Deucalion Family One-Shots

A New Home

It had only been a week since the incident. Only a week since the deaths of Leonardo and Mercury Korrapati. It was sudden and unexpected. But to Jupiter North, there were more important things to do than finding out what happened to them, because he knew what not many others did... the two had a child.

Mercury Korrapati was Jupiter's sister. The two were close and shared many traits such as their  glorious copper waves, wide-smiles, both were tall and both had a passion for exploring. So obviously, he would know about his sister's child, his nephew. Jupiter was actually one of the few people the young boy trusted, it came easily after the revelation of the boy's knack - something the two shared. But Jupiter knew that his nephew would need a new home and he was more than happy to provide just that. 

Jack's P.O.V.

At The Orphanage for Gifted Orphans

"Jack, your uncle is here to collect you," the matron announced as she walked over to me, trying to usher me out the door. I suppose she was glad to get rid of me quickly, I had only been here three days. Well anyway, I bookmarked where I was up to in my book and followed her to the main entrance. Sure enough there was my uncle, Jupiter North, leaning against the door frame, hands in pockets, whistling, like he always did when he used to visit my... family. 

He looked down and grinned at me as we approached, "Hullo Jack, how've you been?"

I attempted to smile, failed miserably, and proceeded to just shrug my shoulders in response. He nodded in understanding with a small, sad smile. 

"Understandable," he muttered, not knowing I could hear him, "poor kid."

"The two of you are now free to go! Also, I would recommend finding a children's psychologist specialised in personal loss to help the..." I turned away scowling, trying to tune out the conversation. I didn't need a psychologist. I will deal with this at my own pace and my own way. "..Okay I'll look into it, thanks Carol. Come on Jack," Uncle Jove turned to me, softly smiling. 

At the Hotel Deucalion

It was gigantic. I had only been there are few times before, with my parents, but that was years ago - I was maybe 5 or 6 last time and remember a few things... like the grumpy, old Magnificat. Uncle Jove lead me up the entrance path off of Humdinger Avenue and through the main doors. It was really busy inside - loud, noisy, crowed - and that got me a bit unsettled. Keeping close to my uncle, we made our way to the Concierge Desk where the Concierge greeted us.

"Captain North! Young Master Jack, welcome back to the Hotel Deucalion," he smiled warmly at me. I've always liked Kedgeree, quite a jolly fellow. Kedgeree then proceeded to inform Jupiter about some issues that uprose while he was out, so I decided to observe the Hotel Lobby. It was the same as the last time I was here - large, stairs, elevator and the large pink sailing ship chandelier, "..Right, thanks Kedge. Come one Jack, let's go find Fenestra." Oh no.. not Fen. Let's just say that we aren't on the best terms. My concern must've shown as Uncle Jove chuckled and said, "Oh come on, she's not that bad." 

"She's a Magnificat who could be mistaken for a giant house cat, but also as if she owns the place... and can be quite scary. Yup, not bad at all," I retort, rolling my eye. Jupiter chuckles again, "I think you'll find that she's actually quite fond of you."  I raise an eyebrow, "Oh?"

We found Fen. In Jupiter's office.. might as well be her office too, I swear she spends more time in there than Uncle Jove does. He told her to go check on some guy who got lost on the 7th floor to which she rolled her eyes, flicked him with her tail and said something along the lines of "respect for Magnificats". 

"Well, come on, I'll show you your room," Jupiter suddenly said, startling me. I was curious to see which room I would be staying in as my parents and I usually stayed together in a room that was always left for us. I'm not sure how I'd feel about staying there.. constantly reminded of my loss, well, Uncle Jove didn't help with that either - he looked exactly like my Mother, just his eyes are a shocking shade of blue while my Mother's were a hazel-chocolatey colour. Oh and the obvious different gender thing too, that's also definitely different about the two. 

Sure enough, I was led to my family's old room on the fourth floor. Before opening the door Uncle Jove turned and looked down at me, "I know it's been a hard time for you Jack, so please don't hesitate to come see me about anything, or Fen, Dame Chanda, Kedgeree and the others, we're all want to help you."

"I know."

He smiled and bent down to hug me. I'll never admit it aloud, but I actually really like hugs. 

"Okay, dinner's at 6, don't get sucked into a book or Fen'll come and drag you- oh and Chanda would like to see you sometime before dinner too," Jupiter said, walking down the hall, I smiled as he turned the corner, maybe everything would be alright? 

I opened the door to reveal the room that I had often stayed in with my parents. But it was different, there was one bed, a bookshelf, a desk and... pictures of my parents. The room is never the same when I've been here previously but this was definitely the most extreme change the room has had. Walking in, I shut the door behind me and put my luggage at the foot of the bed. I walk over table next to the head of the bed and pick up one of the photo frames standing on it. It was of my parents on our last family vacation. Another one was of them on their wedding day and the one next to it was of last year's family photo. 

I miss them a lot. 

Sighing, I sit on the bed and take my eyepatch off. It gets uncomfortable - I only started wearing it a few weeks ago when the Gossamer became too much. I'm fine when I'm alone but when there's over 3 people it becomes too overbearing. I look over to the bookshelf for something to read but surprisingly nothing catches my eye. My Father always said that I read too much for a 9 year old, but I really enjoy a good book. Back when my parents were... still alive, I was often found reading in some strange place and more often than not, in a strange position. I looked at the clock - 4:46. I should go see Dame Chanda soon and then head to dinner - I did not want to be dragged by Fen and yes, Fen would actually do that and no, it would not be pleasant. 

I dragged myself off the bed and slipped my eyepatch back on, heading for the door. As I walked through the halls on the way to the Music Parlour, I bumped into Martha, Charlie and Frank (at seperate times) who all greeted me cheerfully. For the first time all week I felt like I was home. 

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So, this is just one of the many theories I have of how Jack ended up at the Hotel Deucalion (and the most reasonable one). I might write a few other of my theories as I go on with this book. I had another idea based on the first 5 minutes of The House with a Clock in Its Walls (this chapter was slightly inspired by it too). Thanks for reading!