A plot point in regards to the story: I forgot early on, that as a child, Kirio met Baal while he was a student at Babyls. This kinda makes timing screwy, so in regards to that, Baal was already a "higher up" in the six fingers by the time he was a first/second year, and was a sixth year when he and Kirio met.

I also skipped something like fifteen chapters because I had nothing to add to canon/they weren't Iruma POV focused, so this chapter sort of bounces between those chapters.

Warning: Opera having parental paranoia and concerns, with a slice of instinctual recognition.

xXx-xXx-cherish-xXx-xXx

Opera excused themself to begin preparing lunch after giving Iruma and Kerori their Blessing. They needed a moment to themself so that they could realign their thoughts, as there was a lot that they'd held their tongue for in lieu of everything they had discussed and learned that day.

They also needed to control the Desire to tuck their child into their breast and hide them from the world.

Opera took in a deep silent breath before going through the motions of preparing a meal, and began to chop vegetables before Iruma's Mana cautiously brushed against them. They paused for a moment, before Iruma's warmth pressed against their back and his hands grasped their sides. They glanced slightly back towards him, "Iruma-sama..?"

Iruma was silent for a moment before he responded, "I'm sorry about… How complicated things are, right now."

Opera slumped slightly before going back to meticulously cutting what was before them. "...It's not entirely your fault, and… it's not like you'd planned on becoming an actual Akudol, right?"

Iruma sighed softly, "That wasn't the plan, no… but… I don't mind performing once or twice a year. But… I can tell you're holding back about something. You've been… unnerved..? Not as much as when I had to look over that contract but… the feeling I'm getting from you is similar."

Opera slowly set down their knife and stared emptily at the cutting board before them. Their voice was soft, "Iruma…" They took in a slow calming breath to keep control over their more difficult emotions, "You are an unregistered member of my Clan, and while there are other feline Clans out there, our particular group has specific traits that you yourself do exhibit." They are silent for a moment as they try to gather their thoughts, "I just… we still have too little information about the ones who… forced your conception. No leads on why they attacked me, or what their plans are in regards to damaging Sullivan-sama's reputation."

"So for as much as I was thrilled and excited, proud even, while watching your team during the Akudol Games… I was also, irrationally, terrified for your safety."

Iruma shifted and hugged Opera while holding back tears. He pursed his lips in thought, as he tried to think of something, anything to say, that might be reassuring… and yet, he came up wanting. No words he could say would assuage their base fears, because he was ignorant of the deeper and darker things of this world.

He had too little knowledge.

"...How can I help..?" Opera tilted towards him in confusion as he looked up at them, "Is there anything I can do to help you with your fears..?"

Opera was silent for a long moment as they faced forward once more.

There wasn't anything anyone could do, but…

"Let me train you."

Iruma tensed as he shifted to better look at his mother, "...Training? But…" He honestly, even now, hated fighting. Even moreso, the thought of ever possibly hurting his mother made him ill- even if they were much more powerful than him. It was far too ingrained to not fight gi-

Opera brushed his frazzled Mana back into place, "If it would help, you can train with either Shichirou-kun or Kalego-kun first."

Iruma wilted a little at that, before leaning into them, "...No. If you want to train me, then I'll agree to it."

Opera tilted their head as they brushed over his Mana comfortingly, "You're certain?"

Iruma made a pained smile, moreso towards himself than anyone else. "I've already been pretty unreasonable lately, so yeah."

Opera was stiff for a long moment before they relaxed with a sigh and a tiny smirk, "My training is difficult, you know. You might end up hating me."

Iruma made a pained face as he pushed his face into their spine and muffled in playful irritation, "Hahaue..!"

Opera grinned to themself with a snicker, "You'll regret not asking my Kouhai."

Iruma huffed, "Please don't make me regret it already."

Opera stifled a laugh as they returned to their meal prep.

The next morning, bright and early at two thirty in the morning, Opera forced their child into their first training session.

Iruma was glad school wasn't in session when his training was over, as he blearily agreed to having a New Year's party at the house.

xXx-xXx-culture-xXx-xXx

Sullivan giggled lightly as he watched the securi-devi footage of the living room, as Iruma and the Misfits slowly became more and more unruly.

Opera entered the room silently, before standing nearby with their hands behind their back. "...Sullivan-sama?" He hummed in response as they continued, "What in the world is going on?" They had only finished bringing in various foods a few minutes ago!

Sullivan grinned, "Oh, Lied-kun snuck in some Relax Juice."

Opera was dead silent for a moment, "...He diluted it before serving it, right?"

Sullivan was silent, as he watched things slowly fall more out of hand in his slowly-getting-trashed living room.

"He diluted it, right?!"

Sullivan chuckled as he waved offhandedly, "Are you kidding? Of course not! His parents probably always served it during parties, so he didn't know about the warning on the back!"

Opera's ears twitched as the noise level went up from the other half of the manor. Their ears dropped downwards as blatant annoyance crossed their face, "So they're all drunk. On Relax Juice."

Sullivan beamed up at them, "Yup!" He pointed at Iruma on the screen, "Isn't it cute how Alice-kun and Clara-chan are glued to him?"

Opera glowered at him, "We should put a stop to this-"

Sullivan gently grasped their arm and heavily wound his Mana over theirs. "They are all here, safe in our home, under our hands-off supervision. Feel free to think of a fitting punishment for their behavior, but perhaps allowing them to 'Let Loose' in a safe place is better than somewhere we can't see?"

Opera clicked their tongue and stewed over that.

By the time they'd turned eighteen, Sullivan had allowed them one day and night to go absolutely wild in any way they'd normally held back on. They hadn't known what to do with themself at first, but by the time they'd returned to Sullivan's, they'd been sicker than a dog and had decided that they'd never need to "Go Wild" again.

They took small, controlled liberties every once in a while, but never to the degree they had during that twenty four hour cycle.

This… was a lot safer, and also, a total accident.

They would still give Lied the scolding of a lifetime for getting his entire class drunk.

xXx-xXx-culture-xXx-xXx

Opera had to deal with a whiplash of feelings.

They were smug about the pile of six-page apology letters each Misfit had written in response to their behavior. (They would send them over to Kalego to read over after they were graded. He'd get amusement out of it.)

They also had the misfortune of feeling trepidation when it came to Iruma's training. They had a handful of sessions under their belt, including when Iruma was still half drunk and beginning to suffer a hangover from the Relax Juice. They hadn't held back, and eventually Iruma had snapped a bit and given them a black eye for all of five minutes before it went away.

It didn't change the look on his face when he'd realized what had happened, and had been overly cautious since.

Opera rubbed their face tiredly. They wanted Iruma to go all out, and it was a little frustrating to know that he'd been holding back before, and was holding back even more now!

Iruma was such a kind child…

Opera sighed softly before leaning back, until their eyes slowly looked at the most concerning item on the table.

An invitation from the 13 Crowns.

Opera knew why Iruma had been invited- the grandsons of the other two Greats had been as well.

They slid down in their chair as they contemplated the ceiling.

Iruma needed so much more education and preparation…

They took in a deep breath and exhaled lightly.

"Why don't you have Iruma-kun shadow you for a day?" Opera looked towards their Lord in confusion as Sullivan extrapolated. "It'll allow the two of you to get closer, as well as to help him straighten out from his recent behavior!"

Opera blinked before smirking slightly, "Alright."

Sullivan nodded before patting them gently on the head. "It'll be educational!"

Opera was quiet as Sullivan walked away humming happily.

…Right. Education.

They had much to teach.

xXx-xXx-culture-xXx-xXx

Something made Opera's fur feel as if it were being brushed the wrong way while in Babyl Tower. They were thankful now, more than ever, that they'd taken the precaution to have Iruma hide his ears and tail for this meeting with the 13 Crowns.

They carefully scratched at their arm as they stood close to Sullivan during their dinner, and fully focused on Sullivan and Iruma.

…Which, perhaps they had been training Iruma too hard, as he managed to eat as heartily as he had when he'd first arrived. They wondered if they should be horrified that he'd asked for seconds, after cleaning more than a hundred plates. However, their keen ears had picked up on how nervous Iruma's unleashed appetite had made Lord Bellial-Berry and Razberry.

It was the only trickle of amusement they had the entire dinner.

Otherwise, they realized how they hadn't adequately informed Iruma of the Netherworld's state. Admittedly, they had, for a time, believed Iruma would desire to return permanently to the Human World… but now that they knew that he was their child, and after their discussion the other day… Well.

They now knew that wouldn't be the case.

Henri was also a little weird, but seemed to be oddly contemplative of Iruma's eating habits.

Opera took in a deep breath and tried not to audibly sigh.

Their neck was itching now, and they were desperately avoiding that person.

The one with the blond hair, Baal.

SomethingSomethingSomething was wrong about him, and it made them want to vomit.

If they could have, they would have dragged Iruma out from that demon's sight and hidden him away in their nest. DeepDeepDeep they would have nestled him-

They held that thought down with an internal scowl, as Shichirou brushed against their Bond in worry.

Their chest ached. They wanted to scream.

They could only recall ghoulishly grinning white teeth, and a splash of yellow-

xXx-xXx-culture-xXx-xXx

The winter break rolled into the end of their first year, and waltzed into their second.

It had been exactly one year since he had been sold and adopted by his grandfather, and one year since he'd (unknowingly) met his biological mother.

A lot had changed since then. He was a little more confident, he had more meat on his bones, and he felt loved. He wasn't alone anymore.

There are times, even now, when he can't help but wonder if he's living in a particularly vivid fever dream.

He sets down his spade as he looks over the plants that he's planted over the past year. They've all grown beautifully, and he feels a deep sense of accomplishment that they're flourishing so well.

"Iruma-kun." Iruma glances up at the elderly janitor as he holds a potted plant, "Why don't you take this home with you?"

Iruma pushes himself onto his feet and dusts off his knees, "Are you sure that's okay..?"

The janitor chuckles lightly, "Certainly! Ever since you arrived, the gardens have become quite beautiful! You have a unique perspective towards gardening, and it's refreshing to see a young one such as yourself so enthusiastic about it!"

Iruma flushes lightly and scratches at his cheek, "Ah.. uhn. Thank you." He takes the pot out of the janitor's hands and holds it close, "Thank you for the gift!" He bows slightly, and the janitor nods in response.

"You're certainly welcome."

Iruma glances down at the spade, "I should clean up…"

The janitor waves him off, "It's the entrance ceremony for the first years today! Why don't you move along and catch all of the new faces on campus, hmm?"

Iruma sighs lightly, "Are you sure?" The janitor nods, and Iruma gives him one last short bow in thanks before running off.

He wanders along a few halls before Hermod mentally pulls him towards a certain direction. His cat ears twitch, and he picks up on Ameri's voice. He smiles and makes his way over, while vaguely realizing that he knows the other voice as well.

He turns a corner and perks up, "Ameri-san!" He notes that her clothes are different, "Your new uniform looks nice!"

Suddenly there is a rush of air as a first year greets him, "G-good day…"

Iruma bows slightly in response, "Hello…" He startles a little, "Wait, Chima-chan!?" He notices her bangs are trimmed, "You cut your hair! It looks great!"

Chima flushes at the compliment, "Th-thank you…"

Sabnock Sylvia skips over to greet him, and Iruma is surprised that she's enrolled as well before greeting her also. At Sylvia's curious gaze he explains that he was in the garden just now, and tries to keep the conversation normal, because… well…

Between Ameri's face and the intensity of Chima's gaze, he wants to slink off to a hiding place in confusion and curl up in a ball.

And then Chima spoke of how she had become the first year representative and gave a speech just like him. He was impressed with her accomplishment, and then she caressed his ring and pinky finger and proclaimed, "No matter how amazing the demons of Babyls are… I will do my best since I've found my Desire… My Sparkle!" She squeezed his fingers lightly and smiled devilishly, "And I will seize the number one spot!"

Iruma had no idea what she was going on about, "Ah, uhm, great!"

Chima seemed to run out of steam then and excused herself.

He waved goodbye to Chima and Sylvia as they left before turning to Ameri, "I have no idea what she was talking about, but I hope she fulfills her Desire!"

He thought this would make Ameri happy, but instead she flushed in frustration and exclaimed, "Why are you always like this!?"

Iruma startled in surprise from her reaction, before lifting his hands as a sign of peace, "Wait… why are you upset?"

Ameri pouted as she glared at him, "Do you seriously not understand?"

Iruma gave her his full attention, and with empty eyes he deadpanned, "That's why I'm asking. I have no idea what your problem is."

Ameri paused and looked over his face, and took in his expression. She shifted uncomfortably as she pulled in her frustration, and gently tapped against his Mana. Iruma responded with a sharp static shock, and Ameri flinched.

Ameri rubbed her cheek for a moment while avoiding eye contact, before shifting, "Let's… talk at our usual place. There'll be fewer ears to hear…"

Iruma shifted his flowers before nodding, "Alright."

So they went to their usual room, where Iruma read Hatsukoi Memories, and sat down across from her at her signal.

They were silent for a long moment, before Ameri took in a deep breath and exhaled the last of her annoyances before looking Iruma in the eyes. "Chima likes you."

Iruma blinked and seemed to process that for a painful five seconds before her barked a short laugh, "That's a good one Ameri-san."

Ameri slumped slightly, "Iruma…"

He observed her for a long moment before he pushed out of his seat and came close to her. He pressed his Mana against her Magic, and she allowed him through her walls. He nearly stumbled at the way her Magic easily gave into his, and he couldn't help but be surprised as he prodded at her, before relenting. "Oh."

Iruma was silent for a moment, "I have no idea why she likes me, though, so why are you worried?"

Ameri fidgeted before pouting slightly again, "Because… you're very charming. Plenty of girls look your way…"

Iruma blinked, "They do?" He had no idea, and Ameri looked up at him, and prodded against his Magic. He let her past his own walls, and she prodded and poked at him for a moment.

Ameri huffed lightly, "The way you act… is naturally charming. I'm… sorry for being unreasonable. It's not like I have any right to be frustrated with you…"

Iruma's eyes widened briefly before he simply let himself into her space and settled easily into her lap. She startled while flushing in confusion as he nonchalantly pressed against her front. "Wha-!? What are you, what do you-" She was so confused!

Iruma hummed as he wove his Magic deeper into hers, "I guess I should clarify something for you, to maybe put you at ease."

Ameri settled back as she looked down at him. He… was being particularly forward, and she couldn't help but selfishly pull in his Mana while staring deep into his eyes. "...Yeah?"

Iruma brushed his fingertips along the bottom of her jaw, "You make my teeth fall on edge."

Ameri blinked in surprise from that admission before turning red, "Ah, uhm-"

Iruma held a finger in front of her lips to make her pause, "I am in love with four people, Ameri. And I'm not willing to be in a relationship with any of you yet."

Ameri was trying to keep up with the conversation. She was trying to not be hopeful but…she was still confused!

Iruma sighed softly, "You're one of my four, and no more."

Ameri turned red, "...Oh."

Iruma pulled back a little, to give her breathing room since he could tell she was a little overwhelmed. "I'll try not to encourage Chima, but unless she confesses to me, she's just my fiance's little sister with a crush. Okay?"

Ameri slowly came back down and settled into emotional calm. "You and Kerori-san are official?"

Iruma took in a deep breath before sighing softly to himself, "For now, yeah. But… again, I'm not ready to be with any of you, so I'd like to keep things as they are. Random dates are fine… now that I uhm. Realize we've been on a few." He was blushing at his lack of awareness about Aquacase. "Kissing… is okay on occasion. But… I'd like to simply keep reading to you while enjoying tea and cookies… and brushing one another's hair sometimes would be nice."

Ameri hugged him suddenly, and Iruma panicked for a moment before hugging her back, "...Is that okay?"

Ameri nodded, "Yeah." She felt reassured. "I'm sorry if I sometimes get jealous. I'll… try and work on it, okay?"

Iruma smiled as he squeezed her, "Okay. And I'll try not to attract anyone else."

Ameri snickered before nuzzling his hair, "You're just a natural at it."

"Eh?!"

Ameri pulled back and placed a finger accusingly on his nose, "I know you wrote a love letter to Eliza-san during the Music Festival."

Iruma turned red as he shrieked, "Th-that was to help set up the scene!"

Ameri playfully shrugged, "A love letter's a love letter, Iruma."

Iruma whined before shoving his face into her neck and under her jaw in request for forgiveness.

Ameri rolled her eyes and nuzzled him in return. "I'm teasing."

Iruma huffed lightly and pouted at her.

Ameri giggled lightly, before unceremoniously shoving him off of her lap as he squeaked.

xXx-xXx-culture-xXx-xXx

It was decided that Iruma and Kalego's contract would be canceled.

Iruma's opinion wasn't exactly requested in regards to that, but it wasn't as if Iruma didn't understand.

Kalego, in his familiar form, couldn't protect him as well as he could as his normal self. The only positive was that Kalego would be instantly transported to where he was.

Otherwise… it was simply the comfort that he could summon Kalego that made him want to keep it.

It just wasn't fair to his pride.

So Iruma kept silent, even as his ears stayed low all day, and his tail was kept tucked under his jacket as he was guarded by Kalego's keen eye throughout the entire day.

He felt like he was in trouble, when he knew that wasn't the case at all.

And then his classmates had to start trying to place a proper summoning seal on him to renew the contract, which only resulted in him being snatched, tugged, and shifted roughly around against his will.

He shouldn't have been surprised when Alice and Clara tried to take him back. They always hated being separated from him during school hours.

Iruma sighed internally as Kalego dragged him off under one arm after beating half of the Misfits into submission.

When Kalego finally set him down, Iruma couldn't help but curiously glance around the room in curiosity. He eventually looked back towards his parent and blinked, "What's that outfit for?"

Kalego grumbled deep within his throat, "Right now the biggest threat is them. They can sniff us out at Royal One, so I'll just have to keep you close until the time is up. Tell your family you'll be staying here with me tonight."

Iruma paused before stating, "Hey uh, so I'm staying here tonight."

Kalego snapped the last buckle into place and turned to him with annoyed confusion, "Iruma-"

"Dad." He gave his teacher the smallest smile that had so much underlying spite in it, Kalego couldn't help but be shaken at his subtle intensity.

"...You're just like your birth parent."

Iruma beamed happily, "Thanks for the compliment!"

Kalego held back the desire to click his tongue and signaled Iruma to come along.

The boy did as requested, and as Kalego finally decided to contact Shichirou to prepare the prep room for them, Opera came crashing down through the ceiling behind them with a kick. Kalego blocked it and slid down the hall as he held Iruma by the scruff of his jacket.

They two adults then brawled- Iruma would call it a lover's quarrel, except that it was truly more a cat vs dog thing.

He didn't like the idea of either of them getting hurt over him, but he also couldn't help but be in awe of Opera's raw physical power against Kalego's strength in Magic.

The two's power collided, and suddenly a gentle hand tugged him out of Kalego's grip and cocooned him in an egg, before getting in the middle of their attacks.

Balam glared between his two mates, "What in the world are you two doing messing around the school like this?" He was downright annoyed.

Opera brightened, "I have permission from the principal!"

Kalego scowled, "I won't let them renew my contract!"

Shichirou shifted his mask with a sigh before pointing to Iruma, who was patiently waiting within his barrier. "And did anyone bother to consult Iruma about his opinion on this?"

The two previously fighting adults grew speechless as they stared at their child.

It wasn't clear what the answer was, so they all relocated to Shichirou's prep room, and after a moment, Iruma explained his feelings about the past year before finishing with, "If it's possible… I'd like to end the contract."

Iruma's unease was thick in the room, and Kalego realized he couldn't leave things as they were. He needed… to explain his bloodline to Iruma. "Leave us."

Once Opera and Shichirou left, Kalego explained quite simply. "I don't have a familiar." Iruma raised his head in surprise as he continued, "Our dogs are too volatile, so even when I do summon one, Keroberos just chases them away."

He leans forward slightly, "I don't know if it's possible for you to have a proper familiar due to my blood… but if you're willing, I'd like to try."

Iruma paused and lifted his head to meet his father's gaze, "Huh?"

Kalego clasped his hands as he leaned towards his son, "You may lose me as a familiar, but I will not leave you defenseless."

Iruma's eyes widened, and he felt relief. He was certain now that his decision to release Kalego was the right one.

Unfortunately, that ended up not being the case, and despite the thirteen hours they'd gone through-

Iruma's contract with Kalego was renewed.

xXx-xXx-interloper-xXx-xXx

I hope you all continue to support me with your kind words, and thank you for leaving reviews on ao3, I appreciated each one. I unfortunately won't be able to update for around two weeks due to job scheduling/my store moving/sales so uhm. Sorry about the coming wait.

I'm hoping to get to the Deviculum, or at least closer to it in the next chapter or two. I don't plan to do a whole lot with the Heartbreaker since it has multiple POV's and there isn't much to add/adapt.

Please let me know if you enjoyed it! Be safe and be well!