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.

10. Lost and Found

I'm skipping Iruma going over to Lied's house. Nothing really changes from canon.
There are a few other chapters I'm skipping, like Bachiko learning that Iruma's human. I could adapt it, but there isn't enough material to really adjust from Iruma's perspective.

TW: An adult smokes with a vague mention of smoking underaged. Date related PTSD/Opera dealing with some level of Dissociative Identity Disorder (they mix they/them and she/her), swearing, and a lot of adult panic.

Warning: This chapter concludes S3 of the anime, and goes into manga-only content at the writing of this story. While this isn't a 1:1 rewrite, it will possibly get into the first 1-10ish episodes of the potential S4 of the anime, depending on how it's adapted, and thus, is spoiler heavy by default. However, it will be veering off from canon swiftly due to the nature of this canon-aligned-AU.

Anime-only, read after xXx-xXx-libra-xXx-xXx at your own discretion.

xXx-xXx-invitation-xXx-xXx

When Iruma arrived at Asmodeus's house, playing and having fun with his two friends had been the only thing on his mind.

Yet, as the day wore on, he couldn't help but contemplate the secrets he held from them. The quiet things of his past. What he was. (What he was too afraid to believe that he was.)

The fact he was so terribly human-

Amu-chan glomping him from behind and covering his eyes startled him pretty badly.

Iruma wasn't sure what to make of the Asmodeus matriarch, but getting his face shoved into her chest was incredibly embarrassing.

Amaryllis gently taps his nose teasingly, "So, that "thing you've got to tell them," I wonder what it is..?"

Iruma goes silent as anxiety tightens his chest. Amaryllis sighs gently and coaxes him along to a nearby reception room. She knows she's a stranger to the boy, though he's a little too obedient despite his misgivings. Honestly, it reminds her a little of Opera, when she'd helped them out all those years ago.

She has never asked, but she wonders what happened to their kit.

Iruma is just as uncomfortable with her sexiness as Opera, and she can't help but find it charming.

Iruma settles with his hands tightly clasped in his lap. His posture is stiff as he haltingly explains himself, "I'm keeping a secret from Azz-kun and Clara."

Amaryllis hums as she ponders this. She supposes if it's bothering the boy this much, that it must be a new internal crisis for him. Most people have things they keep quiet about, it's no skin off of anyone's back to guard yourself against others by keeping secrets. But perhaps friendship, or at least, the way Iruma, Alice, and Clara are with each other, makes it seem as if he's doing something wrong..?

"A secret from Alice-chan, I see…" She tilts her head slightly to try and catch Iruma's eye. "It's fine isn't it?"

Iruma turns to her startled, as if he didn't expect her to say that. "...Huh? But they're my precious friends!"

"Oh my, is a friend someone you should tell everything to..?" She learns forward into Iruma's space with a finger hovering near her mouth to signal his silence as well as to tell him her secrets. "You see, "Love" can only work when both parties are happy." She places her other finger onto Iruma's lips to keep his silence, "There's no need to hurt yourself trying to tell them everything about you. We demons are sexiest when we don't feel restricted~. Or is it that keeping a few secrets will stop you from being friends..?"

Iruma's flustered, but he takes her words to heart and realizes he may have been overthinking things. Certainly, one day, it could come back to bite him if he doesn't tell them on his own terms, on the other hand…

On the other hand, why should he stress about when he should tell them..? He knows he wants them to know about him, but perhaps, he should really search within himself to figure out who and what he is first.

Because… because despite choosing to stay in the Netherworld… There is a part of him that feels like he's come home. Not in the metaphorical sense, but the literal sense. The Human World was his world too- he's not so disconnected from the roots he grew up knowing, but… Perhaps he needs to figure out what sort of person he is, before agonizing about telling his friends he's human, first.

Amaryllis must see something change in him, because she pulls him into her chest again with a squeal, "You are just too cute~! Come come, let's surprise Alice-chan and Clara-chan, shall we?!"

Iruma blinks, and without a word otherwise, he's picked up and dragged off to another room with frilly clothes of many kinds, "Eh!?"

Amaryllis sets him down as she searches the racks for something with a jaunty hum. Iruma keeps his hands curled close to his chest as he observes her bewildered. Abruptly Amaryllis cheers, "I found it! It'll be so cyu~ute!"

She turns to him hungrily, and Iruma pulls back, "Uhm, wait, what-!?" Amaryllis grabs him and throws off his shirt as he squeaks, "Wait, I can do it-!"

She changes his clothes without ever seeing his back. He's grateful for that small mercy, but also wants to die as he, a fourteen year old boy, did not expect to be fully redressed by his best friend's overly attractive mom.

He gives up halfway through the process and lets her place a frilly bow into his hair. "Hmm hmm~" She chuckles lightly to herself, "You look so cute in Alice-chan's old clothes~!"

Iruma blinks, as she holds him in her arms again and shows him off in a nearby mirror. It's an embarrassing outfit, and he can't imagine Asmodeus willingly wearing it.

Iruma can now fully confirm that Asmodeus is far too used to wearing complicated clothing. No wonder he got dressed so easily during their Akudoll debut.

When Amaryllis shows him off to Asmodeus, his friend screams, red-faced, in response. Iruma knows he's more surprised by Amu-chan's appearance than anything, but he is embarrassed that Iruma is wearing his old clothes.

Iruma doesn't particularly mind them, they just aren't his style. After allowing Asmodeus and Clara to cause a ruckus for a moment, Iruma settles on his legs and pats the ground before him, "Both of you sit down, I have something to say!" Asmodeus and Clara look to him and settle themselves before him after he uses transform to return his clothes to his previous outfit.

"Asmodeus, when you came to save Clara and I… I was so grateful. Thank you for helping us!"

"Clara, despite how scared you'd been, you helped me out and gave me your Mana so I could bloom the legendary leaf. Thank you so much!"

"Thank you both for everything you've done for me! You're both very precious to me, and I want to be with you two, so that's why… That's why I'm so happy… to have you two as my friends!"

Asmodeus and Clara flushed before jumping into his arms overjoyed. He loves them both so much, and they so very clearly loved him back.

Iruma knows that one day he'll tell them about himself… but for now-

He's just so happy to be together, smiling with them.

xXx-xXx-sweets-xXx-xXx

When Iruma had asked Opera if he and Ameri-san could use the kitchen to bake sweets, they hadn't given it much thought. It was a pleasant surprise, and they easily collected the ingredients and recipe for the occasion. They'd even gone so far as to get gifting articles together, in case the two baked a lot to give away.

They were both quite capable children, so they didn't think anything could go wrong.

They were wrong.

They were so very wrong.

Opera observed them from the hallway after Iruma commented that he'd never baked before, to ensure they'd be alright…

Iruma began to read the recipe, before just. Throwing in all of the butter.

(The recipe stated how many grams to use, why-?)

Ameri makes a random comment about calories, and then just dumps the majority of a bag of sugar into the bowl.

(There's a limit to these things, what in the world are you-!?)

Opera has an abrupt realization about these two otherwise capable young teenagers. 'Could it be that neither of them know anything about cooking!?'

As they observe the two, Opera recalls what they know of Iruma's past. 'That's right, Iruma-sama's been in survival mode up until now… he probably took whatever he could find that was edible, threw it in a pot, and boiled it. As for Ameri-san…' Iruma happens to ask about Ameri's knowledge of the kitchen. Opera can easily conclude why she was banned from the kitchen after her explanation, 'She just sucks at cooking.'

Iruma cracks some eggs, before shucking the shells in too. 'AGAIN, WHY THE WHOLE THING!?' Opera begins to feel lightheaded by the sight of these two imps messing up at every turn. It's torture-

Ameri mentions gently mixing the ingredients while smashing the bowl in half. 'ALONG WITH THE KITCHEN COUNTER!?'

Their immaculate kitchen. These two hellions had destroyed it. Opera'd once had the passing thought that if they'd had the chance to raise their child, they'd like them to develop into a good child like Iruma-

There is a strange aura between the two teenagers as they converse between themselves on how to cook the horrific mess between them.

The kitchen explodes, and there is a burnt mess of something horrific on the counter.

-Iruma was no dream child. This was a fucking nightmare.

"We did it!"

Opera came out from the hall exhausted and stated in monotone, "You did not."

Opera motions for them to sit before them, and they obediently settle on their legs on the floor in rapt attention, "Listen. The two of you don't understand the concept of cooking." The two comically tilt their heads in unison, and if Opera weren't so stressed out, it'd have been cute. "Don't you tilt your heads at me." Ameri and Iruma were being reprimanded for their ignorance.

Opera rolls back their sleeves elegantly, "Cooking requires following the proper process, care in one's work, and feelings." They crouch down to be at eye level with the two, "I will teach you the proper process and skills. So pay close attention, and we'll make something delicious. You're going to put your feelings into it, alright?"

The two respond in excited unison, "Yes!"

Thus, their lesson begins. They have Iruma portion out the butter. (The boy has no portion control and he looks like he's struggling to hold back-)

Ameri is pouring out sugar. (They have to watch her, she's so close to dumping too much-)

Ameri breaks their whisk. How she manages to break their high quality cooking utensils like cheap plastic is beyond them. (How does the girl have such poor strength control..?)

Somehow the two sneak away from their notice just long enough to grab random things to throw into the batter. They thankfully manage to prevent another travesty by catching them both in the act.

(Why is Ameri joining in on this scavenger hunt? Iruma was the one who'd lived in the wild!)

Iruma cries over eggshells. Literally. They are garbage. No one wants to eat crunchy eggshells in their cookies!

Ameri nearly loses the raspyberries. Iruma unleashes the darkest screams of sassafras and Opera has to shove them back into their sealing jar when they attack their ward.

The batter is rolled out and cut into shape by the two, before Ameri and Iruma try to cook them on the counter with fire Magic.

Opera puts the Magic out, and safely places the trays of cookies into the prepared oven.

The two hellions are glued to the oven glass, as Opera plops themself into a nearby stool, exhausted. Their tail isn't even curled as their ears hang low, and they contemplate their life choices and previous thoughts.

Perhaps it was a good thing they hadn't raised their child, they were not cut out for parenthood.

The oven timer goes off, and the two carefully pull out their warm steamy cookies, "Yaa~y!" "These look delicious!" "Wow! This is awesome Opera-san!"

"Ah, un. I'm going to get some fresh air." They slowly push themself out of their seat and stagger towards the hallway. If Ameri and Iruma fuck up now it's on them. They're done. Opera points to another counter, "There are wrapping supplies over there."

"Okay!"

Opera wants to smoke.

They'd kicked the habit after coming under Sullivan's care ages ago, but every once in a while, Sullivan allowed them to have one cigarette if they were stressed out enough. Their preferred brand had just enough catnip in them to help them relax. Honestly, it'd been nearly two decades since the last time they'd had a taste of them.

So when they appeared at Sullivan's desk, they didn't even have to ask for one.

Sullivan chuckled softly as he pulled out a sad looking stick from an aged carton that was only missing a few sticks, "Was it really that bad, Opera?"

Opera shakily took the cigarette from Sullivan's outstretched hand and monotoned, "I never wanted children, anyway."

Sullivan snorted in the back of his throat as Opera slunk off to the back door towards the gardens, before plopping down in a metal chair outside. It was upwind, and far enough away from the doors and windows that it shouldn't bother their Lord.

Sullivan hated the smell, and honestly, Opera didn't enjoy how the habit could dull the senses and damage one's internals.

It was, unfortunately, one of the few things that could help them wind down from going feral.

They flicked La Fire at the end of the stick and took a deep drag before exhaling. They'd have to shower and brush their teeth to get rid of the smell, but it was fine.

They slouched back into their chair and stared up at the sky lazily. It wasn't like them to be unkempt, but they didn't look forward to cleaning up and repairing their kitchen. In a mere matter of two hours, their little sanctuary had gone from immaculate to chaos, and they needed a moment to mentally recover.

They were only halfway through their stick before Iruma was just. There beside them. They startled and put the butt out with their fingers as they straightened, "Iruma-sama!"

Iruma smiled at them, though there was worry mixed in, "Are you alright, Opera-san?"

Opera huffed lightly before tucking the cigarette under a small saucer on the table beside them and rubbed their fingers together to get rid of the small burn they'd given themself. "I'm fine, Iruma-sama." They stood and motioned for Iruma to go ahead of them, "Did you need me for anything?"

Iruma blinked as he took a few steps back towards the house, "Well, we finished decorating our cookies." He smiled, "Ameri-san gave me hers to congratulate me on winning the Harvest Festival!"

Opera gave him a small warm smile, "I see. I'm glad."

Iruma gave them a bigger smile before pausing to face them with a small tilt, "I didn't know you smoked, Opera-san."

Opera huffed, "I don't. At least, not often enough to matter much." They didn't allow themself to indulge in much of anything. "Don't mind it, Iruma-sama. I'm ashamed you even had the chance to notice."

Iruma frowned, "It doesn't bother me." It wasn't like old co-workers hadn't moved upwind while smoking for his sake. It was just a normal thing adults did back home. He knew some teachers at Babyls smoked as well. It wasn't a big deal.

Opera hums, "Sullivan doesn't like it, and I don't much like it myself."

Iruma puzzles that comment for a moment before shrugging and continuing back inside, "Well, either way, I wasn't sure if there was anything else we needed to do."

Opera followed Iruma into the kitchen before glancing around. They would teach them for a little longer, "Let's clean up, alright?"

Iruma and Ameri nodded with an enthusiastic yes, and soon enough, their kitchen was returned to a nearly immaculate state.

The two had a small conversation amongst themselves before making a new request for them. "Sensei! We'd like to cook hamburgers next!"

Opera gave them both an annoyed grimace, "Give me a break."

"Huh!?"

xXx-xXx-libra-xXx-xXx

Everyone was dressed for the cooling weather as the Misfits discussed their next event.

The Music Festival.

The last chance for the Misfits to Rank up to Daleth (4), or they'll be expelled from Royal One.

Lied mentions that they have to come up with a performance for twelve people, and Iruma pauses at that comment.

'Wasn't there another..?'

Kalego enters the classroom and yells at them, "You fools!" He pinches the bridge of his nose, "Being loud so early in the morning, tone it down would you!?"

"No, no! We're coming up with a secret strategy!" "A secret meeting for the Music Festival!"

Lied presents Elizabetta to Kalego, "Anyway! We'll have a performance with Rank 2 Nee-san as the star!"

"Oh..?" Kalego is unimpressed as he crosses his arms. "Then what about the other one?"

The class freezes as they respond in unison, "Huh?"

Lied lifts a finger, "Th-the other one..?"

Kalego huffs silently, "There's another Rank 2 among you."

Lied panics, "Eh!? Who!? Did someone get demoted!?"

Kalego points to a random spot between them, "I told you. He's right there."

Everyone stops to look at the boy with bobbed lavender hair as he holds his chin. He glances at them all before disappearing like a wisp of smoke.

Iruma nearly jumps, "Huh!?" So he really wasn't a ghost stuck to their class!?

Asmodeus clings onto him as his fellow Misfits panic, "He disappeared!?" "How!? A ghost!?"

Kalego is tired of their antics already, "Calm down, you fools!"

Iruma blinks, "Ah! Purson…kun!"

Lied holds his head, "Ah! I've… heard of that name before..? I think?"

"He's one of your classmates, remember?" Kalego can't believe this. He does roll call for devi's sake. "He's been here since the inception of this class. The flying race, the dodgeball match, the takeover of Royal one, and even the final exam."

Lied thinks all of that over, "I guess he was there, kinda!?"

Jazz shrugs, "Anywho, we'll just have to make him stand out with Nee-san!"

"The thing is," Kalego moves over to Iruma and deftly pulls his detection warding glasses off that he's worn to school that day at Asmodeus's insistence, "It will be difficult for him to stand out." He shows off the item to his class, "Because Purson Soi's Bloodline Magic is Detection Warding. He is a demon who can't stand out- literally."

The Misfits react in unison, "Eeehhh!?"

xXx-xXx-libra-xXx-xXx

The Misfits spend a day and a half trying to talk to Purson before they finally manage to find him. They crowd around Purson to ask him various questions.

He constantly disappears, and everyone freaks out when it happens. (They don't wanna waste another day on a man-hunt.)

Iruma can't help but find it kind of funny. He's a little more used to it, since he'd half thought he'd been seeing and possibly interacting with a spirit this whole time. (The guy was terribly silent when he brushed his hair-) It's a small comfort to know he's real and alive.

The Misfits collectively decide to back off when Purson nearly disappears on them again, and switch to discussing how they'll tackle the Music Festival.

Clara, Sabnock, and Asmodeus come up with various ideas that are swiftly shot down, before Lied mentions a band.

This perks Purson's interest just enough to get noticed before the Misfits get unintentionally excited and crowd around him again.

Purson disappears in a fit of nerves, and the class screams in annoyance.

They hear someone leave the class, and the Misfits chase after that one clue.

Iruma stays where he is because… he can tell it was a trick. He's not confident, but he figures Purson might've been trying to get them to leave him alone for a bit.

Iruma turns towards one of the pillars in their classroom, "Purson-kun… are you there..?"

Purson reappears, settled on the floor with his knees close to his chest.

"Uwah! You really were here…!" Purson begins to disappear again, "UWAH! No! Wait! Don't-" He pauses as Purson disappears. Iruma holds his breath before sighing softly and settling down against the pillar near where Purson last was, "No, you don't have to listen if you don't want to. I'll just… talk to myself."

"I'm sorry that I kept forgetting about you. We're in the same class, yet I've neglected you, despite knowing you were there, somehow."

"And… I'm sorry we kinda jumped you about our ideas for the Music Festival when we've barely talked. We got kind of excited, and we went about it the wrong way."

"So, you see… you shouldn't have to stand out, if you don't want to. Honestly, it's really hard to refuse when someone asks something of you, but I think it's important to stick with what you want to do, so that's why… It's okay to say that you don't want to do something." He smiles to himself with a small flush, "It's okay to be a little selfish sometimes. This is something I've only learned recently…" He clenches his fist, "That's why I'd like to know what you want to do-"

Purson appears at the next pillar beside him with his knees pulled to his chest, and he takes in a deep silent breath, "...I-" He speaks rapid-fire, "Honestly, even if you ask me what to do, it makes me panic, so I wish you'd give me some time. And I don't mind music, playing an instrument is fine, but if you ask me to perform in front of people on stage there's just no way. And when you all surrounded me I was like, 'Wait wait,' and I'd appreciate it if Kalego-sensei hadn't pointed me out like that outta the blue. He scared me. And also, like, now? Can I really just join you all now, just like that? I can't just join you guys right off the bat. I'm nervous, so I keep disappearing. It's not like I'm trying to tease you guys, I'm just kinda freaked out. But also being noticed is against my family rules so I'm kinda conflicted about the whole thing and I'm really sorry about that."

Iruma is speechless in his confusion.

Purson just keeps yapping, "Moles die if they get scared, y'know? And like, I don't mind playing in the music festival, but this and that are different. Your suggestions aren't terrible but the pressure is too high and I just don't know what to do. Please treat me gently like a soap bubble ready to pop at the smallest prick. And like, there's shadows where there's light, right? I'm in the shadow and you guys are the brilliant light. I just don't know how to fit in. You all dazzle me, and when you come near I think "I can't!" and "Nope!" and I just keep disappearing."

Purson exhales softly, "Bye then." And whisps away.

Iruma doesn't even get the chance to stop him as he panics, "No, wait!"

Lied marches back in with a screech, "Seriously! Where did Purson run off to!?"

Iruma startles before turning back to his classmates that've returned, "Hey guys, I just spoke with Purson."

Lied jolts, "You spoke with him!?"

Iruma nods, still bewildered as he states with a clenched fist, "He's… super chatty!"

"You're kidding!"

Iruma wouldn't believe him either, honestly.

The Misfits discuss what they're going to do again, and Iruma contemplates the conversation he'd had just now.

'He seemed interested in the Music Festival…'

His classmates make some hastily scribbled signs before running off to the main campus to search for their missing classmate.

A fast-paced, clear tone rings out across the campus as the mysterious Pixie begins to play on some sort of instrument. Iruma looks upwards within Royal One, as the sound somehow seems to be close by.

There were times he'd heard that sound, various songs played to an unknown time and rhythm. Iruma isn't musically educated, though with his voice lessons, he's learned more about the various styles present in the Netherworld.

Iruma likens it to some of the jazz music he's heard back home- all improv and interlinking within its own beat.

He wanders around Royal One, notices a staircase leading up towards the roof.

Iruma wonders if Ali-san can hear the same sounds he hears. He's been quiet since the Harvest Festival, and he's a little worried about how silent he's been.

Hermod has been unusually quiet as well, though with a small nudge, he senses his wolf chuff and turn over with a single tail flop.

Iruma doesn't understand what their deal is, but maybe it's because his birthday is coming up soon..?

Iruma makes it to the top of the staircase where the sound is clearest. Purson is standing there with a trumpet, playing, and Iruma is mesmerized. His fingers move and every note in motion is a work of art. He can't help but feel excitement at the pace and tone of the brass instrument.

Finally Purson's playing comes to a close, and he pulls the instrument away from his mouth.

Iruma is nearly vibrating with excitement as their eyes meet, and Purson blatantly startles at his presence. "!?"

Iruma can't take it anymore and swiftly approaches Purson with stars in his eyes and flushed cheeks from excitement, "That was Sooooo~oooo AWESOME!" Purson freezes in place as Iruma continues to gush, "You're amazing Purson-kun! I mean, you were like "pa pa pa" and it was so fast, it looked like you had a hundred fingers! And you were all sparkly! And shining!"

Purson gets in his face and babbles out nonsense, to try and get Iruma to doubt what he'd seen and heard with a lame defense. He turns away from his classmate, 'Time to run.' "Goodbye-"

Iruma latches onto his waist as he tries to fly off and the both get dragged to the ground. Purson lands roughly on his butt and looks backwards, "Hey-"

Iruma's grip is firm, and he's silent for a moment while kneeling with his head bowed, "Sorry" "Wh-" "I'm sorry. But, please listen. I… have to… apologize to you!" "?" I.. don't know what to do! You looked so troubled when Kalego-sensei pointed you out, as everyone crowded around you to ask for your opinion. I thought you shouldn't have to force yourself if you didn't want to participate. But, when I saw your trumpet playing a moment ago… I was reee~~aaaaalllyy moved!" Iruma releases Purson and pulls himself up to beg him, eye-to-eye with his hands clenched to his chest. "I know I just said you don't have to do anything, and that this is really inconsiderate, and that I'm brushing aside your circumstances and everything! It's my own selfish request, but! I want to let everyone hear your music!"

Iruma reaches towards Purson as he finishes what it is he wants to say, "Let's show it to them! You deserve to be praised by everyone!" Iruma is almost yelling, "So please perform with us! In the Music Festival!"

Purson stares at his classmate for a long moment, as his impassioned speech rests upon his shoulders and sinks into his bones. "...If it's okay… to just… play music."

Iruma inhales sharply with hope, "Eh?"

Purson blinks at him, "Huh?"

Iruma raises his hands in joy, "YES~!" He leaps up onto his feet and continues to cheer, "YAA~AAY! WOOHOO! I'M SO HAPPY!"

He misses how bewildered Purson is to his own agreement.

How will they pull this off..?

xXx-xXx-libra-xXx-xXx

It's later that night when Iruma invites everyone to sneak onto the roof of Royal One with a mischievous and happy smirk on his face. No one knows what to make of it, until the sound of a trumpet breaks out.

The Misfits are bewildered by the melody, "Wait, isn't that the Pixie..?" "What's he doing here?!"

Iruma asks Asmodeus to light the surrounding lanterns he's set up, and there, he presents Purson, the infamous mysterious Pixie, to his classmates.

A blanket is set out, and Purson hides behind Iruma after their classmates over-crowd him again.

Iruma speaks for him, though the long pauses in-between are… a lot, considering the way succinctly summarizes his yammering into a few words. "He's scared."

Lied challenges his classmate, "Let's talk man-to-man then! If you have something to say, then say it!"

"...Then-" Purson begins to speak about Lied's messy habits.

In short- the male side of the classroom is swiftly baptized into Purson's observations and embarrassing actions.

However, he respects the girl's privacy, and would never tell on them to the boys.

Not even Iruma is spared from Purson's information dumping, and soon all the boys are holding their heads in embarrassment.

Kerori is flushed, even she's embarrassed for the boys. "You really are one of us."

Purson can't even look at her.

Lied lifts a finger, "Let's all agree to forget what we heard for all our sake."

Purson is praised, and after a few more words, Purson interrupts them and reveals his conditions for joining. "One, I'll only help in the music part. I won't be in the spotlight. The other is to not reveal that I'm the musician. If those conditions can be met, I'll help you."

The Misfits are all smirking, unperturbed by such an absurd request, "Oh, that's all?"

It takes Purson a moment to remember that his classmates are the type to laugh in the face of hardship.

A teacher interrupts them, and they all escape in a flurry of laughter, excited for the performance to come.

xXx-xXx-libra-xXx-xXx

By the time Ronove and Nafra reach the Royal One to check in on the Misfit class, everyone is burnt to a crisp, collapsed on the floor around an unsigned Iruma, while Kerori and Asmodeus are collapsed to the side.

Ronove and Nafra are freaked out, "...What in the world… happened here?"

Iruma bows his head and summarizes the past hour, "We were… discussing what to do for the Music Festival.. And… this is the result." It's a rather hellish sight.

Ronove turns around to leave, "So the Misfits won't be performing for the Music Festival, then!"

The class jumps him, "WAITWAITWAIT!"

They drag Ronove back, and they discuss various ideas with him, but all of them leave him unimpressed. "Lame! You guys think you have to do something trendy, or the like. That's too narrow-minded! Only those who enjoy themselves are worthy of winning the festival!"

The class is dazzled, and can't help but be surprised that he's saying something that makes sense.

Ronove points at Iruma, "Illuminati! What do you want to do!?" The boy had been silent all of this time.

Iruma startled, "Huh!? What I want?!" He contemplated for a long moment before speaking while flustered, "Uhm… I think.. It'd be nice to perform as a team. The thirteen of us are finally together, and.. I'd like something that'd make us all feel like part of a team, if possible…" He bows slightly, "That is all."

Ronove hums, "Performing as a team, huh..?"

Kerori straightens as an old dream surfaces as an idea. It's a long shot, and it'd failed before in the past, but… "Guys, I have one performance in mind." The Misfits turn to her as she speaks her mind, "It's the most gorgeous and extravagant act, but also the most torturous… The Akudoll Forbidden Dance."

Kerori explains how there had been an attempt before, to get six Akudolls to perform at once for the sake of maximizing entertainment.

Iruma perks up, "Wow! That sounds amazing!"

His classmates are horrified as Jazz speaks weakly, "Six… Six demons dancing at once?"

"Eh?" Iruma can't- is that hard?

Kerori notes his confusion, "Demons have horrible concentration. It's called a "Helldance" because it requires incredible coordination, and because of our terrible attention spans, it's like being put through unimaginable agony." She bowed her head, "The only ones standing in the end were me and one other girl…"

Lied blinks, "Me?"

Kerori clears her throat, "Nevermind that! Anyways! It was already impossible to do it with six people, but it'd be insane if we could pull it off with thirteen! To complete a "Helldance," everyone must be in complete harmony, or it's an instant failure! Worst case, we could even be demoted, but!"

The Misfits come close and interrupt her, "That's it then!" "We've done impossible things before!" "Nothing ventured, nothing gained!" "We'll have to do it in order to win!"

Ronove smirks, "It looks like you've decided then! The Misfit Class will perform a "Helldance" for the Music Festival!"

xXx-xXx-libra-xXx-xXx

The next day brings them practice uniforms and doubt. Kerori gushes about how she's planned everything out, from highlighter, black nail polish, to outfits. The boys have a difficult time imagining themselves as Akudolls, but Kerori shows them that there are male Akudolls as well.

She is irritated with their reluctance, and after taking off her glasses, shows them the charm of Akudolls, while giving the image of herself transformed into a male Akudoll on stage.

The class is swept into her charm, and she swiftly pulls her glasses back on, and explains that she will get the necessary tools for their practice.

Kerori excuses herself to check in with the music team for a moment before looking for help.

Iruma and the piano don't really get along.

Every note comes out wrong, and if he doesn't concentrate enough, the piano shifts into something weirdly childish.

"Iruma, you suu~uuck." Iruma cries into his seat as Purson kneels before him, "It's your first time, so it makes sense. It's kinda like when babies learn how to use their wings. It just takes practice, so do your best."

Iruma clenches his fists, "Th-this is the role that was given to me, so I have to work harder!"

Sabnock had been nice enough earlier to teach him how to use the piano (and how to respect it. It gets pissy-), but after a few hours of failure, Iruma decides it's time to ask him for help again.

Iruma leaves the room and Purson tags along with him. Iruma is pleased with the company, but sighs softly to himself, "Playing music is hard, huh…" He's grinning uncontrollably. "I have to keep practicing! This is tough…"

Purson glances over at him, "You say that, but you keep grinning. "Huh!?" "Do you have lockjaw or something?"

Iruma flushes, "Ah no, it's just… the first time anyone's said it couldn't be "just anyone" to fulfill this role. This is a first for me, and It makes me happy, so I want to try harder…"

Purson pauses, 'But isn't that kind of like what you said to me..? Do you not realize..?' "I understand how you feel." Iruma is shocked by Purson's confession.

Kerori blocks their way after Iruma manages to seek her out. "Giving up already? Everyone's busy right now in the dance group, including Sabnock-kun. But… I figured this would happen, so I asked for some help and found the perfect instructor for you two!"

"Eh!?"

"You should head back to your room, since I'm sure he's already there. Because as we all know, he's a very strict demon."

Iruma and Purson scramble back to the piano room, and Kalego is already sitting there at an elegantly transformed piano.

He turns to them and points down his paddled musical baton at them, "You're late. Sit your asses down, you amateurs."

Kalego has Iruma sit at the piano, while Purson picks up his trumpet. The teacher settles onto Keroberos's middle nose and paws, as the other two heads menace his students with their teeth close behind. He has them run through basic bars and states musical tones at them, while demanding smoother notes.

Two days pass in this way with late nights as Iruma and Purson practice. The students are sweating, but Kalego demands perfection. He is a musician in his own right, and he will have his class perform their chosen piece well.

He will not be embarrassed in this.

Kalego cracks his baton towards Iruma, "Incorrect fingering! Do it the way I showed you, fool!" He cracks his baton at Purson, "Your tempo is too fast! Match your partner!" Kalego pulls back, "I won't let you play a song yet, the basics come first. Arpeggios, harmony, veloce, quattro, and the basic scales- I'll drum them into you." Static sparks across his skin and baton as he smirks devilishly with glee, "Don't worry, even if your fingers break or your lungs collapse, I won't give up on you two."

Six hours pass in this way, and Iruma and Purson collapse on the ground exhausted. "So strict…"

Kalego huffs lightly as he goes to pick up some materials, "It seems you're starting to catch on. Get up. It's time for the next lesson."

Kalego dumps a pile of books before the two boys as he instructs them, "It's obvious that neither of you have the slightest understanding of the song. But the piece you chose… is a bit tricky."

Lilith's Red Carpet

A piece about a beauty who controlled the hearts of many men who vied for her favor and carpeted the floor with their bodies, "Lillith."

Kalego reads over the music piece as he continues, "This is a song of adoration and praise towards Lilith. A song of the fools who tried to woo her… in other words, the theme is… Love."

Kalego's final word rings through the air for a moment before Purson can't help but try and hold back a laugh, "Pfft-"

Kalego slams Keroberos's paw upon him for his insolence. Purson babbles, "Ah, sorry, sorry, it just sounded to ridiculous, hearing the word "love" come out of your mouth-"

Kalego bares his fangs at him in annoyance, "I'm only saying it because I have to!" He pulls back his dog and after Purson settles at Iruma's side again, he continues his lecture. "Listen up, as they perform, a dancer is a character, and the music is "their World." Purson." Kalego turns around to sit at the piano, "Play the second bar with me."

Use the music to create Lilith's world!

Kalego plays the bar, as the image of himself is pressed against their minds. He tries to woo the enigmatic she-demon, but he is rebuffed in his approach.

"...But Lilith cannot be seduced."

Iruma and Purson are flushed, and they can't help but be flustered by the image Kalego set for his stage.

Kalego waves his hand, as if to dispel that world, "That's what the piece is about, got it?"

Iruma can't help but turn to Purson, "Th-that was kinda.. Adultish! Right, Purson?!"

"Yeah, like really perv-pretty. And uh, beautiful."

Kalego clicks his tongue. "Calm down-"

"-But also, I don't know why, but really creepy."

"You sure are bold, brat." Kalego uses Keroberos to scruff Purson by the bottom of his jacket as he turns to Iruma in annoyance, "That was the world I created, but you're the one who'll have to play. Don't try to copy me. You have to imagine your own world."

Iruma nods, and when he is given the chance to try and play the bar, somehow food keeps getting involved.

Again, and again, and again.

Purson can't help but laugh as Kalego scolds him while grabbing his head, "Stop screwing around!"

Iruma cries, "I'm sorry, it's just, food is so beautiful..!"

Kalego releases him before pointing, "Both of you call your guardians! You're going to stay late tonight!"

Iruma holds his head while trying to massage out the pain from Kalego's grip, "Y-yessir!"

Iruma pulls out his phone to check on his friends. Asmodeus and Clara have sent him messages of encouragement. "They're both trying their best. I have to work hard!"

xXx-xXx-libra-xXx-xXx

Opera wakes up slowly to the crushing weight of a boulder upon their chest.

Of course, there is nothing of the sort present, but they can barely breathe as they take in a slow silent breath.

They are so very thankful that Iruma has been at school for the past few days.

They open damp eyes to October fourth, and she is herself and themself all at once.

It has been fifteen long years and fifteen short days since she lost her kit simultaneously, and she doesn't know what to do with herself. They have been fighting with their Memories. She has tried to accept the time between them. The moment of their near-death feels so far away, yet so close.

She buries her face into her pillow and lets out a soft keening whine.

Ten minutes.

They will only allow themself to wallow for ten minutes. Then she will get up, shower, and move.

They are determined to change this year. She will not scream, cry, and claw at the walls. They will move towards normalcy.

A presence settles near her on the bed, and a gentle hand cups their head as deft fingers slide through her unbraided hair. Sullivan speaks softly, "Opera, you can rest, you know."

You can take your time.

Opera shakes her head and burrows deeper into their pillow as she muffles, "I will not."

Sullivan sighs softly, "Alright. I'll go start preparing breakfast." He leaves her, and the door shuts with a gentle click.

Paws are on the bed. Two small bodies curl against her back and they can't help a small smile. They move their face from the depths of the pillow, "I'll get up today. Thank you for checking up on me." She turns over carefully, and the two house-cats move and huddle onto their chest. She sniffs as she pets their tiny heads, and imagines what it would have been like to hold their newborn kit. To brush their small head as they slept against their bosom.

It is a long-gone wish. Something she will likely never experience. Children were never their desire, but the pain and agony of losing what was hers is enough to know that they would have done the best damn job they could have, if given the chance.

They shift, and the two cats move away so that she can get ready for the day.

They dress a little differently. They chose a dress shirt with feminine ruffles at the ends of the sleeves, and wear the brooch Kalego gifted them to finish her usual necktie. Their vest and pants are the same as usual, but they wear shoes with an extra half inch on them.

She stands straight, braids their hair, and exits from their room.

She enters the kitchen and silently joins Sullivan in preparing breakfast for two.

It is quiet between them, and Opera is thankful their Lord is helping them cook. The task would have been insurmountable alone. She wouldn't have been able to lift a finger to start her usual tasks.

They decide to go with their Lord to Babyls.

Iruma is there, and so are all of the other children that would have been their kit's age.

They will create new Memories for this day. She will take a step towards moving beyond her grief.

She will finally be close to her mates during this trying day that they have long-since walked away from.

xXx-xXx-libra-xXx-xXx

Iruma isn't sure when they fell asleep, but when awareness returns, curled up against Purson on the floor with their uniform jackets placed over them like small blankets, they can't help but grimace.

He shifts, and his back hurts.

Iruma pulls out his hellphone and blearily reads the date. 'October fourth.' He takes in a deep breath, and with a small sardonic grin and huff, they push themself up. 'Happy birthday to me.'

Iruma gently wakes Purson, and the two go together to freshen up for the day. The two brush their teeth, Iruma brushes Purson's hair in a daze, and Purson returns the favor.

His friend pauses, "..Iruma?" "Hmm?" "Don't your horns hurt..?"

Iruma blinks. His cat ears ache, but his back hurts far worse. It's like an annoying toothache that only continues to intensify with each heartbeat. "Uhm, I guess."

"...Can you take off your clips?"

Iruma blinks. 'Oh, right. I slapped Jazz for trying to snatch it, once.' Iruma removes both of his clips, and one of them creaks oddly in his hand.

Iruma holds it up to his face to inspect it while Purson begins to massage his scalp. Iruma sucks in a deep breath of relief when Purson reaches his ears and rubs them gently. Clearly he's watched Clara and Asmodeus, as he doesn't apply too much pressure, while not being too gentle with them.

Iruma notes the spring is ready to break, and frowns. He has his bandana. He could wear it instead for today. He'll have to ask Clara to create a replacement for him.

What should he give her in return..?

Purson gently places his hand on their shoulder and they hiss, startled by the action.

Purson pulls back with his arms raised as a sign of peace, "Ah, sorry. Did you sleep wrong? I know the floor was kinda hard and cold, maybe next time we're stuck here overnight we should sleep in one of Royal One's nap rooms-"

Iruma whips around to stare at him with eyes that have turned icy-blue, as he bares his fangs at him, "I'm fine."

Purson's chest tightens. "...Okay. Sure."

The two are stuck in a tense stalemate before Iruma blinks and gasps softly, "Ah, sorry Purson-kun. Uhm." He shifts to move away from him stiffly, "My back just really hurts. Don't mind it. Sorry."

Purson sets down Iruma's brush, "If your back hurts, we could go see the nurse-"

"No."

Purson feels a chill run down his body. His eyes meet piercing ice-blue with a hint of gold to them. There is power in Iruma's words. He's nervous- this isn't his classmate, at least, not how his classmate usually is. Even his Wicked Phase wasn't like this.

He tries to reason, "But if it's bothering you, it'll be hard to concentrate-"

Iruma balls his fists as he stands to tower over him with a hiss, "I said I'm fine, Purson!"

Purson pulls back, and Iruma makes a low keening growl in his throat as his tail unwinds from his waist, puffed up with irritation. "Leave it alone! I'm FINE!"

Iruma was not fine in Purson's humble opinion, but when he went to reach for him, Iruma slapped his hand away.

Iruma seemed to slightly become aware of himself as he gasped lightly and pulled back a step, his cat ears pulled back and low, "Purson-kun-"

Purson wasted no time and activated his Bloodline Magic to escape his friend.

Something was wrongwrongwrong and the sooner he grabbed someone who could help, the better.

His footsteps were light as he ran through the empty hall.

Purson slammed the door open to the dancer's room and stumbled into existence with his hands clasped to his chest, "Something's wrong with Iruma."

The Misfits froze as Kerori turned to him with wide eyes. "What's wrong with him? Did he get stabbed or something?"

Purson looks at her in confusion, "...Why would you suggest that?"

Kerori is stiff. She sucks in a deep breath as she clenches her fists. She doesn't want to admit this- but something is happening between her and Iruma. There is… a bond of sorts building, all because she chose to feed him her Mana. "When I woke up this morning, I felt… it was like something had racked its claws down my back. Except… it wasn't my back that was hurt."

Purson… does not know what to think of that, though he knows of Kerori's… Mana feedings. He'd stumbled across them more than once, and had at times, been jealous of Iruma's ability to charm others without trying.

Sabnock moves over to them, "Did you take him to the nurse?"

Purson shakes his head, "Iruma insists he's fine. I didn't see blood- I groomed his hair this morning, you know how see-through our uniform shirts are. It's-" He pauses, puzzled for a moment. Realizing there was a darker section to Iruma's back, indistinct, but different somehow. "I don't know, but it's almost like he's falling into a Wicked Phase… that's not his Wicked Phase."

Asmodeus and Clara share a look before she ponders, "Is he going feral..?"

Asmodeus frowns, "Why in the world would you think that, stupid Clara?"

Clara hums, "Well, it's just… if it's different from Irumeanie-chi, then is he falling to Origins..?"

The thought chills them, but Kerori shakes her head, "It doesn't feel like that. He just- there's pain and it's building." She grimaces as her stance somehow becomes even stiffer, "It's honestly getting worse."

Kalego snaps his baton against the doorframe, "Why aren't you practicing?"

Purson startles before whipping around to meet his teacher's gaze. He's silent for only a moment before he starts babbling, "Iruma's hurt somehow and he's being stubborn and won't go to the nurse and I don't know what to do and he snapped at me and it's weird and I just-" He takes a gasping breath, "I'm scared for him."

Something crashes down the hall, in the direction of the piano room. Kalego's eyes widen as he takes a step back into the hall to look in that direction.

Sabnock pulls out his phone, "I'll inform Balam-sensei."

Kalego looks between his students and the door down the hall. Something else crashes and Kalego begins to move, "You all stay here."

It is a warning that all of the Misfits ignore. Their class leader is in pain, and something is wrong with him. They are compelled to be by his side despite their insecurities.

Kalego wants to growl at them, but something is buzzing along his skin. There is an energy in the air, and his nerves are on edge. There is something suspiciously wrong here. He's not ready for this. He doesn't know what he's not ready for, but his instincts are screaming and Keroberos is laughing-

He barely catches a flicker of blue before Iruma throws something at the door frame, "LEAVE ME ALONE!"

It is a desperate plea filled with anger and frustration. Kalego notes the spine of a book has split and there are musical pages fluttering around him and his disobedient students.

Iruma growls low with a hissing whine. There is a blue tail puffed in agitation as cat ears he's never once noticed lay back low on his head. Iruma's knuckles are white as he grips the wall tiles while trying to escape any possible hands that might reach him. His teeth are bared, and his fangs are far more prevalent than he's ever seen on the boy.

Iruma is like an angry, terrified cat, and he Knows this.

He has seen Opera like this before, when they have been driven into too far of a corner.

This… ferality is familiar.

Kalego can barely breathe. His chest feels tight at the sight of his student.

Gold and indigo spark along Iruma's skin in a fine buzz of familiar electricity.

He senses Shichirou at the same moment he hears him gasp softly, "Kalego-kun-"

"Shut up."

Kalego's dog is skin-deep. He has no idea what to make of this. He's too terrified to acknowledge this.

How the fuck was this even possible?!

Opera grips his left arm like a vice with too-wide eyes, and they meet.

Kalego can sense Opera probing him silently through their Bond.

He is too afraid to have hope. The entire notion is absurd, that after all of this time, Iruma was Opera's lost pup.

But Opera knows the signs of their own descent into becoming feral. The madness that comes with being overwhelmed and how they fall into instincts over logic.

Kalego swallows roughly. "Calm your ward, Opera."

Keroberos is howling in his head, he can barely hold back the sparks of their vast array of emotion.

Opera nods, takes a step in, and slams the door behind them.

xXx-xXx-libra-xXx-xXx

When Opera saw the message from Shichirou that something was wrong with Iruma, they'd wasted no time in rushing to that location. Sullivan hadn't even gotten a word in before they'd taken off.

Their heart was in their throat, and they could barely breathe when they made it to where the Misfit's had gathered.

Amsodeus's look of distress was more than enough of a signal to know something was wrong.

Kalego's stiffness, his wide eyes. Shichirou's confusion. Opera could sense things through their collective Bond. It was almost too much for them to make any sense of their emotions.

And then… and then she caught sight of him. Their ward for the past several months. The peaceful child they'd come to love so dearly.

They knew those eyes. That stance.

She was looking at herself.

She had gripped Kalego's arm, and the man had been incapable of giving them an answer-

They were all too terrified to hope.

Opera slammed the door shut behind them, took a deep breath, and moved to the center of the room while watching their ward.

Iruma growled low in his throat before shifting into a screeching hiss, "Back off!"

She doesn't know what has caused this change in demeanor. There was only an air of confusion and pain.

Opera doesn't move from their place in the center of the room, as they stared off with the fledgling kit. She broadcasted her movements, making it clear that she was simply sitting down on her legs, leaving their palms flat and relaxed against their thighs.

They curled their tail beside them, and sat in silence.

Iruma breathed heavily for a moment, his claws scraping against the wall he clung to, before he slowly seemed to calm.

A minute passed, then three, and with a small scrape, he slid to the floor into a crouch.

Opera's chest was tight, full of anxiety, desperation, hope, and fear.

How could they hope, after all of this time, that this was their kit?

How had Iruma hidden his extra features so flawlessly? Had they merely blinded themself to the clues?

Opera took in a silent breath before calling to him in a soft whisper, "Iruma."

Iruma's ears flicked towards her, and his tail swished once. There was curiosity and weariness.

Yellow and indigo static buzzed along his skin, before a large wolf manifested between them.

Iruma glanced questioningly at the wolf, and the dog chuffed at him, blowing his bangs out his face, before turning to Opera and flopping onto their side closer to her.

Opera blinked at the wolf, and the wolf folded their paws before they plopped their head down upon them with a bored keening yawn. They closed their eyes, and their tail thumped in momentary excitement before stilling.

Iruma stared at their wolf for a long moment before shifting to his knees. They stared at Opera for a long time, seemingly just as hesitant and terrified to voice anything as she was. Slowly, something seemed to pull him back into awareness, as the icy blue and gold left his eyes, and they returned to their usual Egyptian blue.

He gasped softly, his eyes growing wide as big fat tears filled them, his voice was hoarse as he whispered, "Did I hurt anyone..?"

Opera shook their head as they responded softly, "No, but they're worried about you."

Iruma looks down at his hands, he seems baffled by them as if he's seeing them for the first time. He sniffs, and his tail flicks in an unreadable emotion.

'They know. They Know, theyknowtheyknowTheyKnow-!'

Iruma covers his face with a sharp gasp as he curls into himself, his tail wrapping over his thighs as he clenches his eyes shut and grits his teeth. 'I'm a freak and I don't understand what I am and I'm scared they'll reject me-'

Opera calls softly, "Iruma." Their heart aches.

Iruma flinches, his thoughts halting as he glances up hesitantly at their butler.

Opera's ears are low, and there are tears building in their eyes- it's wrongwrongwrong and Iruma hates the idea of upsetting Opera to the point of crying-!

Opera raises their arms to him, "Come here."

Iruma stills, and his heart is in his throat. He stares at their outstretched arms. He hesitates.

He moves and presses himself against them, curling up smallsmallsmall to bury themself into their chest as they rub their cheek into Opera's vest, "I'm sorry, I don't know why I'm acting like this, but it hurts and it's never been this bad before!" He sobs, and Opera pulls him in closer into their chest.

Opera's scent is all around him, strong and protective, and he breathes it in deep into his lungs. It balms something deep inside of himself, and he is comforted by their presence. He doesn't understand. He's been too scared to dare think that there was anything more than obligation between them-

Iruma curls his hands into the back of their vest and dares to speak his quietest wish, "Hahaue-!"

Opera shudders around him, somehow curling around his compressed body even further as their tears soak into his hair, "My child!" It is a painful, agonized relief as they gasp. "I finally found you, my Coda-!"

xXx-xXx-libra-xXx-xXx

The name had come to them one random morning while passing Iruma his usual serving of Hellgrey Tea.

He'd smiled and thanked them, and they'd responded in their usual manner, before seeing him off into Asmodeus and Clara's hands.

They had watched the trio laugh and talk, until they were well out of sight. They'd stretched their hearing as far as it could go before their voices could no longer reach them.

Opera had turned around and gone to the library.

She was raised in a family with a knack for musically themed names. She had never had much interest, but somehow, the lessons of their youth returned to them with startling clarity.

They pulled out a book, thumbed through the pages, noted the pianissimo notations, the bars with their two dots that notated repeating the previous bar, the notations for forte. Finally she found it, the quarter filled circle with horizontal and vertical lines through it, the coda symbol. The end of the piece.

If she could have named her child, this is the name they would have given them. The final piece, the tail end of their journey into motherhood.

A journey they had never wanted to walk, yet had done so as bravely as they could manage.

The child they hadn't been allowed to name, their little gremlin. Their name would have been Coda.

They had sobbed into those pages, alone.

xXx-xXx-libra-xXx-xXx

The Misfits were antsy, It was too quiet. The adults were too weird.

Sullivan finally made his appearance, "What in the world is going on, Kalego-kun, Shichirou-kun?"

The two teachers turned to their employer, and Sullivan sensed something terribly off with the two of them.

Kalego most especially. His shoulders were too stiff, his eyes too bright- they were nearly glowing lavender.

Sullivan opened his eyes. This was no laughing matter, jokes aside, something had spooked everyone. "Is Iruma-kun hurt?"

Kalego swallows. His tone has a growling undertone to it that he is clearly trying to pull back, "Not that we know of."

He searches the Dog of Babyls intensely before moving to the Gargoyle. Kerori is notably stiff and unsure, and Purson is unsettled.

The rest of the class is concerned, waiting in anticipation.

Shichirou clears his throat gently, "Uhm Chairman… Lord Sullivan. Perhaps, ah… That is to say-"

The poor bird can't get his words out. How serious were things with his grandson!?

"Did you perhaps know if Iruma-kun was Opera's child..?"

Sullivan's ire disappears as he stares blankly at the two uncomfortable adults. The students are now intrigued, but they are negligible. He nearly scoffs, "What in the world are you insinuating?"

Shichirou shifts his mask uncomfortably, he glances at Kalego before meeting Sullivan's gaze with wide eyes, "I know you were informed that I am… aware of Iruma's unique physiology. It uhm- It seems that isn't quite correct though. That information." And dear sweet Deities above, it suddenly makes sense why Buzzer reacted oddly to Iruma stating he was human the second time.

Did Iruma even know what he was..?

Sullivan blinks, and suddenly there are some oddities about his grandchild that make sense. He needs to see the boy to confirm it, and clearly there is the final piece to the puzzle- the mark that the poor quaking dog before him must have placed on the babe's back- Of Course!

He needed to call Henri the moment they had this sorted out!

The door opens slowly, and Opera is there. Their ears are low, and there are trails of tears on their face. They sniff, glance at everyone in confusion with a frown, and meet his gaze with a nod, "Ah, Sullivan-sama." They shift, and the Lord can almost see his grandson settled on the piano bench- ah, there's a small blue tail beside him, and his sight is cut off! "Did you know?"

Sullivan blinks at his servant, "You know, Shichirou-kun just asked me that same question! I hadn't the slightest idea!" He laughs, and everyone looks at the Chairdemon like a bunch of skeptics.

How was he supposed to know!? He'd purchased the son of two foolish humans! The boy hadn't even been present for the transaction! Sullivan had fulfilled their foolish demand for a trade because the boy's soul had tugged at his own!

(Only his Lord had ever tugged upon his Soul as the boy had!)

Kalego cleared his throat, "Well then, if we're done idling in the hallway, I'll be going in." He gently nudged Opera back in while snatching Shichirou's arm behind him, and the Gargoyle closed the door shut behind the three.

The Misfits looked at the Principal for answers, and Sullivan sighed gustily, "I don't believe I have all the answers you're hoping for, so lets have some breakfast together, hmm~?"

Asmodeus clicked his tongue, but at the mention of food, some stomachs growled, "Fine. But we want answers."

Sullivan chuckled lightly as he coaxed the curious class towards the cafeteria, "As do I."

xXx-xXx-libra-xXx-xXx

Kalego stared at the wolf lazing in the room.

They were a healthy size, all things considered. About as big as Keroberos had been when he'd been a mere whelp of fourteen.

Kalego swallows as the wolf lifts their head, their yellow gaze piercing into his own, before they chuffed and pulled their lips back into a doggish snicker. A true asshole, just like his own dog.

Keroberos chuffed with laughter within his bones, I told you our pup lives!

Fuck him, really.

Kalego is nervous. He can barely will himself to turn towards his student.

Our pup.

That was the crux of it, wasn't it? Iruma, young innocent and naive Iruma, their annoying student and too-kind-teenager was his pup.

His Master.

Fuck. It made so much sense now. Of course the boy could summon him! He was half human and had his blood and bones ground into his infantile body!

Kalego would never escape the boy. He was more than bound.

He is Our Pup.

Kalego wanted his dog to shut up for a minute and stop riding his ass about it. He Knew That.

Kalego took in a deep breath. He knew what was wrong with the boy. He could fix this.

He could fuck it up completely-

He was Naberius Kalego. He would never fail something that mattered so completely-

Kalego turns to his student, sees him with new eyes, and his chest tightens with anxiety again. "Iruma."

The boy lifts his head, startled. "Ah, Kalego-sensei! I'm so sorry for throwing that book earlier-!"

"Silence." Iruma winces, and Kalego grimaces at the sight. His dog is nearly bursting through his skin. If anyone were to touch him they'd suffer a fine zap for their trouble. "I am not angry with you pup, come here."

Iruma blinks at him, searches Shichirou and Opera's faces for reassurance before he stands stiffly and shuffles over to his teacher. Iruma looks up at him expectantly, and Kalego takes in a deep breath before exhaling on a count. "Turn around and take off your shirt."

Iruma takes half a step back, "What? But- why? Do I have to?" It's the closest the boy has ever come to whining at him, but Kalego understands. If the boy bears his mark, showing his back isn't a pleasant idea.

He'd scarred the boy himself.

"Yes. Now, Please."

Iruma grimaces, mentally resists for a moment before sighing. He turns around, unbuttons his shirt, and slips the material down to his elbows.

It is enough. The Mark is there, and Kalego feels his world tilt on its axis.

He is not ready for fatherhood. The boy has already been under his protection for the better part of a year. He is more than capable of doing this. The boy is HisHisHisTheirsOurs-

Kalego cuts his finger with a flick of his claw and commands, "Do Not Move, understood?" "Eh?!" "The pain will stop, but you mustn't move before I finish, got it?"

Iruma takes in a deep breath and nods. His wolf settles near him, and Iruma brushes his hand over their fur before digging his hand in and grasping them in unhidden fear.

Kalego presses his bleeding finger against those old markings. They have grown with the boy- his own claw that marked his adoption into his blood. It was an incomplete ceremony- one that would have been finished at the first appearance of his own internal dog.

The wolf pressed against Iruma was a fragment of himself. Disconnected, but a piece of himself and his own dog all the same. A protector from those who would seek the boy's end. The silent wishes and hopes that were never spoken aloud.

Kalego drew each symbol carefully, the sigil of his house and of his own personal making. A child born of another's blood, but his child all the same.

The circle was complete, and Kalego lifted his hand and pressed his palm to the boy's back and growled, "Mine."

A glow overcame the circle and child, violet in color, and sunk into the boy's skin along with the blood he'd shed upon him.

Iruma was stock still for a long moment as the Magic settled into his blood and bones, and the pain was gone.

Iruma sagged, relief and confusion striking him at once as he wobbled. Kalego snatched him and held him tight against his chest. There was a small tremor from the man- had Kalego been afraid..? "Kalego-sensei..? What..?"

Kalego felt strength return to the boy's limbs, and he cautiously released him, "You can put your shirt back on."

Iruma looked up at him with a confused blink before pulling his shirt over his shoulders and swiftly buttoning it.

Shichirou shifted his mask, and Iruma abruptly realized that he had Opera tucked into his lap. His butler looked horribly wary, and-

Iruma was hesitant to process anything.

Kalego lifted the boy into his arms and Iruma yelped in surprise, "Sensei!?"

The older dog sighed tiredly before settling himself into Shichirou's lap and melting into his partner's larger frame, tucked against Opera's side.

Iruma was silent among them, looking between them all in confusion, before he couldn't help himself. "Oh. So you three are mates."

Shichirou chokes, and Kalego snorts, "Whatever gave you that idea?"

Iruma's nose twitches as he blatantly takes in their collective scent, "Your scents were more than skin-deep after I left the student council."

Opera makes a keening whine of horror as she looks at her kit with paling skin, "Excuse me?!"

Iruma blinks at them, "I mean, it was kinda weird to realize my butler was intimate with two of my teachers, but it's not like it was any of my business."

Shichirou makes a strange keen of a cuffaw before gasping, "Is that why you were staring at me like that!?" Oh sweet Derkila, the kid had noted their scents intermingled the one time they'd been together!?

Iruma blinked, "There was that, but your Mana was familiar too."

Shichirou blinks, thankful to have something to latch onto before he spiraled, "My Mana?"

"Un, it tasted familiar, like home."

The three adults were silent for a moment, before Opera burst into laughter, falling into Kalego as the stoic demon stared at his student wide eyed. Opera couldn't believe it, "Shichirou, he ate your Mana all the time!"

Shichirou flushed, "Ah, yes. He certainly did."

Iruma puzzled between the two before Kalego sighed and tucked the boy under his chin, "We're going to have a discussion about your scenting habits, pup."

Iruma whined, "It's not my fault I'm hypersensitive to that sort of thing! Blame my parents! They're the ones who had me work in a love hotel for weeks more than once!"

There is dead horrified silence before Kalego roars, "WHAT!?"

xXx-xXx-libra-xXx-xXx

A/N: Not to cut it off here, but let me know if you enjoyed it~!