Chapter Text
I was four when I met Mickale. Scavenging for anything to eat. Finding a plant with three leaves on a bush. I was about to eat it when an older boy came out of nowhere and snatched the plant out of my hand. Confused with what transpire, it happened so fast. Glancing over at the older boy with shock. I saw the boy having a panicked expression. The boy dropped the plant to the ground. The boy then turned to me, stomping on the plant as he did.
"Why in the moon’s name were you about to put POISON IVY in your mouth!" Noticing his tone shifted when he said that plant's name. The boy was looking at him waiting for me to answer–staring at me sternly.
"I was hungry." The boy's eyes widened. His face softened with concern.
"You were hungry." The boy repeated Iruma's words but his tone was softer and lower. The boy then took off his backpack and started digging through it. At the same time Iruma actually looks at the older boy's appearance.
He looks to be in his pre-teens or early teens based on his height. His skin is the same complexion as mine. Straight hair with waves at the end that goes to his shoulders that was tied up in a braid. Hair color is royal blue like mine, but darker with faint purple at the edges. Eyes are different colors with the left one being violet and the right one being gold. His ears are pointy but short—seeing things I think I saw short fangs when the boy spoke. The boy was wearing a sleeveless black turtleneck shirt with a purple vest. A pair of fingerless black gloves with purple accents that goes up to his elbows. Greyish Black pants with white lining up the sides and black boots.
By time I was done analyzing the boy's appearance. The boy already grabbed whatever he needed out of his backpack. He turned back to Iruma. Now holding snacks and leftover food in his hands.
"Here you can have these," the boy said, reaching the food out to me. I looked at the food then at the boy a few times. I shook my head, lifting up my hands.
"I can't take these there yours." The boy tilted his head.
"It was mine, now I am giving these to you. Plus I don't really need it anymore.” The boy genuinely smiled at me. Seeing the boy not backing down. I took the stuff out of the boy's hand.
"Thank you, I really appreciate it." Bowing to the boy.
"It's no problem kid.” The boy started looking in different directions then focused back on me. “So kid…were your parents at?" I froze in place, staring nervously at him. The boy raised his eyebrow, most likely not expecting my reaction.
“They're busy… somewhere. I've been taking care of myself since I can walk! It's fine so there's no need to worry about me.” The boy looked surprised by what I said. His face went through emotions so fast that I couldn't tell what he was thinking. The boy then sighed. Lowering himself to be at eye level with me.
"Let's start over and introduce ourselves. My name is Mickale. I'm nine years old. You are?" the bo- Mickale introduced himself,extending his hand out for a handshake.
I took his hand, accepting the handshake. "Nice to meet you Mickale. My name is Iruma and I'm four years old!" Mickale's smile widened.
"Nice to meet you too Iruma and from now on I'm going to take care of you." He proclaimed, patting my head.
"Take care of me?" I stare at him with a confused look.
"Well more like I'm going to come find you every few days to give you food and water while also teaching you some skills." I was surprised. What Mickale said was unbelievable to me.
"You don't have to do that, I don't want to waste your time" I shake my head.
"Kid you literally almost ate poison ivy which could have had serious side effects just because you were hungry. Which by the way no kid should have to go through." Mickale stated, having a deadpan and angry expression. Iruma looked down at the snacks Mickale gave him. Not going to argue because he figures that no matter what he'll say Mickale would most definitely do it anyway.
“Ok." I said with a nervous smile. Right after Mickale spoke. "You didn't really have a choice.”
"Follow me, I'll show you where I stay," I said with a smile. Beginning to walk away in a direction. Hearing Mickale followed right behind me.
Mickale started showing up every two or four days after that day. I'm learning a lot from Mickale. Identifying what plants are poisonous to which are edible to eat. Teaching me how to read, write and to do math. He says that is something I should have already known how to do.
I know Mickale has bad opinions about my parents and how they treat me. I tell him they're just trying to teach and love me in their own way. He just stares at me with a sad face.
Mickale even built me a new shelter. A cabin with a living room, kitchen and a functional bathroom. There's only one bedroom though. Mickale normally doesn't stay over. When he does he just sleeps on the couch or we share the bed. Neither of us minds sharing spaces.
Mickale taught me how to fix and break apart stuff just in case something needs repairing right away when he's not here. Nothing ever breaks, but still a good skill to have. He taught me how to cook out of the non-poisonous edible plants around when the food Mickale gives me is low.
Sometimes when I'm out doing jobs or errands for my parents and Mickale shows up when I'm not there he would just wait around or sleep until I get back. It's really nice having someone to welcome me back or just wait for me to return (It's nice to feel loved). Mickale gives me his old clothes whenever I tore any of mine or can't fit my clothes anymore.
Mickale believes I should have fun like a child should(He's right). He took me to a lot of places like playgrounds, arcades or fairs whenever they came up. He promised to take me to a theme park(we never went). I always wonder where Mickale’s own parents were. I asked him that one time.
"I haven't really met my parents. Well, just my father. My mom took care of me for a few years, but not anymore. She comes by every now and then to make sure I'm alright and have everything I need." I can see a bit of irritation and sorrow appear when he said father. I just don't bring it up anymore.
Mickale told me his birthday one day, so I told him mine. When my birthday comes up he'll gift presents. Toys, new clothes, and money. He even gave me a safe to put everything in that can only be unlocked through my handprint(I don't ask how he even got that).
One day I ask him why he does all this for me. Why does he waste his time on me? Mickale just laughed. “Of course I am going to help my little brother and before you say anything. We don't have to be blood related to be family. Family is not always about blood sometimes it's about feelings too"
I was flabbergasted by what he said. The older boy, seeing the look on my face. Smiled and pulled me into a big hug. I returned the hug with a smile and giggle. I like seeing Mickale smile, it makes me happy for some reason. On my ninth birthday Mickale gave me a golden choker with purple and red accents that look like fire, a black dragon with Emerald eyes in the center.
I noticed Mickale frowning. "I'm going to be gone for a long time after today. I made this for you to remember me by. Don't worry about anyone trying to take it from you. Pushing the dragon it will turn invisible to everyone except you. If it gets too small it'll readjust itself to fit you better."
I was saddened to hear that he'll be away for a long time but also curious as to how he made it turn invisible.As if he heard my thoughts Mickale said, “Don't worry about how it can turn invisible just that it can. When I come back I'll teach it to you.” I nodded with the excitement of learning something new from him.
“Okay I'll wait for you to return" Mickale smiled with his sharp teeth.
“Remember everything I taught you and put it to good use" Mickale stood up and started walking away. He stopped, then turned to me. "Goodbye Iruma. I love you little brother." With tears pulled up in my eyes I replied.
"Goodbye Mickale! I love you too, big brother!" With that Mickale walked away. Ever since that day I never saw him again.
Five years later, while I was working on a fishing boat a demon appeared before me saying my parents sold me to him. The demon whisk me away to the Netherworld where my new life began.
I never thought I'd see my brother again, much less seeing him come out of a portal the ring of gluttony made out of thin air.