Okay, first off, this idea has simmered in my head and boiled over into this new story the past week.

Secondly, I'm a little disappointed there aren't many Kalego/Momonoki stories.

Thirdly, this is set in the same universe as my other Iruma stories.

Not sure how long this story will go, it just mainly focuses on family and the struggles of parenthood.

Momonoki Morax, the professor who teaches Transfiguration and Basic Magic at the demon school Babylus, was in her classroom grading papers and adding notes that will guide her students through their education. Her tall slim figure sat behind her desk, her long light-blue hair tied in a ponytail fell down her back and matching eyes scanned her students' homework.

Just as she finished the last paper, a summoning circle appeared beneath her, glowing bright blue and purple. She looked down with a frightened gasp as she stood up in shock, pushing her chair away in the process. She tried to leave the circle, but her feet were glued at the center. Her heart raced before she opened her mouth to cry for help. But before any sound could leave her, she fell into the summoning circle. The classroom became silent and empty.

Momonoki yelped as she was shoved up then grunted when she landed on her butt pretty hard.

"Ouch." Momonoki whimpered as she rubbed her sore rearend, that will no doubt leave a bruise.

Momonoki stopped massaging her behind when she realized she wasn't alone. She looked up and was met with the astonished eyes of a man who looked to be in his mid to late twenties. His hair was a complete and utter mess that it covered his eyes, and he had a bit of a stubble around his chin and cheeks. His posture was tired, as though life has become a burden to him.

Then the man said something that threw Momonoki off. "Jissai ni umaku ikimashita."

"Huh?" Momonoki blinked and tilted her head.

The man let out a disbelieving laugh and gestured to himself, "Anata o shōkan shimashita."

"Huh? Wait, hold on, I don't understand what you're saying." Momonoki held up her hands then realized, "Oh, hang on." She dug through her pocket and pulled out her wand. Concentrating for a moment, she waved her magic in the air and casted her spell.

Momonoki sighed and smiled in relief, "There, that should do it."

"You speak Japanese?" The man exclaimed in shock.

"Um, no. This is just a translation spell." Momonoki explained then placed her wand in her lap as she sat on her knees with her legs tucked underneath her. "Now, from the beginning, can you tell me what's going on?" She asked in her calm teacher tone she normally uses for her students.

The man forgot about his shock and took a deep breath, "I'm a human who summoned you."

Momonoki, for the second time, was completely thrown. "What? No way, humans are myth, they don't exist." They really don't in the Netherworld, every demon grew up on stories of humans being fables to entertain them.

"No, I'm completely human. And for the record, demons are considered myth in the human world." The man who calls himself human stated in a lazy tone.

Momonoki looked around and realized there were candles lit and she was still within the circle that summoned her. Upon further inspection, they appear to be in some kind of basement. A scent washed over her, one most delicious and mouthwatering, like a combination of all her favorite meals have rolled into one. Looking at the human, she realized the smell was coming from him. She read myths about humans being the most appetizing delicacies in the Netherworld. She thought it was just an exaggeration...until now.

Momonoki swallowed her saliva and breathed through her mouth to avoid the temptation of sinking her teeth into the human. 'Maintain dignity.' Momonoki repeated to herself, reading the teacher's guide which Kalego Naberius wrote himself. She read that guide word for word until she had it all memorized.

"Okay, say I believe you're human. What do you want from me?" Momonoki spoke, trying very hard to ignore the delicious smell of fresh food sitting in front of her. 'I need to focus on something else before I end up killing him!' She inwardly panicked as she tried very hard to maintain her composure. In the corner of her eye, she saw alcohol bottles strewn across the floor along with cigarette butts.

The human male became serious, "I want to make a deal, one demons can never refuse."

"Oh, what kind of deal?" Momonoki asked the human.

The human stood up and went over to the only table in the dark room and picked up a wide basket with white cloth and handles attached to it. He never bothered to look down as he knelt in front of Momonoki and carefully set the basket down in front of her.

The Transfigurations Teacher peeked inside and gasped at what she saw.

"A baby?"

Indeed, it was a real live human infant. It's so small, hardly the size of a newborn demon. From the soft glow of the candles, she saw tufts of red hair but was unable to see its eyes since they were still closed. Yet in spite of the lack of light, she can see what a beautiful baby it is.

"Yes, demons like to eat them while they're fresh, and she's as fresh as they come."

Momonoki was snapped out of the trance the sleeping infant put her in. "What?"

"She's yours to eat if you can grant my wish." The human said, looking a little desperate as he stared at the demon.

Momonoki could not believe what she's hearing, she read stories of how selfish humans are, but to sell their own babies to demons?

"Are you insane? This is your daughter!" Momonoki hissed at the human who the baby smelled very similar to minus the alcohol.

The human gritted his teeth as he turned his gaze from the demon to glare at the innocent baby slumbering peacefully in her basket.

"That...thing...is not mine." He growled as he looked down at the infant with so much hate and anger. "It's a murderer."

Momonoki felt a strong urge to shield the infant from the man's gaze. "How can you say that...Why would you say that?" Momonoki demanded, shocked and horrified at how a father would look upon their own offspring with such hate. Children are precious treasures in the Netherworld, to even create one in such a dangerous place is considered a miracle.

The human continued to glare at the baby. "It killed my wife." He growled as he fought back his tears, "It tore her apart from the inside and caused her to bleed to death. This monster took away the woman I love."

Momonoki was shocked, then her eyes filled with pity and sadness for the man. His grief over his wife is so strong that he'd take it out on the child they sired.

The man swallowed, "I...I want you bring her back...bring my wife back to me...please." He bowed his head as tears fell from his eyes and onto the concrete.

Momonoki's throat clenched when she realized why she was summoned. He's trading the infant for the woman he loves. The Transfiguration Teacher glanced down at the infant who barely stirred in her slumber. Two options appeared before Momonoki, she can take the baby with her to the Netherworld or leave her with the man who blames her for his wife's death. Neither option sat well with her because in either scenario, this precious child will be in danger. So, she settled with the best decision she felt comfortable with.

"I'm sorry, but there is no spell that can resurrect the dead." Momonoki said in her calm and sympathetic voice, "I know you're in pain, but such an act is impossible, even for demons."

The human lifted his head up to yell at her, but Momonoki held her hand up, "However, I can erase your memory of this child and the manner of your wife's death. I'll make it so it would be as though she never existed in the first place." Momonoki explained, since this is the only alternative that can save both this man and this child.

"You can do that?" The human asked hopefully, wanting to be rid of the source of his anguish.

"Yes. But it requires your full consent." Momonoki explained.

The human was silent at the opportunity presented to him. After a moment, he nodded.

Momonoki gritted her teeth behind her lips. This man is coldly rejecting his child. "Is this what you want? Do you really want to forget your own baby? You won't regret it?" She tried again, wanting so desperately for even a flicker of hope that this man even cares about this child.

What the human said next sealed their fate, "Right now...my greatest regret...is that I ever created that thing...it should never have been conceived in the first place."

Momonoki closed her eyes and bowed her head, "Very well then."

The demon Momonoki carefully pulled the basket close to her until it was close to her side. The blanket which kept the infant warm fell loose around her. The demon gently tucked the blanket around the small body to keep it warm.

Momonoki then faced the human and held her wand vertically in front of her face and whispered the incantation that will wipe the human's memories. A light came from her and the wand before she pointed it at the human, letting the magic surround him for a moment before he fell to his side unconscious.

With the spell complete, so was the summoning ritual. The circle glowed beneath her once more. Quickly tucking the wand away, she held the baby basket close to her as both demon and human sank into the floor beneath them until they disappeared.

The basement was now empty save for the sleeping human.

Momonoki returned to her classroom in the same manner. Everything is exactly how she left it. She was still on the floor with the baby basket close to her. Slowly she stood up, securely holding the sides of the basket and gently set it on the desk. Peering inside, she felt nothing but exasperation at how the child can still be asleep.

"Does nothing ever wake you?" Momonoki whispered as she stared at the sleeping infant.

But as though someone had just played a joke on Momonoki, the baby's eyes opened at last. But what surprised the teacher were the colors that revealed themselves. The right eye was blue while the left was green.

Momonoki was completely shocked and surprised by what she saw before her. She felt her heart flutter at the very sight of those beautiful, mismatched eyes staring back at her.

A smile crawled onto her face as she beheld the beautiful mythological creature. "How lovely you are."

Then the baby did something that melted the demon's heart completely, it laughed, giving Momonoki a cute shy gummy smile.

Momonoki clamped her hands over her mouth to muffle her squeals. She trembled all over from the high she's getting from that tiny laugh alone. "How are you so cute?" She asked the baby who stared at her in curiosity and wonder.

Momonoki's smile vanished when she finally remembered where she currently is. "Wait, better question, how am I doing this?" She looked around the empty room, checking to see if no one witnessed this child's presence.

The scent the baby gave off began to permeate the room. "Oh no, we-we gotta hide your scent." Momonoki stated as she summoned a perfume bottle, a gift from her grandfather who said that the fragrance will keep men from noticing her. Momonoki never dared to use it because she wanted the complete opposite in regard to a certain demon teacher. But now she had a reason to use it.

Carefully, she sprayed the perfume on the baby's clothes and basket for good measure. After a few more sprays, she could just barely smell the delicious human scent.

"That should do for now." Momonoki confirmed after a couple of sniffs.

Momonoki needs to remember to buy her grandfather a gift soon.

The baby reached up her little hands to the demon. Momonoki didn't know what possessed her, but the next thing she knew, her index finger was grasped by little hands that wrapped completely around her single digit. Another laugh left that tiny body, which filled Momonoki with an odd sense of euphoria.

The teacher smiled as she allowed the infant to grip her finger tightly. "You're quite strong, aren't you?"

The baby made a sound that sounded as though she was trying to say, 'thank you.'

Momonoki's smile faltered a little, "But what do I do now?" She asked herself when she realized the kind of situation she found herself in. This is a human baby living in a world of demons who believe humans are myths and food. Many demons would jump at the chance to eat one.

Momonoki stood there contemplating her situation before her face brightened up.

Shichiro Balam, the teacher for Mythological Zoology and Imaginary Beings, was in his research lab fixing himself some tea when a knock came at his window.

"Professor Balam, are you in there?"

The gargoyle turned in surprise to see an almost frantic Momonoki just outside the window, carrying a basket of some kind.

Balam opened the window the quickly closed it as she entered the room.

"Professor Momonoki, what seems to be-" Balam cut himself off when he caught something moving within the basket.

"I'll explain in a moment, but first..." Momonoki took out her wand and cast a silencing spell around the room so no one would eavesdrop and any reaction the gargoyle makes would not draw attention.

Momonoki let out a breath and gently placed the basket onto the table then turned to Balam.

"Professor Balam, what I'm about to show you, I need you to promise not to freak out. Please?" Momonoki pleaded, holding her hands together desperately, praying to whatever devil may hear her that she's not making a mistake.

Balam was surprised by the demon's request then slowly nodded.

Momonoki took a deep breath and slowly stepped aside for the gargoyle to peer inside the basket. He froze immediately the moment he saw blue and green eyes stare up at him curiously and without any fear.

"A-A baby?" Balam stammered as he was struck in the heart by an invisible arrow. This baby is just too painfully cute.

"Yes." Momonoki drew in a deep breath, "But...you see...the thing is..." She took another deep breath and spoke really fast, "It'sahumanbaby."

Balam was silent as he stiffly turned to Momonoki. "A human baby?"

"Yes." Momonoki confirmed then spoke frantically, "I know this is completely sudden. But long story short, I was summoned by a human to take the baby as part of a deal. Thing is, I don't know a thing about humans and you're the only one here who is an expert on human mythology. I really need your help here."

Balam blinked at her twice and was about to open his mouth to speak when the door opened suddenly.

"Shichiro, do you have tha-Professor Momonoki?"

The female teacher turned at the sound of the stern and professional voice that sends her heart into overdrive. Kalego Naberius, her former mentor when she first started her job at Babylus. While he's strict and frightening, he is in actuality a very good person and teacher. He is also the man whom she's held deep feelings for several years.

"Um, uh, well, you see-" Momonoki blushed as she tried to explain. She's ashamed to be sweating so badly.

"Kalego." Balam spoke in a tone that expressed danger, "Close the door."

Kalego raised an eyebrow but didn't object as he slowly closed the door and locked it behind him. A strange sound caught his attention, making him look at the coffee table to see a basket resting on top. He quietly stepped towards the strange object and his eyes widened at the sight of the infant gumming the blanket.

"It's a human baby Momonoki picked up." Balam bluntly explained, causing the one teacher to sputter at him in anxiety while the other turned to the gargoyle with a questioning look.

"You weren't supposed to tell him that." Momonoki said to Balam, her face held fear and panic.

Kalego's voice cut through her emotional turmoil, "Professor Momonoki, did a human summon you for some kind of deal?"

Momonoki turned to Kalego and was met with his usual stoic expression.

"Um, yes." Momonoki sighed and bowed her head, unable to meet his gaze, "It was an offer I couldn't refuse; it was the only way I could save her life." She glanced at the baby who watched the adult's interaction.

Seeing those mismatched eyes stare back at her gave her some courage. "Professor Kalego and Professor Balam, I know this is strange and something that is completely impossible. But please, you cannot tell anyone about this child. If she's sent back to the human world, she will die." She spoke as she gazed back at them with a fire they have never seen from her before.

Kalego and Balam turned to each and nodded before the Guard Dog turned to Momonoki.

"Has she eaten anything yet?" Kalego's questioned.

"Uh, I don't know. She hasn't cried since the moment we got here." Momonoki answered as she glanced at the baby worriedly.

Kalego turned to Balam, "Shichiro, get to the baby store and buy some formula. Bring them over to the Chairdemon's mansion."

Balam nodded, "Right."

Momonoki was surprised by Kalego's sudden orders, even more so by where to take them.

"What's-"

Kalego quickly cut her off, "You, me, and the infant are going to the Chairdemon. There are some things we need to discuss with him about this kind of manner."

Momonoki knew that tone, whenever the Guard Dog of Babylus says an order, it is important to follow through no matter what.

Nodding quickly, she picked up the basket and held it securely as Balam opened the window and all three demons took to the skies. Balam broke away while Momonoki and Kalego flew off towards the mansion.

Momonoki kept glancing at the baby, worried she'll lose her grip on the basket any moment. It was only when they finally touched the ground in front of the mansion did Momonoki relax. For the first time, she's afraid to fly, especially with something fragile and precious in her arms.

The two teachers plus the infant passed the gates and stood before the massive doors.

Kalego rang the doorbell and waited.

"Um, Professor, why are we here?" Momonoki asked as she held the basket in her arms. Somewhere along the way, the baby fell asleep.

"You'll see." Kalego simply said, not looking at her.

The door opened to reveal Opera, the Chairdemon's security demon. Their ears twitched in delight at seeing their favorite underling (victim) outside. But was surprised to see Momonoki beside him along with what appeared to be an infant she's carrying.

"Opera, is the Chairdemon and Iruma here?" Kalego asked, wanting to get straight to business.

Opera nodded then opened the door wider for them to enter.

The two teachers entered the estate and were led to the common area.

Opera whispered to Kalego, "That baby-"

"Yes, it is." Kalego confirmed without hearing the question the hellcat wanted to ask.

Opera nodded as they made it to the common room.

"Please be seated while I get the Chairdemon and Master Iruma." Opera said before they left the room.

Momonoki placed the baby basket on the far side of the sofa then sat down beside her. She smiled at the peaceful sleeping expression on the child's face. 'So cute.'

"I'm surprised the baby can sleep through all this." Kalego mused to himself as sat on the opposite end of the sofa.

Momonoki blushed when she realized she's sitting close to Kalego.

"Um, yeah, that's all I've ever seen her do since I met her." She frowned, "Though I can't help but worry. Babies cry when they need something. And she hasn't done any of that yet. She doesn't seem afraid either." She said as she watched the gentle rise and fall of the infant's chest.

"She must really trust you enough not to be scared in spite of the fact that you'd eat her." Kalego stated with his arms crossed as he leaned back in the cushions.

Momonoki turned and gave him a fierce look, "I would never eat a baby, what kind of demon do you think I am?" She practically hissed at her fellow teacher.

Momonoki gasped and looked down in shame, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have snapped at you like that."

Kalego held up a hand, "That's quite alright, your reaction proves we can trust you."

"Trust me with what?"

Right on cue, Sullivan, the Chairdemon of Babylus, and his grandson, Iruma Suzuki, who recently became a second-year student, entered the common area followed by Opera.

"Good afternoon, Professor Momonoki." Sullivan greeted with a fond smile towards the young woman.

"Hello Professor Momonoki." Iruma greeted with his ever polite and generous smile.

"Hello Chairdemon and Iruma. I'm sorry for coming by unannounced like this." Momonoki apologized to her superior and student.

"That's quite alright." Sullivan and Iruma sat beside each other on the sofa across from them. "From what I understand, you're in a bit of a bind."

"Um, you could say that." Momonoki said as she glanced at the sleeping baby.

Iruma craned his neck and was in awe at what he saw, "Wow, what a cute baby? Whose is she?"

Momonoki scratched the back of her head, smiling sheepishly, "Well, she...became mine recently."

"The baby is human, just like you Iruma." Kalego explained very quickly, shocking the student and teacher.

"Huh, wait, I think I heard wrong, because it sounded like you said Iruma is human as well." Momonoki exclaimed when she heard 'Iruma' and 'human' in the same sentence.

"The baby is human too?" Iruma asked as he stood up to get a better look at the sleeping infant.

Kalego nodded, "Yes and yes. We have two human children in this very room."

Momonoki was completely at a loss for words. First, she finds out humans exist, then she takes one with her, and now she's sitting in the same room with another human who has been a student at Babylus for over a year. "Hold on, uh, I'm trying to process this." Momonoki shook her head to clear her thoughts, "Iruma, you're actually human?" She asked the student.

Iruma laughed nervously from where he stood in front of the basket. "Pretty much."

"But how...and when?"

"Right before school started. Basically, my parents sold me to Grandpa in exchange for money, then I was adopted." Iruma stated without a hint of hurt as though it was normal for him.

The words 'sold' and 'parents' caused something within Momonoki to clench up. "You were sold too?"

Iruma nodded, "Yeah."

The doorbell rang.

"That must be Balam with the formula." Kalego stated as Opera left to answer the front door.

"Iruma...your parents...did they tell you when..." Momonoki wasn't sure how to ask such a delicate question.

Iruma knelt in front of the basket to get a better look at the sleeping baby, his feather earring dangled from beneath his hair.

"I was working on a fishing boat when the transaction was made. They always left me alone to make money for them since they never like working themselves." Iruma explained as he gazed at the innocent face with a soft expression. "Honestly, selling me to a demon is the best thing they've ever done for me." He then turned to Momonoki who stared at him with shock written on her face, "I bet whoever sold Shizuka to you also made the right decision."

"'Shizuka?'" Momonoki repeated as she blinked at the boy.

"You already named her?" Kalego asked as he raised an eyebrow at the boy.

"I didn't name her, it's embroidered on her front. Look." Iruma said as he pulled the blanket down slightly to show the name 'Shizuka' stitched onto the front of her onesie.

"What do you know." Momonoki said in wonder, happy the child has a name to go by.

The baby's little face scrunched up before she opened her mismatched eyes to more people she hasn't seen before.

Sullivan stood up at this point to peer over his grandson's shoulder, "Well now, aren't those the most beautiful eyes for all to see."

"I thought so too." Momonoki said, making little Shizuka turn to the only voice she recognized.

"Hello Shizuka, are you hungry?" Momonoki asked in a soft and gentle voice.

Right on cue, the baby's stomach gurgled very loudly.

Shizuka's eyes watered and her face scrunched up before she opened her mouth.

"WAAAAHHHHHHHH!"

Kalego groaned as he massaged his temple, "Saw that coming."

Iruma, with gentleness that's been practiced in his fourteen years, picked Shizuka out of her basket and cradled her in his arms. "There, there, it's okay, let's get you something to eat." He said in a soothing voice as he bounced on his heels.

"Already here Master Iruma." Opera announced as they and Balam entered the common room with a bottle of formula.

"Perfect timing." Iruma glanced at the aforementioned demons then turned to Momonoki, "Would you like to feed her?"

Momonoki was surprised by the question. "What? Um, I've never held a baby before, let alone fed one. How do I-?"

"It's quite easy. Here, I'll show you." Iruma said as he sat beside the teacher and carefully transferred the bundle into Momonoki's arms. She was hesitant and felt awkward as she tried to copy the way Iruma held the baby.

"Just support her head like that. There you go." Iruma praised as he leaned back, satisfied when the teacher cradled the small human within her arms.

Shizuka's eyes were still misty as she sniffled, but she seemed to calm down enough within the demon's arms.

Momonoki felt as though she was spell bound as that strange fuzzy feeling returned. The sensation of holding an actual baby in her arms felt indescribable.

"Ms. Momonoki, it's time for her bottle." Opera's voice broke her out of her trance as the security demon presented her with the baby bottle.

"Oh, right." Momonoki took the bottle from Opera and gentle eased the nipple into the baby's mouth.

Shizuka's face held curiosity at the taste entering her mouth, then began to greedily suckle the substance as it relieved the ache within her stomach. Her eyes closed in contentment as she drank her food while nestled within the demon woman's embrace.

Momonoki smiled and laughed softly then leaned back in the sofa's cushions. "She looks happy."

"You're handling her quite well." Iruma stated as everyone watched the infant chug her bottle.

"You think so?" Momonoki asked her student.

Iruma nodded, "Mmhm, you're a natural."

Momonoki couldn't help but blush, "Thank you."

"You handled babies before?"

Balam asked the human boy who turned to them.

"Well, it was one of the many jobs I took on in my life, so I had plenty of practice babysitting and working at daycare centers while the moms went to work." Iruma explained, remembering one of the few jobs he enjoyed doing since it involved precious and adorable babies.

"Aside from that one time you were turned into an infant, you may very well be the only one in this room who has the most experience with human babies." Kalego stated as he glanced from his student to the baby who just finished her bottle.

Momonoki removed the now empty bottle from Shizuka's mouth and gave it to Opera then turned to Iruma. "So, um, do I burp her next, or is it different for little humans?" She asked, somewhat afraid she'll do something wrong.

Iruma smiled as he held his arms out for the baby, which Momonoki quickly transferred over. "Normally, babies are patted on the back while their faces are over the adult's shoulder, but since she's a newborn, it's much preferable you do this for now." Iruma demonstrated as he gently maneuvered Shizuka to sit up and lean forward across his lap as he began to pat her back with just enough force to induce a small burp out of the tiny baby's body.

"You do this in between feedings before she goes to sleep." Iruma added as he returned her to Momonoki's arms as she assumed her previous position.

Shizuka let out a satisfied sigh as she relaxed back into the demon's arms and fell right back to sleep.

"She's asleep again. Is that normal?" Kalego asked as they watched the baby knock out almost immediately, her little hand wrapped around Momonoki's finger.

"Yeah, this is pretty much normal. But babies do demand attention an awful lot. They need cuddles, feedings, and diaper changing." Iruma explained to the teachers.

"It's a good thing I bought diapers, binkies and onesies while I was out." Balam added, much to everyone's relief and delight.

Momonoki smiled at the gargoyle, "Thank you Professor Balam."

Sullivan cleared his throat as he sat back down across from them. "Now, Ms. Momonoki, I believe some explanations are in order. You didn't stumble upon this child by accident." The Chairdemon stated, taking on a serious tone.

Momonoki's face turned sad as she sighed, "No, I did not. But I couldn't leave her."

Kalego could sense there was more to that statement, something more painful.

"From the beginning, please." Kalego said as everyone watched the young teacher's expression morph between sadness and slight anger.

...

By the end of her story of how she acquired Shizuka, silence engulfed the atmosphere.

Everyone's eyes were filled with pain and sadness for the infant, even Opera's. Kalego, felt righteous anger and fury towards the man who would dare put such blame on their own offspring.

Momonoki sighed as she stared at the sleeping child in her arms. "Now do you understand, I couldn't leave her alone with that man. I was afraid of what he'd do to her. If I refused, he could very well have summoned another demon in my place, one who'd no doubt devour her in a heartbeat." Momonoki stated as she subconsciously held the child tighter, but not enough to squish her.

"Professor Momonoki-" Kalego began but was cut off.

"I know what you're going to say. What I did was foolish, impulsive and completely dangerous. But honestly, I don't care. It was the only way I can protect her, to keep her safe from that monster. If you're going to report me to Demon Border Control, I won't stop you. But at least let me make sure this child is taken to a safer place, far away from that man." Momonoki finished, her face full of resolve and acceptance of whatever fate awaited her.

Everyone was silent at the end of her speech, no one can deny how protective and attached she became towards the small child. Not that they can blame her. Shizuka is indeed beautiful and innocent.

Kalego sighed, "You really think we brought you here to report you? We are not going to do that."

"You're not?" Momonoki asked in surprise, since what she did is considered a crime.

"You're right, your decision was impulsive and dangerous." Kalego breathed out through his nose, "But as far as everyone can see, you saved that child from a horrible childhood that would be too similar to Iruma's." He added as he glanced at the aforementioned human.

Iruma nodded, "What you did is just incredible, and very brave." He looked down at Shizuka with a soft expression, "Shizuka's happy."

Balam agreed, "Yes, she's already quite attached to you given the circumstances. She has the natural instinct to trust you." The gargoyle then took out a small book and began to write down observational notes about the infant.

Sullivan smiled at the young teacher, "I'm hardly in any position to judge you, my dear. As far as I'm concerned, you made the right call for Shizuka's well-being. Anything you need, you have our support."

Opera hummed and nodded, "We'll also help you protect her if that's what you need."

Momonoki felt a weight leave her shoulder as her eyes watered. She was so worried about how people would see her for her actions, she feared she would be the only one in the Netherworld who can keep Shizuka safe. Since the moment she saw this sleeping infant, she felt a connection unlike any other and a strong need to keep her safe from the world. There's no way to explain it, it's impossible to. All she knows is that she wants Shizuka with her.

"Professor Momonoki?" Iruma asked when he saw her shoulders begin to shake.

Teardrops fell onto the blanket wrapped around Shizuka. "I'm sorry...I know it's unbecoming of a teacher to lose her composure..." She gasped between her tears, "...I just...I feel so relieved." She swallowed, "I want to keep her...I don't know why...but I do want her."

Momonoki raised her head, her face red with tears, "I'm...afraid I don't know what to do. But I'll accept any help available from all of you."

Iruma smiled brightly and nodded, "You can count on it."

Sullivan nodded in agreement, "Of course Ms. Momonoki. We'll gladly be of service. However, there is still one thing I need you to do for me." His glasses glinted in the light when he said.

Momonoki tilted her head, "What is it?"

Sullivan transformed into a jumping potato and pleaded with the young woman, "Please sign a shared custody agreement so I can be this little sweetling's grandfather as well. Pretty please?" He begged as tears streamed down his cheeks.

Momonoki was stunned by the request but could find no fault with it. "Sure, why not?" She said with a laugh of elation.

"Oh yay, oh yay, oh yay!" Sullivan was literally bouncing off the walls in pure joy, "I've got myself another grandchild! Yippie!"

Kalego felt another headache form, "Should've seen this coming."

"This is actually a good thing." Iruma said with a smile at his grandfather's enthusiasm at having a second grandchild to spoil.

Momonoki felt the baby shift in her arms, making her look down to see little Shizuka wake up from her small nap.

"Hey there Shizuka, did you have a good sleep?" Momonoki asked with a smile.

The baby blinked at the woman for a moment then had a look of concentration and determination on her little face.

"Hm? What's wrong?" Momonoki asked before the baby sighed in relief.

A stench filled the room.

"Oh, now I get it." Momonoki said as she held her breath.

Iruma chuckled despite the bad smell and stood up. "C'mon, I'll show you how to change a diaper. But first, let's give her a bath." He said as he led his teacher out of the room to help the new mother get some practice in.

This left the Chairdemon, security demon and teachers alone in the common area.

Kalego turned to the now empty basket and picked it up.

"Kalego?" Balam enquired as the Guard Dog of Babylus carried the basket.

"We need to destroy this, the human scent is still on it. We can't take the risk of someone catching even a whiff of this." Kalego explained, the enticing aroma attached to the carrier almost made him salivate. Even though Momonoki covered the scent with some demon perfume, it still lingered.

Sullivan pushed up his glasses, "A wise move Kalego. You even made the right call to bring Momonoki here."

Kalego nodded, "The moment I saw that baby I knew it was human. It only felt natural to let Momonoki in on the secret as well."

"What will you do now Kalego?" Opera asked, their usual teasing absent as they watched their junior take the basket out of the room.

"First, I'll need to inform the teacher staff about Momonoki's month long leave of absence. Me or Balam can substitute her classes. Also, Momonoki cannot raise the human child at the Teachers' Dorms. It's too risky." Kalego explained, already assessing the risks to both his fellow teacher and the infant.

"We'll be sure to pass along the message. I'm sure Momonoki will understand. I should also see to the child's health as well." Balam added as he left to find Iruma, Momonoki and Shizuka.

"See that you do." Kalego then turned to Sullivan, "You still have those extra scent maskers?"

Sullivan nodded, "Of course."

Kalego nodded, "I'll be off then." He said as he left through the front door. He still held the basket in his hand. With a non-verbal spell, he set the carrier aflame, erasing the scent completely before he flew off towards the Teachers' Dormitory.

In the luxurious bathroom of Sullivan's mansion, Iruma and Momonoki gave Shizuka her first bath in the Netherworld.

Iruma had his sleeves rolled up to his elbows and his blue hair tied back. Momonoki no longer wore her teacher uniform as she dressed into a simple white T-shirt and yoga pants. Teacher and student knelt on a towel in front of a small bathtub fit for the baby as Shizuka lounged in the warm water.

Momonoki gently ran the soft cloth over the baby's skin with her other hand cradling Shizuka's head above the water.

"You're doing great Professor, you're already a natural at this." Iruma praised after showing her the technique to bathe an infant.

Momonoki laughed softly, "Well, I have a good teacher."

Iruma chuckled as he glanced down at Shizuka who looked quite content in her situation. "You love bathtime, don't you Shizuka?"

Shizuka made a small sound in response as she stared back at her caretakers.

Momonoki smiled as she set the cloth aside and gently pulled Shizuka out of the tub. "Time to dry you off now." She softly said to the baby who made a sound of protest at being taken away from her happy place.

"I know, but I promise, we'll have bathtime again tomorrow." Momonoki assure her as she carefully toweled off Shizuka until she was nice and dry.

Iruma brought out a fresh diaper and showed the new mother how to administer one. After a small bit of trial and error involving the diaper getting put on backwards, Momonoki succeeded.

"That was embarrassing." Momonoki blushed at her mistake.

"I did the same thing on my first time." Iruma assured her as he guided her and Shizuka out of the bathroom.

Balam stood outside waiting for them to finish.

"Oh, Professor Balam." Momonoki greeted in pleasant surprise as she held Shizuka who was swaddled in a white blanket with happy dragons on it.

"Sorry to interrupt, but I was hoping to give Shizuka a small checkup before I leave." Balam requested the new mother.

Momonoki blinked and nodded, "Of course."

They entered the room that is now set up as a nursery with a crib, play mat, toys and all.

"When did we get a nursery?" Iruma asked as Opera set up the baby mobile over the crib.

"Shortly after Kalego left." Opera answered, never stopping from his task.

"He's already gone?" Momonoki asked as she carried Shizuka to the changing table where Balam conducted his check-up.

"Yes." Sullivan entered the room, hiding something behind his back. "He went to inform the teacher staff of your leave of absence. This will give you ample amount of time to adjust to your new roll. Don't worry about your classes, he and Balam will sub for you."

Momonoki was surprised as she blushed at the idea of Kalego doing something like that for her. "I have to remember to thank him for that."

"He also advised you not to raise your daughter at the dorms as well." Sullivan informed Momonoki, "Given the child's circumstances, we cannot take the risk of someone else finding out about her humanity." He stated in a serious tone he rarely used.

Momonoki didn't think about that, but considering her daughter's well-being, she couldn't help but agree.

"I won't argue with you there. I'll have to move my stuff out of the dorms soon." An idea struck her quickly, "There's this house the Morax family owns just a little outside of town. It's a bit further away from Babylus, but it should be fine. It's private property and no one else in my family is using it. It's perfect." Momonoki added, feeling a bit more confident with the easy solution.

"I just need to clean it up before I move Shizuka there." Momonoki remembered, considering the last time she saw that house was before she began her job at Babylus and moved to the dorms.

"I can help you clean it up. Would this weekend be okay?" Iruma offered, being the ever so helpful student.

"Are you sure?" Momonoki asked in surprise.

"Yeah, I'm not a stranger to cleaning, plus, I think it would be fun painting Shizuka's room." Iruma added with a bright enthused smile.

Momonoki's eyes brightened in excitement as well, "Ooohhhh, that would be so cute! I can't decide between which bright colors to use, but I also want them to be soft."

"Oh yeah, and the decorations to go with it." Iruma said as Momonoki squealed at the possibilities of what her daughter's room should look like.

"Um, Momonoki..."

The demon teacher turned to the Chairdemon in his weeping potato form holding up a cute baby onesie.

"...you'll still bring her to come visit me, right?"

Momonoki breathed out a small laugh, "Of course I will. It'd be a crime to deprive Shizuka of her grandfather."

The Chairdemon beamed brightly, tears forgotten as he twirled around in elation.

"Um, speaking of grandfathers, what will you tell Professor Morax when he asks about Shizuka?" Balam asks as he finishes up his examination. Shizuka's quite healthy by human standards.

Momonoki's face fell when she realized that one miscalculation. "I haven't really thought about that." She said in a small voice as she fiddled with her fingers. Her overprotective grandfather will probably make assumptions like who impregnated her or something.

The teacher frowned as she thought of her grandfather, "I can't tell him about her origins either. He's a good man, but he's a bit old fashioned."

Seeing doubt and worry upon his teacher's face, Iruma chimes in, "I'm sure if you tell him how you found her, minus the humanity bit, he'll understand. You're his pride and joy, and I know he'll be just as proud when he realizes how brave and selfless you are in your decision. Plus, I think he'd be happy having another grandchild." He added very strongly.

Momonoki allowed her student's words to sink in before she felt that burst of self-confidence. "You're right, I will tell him...in one month."

"That's what we all like to hear." Sullivan said as he held his new grandchild now dressed in her onesie, cooing and coddling her already.

Shizuka giggled when Sullivan wiggled his mustache at her, the beautiful sound caused everyone's hearts to flutter and melt.

"You are free to stay the night with us. We'll begin the moving process in the morning." Sullivan offered since it's already dark outside. So much time has already passed with all this drama.

"Are you sure? I don't want to intrude." Momonoki said as she watched her daughter bond with her new grandfather.

"That's actually the best option right now." Opera stated as they stood beside the teacher and young master. "As it stands, this mansion is the safest place for humans. Since she already identifies you as her parent, it's better you stay as well."

Momonoki couldn't find no argument there. Even if she did return to the dorms, she won't stop worrying over her child unless she's close by.

"Just for tonight." Momonoki conceded, much to everyone's delight.

"Wonderful." Sullivan transferred the baby back into Momonoki's arms.

"I'll go and set up the guest room across the hall. It's the closest to the nursery." Opera informed Momonoki who nodded in understanding as she swayed while cradling her baby.

"I better return to the dorms as well and prepare subbing for your classes." Balam announced as he made his way out of the room.

"Thank you, Professor Balam. For everything." Momonoki gratefully said as she watched her fellow teacher leave the room.

Iruma scratched the back of his neck, "I also have some homework I need to finish. Call for me if you need any help." He offered his teacher, ready to go into babysitter mode at a moment's notice.

"I'll keep that in mind."

Sullivan had an aura of flowers surrounding him. "Well, that leaves me free and clear-"

Opera grabbed Sullivan by the back of his shirt and dragged him out of the room. "You, sir, have some paperwork that needs to be done."

Reduced to his potato form, tears flowed down his cheeks. "Noooo, Opera, you're so mean!" He whined like a child as he was pulled further away from his grandchildren.

Iruma and Momonoki laughed softly at the pouting demon.

"Well, that Grandpa for you." Iruma fondly said as he glanced at little Shizuka.

Momonoki smiled, "She'll get used to it. Won't you Shizuka?" She softly cooed at her daughter who watched the grownups interaction.

Iruma gave Shizuka and Momonoki a kind smile, "You know, Shizuka is actually from my country in Japan. Her name holds meaning; silent and gentle."

Momonoki's eyes widened slightly at this piece of information. "'Silent and gentle.'" She laughed softly and thought to herself, 'I only know one person who uses that word immensely.'

"I better go get some work done myself. My room is down the hall to the left of this room if you need anything. Goodnight." Iruma added as he left the room, leaving mother and baby alone.

Momonoki sighed happily as she glanced down at her daughter before she sat down in a rocking chair beside the crib and began to slowly rock back and forth.

"So much fuss over you." Momonoki smiled as she spoke softly to her daughter.

Shizuka only stared up at the beautiful demon who has taken better care of her than that man. So far, she feels safer with Momonoki than that human.

"I don't know how I'll be as your mother, but I will be better than him. I will keep you safe. I promise." Momonoki vowed as she cradled her precious treasure in her arms.

This is a good stopping point for all. I'm quite satisfied. But yeah, Momonoki is finally in on the secret of humans, and has now become the demon mother to a human baby. I hope you enjoyed this. Leave me your thoughts.