Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The impending test was wearing Iruma down, physically. If Clara wasn't sitting in front of him, doing a workbook, he would have assumed she decided to go for a piggyback ride. Iruma rubbed his neck before looking into his workbook. Imaginary Biology of the history of the demon realm, he figured that was fitting as his chances of passing were equally as imaginary.

The questions were...odd, odd in the sense Iruma knew the answers. They were about earth creatures and before Iruma knew it, he finished with perfect marks.

“Woah! 100 Marks!” Leid said as he took Iruma’s workbook.

“Amazing! 100 marks in a subject we have not learned yet!” Azzy beamed as his classmates layered complements. Before Iruma knew it, he was in front of the door to the Demonic History class. Iruma was vibrating with excitement as a student ran out like someone tried to eat him. The pair entered the well lit, dark tiled room. The class seemed almost abandoned.

“Darry-sensei is out! Balam-sensei is covering!” another student yelled as he ran out.

Azzy gulped, “Lets call it a day… Balam-sensei is...quiet the special case.”

“It’s fine,” Iruma sparkled, “we came all this way, and I want to meet Balam-sensei.”

Iruma felt a pair of strong arms wrap around him, he looked up. The students were being wrapped up and trapped by vines, he looked down and saw a face half covered by a metal mask.

“I’m so happy to hear that!” the harpy like voice said, “so let’s give this one a warm welcome!”

Iruma felt scared, but oddly not the, ‘their going to eat me!’ scared, more like the, ‘what is grandpa up to now’ scared.

The vines took Iruma and his friends to tables, only their arms free to take notes. Balam started lecturing, periodically patting a student’s head or showing them something from his books. One student shifted closer to Iruma.

“I heard a rumor he touches you to determine if you are a suitable test subject for his experiments. And if he likes you-”

“Now for today!” Balam interrupted, bringing out a human dummy, “let’s talk about humans.”

Balam looked to the class, “now if a human appeared in front of you, what would you do?”

Iruma felt a lump form in his stomach as the other students said they’d eat him.

“Without a doubt, humans are great masses of nourishment.”

“What would you do?” Iruma found himself asking, hoping it wasn’t eat them.

Balam stayed silent as he inspected the dummy, “If I met a human… I would want to know how it lived. Imaginary creatures, humans included, are very weak creatures. Even our weakest creatures are much stronger. Imaginary beings are quiet primitive, they must have grown in such a peaceful environment. We have deloped wings and tails to survive our harmful environment.” Balam flew over to Iruma, “even without horns wings-”

Iruma gave out a cry of pain as his vision swam from the force Balam slapped his back.

Balam ordered the students to return as he picked Iruma up. The pain alone made Iruma want to pass out, and the speed Balam was flying to the teacher’s lounge did not help. He eventually found himself deposited on a fluffy couch.

“Please tell me I did not permanently injure a student’s wings,” Balam said.

Kalego started removing Iruma’s top as Balam explained what happened. Iruma tried resisting, but he was already laying shirtless under Kalego. He heard the teachers suck in a breath and Kalego trace something before getting up.

“Iruma, take this then head back to class to continue studying,” Kalego shoved a weak pain-numbing potion along with Iruma’s clothes. When he was gone, the teachers hung their heads.

“Nonalas,” Kelego ran his hands threw his hair.

“When was the last time someone lived this long with it?” Momonki asked.

“What is Nonalas?” Robin asked, jumping into the center of attention.

Kelego pinched the bridge of his nose as Balam pulled out a white bored.

“As you know, a demon usually gets their wings at between 3-6,” Balam drew babies on the board with tiny wings, “and they develop as they grow.” He drew a teen with wings before erasing the wings.
“Nonalas is a disease that delays the formation of wings into early to late teens. Not much is known if it’s environmental or a genetic disease as most kids don't live to that point.” Balam drew a tombstone. “Not because of the disease, but because the kids are often killed or kicked out.”
Balam drew a decapitated kid and one getting kicked out of a door.

“So who wants to bet if Iruma found Sullivan or if Sullivan found Iruma?” Oswell asked, sipping his juice.

“You’re making a bet on a sick student!” Kalego bristled.

“It’s kind of obvious, Iruma got kicked out of his home and Sullivan decided, new grandkid,” Oswell shrugged. The other teachers nodded.

“Sullivan should have informed us prior,” Kalego’s mind wandered back to the flight race and how he pushed Iruma to his doom. He brushed the sting of guilt away. “Being that his wings should be coming in soon, we can keep this on the down low.”

Kalego left to start doing research on this topic. Balam left soon after and found Iruma down the hall, leaning against the wall.

“Ah-Balam-sensei,” Iruma scrambled to stand at attention.

Balam kneeled down, “I’m sorry, I wasn’t aware you had Nonalas. You see, I love all living creatures, but they are afraid of me so when I catch one, I tend to touch them as much as I can.”

Balam removed his back, showing Iruma the scar and fangs. “A bird ended up peeling off part of my face not too long ago.” Balam rubbed Iruma’s head, “It’s not fair that you only get an apology. Why don't you join me for tea?”

Balam walked off and Iruma felt almost at peace as he was led to a chaotically organized room. It was like a mad science lab, with cages, potions, books with skeletons and more. As Balam made the tea, Iruma felt himself relaxing more and more. His back still hurt a bit, but the room felt safe.

“Here, it’s a bit hot,” Balam said, passing Iruma the tea.

“Thank you, Sensei,” Iruma nodded, taking the tea. He had so many words on the tip of his tongue, so many things he wanted to ask, but first, “uh… I’m sorry but… what is Nonalas?”

Balam looked surprised for a moment before letting out a small chuckle. “Of course, your parents must have not told you before abandoning you.”

Balam went into a simple explanation before bringing out a book, “here, Kalego has mentioned your grades...need improvement. If this is your first time going threw schooling, I have plenty of books to help explain the basics.”

Iruma started reading them as Balam nervously explained that he loved picture books. Iruma lit up.

“This is perfect! This makes so much sense!” Iruma beamed, filled with hope that he will pass his exams, “do you...do you mind if I borrow some to study from and come here to study after class?”

Balam lit up, “Of-of course.” Balam hugged Iruma, careful of his back.

The next day, in home room, Balam came in with more books.

“Balam-sensei?” the students paled. Kalego looked up.

“You look well, Shichi-rou,” Kalego fistbumped Balam.

“Kalego-kun,” Balam greeted back.

Leid scratched his head, “you two know each other?”

“Yep, classmates, Alumni of Babylus,” Balam put his hand on Kalego’s shoulder.

Leid whispered to Jazz, “I didn’t know Kalego-sensei was capable of having friends.”
A vein in Kalego’s head started to pulse as he grabbed the boy’s ears.

“So… Balam-sensei, what brings you here?” Iruma asked as workbooks were put in his arms.

“To help tutor you, of course. I was free this period so…” Balam rubbed his head. They went threw the books, then when Balam had class, Iruma studied with Azz flashcards, or sang Clara’s songs. A break involved playing a historically accurate break with Leid’s games. Soon, the whole class ended up studying together using almost every trick in the book.

Before Iruma knew it, the test was here. His back hurt, from what he assumed was learning over his books. At the end, they were waiting for their tests.

“Unfortunately, the one who had gotten bad grades and will have to take supplementary lessons will be…” Kalego started, the air in the classroom going thick. “No one, you all passed.”

The students cheered, Iruma fell out of his chair. He did not know his lightheadedness was from his back or the fact that he passed. After the promotions and the congratulations, Iruma took his test and started running to Balam’s room. He facepalmed into a shorn Balam.

“What happened to your hair!” Iruma pouted.

“Oh, I cut it,” Balam ran a hand over it before seeing the paper in Iruma’s hand, “is that your test score?”

“Ye-ah,” Iruma passed it over.

“It’s right in the middle!” Balam picked Iruma up and spun around, “It’s in the middle! This is a huge improvement!”

“I know!” Iruma laughed, “it’s all thanks to you, Balam-sensei.”

Balam put Iruma down and they sat together on a bench.

“Balam-sensei?” Iruma asked, kneading his lap, “mind if I ask what would happen if my wings never grow in?”

Balam was taken back for a moment as his heart swelled, “they will come in, they are so close. But your guardian would probably get you a wing charm necklace and various vehicles for you to get around in.”

“I hope he doesn't design them himself,” Iruma groaned as he imagined the vehicles Sullivan would make him. Balam patted Iruma’s shoulder.

“Relax, they’re going to come in any day now,” Balam said. Kalego had told her he had been feeling the spines under the surface of Iruma’s skin. He had also given all the teachers various pain potions so the day must be coming soon.

Iruma laughed and shook his head, “they aren’t coming, I’ll never have wings.”

Balam felt an arrow threw his heart. He was torn between assuring Iruma his wings are coming and assuring him that a demon without wings can live happily. Balam ended up writing down a list of numbers. “Your wings are coming in, but here are some numbers of old soldiers that have lost theirs if you need assurance that you can live a good life without them.”

Iruma looked left and right before hanging his head, “Balam-sensei...I’m...I’m human.”

Balam fell back onto the ground. “Wha-what!”

Iruma hushed him, “I’m human, I don't have wings and I won't get them.”

“But...your ears! And fangs! And…” Balam gestured to Iruma’s back where the evidence of wings wanting to emerge was evident.

“Yeah...uhm...Ali...one of yeah. Anyways, he told me they were just little changes from being in the demon world for too long and I shouldn’t be getting any more.” Iruma fiddled with his ring.

Balamed hummed and rubbed Iruma’s ears, “I don't think we have any books on humans staying for a long period of time in the demon world, but I can look.”

“Thank you, Balam-sensei.” Iruma bowed deeply. Iruma ended up forgetting about it, mostly. Vacation was fun, if a bit tiring. Then the hunter’s challenge and soon Iruma was ready for the music festival. As the night grew on, the pain in his back grew. He couldn’t give up now. Elizabetta and Person were counting on him, the class was counting on each other to reach rank 4.

Soon it was time to preform and Iruma let his fingers do the work as his head was clouded and he could feel the sweat run down his back. The whole performance was a dream to him. When the scored were announced he felt himself soar as they were led up to the roof of Royal one. Person did it, he did it, they all did it.

As Poro was giving out the ranks, Iruma felt himself collapse on the ground, the pain too much to bear as he fell unconscious.

/////////

“Not everyone, I left someon- why is he sleeping at a time like this!?!” Poro fumed he kicked Iruma a bit, turning him over to show a large blood stain on the concrete.

Kalego paled, it was happening now. “You Idiot!” Kalego growled, rushing over and starting to preform as many pain removing spells he could. “I told you if your back started to hurt to tell me?”

“Whats going on?” Poro sounded worried as Iruma was barely conscious enough for Kalego to pour potions down his throat.

“Iruma had Nonalas, and it seems his wings are coming in now,” Kalego growled, ripping the soiled suit off to show the emerging wing buds.

“Get Sullivan, Iruma needs to go home now,” Kalego ordered the students as he massaged cream onto Iruma’s back. Iruma let out a soft whimper. Sullivan took Iruma home to let him rest.

Chapter Text

The school was alight with rumors, some that Poro had attacked Iruma, a few that a beast was attracted to the music and more. The teachers ended up having to do a full lesson on Nonalas to calm the students down.

“I can’t believe Iruma-san never told us,” Azz wept as Kalego was doing his lesson.

“It is a sensitive subject, Sullivan has assured everyone Iruma is being taken care of properly,” Kalego remembered the night.

“Your probably right, Kalego,” Balam said as they watched Iruma being flown off by Sullivan, “I was just worried he might take something like this so light.”

Kalego paused as Balam talked. He imagined Sullivan trying to take Iruma flying too early. Rubbing the cream too often, or having Iruma sleep on his back. Before anyone could say anything, Kalego jumped into the air to follow the headmaster, a smirk on Balam’s lips under his mask.

“Kalego incoming,” He texted Opera, “thou I bet he would accept if you asked.”

“This way I get blackmail material along with information. I still wish we knew earlier about this.”

“It seems he is used to hiding his pain, it’s lucky he has a family like you.”

Kalego got to the mansion soon after Sullivan and Opera.

“Did we forget something?” Sullivan asked as he held Iruma. His hand too high for Kalego’s liking.

“Careful of his back!” Kalego yelled. “You need to keep it completely open and clean!” Kalego took Iruma from Sullivan before putting the boy on a pile of pillows, back up. He started putting books, potions, and creams into Sullivan’s arms as he lectured the proper handling of such a thing. When Kalego was satisfied he had done his part, he left to his students who had more questions than answers.

Kalego shook the memory away. It had been three days and Sullivan has been giving everyone updates on Iruma’s health.

“Do you know when he’ll be back?” Clara asked, waving her hand.

“The process will take a week and recovery longer. Iruma might not be here until next year. You can ask his family if you can visit after a week or two.”

The students groaned.

////////////////

Opera sighed as they opened the pantry. They had already ran out of food. Iruma held on tight, nibbling at Opera’s clothes. For the past few days, he has been in between conscious and asleep. Opera had been doing everything according to Kalego’s notes, but they underestimate how much Iruma’s appetite would increase.

Opera pet Iruma’s head as they took out their phone. Sullivan was banned from Iruma watching day 1 after he kept trying to measure Iruma’s growing wing buds. Kalego and Balam were both in class. Which left… a few choices actually.

“Lady Asmodeus,” Opera said as he kept Iruma from nibbling on his ear, “It is Opera, I apologize if this is the wrong time.”

“Oh no problem at all! What do I owe this call, nothing serious I hope,”

“I am sure your son has told you about Iruma’s condition. Well, it seems like he has eaten everything already and-”

“You need me to watch him while you go to the store? Of course!”

“No that-” Opera heard the phone click off and sighed. Amaryllis was there within minutes.

“Poor baby,” she pinched Iruma’s cheeks. He tried to bite her fingers. “So what do I need to know to watch him?”

Opera was kind of surprised how mature she was being, she was almost as childish and eccentric as Sullivan. “Do not touch his back unless it’s to wash it or apply the cream. Also, every hour he needs to take his pain medicine. Otherwise, keep away from his mouth. He is very content just being carried around. I should be back in two hours so you shouldn't need to apply the cream.” Opera passed Iruma over along with the medicine. He went straight to gnawing on her ears.

Amaryllis nodded, “come on, you can help me do my work,” she bounced Iruma before leaving. Opera went straight to the big cart to start empting the grocery store.

David had questions when Amaryllis came in carrying Iruma, but he did not voice them, nor when she ordered them to start cooking while she worked. Iruma ate so much, and between meals he would gnaw on her ear.

“I’m home!” Azz yelled as he came in.

David met him at the door, “your mom wants you in her office,” he passed Azz a pot of food. “It’s for her guest.”

“Don't tell me Behemolto is visiting,” Azz sighed, but dutifully went to her office.

“Alice!” Amaryllis cheered, Iruma raised his head to look before having it fall back to Amaryllis’ shoulder and started to drool.

“Iruma-sama,” Azz yelled, running over. It was odd seeing his friend, half naked, holding on to his mother. The wings were probably as big as Lilly’s, with something proding from under the first set. “What is he doing here?”

“They had to get more food for this little bottomless pit,” Amaryllis scratched Iruma’s cheek before putting a spoonful of food in his mouth. Iruma started shoveling it in, “so they asked me to watch him.”

“Iruma-sama. How do you feel! How are your wings coming in?” Azz started rattling off questions before he realized Iruma wasn’t answering.

“Sorry, Alice, he has only eaten and slept sense he got here,” Amaryllis pouted as Iruma took a big bite of her ear. “That and try to eat me.”

David came in a few moments later with Opera.

“Thank you for watching him,” Opera bowed before taking Iruma back. Iruma fussed that his favorite chewtoy was gone.

“No problem, he was a delight and I’m sure my Alice was happy to see him,” Amaryllis pet Iruma head before humming, “oh...he’s growing horns too.”

Opera parted Iruma’s hair to see two horns growing on the sides of his head. They were barely a nail long but they were there.

“Oh he is going to look so adorable!” Amaryllis gushed.

Opera chuckled and swiftly brought Iruma back home. They were home for a few minutes before Opera realized his scent was changing. It was sweet, not too much unlike a succubus, but it had a much more floral and firy taste. Opera could only make guesses of what kind of demon it was. Sullivan had a much more accurate guess.

Chapter Text

At the week mark, Iruma was mentaly back. He burrowed in his bed and when Opera started rubbing the cream on his back, he jumped.

“What are you doing?” Iruma asked, his new wings standing at attention.

“You’re up?” Opera blinked, ears standing at attention, “so you're feeling better?”

“Uh...yeah, was I sick?” Iruma scratched his head, the last thing he remembered was after the music festival.

Opera took his hand and brought him to the large mirror Sullivan had installed. Iruma gapped, he had a double pair of wings and the beginning of horns. His first set were the same size as Sullivan’s while the second set were about half their size. His horns were half the height of his head.

While Iruma was watching his wings, Sullivan rushed in.

“Iruma-kun!” he, scooped him up in a hug, “how do you feel? How are your wings?”

“Grandpa? What’s going on?”

Sullivan explained what happened after the festival and what everyone believes befel Iruma.

“So...I’m becoming a demon?” Iruma said as he rubbed a horn. A smile latched itself on his face.

“It seems like it, I honestly don't know how this happened,” Sullivan said, rubbing his head, “but I think it might have happened before?”

Opera and Iruma gapped at him, “what?”

“It’s just a theory but...you smell and have double wings like Delkaru,”

“WHAT!” Iruma fell back, the idea of the old, beloved demon king might have been a human too was almost unreal. Sullivan was already off on a tangent wanting to invite all of Iruma’s friends over to see his new wings.

“Hold on,” Iruma stopped him before Sullivan could call, “maybe we can surprise visit to class? I kind of feel restless.”

“Of course! No flying yet but we can take the carriage. I can't wait to show off your new wings!” Sullivan was already out the door to prepare the carriage. Opera bent down to Iruma’s level.

“Are you sure you want to travel to school?” Opera asked.

“Yeah, I really want to see my friends and I feel like I’ve been in bed for a month.”
“A week, and you liked being carried around,” Opera corrected with a silent chuckle. “You even had Amaryllis carry you for a bit.”

Iruma went red at the idea of being held by Azz’s mom. Luckily, Sullivan came with the carriage before Opera could recount more embarrassing stories. When they arrived at school, Ameri was waiting with the rest of the student council.

“Thank you for agreeing to make sure Iruma doesn't stress himself while he visits and gets some fresh air and exercise,” Sullivan said as Opera helped Iruma out of the carriage. Luckily it was between classes so there were no students about.

“Of course, and if Iruma needs help with flying lessons I will be happy to help,” Ameri bowed before looking at Iruma. She gapped, turning red. Iruma was still shirtless, and with horns and double wings, he was almost irresistible. The more pairs of wings a demon had usually meant the stronger they naturally were.

“I think his friends have first dibs on lessons but I’m sure he will ask if he needs help.” Sullivan said, a knowing twinkle in his eyes.

Iruma smiled as he bowed to Ameri. She caught him up to speed about what had been going on while he was gone as they went to Royal-1. Kalego was in the middle of a lecture when he stopped and dropped his book.

“What are you doing back here! You're supposed to be at home recovering!” The entire class turned around and rushed to Iruma. Ameri blocked them from getting too close.

“Iruma, you’re back!” Clara celebrated, she tried hugging him but Ameri stopped her, “red lady, let me hug him!”

“Sullivan has ordered me to make sure no one touches his back,” Ameri said.

“You have double wings?! Ha! Only fitting of my rival!” Sabnock cheered, almost smacking Iruma’s back if Azz did not get in the way to admire the wings.

“Hey!” Azz yelled before bickering.

“Sweet! Little bro joins the horn team,” Lied cheered, giving Iruma a nogie. Iruma laughed and drank in the attention of his classmates. Eventually, Kalego was able to get everyone under control.

“How do you feel?” he asked, acting like it was just a formality he had to indulge in.

“Great? I think? I feel sore, a bit tired, but I feel so light. This...this feels right. Like I was always supposed to have them,” Iruma laughed as he rubbed a horn.

“Well of course you feel like you were supposed to have them, you were. They just developed late,” Kalego huffed, turning away so they couldn't see how his face soften slightly. He went to his desk and pulled out a book, “here, a detailed book about Nonalas, in case you have questions. Now go get rest.”

Iruma saluted and walked out with Ameri, telling his classmates one last goodbye. The pair ended up walking around the garden together.

“If I knew a few months ago this was going to happen, I would have been terrified,” Iruma ended up saying, looking at the sakura tree. “I wouldn't have wanted it to happen.”

“And now?”

“I can't wait to see what else comes my way, how I grow. Ever sense Sullivan took me in, my life just got better and better.” Iruma smiled and turned to Ameri, “I’m still terrified I’ll fall if I tried to fly.”

Ameri laughed, “You’ll figure it out. Once you do, I doubt I’d see you walk again.”

Iruma chuckled. His big goofy grin, leaves blowing around them like a scene from the forbidden texts.

“Iruma!” Balam yelled, picking him up and looking at his wings, “they came in great! And two sets?! How do you feel? Tell me everything.”

Iruma started talking, leaving Ameri to sulk that their personal time got interrupted. She hardly noticed Sullivan, Opera, and another demon showed up before he started yelling.

“Sullivan! Why does he have double wings like Delkra?” Poro complained, “I thought you said he wasn't his love child! He even smells like him!”

“Does he? I hadn’t noticed,” Sullivan hummed as Poro continued his temper tantrum.

Eventually, Poro got up, picking Iruma up, “Tell me, who are your parents? Is it my lover Delkra?”

“I-,” Iruma drew a blank.

“I never knew them. They abandoned me,” Ali whispered in Iruma’s ear.

“I never knew them. They abandoned me,” Iruma repeated.

A cold encompassed everyone. Iruma never told Balam about his parents in the human world. Sullivan took Iruma from Poro. “Its-its ok now, I have grandpa,” Iruma hugged Sullivan, trying to alleviate the tension, also trying to hide his tears.

It was as if the full situation with his parents hit him. How they kicked him out, made him get odd jobs, sold him to Sullivan. He couldn't even remember their faces on a good day. Iruma did not realize how hard he was crying until Sullivan started petting his head.

“I think my grandson should head home now,” Sullivan said, walking off. Iruma felt embarrassed when he got home, but insisted on being around Sullivan and Opera while they worked.

Chapter Text

News traveled fast about Iruma’s new wings. Henry was going thru documents over documents. He was sure Iruma was human, yet he had hundreds of pictures and proof that Iruma had wings and horns. Even his own daughter confirmed it. He groaned and held his head, what was Sullivan up to?

“Because I’m human,” Baal listened to the recording over and over as he looked at the news and social media. Iruma had double wings and horns, he looked like a demon, and yet...Sullivan took him from the human world.

Balam and Kalego sat together. Kalego was a statue, but his mind was racing. Balam had told him of the incident in the garden a few days ago. Just hearing it made him want to go into an evil phase and hunt Iruma’s parents down. He already felt they abandoned him, but hearing it confirmed just enraged him.

Iruma fell to the ground again. His whole body ached from flying lessons. Kalego stood watching.

“Sabnock, again,” he ordered. Sabnock picked Iruma up again and started lightly tossing him in the air. When Iruma was able to hover a bit, he stepped aside. Iruma was able to stay for two minutes before falling.

“Sensei, are you sure this is the best way?” Azz asked, rushing to Iruma to make sure he was ok.

“You have younger siblings? Don't you toss them in the air to help strengthen their wings?” Kalego asked.

“We catch them and make sure they’ll land on something soft!” Clara yelled, pulling out pillows as Sabnock picked him up.

“His wings are big enough they’d hit Sabnock if he stayed ready to catch,” Kalego did not mention the part that this was payback for making him worry.

Sabnock tried throwing him higher. The class tried cheering him on as he flapped and tried to fly around a bit, using the soft breeze to help. Ameri had come out to check on them when Iruma wobbled over to her, crashing into her.

For the pair, time slowed down, the air sparkled, birds sang, and the wind blew a warm breeze. Iruma blushed hard and got up, apologizing and offering a hand to Ameri. Ameri blushed and stood up.

“I just came to check on your flying lessons.”

“Oh, there going good… thou I keep falling,” Iruma admitted, embarrassed that he still couldn't fly even if its only been a few days.

“I can help!” Ameri yelled before coughing, calming down. “I’m sure your classmates are doing fine but...flying with someone might help and I have trained to help a demon recover flying in mid air.”

“Thats great, Ameri-san,” Iruma’s eyes sparkled as he took her hands. Ameri melted before coughing. They stood in the middle of the group, Ameri’s wings out, they were only a touch bigger. Kalego decided to leave the lesson to Ameri as he graded homework.

“Have you learned take off?”

“No, Sabnok has just been tossing me in the air,” Iruma had a sweat drop on his forehead.

Ameri nodded and order him to copy her wings and do a little jump. It took a few tries but Iruma was able to get up in the air. Once they got to a good height, Ameri flew under him, using her wings to keep his full as his wings got the motion down. After twenty minutes, they landed.

Azz and Clara demanded to learn and do the next round while Sabnock congratulated Iruma on getting the hang of it and promised they’d soon have a flying contest. It was lively until their rides came to pick them up. Iruma was exhausted as he leaned against Sullivan.

“Hey grandpa,” Iruma asked, hugging him.

“Hmm?”

“Being with you is the best birthday present I could ever want,”

Sullivan flinched as he registered the words, “Iruma...When is your birthday?”

“Today...today is the fourth right?”

Sullivan broke, “Today’s your birthday?! I didn’t get you a present! We need to plan your demonic rights! Opera! Bring us to a fancy restaurant! Ask Behemolt for recommendations! We need to celebrate Iruma’s birthday!”

Opera took a hard turn and started making calls and a reservation while Sullivan asked Iruma what gifts he wanted. Iruma tried to say he was fine and it was ok. The complaints died as the smell of something amazing wafted into his nose. Opera stopped the cart in front of a dazzling restaurant where the gluttony demon Behemolt met them.

“Behemolt, thank you for giving us a reservations with short notice. I completely spaced on my grandson’s birthday dinner,” Sullivan admitted, shaking hands with the demon. Iruma’s mouth was drooling and politeness was the only thing stopping him from finding the source of the smell.

“Consider us even, now lets see how much a glutton he really is,” Behemolt slapped a hand on Iruma’s shoulder and brought him in, past the tables and the buffet to the second floor which had a direct route to the kitchen and a full feast laid out. “Have at it.”

Iruma’s eyes sparkled and he jumped in, trying some of everything. The food seemed to materalize faster than he could eat it, each bite tastier than the last. Opera and Sullivan ate slower but Behemolt seemed to be having a mini contest with Iruma on who could eat more. Behemolt won, but Iruma ate way more of his fill and laid down with a stomach ache, gnawing on a bone.

“Haha, your grandson is a true glutton, bring him back any time. You don't need to make a reservation,” he gave Iruma some tea.

“I wish you made that offer when his wings were coming in. He ate us empty faster than we could cook,” Sullivan joked. Behemolt laughed and rubbed Iruma’s head.

“Consider this a birthday gift,” Behemolt gave Iruma a charm, “It’s a charm of gluttony. You can eat anything, and in times where you can't find something to eat, it will sustain you.”

Opera mentally added groceries to their list.

“Best birthday ever,” Iruma let out a burp before falling asleep.

Chapter Text

Iruma thought nothing odd when his friends invited him to go flying. It had turned into a regular occurrence by now. No, the strange thing was when they landed at a mansion that wasn’t Sullivans. Azz and Clara each grabbed a hand and dragged him in, changing their outfits to beast-like costumes. Inside the mansion was decorated with fire and all of his classmates and friends were dressed in costumes.

“What’s going on?” Iruma found himself placed in a throne.

“Your demon rites!” Azz yelled.

Iruma remembered Sullivan mentioning something like Demon Rites. Celebrating a demon’s birthday.

“This is such a grand ceremony,”Ameri mentioned.

“Befitting of someone like Iruma,” Azz agreed.

Opera hummed and had Iruma summon Kalego before starting the ceremony. They chanted and sang with their fire goblets, pouring them into the tub before thanking Iruma and giving him a gift. Iruma didn’t care much for the gifts, but his heart filled as each person thanked him for being born. When Sullivan said his thank you, Iruma burst into tears.

“Iruma-sama! Are you ok?” Azz, Clara and Sullivan rushed to his side.

Iruma nodded, a smile permanently attached to his face as he hugged them, “It’s-it’s just my first time celebrating something like this. And with everybody thanking me...I’m just...I’m just really happy. Thank you…”

“Hey! We’re supposed to be thanking you,”

“When’s everyone else’s birthday?”

The party soon turned into...well a party where they played games and ate food. It took Iruma three tries to blow the flaming tub out.

As the days went by, Iruma was looking forward to watching the Evidols Games with his friends. That was, until Kerori brought in the favor he and Lied owed.

“What do you mean we have to dress as girls!” Lied yelled. Iruma was already in his Irumi costume.

“You made a deal at the harvest festival, if you asked me for another favor, I’ll have you preform on a bigger stage,” Kerori said, holding up Lied’s dress. “I need two teammates for the Evidol games.”

“But! People will see us dressed in frilly clothes!” Lied tried, pushing away the dress.

“A deal is a deal! Besides, don’t you want to see Gyari?”

Lied froze as his favorite Evidol danced in him mind.

“I’ll do it,” he was calm before exploding, “Promise I’ll get to meet her and get an autograph?!”

///////

Under the stadium of the Devidols games, the Six finger gang was setting up. Monsters of all sorts were gnawing at their cages. Two cages were empty, patrolled by a cat monster, ready for their occupants.

“Are you sure bakeneko is an appropriate guard? It kills humans, it ignores demons,” a lacky asked Kiro.

“Oh I’m sure he will,” he couldn't wait to see the look of sorrow on the Evidols faces when their games are destroyed, and bakeneko was the perfect defense against Iruma. Kiro drooled, hoping Iruma would show up so he could fail.

Chapter Text

The backstage of the Devidol games was jammed packed with Evidols and Lied was in heaven just seeing them. Eventually, Kerori was able to hurry them into their dressing rooms where Gyra reigned her head and gave out the proposal. They enlisted Ameri’s help and were set to do the beginning exercises when the floor of the stadium gave out under them, trapping all the idols into the cages below. The monsters underneath started flying out while the others sniffed at the cages.

“Is this supposed to happen?”

“Is this some kind of stunt?”

“I told my agent I don't do escape routines,” all the Evidols were in a tizzy as they tried to leave the cages. They could hear the announcer try to keep everyone calm. Ameri tried attacking the cage when it shocked her.

“No good, some kind of magic shock barrier. We’d need to get something on the outside to turn it off,” she huffed. Kerori tried to send an ice bolt out of the cage but it shattered. Some Evidols were trying to lure the beasts to break the cage. They all knew better than to touch it.

“With my dexterous tail, I will surely unlock the cage!” Beeber announced and stuck his tail out. The beasts started to play with it and try to bite it. Lied stuck his out in an attempt to lure them away. Neither could quite get the lock open.

“That’s it!” Kerori punched her hand, “If we can stick our tails out, we can stick our hands out.”

“How would that help? We still can't pick the lock,” one Evidol sweated as some others looked at her like she was crazy.

“Wait, are you saying we should summon our familiars?” Gyra asked, already pulling out a summoning seal.

Kerori looked to Iruma, “Irumi should.”

“What’s so special about her’s? My hell beast would cream these animals.” Gyra bristled as Kerori took her seal.

“Are you sure? Familiar-sensei…” Iruma started as Kerori put the seal on his hand and stuck it out. The magic coming from it did activate the barrier shock system but Kalego did get summoned in his fluffy form.

“What is the meaning of this?! What mess did you get into this time? I was watching the games and you four just disappeared!” Kalego started to lecture on the outside of the cage. Iruma, Lied, and Kerori sat down and waited for him to be done.

“Sorry Familiar-sensei, but we’re trapped, can you help us get out?” Iruma begged with big pleading eyes. Kalego looked around and examined the cage. The beasts were interested in him. Kalego smacked a few down before announcing he was going to look for the key or the generator and to stay put.

“So what? We’re just supposed to wait for that puffball to save us? I’m surprised it hasn't been eaten yet,” Gyra huffed only to see Devil-muse playing cards.

“Familiar-sensei might be mean but if he says to stay put then it's best to stay put,” Lied said.

“You four won't even try?! Kuromu?”

“If you have a better idea then let's hear it,” Kerori won the hand.

Gyra huffed and looked around, seeing a button on the wall. “Aha! That must be what frees us! If I could hit it.” She took off her shoe and threw it. When that missed she threw the other, and then some magic but it all missed. One of the others hit it, activating the alarm and letting more of the creatures out of the room and into the stands.

Keroi sighed and shook her head. “We are so getting it from Familiar-sensei.”

A few moments went by and their cage did open. Kalego flew over.

“You couldn't wait a few moments?” he growled. The bakeneko started coming over. The Evidols started to run away from it. It sniffed at Iruma, it’s tail sparking the ground. Ameri swatted it away, picking up Iruma. It hissed at them. The ground rumbled and more beasts were set free. They left for the surface and into the fray.

The fight between the beasts and the evidols was one sided. The security team was trying to fight them off, Kalego and Ameri were doing the most damage as reinforcements arrived. Most of the civilians and Evidols had been evacuated by now. Iruma aimed his bow and fired before seeing a chilling sight. Kerori had been torn and knocked down by a creature. Iruma felt wrath like never before. Twenty arrows shot the creature down as he rushed forward.

Kerori was a bloody mess when he got there, chest ripped open, a wing torn off. She shakily opened her eyes and smiled.

“I-Iruma? I’m so glad I was your friend,” she passed out, slowly fading.

Tears poured from Iruma’s eyes, he could only see his friend, and a piece of glass. Without a thought, he grabbed the glass and sliced open his hand, numb to the pain, and placed it dead on Kerori’s chest. The wounds glowed. Flesh stitched together as bones regrew and repaired themselves. It only took a moment after the glowing stopped for Kerori to take a greedy gulp of breath.

“Wha-how?”

Iruma hugged her and cried before the alarm for the arrival of Henri, head of security, sent six fingers packing. Wounds were taken care of, families and teammates reunited and a sense of safety was returned.

Devi-muse was loaded in Kerori’s limo to be taken home.

“Iruma,” Kerori said after hours of silence, “how did you do that?”

“Do what?” Iruma turned from his conversation with Lied, who was ranting how Beamber tried ‘rescuing’ him like a damsel in distress.

“Heal me, I was good as dead, and now,” Kerori touched her chest, a faint scar over her heart was the only physical reminder.

“Oh...uhm,” Iruma held up his bandaged hand, “It’s my...bloodline ability? I can’t use it well. I can only heal others and...with my blood…”

Iruma prayed they believed them. They watched him slack jawed.

“Your bloodline ability is healing?” Ameri asked.

“I thought it was danger avoidance,” Lied said, “you're telling me that is a gained skill!”

Iruma had to deal with many questions as they drove him back to his house. He did not even leave the car when Sullivan tackled him, asking if he was ok, apologizing he couldn't help.

Chapter Text

Lied looked through his magazines. The Evidol games are still on his mind. Irumi was on the front cover of the magazine firing an arrow. There were always more questions than answers that Iruma never answered. Leid wondered if Iruma was a child of one of the great soldiers with double wings, it would explain the bloodline ability.

His phone went off before he could wonder more.

"Hey, Kerori, what's up?"

"Were heading to Iruma's, I told the others and they want to help,"

"Help with what?"

"His bloodline ability."

"So we're going to be hurting ourselves?"

"Sabook and Asmodeus are going to spar, I want everyone to give tips. Also were having a party,"

Lied nodded and started to get his things like a bottle of fake wine. Azzy and Sabook were already torn up when he got there.

"Most abilities are tied to emotion. Just wish him healthy," Elizabetta soothed, holding Iruma's hand, showing off her ability.

Iruma willed with his whole heart and whispered it, nothing.

"It might be like mine! Picture Azzy well,"

Still nothing.

"Maybe its an emergency kind of one?"

"Or one that does need blood?"

Sabook scoffed and grabbed his bag, "clearly it's like mine. I had to learn each metal and how each weapon is made before I can summon it." Sabook gave him a bag full of medical books.

"Wow, you know medicine Sabook kun?"

"The basics, I picked up these on my way, the blues are basics, green intermediate and red advanced." Sabook felt pride as Iruma thanked him ten times over.

After a few minutes of reading and a lot of explaining, Iruma tried again. A faint light and the wound healed enough that someone would think Azzy got hurt yesterday or the day before.

His classmates cheered for him as Iruma just looked at his hands. He did it, or did Alikred do it? Did he have some blood on his hands?

Clara jolted him back to reality as she hugged him.

“So what now?” Iruma asked.

“Oh, why don't you try a kiss? Like mommy always did when we get hurt, maybe that’ll be stronger?” The misfits pictured Iruma kissing a cut or wound. Iruma pulled a blank.

“Uh...ok,” Iruma started to blush as he got into Azzy’s lap, he took a deep breath and gave him a firm kiss on the lips. Azzy’s wounds glowed and healed. Opera brought snacks at that moment. They looked at the scene, put them down and left.

The whole class was speechless as Iruma tried hiding his blush.

“My turn! Azzy, burn me!” Clara launched herself at them.

“For once, no, I will not,” Azzy fought her off.

“Uh, Iruma? You were supposed to kiss the-” Lied was cut off by Azzy throwing Clara at him.

“Don't worry, Iruma, we can practice anytime you want.” Azzy bowed before demanding Sabook to break his arm. Iruma protested him getting hurt more. Eventually they calmed down enough to eat the food and other treats they brought. They were two drinks in when Lied thought of his question again.

“So...Iruma, where are you from?” Lied asked.

“Huh?!”

“You moved in recently with your grandfather right? Where were you before?”

Iruma drew a blank as his friends watched him.

“Kyoto Japan” Iruma muttered, hiding in his shirt. His classmates, however heard Yotoapan*, a town that was at the forefront of the war, near a lake full of demon hungry monsters.

“I knew you were a soldier’s kid!” Lied yelled before tipping back.

“What was it like seeing the war?”
The misfits bombarded him with questions he did not know how to answer. If it wasn't for slipping on a tray and landing in the pastries, he was sure he was going to get them all night. As it was, they ended up trashing the ballroom.

////////////////////////

Yotoapan, according to google translate means ‘world and Arabic bread’ which I found funny so.

Chapter Text

Iruma had to help Opera clean the ballroom before he was allowed to shower, with an order to go to Sullivan’s office when he was done. The second he was alone, Alikred popped up.

“Well well, Lil-Iru is growing up,” Alikred was plucking the petals on a flower.

“I was just trying to heal him,” Iruma blushed, hiding behind a towel.

“I know, which brings me to my second point,” Alikred booped Iruma’s nose, “you have been stealing from me.”

“Wha-?”

“You have been using a lot of magic, I first thought you were using it but no! You’ve been hoarding it!” Alikred took the form of a popular lawyer for his rant. He settled down on the floor, “I’m starting to think we can’t refer to you as a human anymore.”

Iruma nodded and got into the tub, “good...I don't want to be human anymore.” He whipped a tear from his eye.

Alikred floated over, “woah, where did this come, sunshine and rainbows?”

Iruma rubbed his face, “I have nothing in the human world, I have friends, and family here. I don't want to be a human, I’m glad I’m turning into a demon.” Iruma darkened, as if going into an evil phase.

Alikred jumped into the tub, shocking Iruma into going normal-ish. “Hey, kid, ignore the human world here.” he pulled out a ball that looked like earth before it blew up, “see, it’s gone. Your just Iruma, the healer and friend.”

Iruma smiled.

“Just, please keep me fed if your going to feed off of me, please!” Alikred begged on his knees in front of Iruma, “you're such a gluttonous demon, I’m withering away!”

Iruma laughed and promised. He was able to wash himself in peace before heading into Sullivan’s office. The room had a presentation showing a naked demon on it.

“Uh…”

“Iruma-kun!” Sullivan waved him in.

“Grandpa? Whats this?” Iruma took a step back.

“Well, sense you seem to be getting interested in demons, I think it’s time I talked to you about demon mating rituals.” the presentation focused on the nether regions, “the first thing to keep in mind is that demons have spurs right here.”

Iruma felt like he was going to die of embarrassment as Sullivan went into specifics. He was so glad when it was time to go to Opera.

“Opera-San!” Iruma smiled.

“You have been cutting loose lately, Staying out all night, appearing on tv without permission and now getting drunk and making a mess.”

Iruma’s blood ran cold and he went into a bow.

“So today, you will be following me around and helping with the chores,” Opera held out a broom for him.

Iruma jumped up. He learned so much as they cleaned together and Opera taught him the finer details of their job. They ended up resting in the garden.

“There’s so much to do as a servant huh…”

“I’m glad you’ve learned quickly. Thanks to your experience in the student council”

“It does kinda take me back...but after working with you, I noticed that...You really do take care of everything, Opera-san…” Iruma smiled, staring into nothing. “And by doing all of this… You help protect our everyday lives…”

Opera looked at Iruma, “... In the netherworld… Demons who serve other demons, like me, are called security devils. Protecting our master’s life is our priority. But we’re also responsible for protecting their reputation, status, and appearance. We support them in every way we can. Thats why I will always do my daily work meticulously.”

“So that mean that grandpa is someone really important to you? Just like family,” Iruma got excited as Opera drank their tea.

“My feelings are of ...adoration and devotion. And also dependence.”

“Dependence?” Iruma was confused, why would Opera be dependent on anyone?”

“The netherworld is a place where demons hold very little sympathy for others. Yet it is where he taught me what it means to ‘serve’. I believe that if I sacrifice everything, up to the last drop of my blood, the demon who I serve will respond to my sacrifice and do even more in return.” Opera took a sip of tea. “Essentially, this type of servitude is a dependence based on trust.”

Opera got out of their chair, “this is how I have been serving Sullivan-sama, and, one day, I’d like to serve you this way as well, Iruma-sams.”

Opera kneeled in front of Iruma, “Do you remember what I said to you before? That living in the netherworld requires a strong resolve? Iruma-sama, If you continue to live as a demon in the Sullivan family, Your will find yourself in many difficult positions and face many troubles… But, If you still choose this place.” Opera held their hand out for Iruma.

“Iruma-sama, may I place my “trust” in you?”

The words were barely spoken before Iruma took Opera’s hand and accepted, giddy in his seat.

“Alright, my work here is done,” Opera’s tail did a happy dance, “you’re no longer as uncertain as you were back then. I think you’re ready. Now I can accompany you to the event in peace.”

“Event?” Iruma tilted his head to the side.

“In order to stand against nobility, you’ll need to have a noble heart. Iruma-sama, grandson of the Sullivan family. This is… Your invitation to the Thirteen’s Dinner.”

///////////

I know I did not want to put much overlap but I could not just leave Opera’s speech out, could I?

Chapter Text

As it stands now, I'm abandoning this. The fact I want to stay close to cannon except for one detail and the fact that I am way behind on the chapters kind of made me stuck.