Chapter Text
“You have been found guilty of the most severe of crimes. You committed grievances against the very universe. You have repeatedly resisted arrest. You will not be forgiven.”
You stare up at the sea urchin in the judge’s seat, gagged and bound.
Gavel against wood, the podium splinters and creaks on impact. You wake with a start, like always. The window rattles in it’s frame, wind battering against the glass - for all its grandeur inside, the House of Lamentation never seems to lose its eerie, theatric gloominess. Sinking back into the pillows, whatever loose semblance of recollection you had is already gone.
“ -what’s with that guy? He can’t go a single minute without bringin’ up Diavolo. It’s always Diavolo this , Diavolo that -” Mammon grumbles, trudging ahead of you and kicking invisible pebbles across the hallway with little regard for your struggle to keep up with him. You don’t think your height difference should allow for this difference in strides. It’s like he’s on a moving walkway as you struggle uphill.
“Would you please call me by my name?” You don’t mean to ask, but you don’t feel like yourself. You tug at your sleeve, scratching at the pact mark nervously. “I want you to call me by my name. Please.” You’re looking at him an uncharacteristic amount, fuzzy.
“Hmph.” Mammon stops, turning to you, arms crossed, “Seems like you’re actually startin’ to learn some manners, huh?” You grimace. “Well, since you asked nicely , I guess I can’t really say no--” He drags it out, drawling with a smile, “All right, I’ll call you by your name…” And then he laughs, hands on his hips. “As if! Did you really think that was gonna work on me? Idiot.” Somehow, that one hurt the most. You ball up your hands. Crying would only make it worse. “You expect me to call you by your name? You, a lowly human? Ha! Come back and ask me in another million years, and maybe I’ll consider it!” You hope that in a million year's you’ll be in an empty afterlife. Without thoughts.
“You’d better learn your place-” Your place is at home, in the human world. You wish you were there. “If you keep sayin’ stuff like that I swear I’ll make you my next meal. Startin’ at your head-” He jabs his finger against your forehead, then points down, “And workin’ my way down.” You don’t doubt him. You can’t call his bluff(?). And he notices.
“Eh? What’s wrong?” He squints, and you try to fight welling tears. “Am I that intimidating?” His confusion turns into a sick arrogance, and he strokes his chin with a toothy grin, voice dropping lower, “Do I frighten you?” You cover your face, wiping away your tears uselessly. Of course he does. Of course you’re scared. This all feels like a bad dream. “Then listen…” His voice is so gentle suddenly. So sweet. “If you stop talkin’ back and just do what I tell ya, then things won’t be so bad for-” His hand reaches towards you, not to hurt you, but you can’t. You just can’t .
“ Stay!! ” Your voice bursts out, and Mammon sputters in shock.
“-Can’t move..! Wh- What’d you do to me?!” He’s confused and angry, but something tells you you’re not in danger. At least not so much that you can’t take a few steps backwards and away. “Is this some kind of magic?! Listen up, h-” He coughs, or chokes. “Hu- Huma-”
He says your name. He keeps complaining, but he said your name, and the relief you feel is hard to put into words, but that doesn’t matter.
“-Don’t tell me thai is all ‘cause of the pact ?!” Laughter bubbles up in your stomach, but you have the sense to keep it down. “Now you listen to me! You may control my body, but not my mind!” What sort of person does he think you are? You wouldn’t even want to control him if he weren’t actively out to kill you. “I’m my own boss, and I always will be! Don’t you ever forget that, huma-” He chokes out another handful of broken syllables, “M-- My boss! No, Your Majesty-” You grimace.
“I don’t- I don’t want to be a monarch. Or your boss. I’d- I’d just like it if we could get along.” You know you sound a bit pathetic right now, and you know he doesn’t believe you, glowering down at you. “...I know that’s a lot to ask, so- Could- Could you maybe just show me to class, please?”
He does, albeit begrudgingly, silent until you’re at the classroom door.
“If ya wander off somewhere and aren’t here later, I ain’t waiting for you. Go get eaten for all I care!” He snaps, and stalks off to his own class, leaving you to your devices. Your D.D.D directs you to a specific desk number, something you’re grateful for. The way the demons stare at you and whisper between each other makes you anxious.
“-Whenever you make an important announcement, the demons here couldn’t care less. But rumours…” You jump, and the legs of your desk make an unpleasant sort of screeching noise as the jolt pushes them across the floor. You hadn’t heard him appear behind you, and he certainly didn’t bother making himself known before speaking, but at least he’s vaguely familiar. “They really do spread like wildfire,” He thinks aloud, watching the gossiping students disapprovingly. Where did you see him again? That courtroom, right? Did he tell you his name..? “Just when I thought the uproar about the new exchange student from the human world had started to subside some, now they’re all freaking out about this.”
“Come now, don’t say that Barbatos,” The prince frowns as he steps over to the both of you, and it’s hard to miss the way the atmosphere in the classroom changes when he enters. Crowds part, the whispering stops, stares turning to discreet glances and posture straightening. “Actually, I’d say that all this gossip is a good thing. It means everyone will be watching this human, which makes it hard for any demon to go after their soul when no one is looking.” He pats your shoulder good-naturedly, and you’re certain what he says is meant to comfort you. Humans are pack animals. They cannot live alone. You feel very, very alone here. The eyes on you do not feel reassuring.
“Yes, since Mammon’s not doing a very good job as a guardian,” Lucifer steps next to the prince. Like a shadow , you think. “I told him he was to look after them, but he’s off somewhere shirking his responsibilities.” He sighs. “Though I figured this would happen.” Then why, pray tell, did he assign him as your guardian?
“-I must say, I can’t believe you managed to forge a pact with Mammon!” Nothing seems to get Diavolo down! “That’s no small feat. And what’s more, you did it in such a short time.”
“I suppose it stands as proof that you chose well bringing this human here, Lord Diavolo.” You look between the prince and…His servant? This particular demon seems less like he’s fawning for the sake of being a professional suck-up than what you might expect from others.
“Who…are you?” Bleary.
“...Ah, yes, pardon me,” You might have missed it, but he takes a moment to study you. “I suppose we haven’t met before, have we? My name is Barbatos, I apologise for not introducing myself sooner. I have the honour of serving as steward to Lord Diavolo. Pleased to make your acquaintance.” You doubt he means it, but you appreciate how concise yet useful his introduction is. Covers everything you need to care about, probably.
“Barbatos here is a smart and talented individual, so much so that I wish I could trade a certain idiot brother of mine for him instead,” You wonder if Lucifer is capable of offering compliments without dragging someone down at the same time.
“Well, as for your brother, in the human world, it is sometimes said that a truly wise man does not flaunt his talents. He keeps them secret.” You don’t want to know what that means for some of the people here.
“Yes, but then again, an incompetent fool doesn’t actually have any talents to begin with.” Then why is he trusted to take care of you? It doesn’t make sense. None. Not at all. You’d get it if you weren’t cared about, really, but you’re under the impression Lucifer has a not so vested interest in pleasing Lord Diavolo, who was quite explicit about your safety being a priority. It all just feels a bit like a cruel joke.
“Well I’ve heard that the most thick-headed child is always the cutest,” The Lord beams, butting into the conversation like a kid wanting to be included.
“Stop it, Diavolo. It’s troublesome enough having him as my younger brother.” Lucifer scoffs, crossing his arms. Do they need to be having this conversation in front of your desk? “-But my child? Him ? I don’t even want to think about it.”
“Ah, but I notice that you didn’t deny the part about him being cute, did you?” Another one. You turn to see what other evil has been pushed upon you, but can’t help but feel mistaken looking at the person in front of you. “If I might offer my own opinion, out of you seven brothers, you’re without a doubt the most troublesome, Lucifer.” You’re compelled to agree, and open your mouth. The stranger laughs good naturedly at the eldest’s expression, and you shut it again. Maybe don’t get on Lucifer’s bad side.
“Is that meant as a compliment, Simeon?” He grimaces, and you turn back to the stranger. Simeon . Why does that feel fami-
“Of course not!! Duh! That was a put-down! An insult!” That’s a child. A whole child, half stood behind the stranger. What the fuck. “He’s taunting you!”
“Ah, I see you’ve brought your chihuahua along with you.” Why is Lucifer talking shit to a 10(?) year old.
“I am NOT a chihuahua!! How many times do I have to tell you that, demon?!” The infant points accusingly, apparently having gone through this regularly. That can’t possibly be good for his emotional development.
“Well, what do you expect? I am a demon after all,” He smiles, or sneers, rather. “Now then, stop yipping at me. C’mere boy…shake! Who’s a good boy?” You feel physically sick, actually.
“Quit it! Don’t you make fun of me!” You applaud the kid’s self-advocacy, even if it probably isn’t doing much. And don’t tell me to shake ! I’m not a dog!”
“Allow me to introduce you! This is Simeon, an exchange student from the Celestial Realm. Which is to say, he’s an angel .” The stranger that isn’t a child smiles at you, and you’re struck with the realisation that this might very well be the first person you’ve met here that didn’t make you worry they might try to kill you. You don’t count Solomon on that list. Human or otherwise, he still makes you uneasy.
“Well hello there!” Simeon’s eyes crinkle at the edges when he smiles. It’s hard to look away, “I’ve heard a lot of rumours!”
“And this is Luke- Let’s see, you’re…a chihuahua, was it? Or are you an angel..?” You had hoped the prince of hell would be above this.
“Wh..! Diavolo, now you’re getting in on the act, too?! I am NOT a chihuahua! I’m an angel!” Luke’s face is bright red, and you struggle to find humour in the situation - beyond it being laughably sad. “Listen up-” He’s half speaking to you at this point, “As you can probably tell, I’m a low-ranking angel. BUT I’ll have you know that in the Celestial Realm I report directly to Michael the Archangel, as-”
“Luke, calm down,” Simeon’s voice is gentle, but firm. Unquestionable. “You need to learn not to make such a huge fuss about everything.” And yet! And yet.
“But Simeon-” He’s right. Luke is right. The situation irks you. Why should a child have to lie low and take it? Why should he stay calm and silent when others are looking to bother him? Adults, especially. You can’t help but feel a kindred sort of sympathy.
“He’s right.” He’s wrong, Lucifer, and so are you. “That’s exactly why people call you a chihuahua, you know?”
“Usually the only one who calls me a chihuahua is you , Lucife-”
“It’s nearly time for the first bell to sound.” You stand. There was a textbook you had planned to get from the front of the class, but there’s nowhere to go with this group around you like this.
“Yes, you’re right.” Simeon sighs, flashing you another smile. “I apologise for any trouble we’ve caused,”
“Ah- Not at all,” Your voice only comes out as a mumble. You don’t want him to leave. It feels safer this way.
“In any event, I’m relieved to see that things seem to be going well for you here,” Diavolo beams. You turn away before that makes you angry, pushing aside whatever snide and tiresome comment Lucifer makes before he, Barbatos, Simeon and the prince finally leave.
…
“-ever tr-”
“Sorry, I- I didn’t quite catch what you said,” It’s hard to hear him, for some reason. Wasn’t he so loud just now..?
“Hey! Don’t lean down toward me like an adult listening to a child!” But isn’t that what this is? You hadn’t meant to. Maybe you’re not as stable on your feet today as you’d thought. “You don’t need to come down to my level! I’m not a kid!” At least he found his voice again, even if he’s huffing. “...Never trust a demon.” You look at him blankly. “ Especially when that demon is Lucifer. Listen to me. He’s a monster, and a brute. He’s uncivilised, immoral, and- and also-”
“And also a sadist?” You offer, smiling slightly. He’s looking out for you, or trying to. It’s sweet. You wish he didn’t need to.
“Yes, exactly!! He’s the most sadistic of sadists!” He sighs, exasperated, “I was against this from the beginning. What are they thinking, bringing humans to the Devildom as exchange students…” He’s so right. “So, you’ve been warned. You get what I’m saying, right?” You nod. “Okay.”
The bell rings, and you fumble with your D.D.D. It’s not ringing. It’s not your alarm. You’re awake.
“I-...I have to go. Sorry. No- Uh, thanks.” You offer a wonky smile, and Luke disappears to his own class, presumably.
It’s hard going. Your newfound control over the second born is as much a blessing as it is a curse - the eyes directed on you in R.A.D are less predatory, at least, but you’ve hardly earned any respect, and the mockery that follows you is unpleasant, even if it’s not directed at you. It’s hard to feel sympathy at first, when you feel like you’re barely keeping your head above water in this place, home to those who want to kill you.
Mammon saying he’d prefer to eat you, doesn’t help in that respect, and does nothing for the worry gnawing at your insides.
He’s not kind to you, not exactly. You wouldn’t call him merciful, either. His actions and words don’t quite match up - he’s the second oldest, second strongest, supposedly, but he’s treated like he’s all bark and no bite. His arrogance seems…defensive, rather than genuine, and you can’t help but wonder if the way he looks down on you is just because you are- were an easy target.
Still, he’s yours now. All you want is to be safe - you don’t want to be used, you don’t want to be taken advantage of, but you try to get into his good book, so when the others jeer you do what you can to defend him. You just have to remember, and bear with it. You’re not alone. You’re not alone. Mammon isn’t willing to be by your side, much, and even if he was: the things you face in the dark aren’t tangible enough for him to protect you.
You stare up at the ceiling, swallowed up by the night time gloom. You can’t sleep.
…el…
…elp…
Your stomach drops, and you sit up, blindly stumbling towards the door.
Help…Someone help me-
You only stop when your hand touches the door handle. Your head is pounding, waves of something pulsing through your skull.
You have to see what’s going on. Your conscience won’t let you do anything else, following winding corridors you haven’t been shown the way through as you blindly follow the voice.
Help-
It’s louder, but you can’t tell where it is. It feels like it’s coming from inside your chest.
Over he-
“ You. ” A hand snakes out of the darkness and grabs hold of your shoulder, and you feel like your legs could give out. “Stop right there. You’ll go no farther.” Lucifer stands between you and a winding staircase, going up. But you have to go. But you have to go. It’s just like you. “-That’s not a place for humans, it’s dangerous,” He sighs, looking almost genuinely concerned for a moment before his voice becomes stern. “Go back to your room.”
“No.” You respond before you can think. “No, I-” He’s laughing, and you can’t get anything else out.
“Hah. Interesting. I think I’m starting to understand why you were chosen to come here.” Every instinct within you wishes he wouldn’t look at you like that. “But you can’t say no. Because I’m not giving you a choice .” He’s still smiling. “Now then, back to your room. If you value your life, you’ll do as I say.” You hang your head, letting him push you gently back in the direction of your room.
The door falls shut behind you, and you feel numb.
How frustrating.