Lost and Found

by YumeTakato

Opera had never believed themselves to be the parenting type- nor had they ever envisioned themselves in such a position. Eventually fate tears them away from their child, and fourteen years pass in fits and stops. Their Lord arrives with a thin human child and proclaims him his grandson. Yet, Iruma has his secrets, and he is unwilling to reveal his truth for the sake of freedom.

28. Crowns and Betrayal

It's the Deviculululululu arc that I had many readers ask about in the early chapters of the story. I don't know if I'll live up to any hopes and expectations, but here it is.

xXx-xXx-overture-xXx-xXx

Iruma smiled as he watched Alice and Clara lightly bicker back and forth about the Gag Act she attempted to foist upon Alice. His heart was warm, even though he was missing Clara already.

Two weeks would be a long time for her, but going through Opera's super intense etiquette boot camp for the duration of that time would also be difficult. Opera, when focused, went straight to business.

The two of them had very little time together that wasn't related to some form of training.

Iruma also was desperate to cuddle with his mother, but by the end of the day he was so tired. He had to have space from his mother so that he didn't feel bitter with them.

Grandpa was also at Babyl a lot, so…

Iruma took in a deep breath and exhaled softly before interrupting Clara, "Can I have a favor?"

His two soulmates froze and gave him their full attention as they shifted to face him with a quiet nod.

His smile was barely there, "Would either of you mind… just laying with me on my bed, and being quiet?"

Alice straightened while Clara shifted closer to him. She seemed to look him over with an expression she'd rarely used around them, before pulling him in for a tight hug, "'Re you lonely, Iruma-chi?"

Iruma slumped into her tiredly, "...A little."

"And you still wanna go to the Devicululu?"

"Yeah."

Clara took in a deep breath and sighed softly, "Clara is always happy to give cuddles!" She rubbed her head against his in affection, "You can count on us to give you whatever it is you need!"

Alice nodded while shifting over to his side, "Most certainly."

Iruma's smile became more genuine, and he squeezed Clara back before signaling that he wanted to get up.

The three of them moved over to his bed and settled themselves on top of his covers. He wanted to curl into the both of them, and pull deep, deep, deep onto their Mana. He wanted their scents to linger on his comforter, even if only for a few hours, just so that he could still feel close to them, and that they weren't so far away when they were apart.

He would see Alice sooner, but despite the party atmosphere, they would still have to be very proper and business-like.

Alice pulled Iruma into his chest and carefully began to run his fingers through his hair.

Iruma tucked Clara into his own chest and gently ran his fingers over her horns, and eventually moved on to her strands.

Clara kept one arm curled around Iruma, while the other found Alice's side and held onto his vest.

Alice's Mana wrapped around Clara's Mana, while Clara wove hers through Iruma's. Slowly, Iruma found his Mana nestled between that of his soulmates, with their Magic well intertwined as contentment dragged on his consciousness, and pulled him under.

They forgot where each of them began and ended, and dozed peacefully in one another's arms.

xXx-xXx-overture-xXx-xXx

Iruma was dressed for the Deviculum, with only his mask as the final missing piece.

He had a cosmetic pair of white horns fashioned into his hair to assist in pinning his cat ears down, along with a cosmetic set of small wings that faded from fuchsia to violet. His waistcoat was dark purple with pocket details the same pattern as his light gray top and gold metal lapel studs, with an eggplant colored vest underneath. His thick choker was gold with detailing while a golden ring pendant hung from it. He also wore purple-black opera-length gloves with a band of gold at the top, and white dress pants that tucked into knee-high laced purple-black boots.

Opera looked him over critically for anything that may be out of place, before gently grasping his shoulders as they met his eyes. "Iruma… Please stay close to the Asmodeus family. I do not know if our enemy will be present, but if they are, I absolutely do not want you to be lost to me again. It… would not end well, if you were to be taken away from me a second time."

They took in a deep breath to calm themself before continuing, "Kalego's elder brother, Naberius Narnia will also be in attendance at this masquerade ball. Trust your instincts now more than ever for the slightest hint of danger, because if Hermod comes to your aid, you will create a domino effect that could lead to your own demise." They grit their teeth, before forcing themself to swallow and continue with a sigh, "I want you safe, but I do not want to stifle you." They carefully pulled him into their chest and wrapped their Magic tightly around him. "Stay safe… and have fun, my kit."

Iruma returned Opera's hold and closed his eyes as he ruminated on his mother's words.

"...Thank you, for letting me take this chance, despite the danger."

Opera sighed tiredly, "I have done my own fair share of foolishly dangerous things… but I did so knowing I was strong enough to demolish anyone who would oppose me. That… is not the case with you." They wanted to pet his hair, but it was now styled, and they wouldn't undo their own work, "You are a much more mild-mannered and peaceful child than I ever was."

Opera slowly pulled away and returned their hands to his shoulders, "Promise me you will return, whole."

Iruma looked them in the eyes, "I promise."

Opera nodded, and they pulled away from him, and gathered the last of their Magic tight into themself.

Their bond buzzed from Shichirou's concern, and Kalego's expectation.

They pulled their feelings deep, deep, deep into themself, and closed themself off.

Their partners had their jobs to do, and they had theirs.

xXx-xXx-promenade-xXx-xXx

Iruma experienced a multitude of emotions after arriving at the Deviculum.

Ameri was breathtaking in her outfit, and he was so happy to be there with her, as well as having the honor of escorting her there.

Amuryllis and Alice were also magnificent in their matching suits. Iruma hadn't expected Amu-chan's Knight theme despite being present for the fittings and design process! He'd had his own worries to deal with, so paying attention to what she'd been up to had taken a back seat.

Iruma hadn't been able to contain his excitement when he'd noticed his Master, and it had taken all of his will to swallow up all of his words, and she still got mad at him for being too loud!

But he'd been so excited to see her after so long! And she could be announced as a 13 Crown! He was excited for and with her!

And then Ameri's bodyguard had just… appeared out of nowhere and entered their conversation.

Iruma swallowed as his hackles raised. He didn't understand why Fenrir-san was triggering his Flight instincts, so he did his best to inch closer to Amuryllis when the lights went out.

Something was placed onto his head, and he panicked before his Grandfather's gentle voice broke through.

"Stand tall."

Iruma looked up at Sullivan and smiled widely, before a spotlight was placed upon them and the other two Greats and their grandsons.

The Trickster plan was announced in a thrilling speech by his Grandfather, and then he carefully lifted Iruma's hat when he was done, "I'm so glad that you were able to be here, with me."

Iruma felt relief, knowing his Grandfather was just as happy as he was, "So am I!"

Sullivan gently pushed him along, "Now return to your partner, and enjoy tonight's dance."

Iruma nodded, and a new spotlight featured a pianist, whose flair Iruma immediately recognized. 'Kalego-sensei..?'

Iruma's nervousness subsided, and he offered his hand to Ameri, and she gladly took it.

They danced in their own little world, happy to have a moment where it seemed like it was only them on even ground.

Iruma was no longer a clueless dance partner in need of education, he was well versed in how to move. Opera had taught him well for this night, as well as any that would come later.

And then two sets of hands separated them, and suddenly Razberry was dipping him low, "Hello Mi'Lord~! Good evening Iruma-chan!"

Iruma was too startled by his abrupt partner change and position to be affected by the way he'd been called, "You scared me!"

Razberry laughed boisterously, "I'm a good dance partner, aren't I!?" And proceeded to lose his grip on Iruma and drop him. He immediately held out his hand, and Iruma was quick to take it, not wanting to be rude. "Mi'Lord, I'm glad I found you right off the bat!" He pulled Iruma back onto his feet. "Perfect timing!"

Iruma frowned, "For what?"

Razberry smirked as he proceeded to talk about how this Deviculum was a great way to create connections to possible future subordinates. He then moved on to explain the big prize of the night, the Upper Deity Princess Shura, and how if anyone could gain her favor, they'd pretty much have her support to become the Demon King.

Perhaps, if he had been less Human, he would have felt just as competitive to gain an audience with her.

On the other hand, he was Half-Human, and approaching an Upper Deity with a thick security detail seemed outrageous. Certainly, there were other influential persons of interest he could speak to, but he just…

He had no idea what to say.

"You weirdo!"

Alice separated Razberry from Iruma and glared at him while protectively shifting Iruma, "Are you alright, Mi'Lord?"

Iruma nodded, "Yeah, he's not a suspicious person Az- Mi'Lord."

Razberry pointed at Alice, "Yo~! Who's this sparkly guy?"

Alice glared at him, "I'm his bodyguard!"

Razberry snickered, "That girl you were dancing with before was a stunner too. Iruma-chan, you're a sucker for good looks, huh?"

Iruma stiffened before he snatched Razberry's tie and pulled him close, while growling lowly in his face and showing his fangs, "Continue with that 'Chan' shit, and I'll peel off every last one of your tattoos, Mi'Lord."

Razberry shuddered as he gave an ecstatic grin towards Iruma, "So y'do have some bite t'ya, huh?"

Iruma's menacing aura shifted to aggressively bright, "Un."

Alice didn't have the chance to say anything before Ameri and Leiji joined them to further discuss how inaccessible Princess Shura was, and thus, to do their best dragging one another down in the climb for the Demon King's seat.

The two Rank Vav (6) demons then separated to attempt to curry Amaymon's favor.

xXx-xXx-promenade-xXx-xXx

Iruma, unfortunately, felt lost.

Razberry attempted to get into Amuryllis' good graces and was thwarted by Alice, and Iruma simply didn't want to disobey the few simple rules he'd been given for the night.

One of which, was to stay close to the Asmodeus family.

He clenched his hands near his chest while glancing around. He had so little knowledge- he didn't know who would be safe to approach, nor how far he could-

"Aint'cha gonna get in there?"

Iruma nearly jumped in surprise when Fenrir abruptly spoke to him.

He felt Hermod raise their head, before turning away to try and ignore Ameri's temporary Security Devil.

But Iruma's hackles were raised, and Hermod wasn't turning away because it was safe.

There was a rumbling deep in his chest.

He wasn't safe hewasn't safe hewasn't-

Iruma rubbed the back of his neck, "Um, Fenrir-san…"

"Fen-chan's fine." He pointed towards the others, "Everyone's starting to pitch themselves."

Iruma lowered his eyes, "You're right, I should really go talk to them, too…" Get away-

He noted that Alice was lecturing Razberry, when Fenrir was suddenly close enough that Iruma could scent him, and feel the pressure of his presence.

"Well then, you wanna talk to me instead?"

Iruma gaped at the man beside him in confusion. "Eh..?!" His instincts were pulling in two different directions while making him anxious, and Fenrir suggests that..?

Fenrir made a strange pose as he explained himself, "I'm Border Patrol's ~Number Three~, I'm a rare gem!" He came close as if to tell a secret, "Aren't you interested in the demons from Border Patrol? As unyielding as steel, we don't reveal ourselves easily. We are the demons that demons fear. An ally "with the sharpest fangs, and an enemy worse than death itself." That's what the Netherworld says about Demon Patrol."

Iruma took a second to take a half step back and glance towards Alice and Amuryllis, when he felt the warmth of a hand near his left shoulder and the sound of breathing in. Iruma jerked back from Fenrir, "What were you doing?"

Fenrir turned away and rubbed under his nose, while hiding his mouth, "Nothin'."

Iruma swallowed. He took another step away from the man, and he desperately wished he had a good excuse for leaving Fenrir's side… but he didn't. It was technically true- he probably would be a terrific ally-

If he weren't so strangely bloodthirsty.

Iruma's Danger Sense was slowly picking up into an adrenaline high as Iruma mentally scrambled. The Asmodeus family was only ten feet away from him. They weren't far.

Yet he felt as if his life was on the line!

Who was Fenrir?

"I'd like to get to know you, Mi'Lord, so why don't you tell me about yourself?"

Iruma stared at Fenrir at a complete loss for words. 'I really shouldn't talk about myself to this man…'

Fenrir waved a hand, "Hey, don't overthink this. You can just talk about yourself, or demons you know-"

Iruma turned to him with a sparkle as he found his chance to talk about the people around him, so he excitedly talked about the Misfit class in roundabout ways. He loved his class, they were all so amazing, and important to him-

"-Wait, hold up. I wanted to hear about you."

Iruma wasn't done talking, as he explained how his classmates had impacted him. "...It's because of them that I'm able to stand here, now."

Fenrir hummed, "So… what do you think "The future of the Netherworld" should look like?"

Iruma paused at that, "The future of the Netherworld..?"

Fenrir made dog hand puppets out of both of his hands as he motioned, "Y'know, like a vision? Imagine you're the King! What will you do with the Netherworld? Sell me your ideas!"

Iruma hummed as he thought about it while noting the man's hands. It was a strange quirk for someone who wasn't related to…

Iruma swallowed thickly.

…To the Naberius Clan..?

Suddenly he wasn't sure how to act. "...Uhm… a world… where all demons respect one another… and work together to better themselves… A 'kind' Netherworld, I think."

Fenrir gaped at him for such an odd answer while dropping his hands.

Iruma wasn't sure if he had said something wrong, "Is that strange..?"

"No…" Fenrir bowed his head while mulling over Iruma's statement. "A Netherworld where demons conspire and work together…" He met Iruma's eyes, "I really, really like the idea…" He loomed towards Iruma while showing a fanged grin, "So like, a Netherworld only for demons, right?"

Iruma felt his chest constrict, "...Huh?"

Fenrir gained a slightly manic look to his eyes, "Working together to weed out weaker species, we already do that! I totally get that!"

Iruma raised his hands defensively in confusion. His thoughts about his classmates crumbling as he was presented with a different interpretation of his Hope-

Fenrir turned away from him as he extolled, "There are too many things cluttering our beautiful Netherworld! Deities, Magical Beasts, and most important of all… things that don't belong here, like Humans."

Iruma gripped his hands close to his chest, wondering if anyone who mattered would notice his anxious body language while avoiding Fenrir's eyes, "...Don't belong..?"

Fenrir's voice grew cold, "Yes. Humans, most especially, aren't welcome here. Chief Henri is excellent 'n all, but there's just one thing we can't agree on. He just wants to send the humans we catch back to their World." Iruma cautiously met Fenrir's eyes and saw nothing but a pit of fanaticism. "Whereas I think we should eliminate them on sight. The Netherworld belongs to the Noble Demon Race. And yet, these foreign things barge in from the outside, upsetting the balance, and causing chaos. How rude and shameless of them, don't you think?"

Iruma felt as if he were shrinking in the shadow of this demon's terrible presence. It felt as if his Mana were being subdued and pressed down by his horrible predatory eyes. "Let's see… What if, for example, some human were able to sneak in here horribly by mistake and gain power, while pretending to be a demon…" Fenrir leaned close to Iruma, "It would be so disgusting, I would puke." Iruma felt the piercing gaze of a wolf, "Say… what do you think… about humans..?"

Suddenly Iruma felt something behind him as the feeling of warm scales wrapped around his Mana. White gloved hands covered his eyes as a vaguely familiar weight settled on his back, "Peek-a-boo~! Who's the little demon behind you~?"

"Amu-!"

Amuryllis spun him around and buried his face into her breast, "Mi'Lord you meanie~!" She squeezed him tight as he clung onto her frazzled, "You're my knight~ so you shouldn't leave my side~!"

Iruma was so, so relieved to feel the Asmodeus Matriach's comforting Mana, that he didn't even attempt to hide his distress. "Yes… I'm sorry…" His voice wavered, and he felt his whole body shaking like a leaf.

Amuryllis was silent for a moment before gently shifting Iruma behind her as she looked over at Fenrir. She waved pleasantly, "Thanks for keeping him company~!"

Fenrir was seemingly back to business. "It's nothing, we were just having a little chat…"

Now, Iruma didn't know all of the etiquette, or the general cultural things. And honestly, he also had no idea how powerful Amuryllis was despite her position as a 13 Crown.

The sound of her hand hitting Fenrir's cheek, and seeing the way he flew several feet before landing from a simple face slap was something not even his wildest dreams could have conjured up, and his fear disappeared in the midst of the silence.

Amaryllis flipped her hair back as if she'd experienced a refreshing breeze. "Get up, you silly pup."

xXx-xXx-promenade-xXx-xXx

Iruma was dazed from his anxiousness and fear, the cheers from the slap, and whiplashed by the short apology before Fenrir dismissed himself.

Because he had definitely seen a wolf, and the man's appearance change.

Alice's Mana pressed against him, warm scales and full of concerned hissing. Ameri's Mana also pressed around him in concern as fur brushed close and nuzzled into his unsettled spaces.

Iruma wasn't even sure when he'd been sat down, when suddenly Alice was kneeling before him with a selection of foods, while Ameri presented him with a glass of water.

Their questions of concern brought him out of his shell a little bit as he did his best to smile and placate them, "I'm okay! I'm just a little tired… Go ahead and mingle, I'll just take a break right here!"

Neither Alice nor Ameri believed him, but they accepted the fact that he was clearly not ready to deal with people again. They both squeezed his hands while Ameri spoke, "If you say so…"

Alice watched him silently for a moment, "...I will be nearby, if you have need of me."

Iruma nodded, and his two partners slowly pulled away from him.

He needed a moment to recollect himself and review what had happened.

Why hadn't he fled from Fenrir sooner?

Hermod rumbled deep within his Magic, Because to run is to be Guilty. We were trapped.

Iruma took in a deep breath and exhaled heavily and glanced at his ring. 'What would Ali-san have to say about all of this..?'

Iruma placed his hand over his phone. 'Should I call Hahaue..? What would I even say to them..?'

He recalled Fafnir's words about humans, and hunched into himself while bowing his head. 'I knew it was coming, but to have the utter rejection of half of my being put into words is a bit…'

"Hey, want a drink?"

Iruma flinched at the teacup presented to him, before looking up at the veiled white haired demon who had somehow managed to settle herself on the table, atop an ornate pillow without his noticing. "Huh?"

The demon looked down at him passively, "Tea's a great pick-me-up. Here."

Iruma fumbled before carefully taking the cup of tea from her, "Oh, uhm, thank you(..?)"

She then inquired about his mood while he wondered when and why she had decided to approach him.

Something about her presence lulled him into a feeling of familiarity and safety as he cautiously opened up about what had happened between himself and Fenrir.

She called him an idiot, and he was left dumbstruck. "Do you really think all of these demons are fond of one another?" She spoke of the way they lived and fought, "Gettin' along with each other is outta the question. 'Fer that reason, Having a fighting spirit is a demon's charm." She told him about her own journey to the top while using her rival as a stepping stone. "Don't let the hate get under yer skin. The ones who hate you will sow the seeds for your growth."

Iruma felt a lot better after the mysterious demon's pep-talk. He couldn't help but think of Bachiko while in her presence despite how different they were. "Uhm, th-thank you for coming to talk to me!"

The girl lifted her head haughtily, "Hmph. It's just idle chatter.' She grumbled under her breath, "Besides, if that stupid ant got discouraged because her disciple was depressed, there'd be no competition at all…"

Iruma pulled back in confusion, before a loud tolling of bells interrupted them and signaled the next part of the evening. "It's time." She hopped off the table and removed her veil. "Listen Mi'Lord. It's fun to fight with those you hate, but you must go all out. I'm a veteran in that regard." Paimon glanced back at him with a smirk, "If yer up to it, I'll offer ya some more advice some other time."

Iruma couldn't help but be shocked that a 13 Crown had approached him, instead of the other way around to cheer him up.

And then, it was finally time to announce the new 13 Crowns.

xXx-xXx-promenade-xXx-xXx

Baal's challenge to open the missing Demon King's seat, and to appoint Bachiko as a 13 Crown created a strange atmosphere of thrill and confusion.

…So much so, that the pounding of the earth hadn't registered, until the missing Crown Behemolt tore into the venue. And certainly, his suppression by Border Patrol only took 13 seconds, however…

He spoke despite his mouth being sealed, and it was then that as he stood, his stomach revealed a massive gaping maw.

Fear rippled through the venue, as every demon turned tail to ensure their safety and protect their interests since their Magic had been suppressed by two of the Three Greats.

Yet, despite it all, Iruma saw the coming danger heading towards Princess Shura.

No matter who had been in his path of terror, he still would have acted just as he had in that moment, as Iruma stood with his bow raised and ready to shoot.

A familiar hand pressed against his side as flames wrapped around him and his bow, "Iruma-sama! You have my aid!"

Iruma nodded, "Right!" 'Pierce through! If you're an Archer, make up your mind when it matters most!' "My Arrows Never Miss!" His aim was perfect, and yet, the arrow slammed into an invisible cube unnaturally surrounding Behemolt and Princess Shura.

Iruma lifted his eyes in shock as a flutter of movement landed at the top, while Baal stole the show.

'Barrier..?'

Voices shouted Baal's name as a Hero, and cheers rang out across the room chanting his name.

But none of that mattered, at least, not for Iruma.

'Kirio..?' Iruma began to frantically look around before he noticed his quarry leaving the grand hall behind.

He didn't hear Alice call for him, not when he was so focused on following.

Certainly, it was a foolish thing to do, but he needed to know for certain.

He ran ahead, away from his guardians and those who cared for him-

Down into a silent hall, where no one else would hear him scream-

"Hello, Iruma-kun."

xXx-xXx-sever-xXx-xXx

Finding out he was correct, that Kirio-senpai was there was a short-lived relief that was quickly replaced with fear as Kirio extolled Baal's abrupt jump in influence.

"...Y'know, they suit you so nice, Iruma-kun. Those fake horns and wings."

Iruma's stomach dropped as he felt age-old panic well up within him.

Kirio lamented while propping a dramatic hand against his cheek, "But, you poor soul. In the chaotic Netherworld Nii-sama wants where every demon's Desire is laid bare, your presence is sure to cause a lot of hurt and pain. Eventually all of your allies will dry up and you'll be left all alone. Lyin' ahead of you is nothin' but deep loneliness."

Kirio opened his arms as his cheeks became flushed, "But don't you worry, there'll be a new place for you! Look-" He pointed to his mouth in ecstatic glee before leaning forward and rubbing his stomach, "Right here!"

Iruma shuddered, noting the terrible change in Kirio's eyes as the proof of his Returning to Origins was made clear.

He continued in a fanatical tone, "And when you're all alone, I'll be the one to accept you!" He sluggishly began to move closer towards Iruma while reaching out towards him, "Blood, Flesh, Bone and All! That's how I can save you-"

At that moment, before he could touch Iruma, Alice finally broke through Barrier with his flame and determination, "Iruma-sama won't be alone, not now, and not ever! Because I, Asmodeus Alice, will always be by his side!"

Iruma wanted to cry because of Alice's declaration. It wasn't that it was new information, but he'd needed it affirmed so desperately after everything he's dealt with that evening.

Kirio was dispassioned by Alice's words, "Always, huh? I already told you. You don't know a thing." He lifted his head as Alice's posture shifted in confusion. Kirio met Iruma's eyes and grinned with pleasure at an unspoken thought, "Alright. How about I tell you now?"

Iruma's eyes widened as he realized what it was Kirio might be about to say. Alice also reacted in a vague sense of realization.

"Iruma-kun is human."

Alice was frozen, while Iruma felt something switch within him.

It wasn't fear or anxiousness that the enemy somehow knew that he was [half] Human. No-

Anger, hot and passionate rose to the surface as his voice dropped into a deeper tone that rumbled.

"Now where the fuck did you hear that?"

Kirio's moment of exhilaration dropped into a pointed frown, while Alice looked at him in surprise.

Yet, Iruma shifted his stance into a more confident one as he observed his enemy.

A person who was an enemy to not only himself, but his family.

Kirio tilted his head slightly upwards, "Wouldn't you like to know?"

Iruma bared his fangs, "As a matter of fact, I would, considering I never told you about that."

Kirio sniffed derisively before smirking, "Oh, but Iruma-kun, you did tell me! Or at least, a recording of your admission did."

Iruma glared at him as he quickly tried to process when he might have spoken out loud that he was human.

And then it struck him, in the midst of breaking free of Trauma-

Iruma's instincts reared forward as he snarled and shifted his stance, "The Harvest-"

His phone rang, startling him from his momentary mood and causing him to panic. His phone? His phone was ringing?!

'I thought I had it on silent!'

He scrambled, and nearly dropped it when he picked up the line, "H-hello?"

"IRUMA-CHI! Having fun~!? Connection succeeded, yay~!"

"C-Clara?"

"Is Azz-Azz with you? Is the Devicululu over~?! I figured it'd almost be over by now and I couldn't wait any longer, so I called~!" She giggled to herself before continuing to tell him about what the Magitools Battler had been up to in their absence. "Everyone is super hyped! As the captain, I'm super proud of them! So, Iruma-chi… Hurry back, okay? Everyone waiting for you!"

At that, the call was disconnected after Clara was buried under a wave of her siblings.

Alice stared at Iruma bewildered while Iruma recollected himself. "Kirio-senpai…" He turned to face him, "Me being cast out, and coming to you… I renounce it. Though I had once desired for you to return to us, I see that without a change within yourself, we will never be able to stand together."

"However, if you do come to have a change of heart, I will protect your place in the Magitolls Battra. I hope for, and await your return to your senses."

Kirio kept his gaze, "Those eyes…" He sighed heavily while running a hand dramatically through his hair, "And after ya had such a pretty face of despair, too… What a turn off." He lowered his hand, "Oh well, I guess this is my queue to leave."

Alice charged forward, "Not so fast!" He tried to punch Kirio with his flame, but slammed against Barrier once more. 'How is he capable of doing this..?' It was well beyond his capabilities!

Kirio glanced back at them, "Iruma-kun, whether your desire or mine comes true… We will always be drawn to each other, 'cause we're Destined Enemies."

Iruma stood and watched as Kirio disappeared from their sight.

Alice's flames slowly died down, and Barrier suddenly dispelled on its own, much too late for them to chase Kirio down.

Iruma took in a deep breath before exhaling, "Alice…"

Alice turned to him with a troubled look on his face, "That level of growth… There's no way that bastard became that strong naturally in such a short amount of time…"

Iruma flexed his right hand before putting away his phone. "...I think so too." Alice observed Iruma for a time until his soulmate finally met his gaze. "Kirio… I don't know where the connection is, but he's definitely connected to the people who…" He tore his eyes away from Alice, and it took his friend a moment to realize.

Alice sucked in a sharp breath and didn't dare verbalize it. Not here, not with so many high Ranked demons nearby.

"Oh…" The Contract.

Kirio was connected to the ones who had Cursed Opera and caused the root of all of Iruma's previous suffering.

Alice swallowed thickly, "I apologize, for not being strong enough-"

Iruma grasped Alice's sleeve, "Stop it." Alice paused as Iruma moved close and leaned against him tiredly with frustrated tears in his eyes. "There's something unnatural about all of this… We only have so much information. We've done our best."

Alice sucked in a weepy breath as he held his friend and buried his face into his hair, "But I still let you be bothered by that SD."

Iruma sighed softly as the past couple of weeks, and the rollercoaster of emotions abruptly caught up to him, "That was… my fault, too…"

Alice startled as he abruptly felt Iruma's full weight press against him. He looked down at his soulmate and realized he'd fallen asleep. Carefully, he shifted so that their legs were tucked beneath them as they settled on the hallway floor.

There were echoes of distant sounds along with Iruma's steady breathing. He examined Iruma's hair, how there was still a sheen to it, but an underlying dullness.

You've been working hard, huh..?

Alice carefully opened up his Mana to his soulmate and pressed against his Magic. There was a sleepy reaction, before Iruma's Magic latched upon his Mana greedily. Alice chuckled softly while nuzzling the top of his head, "You can't take too much, I still have to protect you, you know…"

He kept Iruma propped against him for a time, until he suddenly heard a rush of footsteps. Alice raised his head to meet with Kalego's worried gaze, "Ah, Kalego-sensei."

Kalego looked his child over for injury before crouching down in front of them, "What happened here..?"

Alice hummed, "I think he passed out from the stress of the day."

Kalego frowned before pressing his Mana against Iruma's Magic. He got slapped back by what could only be described as scalding scales, before the Magic abruptly pulled back and away to give him space.

Kalego questioned Alice silently, and the student simply smiled awkwardly, "I didn't realize it was you, Sir. My apologies."

Kalego huffed as he shifted to one knee and successfully connected to Iruma's Magic to feed him. "...He's been training with Opera extensively."

Alice nodded, "His muscles have changed quite a bit in the short time we've been apart."

Kalego hummed, "He hasn't taken in enough Mana to make up for it."

Alice slowly nodded, "...Yes, so I noticed-"

"Oh is he asleep?" "He's dirty!" "Oh~? Would you like to take off his clothes to clean him up~?" "Wh-Huh!? What ever-!?"

Kalego jumped away from Amuryllis, Ameri, and Bachiko who had somehow managed to sneak up behind him to Asmodeus' other side.

He gave his student a pointed look and intoned under their conversation, "Asmodeus, I want a full report."

Alice nodded before tilting his head, "Where've you been, anyway?"

Kalego looked away as an abnormal gloom settled on his features.

It was… weird to see his teacher show such a personal emotion.

Alice interrupted the conversation the girls were having, "We should move him so that he's not cold-"

"No." A new voice interrupted them as Lord Sullivan moved over to their circle, "He will be coming with me."

Kalego bowed slightly before pulling his Mana away, "As you say, sir."

Alice was surprised Kalego wasn't going to argue against it, but Sullivan came close, and Alice felt the Lord's own unique Mana for the first, and quite hopefully, the last time.

It was a strange, terrifying, and dark thing, but with all of the love and affection of a doting Grandparent for their Grandchild.

Sullivan cocooned Iruma within his Mana and Magic, and Iruma's Magic, while momentarily confused, was swift to latch on and scramble to take his fill.

Sullivan bowed slightly to them all, "Thank you for watching over Iruma-kun tonight. Take care, everyone."

And so, Sullivan began the long trek home by foot, as he thought over the events of the night, and how proud he was of Iruma's growth.

How he had been strong in the face of such terrible danger…

…And how, despite their differences, Iruma reminded him of his Lord oh so often.

xXx-xXx-postlude-xXx-xXx

So… I've noticed on AO3 that there are now multiple fics updating simultaneously with this same title in Mairuma. This is… weird. In my many, many years of reading/writing fanfiction, I have never seen this happen in a fandom I was reading/writing for/in. So after posting about it to friends on FB, I've opted to adjust my title slightly [on AO3], to help prevent confusion for myself and other readers while browsing.

It's a little odd to do so, so far into the story, but I've deemed it necessary.

Please leave a review and let me know if you enjoyed it!