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Chapter Text

"Era of Enlightenment"

20XX-????

The Era that ranked the second best below the Past demon king Delkira, For it's Ruler, Iruma Suzuki who came from the Great Lord Sullivan's clan.

He, Who managed to stop even the most brutal wars and forge a path towards peace and harmony Amongst demons.

In his Rulings, No demon that was born or Lived under his reign has ever suffered Discrimination for having a lower rank than others.

He was the Second best ruler throughout the Netherworld's long history.

Born on 2008, Learned under Lord Sullivan's School named 'Babyls' He achieved many impossible feats and was known for being a selfless demon.

Yet, Unlike his beloved Grandfather, Iruma Suzuki, Who has reigned for 87 years seemed to Wilt further much more earlier than his Companions and Family whom reached Hundreds, Even Thousands or Millions of age and continued to maintain a youthful appearance.

...

The sound of pages turning reached Iruma's ears as his eyes fluttered open, Looking to his right to see Asmodeus reading a Chronicle recorded after the Demon kings of the Netherworld.

"Asmodeus-kun?.. shouldn't you be on duty?.. I'm sorry for taking up your time again...You can go now if you want to."

Iruma chuckled softly, as he looked at his Right-hand man, He found himself appreciating his beloved 'Friend's appearance, Knowing how his beauty never changed even if years had gone by.

"Iruma-Sama...You still think like that after all these years.."

Asmodeus closed the book with a soft 'thud' and placed it aside, Caressing his King's cheek, It didn't feel like Baby skin anymore, More pruny and rough, Yet He found himself appreciating it.

"...Iruma-sama, You shouldn't think like a burden, I chose to be here, You aren't a nuisance in my eyes.." 

Asmodeus pressed their foreheads together as he murmured softly, Looking at Iruma's eyes, It shocked him how much the 'demon' changed through such a short amount of time, It even pained him.

His usual Lovely pigmented blue eyes became more of a soft blue color, His Beautiful Blue hair gradually turned into more of a Slate blue color.

Asmodeus would be commiting a sin of lying if he said, It didn't terrify him of how fast his beloved Iruma was changing.

"Asmodeus...You haven't changed since our school years..You were never afraid to show affection for me, Even now.."

Iruma softly chuckled again, Leaning onto Asmodeus's touch.

"Thank you, Alice..I appreciate it, I appreciate you."

Iruma softly murmured as he held Asmodeus's hands, Pruny and calloused hands met Smooth and soft ones as Iruma slowly closed his eyes.

"... Iruma-sama, You're also the same as ever, Never afraid to show your appreciation.."

Asmodeus felt himself softening as he gently squeezed Iruma's hands.

There was a comfortable moment of silence before Asmodeus spoke again.

"Iruma-sama..Forgive me for asking but, Will you be able to attend The misfit class's reunion again?..Clara and the others miss you..Very, Very much.. they're quite worried you aren't sending those heartfelt letters unlike before."

Asmodeus frowned softly, His voice holding pain in his words.

"You always knew how to make someone feel appreciated...Instead of using a hellphone, You were always writing letters instead even if it felt ancient and old.."

Asmodeus brushed away Iruma's bangs, As he found the latter listening closely to him, Even if his beautiful eyes that Alice fell inlove with were shut.

"Kalego-sensei didn't show it, But..He always kept those letters in a file, One he deemed most important to him, even if he doesn't show it due to how stoic he can be."

Asmodeus gently let go of Iruma and sat down by his side again.

"Clara missed you, you know? She misses our daily tea parties and hang-outs as soulmates.. Her siblings told me she was acting out of herself and seemed more under the weather than the others...I can't blame her, Iruma-sama, Even I, Whose by your side even now, I dearly miss you."

Asmodeus bit his lip, As tears threatened to fall from his magenta eyes, Which Iruma himself cannot even see clearly anymore.

They were surrounded by an emotional silence, before Iruma finally spoke..

"Asmodeus-kun..Can i trust you in a secret?"

Iruma softly spoke out, Looking at his right, Asmodeus quickly jumped out of his seat and immediately went to Iruma's side.

"Of course! Iruma-sama! I will not tell even a single soul!"

Asmodeus brightened up again, His soulmate was telling him a secret only he trusts in Asmodeus!

...

"As my last order to you, As your King and dearest friend...Azz-kun, Please never tell anybody that I'm Human."

Ever since Iruma has begun to Mature, He called Asmodeus more formally, Not using his old nickname anymore.

...

So why is it, That Iruma suddenly used that nickname he longed to hear after years?

Ah that's right, It's because... It's his last order...

What could it mean?

Was Iruma merely retiring more earlier?

"..Iruma-sama.. What are you saying? What last order? Have i not heard right?—"

Pain creeped up his voice as he gripped on the bedsheets, Losing his composition.

"It's because you're retiring right? Iruma-sama? You're human? I do not care for that I—"

"Azz-kun..Please don't speak of this to Anyone, that is my last order to you."

Asmodeus felt himself getting more quieter as he looked at Iruma with a defeated look, He hadn't even noticed Tears forming before he felt something wet on his cheek, dripping and staining the sheets.

Ah, He was crying.

He read about it long ago, During a reviewer for Balam's upcoming exam.

'Humans do not age long like a demon's, They have very short lifespans.'

So that's what made him cry after all the tragedies he went through.

Iruma, His beloved Iruma was dying and he can't do anything to stop it.

he hadn't even realized he spaced out until he felt a familiar hand wipe away his tears.

"Azz-kun.. I've lived a long life, Maybe to you, It's very short, But..it was a fulfilling life, I'm glad.. I'm glad that i was adopted by Grandpa, Because i got to meet the best friends that i appreciate just as they appreciate me..And overall, I got to meet you.. I'm sorry it's late..And I'm sorry that i suspended it..But, Azz-kun, Throughout these years.."

Iruma coughed weakly and laid in his bed as Asmodeus listened closely, Tears streaming down his eyes.

"... You're the one i fell inlove with most..Not as a friend, Maybe an ally..But, I know that, I truly love you, As someone i wanted to spend my life with..But, It's too late now right? It's stupid of me, To confess this late."

Asmodeus felt his heart shatter as Iruma spilled out every detail of what he felt about the demon, Rushing to his side he held Iruma close, Careful not to hurt this fragile human.

"I-iruma-sama...I love you too!..I appreciate you, I hold you dear to my heart, I hate to admit it..But, You're so cruel..You can't confess this late... It's never late.. It's impossible— i—.... I've always waited for you..You can't just disappear on me..You just can't— not when we haven't even started as lovers.."

Asmodeus poured out every stream of emotion he had in his voice as he held the human close, Panicking as he felt his body heat fade and fade even more.

"I'm sorry.. Azz-kun.. I'm cruel aren't I? I'm sor—"

...

"...Iruma-sama!!!.. We need medical assistance, His Highness has PASSED OUT!!"

Multiple demons who seemed to be healers rushed in, Surrounding Iruma and Asmodeus who refused to let go of the cold body.. Hearing the demon's shriek throughout the Netherworld itself, A shriek so loud it vibrated throughout the entire domain, A shriek that held many emotions.

Pain, Longing, Sadness and most of all, Heartbreak.

"Era of Enlightenment"

20XX-2110

The Era that ranked second best below the Past demon king Delkira, For it's Great Ruler, Iruma Suzuki who came from the Great Lord Sullivan's clan.

He, Who managed to stop even the most brutal wars and forge a path towards peace and harmony Amongst demons.

In his Rulings, No demon that was born or Lived under his reign has ever suffered Discrimination for having a lower rank than others.

He was the Second best ruler throughout the Netherworld's long history.

Born on 2008, Learned under Lord Sullivan's School named 'Babyls' He achieved many impossible feats and was known for being a selfless demon.

Yet, Unlike his beloved Grandfather, Iruma Suzuki, Who has reigned for 87 years seemed to Wilt further much more earlier than his Companions and Family whom reached Hundreds, Even Thousands or Millions of age and continued to maintain a youthful appearance.

Iruma Suzuki, 13th demon king

Aged 97 years.

Reigned for 87 years.

Has now been deemed 'deceased' this 2110, Shocking every being in the Netherworld.

'He, Who ruled benevolently and Selflessly, if he ruled for more decades he'd top even the 12th ruler, Delkira.'

Chapter Text

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"If demons die, Where do their souls go?" 

Iruma wondered out of nowhere, Asmodeus was caught off guard by the sudden question, 'Why would Iruma-sama suddenly ask that?' he wondered in his mind

"That is....Nobody really knows, Iruma-sama, Some say we disperse into particles, Others say we get reincarnated, But...Pardon me if I'm rude, But why have you asked? Iruma-sama?"

Iruma paused for a bit and laughed nervously

"Oh nothing, It's just... I'm not a demon.."

The last part was a whisper, Echoing in Asmodeus's mind, Though, he didn't dare press the topic, He had doubts that He heard it wrong.

"Ah, So you merely wish to know? As expected of Iruma-sama! Always finding ways to expand his knowledge!"

His heart felt a pang of guilt when He saw Iruma's face flicker a reaction of hurt, But why?If Asmodeus had described it, It was like the words Iruma was holding back from that pained reaction was..

'I knew it, I can't trust that you'll believe me.' 

But, The boy quickly smiled, An obviously false one

"Haha...You know me"

It was so out of character.. The tension around them was awkward, Fortunately, Clara was just in time, and as usual, Hopped on Asmodeus's back, Annoying him as usual.

Asmodeus wanted to thank her, But his pride held him back.

'Say, Iruma-sama... If I believed in your words back then, Would we have been lovers? If I told you how deeply I had affection for you enough and tell you it didn't matter if You were human?.'

'...But it's too late for that now? Isn't it?.'

"... You're the one i fell inlove with most..Not as a friend, Maybe an ally..But, I know that, I truly love you, As someone i wanted to spend my life with..But, It's too late now right? It's stupid of me, To confess this late." The words haunted Asmodeus, Like a moth to a flame.

He was only snapped out of reality, When a healer came out of Iruma's chambers.

"...Were you able to save his majesty?"

Asmodeus whispered, Not daring to look up, His eyes had tear streak marks visible, and his voice was a quivering one.

"I... Apologize, Lord Asmodeus..We did everything we could but..His majesty did not make it."

Ah, As expected, Tears began to flow out of his eyes as he grabbed the healer's collar, Everything became a blur as the other nurses tried to calm him down and restrain him, A blur of rage and frustration blinded him as he striked down on the healer.

"How dare you claim you did everything you could!! How dare you..Lie to my face!!"

His hands were bloody red, Would Iruma wanted him to do this? He paused, Looking down at the bloodied face of the still-alive healer...

Iruma wouldn't have wanted this, He was a pacifist, He would be disappointed with Asmodeus if he saw him like th—

Asmodeus fell down, A syringe had struck him in order to calm him down, Quietly he thanked the other nurses.

.... I'm sorry, My beloved Iruma, I've failed to maintain composure, When the nurses stopped me, They reminded me of you..You always felt bad for criminals even though they're wicked because You knew, They had stories of their own, You were always, One of a kind.

everything faded to black, The syringe took effect already.

...

Valac Household.

"Nee-san...Just because His majesty doesn't invite you to tea parties anymore doesn't mean he doesn't like you anymore.."

Urara comforted his crying sister, Patting her on the back, Clara was on her menstrual cycle aswell, So she broke down alot, after the absence of Iruma's letters, Thinking he had gotten tired of the green haired woman

"Yeah! And even if he did, Me and Keebow and gonna beat him up, so cheer up Nee-san!"

"Yeah!"

Konchie exclaimed along with Keebow, It made Clara laugh a bit, As her mother wiped her nose clean

"Clara-chan... Iruma-ku— His majesty wouldn't want you crying like this, he'd probably worry, I'm sure he's just busy dear.'

Mama Valac cooed and hugged Clara close

"You shouldn't think he hates you dear, His majesty is one of the most kindest demons I've ever met."

Their whole family hugged Clara close, It almost seemed like they were a whole group of Armadillidium, Still it was a warm gesture, Really.

"Sniffle You're right mama...Iruma-chi wouldn't hate me.."

She wiped her tears and hugged them back.

"Now, Why don't we buy some sweets and deliver them to Iru- His Majesty? I'm sure he would grant you Access."

Mama Valac smiled and helped her children get up.

"Okay.. I'm gonna pay him a visit, And kick his butt after not replying to my letters!"

Clara was back to being energetic again, Mood swings can be strange, But a little endearing.

...

Clara,Urara and Mama Valac were the only ones who bought bread, Since the younger children still had homework to do.

The fresh smell of bread hit their noses, Strangely bringing comfort to them as they entered the shop.

"Do you think Iruma-chi would like pretzels, Or Croissants?"

Clara was hyper-focused on getting Iruma favorite, She was visiting him for the first time after 4 months afterall!

But...Her mother and her brother were acting strange... They look so? Devastated?

"What's wrong mama? Urara?"

Clara squeezed her way through in between them.

"ANNOUNCEMENT! HIS MAJESTY IRUMA-SAMA IS DECLARED DECEASED!"

It repeated like a curse, Clara stood there, eyes widening as she dropped the goods.

The diplomatic bird kept repeating the same thing but it couldn't be processed by Clara who was still in disbelief.

'Iruma-chi? No way.. He's strong, He can't possibly die..'

Clara gripped her overalls as she wailed, She didn't care if she was out in day light, she didn't care if she looked pathetic.

She felt her mother and brother hug her close, But she just couldn't replicate it, Too shocked and in disbelief.

'Iruma-chi can't die! It's IMPOSSIBLE!'

Clara bit her lip hard enough to draw blood, Her tears drippled down like a waterfall, Those letters and Iruma's words hit her like a truck.

'Just when I was about to visit you again..Why? Why did you perish on me!!' 

The poor demoness hadn't even realized she was screeching in so much pain that her mother had to cover her mouth as it even reached The palace.

The funeral was held a day later, And At the cherry blossom tree that Iruma,Asmodeus and Clara held dearly.

20XX-2110  October 4th FUNERAL OF IRUMA SUZUKI

Tons of bouquets were laid upon Iruma's grave, the misfits and even Kalego attended the funeral, It wasn't suprorising how Sullivan and Opera were there too.

Sullivan looked more devastated than the rest, Who could blame him? He lost his beloved Grandson who he cherished and loved more than anyone and anything.

In short, Iruma was everyone's light.

'I don't know how death works for you, Iruma-sama but, I hope...That you're still with us, even if it's a fraction of your soul..'

Asmodeus held a blue rose close to his heart.

'I never got to spend this life with you, As your betrothed..So if reincarnation is true, I'd like for Clara and I to be your soulmates again..'

Asmodeus kissed the blue rose bouquet and placed it in a porcelain pot near Iruma's grave.

"...Iruma, If you can hear me, I'll live a long life, Without regrets, But, I do have one, Is that I never got to marry you.."

Asmodeus placed a kiss on Iruma's grave and reunited with Clara In the hills back when Iruma announced them as his soulmates, The silence was comfortable as they looked at the horizon.

"He was as beautiful as the wind, And impossible to reach like the moon.."

Asmodeus murmured, Clara agreed silently as she rested her head on Asmodeus's shoulder.

Faintly yet surely, They felt a shiver, yet not a uncomfortable one, Seemingly hug them, a breeze supposedly It was as If Iruma embraced them one more time.

And they both could imagine,No know what he'd say to both of them.

'You must live without me, I know  the pain Is devastating and I know the time we spent is short, But, Please, Live on and Cherish your life, I love you both, goodbye.'

They felt a breeze hit them one more time before it slowly disappeared.

"...Iruma-chi.."

"Iruma.."

"We'll both treasure you, for as long as we live."

tears drippled down, but they were smiling, For Iruma and for their bond.

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Chapter Text

Years passed yet not once you've left my mind, 

Tears fell the day you've vanished from my sight, My heart yearns for you, Even now .

Yours for eternity

Asmodeus Alice

Asmodeus gazed up above the skies, a comfortable breeze brushing his hair.

I wonder when I will reunite with you? Iruma.

"That'll be 500 Vill sir."

He nodded and paid for the bouquet, every flower in it symbolized the words he never said, and the words he never got to say.

Red roses, for I, Love you, White lilies because you were the brightest light in my eyes, forget-me-nots for I'll never once let you out of my memories, purple irises for I was far too late to show my affection, Purple hyacinths, For I am guilty of not understanding your confession.

He sat next to Iruma's grave which was perched ontop of the hill, The hill that he,Clara and Iruma first begun a friendship.

He held a mermaid's pendant that Iruma once bought for him.

"Did you know? Azz-kun? That giving someone a mermaid's pendant meant you want to spend your life with them."

I'm sorry for not understanding.

"Oh really? Well, I'd love to spend my life with you too Iruma-sama! We are friends afterall are we not?"

...

No wonder you were silent.

"y-yeah a friend.."

His eyes fluttered open as he felt something cold and wet purposely hit his shoulder.

"...you here too? Azz?"

Clara handed him a can of juice which he gladly accepted.

"...No one expects us to move on quickly.. You know? Iruma was both our light, But do you really think he'd want us crippling away like this?"

Clara sat next to Iruma's grave aswell, his grave being in the middle as always.

"No.. He'd not, you know Iruma."

Asmodeus closed his eyes and leaned his head on Iruma's tombstone.

"He always wants us to be happy."

Asmodeus and Clara both synchronized as they laughed together, A bittersweet one.

"..Yeah, He sure does."

Clara took a large sip of her can as she sighed.

"You can tell me you know?"

Asmodeus seemed confused.

"Tell you what? Valac?"

Clara scoffed as she tucked the empty can in her pocket.

"I've seen the way you've looked at him."

Asmodeus felt his heart shatter, It all reminded him of the chance he never took.

"I'm sure he did too, But, You were clouded by doubts weren't you?..also, You're the next heir right? So you need to marry someone in order to keep that—"

"Enough!"

Clara sighed and leaned on Iruma's grave aswell.

"I will never replace Iruma."

"So you do love him."

She chuckled lightly, Asmodeus scoffed in response, But softened aswell.

"I do, And I regret not asking for his hand in marriage or dating."

Clara nodded as she listened.

"We all make mistakes, but, Listen, Azz, We don't really know what happens after death..So if we ever reincarnate, I hope we'll still be the love trio, Then maybe you can ask him out."

Asmodeus quietly agreed, As he looked up at the evening sky, A comfortable silence enveloping them both.

In another universe You and I have the same Surname.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚