Chapter XXIII. You Fit Right Now, Ryūko & Iruma 😄
"Hey, Ryūko and Iruma, would you be good sports and carry these for me?" Asked Ryūko and Iruma's father referring to a mountain of cartons.
"Okay, Dad!" Replied young Ryūko and Iruma.
"Could you clean the bathroom, too?" Asked their mother.
"Just leave it us!" Replied Ryūko.
Their father stroked their hair and said: "Who are good kids? On that note..."
"Would you mind terribly if we sold you off to a demon?" Asked their parents.
Sullivan appeared menacingly behind them. Usually, they would shout: "Of course that's not okay!" But this time...
"Do what you want... I don't mind.../Sure, I guess..." Mumbled Ryūko and Iruma in their sleep.
Yes, it was just a dream. The same dream the Suzuki twins had from the first time they descended into the Netherworld.
Their hellraiser clocks chimed with loud and disturbing noises, but the Suzuki twins woke up peacefully, in spite of that. They walked up to their rooms' windows, looking over the scenery of the Netherworld. Unlike the human world, the scenery was definately... more demonic.
"Such a beautiful day." Said Iruma.
"Good morning, Netherworld." Said Ryūko as she touched her black cherry blossom ear cuff before doing a voice warm-up.
Iruma and Ryūko have gotten so accustomed to the Netherworld that this feels like a lovely, peaceful morning to them.
Her singing voice was much of a professional sound, as if she was a fantasy princess. Thus, a few demon birds flew to her open window.
"Oh. Hello, little ones." Greeted Ryūko with one of the birds resting on her finger. She gently stroked the roosting bird with her other finger before she noticed a ribbon and roll of paper tied to its leg.
"What is this?" Asked the singer to herself. She untied the ribbon and unrolled the paper: it was a message from her beloved soulmate, Kirio Amy.
I'm still here in prison, missin' you as I work up. But I hope you have a great day at school, even though I ain't around. My prison term here is two years prior. Remember to keep in touch with me, Ryūko-chan. I hope to see you again.
Love with all my heart,
Kirio Amy
Ryūko's heart warmed up from receiving a message from him and took the bird inside her room with her before writing something on a black piece of paper with silver-colored ink on her quill.
"No matter how long it takes, no matter how much you changed, maybe not even a bit, I await for your return, always. Your beloved, Ryūko." Mumbled Ryūko as she wrote her last sentences before tying it to the bird's leg, "Be sure to send it to him. Thank you."
She let the bird off to send her message before she went to prepare for school.
"Hope it'll be a great day! I know it!" Said both twins.
After preparations, Ryūko and Iruma greeted each other a good morning before heading off the the dining room, where their adoptive grandfather, Sullivan, his servant, Opera, and their housemate/classmate, Isabelle, were awaiting them.
"Hey there, Grandfather/Grandpa and Isa." Greeted the twins.
"Good morning, my darling grandkids/Ryūko and Iruma!" Greeted Sullivan and Isabelle.
"Good morning to you two. Hell Gray tea?" Said Opera, serving them a steaming cup of tea.
"Thank you, Opera." Said Ryūko kindly, earning his cat ears happily twitching.
As the twins and their housemate ate their meals, Sullivan told them that they could make plenty more food, if that wasn't enough and to not hold back on it. Unlike her younger twin, Ryūko doesn't usually eat as much as Iruma, just only a necessary amount for her is fine. But as a half-Arachne demon, her meals are usually rich in protein to maintain her silk production. Yes, she is somehow half-human and half-demon. Her demon bloodline magic is a mystery, not even she herself knows what it is. Possibilities for her being a half-demon are that she was either cursed, or her human father was not her biological father at all and was rather a demon that was her real father.
The twins heard their demon friends, Alice Asmodeus, Clara Valac, Acheron Gremory, and Félin Lavande outside the mansion to pick them up.
"Time to go? Asked Iruma to himself.
"Oh, kids. Do you want to use my special carriage? Asked Sullivan flying around, "It's been a while. Come on, let's use it!"
Ryūko and Isabelle were clearing up their side of the table with Opera as Iruma was finishing up.
"Sorry, Lord Sullivan. But we'd prefer walking over the carriage." Said Isabelle as she grabbed her bag.
"That's okay..." Said Iruma before going off, "I gotta get going!"
"Iruma! Get your keister back here, you little blueberry!" Joked Ryūko after cleaning up and grabbing her cape as she ran, "Perhaps another time, Grandfather! We have to go, see you later! Crap! My cape went down in the wrong look! Not now, evil cycle me!"
"Wait, come back! Sadness..." Sighed Sullivan.
"Have a wonderful day." Said Opera.
And so, Ryūko and her group walked to school as she and Isabelle sang the school anthem along with the other demons who were flying to the demon school Babyls.
"I'm delighted to join you on this morning fitness jog!" Said Asmodeus.
"Me, too." Said Acheron, placing his gun-blades in his bag.
"As do I." Smiled Lavande with her left hand on her sword's pommel.
"Hey, let's race! A demonathon!" Suggested Clara, "Let's find out who can get to school the fastest!"
Asmodeus immediately objected: "Running at top speed first thing in the morning, you're a fool!"
"That's okay... I guess you're afraid of getting your butt kicked funny, Azz!" Exclaimed Clara. "I get it."
"Ooh. I pity you there, Azz." Mutter Isabelle with sarcasm in her voice.
"Oh my. When has Lady Valac become this straightforward?" Asked Lavande.
"I would never lose to the likes of you!" Exclaimed Asmodeus, "Prepare 'cause it's time to lose!"
"Isn't running against the school rules, though?" Asked Iruma to his sister. "Honestly, what dumba**es." Muttered Ryūko.
And there went Asmodeus and Clara sprinting to school. Lavande transformed into her small cat form and tried to keep up with Asmodeus, though she wasn't running.
"What the actual hell, you two dumbasses!?" Shouted Ryūko, still walking with Iruma, Isabelle, and Acheron, "You're both breaking the rule about running in school! Damn it!"
"Ignore them, Ryūko." Reassured Acheron. "They'll get themselves into trouble somehow."
The two runners greeted the Student Council members at the entrance, who shouted to them that they shouldn't run in the school. Dosanko, the alien-looking demon girl, was acting bashful when the wind blew past her.
"My, naughty breeze. Why you gotta be like that? My poor little heart is simply aflutter with palpitations..." Said Dosanko. Now, it looked as if the wind was carrying her slightly upwards.
She suddenly saw Asmodeus running towards her. She hoped for an accidental kiss from a hot guy, but the male top freshman grabbed her hand and elegantly twirled her around before gently putting back on her feet.
"Pardon me." Said Asmodeus before he went off to compete with Clara, "Hold it, you!"
After he left the scene, Dosanko's friends couldn't help but gush over him.
"Asmodeus!" Mentioned Azuki, the dark blue haired girl.
"He's so full of devi spirit first thing in the morning." Said Konatsu, the blond demon who unintentionally offended Ryūko once.
"Devi charming." Said Haruno, the pink haired girl, "Please set my heart ablaze!"
"Ladies, today's our very own anniversary of exhilaration." Smiled Dosanko.
"He is worthy of an ally." Said Lavande as she jumped and stopped next to the female group.
"Oh! Félin, that's your cat form?" Asked Konatsu.
"Indeed, 'tis I." Nodded the lavander cat.
"Wow. You're so pretty and cute!" Complimented Azuki.
Haruno was stroking the cat's fur, not to mention her fluffy mane.
"Her fur's so soft and fluffy!" Said Haruno, "She must have taken great care of herself!"
"But of course, a knight must never forget his or her hygiene or appearance needed to be tending of." Said Lavande before transforming back, "Now, if you would pardon me, my ladies. I must be off. Farewell."
And with that, she went on her way to class as Haruno, Azuki, and Konatsu watched her with smiles on their faces.
In the Misfit Class's Room
In the classroom, Naberius Kalego, homeroom teacher of the Misfit Class, Iruma's familiar, and Isabelle's mother's ex-girlfriend, began homeroom with an announcement, regarding an absent teacher.
"Professor Morax will be out for a week due to chronic back pain. Therefore, Professor Momonoki will be in charge of first period basic magic. Take note." Announced Kalego before he forcefully closed his class book, "Homeroom has now concluded. Now get to your first period class. And behave. Don't cause trouble for the other students and especially not the teachers! You are demons, but... Silence."
Thing is, unlike most of the Misfit Class's students, Ryūko is the only known student amongst them who sees Kalego as her favorite teacher and their personas are quite similar in a way.
Kalego also sees Ryūko as a favorable student of his, as she's aiming to achieve the best as a student, meaning that she is also strictly dignified at most times. This relationship between student and teacher is the complete opposite of Iruma's relationship with Kalego, in which he treats Iruma coldly and can be seen holding a grudge against him, whereas he treats Ryūko as a favorite student and sometimes she even assists him when situations call for it, with or without instructions.
Anyways, the class went to their first period class, Basic Magic, which Kalego said earlier, was taught by Momonoki Morax, a teacher who has feelings for Kalego. Isabelle, Ryūko, and Lavande didn't have enough space to sit with the rest of the group, because they took the first row seat. So they ended up sitting with Keroli and Elizabetta.
"Welcome back to Basic Magic. We'll continue our lesson on page 66." Said Momonoki, "Please open your textbooks. Alright. Please read the next part, Miss Valac."
As Clara was reading, Lied was watching Kuromu's performance on his portable gaming console. "Oh man, Kuromu's the absolute best." Said Lied.
"Her song was number one on the Demonicon Chart." Said Jazz.
"Oh yeah? That's devi cool!" Said Lied.
"I bought 66 copies immediately." Said Goemon, "Oh, hey, would you like a snack?"
"Professor Momonoki. We have some students doing something irrelevant in class." Said Ryūko, with her hand up, much to their dismay.
"Thank you, Miss Ryūko." Said Momonoki, "You three, quiet down!"
She transformed the three boys into frogs with her wand and realized what did she do, "O-Oh, my... that escalated quickly."
"My, what a cute little frog." Said Elizabetta holding the little blue Goemon frog on her palm.
"I concur, Ix." Agreed Ryūko, who was holding the little orange Lied frog (no pronunciation puns intended) on her palm, "Such a cute little froggie."
Then, all of the sudden, Lead, Jazz and Goemon transformed back into their normal selves. The samurai and gamer demons were flustered, because Elizabetta and Ryūko were holding them, bridal style.
"I, uh, this isn't what it looks like!" Apologized the blushing boys.
Isabelle and Ryūko was laughing softly at this hilarious scene. Kamui was very envious of them.
"It's so unfair!" Cried Kamui, "WHY?! Gaaaaarp! Shaaaaax!"
"Everyone, what you all saw just now was an example of basic magic: Transformation Magic." Said Isabelle to everyone, "As you might have saw from Professor Momonoki's display, the spell does not last for a long time on someone who resists it."
"Well said, Miss Abaddon." Praised Momonoki, "I can see why you're one of the honor students."
"If you will all pardon me." Ryūko jumped from her seat and did an dynamic flip to the seat behind her and set Lead on his seat before she landed on the desk and went back to her own. The whole class applauded at her spectacular performance and she does the same for Goemon.
Once Ryūko sat back down, she, Isabelle, and Iruma whispered to Keroli: "You made number one. Congratulations!"
Keroli smiled at their words and gasped for a second before quietly saying: "Please don't talk about that here in school! But still, thanks a lot."
"Hey, Ryūko. Sorry about that frog incident." Apologized Lied.
Ryūko was listening and wrote something on a sticky not before she passed it to him.
"It's fine. Thanks for showing me your humiliated face, though. That made my day." The note said.
Lied was blushing furiously at the embarrassing thing Ryūko said.
'Apparently, I like to see humiliation on others' faces.' Thought Ryūko inwardly smiling, 'But I'm not into despair, like Amy-senpai. This perverse thought of mine is quite similar to that, though.'
She softly giggled at the thought as she touched her earcuff again.
The day continued with every student of Babylus attending their classes until it was dismissal. Some students remained to participate in their Battler activities. Eiko and Gaako were about to leave the school grounds.
"I didn't get to see Iruma or President Ameri around campus today." Said Eiko.
"Hey, Eiko, I'm going ahead." Said Gaako.
"I'll find them tomorrow for sure." Said Eiko to herself.
But just as she said that, Ryūko, Iruma, Isabelle, and Lavande ran passed her. The twins and the knight went to the Meeting Room to proceed with their regular manga reading sessions with Ameri. In today's session, the scene is quite a cliffhanger or something tragic.
Note: If you can't remember, Ryūko's manga translation lines are in Bold, whereas Iruma's manga translation lines are in Italic and Isabelle's manga translation lines are underlined. The manga translations will not be written in script form.
"Kakeru, please tell me. What happened?" - Hoshino Rin
"No, I... I can't tell anyone. No even you!" - Aozora Kakeru
"Please!" - Hoshino Rin
"Babam! Everyone has secrets, didn't you know?!" - Sayo
"Sayo!" - Hoshino Rin
"Secrets they can't tell anyone else." - Sayo.
As Ryūko translates that line, she lifted her hand and brushed the left side of her bangs and forelocks against it, just like the real character, before they got stuck to the side of her head. In this... she looks like... Did she resemble someone? Does she... look like someone familiar?
"Sorry!" - Aozora Kakeru
"Kakeru! It looked as though Kakeru's back was crying. Kakeru, please don't cry. Listen, the crows are laughing. It's almost like they're making fun of us." - Hoshino Rin.
Isabelle/Ryūko/Iruma: "To be continued."
Iruma looked at his sister's hair, stuck to the side of her head and exclaimed: "Eh?! Sis, your bangs are stuck to your head!"
"What?" Asked Ryūko. She looked through her bag and found her circular mirror and noticed that she made those parts of her hair stuck on her head.
'I thought they would have fallen off after I re-enacted Sayo's actions, but they ended up stuck to my head like this?' Thought Ryūko, 'Hey. This hairstyle... It looks like his other side. I remember back then... Ah! I got to fix that!'
With her thoughts out of her head, she recomposed herself and fluffed her hair by shaking her head. Her bangs and forelock went back to their original state.
"You know, Ryūko. Now that I think of it, you sort of... look like Kirio." Said Isabelle, which made Ryūko blush.
"H-Hey. I-I was just getting into Sayo's character, okay?" Stammered Ryūko, "I-I-It's not like that, I swear!"
"Um... Okay. If you say so, Sis." Sweatdropped Iruma.
Ameri happily sighed from hearing the translated panels and said: "The way Kakeru must feel as he yearns to tell her the truth, but he can't... It's so painful!"
As she gets a little excited from that, her horn-like hair tufts moved back an forth from excitement, "And her rival Sayo's line was also excellent! I mean, "Everyone has secrets." Brilliant. Hold on a second. Everyone?"
She then remembered the three mysterious dem-dols, Titania, Akuryū, and Irumi, she saw back inside Makubari Dome during Kuromu's concert.
'Those dem-dols Titania, Akuryū, and Irumi could almost have passed for Isabelle, Ryūko, and Iruma. Are Iruma and Ryūko related respectively? No, if Ryūko is a half-human living with her pure human brother Iruma back in the human world, they wouldn't have any relatives in the Netherworld.' Thought Ameri, 'Maybe they just look identical? Ryūko and Iruma themselves couldn't possibly have... worn those fluffy dresses?!'
"I beg your pardon, President Azazel?" Addressed Ryūko.
She managed to get Ameri to snap out of her thoughts before she stammered: "Hey, R-Ryūko, I-Isabelle... and I-Iruma... Do you happen to have... a secret... I mean, anything bothering you? Are you feeling stressed out?"
"Is anything bothering me?" Repeated Iruma before he though of it for a second, "Not that I can think off. What about you two?"
"Not much right now." Said Isabelle.
"That... I am somehow able to focus on my studies, while I could think of my beloved soulmate." Said Ryūko, "But then... At some points, my focus seems to lessen. But I'm still able to keep up with everyone in class. I still do miss him; a lot, to be precise. This morning, a bird sent me a message from him, it was tied to its leg. I wrote back to him this message.
"My dearest soulmate,
It indeed has been a long period of time, since we ever crossed paths. Surely, there is nothing for you to worry about me. I am just fine at the academy, though I still think of you from time to time again. Let this final sentence be in your heart: No matter how long it takes, no matter how much you changed, maybe not even a bit, I await for your return, always.
Your love, Ryūko."
That's what I could remember."
"Ryūko... You stay true to your feelings..." Said Ameri, shocked from her message, "I've never seen a demon like that before..."
"Sis really misses Kirio a lot, I get how does she feel about it." Said Iruma.
"Aside from that, nothing stressing us about." Added Ryūko.
"I-I see... Alright, then..." Ameri stood up from her armchair and walked up to the twins, "If there ever is, feel free to come talk to me at anytime. I'm sure you'll feel the same, Félin."
"But of course, Your Grace." Bowed Lavande, "I will do what I must for their sake."
"Thank you very much, both of you." Smiled Isabelle, Ryūko, and Iruma.
'Are they different people, after all?' Asked Ameri to herself about the dem-dols again.
"Ameri, can I try some of these snacks?" Asked Iruma.
"Oh, yeah, sure. You can have as much as you like." Said Ameri before she place a donut wrapped in a wrapper on Iruma's palms.
Her fingertips were lightly brushing against Iruma's warm and soft skin, which rendered her into a blushing mess. Iruma enjoyed his snack, unaware of Ameri's blushing face. Isabelle, Ryūko, and Lavande were the only ones aware of this.
'Why is my heart beating like a demonitor's wings?!' Asked Ameri inwardly, 'It's not as if he's using any charms!'
After that, it was time to head home. Asmodeus and Clara racing again on the way.
"K-K-K-K-K-Kaboom!" Sounded Clara as she ran.
"I cannot lose, for my lieges' sake, as well as my own!" Exclaimed Asmodeus while running as well, leaving Isabelle, Acheron, Ryūko, Iruma and Lavande walking behind them.
"Hey, you might fall if you're not careful!" Said Iruma, "And jeez, you're so fast!"
"I sure hope they don't hurt themselves." Said Acheron with concern.
Lavande sighed at the situation.
"Lavande, it's fine if you don't feel like walking with us through a situation like this." Suggested Ryūko.
"Oh. N-No bother at all, milady." Said Lavande, "It is only of the thought of them resembling siblings."
"That's true; Asmodeus does seem like the elder sibling, whereas Valac is the youngster." Commented Ryūko.
After the trio and pampered themselves with a relaxing bath and ate a delightful dinner, they went to bed.
They flopped down onto the soft mattresses of their beds and thought aloud: "Man, this was a very leisurable/pleasant/good day! And my bed's so fluffy warm, too..."
At that second, the twins suddenly sported a shocked expression, "Wait! Are we fitting in the Netherworld now?!"
Ryūko and Iruma finally realized...
The reality had finally dawned on them. Yes, like it or not, you fit right in now, Ryūko and Iruma!
Ryūko heard a chirping noise from her window and saw the same bird that gave her Kirio's message from this morning. She opened her window and let the bird rest on her finger as she removed the new message on it leg.
"Let's do a video chat tonight, Ryūko. I hope you're free. Kirio Amy." Read Ryūko aloud.
She smiled and gave the bird some water and food before she sent it off, and she told it that there isn't anything to send.
She turned on her video chat Demonitor and looked for Kirio's contact. Once she chose the contact, she waited for Kirio to be online, since he has to wait for his guard to tell him that his soulmate is keeping in touch with him. After a minute, he finally got online.
"Hey-a, Ryūko!" Greeted Kirio.
"Amy! Goodness, I missed you so much!" Greeted Ryūko, "How's it going?"
"I still cough up blood after workin' up my magic power as part of the prison stuff, but I'm good." Said Kirio, "What about you?"
"Something really funny happened at Basic Magic class today, Amy." Said Ryūko,
"Three of my classmates were doing something irrelevant in class and I told Professor Momonoki about that before she turned them into frogs. One of my female classmates picked up one of them, as well as me, in our palms. Then all of the the sudden, they transformed back and we ended up holding them in our arms!"
"Hahaha! Wow, that's hilarious." Smiled Kirio, "What else?"
"Well, after I set my "frog" down at his seat, he apologized to me for that incident and I gave him a sticky note that tells him that I'm fine and I thanked him for his humiliated face." Said Ryūko,
"He blushed of embarrassment when I told him that. It really made my day."
"Huh? That sound a little like me, but it ain't despair." Said Kirio.
"That's because I saw humiliation and not despair." Clarified the goth girl, "I even thought of you in that second. I guess we are alike in some terms, now."
"Maybe so. Also..." Kirio showed Ryūko the black paper message she sent him this morning, "That was really sweet of ya, Ryūko. You're waitin' for me no matter what. I never felt so happy to hear things from you in a long time."
"Aww! Me too, Amy." Smiled Ryūko, "Oh. Remember when you said you wanted to create magical apparatuses that will help weaker demons go head-to-head with high-ranking demons?" Asked Ryūko, which Kirio nodded at, "I've actually been sketching and trying to calibrate a magic enhancement apparatus, since Gabuko wasn't actually what I thought it was."
"Ryūko... You..."
Clearly, he didn't expect that Ryūko was carrying his ambition on for him, but in good terms this time. Ryūko went through her bag and found her sketchbook. She then flipped the pages of the sketchbook, until she found her desired page. It showed a design of her drafted apparatus and a chart of enhancement effects based on bloodline magic. She did multiple times of research of every possible magic power that can be noted as weak in some demons.
There were also labels of the inquired functions.
"Ta-da! This is what I'm doing for you! What do you think?" Asked Ryūko.
The upperclassman was surprised, at the same time, his heart warmed up from realizing that his soulmate would do such a good thing, instead of a bad thing about his ambitions. He clasped his hands together and his face heated up, trembling from what Ryūko has been doing.
"You see, Amy. I only had my academic ambition and no personal ambitions. But even the dem-dol, Kuromu, asked whether I could work with her, because she noticed my skills. I declined and needed some time to think of it." Said Ryūko, "But with out a personal ambition, what else can I do? I remembered you told me and Iruma that you wanted to create magical apparatuses that can help the weaker demons with their lack of power, so that they can be treated equally with high-ranking demons, and make the power gap in the Netherworld disappear. I wasn't sure if you would still go for it in good terms compare to the villainous plan back then, but if you wanted to do this, then you may count on me to try and calibrate this apparatus. That's what I'm aiming to do for you now!"
He was left moved and lost for words from her speech of carrying his ambition. Kirio didn't know what to say to thank her for such a kind doing that he shed tears of delight.
"Oh, Ryūko! You really do know what I'm wantin'! Your speech has warmed my heart!" Cried Kirio, "I love you so, so, so much! I'm so happy to hear that!"
Ryūko was just sitting on her bed, smiling at his comment.
"I'm glad that you see this ambition that way, Amy." Said Ryūko.
"Thank you so much, Ryūko! I can't believe this would happenin'!" Said Kirio.
Ryūko was touching the spot where her heart should be with her hand and told him that he's very welcome and she'll always have him in her heart. They placed their hands (left for Kirio and right for Ryūko) on the projected screen and then their foreheads as their Soulmate Scars glowed bright in turquoise and azure, showing that their love is growing stronger. It was getting a little late, so they had to part away.
"Wow, it's getting late." Stated Ryūko, referring to her hellraiser clock, "We better be off to sleep now."
"Well, Ryūko, thanks again for bein' someone who's gonna give me a second chance and to be carryin' my ambition forward." Smiled Kirio, "Don't forget me and I love you."
"A thousand times good night, fair Romeo." Said Ryūko, "And I, too, love thee."
And with that, ends the romantic video chat.
The Next Morning
Ryūko and her group walked to school as usual. Only this time, the twins seem to worry about some things. Isabelle, Asmodeus, Lavande, Acheron, and Clara noticed the twins' expressions. And as you might know, Isabelle already knew what's going on with her housemates lately.
'Before Grandfather/Grandpa brought us here, we were still working on the tuna fishing boat... But now, we eat what we need/all we want, and even attend academy/go to school.' Thought Ryūko and Iruma, but the gothic student had something else in mind.
"What is going on in Miss Ryūko's and Master Iruma's/Lady Ryūko's and Sir Iruma's minds? They're completely checked out." Asked Asmodeus and Lavande to Clara and Acheron.
"Drawing a blank." Replied Clara.
"You got me there." Followed Acheron.
"We figured."
"We did a procedure that erased all their memories of being in the Netherworld and sent them home. Ryūko... Iruma... If you are seeking help, please don't hesitate to ask..."
- Azazel Henri
The Suzuki twins remembered their conversation with Henri Azazel, but... are they sure... that they would want to return to the human world? Ryūko is half human and Iruma is pure human. Can the two really just stay here in the Netherworld? Would Ryūko have to leave her beloved soulmate for good?
'I have a feeling that these two are conflicted about leaving the Netherworld? I still remember what Officer Henri said to them the other day. But... are they actually willing to head back?' Thought Isabelle.
"They must be tired." Concluded Asmodeus, "I can't blame them."
"Me neither. They did worked a lot in the past few weeks." Said Acheron.
"Lady Ryūko must have her soulmate in mind." Said Lavande, "That soulmate of her is Sir Amy, himself. I know of any heavy drawback of her heartache as they consider their love as forbidden, for a personal reason."
"Miss Ryūko and Amy are soulmates?!" Whisper-asked Asmodeus.
"Yes. Their love can be seen as forbidden because she and Iruma intervened with a set of classified information." Whispered Acheron, "Still, they would not retreat from their hearts' true feelings. That is what Lavande and I could know of."
"The poor kids haven't even had one single moment at all of rest..." Cried Asmodeus.
"Let's perk them all up again with yummy food!" Suggested Clara, snapping her fingers.
"As if mere food could make them feel... Wait, actually... A meal. Yes, Miss Ryūko and Master Iruma love to eat, although Miss Ryūko doesn't eat as much as Master Iruma." Said Asmodeus, "You might've come up with a good idea for once, Valac."
"But possiblites are, Lady Ryūko will not resolve from the seperation of her and Sir Amy." Added Lavande, "I suppose she deserves something more than a meal. But what...? I will have to search of it as we go. In the meantime, I will be of assistance."
"Count me in." Chimed Acheron in.
After School
So with their plan set to lift up their friends' spirits, Asmodeus, Lavande, Acheron, and Clara went to Babylus' kitchen.
"Now listen. Miss Ryūko and Master Iruma can know nothing of this." Whispered Asmodeus.
"Indeed." Nodded Lavande.
"Understood." Nodded Acheron.
"Roger. Because guess what?" Said Clara before they all said together: "We're going to make/We shall prepare a big delicious meal for Miss Ryūko and Master Iruma/-kins/Lady Ryūko and Sir Iruma/Iruma and Ryūko!"
The demon quartet placed a lot of ingredients on the kitchen counter.
Clara was playing around with a rolling pin and cutting board until she brought out a recipe book.
"Hey-a! I have great recipes!" Said Clara.
"Where'd you get that?!" Asked Asmodeus.
"They're from Mommy's collection !" Said Clara, "Nothing beats my Mommy's cooking."
"What's that?" Asked Acheron, Asmodeus and Lavande.
"We'll make muffle wuffle crackle bang!" Said Clara.
"What are you saying?!" Exclaimed Asmodeus.
"Pardon/What does that even mean?" Asked Lavande and Acheron.
"Huh?" Clara was shocked and hit a nerve, "Don't you know?"
'Of course not! Muffle... what in the...? A dish I've never heard of, despite being erudition of the Netherworld...' Thought Asmodeus, 'But if I dare ask her, it'll be a shattering blow to my dignity! I can't let this happen. It is important for me to uphold my dignity, so that my lady knight will continue to see me as a worthy companion, for the time being.'
He then flatly answered: "Sure, of course..."
Clara sighed in relief before she said: "Right, right. Of course. Why wouldn't you? What about you, Ake-Ake?"
"Sorry, Clara, but I have no idea what that is." Replied Acheron.
"Oh," Sighed Clara. "Lave-Lave, you?"
"I know not of such a dish's name, in spite of my knowledge." Replied Lavande with honesty, which shocked Asmodeus.
"Miss Félin?! Why are you being so honest with yourself?" Asked Asmodeus.
"The Code of Chivalry, Commandment Eight: Thou shalt never lie, and shalt remain faithful to thy pledged word." Recited Lavande from a scroll of the same code as a true knight before rolling it back, "For I, Dame Lavande Félin, daughter of Sir Sombre Félin, shalt keep true to my word and shalt remain faithful to it, as it is pledged. As a knight, I will not rebel this code. So, Lady Valac, would you hand us the acquired steps to this preparation?"
"Sure, sure!" Nodded Clara, giving Lavande the recipe book, "I'll tell you about step two and three later, Lave-Lave and Ake-Ake. You're in charge of step one, Azz-Azz!"
'First, cut the muffle finely. Make sure it gets along with he faafaa and jinwaarisan. Finally, have them meet up with tanesshi?' Read Asmodeus mentally, 'I don't understand a word of this gibberish!'
"Lave-Lave, Ake-Ake, come with me. I'll help you understand what the book is saying."
"Thanks, Clara." Said Acheron
"My, that is well appreciated, Lady Valac." Thanked Lavande as they followed Clara.
While the trio were having an understanding session, Asmodeus was deep in thought.
'Come on, think... The picture it looks like... fried chicken? No! It's muffle! Muffle... Is it sweet? A muffle is... Waffle! Yes, they're waffles! No, that's a trap. "Crackle" is right in the name. It has to be harder than waffles.' Thought Asmodeus deeply, the book seems to be complicated to understand for him, 'Hard like... cookies?! A noble like myself has never heard the term, but I guess commoners call their cookies "muffles"! That must be it! So, I have to cut something finely in step one... That can only mean... I figured it out! This has to be it!'
The fire demon pulled out a chocolate bar from the ingredients pile and started chopping it to evenly thin strips. Once that was done, he showed Acheron, Lavande, and Clara his work.
"Voila! Finely chopped chocolate!" Said Asmodeus.
Lavande pitied the fire demon, if only he let just a little bit of his dignity off, like her in the first place.
"You put chocolate in your fried chicken, Azz-Azz?" Asked a confused Clara.
"So that was what you called as 'muffle wuffle crackle bang', Clara?" Sweatdropped Acheron, "How could we not know that?"
'It was fried chicken! It was fried chicken! It was fried chicken!' Realized Asmodeus.
As he was panting, Clara asked him: "Uh, that's pretty weird. Is it good, at least?"
"If it's fried chicken, just call it fried chicken!" Shouted Asmodeus.
"But we call it "muffle wuffle" at my house!" Said Clara, "It's a cute nickname, right?"
"Pardon me, Lady Valac." Said Lavande, "But when the terms are not of the family usage, meaning none of your family members are present in one place here, you must at least not speak of it in a way that cannot be understood by others. Your household rules cannot be applied to other places, but your home."
"But, Lave-Lave, Azz-Azz just said he knew what it was." Added Clara.
"That's enough, okay?! I'll do it! You just sit there and stay out of my way, Fool Queen!" Said Asmodeus, frustrated, "You make me nuts!"
"S-Sir Asmodeus, please take the time to resolve calmly!" Advised Lavande, alarmed that Asmodeus's last sentence irked Clara.
"Yeah, well, you should know, Azz-Azz... You do wear pretty weird clothes." Said Clara, getting some revenge on the noble demon, "The top part is short, the bottom part is long. It's white. And you have swirly designs on your chest. Talk about tacky."
"Clara, stop criticizing his attire! And resolve this peacefully, okay?!" Advised Acheron, trying to avoid anything from escalating into a physical fight.
"You're telling me what's tacky?!" Questioned Asmodeus, "This is a custom uniform handmade with love and skill from the finest fabrics by the high fashion brand Akumani. I had it specially made for the entrance ceremony."
"Custard? Never heard of them." Said Clara.
"What do you mean 'custard'?" Asked Asmodeus.
"Now, now. Shall we settle this without anything to further rising?" Asked Lavande, she and Acheron again attempting to stop them from arguing.
But no matter how much the two peacemaking demons tried, Asmodeus and Clara seem to ignore her words and the argument escalated into a one-VS-one competition.
"We'll both feed Ryūko and Iruma-kins, then!" Challenged Clara.
"Whichever dish they say is delicious wins!" Declared Asmodeus.
"The deadline is tomorrow morning!" They both declared.
As the two left the area, Lavande and Acheron were left with a sigh.
"Geez." Said Acheron as he scratched his head. "What did those nincompoops dragged themselves into?"
"Oh, no. What a disaster." Sighed Lavande with a sadden voice, "Our two companions had feuded over themselves and we are left without anything I could have done, in spite of our trials to bring a stop to they enmity. Besides, what else could I do for the ones I serve?"
They cleaned up the kitchen before they left into the hallways while thinking of what to do.
Meanwhile in the classroom, Iruma was engaging in an arm-wrestling match with Sabnock, while Ryūko went somewhere else. Isabelle, on the other hand, was listening to the music on her hellphone.
Before they could even start, Iruma sneezed.
"Are you okay?" Asked Sabnock.
"No, I'm fine." Said Iruma.
Ryūko, on the other hand, she was walking to the Third-Years' Tower. She needed some nostalgia to come up to her, so she knew where to go; Kirio's secret room. It was formally where the previous Magical Apparatus Battler was having their activities held, but after some time, all that was left was nothing but unused or incomplete apparatuses. Why would they have their activities there? This Battler in the past apparently made a lot of things that could get them into trouble, if they were found out.
The female honor student faced up with a wall and pushed a specific brick on the wall with her right index and middle fingers. Once she did that, the wall was lifted up, revealing a secret door behind it. Ryūko entered the room and closed the door behind her, looking at the whole room being empty. She and Iruma cleared it up recently and she took her time to remember everything about being in this secret room with Iruma, Isabelle, Acheron, and Kirio. She had her guitar case with her and her bag, so she placed her guitar case next to her and looked through her bag to find her black leather-cased notebook. The goth student flipped through the pages and found her desired page, which had a folded piece of paper. She took it out and read it through. It was a guitar score of one of Roselia's songs, Neo-Aspect. It was one of her favorite songs and she still listens to them, despite them being performed by a human world band. She tuned her electric guitar and started to practice the song with it.
Neo-Aspect Guitar Cover by Y's Guitars
As Ryūko played the song, she was thinking about Kirio and something else. Was she... thinking about her magic enhancement apparatus? Was she wanting to write a song about something. She was then finished playing Neo-Aspect and placed her guitar above its case before finding her sketchbook to look at her apparatus design.
"How much of power would be enhanced if I managed to calibrate it?" Asked Ryūko to herself.
For some reason, Henri Azazel's words came rambling in her head. She dropped her sketchbook and stood up to the window, looking at the sky through the glass.
"Amy... Now that I have descended and fitted in to the Netherworld... I feel like I don't know... who I am anymore." Said Ryūko, touching the glass with her hand, "I don't know... Where I belong anymore. Do I belong here, in the Netherworld? Or up there, back to the human world? I'm from the human world, but I am half-demon, at the same time. If I choose to return to my original home, my memories of the Netherworld will be erased... Tell me... Who am I, where do I belong?"
She placed her forehead on the window, rambling through her identity crisis before a singing note poured out from her lips. With her new problem, nothing knowing who she really is, nor where does she belong, a song is brought forth.
If Only by Dove Cameron
A million thoughts in my head
Should I let my heart keep listenin'?
'Cause up till now I've walked the line
Nothing lost but something missing
I can't decide what's wrong, what's right
Which way should I go?
If only I knew what my heart was telling me
Don't know what I'm feeling
Is this just a dream? Uh oh
Yeah, if only I could read the signs in front of me
I could find the way to who I'm meant to be, uh oh
If only, If only
If only
Every step, every word
With every hour I am falling in
To something newSomething brave
To someone II have never been
I can't decide what's wrong, what's right
Which way should I go?
If only I knew what my heart was telling me
Don't know what I'm feeling
Is this just a dream? Uh oh
Yeah, if only I could read the signs in front of me
I could find the way to who I'm meant to be, uh oh
If only, yeah
Am I crazy?
Maybe we could happen, yeah
Will you still be with me
When the magic's all run out?
If only I knew what my heart was telling me
Don't know what I'm feeling
Is this just a dream? Uh oh
Yeah, if only I could read the signs in front of me
I could find the way to who I'm meant to be, uh oh
If only, yeah
If only, yeah
If only, yeah
If only, If only
If only
The song ends with her leaning against the window as she looked over her shoulder for a second. Her right hand clenched on her uniform as tears streamed down from her face.
'Ryūko...' Said a voice in her head.
"Who is that? Show yourself." Said Ryūko in her mind.
"No reason to be afraid, my dearest."
Ryūko turned around to the window and saw a reflection... of Kirio behind her.
"Amy?!" Addressed Ryūko as she turned her head, "Is that you?"
Her heterochromatic eyes widened as she saw a translucent form of her soulmate behind her.
"Yes. It's me, but as a spirit." Said Kirio, "Don't worry. It's just some weird magic that ain't my own, I don't know what came up, but I ain't dead. Come here."
She immediately embraced Kirio's spirit form as Kirio comforted her by gently stroking her hair, "Tell me, what seems to be troublin' you?"
"I don't know who I actually am anymore, or rather... where do I really belong." Said Ryūko as her tears still flowed, "I don't know whether I belong in the Netherworld or in the human world. I'm having an identity crisis from here. Iruma and I were really fitting into the Netherworld that I can't figure out where do I belong."
"I get it. But I think you should listen to your instincts, or perhaps, your heart." Said Kirio, "You and I, we've been followin' out hearts when we fell in love with each other. Even if you were a half-human and even if I was causin' a ruckus in school, that ain't gonna get in our way, right? That's how I feel, you should listen to your heart more than your thoughts."
"Is that so?" Asked Ryūko.
"I know so." Smiled Kirio of reassurement.
He leaned in for Ryūko's lips and she allowed entry for a kiss, lasting for a minute when Ryūko noticed that he was starting to fade.
"Amy, you're fading away." Whispered Ryūko.
"There ain't anything to worry, Ryūko." Said Kirio, "The spell doesn't last long, so I'll have to end our moment here. I love you and I'll see you again soon, Ryūko."
He kissed her forehead before his beloved soulmated repiled: "Thank you, Amy. I love you, too."
The upperclassman's spirit form faded away completely as Ryūko smiled with her chest warming up.
'This was an unexpected affair, for my soulmate to make a return as a spirit.' Thought Ryūko, 'But, now that I had someone to talk to, I might be able to find out where do I belong soon. ありがと, 私のソルメイト.'
That being thought of, she packed her things and left the room with a smile.
[Arigatou, watashi no sourumeito| Thank you, my soulmate]
At Clara Valac's House
Clara made a thoughtful face in front of a huge cauldron, with a bunch of bizzare ingredients in it.
"I pretty much tried combining all of my favorite foods together here... I think... It's good... maybe." Said Clara to herself before she tried out the soup, "I think it needs a little something else. It's good but won't it make Ryūko and Iruma-kins feel better?"
"You seem troubled, daughter." Said Clara's mother, who came to check on her, " May I help?"
"Mommy..."
"Listen well, Clara. When you're cooking, all you need is love."
"Really? Love?"
You're trying to cheer up Ryūko and Iruma. Isn't that right, dear?"
"Mm-hmm!" Nodded Clara.
"Don't worry about it !" Said her mother, "Just pour them in! All those feelings! The love!"
"Okay, Mommy!" Replied Clara.
That's where another Valac family song came in. Let's read the lyrics, shall we?
Munch, munch, munch, what could that be?
Everybody loves it more than anything
It's Mommy's homemade cooking!(Delicious!)
Nom, nom, nom, eat it all up
Stomachs and hearts filled up to the brim!
There's not a happy agape
It's the best!
Boil, boil, boil
Fill it up 'til it bursts with your love!
Om, nom, nom, then add some more!
It's the greatest seasoning around!
All the love!
Yummy, right?
Gulp, gulp, gulp every bite
Makes our hearts fill up a warm light
It sends us over the moon (Hope it's real light)
Flavor's important for sure
But without love, it's a bore
Try imagining how we put on their super happy faces
Wow, it's so warm!
I want them to eat it up
Hear them say "It's so yummy!"
And that's all I would need
Sprinkle with love, love, love
Even our love, love, love
Let the love overflow!
Throughout the whole night, the Valac family sang and danced around the cauldron, in order to pour all their love into Clara's dish.
At Alice Asmodeus's House
Asmodeus prepared a variety meat dishes using his fire magic. Once that was done, his bulter, David, and two demon maids applauded for his spectacular show.
"Well done, young Alice." Praised David, "They're all perfect."
"Yes, I agree they are but... just commonly perfect! That's not good enough! This is for Miss Ryūko and Master Iruma!" Objected Asmodeus, "Who knows what kind of daring strategy Clara will employ?"
He then stepped his foot on the counter and exclaimed: "I need to make something even more distinctive and utterly mind-blowing!"
"Young Alice, please do mind your manners." Said David.
The only son of Asmodeus Amuryllis composed himself a little and added: "Something more elegant and emotional..."
"In that case, why not prepare a fish dish as a lovely complement to the meat dish?" Suggested David, "A devituna dish, perhaps. You can stew it, steam it, grill it, or try eat it raw... Young Alice?!"
As he was suggesting some cooking methods, Asmodeus backed away and hid behind a cutting board while wearing a pair of safety goggles and a protective mask around his mouth.
"Don't tell me you're still scared of fish." Said David, "I thought you'd be alright with it by this point in your life."
"I-I can't deal with the smell." Stuttered Asmodeus, "But still... If it's for the sake of my lieges, I, Alice Asmodeus will overcome any hurdle to make it happen!"
He ran to the devituna and... lightly poked it with a knife. David and the two maids were cheering on him.
"Please, young Alice! You can do this!" Cheered David.
"We believe in you, Master Alice!" Cheered the maids.
Asmodeus really can't stand the smell of fish, but was determined to make a delectable dish out of the devituna. His battle continued into the morning.
At Lavande Félin's Mansion
Lavande was just standing over her room's balcony in thought of what to do for Ryūko and Iruma while she srare up into the night sky. She pondered of many things, but no matter how hard she thought of things, average or aristocrat, she can't think of the most suitable idea.
"I cannot be standing idle for a long suggestion to fly through my mind, not tonight." Sighed Lavande in defeat, "If something too aristocrat is unsuiting, that will require so much of effort, that I will have to fight 'till dawn. Something too simple will lack in the much required effort. What should I prepare?"
She heard a knock on her door and gave permission for whoever was there to enter. There stood her father, Sombre Félin: Knight Of The Dark, and her mother, Rosemarin Félin: the one she inherited her floral magic from.
"Lavande, something is troubling you." Said Rosemarin, "Don't be afraid to share it with us."
"What more or less will I do, Father and Mother?" Asked Lavande with another sigh, "No matter what comes to mind, I cannot search for anything suiting to bring the happiness of the ones I serve back. What else could I have done?"
"Hm... That is at no worry, Lavande." Said Sombre, "Sometimes, 'tis your line of fault interfering with your passionate abilities to be of findings."
"My passionate abilities to be of findings? Asked Lavande.
"Indeed. If nothing seems to be as acquired, try to approach a gift of something that is within your grasp of power." Said her mother, "Your magic is something to take pride of as a symbol of your bloodline, daughter. Make a use of it and find your pathway to the objective."
A bird was flying towards Sombre's direction, Lavande brought her hand out for the bird to rest on.
"God'den, little one." Greeted the female knight, "What hast thou brought withal?"
She noticed a red turquoise ribbon on the leg of the bird with a roll of paper on it. She untied the ribbon and set the bird down with some water and food before going to read what was in the paper.
"It is... 'Tis a message from my Sir Amy!" Said Lavande, eyes widened. Here's what the message said:
Dear Dame Félin Lavande,
I'm sorry for interuptin' you for anything, but I have a small request.
Let me put it simply: Ryūko said that she's holdin' on to my ambition to create magical apparatuses that will help weaker demons go head-to-head with high-rankin' demons, and make the power gap of the ranks disappear. She told me that she was goin' to calibrate a magic enhancement apparatus and said it was for my ambition's sake.
I wanted to thank her for such a kind doin', but since I'm in prison, that's just impossible for me to give her somethin' in my thanks. Ryūko, being my soulmate, I know her, so maybe a bouquet of her favorite flowers. She told me that she loves roses, so I think those are gonna be good enough.
I don't know what color represents her best, but maybe dark blue or black. If you can think of anythin' good for that, then it's fine.
Thanks a lot for fufillin' my request.
Sincerely,
Kirio Amy
After such a warm request, Lavande smiled and faced her parents.
"Mother, Father, I found my way of being my lord and lady's spirits back." Smiled Lavande, "Thank you for such wonderful suggestions that are at my need."
"It was not a problem, daughter." Said both of her parents as they made their exit from the room, "Good night, then."
Once her parents exited her room, the feline knight wrote a message to Kirio, tied it to the bird and sent it off. She also noticed this piece of card with another message from the upperclassman that was meant for Ryūko.
At Acheron Gremory's Mountain Chalet
Acheron was inside the art room in his mountainside home. In case you didn't know, Acheron and his family aren't just skilled with firearms. They are also skilled in art. His parents are good in literary writing, his older brother is a skilled sculptor, his grandfather is exceptional in pottery. As for Acheron, he is an excellent painter. Unfortunately right now, he is currently suffering painter's block and couldn't create a masterpiece that would be guaranteed to cheer his friends up.
"Acheron. Are you alright in there?" Asked Acheron's mother, Ariana Gremory, as she and Acheron's father, Leonard Gremory, opened the door.
"You seem troubled, sport." Said Leonard, "What seems to be the matter?"
Acheron sighed before starting to say: "I'm trying to make a painting for my schoolmates Iruma and Ryūko. I just can't find the inspiration to make it a masterpiece."
Acheron then banged on the table as the paintbrushes fell over.
"Son, how about you think about the good times you and your friends had at school? Just like the time when we all had an amazing family outing. Do you remember that?" Said Leonard.
Acheron pondered for a while before he finally realized what that meant.
"Of course, how could I not remember? I still have that portrait." He said as showed the painting he made, the one depicting him and his family on a family outing. " And I finally got the inspiration I need to make this painting for my friends. Thanks, Mom and Dad."
"You're welcome." "Anytime, kid." Said Ariana and Leonard as they left the art studio.
Acheron then texted Isabelle about something he needs as a muse for the painting.
Acheron Gremory:
Hey, Isa, you still up tonight? I need some help here.
Isabelle Abaddon:
Yeah, I'm still awake here. What do you need for?
Acheron Gremory:
I'm currently working on a painting for Iruma and Ryūko.
I know what you're thinking and us Gremories aren't just good at firearms. We're also good at art.
Anyway, do you have any pictures from the newspapers, those that feature you and your housemates?
Isabelle Abaddon:
I have some here. Good thing the Chair-Demon gave me some copies back then.
I'll send them to you in a while.
Picture #1: Iruma, Ryūko, and Isabelle chanting the Forbidden Spell
Picture #2: Iruma doing a German suplex on Asmodeus
Picture #3: Isabelle and Ryūko doing a dual dragon suplex on Lavande
Picture #4: Iruma, Ryūko, and the shadowy figures emerging from their rings
Picture #5: Isabelle wearing the Hellraiser Crown
Picture #6: Isabelle, Iruma, Ryūko, and Acheron's promotion to Gimel rank
Acheron Gremory:
That's all I need. Thanks, Isa.
Isabelle Abaddon:
No problem, Acheron. See you tomorrow.
And so, Acheron worked on making the painting for Iruma and Ryūko.
The Next Day
Asmodeus and Clara ushered Ryūko and Iruma to the school kitchen and presented them their dishes. Perhaps they exaggerated with the amount. Asmodeus's fish-based dish was in shade of blue, whereas Clara's meat-based dish was in red and orange.
"Okay, eat up!" Said Clara.
"Please enjoy your meal..." Said Asmodeus.
"You guys must have been competing against each other and fought through a whole night." Said Ryūko in thought, "No surprise that I can see you guys have eye bags."
"You two made these special meals just for us?" Asked Iruma.
"Yup!" Replied Clara.
"Indeed." Added Asmodeus.
"Aww... You went all this trouble...?" Said Iruma with a warm feeling in his chest, "Isn't that super nice of them, Sis?"
"Despite competing against each other, I am... rather moved beyond words could even say." Replied Ryūko softly with a small blush on her face and shyly averted eyes, "I wonder where are Lavande, Acheron, and Isa, though. Regardless of that, thank you both. We are very grateful."
The two decided to try Clara's dish first. As she anticipated for their comments, her heart was pounding nervously.
Once the twins tasted Clara's dish, Iruma exclaimed: "This is AMAZING!"
"Though I sensed some strange ingredients were used in this dish, I am rather impressed with the unique flavor acquired." Judged Ryūko.
The green-haired demon was overjoyed to hear that. Asmodeus's dish was the final one to try.
Just like Clara, Asmodeus's heart was racing as he eagerly awaited their judgment. Iruma exclaimed with the same comment, whereas Ryūko had some time to carefully judge Asmodeus's dish.
"Compared to Valac's dish, your dish has an aristocrat flavor and utterly tasteful type of delectability." Commented Ryūko, "And was that devituna my tongue sensed? Overall, like Valac's dish, I am impressed."
The fire demon was overjoyed with Ryūko detailed judgment and the two demons started invading their personal space.
"Which one do you two like better, though?!" Asked Asmodeus.
"Feel free to say it's mine." Said Clara.
"No, no, it's mine!" Countered Asmodeus.
"Hold it, you two." Said Ryūko, "We're going to have to-"
The two then began to stuff Iruma's mouth with both of their foods.
Clara Valac: "You have to pick one!"
Alice Asmodeus: "Iruma, sir, take a bite. It's palate cleanser!"
Clara Valac: "No fair, Azz-Azz!"
Alice Asmodeus: "Course it is!"
Clara Valac: "Iruma-kins, you cheater!"
Alice Asmodeus: "Out of the way!"
Clara Valac: "You should take your own advice!"
Ryūko sighed at this scene as Iruma quickly chewed the food and gasped: "So good!"
"Which one, though?!" Asked the demons.
Apparently, Ryūko has had enough of their shenanigans and yelled at them: "Both of you! Stop it!"
This struck fear in Asmodeus and Clara and they stopped moving in an instant. She heaved a sigh of relief that Asmodeus and Clara listened to her.
"So, brother, what do you have to say for them?" Asked Ryūko.
"Both of them are really yummy." Said Iruma, "If you eat them together, it's even better!"
Ryūko began to be curious from what he said, so she tried what Iruma said was better. When she tasted both dishes at once, she gasped and said: "Iruma's right! The combination of the elegant and strange cuisines from both of your senses of culinary fashion are simply excellent. Perhaps you should try it."
Ryūko fed Asmodeus a spoonful, Iruma did the same for Clara and they quietly chewed the food with delightful expressions.
"Right? For real. The combination tasted the best." Said Ryūko and Iruma, "Thanks for doing this, you guys."
As Asmodeus and Clara watched the twins happily consume their dishes, they looked at each other and turned around.
"Look at that. As they are feeling better now." Said Clara.
"Indeed. And it did taste better when we mixed them both up." Added Asmodeus.
"Yeah."
"Looks like it's a draw." The two bumped their fists and it was a satisfactory ending for them.
A knock on the door was heard.
"Come in." Said Ryūko.
There came Isabelle, Lavande, and Acheron themselves.
"Miss Félin, Miss Isa, Master Acheron! Where have you been?" Asked Asmodeus grasping Lavande's hands in his own.
Lavande blushed at what he did and he realized what he did before releasing her hands.
"M-My apologies, Miss Félin." Apologized Asmodeus, embarrassed and blushing.
"It is no worry, Sir Asmodeus. I was just on my way here in my own pace." Said Lavande before she walked over to Ryūko and Iruma, "Lady Ryūko. Sir Iruma. we apologize for our tardiness."
"It's fine, Lavande." Reassured Ryūko.
"Yeah. Don't worry about it." Smiled Iruma.
"We happened to have something to gift you." Said Lavande.
Her hands were at her back before she dropped on one knee.
She held the bouquet with sky blue, white, lavender and brilliant red roses to Iruma and said: "For you, my lord."
Iruma was surprised and took the amazing bouquet from the knight.
"This is a great bouquet, Lavande!" Beamed Iruma, "You must have put a lot of work into it. Thank you so much!"
Lavande was satisfied with the response and presented the other bouquet with the card on it.
"This one is for you, milady." Said Lavande, still on her knee, "Actually, this was requested by an certain demon you know of."
"A demon I... Know of, you say?" Asked Ryūko.
She took the bouquet with black, azure, crimson and amethyst roses and thanked Lavande for such a wonderful gift.
"Huh? What's this card doing here?" Asked Ryūko, noticing a white card with turquoise accents and gold linings.
She picked up the card and unfolded it to read a message in silver writings. Here's what the message said:
Dearest Ryūko,
I wouldn't believe that you want to carry on my ambition 'bout creatin' magical apparatuses to help weaker demons with their magic and the power gap in the Netherworld to disappear someday. Not to mention, you're willin' to give me another chance at somethin', as well.
Really, I wanted to show you my thanks. But since I'm in prison, there ain't any way for me to be close you again. So, I asked Dame Lavande to give you this bouquet in my thanks for what you'll be doin' and for the future of my hopes.
There ain't any other way I wanted to say "Thank you" for everything you've done and what you're doin' while I'm still stuck down here, and even thinkin' of you all the way. But, I'm really grateful for what you're gonna do for me. No need to reply; I'm just happy that you received this message.
I wish you and the rest of the Magical Apparatus Battler the best of your success in your ambitions. And I wish you especially for us to reunite someday.
I love you, my Juliet.
Your dearest and beloved soulmate of forbidden love,
Kirio Amy
'He wrote and requested this for me?!' Thought Ryūko left speechless.
The words of Kirio's message touched and warmed the cold depths of her frozen heart. The goth student's face heated up in a brilliant red, her heart raced fast, blood rushed through her veins as happiness took her over her and tears welled up in her eyes.
"Oh... Oh my devil... He... Oh my devil! He really had to?" Smiled Ryūko while she sheds her joyous tears, "And this request for me... Oh wow! I'm moved beyond mere words I heard from him!"
Ryūko was so overwhelmed with happiness and her forbidden love for Kirio rose to a new level. She cried in such things that she never felt from true love that is forbidden to reach a demi-human and pure demon.
"Awww! Sis, that's so nice of him!" Exclaimed Iruma.
"Indeed. It is the sweetest thing Kirio has ever done for you." Added Isabelle and Acheron.
"How enticing!" Cried Asmodeus and Lavande, "A romantic tale between two demons, who are forbidden to love one another, but those circumstances will never keep them apart!"
"And here's our gift for you both." Said Acheron as Isabelle took out the painting that he did last night. It was a collage of all the incidents that had the twins and their friends involved in.
"No way. It's the events that happened ever since our first day here in Babylus." Said Iruma. "This really takes me back."
"Isa, Acheron. You two really outdid yourselves with this." Commented Ryūko.
"Oh, Acheron deserves most of the credit. I only sent him pictures for his masterpiece." Said Isabelle modestly.
In spite of the draw between Asmodeus and Clara, they never stopped arguing over things for Ryūko and Iruma. Now, they're arguing over towel colors. Asmodeus went for a black towel, whereas Clara went for a yellow towel, and they began arguing over which colored towel will suit them.
"You peasant! Of course black would look better on Miss Ryūko and Master Iruma!" Yelled Asmodeus.
"No! I say it's yellow!" Countered Clara, "You have no taste, Azz-Azz! You'd better be popular!"
"What?! I'm very popular!" Argued Asmodeus.
"Wow, you just said you're so popular that you don't know what to do with yourself!" Roasted Clara.
"I did not!" Objected Asmodeus.
"So you want to be popular!" Condemned Clara.
"I mean... What's so wrong with that?!" Questioned Asmodeus.
Ryūko, Iruma, Isabelle, Acheron and Lavande smiled contendly and looked out to the window, admiring the view of the Japanese cherry blossom and maple tree.
'Truly... So much has happened since we came to the Netherworld.' Thought the Suzuki twins, 'We may be from the human world, but there's nowhere else we've ever felt more at home.'
The five pure demons (well, five, since they didn't know that Isabelle is a cambion, too) called the twins' names and told them that it was time for Magical PE class, 'We have five people who'll do anything for us... Our first friends. Real friends.'
Ryūko and Iruma linked arms as sister and brother. Lavande noticed that and felt a shy tension running in her veins.
"S-Sir Asmodeus..." Stammered Lavande shyly, "I-I-If you mind not of this... may I..."
"But of course, Miss Félin." Smiled Asmodeus, who was having his arm at a 90° angle.
Lavande modestly blushed and slowly linked arms with the fire demon.
"It's fine if you would want to lean against me." Added Asmodeus. To his suprised, the flower demon already did that before he even said it, making him blush as well as he walked her along the hallway. Clara then linked arms with Iruma as they five walk down the corridor. Now, Ryūko and Iruma Suzuki were left with their last thoughts:
'We think we're gonna stay here for a while and continue our lives here, in the Netherworld.'
Additional Voices
Ariana Gremory - Tanaka Rie (Japanese) and Allegra Clark (English)
Leonard Gremory - Mogami Tsuguo (Japanese) and Grant George (English)