the garbage can nearby. As it does so, they take the human's hands into theirs. Just to check for any cuts. Their search leads to nothing, and a quick twitch of their nose reveals none of the sweet scent they smelt at their initial meeting.
He's pliant with the check, none of the biting and thrashing the books warned about handling a fledgling. It make them guilty enough that Opera lightens up on Iruma, "You don't seem to be injured so there's nothing to worry about. However, I do recall telling you to avoid the kitchen as you're unused to the appliances."
Somehow the boy hunches further from this, ahoge pressing so downwards that it didn't look different from the rest of his hair. He does not defend himself or even lashes out, only muttering another meek, "I'm sorry…You were working and I didn't want to disturb you for something as simple as a cup of milk."
Somehow the kit could pick out the perfect words to soften Opera. They mentally sigh before deciding to forgo the lecture on safety for another time, "Wait inside your room, once I've finished cleaning up I'll bring you a fresh cup."
"Yes Opera."
They turn to the microwave, mentally calculating the possible damages. Only to freeze as they spot a second mug within it. It's cracked, contents spilling out and definitely staining the appliance. Still, they can't find it in themself to be mad. In an uncharacteristic move, they call out, "Iruma, wait."
The boy pauses, head turning with a slight tilt for confusion, "Is there anything you need?"
"Why did you try and warm up two cups?"
"Ah I," he turns sheepish, hand coming up to scratch at his cheek, "I wanted to bring one to you since you're always working hard. It's just, cleaning this entire place without any help is a lot. I would know, so I decided to try and show some appreciation."
This human, no Master Iruma, wanted to do something nice for them even if they hadn't been the most welcoming. Their eyes soften at the kindness wafting off his hunched form. Unconsciously, their ears perk up as their tail happily swish behind them. Well that would have to change now, they should treat him with the same treatment as any servant should to their young master. Opera beckons the kit back inside, "Come here Iruma."
He shuffles forward, head bowed as if awaiting scolding. They place a hand on top of his head, "Thank you for your attempt at giving me something, I apologize for treating you coldly."
The kit, because this is nothing but a fledgling despite the different species, brightens immediately at the praise. His head seemingly unconsciously leans into their hand and flowers appear out of nowhere to bloom around him, "No no, you've been nothing but kind to me! Really, staying here is the best place I've stayed in by far."
Somehow, they don't think it's because of the luxury that Lord Sullivan lives in. Still, it doesn't change the fact that Iruma has no idea of the stake he just drove into this servant's heart. Opera's ears fold in half, bent from the guilt they'll forever carry. Taking a breath in, they decided to change their decision. They lightly grab Iruma's shoulder to guide him back to the microwave. With a snap, the mess cleans itself due to magic.
"Here, let me teach you how to use the microwave."
The walls of the kitchen visibly brightens at the smile that appeared on the kit's face. Although they can't bask in it for long as he immediately dims with shyness, "Are you sure? I don't want to mess it up again and make another mess for you to clean up again."
Opera softens, a hand coming up to lightly pat Iruma's head, "No, this mess is my fault for not teaching you how to use it or make you feel safe enough to ask me for things." Then they turn to grab two mugs out of the cupboards. The milk was next but they turn around to find Iruma already holding it out for them. A smile curls on their face as they thank him and watch another blinding smile lights up the room.
"Here, this button is to pull up the number pad for specific numbers. While the symbols represent different temperatures. You have to click one that matches the thing you want to warm up and then what temperature you want it to become. So for warm milk click the puddle," it beeps as they start to do their own instructions, "then choose the small flame."
The microwave whirs to life as the mug they placed in it starts to rotate. He makes a little realization noise, a single oh. Iruma's round eyes flick to the cups in their hands. And once the first mug is done, they offer the other one for him to try it out.
The fledgling lifts it carefully, hands tightly wrapped around it to prevent another accident. It clicks as it's set inside the appliance. After that, it's hardly any trouble for him to warm up the milk successfully. Once it's done and there was no explosion, Iruma brightens instantly. His ahoge rising to do a happy wiggle. They really can't do anything but smile.
Like this, they can see the appeal of kids. Teaching them and watching as they grow is quite fun. Lord Sullivan really chose the best human kit to adopt. Maybe if their fledgling was as well behaved and sweet, then they could see themself getting one. However, they know it's quite a long shot for that to happen. Besides they have Iruma right here to care for.
"Also, Master Iruma?"
"Yes?"
"Why do you know how much work it is to clean a mansion?"
"Ah."
The valley shakes and trembles from the growl roaring from their throat. It rakes against their rarely used vocal cords but they do not let up. They can't risk it. Not with their young injured and and this intruder bearing weapons. Their vision isn't the most reliable but they have something better than sight.
Magic echoes from the little beast trying to fight them. It croons, flinging back signs of fledging and demon. Their eyes narrow, it must be that time again. Where the demons fling their kits into the outskirts of their territory. Which usually is something hardly relevant if not for the fact they had a kit of their own. An injured kit no less. They will not take any risks while their child heals. Even if it's a another fledgling who can't dent their fur.
Claws glint in the light as they raise them. Razor sharp edges capable of slicing through rocky cliff sides. Magic thrums again and the the little demon is knocked away by something else. It is…small? Magic wise at least, but the vibrations from its movements signal that it's bigger than the signature suggest it is.
Further up, they can sense their fledging coming towards them. Before they know it, a roar rips from their throat and echoes the air. A threat to the invaders and a warning to their kit to stay away. Their fledging chirps, calling for them to calm. But they can't with the scent of blood in the air and—Chirp! Another chick call, but not from above them.
No, it was from the weird magic signature in front of them. The other…chick peeps again. The perpetual grumbling in their throat dies out. Is there a new fledgling for the nest? Rocks press into their paws as they lower their claws. The magic does not sing with their call but it doesn't hum back with anything recognizable. There's a cheep this time, and they thrill back in response. But the youngling does not answer.
The thing about the Nether world is that because it's filled with dangers, most species evolve vocal cords with the sole purpose of being as loud as possible. Since for young, survival depends on how fast their parents can locate them. A very large majority do not have the ability to mimic other species unless they specialized in it. Like most, demons and whatever species the Guardian of the Valley is, do not have this ability nor do they really know of it.
Humans, however, did not have to evolve with this trait. Which allowed their vocal cords to be more flexible, resulting in the ability to mimic others. Even then, only some can perfectly mimic rather than imitate. Now, Iruma has been living in the wild for a large part of his life.
This means he met a lot of wild animals. From these interactions, he learned something. The fact is that most predators would hesitate when faced with a thing making their species' child calls. Just a few seconds of hesitation could be the difference between life and death. So Iruma learn how to mimic calls at a young age and got very good at it.
He stands in front of Sabnock and, despite the shaking in his limbs, he croaks out another chirp. The Guardian of the Valley no longer seems aggressive, merely staring with slight curiosity and eagerness? Still, the trick worked. It calmed the Guardian down enough for its chick to arrive. His classmate is staring at him with stunned shock and confusion written across his face.
Iruma internally makes peace with the fact that Sabnock is gonna see him as a freak after this. But as long as he's alive to do so, he wouldn't regret it. The chick he healed swoops down, hovering in front of the massive beast's face. An actual bird call echoes from it and then the two engage in a little bit of back and forth. Thrills and clicks trading between them both at a speed he couldn't comprehend.
The towering figure lowers, yet does not lower its guard before it casts its sights on the broadsword in Sabnock's hands. He nudges the demon, subtly gesturing for him to drop the weapon. Sabnock blinks, hand tightening around the handle before he drops it completely.
Finally, the Guardian slinks back. No longer threatening for the temporary calm to be ruined with a swipe. The chick flits around the head of their parent before halting at the low croon. Both parent and child turn to face them, and Iruma freezes. Are they gonna eat them—together, the parent and child, lower their heads into a bow.
He blinks. The image does not go away. His mind halts its frantic spiral into survival tactics as he registers the danger has disappeared. Sighing, he turns around to check over Sabnock. The demon didn't looked too injured, only a couple of scrapes here and there. Instead, he looked quite stunned.
"Are you alright?" His classmate nods, still staring at the now docile beasts. There was a bit of awe and confusion, like he couldn't believe what just occurred. Enough that Iruma hopes he hasn't done anything like really suspicious. He doesn't think he's a human right?
This concern is instantly gone when Sabnock turns his shining eyes to him instead, "You are truly worthy to be my rival! To think that you could mimic them so well! Is this your bloodline magic?"
Iruma scrunches his face in confusion, he thought that bloodline magic was specific to a family not a generic skill. So he shakes his head, "No this was just something I learned when I was livin— err playing in the woods."
Now Iruma, due to his unusual upbringing, has a lack of fear of the forest. Even other humans would be unsettled if they were left alone in the woods. Nevermind how dangerous it would be. As this is the Netherworld, he really should've expected it to be much worse over here. The wilds here are a horror unseen by humanity.
Demon fledglings are not supposed to be in them until their first Harvest Festival. Even then, it is heavily monitored and toned down. For Iruma to say that he was playing in them? It's the equivalent of saying that you graduated high school in pre-k.
Sabnock laughs, a loud boisterous one where Iruma would have never expected to come from someone who almost just got eaten. The demon pats his back, although with enough force to send him stumbling, "To think that you consider the woods to be your playground! That's the sort of mindset a demon king should have!"
Honestly, with the lack of context, Iruma can do nothing but laugh nervously. One that cuts abruptly when a shadow dwarfs both of them. The Guardian of the Valley looms over them menacingly, red eyes glowing. He nervously swallows as he feels Sabnock freeze beside him. They're not going go back on their actions, are they?
This fear is unneeded as the Guardian was just offering a ride to their destination. Something that Iruma was grateful for as he didn't want to try and figure out his flying situation with Sabnock right next to him. It was a little less nice when it tried to fly off with him on after Sabnock got off. Even making little crooning calls like it expected him to answer. Kalego was the least impressed of it, especially at the comments of him being able to talk to it since they're both birds.