Chapter Text
Suzuki Asami looked at her work with an apprehensive smile. It had been years since she had summoned a demon after all. More than 15 years in fact. And while that particular demon turned out to be quite sweet underneath his cold exterior she knew she had to be careful.
While she knew she had nothing to fear when it came to her safety, she wasn't sure if they would agree to her request. It was a rather odd one. But one that was quite dire. Her baby was growing up and fast. In fact he wasn't even a baby any more despite how chubby his cheeks got when he pouted. Reminding her of the sweet little baby she held like it was yesterday.
But right now wasn't the time to reminisce. Right now she needed to summon a demon. One that could hopefully take her son with them. She knew he was at the age that most demon children would be enrolled in their equivalent of high school. And while she learned quite a lot from his father it wasn't enough. Not nearly enough.
On top of that he was starting to get to that age where a wicked phase was soon to pop up. Since she didn't know what kind of person he would turn into it would be a good idea to take him to a place where having a wicked phase, and magic, were the norm.
So far, Iruma being a half-demon was quit easy to hide. He was home schooled and they lived in quite a remote area. On top of that he didn't have any horns and his tail was easily hidden away. So were his wings, but from what she remembered from her lover (Or would it be ex-lover? Does ghosting count as a break-up?) demons typically didn't just walk around with their wings out. The moment they touched the ground they would put their wings away. Which was quite handy for a half-demon living in the human world. If Iruma wasn't able to hide his wings Asami was sure she would've summoned a demon years ago.
Part of her knew she was a bit late with returning him to his rightful place. But for years she tried to delude herself into thinking that Iruma was just an ordinary human. Even though there was no way that Iruma's father was anyone but him. It was quite easy to pretend that he wasn't. Iruma looked nothing like his father. Iruma was nothing like his father. From the colour of his hair to the shape of his eyes. There wasn't a trace of Naberius Kalego on the boy.
For the first couple years at least. Because it didn't take long for Iruma's wings and tail to grow. Letting Asami know that her son was indeed less human than she feared. At first she thought she could ignore it. They were lucky that he didn't have any horns or he would've been forced to wear a hat for the rest of his life.
But demons looking different wasn't the only thing they had to worry about. Aside from the wicked phase there was also magic they had to consider. And unfortunately despite not looking like a Naberius his blood didn't care about that.
The moment Cerberion manifested she should've tried to summon Kalego. But she didn't. Because she didn't need to. Maybe it was because of Iruma's human half but his Ceberion was quite docile. It was an easy beast to tame. Which was very unlike his father's Cerberion.
Then again it hasn't yet interacted with anyone beyond Iruma and Asami. Making Asami suspect that the reason why it hasn't beared it fangs yet is because Cerberion trusts both of them. Something that made her heart swell with joy and pride. As she remembered the very first time Kalego's Cerberion allowed her to pet him. Or better yet when it asked her for pets.
Iruma's Ceberion's docile nature allowed Asami to delay sending Iruma to the netherworld. But there was no delaying it any more. Iruma didn't have any control over his magic. And from what she has seen he was quite powerful for one so young. Accidents with his magic used to be manageable. With the keywords being used to. Without proper guiding she knew that one day other people might find out about Iruma not being completely human. And without the proper spells to protect him who knows what people might do to him.
Besides Asami didn't want Iruma to hide. Iruma deserved to use his magic. He deserved to be surrounded by people who could understand what he was going through when his first wicked phase starts. Unfortunately that meant he had to leave. Trips to the human world were quite illegal after all. Which meant that this would be a one way trip. Something she hasn't told him about yet...
She hoped that the demon they would summon would be able to convince Iruma that the netherworld would be better for him. Besides other than herself Iruma wouldn't leave a lot behind. Because of the fact that he was home schooled he didn't have any friends. Didn't have a lot of family either. Which was something she always regretted. His father was out of reach (except he's not. Just use his summoning seal, you coward), and she didn't have any living relatives; her parents, who were both only children, had died when she was young.
Asami lit up the candles. Her gaze shifted to the door. Her son still in the other room. Not to enter until she gave him the sign. While she couldn't get hurt by the demon because of the ritual there was no guarantee that the demon wouldn't try anything. She'd rather not have her son in the room until she was absolutely certain that the summoned demon would behave.
As she looks at the door she thinks back to the conversation she had not long ago with Iruma. Because of how silly it would be, humans didn't grow a tail and wings after all, the moment he started to show signs of him demon heritage she started to tell him about his true nature. About the stories Kalego told her about the netherworld. About demons in general. Even information about his father. Despite the fact that she would never see him again she never denied Iruma information about Kalego. She luckily had pictures of him too. Asami offered him all the information about the netherworld that she could give him. But she never offered him a chance to go for himself. Iruma in return never asked to go.
She suspected he would never ask. But he didn't need to. As this morning she finally found the courage to offer him a visit to the netherworld. A visit... That's all. But she knew that wouldn't be true. Once there he couldn't return. Not without risking being caught. Not without risking having them know he was half-human. Not without risking that the Naberius Kalego, younger brother of Naberius Narnia had a relationship with a human woman.
None of that could be found out. Who knows what they would do to Iruma if they found out he was half human. Who knows what would happen to Kalego if they found out he fathered a half-human.
She felt bad for lying but it was all for his benefit. The human world wasn't right for him. The same way a bird shouldn't be stuck in a tiny cage, Iruma deserved to spread his wings and fly.
A few hours earlier...
Asami smiled as she watched Iruma do his homework. Her heart heavy in her chest as she knew what she had to do. She just couldn't bring herself to do so. Not yet ready she went to her bedroom. While she did her best to tell Iruma everything about the netherworld that she could she still had some things she hadn't shown him yet. There were some things she would never show him but that was only because that wasn't anything a son should see off his parents. No anything other than that she would share with Iruma. She opened her closet. Picking up a small box. A soft smile on her face as she admired one of the last pictures Kalego gave her. He was so embarrassed when he gave them to her. Not understanding why she wanted to keep them. But Asami couldn't help herself. Kalego looked adorable when he was young. Still as stoic as ever but so cute. Besides this wasn't for her.
When she asked him for those pictures she was pregnant with Iruma. Not that Kalego knew. Not that he would ever know. As far as he knew demons couldn't impregnate humans. On top of that he was always clear about the fact that he didn't want children. It was something he assured her many times. Something she took to heart when she decided to keep him in the dark about Iruma. Since there was no way Iruma was anyone but his she knew she had to stop summoning him. As she didn't want to risk him rejecting their baby. Or better said she didn't want to risk him rejecting her and their baby.
At the time it felt like the right decision but now she knew how selfish that was. Not just to Kalego but to Iruma and herself. She robbed all of them of the chance of being a family.
Asami wanted the pictures in case Iruma ended up looking like Kalego, he didn't but that was beside the point. She wanted him to know Kalego. Not just the adult, but also the child. This way he could see that there were people like him. In the end that wasn't necessary as he looked nothing like Kalego. But she was still glad that she had the picture. As she could use it to break the ice.
"Sweetie?" Asami called out for him.
"Yes, Mom?" Was the ever polite reply of her son.
After taking a deep breath, she called him over. It didn't take him long to arrive. Knowing that this might take a while she sat down on her bed and invited Iruma to sit down next to her. Asami handed him the picture. Making her boy cock his head to the side, unable to resist, she gave him a pat on the head.
"That's your father when he was your age," she smiles at him.
Those words were enough to make Iruma smile at the picture in wonder.
"Can you read that?" Asami asks him as she points at the text on the corner of the picture. During the time that she still summoned Kalego the demon thought her how to read his language. Something she kept up in order to be able to read the books he had gotten her during their... relationship? Courtship? She never knew what to call what they had. She just knew that she loved him.
Because of the way the ritual worked, she could understand him but not the books he brought with him, not until he taught her how. In return, she taught him some Japanese.
"Babyls entrance ceremony," Iruma smiles, and Asami smiles back.
"That's right. This picture was taken on his first day at Babyls. Before your father was a teacher there, he was a student." Asami's gaze drifted forwards, not sure she would have to courage to say what she was about to say if she was looking at him.
"It's almost time for Babyls' entrance ceremony. Would you like to visit it?"
The silence that followed made her wish she hadn't said anything. But the startled noise her son made was too cute that she felt herself back at ease.
"Really? How?" Iruma asked, excitement clear in his voice.
"Well, you know how I met your father right?" she asked, not able to hide the embarrassment in her voice.
"Yes! You summoned him and he looked like a fluffy owl!" Iruma giggles. Remembering the picture his mother showed him off Kalego as her familiar. That was the ritual she did after all. To summon a familiar. But that was only for the first few times she summoned him. Obviously, as Iruma wouldn't exist if that wasn't the case. No, once they both started to get comfortable with each other she used a different ritual. One that allowed his real form to visit her.
"Well, it would be something like that. I'm going to summon a demon. And they will take you to the netherworld."
"Really?" The amazement was palpable and Asami felt her heart squeeze with guilt.
"Really," She smiled back. Eluding the fact that this would be a one way trip.
Back to the present...
His smile was burned in her mind as she put the finishing touches on the ritual. She kneeled down on the ground in front of the circle. Depending on who she summoned it was for the best that she was sitting for this. As there was still a chance that she would summon Kalego. Just like she did all those years ago.
Next to her was a pile of books with on top of it a picture album. The books were all in demon language. The picture album was full with pictures of Iruma. Most of them were of him smiling and being adorable. And while she loved them and wanted everyone to look at them, bragging about how cute her baby was wasn't why she had it. It was for the pictures that showed his wings and tail.
Of course Iruma could just show his wings and tail, but that wouldn't happen until she knew it was safe for Iruma to enter the room. As far as she knew the demon couldn't hurt her because of the ritual but there was nothing preventing the demon from hurting Iruma if they wished to do so.
Asami watched as the room got filled with a familiar light. Feeling her heart almost beat of her chest as she waited for the smoke to settle.
When the stranger was revealed she wasn't sure if she was disappointed or relieved to see that it wasn't Kalego. Before the demon could say anything Asami picked up the photo album.
"I'm sorry for pulling you away from your work," she started off, doing her best to stay calm and to not run her mouth. But that was easier said than done with the intimidating gaze of the demon on her. She could tell that he was powerful. And she wasn't sure if that was going to make things easier or not. "My name is Suzuki Asami and I've summoned you with a very dire request," Asami flipped open the album. "My son is..." Asami couldn't help but pause. Not quote sure what to say. There were various myths about humans having children with demons. But those came from the human world and while she knew she couldn't be the first human to summon a demon she still didn't trust those books.
"He's a half-demon," she settled on saying. As it was the truth after all. She showed him the pictures of Iruma with his wings out, with his tail showing. But she didn't show any pictures of his Cerberion. It was too much of a give away who his father was if she did.
The demon stayed silent but Asami didn't care. "He's grown so much!" She says as she keeps flipping through the album to show off his cuteness. "His name is Iruma, I taught him everything I could," she points at the books beside her. "But that isn't enough. He deserves to learn from actual teachers. From actual demons. He deserves to fly. And thus I ask you to please bring Iruma back to the netherworld so he can attend Babyls."
Was it maybe foolish to specifically ask for Babyls? Perhaps. But what she heard from kalego about the other schools she knew that Babyls was the best place for Iruma. Not just because of the fact that his father was there. But also because she didn't think the other schools were a good fit for Iruma.
Before the demon could reply the door flung open.
"Mom, no!" Iruma shouted as she ran into the room. As instructed his wings and tail were already out. Asami's eyes widened. As far as she knew she was currently speaking demon language. Meaning that Iruma shouldn't have been able to understand her. But maybe it was because of his proximity to the summoning circle or simply because he inherintly could understand demon language because of heritage, it didn't matter. As currently her son was clinging onto her. Because her wording made it pretty obvious that this wouldn't just be a vist to the Netherworld. It would be permanent.
She clung onto her son tightly. Soothingly rubbing his back. "I'm so sorry, Honey. But this is truly for the best. I want you to be able to be yourself. And that's not possible here."
"I don't want to leave you!"
"I don't want to leave you either. But unlike with your father I can't summon you. Nor can I summon a demon to fetch you every time I want to see you." Unlike with Kalego who she could summon as a familiar or as his regular form with his seal she wasn't sure whether she could summon Iruma. Because of his status as only a half demon and because of his lack of seal she doubted it would be possible.
"But-"
"If that's the case, why don't you become my daughter?"
"Huh?"
Because Iruma and Asami were too focused on each other they didn't notice that the demon got closer to them. Right now the demon was kneeling in front of them.
"I'm so jealous of my friends when they brag about their grandchildren! And obviously I can't have grandchild without a child! It would be perfect! You two can stay together! Please! I'll buy you anything! I'll spoil you two as much as you want!"
The once intimidating and tall demon was reduced to a small egg like state. Asami would've smiled if she wasn't too busy being bewildered by his offer. Iruma on the other hand saw this as an opportunity.
"Please agree mom!" Iruma begged her. Making both the demon and her blink at him. Iruma and the demon than shared a look before they both went back to begging.
It was all a bit overwhelming for Asami. On one hand she would love to join, if only so she didn't have to be separated from her son. But the netherworld wasn't fit for a human. That was something Kalego drilled into her every time she asked him to join him back. Not just because they could get caught but because her scent was too alluring.
But as she watched the two of them throw every reason why she should agree at her she found herself smiling. She pulled Iruma into a tight hug. "Okay, I agree," she smiled at the demon who she realized she still didn't know the name of.
The moment she agreed a paper poofed up in front of her. It was in demon language, a certificate of adoption. Figuring there would be a contract involved she already had her stamp with her. She looked at Iruma and the demon, both of them smiling at her encouragingly before she stamped the contract. As soon as she did there was a sudden burst of light.
"Wait!" Asami shouted. Causing the light to disappear. She sighed as she saw she was still in their living room. "There are some things I want to take with me. Is that alright?" she asked the demon.
"Of course! Anything for my daughter!" The demon smiled.
"Thank you," Asami replied. Pausing when she realized he hasn't introduced himself to them yet.
"My name is Sullivan but you can call me dad!" the demon replied. Making her realize that she agreed to be his daughter only a few moments ago. "You can call me grandpa," the demon, or Sullivan, said to Iruma. The smile on her son's face was enough to ease her. It was always just the two of them. So it was nice to have someone else. Especially since her own parents haven't been around for a long time now.
"Okay, Dad," Asami tried out. Still a bit awkward but she could get used to it. Sullivan on the other hand was clearly very much enjoying his new status as father and grandfather. "Do you want to bring something too?" she asked Iruma. Who was quick to get up. He nodded and made his way back to his room. She could guess what he wanted to bring along so Asami made her way to her own bedroom. She picked up the box with pictures and other gifts she got from Kalego and placed it in her bag. Together with her kindle and her tablet. While she doubted she could browse the internet from the netherworld she had enough shows downloaded on it for it to be worth it. Since clothing wasn't that different in the Netherworld she also packed some clothes. She placed everything she wanted with her in a bag. Once done she made her way back to the living room.
Where Iruma and the demon, who was now officially her father, were waiting for her. She picked up the books on the floor and placed it in her bag as well.
"Are you ready?" she asked her son. Who in return nodded. Standing there with a bag of his own. Both Suzuki's turned to Sullivan, waiting for him to bring them to the Netherworld.
With a flash they were gone. And Asami realized that maybe she should've made some phone calls before she left. While she didn't have any family other than Iruma (and now Sullivan), she was sure her landlord would appreciate the call. Then again, she was sure that as soon as she missed her next payment, the man would be knocking on the door. So maybe it didn't matter after all.