Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Oh Iruma,
Iruma the always kind and quick to help boy. Sometimes too much for his own good. He's been like that before he learned how to walk hasn't he? It makes someone wonder how he survived at all.

Iruma always knew he was set apart from other kids his age. Kids he would watch grow up from the confines of a job or his own bedroom window. He wondered what it was like to have that freedom, to joke and jeer with others as if you didn't have a weight on your shoulders at all times. Relaxing holidays, gift exchange as you curl up with your loved ones after a harsh day. But he shut off that line of thinking a long time ago. His parents were all that mattered to him, After all they gave birth to him! He should be grateful for raising him into the responsible, he would like to think, human he was. Once he was an adult he'd make enough to truly get his parents respect! Get a comfortable life and work a safe job.

He had gotten that chance once before though. One chance to be a normal child.

He didn't like it very much.

His parents once sent him to a local public school when he was about 12. They had both wanted to take a vacation and said that as his reward for finding an extra lucrative specimen of mushroom out in the forests, they would let him get some education in! Since they couldn't probably afford the uniforms nor tuition they decided on that. Which was fine by him, he was beyond excited! He didn't mind camping out in the woods for the nights after school, he's done it many times before.

So now the blue haired boy sat at his newly acquired desk happily, a smile planted square on his face. Anyone not aware of the boys previous escapades would've thought he'd gone insane, as a tween being almost hyper over the thought of class starting? Strange. The professor had already started to teach. Iruma eagerly twiddled his pen in his hand, jotting down necessary notes, and little doodles of things he made up like little fluffy birds! He was learning about the history of the school as an introduction, that was so cool!! Iruma could almost squeal in excitement if he hadn't held it back due to the rest of the students seemingly groaning in boredom.

Class flew by like some of the most exciting moments in his life, he got to talk with some classmates of his and they were really nice. They had lunch together, chatted and even hung out after school sometimes. Time flew by so fast he was worried when his parents would come back home. Day's turned into weeks and he was really feeling like he was starting to belong.

He had just returned from fetching some food for his friends before they hung out at their usual spot behind the school. Meeting up in the classroom first like normal. He made sure to be extra quick today because he wanted to let his friends know that he may be leaving soon. But that didn't completely matter, he'd be able to talk with them later outside of school! Iruma hmed to himself as he strolled down the hallway, a couple bread rolls and milk cartons in hand. He was just about to grab the door handle to the classroom before he heard his name mentioned in their conversation.

"Jeez is Iruma here yet? I'm Hungryyyy" The child groaned, resting his face up against a school desk.
Another kid rolled his eyes at the other. "It's only been 5 minutes Xavier, besides I made him go get some different stuff this time, I didn't like that other bakery." The taller kid leaned back on one of the desks, crossing his feet. The other kid who hadn't spoken yet stayed silent, seemingly realizing something after a moment. "Damn the one on Elize?? That's like- 3 blocks away man??"

The tall child sneered, laughing to himself. "I know- That errand boy will do anything! Might as well get some good stuff out of letting him hang with us."
The other two agreed and laughed a little, the questioning from the other child had not been concern. Xavier giggled, remembering something. "Okay but did you see what he was wearing these past days! It just keeps getting better, It's like he's homeless or something!" The taller grinned, speaking once more "I wouldn't even dress like that if I was." He paused for a moment. "We might have to drop him if it gets worse, other kids might actually think we like that dummy!"

'H-huh?'

Iruma stood just behind the door of said classroom, just a door between him, and his friends. Tears started to pool from his eyes as his body shook violently, his vision wavered and mind clouded. He didn't even know what to think, they had- they never wanted to be friends with him did they? He bite his lip, choking back a pitiful whimper. Iruma did everything to help them but- they didn't like him.. Why didn't they like him?? Was it something he did?

The food he gotten tumbled from his hands and onto the floor. Freezing for a second he stared horrified at the door. The last thing he wanted to do was talk to them after that, he- he couldn't. He wouldn't, but-. His feet began to move even before his brain, running as fast as they could take him. Down the hall and out of the school. Running quickly into the forest like it was second nature. Back to where he slept. The small boy curled in on himself, shivering as the autumn breeze swept over him. Even in his makeshift tent he still didn't feel warm enough. His parents weren't here, so he could cry. Cry until his heart didn't ache as much. Though, he was glad his parents were returning soon. Maybe they'd let him have an easier job this time since he left his vacation early..

He never did go back to school

His fist clenched tightly as his lip quivered in thought of that memory. Why did he have to remember that now. He didn't want to cry, at least not now, so he went to wipe his eyes with his hand. But he couldn't move his hand. Let alone any of his arms. They had been tied, rough rope dragged across his bare arms. Panic filled his senses as he looked down, wishing he was still back in his mind rather then reality as realization dawned upon the boy once more. Seemingly remembering his previous state of panic before he either passed out from shock or other methods. Iruma looked up, only confirmed his suspicions as a looming figure stood above him.

Oh that's right

his parents sold him to a demon

Chapter Text

The demon that stood towering above the boy and smiled, standing back a step as he spoke. "Greetings, do you have any idea as to why you're here?" He paused for a moment, Iruma hesitated while he shook, he had no idea what to say. But as if the man- demon? in front of didn't ask a question, he continued. Sitting down on an excessively decorated chair. One could even say it was a throne for how excessive it looked. Holding his hands together and elbows resting on the arms of the chair the demon continued to speak.
"Your parents sold you to a demon, for money.,, and- That demon is indeed me." He put his arms down, a serious look on his face. He even looked somewhat angry? Or was he always like that. Iruma could barely process anything that was going on. But beyond his panic. He could feel his throat dry up and his eyes burn. The boy couldn't tell if he was angry or sad. He did have a right to be both after all. "I'm sure you're very mad at them right now. I hardly even negotiated a high price to them. They took the first price I brought up."

Iruma could feel his lungs tighten. He breathed harshly, though trying to not keep it audible he failed doing so. Hesitating before he began to warily speak. Iruma was careful with his words, he didn't even have a clue what the man got angry about of disliked really. "I-.. Yes, I'm mad at them. I will definitely yell at them if I ever come back!" His voice was stale, but still filled with emotion none the less. It was clear that the boy had no clue on how to actually be mad at someone properly. The lanky demon eyed the boy for a moment. He was certainly not like any of the other humans he's seen in his time before. The boy seemed very kind hearted. Perfect. He sat up, approaching the small boy. Iruma definitely took that as, very threatening of course, shrinking his body somehow to be even more smaller then before.

"I will not like this opportunity go to waste" Iruma had a look of pure horror on his face, 'what opportunity?!-' The ropes binding his arms suddenly disappeared, he was then sat upon a plush cushion and a stack of pastries appeared into existence next to him. He lifted his hands up slightly, staring at them and then the demon in front of him in bewilderment. "H-huh?" Iruma was blinking as he still could barely process anything that was going on. Was this a trick to kill him??

The tall demon bent down in front of him, Iruma could not read his expression even if it saved his life. Taking the small boys hands, the demon looked at him with an unreadable expression. This is it, he was going to die. Iruma shook visibly, it's not like he could fight, only evade.

"Would you please be my grandson!" The demon cried, his form and expression seemingly completely changing. Was- was he alive? Iruma really doubted his existence right now. This was far beyond shock, Iruma didn't even know where to begin when wrapping his head around.

"You see I'm actually single but I've always dreamed of having a grandson. My friends always brag about their grandchildren and I'm so envious of them! Oh I should've said this sooner! my name is Lord Sullivan, But you can call me grandpa if you want! Oh please I beg of you, I'll make sure to keep you safe! You don't have to accept but it would make me so happy!"

and so he agreed to the contract.

He couldn't help it- the man said- Please. And I beg of you-. His greatest weaknesses being said in one sentence.

Sullivan also promised to keep him safe. Not that he could fully trust him.. Or even at all. But- a guarantee of safely was.. kind of nice. He could at least hope at this point. After all he didn't seem to act like a traditional 'demon' or really bad at all?

After an absurd amount of celebration from Sullivan he finally pulled himself off of the small boy. Iruma was just disappointed with himself above anything. He had other varying emotions of course but- he accepted being a demons grandson. One that he didn't even know. The boy sighed

"um, so-" Iruma cringed at his own words, he had no clue what to say. "What do I do now?" His voice was filled with uncertainty as he stood up, letting his arms fall to his side now that they weren't tied anymore. The pastries beside him looked awfully tasty and didn't seem to be poisoned from first glance with his knowledge he had. As much as he was hungry, he was also very nervous and hyperaware of his actions.

Iruma wasn't that much of an awkward person around adults but, with kids and adults that weren't asking anything of him it was an entirely different story. Sullivan seemingly went back to normal, a smiling lacing his face. No longer looking like an egg? The boy wondered how he was even able to do that really- regardless of magic. "I'm glad you asked my dear grandson!" He snapped is fingers dramatically. Suddenly his clothing switched from his dirty loose T-shirt to a strange blue uniform. It almost matched his hair to a t. Iruma blinked in bewilderment, he still wasn't used to the magic- or power? his - now grandpa held. The boy was still very shaken up. He fidgeted with his new clothing, it was very comfortable despite how form fitting it was. He smiled internally, happy to have at least one clean outfit

Sullivan smiled, content with his work. As much as the demon wanted to fawn over his new grandson he was, at least vaguely aware of the poor boys previous state. Sending him straight over to Bablys would be very improper of the boys new technical guardian. A good check up would be due in the later future but for now that had to wait as he was still the principle and a job. A certain teacher would have a fit if he didn't attend especially today. "You will be attending school!" Sullivan grinned, he was picking up some of the objects he had summoned by the boy, placing them on the table.

Iruma paled. A school- he's going to be attending one. One full of demons even-.

"b-but- Don't demons kill humans or worse?" He spoke warily, he didn't want to offend the older man he really didn't but it was a valid question he was fairly terrified of hearing the answer for.

Sullivan grinned holding out what looked to be a bottle of perfume in his hand, Iruma stared at it inquisitively making a very quite um of confusion. Pointing one of his long digits towards the bottle the taller began to explain almost happily? "This my dear grandson will disguise your human scent for you! I told you I would keep you safe" He spritz the formula on the boy.

Iruma blinked for a moment as to not get the spray into his eyes. It actually didn't smell to bad. The smell was oddly familiar to him- it reminded him of the smell of rain and orchids he had found in the forest once on a trip with his parents, he smiled at the memory. That feeling didn't last long because it then set upon him on just how strange it smelled like his favorite smell- let alone because that was not from here? Iruma was going to need forever to process everything. He paused for a moment before speaking. "Thank you.-" Iruma gave Sullivan a small smile before he continued. "How does this smell like this?" He tilted his head in confusion. The demon grinned once more, unbeknownst to the boy he was grinning due to the smaller's adorable reaction. "Well I used magic of course, it's a simple spell that allows you to make a scent that changes to the wearers desired scent!-" The taller smiled once more, the bottle flicking away for later. "That'll be in your room when you arrive home from your first day!" And there goes Sullivan again, even though he just met Iruma the demon is acting as if the boy he raised for years has now started to go to school for the first time.
Iruma looked off to the side nervously laughing slightly before his mind processed what Sullivan fully said. Wait room- and he's going to school today-?? "I have a room?" Iruma hesitantly asked. The last time he'd remembered having a room was- maybe once or twice when his parents had an extra room- or how they spoke of him before he was able to walk.
Sullivan looked back at the boy, in the back of his mind that rang some alarms. He was already slightly familiar with Iruma's past guardians "Yes of course, You'd have to be ,very poor parents, to not give their child the needed essential." The boy internally tensed slightly. The unintentional - or intentional? Jab at the human's parents didn't pass by him without taking some of it into account. I mean, was he right? Other children always did and had a very different relationship with their parents unlike his. Maybe they already did what they needed! He was told often that he didn't do enough so maybe they were just better the him. He shuffled his hands to his side awkwardly, adrenaline still making his small frame jittery. "Really-? I mean thank you! You sure?" His words jumbled out from his mouth, he really needed to get that under wraps otherwise Sullivan might get annoyed. He didn't know anything about the tall demon so it was better to be precautious.

His now grandpa gave Iruma an unknown look for a moment. "Yes, can't have my wonderful grandchild sleeping on a random couch should we?" The sentence didn't come out as a question, rather a firm statement while it was spoken with a grin. It was oddly calm compared to the small amount of time Iruma has been acquainted with the demon, he didn't know how to feel. He gave a small nod as a response, looking off to the side soon after.

"I think it's time we both had are selves some breakfast now. I still need to see if you can handle demon food, can't have you dying on the floor in school on the first day." Sullivan said nonchalantly as he waved a hand as to almost lead Iruma while he walked over to the next from. The shorter on the other hand was very much phased. He basically gave a squeak of fright at the thought, comically turning a shade lighter for a moment before snapping out of his little trance.

Following the demon quickly behind him he was met with a beautiful sight. Pillars seemed to hold the large room in place, a large carpet and an even larger table decorated with the most beautiful ornaments, he was in a state of awe at the room. Most likely one the most extravagant he's been able to see. Sullivan had already sat down at the largest chair at the end of the table seemingly looking over the boy's shoulder. Iruma raised an eyebrow in confusion going to look behind him but not before Sullivan spoke with a smile. "This is Opera, working as my butler." Iruma looked over his shoulder fully only to be met with a whole other person behind him, he jumped slightly. Turning over to look at them. "Oh Hello" He bowed in greeting, sweat dropping internally at his jumpy nature.

Opera bowed as well, very courteously in fact. "Hello" The butler didn't seem to be that much, not paying much attention to Iruma he began to wheel some food over by a large cart. Wait where did that come from? he hadn't seen that before. Before the boy could even process he was called over by Sullivan. "Here sit down" The tall demon gestured to one of the many chairs beside him. Not wanting to refuse he invitation Iruma blinked away his many questions about what was going on and scuttered over to one of the seats beside Sullivan. He still funnily enough had a bib? on from when Sullivan flicked the ropes away that were on him.

The tall demon laced his own hands together, a smile gracing his features once more as cat demon began to place plates filled with food, Iruma's mouth watered, the food looked strange- and certainly not that much edible but his senses screamed otherwise, which he most of the time always trusted them. It's what kept him alive all this time in the wilderness after all. He glanced over at Sullivan for permission to eat, his features having an almost humorous determined look.

Sullivan grinned more it seemed, aweing at his grandson's incentive to eat, taking any opportunity to think the boy was adorable. After all a demon's true nature and desire is mostly shown when they are consuming a meal. Even if his grandson was a human at birth any other demon wouldn't know that, this would help with his cover. "Eat all you want, can't have you going hungry!" Sullivan began to eat after he said that as well.

The boy's eyes widened slightly, an aloof look being painted on his face as he looked over from the tall demon to his his sat in front of him. All he wants? He did not expect that, though in reality he should expect just about anything at this point- he was surrounded by demons after all and one with cat features at that- he hadn't even noticed that at first-. Iruma began to eat his food finally, savoring the taste at first, definitely didn't look as it tasted. It was some of the best food he's had! He began to finish his first plate within a matter of minutes, he might as well eat as much as he can- what if this was a rare thing?

And that's why he ate four more courses.

Sure he was a small child but it didn't apparently stop him from eating more than an adult. He would be a little nauseous for a while but that food was very good! He smiled happily, flowers and sunshine practically radiating off the boy. He smiled at, looking both at Sullivan and Opera was it? "Thank you so much for the food it was delicious!" He spoke happily as he smiled. Hopefully showing his appreciation in full would incline them to maybe keep doing this.

Sullivan grinned, not growing old of his own fawning. Opera might though, he gave Sullivan a faint confused look as the butler began to clean up all the plates. "Of course! Now we shall head off to school today! Can't be late now" Sullivan spoke as he stood up, Iruma following suit pretty quickly, he was really full. Hopefully today went alright- and he didn't get eaten-

--

Oh god he was going to puke.

Iruma stood wide eyed staring at he irate demon in front of him, what did he do?? what should he even do?

He'd learned 3 things today so far:
His grandpa was the principle, maybe that's why Sullivan seemed so- powerful??
He definitely read something out loud he wasn't supposed to--

And he was in a lot of danger currently

For some reason after the orientation a pink haired demon had, not liked one bit he had read whatever that was on the stage. Then preceding to challenge him to a fight, Iruma of course refused but the the other demons around them starting whispering and jeering. Quickly making the noble demons patience crumble.

It had been already 4 minutes of dodging fireballs and he was exerted, he couldn't tell if eating that much had been a good idea or not at this point.

He stared at the demon in front of him with fear, trying to negotiate once more. "Why are you attacking me! Please, I don't want to fight you- I didn't know what I read I promise!" The spectators though thought otherwise, only egging the pink haired demon on. Going on about how he thought he was weak and just didn't want to bother with him. "No! Really I don't!" He exhaled audibly as he placed his hands on his hands leaning over. That seemed to definitely not convince him as the demon yelled out, running towards him once more in a strict tone of voice. "You will not get away with this!" he hurdled another few fireballs at him, Iruma managing to dodge them all once more. The taller had about enough of Iruma's dodging it seemed because he begun to run at the smaller. Iruma tensed, unsure what to do other then brace himself for impact.

Somehow in all the action, he was met with the back of the taller's cloak and his arm's around his waist. "Huh-" He blinked, his eyes wide with confusion as he tried to assess the situation. He shifted out from under the taller demon. The crowd around them staring in shock before they all began either cheering or speaking amongst each other. Looking down at the demon he saw him wide his eyes wide and with a confused and shocked look on his face. It wasn't long before he had sat up but then kneeled in front of Iruma his eyes closed and frame rigid. "My name is Asmodeus Alice and I am greatly sorry as I misjudged your intentions, I had no inkling you were being humble rather then flaunting your great strength. Please I must insist for you to become my master."

"W-What-? No really you don't need to do all that!" He sweat dropped, this was certainly a strange situation. -Asmodeus really didn't need to do this, it just seemed like a misunderstanding-.
"I insist!" He stop up with a bow. A look of respect on his face as he held a hand up to his chest. So proper- Iruma thought for a moment, soon it then clicked he had to repond to this.

Oh just what did he get himself into this time..

Chapter Text

Asmodeous had apparently had to do something important to do as he left with his very begrudging “My Utmost apologies master Iruma! I will return shortly to give you an amazing tour!” So that just left him by himself again, which he didn’t mind all too much. Asmodeous with his new complacency unfortunately reminded him of himself a bit too much. Especially since the word please is what got him here in the first place.

Iruma sat on a bench outside after lunch, still within the large school’s perimeters. He had totally devoured his entire lunch within a couple seconds which Asmodeous seemed very surprised at, he would try snd control himself but it almost as if he couldn’t. In view he could see a large greenhouse or whatever the large ones were called. He always wanted to remember but just couldn’t. The atmosphere was just beautiful is not better than earth which was surprising given it as a the Demon World, not that it has made any sense so far. His hand clasped around the juice box ironically named “Human tears” Taking a sip of the sweet beverage as it soothed his burning throat. Why was it burning anyways? “Mmh!” Iruma hastily wiped his tear covered cheeks with his sleeve. He didn’t need any demon seeing that.
The boy stood up to throw away the beverage that he had suddenly lost interest in. Iruma attempted to chase away his thoughts with somethings else. Clasping his hands together suddenly he was struck with a thought. Maybe they have a plant class! That would certainly be fun, and useful for the wilderness! He shuffled his feet in place for a moment before his mind strayed to food once more, he could’t understand why he was craving food so much now, but he supposed it was good to stock up in his body incase something were to happen. His feet began moving on their own, maybe he could wander a little? He did want something like a candy bar and if he remembered correctly there was a vending machine near the entrance he saw before. Iruma glanced around for a moment while he walked, the boy could hear the chattering of students and the normal background noise around him.
“Please will you play with Clara!”
“Just get me what I want first” The boy’s face scrunched up with distaste
Iruma’s legs froze in place as he watched the scene unfold with a blank expression.
“Okay! If you’ll play with Clara”
The seeming group leader spoke against in the same tone. “Riight- I want a large candy bar”
Not even a second later all of the kids began to rapid fire ask her for their demands.
“I want a milk!” “I want a Sandwhich!” “I want-“
The girl seemed overwhelmed with the request as her smiled faltered and even Iruma couldn’t keep up with them. But as if it was natural she granted all of their requests, bringing the materials out from seemingly nothing.
“Here! Now can we play?” Her smile perked up once again as she asked the question.

“Hm.. I’m sure we could play hide and seek again right guys” He peered back to his group for agreement which they gladly gave him.
Iruma sighed disheartened as he began to turn back around, he shouldn’t get involved, it’s resolved anyways
.
“B-but you never find Clara! Can we maybe play something else?”
The girls voice stammered with pleas.
….
The boys ears perked up as he looked back around with a foreign look. Iruma shuffled towards the group attempting to keep a neutral expression. He just hoped no one asked him anything, his presence enough might be able to keep them from doing this right now, he could get his candy bar- right, thats why he’s doing this. The boy had to work himself up in order to get the courage.
“Excuse me can I pass through” He stared through them.
The demon jumped out of his skin “Wh- yeah, sure. Didn’t see you there”
Iruma stayed silent and passed through, stopping at the machine to begin to choose what he wanted. Just like that the group continued like he wasn’t there.
“It’s hide or seek or nothing! You think we’d want to play anything else with you?” The bully huffed while crossing his arms.

Iruma’s hands were shaking as he grabbed his own wrist, frozen in place. His mind was not helping him in the slightest, this was too familiar. It was unfair. Even in the demon world he couldn’t escape this.
“You guys are being really l-lazy you know that right” His body shook like a leaf, WHY the hell did he just say that.

One of the boys stared at him, eventually he recognized the shaking boy as his face paled. “O-Oh! Isn’t that-“
“It’s the kid who defeated Asmodeous!” Defeat was a loose word-. “Shit he’s shaking in anger man… we need to GO” He hardly got a chance to say anything or turn around fully before the group of kids began running for the hills. Iruma’s let his hands fall to the side and stare off in bewilderment for a moment. What is even happening here..

He felt a colliding force around his side. Iruma jumped in surprise as the girl whom he was watching hugged him. “WAAHH! THOSE BOYS WERE MEANIES THANK YOU FOR SCARING THEM OFF-!!..” Her sentence trailed off as she pulled away from the boys tense body, wiping a tear out from her eye while she beamed at him. Wait was she asking for his name?
“Oh! um, My names Iruma, what’s yours?” Tilting his head out of curiosity he grabbed his candy bar that plopped from the machine not too long ago.

“OHH! Iruma!! From the speech! you were so cool!” And he thought he was energetic at times. Iruma chuckled bashfully “Yeah ..um that sure was me”
He avoided eye contact with the girl like his life line, his mind wanted him to ask what that was with that group of kids but that might be pushing it.

“Would um you please like to play with Clara?” Her eyes held a hopeful look as she summoned a candy bar with her, magic? He was still bombarded with all this information… Iruma wanted to go find Asmodeous as he probably had something to do as a new student but she said please.

“Sure thing!” His shoulders slumped a bit, he really needed to work on that.

“Yay!! Here have this! Let’s go play devi dolls !” She placed another candy bar in his hand and dragged him off with her. “H-Hey wait I don’t need- “ She wasn’t paying too much attention it seemed.

——————
About an hours passed as they both contently played devi dolls together. Iruma had never played dolls or imaginary anything before, it was actually quite fun! His parents had told him once when he glanced at the dolls in a store that playing with dolls was for girls only. It was weird for a boy to do so. But- that shouldn’t matter anyways? He never understood his parents and he didn’t think he ever would be able to. Iruma was no longer with them, they didn’t want him and that was clear.

“IRUMA- CHIII, IT’S YOUR TURN” Clara poked him only his shoulder with a huff as she puffed her cheeks out.
“Oh! Sorry!- where were we?

“You were distracted with bad thoughts! I know that look” She gave him a calculated but surprisingly caring look.

“Haha maybe, first day at school” He gave her a half hearted smile, he didn’t want to lie but it wasn’t like they knew each other. He stopped his thoughts for a moment to add something but he begun to hear some very fast steps approaching.

“MASTER IRUMA I’VE FOUND YOU!!” Asmodeous finally stopped in his tracks as he clasped at his jabot on his chest, looking as if he was relieved. He couldn’t believe that he finally found him!

“Oh! Hello Asmodeous! I’m sorry were you looking for me?” Iruma looked off bashfully with a grin, imaginary flowers twirling behind him.

Alice just sighed exasperatedly as he regained his proper posture. “No need for apologies master! I just wished to escort you around is all, we can always do the tour tomorrow since we soon will be meeting in our homeroom.” Iruma could have sworn he saw his eyes spark up for moment.

“And who are you to Iruma chi!” he girl puffed her cheeks out again as she stood up with her hands on her hips.

Asmodeous’s brow twitched as he bowed. “I am indebted to Iruma so he is my master as he beat me in a formidable battle.” Iruma looked off to the distant kicking himself internally, that.. really wasn’t what happened.. Iruma also very much hated that term.
“Can you please not call me that? How about we’re all just friends??” He pressed his finger tips together as he smiled pleadingly. A second of silence went by as his posture stiffened, both of them looked at him inquisitively. ‘O-oh I should not have asked that shouldn’t I.’

“We don’t need to be it was just a suggestion-“

“No! Wait Master Iruma what is a friend?” Asmodeous was confused by the foreign term, it even sounded strange coming from his mouth.

Huh? Oh it must be a demon thing.. Thank goodness… The boy relaxed significantly as he smiled lightly.

“Ah it means uh,.. a person who you can.. rely on? And count on, knowing they- enjoy your presence. Sorry-! Would you rather it be- companion??” If the two demons knew what friend meant as a common term, hearing Iruma struggle to explain such a word would have been a sad sight.

Asmodeous smiled to himself, unknowingly looking very demonic to the human. “Wha?? Are you-“
“No friend sounds amazing!” The demon grinned joyfully as he cut Iruma off from his confusion.

“KYAA YES!! Clara will have the bestest of ‘friends!’” Clara’s tail swayed behind her as she’d smiled with her teeth, that declaration almost sounded like a threat.

“Now! Asmodeous! I dub thee- Iruma’s friend, AZZ-AZZ!!” Clara beamed brightly as she pointed proudly at the boy. “And I am Clara!” She said proudly then pointing to herself.

Iruma’s face lit up at the thought. “Oh I should call you that too! That’s so cute! If that’s okay with you though Azz” The boys demeanor was blissful and summery as he stared at Azz.

Newly dubbed Azz Azz eyes widened. How could he resist that.
“What!- eugh,.. if you insist master” The boys face grew a shade of pink as he looked away begrudgingly. Why did he have to ask like that?

Iruma smiled, his heart beating out of his chest as he twiddled his fingers. Staring at his two new friends animatedly talking.. he- he had friends now? His first ever friends. Iruma’s felt tears prick in his eyes. Jumping out of his skin the covered his face. “MH!”
It was certainty strange how he kept crying out of nowhere, hopefully this wasn’t going to become a common occurrence, Iruma hated crying in front of people. Crying in front of others had always invoked a feeling of guilt and burden but more importantly fear. Iruma wasn’t exactly sure if this was from fear of abandonment or from something else entirely, but he did know the cause.

“Are you alright Iruma!” Azz turned to his friend with concern, his whole demeanor turning serious.

“Yep! Haha just needed to sneeze!!” Iruma vigorously wiped his face and especially his nose to make it look red. “Sorry! Continue! What did you call Clara, Azz?” Iruma stood up with his two friends as he dusted himself, joining their conversation once again. He hoped his friends didn’t think that was weird!

—————

The trio had made it over eventually to the other side of the school, they thankfully, all had the same class though it didn’t seem like Azz was fond of the class itself he was assigned. “I am still delighted that I get to be by ma- Iruma’s side to serve him” Asmodeous gave off a serious look at the concept. “Even if it’s the troublemaker class..” He seemed to wilt dramatically at the concept.

“Oh- well surely it isn’t that bad right?” They weren’t gonna eat him right,,? Clara and Azz cried at his innocence from his inquiry.

Asmodeous placed both of his hands on Iruma’s shoulders, he still wondered why the boy was so small for his age. Maybe he just needed to have his growth spurt that came with his evil cycle, truly then he would be the strongest demon ever. Azz had no doubt in his mind. “Um?? Azz what’s wrong?”

“You need to prepare yourself for this class, even if I am here to protect you. These devi’s are foul beasts” Iruma could have thought Azz had some dramatic fire burning in his eyes. With that Clara chimed in with a ‘me too!’

They all peered open the door, Iruma steeped through first cautiously.
There was something wrong. His body moved on his own with his instincts as he could feel his blood drain from his face, an axe had imbedded it’s way in the wall next to him. ‘What the hell’ Iruma screamed in his mind, he couldn’t relax either because he knew it wasn’t over.
After dodging all of the carefully placed weapons along the class entrance the boy slinked back towards the wall, his eyes wide and a bit feral if you’d ask anyone who paid attention.
“HOW COULD YOU DO THAT “ Asmodeous roared, fire burning behind the enraged demon as he politely pretty much threatened the demon kids whom were responsible.

Iruma wasn’t paying much attention though, he still needed to focus on gathering his thoughts again. They really were trying to kill him weren’t they? What if he was hit and bled all over the place?? He would have been killed for sure, eaten alive maybe? It wasn’t like this was his first time close to that but this was different, these were sentient beings close if not smarter than humans. Sure animals had taken a few chunks out of him before but this brought this to a different feeling within him. Remembering the introductory song at the beginning of school had certainly sent him into a spiral all day. Grandpa did tell him demons ate humans but this was.. something else.

—————

Grumbling and footsteps of his heels clicked beneath him. Kalego certainly wasn’t happy about this. Why did he always get the trouble make kids. But he couldn’t wait any longer, he had taken enough time in Sullivans office getting debriefed of his class and almost stripping of his paycheck again. That enough sent the man back to work quickly enough. Of course he did get quite the earfull about how his precious grandson was in his class. Yuck, the doting could have made him sick. Maybe this gave all the students a time to ACTUALLY get in class, he would hate to have to go on a man hunt for one of those brats.
The teacher proved himself wrong though as he made it to the distant classroom’s entrance, he had heard the yelling match but wasn’t expecting such a scene. His blood began to boil.

An axe laid embedded in the door frame next to him as well as a plethora of other weapons laid around the entrance way, how a student got ahold of of this was beyond him, he would have to speak to Marbas on this matter. Kalego pinched the bridge of his nose as he inhaled with irritation. “WHAT HE DEVI IS GOING ON HERE.”

The demon whom was definitely Asmodeous’s child straightened up and turned towards him, his face hot with anger too it seemed. “SIR THESE- IMPUDENT DEMONS ALMOST HURT IRUMA WTH SUCH FOUL PLAY” Wait now who was Iruma again? He looked around the classroom, first to see whom he was pointing at, from the attendance files he was given that must have been Jazz and Sabnock. Ah, that explained it. He’d give them a good talking to once he made sure no one was hurt, not that he really cared he would just hate to have so much paperwork to do on his first day. Looking around more he finally saw the one student who must have been ‘Iruma’. His brows furrowed as he stared at the boy in the corner who was pressed up against the wall so close that he wondered if he hadn’t left an indent. The boys face was a lighter shade then he’d assume it was normally but it was eerily blank of an expression. The worst part about it was his eyes, it was so feral- desperate almost, as if he didn’t realize where he was.This even got a rumble out of Cerberus. Of course Sullivan didn’t tell him his name but that was indeed Iruma, though this was odd. What would happened to the principles grandson to act this way.
He approached the boy, who didn’t seem to move except slink into the wall more as if he was looking through him. Kalego placed a hand on his shoulder. “Brat”

Iruma jumped an excessive amount, his hazy eyes flicking up to? Who was this again. Iruma grounded himself back to reality. “Hai! Sorry! What did you say?” He spoke as if nothing happened except the small waver to his voice.
Kalego moved back, removing his hand from his student. “Nothing, just grabbing your attention” The teacher whipped back around to his other troublesome students and spoke loudly. “You all get to your seats now. We need to start this introduction and carry on with more important matters!” Kalego spoke loudly as he took is place in front of the class. “My name is Naberius Kalego, you shall call me Kalego sensei or any form of that. I’ll be your homeroom teacher. Let I remind you- that this behavior is not tolerated. Jazz and Sabnock you shall receive extra homework when the time comes.” He could hear the groans of the two perpetrators as he gleefully relished in their misery. Though he couldn’t keep his glance from trailing off to the one fledging. Iruma was currently being dotted on by his two fellow companions that were once yelling. The kid just looked a little tired but he couldn’t shake the feeling that had surrounded him earlier. That was not normal look and especially reaction from a mere fledgling. The professor grumbled to himself, he needed to speak to Sullivan or someone really. Because why in the devi did this kid have a panic attack and so silently due to that on the first day of Babyls.

Chapter Text

What was the boys name again?

Iruma

Right. Iruma, what a strange name for a fledgling.
Kalego pressed his fingertips against his temples. Oh if they saw him now, fretting over a small boy. The chairmen’s grandchild for that matter. Even that subject was confusing for the teacher, see at first glance you would assume the boy just took after his parents. However, even if that was the case his looks contradict Sullivan in every way, including his demeanor. That boy had to be the strangest fledgling he has ever met, and that’s not even including what has happened in the beginning of class but now along with the flight test.

See he unfortunately may have made a huge mistake on his part.
Which was not something he admitted often from his pride.

After all the other brats had gone with the race starting straight away. Here Iruma stood at the cliff side, stiff as a board as he peered down. Why wasn’t he flying already? Just what was wrong with this boy now. His brows furrowed as he took a few noticeable steps towards the child, loud, yet making his presence known. It’s as if Cebereon rumbled his visibility through sheer instinct, an instinct that made his face turn to a scowl. Care. Why in the devi would he care about this boy he’s been nothing but-.. nothing but a pain. Kalego finally took his last steps towards the small fledgling, his shoulders hunched over visibly. “Brat.”

Iruma made a swift motion with his sleeve, so fast he could have passed it off as a flick of the hair or some simple maneuver of body language but he wasn’t as naive as his little followers he had. The boy looked up at Kalego with wild eyes, his mouth curved into a minuscule frown. But as he seen before his eyes were just as puffy if not more now. Iruma had to have at least cried multiple times throughout the day. Or he was sick and he was just losing his mind, that would have been preferable if he was being honest.
“You do realize this is a race right?” His ‘care’ slipped into one more of annoyance as he glared at Iruma. The said child glanced over his shoulder with a weird hesitance and expression. “Yes- I do..” Iruma glanced over to the cliff once again, the tension could be cut with an axe. It was pissing him off. “Well? If this is how you’re going to behave for the rest of the year, consider yourself expelled by next week. I don’t care if you’re the Chairdemon’s grandson you’ll get no special treatment.” Kalego spat the words out without thinking, and Iruma turned fully around with his fists clenched and heart beating out of his chest. “I- I’m sorry, I’ll do better, I um. I’ll get going now, why don’t you go make sure everyone else is doing o-kay?” Iruma mustered up a shaky smile. It wasn’t as if Kalego could see right through him, he just didn’t want to.

The teacher didn’t want to se those wild terrified eyes more than he had to.

Maybe he should have though.
Of course the race lasted more than 30 minutes so it took some time. What he didn’t expect however was to see the said boy scaling the cliff with just his hands. The magic only reached so far as to clearly see the winner in case of close scenarios. Why wasn’t he using his wings? This was far more concerning then just behavior, his magic was undetectable after observation so even if this was some sort of awkward fledgling stage he would have at least unfurled his wings by now as instinct, all demons did this. Kalego scowled and stood up abruptly. His ally Balam should still be around the place as he did give a small lesson to the class beforehand. Balam would surely know what to do or let alone WHY. After a quick minute of searching the teacher had finally spotted the familiar silhouette in the distance. Ah, yes there he was attempting to attain some more animals for his collection. Kalego sighed and made his way over to the taller. “Shichiro.” The said demon jumped out of his skin at the usage of his name, if it was under any other circumstance maybe he was prodded some teasing within the conversation but Shichiro understood that his tone meant business.
“What’s wrong?” Balam stood up, completely disregarding his previous activity. Kalego growled to himself internally, there were sometimes where he didn’t want to ask in confidence with Shichiro’s bloodline ability was something he really hated at times. But he was someone he knew he could trust in not spreading the subject around. So he supposed he was prepared to not lie. “Why.. would a fledgling not want to even unfurl their wings even in the face of scaling a cliff downward.”
Balam’s face blanked as he stared at Kalego, mouth agape under his mask. “I um.. I don’t know? It’s in a demons instinct to unfurl wings regardless of situational circumstances.”

“Exactly” Kalego crossed his arms while staring at his ally.

“There could be some.. reasons. None are really good like handicap of the wings for a period of time could falter those instincts but that would really only be if the- You said fledgling right?” Shichiro eyed him suspiciously.

“Yes, I did.” There wasn’t a use lying.

“Please tell me your’e not taking about a student?” Shichiro’s voice grew more hushed as he stared at him almost pleadingly. On the other hand Kalego only frowned more if possible, tapping his finger against his own arm. His silence answered the question for itself.

“Kalego!” Balam raised his hands up in exasperation. “This could be anything! This is a FLYING race for devi’s sake! What if they’re sick!, or- injured? Or even-“ Shichiro stopped and pitifully glared at his ally. Kalego hated seeing that look, if only he just let the kid lose the race and stand there.

“Kalego, who was it?”

Shit. Kalego cursed to himself as he looked away, he didn’t want to answer but he had to. It wasn’t like he would let up. “The chairman’s grandson, Iruma.” He grimaced, deciding to spill his guts because well, he could get in serious trouble due this kid’s status if he didn’t figure this out, not that he cared otherwise.

“Look I-. Listen to me” He met his glance with Balam once more, the gargoyle was shocked from what he could tell, understandably so but he also seemed hurt in some way he couldn’t place.
“..the kid has been strange all day, sure his day has been interesting to put it lightly with the forbidden spell combined with the honor student in the papers-.. When I saw him standing on the cliff, just- staring. I ignored it. I thought it was arrogance. I know it wasn’t but I WANTED it to be” Kalego took a deep breath, his nails digging into his own sleeve. “From what I could see the kid was crying, and had at least done so a couple times within the day. But Shichiro, there’s something wrong.”
“well yeah of course there is” Balam hit him with some rare sarcasm, it didn’t sound to playful either. Either way Kalego continued. “I also believed he had a panic attack due to a prank meant for me, a barrage of weapons set at the entrance of the classroom. It wasn’t just that, it was the way he LOOKED at me-As if I wasn’t even there, like I replaced with something- else. I mean it when I say there’s something wrong. He seemed feral at best-“

“Alright slow down-“ Shichiro sighed, pinching the bridge of his own nose instead of him ironically. After a moment of silence it was interrupted once again. “How long has it been?”

“Now-“ He stared up at the sky, acknowledging that over 20 minutes had passed didn’t ease his turmoil. “It has been about 25 minutes. Why?”

“We should go look for him.”

The Naberius frowned even more somehow. “We can’t.”

“What do you mean we can’t!?” Balam began to lose his cool at some point during this discussion, for a demon who rarely raised his voice it actually shocked him. “You do realize what kind of danger this puts you AND that child in right”

He was well aware of the consequences of his actions and wished to fix them somehow, he would hate to be on the chair demons bad side. Especially when it came to things he seemed to care about. “Listen- I’m sorry, I know I’ve been stupid, but the rest of the students will probably be arriving any minute now.” He took a moment to reflect upon the situation, and more over his own idiotic actions.
“How about this actually- You go look for Iruma, and I’ll attend to the class as they finish the race. If you find him and he’s fine- that’s great, if not- you’ll inform me immediately. I’ll make sure to inform you if I see him first.” Kalego tried to sound as reasonable as he could, but he was sure he was going to get an earful some way or another today.
“Fine- you and me are going to talk later about this”
Before he could even respond Shichiro went on his way already. Kalego groaned, that didn’t sound good at all.

The teacher paced for a couple moments but decided to return near the cliffs edge, he would just see who go first place and this area was accessible enough to have a good view.
The silence may have been a little deafening if he was being honest with himself. What was he even thinking? His actions truly may have been more arrogant than what he believed the boy’s were. This had to have been the worst start to any of his years teaching, and that was a hard feat. As well as it being his fault in the first place didn’t make it any better either, now he just had to wait on a heeded breath for one of his students to arrive or Shichiro to contact him.

About 10 minutes later, nothing. Asmodeous won the race along with a couple other students also crossing the line, and no word from him either. It was just then we he heard a terrible loud screech of a beast.

Looking up Kalego was met with a sight he didn’t think he would ever see in his entire life. It was still fairly concerning but at least he knew his student was alright.
It seemed like the plan wasn’t even needed. Though it looked like he would be chewed out by multiple demons. The teacher stood with his mouth agape at the scene before him.

‘Stand down Shichiro’ He began to speak to his ally telepathically.

‘What?- Kalego did you find him?’ There was some distinct worry in his tone, reasonably so.

‘The boys riding the guardian of CutThroat valley-“
Kalego sighed exasperatedly as Shichiro cut off his telepath communications. Well he supposed he now just needed to assess the situation and make sure all his students were still partially alive.

——————

Okay maybe he was actually going to vomit this time.

Iruma hung on for dear life, the guardians feathers were really soft.. and he was just so tired but he needed to stay awake. He could handle the pain his body was in right now. Iruma had hoped he bandaged up all the open wounds he attained even if he wasn’t sure if he had got them all. Sabnock didn’t seem to notice most likely because he had been beaten up pretty badly. Gripping the feathers in his hands he tried to not think about- anything really even if it wasn’t terribly difficult to do so. He could see the same cliff in the horizon so he knew he was almost there. The boy needed to keep a straight face despite his body shaking life a leaf.
At least he might not get expelled, he can stay with his grandpa then. As well as his friends.

The boy slid off the giant beast with a small thud, luckily being able to hold his body up against the creature for balance. He was going to pretend to not see all the stares on him and the giant demon bird as he was far more focused on not puking his guts out. Iruma reached out to give the beast a small pet on its head, speaking softly he spoke to the creature. “Thank you for the ride, I hope your child gets well soon!” With a wobbly smile he lifted all of his weight off it.

“Well you really pulled through there! Thanks for stopping me.” Sabnock grinned at him as he turned towards his group of friends apparently his wounds didn’t bother him that much then. “Oh y-yeah! Of course!” Iruma waved him off as he stood in the clearing. Any minute now his own friends would approach them, he was sure of it. The boy just wasn’t sure if he could handle putting up an energetic front but he’d try. He stared at the ground for a moment, attempting to pull himself together. He just wanted to go home. No- Home with grandpa, not with his parents. Gripping his sleeves tightly he pulled a smile on his face.

“Alright so it seems Asmodeous won, congratulations” Kalego waved the said demon as he continued. “We will now be having our rank assessment and then you are all done, we will be doing the rest tomorrow” Oh? Was there more planned? He didn’t really care to be honest, hearing that he could go home early already lifted his spirits.
The small boy attempted to dust off his uniform though it wasn’t to much use as the dirt and mud already caked into the fabric, he was just happy that it was all mostly intact. If his uniform would have been trashed this would have made this experience much more excruciating mentally. While the time he was climbing on the cliff he unfortunately slipped. Fortunately or not, however you look at it, he could rely on his crisis evasion skills even if it wasn’t a solve all solution. He had then been assumed for food by a bunch of demonic birds and well maybe he was food. This landed him to be able to heal the baby bird somewhat with some herbs he found and now he’s here. Safe to say the fall and birds playing with their food led to some hidden injuries.

“Iruma-chi!! Come on! Stop smiling at the ground silly!” Clara grabbed his hand and began dragging him off towards the assessment. Iruma kept his smile up throughout it all. Azz chimed in as he followed. “Hey don’t pull Iruma like that!- But you did absolutely amazing Iruma! I’m sure you’ll get the best rank! You even went through so much effort to get your clothes dirty” The boy did an odd proud huff at the fact.
Iruma felt a bit relieved around them all things considered. “Aw thank you Azz! I should be saying that to you- your flying must be amazing!- You too Clara! What did you place?”

“A Clara never tells her secrets!”

Iruma just looked at her a little confused, but with Azz’s irate reaction he could have guessed what it meant, he decided to just go with it anyways. Now they were here, the assessment.
Iruma didn’t have much expectations on the mater considering his human nature if anything it might just automate to the lowest rank hopefully. He looked around for a moment at the rest of his classmates, most of them pretty happy and not hurt. Well that’s good at least. Unfortunately for him he accidentally made eye contact with his professor which he immediately looked away. He did not need to go through that again nor make him mad as the teacher already looked furious from the look of him. The boy didn’t dare look at his teacher in anyway after that. Time seemed to go by pretty slow as the line grew slimmer. Azz being ranked rank 4 and rank 3 for Clara, he didn’t really bother to remember the ranks for the moment but he was proud of his friend.

Then, it was his turn. The owl looked at him inquisitively before materializing a strange ring. Wait this wasn’t what the rest of the students got? The boy groaned internally, just another way for him to stand out, great. Iruma didn’t bother with looking over at everyone and just took the ring quietly. The demon language was too hard for him to read after the translation spell grandpa put on him but the message encrypted on it was strange. He slipped it on regardless, looking even closer at the ring it read something of the following though it was legible covered in scratches beyond measurable. ‘This?—-For? Fledgling..? —Ali-?.. or was it Dli?’ Iruma couldn’t tell regardless and decided to try and take it off for safe keeping. Only it did not come off, it did not WANT to come off. Iruma’s eyes widened as he turned towards his class. “Hey guy-s c a”

Iruma was hit with another wave of nausea from what seemed to be the ring but he wouldn’t be surprised if it was everything together. Iruma went to run off to the side as he didn’t want to get it on anyone let alone the poor owl. He scrambled awkwardly putting his hands on his knees.

It looked like Iruma had finally puked after all of this.
He thankfully didn’t puke everything as he didn’t know what he’d do given just how much food he ate. Heaving for a short time, Iruma let out a few coughs he looked back up. He was unsure if he even wanted to see the rest of his class in the first place. Instead he was met with a strange creature appearing from the ring and his grandfather standing beside him. It hadn’t really occurred to him the violent noise coming from the weird shadow thing. Sullivan being rocking the screeching creature and it soon calmed down, acting comedically like a weird baby before it retreated back into the ring.
Would that be lucky if no one saw him puke then?
However Iruma was pretty sure that might not be his greatest concern at the moment.
Iruma cleared his throat. “Um.. What was that grandpa?”
Said grandpa gleamed at his grandchild as he ruffled his hair. “That! Was ring of gluttony! It will be an important tool for you. I will explain some more in the future!”

“Oh, I see- Thank you?” He tilted his head, unsure as it felt fairly ominous. After all a giant shadow beast just left the ring, making him feel as if he was spinning for hours and just weirdly fuzzy now.

“Very well! It seems this was the last activity for today as your teacher decided this was enough for you all” Sullivan wiped a tear from his eye. “Isn’t that just so kind?” His grandpa clasped his hands together gleefully.

Kalego meanwhile looked like he wanted to rip his head off. Then he slinked away, he decided he would have to talk to his boss on a later date- or never really.

—————

Iruma could not be more relieved to walk into Sullivan’s home once again, his shoulders immediately slumping and looking as if a spirit left his body. Opera didn’t miss a beat to greet both of them. “Greetings master and Iruma” He bowed scanning both of them, especially the boy who waved at him, for a moment he itched his nose quickly before he spoke once more.

“Would you like me to prepare dinner?” The butler shifted his head in question.

Sullivan beamed at the idea, popping momentarily into his egg form. “Splendid idea!! My wonderful grandson has had a big day after all!” Sullivan strapped himself onto the boys leg like a monkey.
Iruma blinked his owlish eyes a he scratched his cheek bashfully. “haha.. yeah-“ That was enough for him for years to come. Attention like that certainly wasn’t what he wanted right now. He also really wanted to ask if they had any bandages on hand, but in all honesty maybe he shouldn’t. I mean he was that close to revealing himself as a human? Risking his stay here would be the worst thing he could do, as long as he kept a close eye on things he should be fine. At most he maybe broke something but that can heal. Iruma shook his head to himself as he fidgeted with his sleeve.
“Do you um-.. never mind sorry-“ The boy shook his head, cutting himself off.

“What is it Iruma?” Sullivan seemed to got his attention grabbed by his tone, returning to his form as Opera eyed him.

“I- it’s nothing really-“ Scratching the back of his head he tried to avoid speaking.

“Oh please Iruma-mago you can ask us anything!” Sullivan softly looked down at the boy with an endearing tone, he wondered what got him so nervous.

“Can I wash my uniform?- And maybe a shower too? Don’t remember when I took one before coming here” Iruma trailed off, he knew in the deepest part of his mind he really wasn’t asking for too much but that was just the way he was for now. Even the basic essentials felt like a luxury to him, after all this was his first day here. Honestly it was still a shocking revelation. Thinking about it now if this ended up being some cruel dream maybe he would just leave his parents for good.

Iruma could have jumped out of his skin when he felt a hand place upon his shoulder, looking up at Sullivan’s tall figure, he tilted his head in confusion. Before he could utter another thing his grandpa knelt down so he was eye level with him. “Iruma..- I don’t know what else to say but- you can come to me or Opera for anything” Sullivan paused for a moment. “I don’t know what made you think like that but, it’s okay, we’re here for you.”

The breath in Iruma’s throat hitched, he couldn’t speak even if he tried. The boy bit his lip as he held bad tears from his very apparent watery eyes. Nodding vigorously he wiped his face with his sleeve.
Then Sullivan hugged him once more, without a word, a more serious silent embrace as he placed a hand on Iruma’s head. Iruma struggled to compose himself but successfully did only after a small gurgled noise in his throat. If the boy could see the demon’s face he would see a rare expression of many somber emotions combined into one. Sullivan made a quick glance at Opera before he pulled away.

“Alright! Well opera will show you to the bathroom, we can find a set of sleeping clothes for you temporarily before we go shopping. Opera will leave it outside your door so you don’t have to wear that to bed! Maybe I can go cook!”

“Please. Don’t. I don’t want to have to extinguish the fires again” He began to lead Iruma out of the room. With that Sullivan’s made a dramatic gasp as he wailed his voice getting smaller while they left the room.

“WAAHhh opera your’e so mean, you-“

Iruma smiled to himself just a little bit, it was just a little silly thought but,
this felt like home.

Moments pass and they made it to his room which, ironically he forget Grandpa mentioned he’d get. As well as the room there was even a bathroom connected to it! Wow. Iruma remembered baby sitting a couple times in houses similar- but not as big as this. It was still really daunting to be in but still amazing. The room or well- His room was a pale purple and beautiful wooden baseboards, there were a few furniture items such as a wardrobe, nightstand and dresser. It would be what you would typically find in a guest room or fancy hotel. It wasn’t personalized it was sure nice, better than any room he’s slept in before.

Opera seemed to be content with his reaction, they gave a brief overview of his options. “Welcome to your room Iruma, as you can see there’s your bathroom. Some time later Sullivan is sure to want to spoil you with toys and decorations so please let me know your preferences sometimes before he goes overboard.”
Iruma was quite surprised at the demon cat’s advice, if he was being honest he was quite intimidated by him from his monotone demeanor but it was nice to hear he didn’t dislike him?

“Oh alright! Thank you!” He flashed a smile to the hellcat gratefully.

“Of course, the bathroom actually has options for both shower and bath if you wish. If that will be all I’ll leave now- enjoy your rest Iruma” Opera bowed as he was about to leave Iruma gripped onto his tailcoat. “Wait- um” Iruma immediately let go. Giving a small bow of his head he looked off. “Um about that- can you.. show me how to use the bath controls?— Not that I-!..They’re different here-“ He wasn’t very good at lying but he dug his grave enough.

Opera gave him a strange look but obliged anyway.

———

Opera walked along the halls with a confused looked on their face, silently making their way towards Sullivan’s office.

“Master, I have a question” Opera bowed towards Sullivan in greeting.

“Yes Opera?” Sullivan looked curiously at him.

“Well, why did you adopt a human anyways?” If it had been phrased rudely he didn’t mean it, the fledgling was very kind, to him and others.

“Ah, yes that. There’s just things I can’t tell you yet Opera” Sullivan smiled as he placed his head on his folded hands.

Opera stared at his master for a moment, debating his next word choice. “I see… does it have anything to do with his blood not smelling particularly sweet?”

Sullivan paused as he stared at Opera for a moment, almost as if he was processing this information. “I see.. I had my suspicions-.. but you didn’t tell me he was bleeding?”

Opera sighed quietly as his master avoided the question. “I left some bandages with his night clothes, I had an idea that he didn’t want to tell us, that boy is too fragile at the moment. ..If it gets out of hand I’ll make sure he’s healed.”

“Indeed, that was good of you, thank you. Kind of reminds me of some demon don’t you think” Sullivan only grinned just slightly, a small friendly jab.

Opera cringed at the comment. “…Sure- You still didn’t answer me though-?”

“All in due time Opera. Just keep a close eye on him, support the boy to the best of your abilities. He may warm up to you easier as much at it hurts me since I’m such a powerful figure.” Sullivan dramatically complained but grew serious once more.
“Let me know if anything changes. His health and status is of utmost importance.”

——

The boy could’ve sworn to himself as he stepped into the bath that he could’ve passed out. He had been to some hot springs before but he was much happier in the privacy of his own room. The water felt amazing on his moisture deprived skin and wounds. It seemed he broke a toe but that was it on the broken degree thankfully, just a few bruises and cuts. That was definitely a good outcome from that. But looking at himself it was crazy what a few meals could do in one day. His skin felt healthier already along with his hair. That could also be getting the weeks old gunk off of it too but this was better than ever.
Finally as he was within a private space he allowed his mind to wander on, well everything. Thinking back on all of this, it was still strange to him now. Sure there was magic, demons, and who knows what else. But it was such an alienated feeling yet, at peace? He wanted to cry, to pull his hair but at the same time he wanted to smile and be happy just for the pleasure of being happy. Was this what it was like being dependent? Both of his parents always believed dependency for him was a sin but, shouldn’t we all be indulgent sometimes? Even if he wasn’t the same species as the rest of them it didn’t change the feelings of happiness that spread within him at the sight of the demons he cared about. Iruma first the first time in a while allowed himself to just cry, a wide humorous smile made its way upon his lips. Maybe he should be more upset shouldn’t he, his parents sold him to a demon.
So how was it that he felt more at home than ever?

After a moment Iruma held out his hand slowly, staring at the ring on his finger. Strange having it still on while in the water but it didn’t feel suffocating like some things did it strangely felt apart of his finger. Grandpa did say it was magic after all. That probably was why, he was just grateful it still didn’t make him feel sick.
Iruma hummed curiously as he stared at his finger nails, the beds of them were a deep purple. Ah, he must have bruised them all during the fall, that made sense. they will heal soon.

He gave a relaxed sigh as he submerged all of himself within the clean bath that now smelled of sugar cookies.

Hours later Iruma slumped on his bed, he was so tired he didn’t think he would make it to his bed. After he had been done bathing he grabbed his clothes but noticed some bandages within the folded clothing. It certainty sent a small spike of anxiety through him but it was kind of a sweet gesture. At least no one asked him about it, but they still knew.
After he was changed he was dragged to dinner, not that he minded at all but before he smelled the food he was afraid he was going to fall asleep while walking. As soon as he did however he devoured the food just as much if not more then in the morning. Strange given he had puked hours before, probably just how demon food worked.

Grandpa said tomorrow after school they would go shopping which he didn’t feel was necessary but he insisted.

With a good bath and a full belly Iruma had the best sleep he could’ve asked for.

Chapter Text

Iruma felt as if he was floating.

Sinking into a fluffy cloud as if this was what the speculated heaven felt like. Only to sit up and see he’s truly in a beautiful country side field. Oh wow.. he hasn’t had this dream in a while the orchids and the little blue flowers he forgot the name for gracefully swayed along the breeze. The boy’s lips parted into one of a big smile, falling back onto the fluffy grass, small dimples forming in his cheeks. He twisted his hand up unto the air, allowing the wind to flow peacefully through his hair and hand.

Iruma stared up at the sky, it was the same as it always was from before. Same clouds, same birds, but not the same hue. The hue took on a more deeper mauve with some burgundy. Mostly like the demon world, he found that intriguing since this dream had almost never changed regardless of whatever experience haunted him. That world certainly had an effect on him didn’t it?

Just like how he was blessed with these vivid dreams like this one which was by far his favorite, he too had grotesque nightmares. It was a blessing and a curse but he chose to make it a blessing. This was one place where he could call home without the fear of anyone, ever, taking it away from him. No changes, it was a constant in his life full of upheavals and violence.

That was until a misty small figure peered over him.

…

“AC-K!” Iruma stumbled back, his eyes wide as he stared at the.. creature?

Looking a closer look at its non permeable image, it- it was the creature from the ring wasn’t it? Iruma kept their guard up but, this was a dream. So surely he can risk being slightly bolder. The said creature was in the shadowy form as before but it’s form being a tad more condensed. Forming what he could only explain as a wavy little demon? It stared at him as if he wasn’t there.

“Um.. Hello- Can you speak?.. Or understand me at least?”

A couple moments passed in silence as Iruma stared anxiously. It moved its body down to his knee and sat on it.

“y-es.. I th-ink” Their body contorted and shifted as if it strained throughly to talk. Iruma was dumbfounded so much so he gasped at the creatures sentence. He thoroughly believed this wasn’t part of the dream and he actually wished that was the case. Even if this was scary, it was intriguing, new and even invigorating learning of these things. Of magic more like, of course he wasn’t as smart as anyone in his class but what he felt at that moment was passion. Something he hadn’t felt in years.

“Hi !!” Iruma gave a little wave and a smile. “You’re from this ring right?” He glanced at the ring of gluttony for a moment.

“Yes I am..” They gave a little nod in response, they seemed fairly out of it. Iruma could only assume why, he had more important questions. “Is it normal for.. relics to be able to do this?” Grandpa had told him about how the ring of gluttony was a *tool* that should be able to help him when navigating the school year as opposed to magic since he’s human.

“I.. don’t know exactly, I’m inclined to say no”

“Oh, I see..” Iruma glanced off for a moment, that was pretty interesting. “Do you have a name? …I can give you one if you don’t?” The ‘If you want was very much implied.’

“Alikred.” Alikred spoke almost instantly as if he didn’t have to think before his mind moved on its own. Before he went to comment further the Alikred spoke again. “I don’t think I have much time in this form so.. listen to me.” Iruma straightened himself up his demeanor growing serious with a small nod. “I- have a fe-eling. -raise yo-r rank and we can talk f-rthe-r” Alikred’s form twisted and misshaped towards one when he first saw them.

The misty being moved towards Iruma.

“I am on your side- Irum-a”

..How did they know his name?

.

..

Iruma

.

“Iruma- it’s time to wake up.“ The human felt a hand placed on his shoulder.

“Mm- huh???” Iruma sat up quickly, dazed and confused. He looked over to Opera who was just as composed as ever. Oh, good it was just Opera. at least he knew this whole experience was real.

Opera gave him a look that he couldn’t quite discern before they spoke again, removing their hand from Iruma’s shoulder.

“Breakfast should be done within the hour- Here’s your clean uniform.” The hellcat placed his clean uniform on the edge of his bed before quietly bowing and he began to make his way out.

“Thank you Opera-san!” Iruma scrambled to get out his bed, only then was when he released just how big the bed was, along with how difficult it was to untangle himself out of the blankets. The made a few grunts of frustration before his bed released its hold on him.

Opera vaguely smiled to themself as they waked out of the boys room with their tail flicking every now and again. They found his predicament quite amusing.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ ✦. ───── .✦✧°❀.ೃ࿔

The morning went by as he expected it to, which actually, that surprisingly meant it went pretty ok. Iruma stood at the entrance of the giant school for the second time. His grandpa had already said goodbye to him so he was honestly just procrastinating. The boy shuffled his feet with a long sigh, other demons passed him with their unfurled wings behind them. He couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy. The boy gave one more dramatic sigh before his feet finally moved, making his way to his teacher, to his class, and to his friends. At least his friends didn’t make him feel that nervous.

Today might not be as bad as yesterday, he didn’t know how it could be.

Iruma cautiously entered the classroom with his friends in tow behind him, still being fairly neverous about entering the room from what happened last time. His owlish eyes peered over the classroom, maybe he can just slunk on over to his desk..

“Hey Iruma!! You were awesome yesterday!” The demon called Lied if he remembered correctly shouted to him as he approached.

“O-Oh! It’s really nothing” The boy attempted to wave it off with his hands as a way to take the attention off of him. He didn’t really do that much, it wasn’t like he won anyways Azz did! Azz should be getting the credit not him.

“Nonsense! You were like the fierce hero from Demibattle’s Unite!!” Haha.. he had no clue what that was, he just assumed it was a video game.

Iruma didn’t bother to comment. “No really! Azz won fair and square, I mean he flew so fast!” Which was true, he spoke with a passion for his friend’s abilities, it was honestly amazing. As much as he wanted some of the attention off of him he also wanted Azz to have the recognition he deserved!

Azz seemed a little taken aback, his face still stoic but it was noticeable he was trying to figure out what to say. Apparently he settled his mind because the taller beamed happily. Uwah! So bright.. his smile was cute though! It was good to see him take a compliment. He was being very hypocritical with that last thought but he preferred to ignore that aspect.

“Iruma! Thank you, it is a pleasure hearing that from you. Though I simply can’t compare to your excellence, while I did when the intended race you won overall with your presence! You showed everyone a future demonstration king in the making!” Azz beamed, ranting about Iruma. It was sweet yes but…

Iruma could feel his spirit leaving his body.

Traitor…..

It didn’t take long for a small group to gather. Lied continued to ramble about either the race or games and Sabnock chiming in to add on or to challenge Iruma with rival comments. It carried on for around 15 minutes. It was really nice despite his worries.  Normally, if he was talking to humans then maybe he would be less anxious. Even so he did attempt to carefully dodge questions regarding his family and the his bloodline magic. Regardless if he was a demon, those questions would still be a bit much to answer. The boy did however have a nice time conversing to some of his classmates about various random topics like hobbies and past times though he kept himself pretty vague. It was enjoyable and Iruma was happy to socialize, especially with his two closer friends rather than acquaintances.

The boy was grateful for the fact that it seemed no one knew he puked all over the ground when he got his ring. From what grandpa told him had happened was that the shrieking was enough to almost incapacitate a couple demons. As much as he didn’t like the thought of that, it was relieving to hear that no one was aware of that.

After those few minutes their professor entered the classroom, same scowl as he’s seen him have so far. Iruma sat up more ridged as he avoided eye contact with the hell dog, ready for him to speak. The boy was just grateful the teacher hasn’t pulled him aside yet considering all that has happened.

“Alright brats sit down.” Kalego paused a he waited for all the students to scramble to their seats properly. “We will be continuing what was planned yesterday, Familiar Summons, and the ONLY reason it was pushed back was due to schedule arrangements with other classes, we were last on the roster.” He scowled and dismissed his sentence with a wave of the hand. Iruma wondered if it was his fault or not but he chose to just take it with face value.

“Let’s get going, do not make me drag you there”

The room wasn’t too far from the misfits class compared to how most places were. Just a simple open space room with the same fancy embellishments as the rest of the school. It was pretty cool to see such an open space, the sunshine through the fancy windows created a regal atmosphere. Iruma with a heeded breath waited for his teacher to speak once more. They felt like he had been doing that quite often despite this being the second day.

Kalego cleared his throat with a frown. “So I will be only explaining this a couple times so listen- I will be giving you this parchment with my crest on it. Do NOT use a custom, forged or any other idiocy you can come up with. I don’t care. I will know if you do this no matter how sly you think you are.” Kalego paused to give the kids a good glare. Iruma for once didn’t really think it was aimed at him, rather Jazz and Lied who were slinking down under the pressure.

“Since most of the preparations are complete, you just need to resonate some of your mana into the parchment.”

“Speaking of it, I beleive I should give you a few guidelines surrounding familiars before I allow you to summon them. As you should know what to expect, be grateful because I didn’t do this for the rest of the classes- you all are simply idiots.”

“Familiars can come in all sorts of forms as you are aware, but the common misconception is that what you get is purely based on your abilities and power. This is not the case. Familiar’s that are summoned no matter how many times you re:summon one- Will be based on your experiences, health, personality and even mental state. However this isn’t the case for every aspect- no matter what, familiars are ultimately a part of you. They will change and grow as you do. If you improve they will too. If you fail?- Yes they will probably turn into a puddle or something.” Kalego rolled his eyes with a frown, he seemingly was done being a basic teacher. The man’s throat was too dry for this, he would much rather just be judging silently anyways.

Iruma listened to the description with awe, the possibilities were endless? It made him decently nervous as to what was going to happen to him.. since he was human after all. The boy hoped dearly that the ring on his finger would help as his grandpa mentioned. Fidgeting with said ring he took a deep breath  to calm himself. Grandpa surely knew what he was doing, he would know if he wasn’t able to do this and had a chance of outing himself.

Though the flight test didn’t really bring much hope from him.

“Now, line up brats. Remember to bombard each other- AFTER- class. I will not hesitate to make you sit out” The professor began to hand out a parchment to the student at the front of the line.”

Despite Iruma’s attempts to comfort himself it didn’t stop him from eventually whittling down to the back of the line while all the demons were distracted.

The boy paid attention sure, he was really interested to see the familiars but he couldn’t make himself to really remember the names of all of his classmates quite yet, much to his own shame. Even if it was only his second day of course. As Kalego said the familiars really were always one of a kind, each one probably reflecting the owner in some way or another. Some were fluffy some were scaled and the size definitely changed. Iruma couldn’t help but speculate the meanings of all the different animal featured familiars. They really hoped that his own familiar was fluffy though.. it was a little selfish but he always wanted a fluffy companion that he could actually keep. As much as Iruma was stuck in his on speculations of his own familiar he still very much paid attention to when his close friends had their own turn.

Azz was up, he seemed to boast the same excitement but hid it much better than the blue haired boy. Once the process had been executed correctly, what seemed like a gigantic horned pink snake appeared from the mist. He wouldn’t be ashamed to admit that his jaw hit the floor. Sure Sabnock’s Kelpie was impressive but he was much more found of his friend’s demonstration. Iruma couldn’t help but tell he was pretty much vibrating with admiration and excitement as his friend passed by him. The boy wanted to gush over his friend so badly it almost hurt. But he didn’t not want to miss his turn, he still was pretty positive he wasn’t on the best of turns with the professor. Iruma placed a hand on Asmodeous ‘s arm while passing him and beamed at the taller. His eyes wide with happiness and with a bright smile.

Azz’s reaction was one more of slight surprise and embarrassment as he gave a nod to Iruma, hiding the demon’s own smile in the process.

Clara’s demonstration went in the same manner, nothing out of the ordinary had happened and she required her familiar. Though not in the intimidating sense, it was cute but.. in the pug kind of way? However Iruma couldn’t remember the saying but he remembered it was associated with pugs usually. The familiar in question sported green skin and a cartoonish face, almost resembling a cross between dinosaur and a dog.

Clara beamed at the boy first, hardly having the heart to leave him as the last one in line but Iruma could tell she was going to have a field day gushing over her own and Azz’s familiar after this.

So there Iruma stood last in line. The boy waked up to his teacher, given this was the first time he had even made eye contact with the professor after the flight test. Kalego’s eyes didn’t seem to be filled with as much anger a before thankfully. Maybe he wasn’t as mad anymore. Hopefully. Iruma hesitantly took the parchment with a meek thank you and bow that garnered a strange look from him. Ignoring the look Iruma made it to the center of the room, he took a deep steady breath as to prepare himself.

Actually how do you use mana if you don’t have any??

Iruma stared down at the paper with an anxiously smile, as time went by seconds felt like hours for him. He was in front of his whole class and yet had no clue how to even activate it.

The anxious boy took a shallow breath. Maybe he could place his hand on the paper and just- feel for it? Imagine it with all his heart and soul as he imagined something?? That’s what happened with the manga he worked on.. Iruma just paled at his disparity. Oh well, it couldn’t hurt to try.

Iruma placed his hand on the piece of paper after staring at it for a good 10 seconds. He imagined his whole being giving a form to another, it honestly felt a little silly until he actually started to feel it. It felt as if his cognitive and  perception were being pulled into one singular condensed place. It was a strange but uneasy familiarity.

It actually did hurt a little.

He tried to not show it but he was sure he grimaced a little. The feeling felt similar to the time he hadn’t talked for almost a year and then screamed. It was the action of using something that had been unused for years, except this strenuous feeling pulsed through his entire body. Thankfully not for long though and outstepped his familiar right in front of him. So that’s what magic felt like.

The boys eyes widened as the parchment shriveled up in his hands. What was left in front was hardy a waist high animal. What he assumed to be some foxish dog that had a mainly black and deep indigo coat with a bushy tail and chest. It was fluffy at least..? Iruma wanted to smile, he used magic! That was amazing! At the same time however he almost wanted to cry. The dog familiar was cute, however it was skin and bones, he could completely see it’s ribcage. Through and through, and looking close enough he could notice scars buried under their fur. The boy bit his cheek as he slumped down to his knees. Iruma stared into the creatures wild eyes with his own before he held out a hand to it. The dog rested its head on Iruma’s hand. There Iruma finally let himself smile a small grin.

Iruma had a hit or miss relationship with animals. Since being outside since an infant he did have a plentiful amount of encounters with many creatures. Generally being on his own in the wilderness he avoided predatory animals such as wolves or especially bears. He would shiver at the very thought of one, his scars would still faintly drum from time to time on his back. But on rare occasions he would find a wounded animal on their own. Unfortunately these didn’t tend to be from the food chain and often from another humans’ anger. But regardless when finding these animals he couldn’t help but want to help. It was always the eyes, if he met eyes with someone in need and especially with animals he just had to. Animals couldn’t say “please” or “I’m begging”, they didn’t want anything from him. They simply wanted to survive in this cruel world away from the cruel tormentors of society. Maybe Iruma could relate to that, survival was a tricky thing after all. The concept to simply survive just to serve others for their own gain and pleasure all the while you slowly lose any sense of individuality.

The boy sighed and ruffled the familiars head with a smile as it gave him a curious look. Iruma almost forgot this was a class activity, he could feel his neck tingle from the stares he knew he was getting from behind him. Especially from his own teacher. The boy fixed up a smile towards his sensei.

Iruma’s head tilted inquisitively. “So- um.. what’s next professor?” He clasped his hands together as he stood in front of his familiar.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ ✦. ───── .✦✧°❀.ೃ࿔

The teacher slumped in his seat. It was around 3 PM and those little brats finally had to go home for the day. Even if it was only two basic lessons afterwards about unsummoning and continued contracts about the familiars it felt drawn out for centuries. It didn’t help that the class was buzzing with noise due to the excitement. Of course he could hear that boys group yapping away about the familiars they now had. And either his friends were naive or simply attempting to ignore the signs the blue hair student exuded.

Kalego might just go into his evil cycle at some point. It hasn’t even been two days yet.

All because one student. The chairdemon’s grandson.

Now this wasn’t to say the hell dog blamed Iruma but he certainly tied his headaches to the boy. Nothing really screamed any alarm up until the familiar summoning, sure he noticed his student was anxious, yes, the grimace the boy used while using magic? Yes also a little concerning, however nothing too major. But the way his day dropped from bad to terrible as soon as his eyes laid eyes on the boys familiar was drastic. The thing was bones disguised as an animal. Maybe it wouldn’t be concerning if it was literally a skeleton familiar but it wasn’t. Kalego’s frown increased at the thought, he had tried to hide his shocked expression, though he really couldn’t give a fuck at that point. The familiar’s eyes were the same if not worse than Iruma’s if possible as well. Just what in the devi happened?? Should he truly bring this to Sullivan or discuss it privately? This was becoming a rather serious matter. As much as he disliked the chairdemon’s antics and methods it looked as if he truly cared for his grandson, so why??

Kalego snarled and slammed his hands on his desk. “For the love of-“

“Kalego?” A familiar concerned voice resonated from his empty classroom.

The teacher was knocked out of his little fit as he stared at his companion. Kalego sighed, letting his arms relax. “Hello Shichiro-“

“What do you want?” Kelgeo turned towards the taller, silently hoping he didn’t really ask about that.

“..What’s wrong? You look like you’ll go into your evil cycle any minute” Ah. So he did. Well, maybe he should just accept his fate and talk to him.

“It’s Iruma again- His familiar summoning results were- unsavory to say the least.” Kalego looked up at his ally with a tired look.

Balam’s face contorted to a concerned frown, he brows furrowed more the more he thought about it. “What exactly was unsavory about it?” The gargoyle leaned on the doorframe.

Kalego furrowed his brows once again. “Can we talk about this in your office? This matter is going to get messy.” The teacher ran his hand through his hair as he stood up.

The taller seemed to get the memo and nodded. “Mhm”

“Would you like me to make some tea as well?” Balam had turned already, his face contorted to one he could only assume was a somber smile.

“Chai. Please.”

Chapter Text

Balam and Kalego walked briskly to the taller’s office. The sounds of this heels and the gargoyle’s feet echoed the empty halls in a deafening silence. Kalego could guess the tension couldn’t even be cut with one of Marbas’s finest tools.

The taller creaked the door open to his office silently and flipped the lighting on. The pale lighting buzzing to live not a moment after, illuminating the very familiar room Kalego had spent a good amount of time in. Balam’s office could have doubled as his room for how long the gargoyle spent within the room after school hours. Papers scattered about the drafting desk in an organized chaos, multitudes of plants that were well fed and a plethora of blankets. All accumulating to a pleasant and familiar site.

The hell dog sat down with a quiet sigh while resting in his usual spot within the other’s office. It was a large burgundy loveseat next to Balam’s desk, quite comfortable. Kalego’s temples were being massaged hourly from the tension in his head. Though he did appreciate the familiar scent that permeated around the room. Scents of botanical plants adding to the humidity and the vague smell of sweets that now blended seamlessly with the brewing tea.
It added a sense of ease to his mind and lessened the tension within his shoulders he hadn’t even known he had. His ally’s scent always brought pleasant effects to his mind, however he couldn’t say it put his mind at rest.

Truly why did he agree to being a teacher again? It was a rhetorical but he couldn’t help but wonder his other options at times like these. Even if he preferred the thought of helping than ignoring these certain signs. He may be a strict teacher but to ignore blatant signs like these he wouldn’t deserve his position. Kalego drummed his claws on the table in front of him rhythmically and slouched so much it could put the elderly to shame.

The whole entire situation was a complete mystery to him, he has only seen this boy for three days at school and yet he has been one of the most concerning students he’s had the displeasure of teaching. Reasonably so, assuming it was nerves on the first day wasn’t his fault but past that was where the concern was drawn.
Kalego was far from any phycologist and definitely not a therapist but he was an observant teacher and taught to look for these exact signs. Extreme anxiety the boy carried on his shoulders could be attributed to that of a flighty bird and the flinching especially raised alarms. Bullying could be a likely cause of these symptoms and make the most logical sense. It would be a wonderful conclusion to draw to compared to the other options. However, he needed to know for sure, especially if the symptoms continued outside of the hypothetical environment, something felt off regardless.

“Here you go-“ Balam set a fresh cup of Chai tea next to him on the table and went over to his own seat across from him. The taller seemed to want to waste no time, he couldn’t blame him. He was quite the antsy demon after all. Kalego took a small sip of his tea, the taste positively overwhelming his sensing for a moment of silence. “Thank you Shichiro” The hell dog paused for a moment.

“You promise to keep this rather hush for the moment now, right? I need to decide what to do first”

Balam seemed to hesitate for a moment before reluctantly agreeing to the matter. He just wanted to help but if that was the best thing to do right now then he would agree, he trusted the hell dog after all. A small smile made it’s way on his face. “Alright.. you better let me help then too- it would be rather pointless if you just told me this only for me to know.”

Kalego’s lips created a fine line as he exhaled; caving in, he spoke. “Right-..”

“Moving on.. Should I just explain everything or would you like it in a more.. condensed form? Being completely honest I would rather not explain every little detail.” He gestured his hands to find the right wording.

Balam paused for only a moment, his demeanor growing dimmer. “Give me the rundown then, I know you dislike the details.” He grabbed his own tea, giving Kalego the green light. Shichiro trusted his judgement.

The teacher hummed and began speaking. “I was mulling this over earlier but on the first day I thought the boy had the case of extreme nerves, if you’d have actually met him that day I’m sure you would agree he’s even more skittish than the animals you like to chase around-“
Balam raised his brows at the thought.

“But despite the nerves on the first day, they were still extreme for that. I mentioned this on the first day during the flight test but he did indeed have a panic attack. I can’t exactly blame him precisely as some of the brats had decided to pull a prank for- me. Unfortunately for him, went to him instead. He- Well Iruma, seemed scared of me during the time, I’m unsure why but the kids eyes could have honestly been a wild animals. But- as i’ve said there were all logical reasons for these behaviors during the first day until the flight test-“
Kalego sighed and folded his hands around the warm cup in his hands while Balam fidgeted with his own.
“I won’t explain that since you already know how that went.” Right, he would rather not explain his own very large mistakes that very well have costed a student’s life.
“To say that added to the concern would not cover the half of it” Kalego exhaled a little too aggressive through his nose at his own comment.

“Mm can see that” Balam only quietly chimed in. The gargoyle only vaguely regretted his anger in that situation but it was a reasonable response. “Certainly didn’t help with my own, even if it was the first time hearing of it”

“However, just today, we had our familiar summons. I did the rundown of the lesson-“ Kalego paused briefly, still envisioning the expressions of the boy.
“Iruma’s familiar was devastatingly concerning.
I regret not approaching the boy today afterwards but he seemed content enough in the rest of his classes today.”

Kalego pinched the bridge of his nose tightly. “I’ll get to the point. Apologies-“

Balam was clasping his cup so hard it might shatter if he added anymore pressure. The tone his ally used felt as if his blood drained to his feet. Kalego was not the type to avoid the subject, accident or not.

“His familiar was starved- rather that is an understatement. It looked as if it hadn’t touched a morsel of food in months. The brat looked like he was going to cry and puke when he saw it- which I would have too in his position. Malnourishment-, scarring-, and for devi’s sake it looked as if the boy had never used magic before that!“ His voice raised nearing the end and his features turning to one of a scowl.

Kalego prided himself on his intelligence, he knew this situation felt wrong but he didn’t know HOW wrong. The chair demon and him are not related and he knew that for a fact. There’s no way after all that he would keep a child of his secret long enough to acquire a grandchild.

And this fact only made the possibilities worse than before.

“What if he’s a subject of abuse?” He could hear a small gasp from Balam at the speculation.
Kalego paused and quickly correctly himself with a flick of the hand. “Or rather was- as much as I hate the Chair Demon I’m pretty certain he would do nothing of the sort. I think this might explain his behavior and foreign accent.”
Which was true, the fledgling did have an accent he couldn’t pinpoint, it was one he had never heard before. Not to say he couldn’t speak properly but some words sounded foreign from his mouth as if he had never spoken them before. Even if they had the baseline pronunciation down correctly.

—

Balam couldn’t understand who would hurt a child.

Rather he didn’t like violence together, however whenever a child was involved was where his logic was lost. It was terribly wrong and frowned against to an exponentially degree, rightfully so of course. But that just confused him further. With the combination of the hostile environment and already declining birthrates it made children all the more cherished and valuable. Demon society outcasted anyone who would hurt their kin like this, as much as their race was selfish and put their own survival first it never occurred to them to abandon a child of their own or even of another demon.

Who would hurt a child- let alone such a sweet fledging like Iruma? Sure maybe he was getting ahead of himself to get attached but he couldn’t help it. From time to time he could see the student help the staff around the school and it just warmed his heart. Normally fledglings, especially in their teens, were a nightmare which was no issue, they all were. However from what the other staff and his vague impression of him he couldn’t help but grasp a bitter sweet picture of Kalego’s enigmatic student.

Kalego finished off his tea impatiently, setting it down on the table with another disgruntled noise. “I only bring this up to you because you deserve to know what I’ve observed so far. However- as of now I don’t think we should do anything.” Kalego held his hand up almost to hold off Balam’s protests, he was sure he was giving the hell dog a pathetic glare, which in turn he just faltered with furrowed brows.

“As much as I WANT to, I believe it is the best course of action for now. It has only been the first week of school. Both of us can keep a watchful eye over the boy, make sure he’s well taken care of and SAFE first and foremost. If I have any requests for help regarding anything i’ll make sure to ask you. I will make sure I don’t repeat the same mistake again, I promise.”
He had to admit his eyes were saucers by the time Kalego was done with his sentence. The helldog did not take his protection nor promises seriously, this was an equivalent to an oath for him. Balam sighed softly as he let a small smile slip onto his face.

“Thanks Kalego, I get what you mean now.”
He placed his cup down on the table gently. As much as the mood was dimmed, he was- content with the conversation. That was not to say that he was even remotely okay with the implications but he was fairly happy that both him and Kalego had resolved this tension. Kalego was his closest ally and it hurt him to not be able to speak with him freely even if it were for two days after the flight test. Two days were far too many.

The gargoyle let out a quiet hum as he stood up, checking a drawer within his desk and happily grabbed the box he was looking for. “I um, got those pastries you were eyeing, they even came out with a few new flavors.” Balam set the said box down gingerly. Inside were a dozen small pastries of different flavors, all shaped in various animal- mainly dog shapes. Which he specifically bought for the coffee and blueberry as he noticed Kalego’s liking for those flavors.
Kalego couldn’t help as his mouth was left agape for a moment before he had shut it with an audible click. His mouth pressed into a fine line once again but was rather not for such somber matters this time. “I didn’t even remember these- this was weeks again, how-“ Kalego eyed his strangely with furrowed brows.
Balam sat down across from Kalego once again with a small smile. “They were sold out”

They weren’t, he just wanted to surprise his ally.

ੈ✩‧₊˚ ✦. ───── .✦✧°❀.ೃ࿔

Asmodeus wasn’t sure what to think of his master- or friend? As he didn’t want to be referred to as master, that was still difficult to remember when referring to him at times but he would do his best. Disregarding the title confusion, as much as master Iruma was a very impressive demon he was also very strange. Which can also be a good thing! He would never insult him, he just didn’t know what to think at times. Even if he hadn’t had allies or friends very much before his time at Babylus Asmodeus knew what was the social norm.

All he did know, however, was that he did enjoy being his ‘friend’. If anything the strangeness made him even more curious about him. The blue haired boy seemed to be fairly small in stature for his age with lightly tanned skin and no physical demonic properties besides the vague darkening of his nails that could be confused for bruising. He had been meaning to ask the shorter what his bloodline ability was at some point when it didn’t seem invasive.

His allies familiar had been quite the startle however, skin clung taught to the bones of a canine animal covered in broken skin. The image of the familiars eyes sent an uneasy feeling throughout him when he first saw it. He was grateful however that most of the class had been fairly preoccupied for them to clearly see the unstable summon, he was sure Iruma had not wanted his class to swarm him like flies! Asmodeus himself hadn’t even appreciated all too much when some of the class came to gawk at his wonderful familiar. Iruma had recalled it with the help of Kalego-sensei, fairly quickly so it wasn’t an issue. Though in the back of his own mind he couldn’t help but have some concerns about the whole idea. However Iruma said he was fine, just tired. If Iruma said he was ok, then who was he to question his wellbeing?

It had been 3 days since they met each other and Asmodeus could proudly believe that they have talked way more than any other his other classmates. Which he can safely say he had a proper reason for his happiness! Why would he want his friend to be associated with the demons who played such a barbaric prank on him. He frowned at the thought with a small shake of his head. Asmodeus was broken out of his thoughts when a small familiar voice spoke out.

“Hey Azz-kun?” Iruma looked up at him with inquisitive eyes. Asmodeus had been quick to pick up that Iruma most of the time held a lot of emotion in his eyes rather than his other gestures. He brought his attention to his ally immediately with a warm smile.

“Yes Iruma-sama?” They had stopped walking a short while ago, vaguely watching stupid Clara harass the lunch staff for ‘treats’. Iruma had already downed an obscene amount of food, but his greed for the food here was fairly impressive. So they had stood off in one of the hallways outside the cafeteria while the other fumbled the candy bar within his hands.

“What did it feel like when you used magic for the first time?” Iruma had taken a moment o speak, seemingly hesitant at first.

Asmodeus furled his hands in thought. “Hm- well that is a quite a long time ago! But if I could describe it, it would be rather invasive- but in a pleasant way of course. For me it was fairly warm and comforting but I was using a small flame spell so there may be a correlation. However I have to say that it’s a rather jarring experience! Magic comes from within us as demons and takes close to our life force, hence our mana!”
He puffed up, happy with his explanation of his first magic experience to his ally. The said demon looked back at Iruma after a moment only to be met with a perplexed expression, as if he were speaking in tongues.

“Um.. sorry can you- well what does jarring mean? I’m sorry my Ja- I mean-, I’m not the best at words!” Iruma clutched the candy bar within his small hands, he had faint redness in his cheeks after his mishap.
“Oh! Yes, of course, Jarring is simply a word to describe someone being caught off guard.” It was a wonder why Iruma struggled with words so much, the stuttering and vocabulary may need to be worked on for his studies. But no issue! If asked he would love to assist him.

Iruma nodded in understanding with an appreciative smile. “Thank you- I was just wondering!” The shorter happily spoke to him, the information was more valuable than he himself knew.

“Well what was your first time utilizing magic like?” Asmodeus was rather curious, he hasn’t seem them use magic as of yet throughout the week.

Iruma faltered for a moment, peering off to the side to obtain what he wanted to say. “It was- exhausting? And -Jarring, like you said.”
Iruma has been getting increasingly fatigued as the day went on, however the feeling did ease a bit as he ate which he was very happy about. The boy hoped he hadn’t alarmed anyone with his decreasing energy, how was he supposed to say this ring had been sucking him dry of his energy! If he learned how to properly curve his control of this magic, then maybe he wouldn’t be as worse off.

“Did you perhaps cast a big spell for your first?”

“I- think?” If summoning a whole living being that was connected to you seemingly forever was anything to go off by, then yes.

Asmodeus beamed, he knew his friend was a true demon prodigy! He was thankful to become his loyal servant before anyone else could taint the wonder that was Iruma! “I knew it! Iruma-sama is truly the best demon out there!”

“Wait-, wait nono!-“ Iruma feverishly denied with an embarrassed face and hand waving out in front of him. A few passersby’s heard what Asmodeus said which only furthered the boy’s flushed reaction.

Asmodeus only grinned further. Iruma-sama’s reaction was truly interesting and made him quite joyful. He couldn’t understand why, however, he did know that his suspicions of choosing to be Iruma’s spear had been a worthy one.