Death's Child

How to Babysit Death's Baby

Disgusting the lot of them.” Lifagail murmured to herself as she followed the map to Destoph’s room.
She tried to calm herself by thinking about the beauty of and structure of Death’s domain. The halls were a gorgeous shade of burgundy with lamps hanging from the walls. The flames in those lamps flickered high to symbolize Death’s unity with Life. Every corner had a dark oak beam where artists could carve their mark signifying the beauty in all.
Probably the most helpful thing about the whole thing was that gold words and arrows pointed the way to each section of her kingdom.
Before becoming an angel for Death, Lifagail had wondered what it would be like to die. She had always pictured it damp and scary not nearly as dark but calming as it was.
So she was a little behind in her plans but being so new and fresh to being an angel Lifagail was determined to show them all she was worthy of the title and her job.
When she reached Destophs room she only hesitated for a moment before walking in.
The air was thick and heavy, Destoph’s crib sat in the middle of the room on top of a carpet that gave off a faint glow, over his crib hung a baby mobile with different creatures from different worlds posed but non-threatening.
There it was. The unnatural feeling that Genius talked about. Determined Lifagail pushed it away walked over to the crib and picked up Destoph.
“Hi Baby, my name is Lifagail and I’ll be taking care of you today.” his tail hit her arm as she held him to her.
Even in her life Lifagail hadn’t spent a lot of time around babies. From what she remembered of it she only washed tables and listened to adults complain and fight.
“It’s gonna be a good day isn’t it Destoph?”
A quiet hum came from behind her, Lifagail turned around.
“Hello,” Death said quietly.
Lifagail knelt down, forgetting for a moment whose baby she was clutching, “Good morning Mam.”
“And why are you here Lifagail?” Death’s voice was calm and curious. Clearly, she was wondering why the task of watching over her child was not put with someone of authority, but with Lifagail.
Biting her tongue to keep from betraying her superiors Lifagail whispered, “I asked for the honor of babysitting Destoph.”
Accepting this answer Death nodded and extended her hands.
Calmly Lifagail reached up to hand Destoph to his mother continuing to kneel.
“Have you ever changed a baby Lifagail?” Death asked moving past her.
“No, I regret to say I am a little out of my element.” She turned to look.
Death looked back and smiled, “Well then I will show you so you can be prepared for the rest of today.” she placed her baby on a changing table next to the wall. Not far from it was a large treasure chest shaped box brimming with toys from many worlds that Destoph was not yet old enough to play with.
Lifagail took it as an invitation to stand and come over. Keeping her distance to show respect for Death but close enough to see what she was doing.
As Death changed Destoph, Lifagail noticed his legs were covered with dark hair. She took a deep breath; she had heard stories about all his different features but it was something else seeing them for herself.
When Death was finished, she turned around, “I found this device,” tugging on the air Death made a backpack thing appear, “It’s a baby carrier. That way you can carry him and still have your arms free.”
“How does it work?” Relief washed over her. Because of this contraption Lifagail was sure she could show them all that she could do all they asked of her and more. After all she had Death supporting her. That would be a good thing to rub in their face... or maybe not. She still wanted to have respect for her superiors.
“Buckle the bigger buckle around your waist in the back.”
Lifagail lifted her young wings and complied.
With a small smile Death kissed Destoph’s head before handing him over, “Now you be good for Lifagail you hear?”
With his face towards Lifagail they pulled the straps over her shoulders and buckled the back.
After they were settled Lifagail looked again at Death, “Thank you Mam.”
A strand of Death’s hair fell into her face, “I was wondering if I might be able to have lunch with him today?”
It was in that moment Lifagail realized she was in way over her head. In the span of ten minutes she went from waiting patiently for the meeting to get over so she could go back to her job to having lunch with the head hauncho herself and baby.
That’s right she was not helping just any baby she was caring for Death’s baby. Lifagail was expendable if she did anything wrong if Destoph had any issues she would take the fall. Being at the unhappy end of Death was not a place Lifagail wanted to be. She loved her job she loved her situation but she was now in charge of taking care of the baby of the woman that could change her life. Unsure of what else to do Lifagail nodded, “Yes Mam.”
With that Death was gone. At this point Lifagail looked down at Destoph, “Alright then you ready to come to work with me?”
His eyes were huge and waiting. Almost innocent. But somehow it felt like a bomb was strapped against her chest.
Putting one hand on the back of Destoph’s head she started flying.