Chapter Text
January 6th 1912
Abaddon hates most children; they're loud, obnoxious, pitiful and boring. So being locked in a school with the most rowdy bunch of them sounded like a nightmare to him. The current property owner had gotten sick of him, shipping him off across the sea to a promising boarding school. This was new to Abaddon, as most people tried to deal with him locally. But in the modern era he could easily be transported with only one payment. Or so he's been told.
Currently, he was being driven along a dirt road near a coast halfway across the world.
Heading up to the academy he'll have to eventually escape. His captor, an old man with white hair and a long mustache, had been paid off by the property owners. He tried to fill the ride there with talks of how this would help him and he'd make friends here. Abaddon didn't care, shouting insults to the driver every time he opened his mouth.
Finally the car stopped and when the door opened he tried to make a run for it but was caught by another adult. It didn't help that his hands were tied behind his back. The man who brought him here looked at the other with a serious tone “Watch this one. He's a fine kettle of fish, bit me at sea because I ain't let him jump overboard.”
The other man waved him off. “Ain't no child I can't break. His folks won't believe the difference.” He roughly dragged Abaddon to a building. Inside were groups of boys of different ages, and 4 other adults. Abaddon's hands were unbound and he was pushed towards a group of kids around his height. Bumping him into a slightly taller blonde kid with a cap. “Bloody hell, watch where you're going, shrimp.” the boy snapped at him. Abaddon snapped right back “Stay out of my way weakling, or else I'll tear out your tongue for speaking like that to me!”
“I ain't no weakling, try and you'll lose a finger.” the boy barked
A whistle stopped the conflict before it could escalate. One of the adults started to address the kids. “All right, listen up! We're splitting you up in pairs and sending yah off with one of the older boys. They're going to show you, sorry lot around. They're your big brother for the rest of your time here. You go to them first. If I get any questions, it better be important!”
Another grown-up was already pairing off the kids, once he gets to Abaddon he partners him with the kid he was just about to fight. Abaddon rotates his arm getting ready to slug the boy when a different hand stops him.
A teen with curly brown hair and glasses put his hand on Abaddon's shoulder grip firm but not painful. His smile is kind and passive. So Abaddon punches him instead. This earns him a laugh from the blonde, as he tugs on the demon's sleeve, ushering him to the exit. “I have to admit you're tougher than I thought. What's your name? I'm Leopold.”
The demon took his arm back before answering. “Abaddon, High Prince of the black realm, the cobra king and gatekeeper of the fifth ring.”
“Ha! You ain't no prince, I know hand me downs when I see em.”
“Hand me downs? What does the position of my hands have to do with my status as prince?”
“Means your clothes are old. No self respecting royal would wear those.”
“These are my only clothes… I do not know where to get more.”
Just then the teen that was supposed to be guiding them ran out yelling. “Why’d you two run off! I'm supposed to give you a tour!” Leopold scoffed “It will be you in trouble, not us. Why should we listen to you?” The teen rubbed his chin “well if you don't I'll just eat the toffee I was saving for you two.” Leopold stiffened at the mention of the candy. Abaddon however wasn't impressed and didn't back down. “We don't want your offering, we want freedom.”
“We all want freedom here, unfortunately we aren't that lucky. Just listen to me and maybe you won't get beat by the teachers.”
“Pshh my pops hits harder I guarantee.”
“I am also not afraid of beatings. I will survive it and return it ten times over!” Abaddon said attempting to make himself look bigger. The older boy crossed his arms and placed his hand on his own cheek. “Hmm… Look you two this place is hell and if you want a chance to escape you're gonna wanna know when to back down.”
“You are plotting an escape as well?” Abaddon asked hopefully.
“Sshhh but yes. Just be quiet and listen.” The two young boys follow the 15 year old around the school grounds. Along the way Abaddon happens to learn the older boy's name is Corey.
Corey led them through the maze of corridors, his eyes darting around to ensure they weren't being watched. "This place has eyes everywhere," he whispered, pausing at a corner to peek around it. "You have to be smart about this. Can't trust anyone here, not even the other students." Abaddon and Leopold nodded
"Why are you helping us then?" Leopold asked quietly as they continued down another hallway.
Corey glanced back at them, a flicker of mischief on his once straight face. “Because I'm your big brother now, I have to look out for you both… and I need someone small to crawl under the fence to unlock the gate for me.” They reached a door that looked like any other, but Corey stopped in front of it and reached down, pulling out a small tool from his pocket. He worked quickly on the lock, speaking softly. “Now about the toffee I owe you.” opening the door to reveal a closet of candy. Leopold began stuffing his pockets with the confections. Abaddon copied him, still unsure of what it was.
“Not too much. Don't want the staff to catch on ya know. But I hope this will buy your silence.”
Leopold grinned, his eyes gleaming. "My lips are sealed tighter than the lock was."
Abaddon watched them both, his brow furrowed in confusion. "You have my silence but why is this bark so important?"
Corey chuckled softly, closing the door behind them as they stepped back into the dimly lit hallway. "It's not bark, it's candy, my friend. This is the finest contraband in the whole facility. The staff keeps it locked away for special occasions."
Leopold nodded in agreement, popping a piece of toffee into his mouth and savoring its sweetness. Abaddon follows his example and puts the candy in his mouth as well. He is met with an explosion of sweetness he has never tasted before. It seeps on his tongue and in between his gums. Mouth watering at the familiar buttery flavor. “You! You have made a powerful ally, if you have enemies you need dealt with, allow me.”
Abaddon's offer was laughed off by the older boy. “Haha I believe you've got the spirit shrimp. But you couldn't scrap with the older Jakealoos. They've been hassling me since I was your age.” he dismissed Abaddon, and walked them back to the commons. Abaddon, undeterred, furrowed his brow in determination. "I may look young, but I am much older," he insisted, a hint of something dark and ancient glinting in his now red eyes. The older figure chuckled nervously, patting Abaddon's shoulder as they continued their walk.
January 13th 1912
He'd been getting by so far but it was only a matter of time before they realized he was illiterate. His class had begun a group reading. Once it was his turn he made up something completely unrelated only because he wasn't paying attention in the first place. The teacher stormed over with a stern look. “This isn't the time to joke, boy! Place your hands on the desk.”
Abaddon refused. So the teacher asked again louder. He still refused. Enraged, the teacher slaps him across the face and shouts “Read it properly!” Abaddon looks to his only ally in the room, Leopold. He just stares like the rest of the sheep. He is helpless against the teacher. Abaddon looks back down at the paper full of strange symbols. It was similar to latin.
He tries to sound them out to the best of his ability, but clearly his pronunciation wasn't right. The teacher's face was red, he flailed his arms yelling obscenities towards the demon. But Abaddon wasn't listening, he was watching. Waiting for an opening. He'd done his best to not cause a scene, but no one hits him and gets away with it. Just as the man raised his hand Abaddon grabs it and bites down hard. He draws blood and the teacher slaps him hard enough to send him to the floor. The man runs out of the class clutching his bloody arm.
“Are you okay, Abaddon?” Leopold tries to help him up, but he pushes him away. “Traitor! I was attacked and you stood by and did nothing!”
“You're not supposed to fight the teachers, even I know that.” Leopold defended himself. “Why couldn't you just do as you are told?” another boy asks. “Shut it, worm! I shouldn't even be here, I should be back where I came from. I don't belong here in your stupid world reading your illegible scribbles!” stomping off he left the classroom and walked opposite of the blood trail.
Leopold watched Abaddon storm out, feeling a bit of guilt and frustration. He didn't entirely get the other, but he liked Abaddon better than most others his age. The classroom was silent, the tension hanging thick in the air. The other students exchanged uneasy glances, unsure of what to say or do next. "He's always so angry," one of them whispered, “There's something wrong with him.” Another one said. Leopold decides to follow Abaddon, he doesn't want him to stay an outcast. Abaddon doesn't stop when he hears footsteps following behind him. “Where are you going?” Leopold asks him, trying to keep pace. “Back to the Undervale. So I may await rescue.”
“You know it's winter right? Even if we did escape, it's too cold to travel on foot. Corey says we have to wait for April.” Leopold argued. Abaddon stopped walking and weighed his options. He hates the cold. And his companions would likely die leaving him without a guide. He could always obtain a new one, but there was a chance he could get sent back here asking for help. “Perhaps… it is best to wait for spring.”
“Precisely, come on! Now that Mr. Blacksmith is gone, class is over. Let’s go play tag!” Leopold said, excitement bubbling in his voice. Abaddon narrowed his eyes, a shadow of confusion flickering across his sharp features. “What is a tag?” he asked, cautiously examining the human’s playful enthusiasm.
Leo blinked. “You don’t know what tag is? Jeez, it’s like you’ve never been a kid!”
“I wasn’t,” Abaddon replied, his tone flat. “This is all still very new to me.” Leopold smirked, teasingly nudging Abaddon’s shoulder. “How long have you been at it?” he joked.
Abaddon as serious as ever gives him an answer. “Over 180 years. But I have not been around other children for this long before. It has started to become… aggravating.”
Leo’s enthusiasm dimmed slightly, “What… are you?” replaced by a deep curiosity.
Abaddon placed a hand on his hip and scoffed “I’m a demon, a very powerful one trapped in this tiny human form.” he boasted
“How?” Leo pressed, not fully grasping the weight of Abaddon’s predicament. Abaddon waved a hand dismissively. “Unimportant! The point is, I need to return to the Undervale, in case my kind comes for me.” he snapped at the boy.
“But it's been a long time. Why would they come now?” Leo countered, brows furrowing in concern.
“Foolish mortals with your worthless lifespans. 180 years is barely a week to a demon.” Abaddon’s gaze was distant. It may have been nothing to his lifespan, but it was still a long time.
Leopold hesitated, before snickering, “Well then, what’s another few months? Come on, let's go!” he says. Abaddon turned away, lips pressing into a straight line. He couldn't fathom the enjoyment of childhood, yet something deep within him stirred. A longing for those simple moments he thought he'd had long since buried.
With a sigh, he glanced back at Leo. “Very well. Show me this game of yours.” A grin broke across Leopold’s face once more. Pumping his fist in the air. “Yes! Yes! Yes! You’ll love it!” As they dashed through the yard, Abaddon felt something shift within him. Perhaps, just once he'd indulge the vessel's need for companionship.
January 20th
Abaddon slouched in the corner of the dean's office, refusing to go anywhere near the chairs if front of the head master's desk. That would be the same as submitting. The remnants of yesterday's hilarious prank flickered across his mind. Dead deer in the main hall. He didn't owe them anything here. Abaddon has been causing as much trouble his first 2 weeks. Hopeful that they'd kick him out to be done with him.
But instead he was sent to the dean's office with Corey, who actually used the chair near the desk. Corey shifted uncomfortably. His usual easy-going demeanor was nowhere to be found; today, he was stuck playing devil's advocate. “Corey,” the dean began, his voice steady yet weary, “I expected better from you. Allowing Abaddon to run riot through my halls is unacceptable.”
“I know, Dean Fletcher,” Corey replied, biting back the urge to argue. “I thought… I thought maybe he’d settle down.” He didn't know why Corey thought that. He never agreed too.
The dean's fingers drummed against the desk. “He’s been here two weeks and your idea of settling down is wreaking havoc? Late night wanderering, and poor academic work.
You were supposed to keep him in check. 14 days and 34 violations!” the dean scolded.
Abaddon chuckled softly; it felt like he just broke a record.
Dean Fletcher rubbed the bridge of his nose, exasperation seeping into his features. He seemed to consider something for a moment before releasing a heavy sigh. “No, no. It's not your fault you got paired up with a child of hell.”
“I. am. No. Child.”
The dean doesn't listen to him, talking directly to Corey. “You don't have to keep working with him. You can just look after the other boy. Don't worry we can always hire a priest to handle him.” Abaddon went rigid at the mention of a holy man.
Corey refuses and shakes his head. “We'll do better, give me another chance!”
The dean sighs but agrees. He opened a drawer in his desk and retrieved a tarnished silver cross. Its intricate designs glinted in the light, and held it out toward Abaddon. He hisses at the cross. The Dean hands the cross to Corey and tells him to use it against the boy.
“What are you, nuts? You think that’ll work?”
“Absolutely, I wasn't kidding about the child from hell.” the dean replied, a slight smile creeping onto his lips. “Here’s the deal, Corey: If Abaddon steps out of line again, you use this. It’ll remind him that there are boundaries even for demons.”
“Demons… you're a demon?” He asked, flabbergasted. Abaddon didn't understand the surprise. He wasn't hiding his demonic nature. Although in the short time he'd know Corey, he was oblivious to certain things. Obvious things.
Corey blinked, trying to process the information. "So, you're really a demon? Like, horns and everything under all that?” Abaddon didn't answer, he didn't need to. The truth was evident in the way shadows twisted around the boy's form, how the air felt wrong when he was near. Everything about him was off putting.
“We can always lock him away if it's too much for you, Corey.” the man grinned cruelly. Abaddon could already see the kind of cell he would be put in. Corey's eyes widened “No! No. I can handle him… I'm his big brother. We take care of each other here at Gosport, right? I made a commitment to teach him our ways.” he said sheepishly. The Dean smiles softly at him and nods “That's right, son. You're the only student in this school I trust. I know you'll keep him in line. That is all, you are dismissed” As if released from a trap, Abaddon bolted out into the open courtyard, seeking refuge from the oppressive weight of the holy symbol still pulsating within Corey’s grip. He could feel the remnants of its power lingering like a ghost on his skin.
Corey follows after he calls out his name. In the safety of the open, he turns around to face the other with a good amount of space between them. “Toss the cross! “ he snarled and for the first time in a long time someone listened to his order. Corey chucked the cross over his shoulder and opened his arms. “Come to big brother!”
“Why do you call yourself that?” Abaddon asked, brow arched skeptically. “Huh?”Corey replied, blinking at the sudden shift in conversation. “You call yourself my brother, why?”
“It’s the school’s term,” Corey explained, shrugging nonchalantly. “It means I look after you like we’re family. But it’s actually just the school’s excuse to teach the big kids responsibility and keep the little kids from bothering the teachers for everything.”
Abaddon watched Corey closely, a flicker of something unreadable passing through his eyes. “You feel responsible for me?” he asked, his voice low and curious.
“Yeah,” Corey admitted, a lopsided grin forming on his face. “I mean, I know you’re… well, you’re not exactly human. But that doesn’t change anything for me.”
There was a pause as Abaddon considered this. It was rare for anyone to accept him so readily, let alone claim some sort of familial bond. He had expected fear or rejection once Corey realized what he truly was. “You're not afraid?’ Abaddon finally asked. “You've never given me a reason to, you and Leopold are my best friends. And I like hanging out with you two. Maybe one day when you're grown you'll be a big brother and you'll understand better.”
“I don't grow.”
“Oh..”