Sloght’s pupils thinned to slits as he heard the muffled yells. Although despite them, he kept his attention on the little one.
“Until you grow up, and cease getting scared,” he said half-heartedly, seeming more occupied with the issue at hand. “But there were multiple before me, under your bed. They said they couldn’t ever scare you. I understand why now.”
Slowly he moved his eyes to where she sat, stepping forward. “But, you don’t have to worry. He won’t hurt you.”
As he mentioned the man, he flicked his head in the direction of the door.
“I’ll be here every night. For as long as you need me.”
Izumi's eyes filled with tears as she pet the monster. "Thank you." She whispered. They sat in silence for a bit before a whining and scratching sound came from behind the door. Izumi opened the door and Charlie came inside. He pawed her leg before noticing the creature. He barked in surprise before growling at him. "Charlie no. He is our friend!" She smiled
Sloght let out a small animalistic grumble, twitching his nose and bending down to greet the little dog. Well, little to him. His tail flicked with curiosity. He hadn’t met too many animals in his time. He was mainly just surrounded by demons.
His eyes glanced back up to the girl, and he let out a comforting purr.
“Of course,” he said. “Each demon’s child is theirs. No one should get in the way of that, hm? Also, may I ask— what is your name, young one?”
"I am Izumi. My mama and brother call me izzy. My old mama used to call me Amore." Izumi smiled and brushed her hair back
“Your old mother?” he asked quietly, cocking his head slightly. I didn’t know kids had multiple…, he thought.
Before continuing, Sloght cleared his throat, tail swishing.
“Which one of those names would you like me to call you?” he mumbled, voice raspy.
"I lived with my mama until I was 5 then I came to live with my new mama. She took care of me and a lot of other kids too!" Izumi responded with a smile. "You can call me whatever you would like! I have only had one nickname so I don't mind what you call me as long as you don't use the words the big kids at school use."
Sloght let out a small, almost inaudible whimper. This poor girl…
“Then I will call you Izzy,” he said, his melodic voice almost not even fitting the word.
He gave a sigh, closing his eyes. This little girl was… strong. Very strong.
Maybe, maybe he would go to her school with her. Demons had the ability to live within shadows. So he’d stay in hers. Only come out when she needed him. She deserved that.
Izumi yawned and leaned against the door. "Its late and I have school again tomorrow. Good night Mr. Sloghtfoot." She yawned again before closing her eyes and falling asleep against the door.
Sloght raised an eyebrow, watching as the small child fell limp against the door. He looked from the pup to the kid, then finally decided to help out. Slowly he cradled Izzy, picking her up and setting her gently in her bed. He took the covers in his mouth, his fangs ripping small holes as he pulled the blankets up to under her chin.
He crawled reluctantly back under the bed, keeping his eyes locked on the doorway.
Izzy woke up and thought everything that happened last night was a dream…until she opened the door to see Raiden sleeping outside her door with a baseball bat. She smiled softly and closed the door. She peeked under the bed to see if the monster was still there.
