The Human Life Of A Cambion

Chapter I • A Not-so Typical Family

  There I was under the same roof as my human 'parents' and with Iruma at the age of four. We were done with a chore and our mother patted our heads with praise as a small reward. I was still quite a naïve child, so I was still mentally soft at the time. While my brother smiled and giggled, I just purred. Yes, I can replicate the sounds of a cat so purring was a way I like to show affection.

  Anyway, our father asked us to clear up some cartons. Iruma and I obliged and then got asked to handle some things that were on the floor. I can be sure that you can guess what next: cleaning the bathroom. Crazy, right? Nonetheless, we still did as we were told. We were later told that by the age of 6, we should be capable to strike out on our own. You know, independant kids in Japan- no discrimination intended. "Dad, are you and mom going to be alright?" Asked Iruma, "What about when you won't be seeing us come home?" "Oh, Iruma. You and your sister need to be independant at this age, now that you know how to clean up after yourselves." Said father. I did not capitalise that because of not needing to anymore. "Mom, are you and dad going to be able to look after yourselves?" I asked. "We'll be fine, Ryūko. What you earn will go to us." Said mother, "You should be able to do yourselves well in no time." "That's not what I mean." I protested, "You both haven't done anything to help us. We even have to handle broken glass when it's dangerous for me and Iruma to touch that." "Huh? Now don't be saying things like that to your mother, Ryūko." Defended father, "You saw how you handled that already. I think you'll be able to do things for yourselves."

  Put yourself in my shoes, readers. If you had such parents, would you ever oblige to what they say to you about independence while they slack away and spend money on themselves? Of course, I had not other choice but to agree with it. I let out a heavy sigh as I laid down onto the clean floor with the tatami mat out of tiredness. "Onē-chan? You okay?" Asked Iruma. "Just tired." I said monotoneously.

  I looked over mother and she gave me a cute apple slice that looked like a rabbit. Well, at least I got to eat something. Iruma also got one and we took a good munch on the fruit slices. After that, I got onto the couch and curled up to take a nap. Too bad that had be cut short because father had to be telling me and Iruma about taking up on jobs. I asked if it would be full-time or part-time. And they said they would be part time because we'd have other jobs, as well. I was surprised- more than two or three jobs?! What were he and mother thinking?! Do we have to?! Unfortunately, neither I nor Iruma had any other option. So we both agreed to listen.

  In the early evening, Iruma and I were with mother in the kitchen. She passed us over bowl of rice mixed with what seemed to be carrot and burdock slices. I took the soy sauce bottle and asked if mother can provide a few drops for me and Iruma to season the rice. And she gave us some. Iruma looked quite like he would ask if it would be good or not. I told him that we cannot be picky for what we get. I mean, not like there was not much to be complaining about back then. Then, father asked me what kind of things would go nicely for me when I'm out. "I think it would be okay if I figure that out, dad." I said before I finished up eating.

  Our 'parents' usually slept in their own room. Iruma and I usually slept on the couch, which wasn't really a typical thing for most other families. As worse as it could get, we were not being supervised or heard when either of us fell onto the floor. At 10:06 P.M., thud! I got up and Iruma might have rolled to the floor on accident. "Owie!" Cried Iruma. I got off the couch and checked on him. It was still dark, so I wasn't able to see him properly. To help me, I walked and touched my way to find a candle and lighter. I have been taught how to use it and I am careful with it, mind you. I turned the lighter on and lit the candle. Luckily, we had a simple candle stand and I didn't have to carry a hot stick of wax in my hand directly.

  I crouched down to my brother and helped him up. Since I knew we were usually ignored at night, I inspected Iruma to see if he had any injuries. To my relief, there was nothing major. So I got him back onto the couch and I gave him my spot while I slept in his. By the end of the day, I did not hear anything else as we both slept peacefully.