THE GHOUL REALM

When Travis received the news that he was to go to the realm of the ghouls for further education, he expected a magnificent edifice bustling with students and tutors alike, each one doing his own thing. He imagined making do with an abode whose standards would not be far off from the least of his father's hearths. Perhaps, he might even decide to prolong his stay, just to toy with his father and drive him to near insanity. It is his job, after all, to keep the older demon on his toes.

However, he soon realized that he was wrong. Horribly wrong.

"Why didn't you tell me that we were going to a rundown shack?" Travis stops his guard, Klade, from walking any further. "You never asked." "Never asked? Never asked you say? How would I have known that this-this-this th-thing" Travis struggles to find the appropriate words to describe the place they just exited. "is where I'm expected to be tutored for two decades? Two decades, Klade, and in case you don't know what a decade means, it's ten years. Two decades equals twenty years. Twenty years! Yet you're telling me I never asked. I never asked? Would any sensible, responsible, distinguished high-ranking demon of unquestionable character be found within a mile of this sorry excuse of a school? Does it look like a school to you? Would you send your own child there?

You know what, never mind. You can't understand the life of a demon such as I, and for that, I do not blame you. Just inform my father of the state of things and prepare for us to return. I can't stand the stench of this place any longer."

Klade wonders if he made a mistake accepting this mission. No wonder his ancestor said it is his final mission. With the amount of stress he is facing alone, he doubts that he'd be of help anywhere else. Who would've thought that the comely demon prince has such an unsightly temper?

"Hey!" Travis pulls his arm. "What are you thinking of? Let's head to our abode so you can contact my father. The earlier we leave this uncouth realm, the fewer brain cells we lose to apoptosis." Klade looks at him incredulously. Didn't his ancestor say that his scion required some tutelage on matters of the mortal realm? Why does it seem as if he is the ignorant one now?

“It is already established that I’m handsome. You don’t have to keep staring at me. Besides, I’m not interested in demons with the same parts as I.” Klade rolls his eyes at the young demon’s remark. “Don’t think too highly of yourself. I will have you know that I am a happily mated demon.” “Huh. Could’ve fooled me.” Klade ignores him and resumes walking.

After settling into their abode, a little cottage equipped with several appliances for their convenience, Travis wastes no time in demanding for Klade to contact his father. The older demon has barely managed to form a connection with his ancestor before Travis begins ranting, making the poor guard struggle to stabilize the connection. Pride, however, does nothing to stop his son until he has run out of complaints.

"Are you done?" "Yes, father. I have nothing else to add."

"Good." Pride smiles. "Take a look at your guard and tell me what you see."

Confused, Travis turns to look at the guard. Sensing nothing wrong, he returns his gaze to his father. "He seems alright to me."

"Stupid. Utterly stupid. That is why I said you aren't anywhere close to being ready. Only mortals and lesser demons see with their physical eyes alone. Look again and tell me what you see."

This time, Travis looks deeper and what he sees shocks him to the bone. "What are you doing? Are you mad? Stop it this moment!" He shakes Klade, causing the guard to sway heavily. The connection nearly collapses and Klade pushes him away. Stunned, he regains his balance and tries to move before his father's voice stops him.

"Stop right there! Have you lost your marbles?" Pride thunders. "If this were not a mere hologram, I would have struck some sense into your obviously empty brain. What did I teach you about touching a vessel during a connection? If it were a lesser demon in his place, you'd be guilty of murder. Have you never paid attention to all this time?"

Sin's harsh words bring his son back to his senses. However, he cuts him off before he can utter an apology. "I expected better from you, Travis. You allowed your emotions to get the better of you not just once, but several times. You were essentially disrespectful and haughty, even when you have nothing to be proud of. You departed from a Maestro's home without showing him a shred of regard, lesser being or not. You made your guard set up the highest level of connection just to tattle on to me like a spoilt brat, without even considering that he may not possess enough power to do so. You are impatient and always in a haste, but only to please yourself and never to be of help to others.

I have only a few things to say. First and foremost, you cannot return home without the Maestro's approval. I don't care if you have to kneel or bend the knee or even roll in sludge; you must right your wrongs before him and undo what you have done. You will see to it that your guard receives adequate nourishment to replenish his lost energy and life force. And the next time you contact me will be to discuss your progress at school. If I receive any contrary report and believe me, I will know if you do something stupid..." Pride trails off meaningfully. There is no need to speak further, as the message has been passed.

After the conversation ends, Travis does as he is instructed without uttering a word.