A/N: Diversity win! The demon-spider-train is a good father to his adopted child

Also, this was supposed to be way longer, but then I got bored and decided to stop. I have at least one more scene in mind for this little AU, so I might end up writing that too.

Kelen slammed her tiny fists against her father's metallic back. She shouted, "But I don't wanna!" The force of her anger almost sent her tumbling to the ground; she scrambled for a handhold.

Charles let out an amused rumble and slowed down a bit. <Don't fall off, hatchling.>

"I haate you so muuuuuuch," she grumbled, letting her voice trail off as she dropped her head against his train-abdomen. "Why do I have to go live with the stupid humans? I don't wanna," she repeated. "I wanna run around and hunt with you!"

<I wish you could do that your whole life,> he sighed. <But you need things I can't give you. Emotions to feed on- human ones. You'll need to learn how to parasitize them so you can live on your own.>

"What?" Kelen's bafflement radiated off of her. She propped herself up on her elbows, staring down at her father. "But... But aren't I like you? I'm your spawn. And you don't need that stuff, do you?"

<Well...> He hesitated. <You're my hatchling, but not my spawn. You are a different kind of creature.>

"...Hm." She thought on that for a second  then nodded, satisfied with that answer. "Cool! But- I still don't want to stay with humans." Something occurred to her, and she let out a gasp. "Oh, dad. What if they hurt me?"

<I know you don't want to, Kelen.> Charles paused for a second in his galloping to pat her on the back with one of his appendages. <It sucks, but you have to. They won't hurt you, I don't think, but- Tell you what. Once we get there, I'll set up a line between us. Then you can talk to me in your head whenever you want. And if you ever feel like you're in danger, scream as loud as you can. I promise I'll come and save you, no matter what.>

The kid folded her arms and rested her chin on them. "You promise?"

<I promise,> Charles affirmed. <And look, here we are!>