#Lee!Kalego | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

meabh-mcinness · 4 months ago

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Memories (Balam Shichirou x AFAB!OC) Comm

Summary: Today is a very special day for Lee Kai. After all, she's finally getting married to her one true love. As she readies for the big event, she can't help but be overcome by memories of the times they spent together.

This was a piece commissioned by a friend for a mutual friend of ours, @shichirolover666! She gets the lovely joy of marrying our best boy Shichirou

Check out my other works on my masterlist!

The day had finally arrived.

Kai was preparing for her wedding. As she stood in front of the mirror, gently manoeuvring her obsidian black curls into just the right positions, memories of her high school days flooded her mind, each intertwined with the presence of Balam Shichirou, her lover and soon-to-be husband. Turning slightly, she leaned over and picked up the crown woven from flowers picked from their shared garden. Lightly plucking one from the crown and bringing it up to her nose she sniffed, a giddy smile lit up her face as the familiar floral notes flooded her brain, an echo of a time long past joining it.

It had been the first day of high school. Her first time far away from home and it was to attend the prestigious school of Babyls, headed by Lord Sullivan himself. It was an honour, and an anxiety fest because of it. A new school meant new rules and new demons to learn about while trying to survive. Kai was well aware she wasn't the strongest of demons, her family, the Lee's, rarely ever even earned rank Vav, but they were well regarded regardless due to their bloodline ability.

Manisfesto. The ability to project anything they pictured in their head onto a piece of paper. On its own, it didn't sound like a much-needed ability unless you were an artist but with a bit of creativity, the ability was incredibly useful. Especially when you worked as an informant or spy and could create layouts of homes and compounds just by seeing them and then copying them down on maps. This made the Lee's a nice family to have on your side in times of skirmishes, but in general, they much preferred hanging out in the background and painting their days away, and Kai was no exception to this.

This is why when the first day of class came around and she entered her new homeroom, she had made an immediate bee-line for the quietest part of the room where only two other demons sat, avoided by everyone else. The one on the left was nearly a head taller with short black hair and curled back horns combined with a grimace on his face that made him seem like a permanently snarling dog, and she had to lightly bite her lip to keep from laughing at the image. The one on the right however seemed to be their polar opposite, far shorter (even shorter than her and what a surprise that was to a 4'9" lamb!) with fluffy white hair falling to their narrow shoulders and a gleaming metal mask covering their lower face, leaving only wide circular eyes staring at their desk partner.

Kai gently plopped into the seat next to the tinier demon, catching only the tail end of their conversation, "-was the quietest seat. I can't stand the other seats, they're noisy. You can move if you don't like it," the dark-haired one growled out, black eyes quickly flickering to her before going back to looking at their book.

"I agree," she added as casually as could, placing her sketchbook on the table, flipping it to an empty page, once more trying not to laugh as the smaller demon visibly startled at the addition of her voice, white hair whipping with their head as they turned their wide eyes onto her.

"Ah no..." his voice came out softly and almost awed sounding as his eye flicked back and forth between the two demons he was now surrounded by, "It's fine. I'm...Balam Shichirou."

The dark-haired demon flicked another look in their direction, a considering look in his eyes, "...Naberius Kalego," he finally said, almost causing Kai to squeak in alarm knowing very well how infamous the Naberius family was, before turning his dark gaze solely onto her with a raised eyebrow.

"Lee Kai," she said with a smile, "It's a pleasure to meet the both of you."

A sigh left herand she placed the flower back into its right spot in the crown before resting it gently above her head, being careful to avoid the sharp horns poking out from her forehead.The bright colours of the flowers shone brightly in stark contrast to her black hair. Clawed pale hands reached out from behind her head and carefully lifted the top portion of her hair up so that the back half of the crown settled beneath the flowing locks, before separating and braiding them around the crown so that the curls were nearly inseparable from the flowers from behind.

Kai glanced up into the mirror as the demoness behind her got to work, the taller figure's own silky blonde locks were done up in an intricatebraided bun of her own. Leaves and wildflowers twirled in and out of the hair strands as if they had grown there naturally, a show of talent no doubt from the third member of this little bridal party. The feathered wings on her back were a green so dark they looked black until they moved just right under the lights, and the showing couldn't help but remind Kai of Shichirou's own set of similar but far larger wings. Even when they had been kids, she couldn't help but be fascinated by his wings, so uniquely different from all of the other demons she had met at the time, and even now, she knew of only a few who shared that similar trait, and all of them were members of his family. Even the one currently doing her hair was.

Lyra Northman, a member of an off-shoot branch of the Balam family. They not only had similar looks, with their deep green feathered wings and varying levels of blonde hair, but they even had a similar blood-line magic. Whereas the Balam family had 'Buzzer', which could tell whether or not you were lying, the Northman family had 'TruthSeer,' an ability to detect the intentions behind why you were doing something. It came in quite handy on several occasions but had also led Lyra to pick many fights while in school, both as a student and a teacher's aid, much to several people's discernment. Even now, as a bonafide teacher themselves, while having calmed down, they still picked fights.

Most notoriously were the fights between Opera-senpai, Lyra, and her partner Kalego. Though really, it was Opera and Lyra picking on Kalego who then usually started the fight.

Kai could still remember the first time she had met both Opera and Lyra.

Bam!

Kai and Shichirou jumped in surprise from where they had sat at the cafe table looking over one another's drawings, a squeak even leaving her mouth at the suddenness of it. Kai stared wide-eyed at Kalego who slumped down into his seat with a snarl. "This is the eighth time!"

Now that she recognized that it was merely Kalego and his usual surliness, she simply sighed and put her sketchbook away, mentally praying that she wasn't about to be drawn into something before asking, "Eighth time?"

Another snarl from him was her answer before devolving into a rant, "This is the eight time I've been pestered by upperclasman! I've only been enrolled here for a month, and I don't know why the keep picking fights with me! What bad luck! How awful! It's also getting pretty annoying..!" He devolved into growls, harsh vibrations escaping his throat as his body visibly jittered with it. Kai and Shichirou simply exchanged a glance, more than use to their classmates surly attitude by now.

"You draw a lot of attention Kalego-kun," Shichirou commented, crossing his bird-like feet over one another under the table, "and you look menacing." he continued on looking away and ignoring Kalego's shout of hey.

"Well," Kai pipped in before Kalego jumped over the table, "Do you have any idea why they might be pestering you?"

"Maybe you bit them in a fit of rage?" Shichirou said, taking a sip of his drink.

"I don't," Kalego replied, "I'm not some feral dog. I wouldn't attack first unless I had to. In other words..." he trailed off leaning forward, folding his hands together and resting his chin on them as he stared at them intently. "They mistook me for someone else. Dark curly hair...wears both a male and female uniform...has two horns-"

"That's you." Shichirou and Kai deadpanned together.

"Listen! I'm telling you two that's not me!! I'm not foolish enough to go around beating anyone up that I see! That 'Top Dog' halfwit, I will definetely find them!"

"And what are you going to do after that?" Shichirou asked. Kai leaned forward slightly, lamb ears twitching in curiosity at the answer. They had been listening to Kalego complain about this person for weeks, whaevert revenge he had dreamed up had to have been interesting.

"Strip them down and shave their head." Kai blinked at the response, well she hadn't been wrong at least but still-

"That's worse than just beating them up." Shichirou voiced her thoughts and Kai nodded to show her agreement.

"Why not change your hair?" She asked, internally holding the giggle that wanted to erupt at the sudden picture of a blond Kalego.

"Why should I have to give in?" He snapped at her, seeming to sense that she was laughing at him. "Once the foolish 'Top Dog' stops their foolish fighting spree, the fools who are pestering me will cease and I'll return to a life of peace and quiet."

"Quiet huh..." Shichirou mumbled seeming to stare off in the distance, before shaking himself out of it and laying his head down on the table, " I think you tend to get yourself involved in troublesome situations, though."

"What?" Kai hummed in question.

"Nothing, just talking to myself." Shichirou replied.

Suddenly Kalego slammed his hand on the table causing a loud banging noise to ring out through the cafeteria and causing Kaitlin to jump at the sound as he stood up. "Anyway, we're going to investigate! I'm definitely going to catch the 'Top Dog' by the tail, and make them pay."

Kati and Shichirou both let out a sigh but dutiful got up to follow him. They were definitely getting dragged into something and she could already tell it wasn't going to go the way Kalego wanted it to.

After spending several hours, just trying to find even a glimpse of information not already

known to them, from searching the library to asking both the teachers and students, Kai had definitely gotten confirmation that nothing was going to go to Kalego's plan. After all, how could he do anything to this "Top Dog" when they couldn't even figure out what they fully looked like? Collapsing onto a bench out in the courtyard, leaning onto Shichirou and even using his head to rest hers on she watched as the little gargoyle demon produced a picture of what looked like an angry ball of fur with two horns to show to Kalego.

"And so, based on our research we can conclude that the identity of the 'Top Dog' is this." Shichirou concluded proudly. Kai started to lean over and coo over the cute drawing before falling over with a startled bleat when Kalego's hand appeared and gripped Shichirou's face, barely missing her own.

"Tell. Me. Which part of that exactly looks like me!?" Kalego snarled out, tightening the grip he held on Shichirou.

"The eyes," he replied at the same time Kai muttered, 'Your surly attitude,' as she righted herself and sat back up properly with a sniff, ignoring Kalego's shout of 'hey!' "Everyone just gave us vague descriptions!" Shichirou continue, unbothered by their fighting, "Doesn't help that the witnesses are all in the hospital. This is what they look like when we combine all of the rumours."

"...So we're stuck," Kai piped in, before sinking further into her seat, legs stretched out before her as she slumped down. "If only there was someone who knew everything about all of the students." Kalego visibly flinched at her words, eyes darting away from her and she raised an eye at the reaction.

"Hey, Kalego-kun," Shichirou called while leaning forward, "Isn't it about time? You should ask him." Him? Kai sat up, ears perked in interest at who this him was that could cause such a reaction in Kalego.

"I...don't want to," Kalego muttered, still looking anywhere but the two of them.

Shichirou took advantage of Kalego looking away and hopped down from the bench gingerly before pushing Kalego in the direction of the school, ignoring his Kalego's struggles and indignant squawking. "Don't be so selfish, it's for the sake of our research! Come on!"

Curiosity piqued even further Kai also hopped down from the bench and followed them back into the school and down several hallways before ending up....in front of the teacher's lounge? She blinked several times in confusion as Kalego struggled even harder against Shichirou's grip before her curiosity roused even higher and she opened the door for all of them. Taking advantage of it Shichirou gripped Kalego slightly harder and raised him off the ground slightly before depositing him into the room and quickly shutting the door again behind him.

Kai's ears lowered in disappointment at not being able to know who was causing that reaction in Kalego before Shichirou gestured her over from where he was leaning against the wall. "You're not going to want to be in front of the door when he comes back out." Obidiently Kai walked over to where he stood and leaned agaisnt the wall too before sliding down to sit on the floor.

"Who is he?" Kai asked after a few minutes of silence. At Shichirou's confused look she clarified, "the one that Kalego doesn't want to talk to, who is he?"

"The guard dog of Bablys, also known as his uncle."

"Oh, ok."....wait what?

Before she could ask further questions the door slammed open and Kalego raced out with a loud shout of, "The rooftop!" Without even thinking Kai and Shichirou's feet pounded after him, following him down the halls towards where Kai could only assume the rooftop was. "That shitty uncle!" Kalego complained as they ran, "He was stalling on purpose, this is why I hate him. And I even had to use my brother as an excuse!"

"The rooftop...can we even make it in time?" Shichirou asked.

"We just have to try, there's no other choice!" Kalego answered as they raced up the stairs. Kai's ears twitched as the sounds of grunts and shouts filtered down. So there really was a fight up there, and if Kalego's uncle was to believed, than the 'Top Dog' they had been hunting all day was up there.

A loud bang echoed through the stairs, followed by a started squeak from Kai as the three first years barely had enough time to dodge as a door flew down the stairs followed by a large student who landed uncounscious behind them.

"Wha..." Kai muttered turning back to look at Shichirou and Kalego before her eyes darted up to stare at the now open door, daylight streaming through and almost blinding her. The idenity of the 'Top Dog' was right behind that entranceway. Carefully climbing up the rest of the stairs, Kai's ears stayed up and alert in case there were anymore flying objects headed her way, but everything seemed quiet now. Had the fight ended?

Crossing through the archway Kai blinked to let her eyes adjust to the sudden brightness before gasping in shock. Standing before her was a large pile of what she could only assume were fellow students, and sitting on top of the pile, as casual as could be, was a single demon with-

"Dark curly hair, wears both the male and female uniforms..." she muttered out loud.

"You!" Kalego interrupted, " So you're the one!!"

"...Oh my," they said before hoping down effortlessly, gracefully even. Every nerve in Kai's body was singing that this demon in front of them was dangerous and it only rose as they gave a small smile, "You three...got a problem?" "Oh," a voice cooed from behind the pile of defeated students. Kai's eyes whipped over to where a head with blonde hair popped out casually, followed by a body obviously belonging to an older student and a large pair of feathered wings so dark the green almost looked black except when they hit the light just right. "Have more little mice decided to try and...Shichirou?" The voice ended bewildered, eyes wide as they finally caught onto the smallest member of their little trio.

"Lyra?" Shichiriou questioned in return, obviously just as confused at this new person's appearance, as Kalego snapped something at the first demon who had appeared, not as easily distracted or deterred in his mission to stop the 'Top Dog'. Though perhaps it should be 'top cat' Kai mused to herself, noting the feline features before focusing back in on the other conversation, following Shichirou as he wandered closer to Lyra. Kai would much prefer being near what was obviously a reunion of some sort rather than being dragged into the fight that was most definitely about to occur between the other two as they argued.

"Look at you! I had forgotten you were starting this year. How are you finding it so far? Let me know if you need anything and - oh!" Lyra's eyes finally moved to Kai tilting her head and staring in such a way that Kai felt like a mouse being watched by a bird of prey before Lyra suddenly grinned, eyebrows waggling at Shichirou. "Who's this cutie? Did you get a girlfriend already baby bird?"

Fierce blushes covered both Shichirou and Kai's faces at the question, a startled bleat even squeaking out of Kai as Shichirou spluttered out denials. This went on for a few seconds before Lyra let out a laugh, enjoying their reactions immensely, waving their words away. "You're both far too easy to tease," She said with a wide grin.

Shichriou sighed before gesturing to the blonde, "Kai this is Lyra, my older cousin from my mom's side of the family. Lyra this is Kai, my....ally?" He ended hesitantly. Technically, even though they had been chatting and hanging out for over a month now, they had never actually confirmed whether they were just acquaintances or if they enjoyed each other's company enough to be allies.

Kai sent a smile and slight nod at the tinier gargoyle before bowing at Lyra. "It's a pleasure to meet my ally's family. My name is Lee Kai, a first-year--" a loud crackling noise rang out and Kai barely even paused, though she was certain that meant Cerberion had been summoned "and that grumpy dog over there is Naberius Kalego, also a first-year."

"Northman Lyra, older cousin of the baby bird here and a fifth year. Mr. Top Dog over there," her grin widened, clearly amused at the misnomer as well, "is Opera, a second year." Lyra's eyes flickered over to where Kalego and Opera were, letting out a low whistle at the sight of the large dog made of electricity that Kalego had surely let out by now.

Shichirou whirled around, just now registering that Kalego and Opera actually intended to fight on the rooftop, "Wait, Kalego-kun, calm down!"

"This is your last chance," Kalego said ignoring him, " Are you going to quit fighting?"

"No," was Opera's simple reply. "I mean if you want to try and stop me by force go ahead and try. I was planning on silencing you by doing the same anyway. I can't have you going around revealing my identity can I?" A shiver of fear ran down Kai's back and she involuntarily took a step back, the pile of bodies next to her an awful reminder of what this Opera was capable of, and was apparently ready to do to all three of them. Suddenly her view of the fight was slightly blocked by a large green wing curling around her as Lyra stepped closer to her and Shichirou, ready to protect the both of them.

"These two are off-limits kitty-cat, keep your claws off of them," Lyra called over to them, getting the slightest nod of acknowledgement in return.

"I prefer this method of talking," Opera claimed as they got into a fighting stance, ready to take Kalego and his magic on barehanded, now that they knew Lyra wouldn't be stepping in.

"Don't mock me!" Kalego snarled, whipping his arm out to send Cerberion charging towards Opera. Kai's eyes widened and her hands flew to her mouth as she watched Cerberion's claws come crashing down onto Opera's figure. Kai's arm flew up to protect her eyes from the wave of dust that came flying at them at the impact, once the flow of wind came to a stop, she dared a peak and let out a gasp at the sight.

Where there should have been a flattened student, instead stood Opera, barely slouchy as their hands gripped the far larger claws of Cerberion, looking all for the world as if they were blocking a puppy rather than an electric dog that was close to the size of a small home. All three of them watched in shock as Opera readjusted their grip before throwing Cerberion over their shoulder -- right towards where Kai and the other two were standing.

Kai let out a bleat of distress at the sight of the incoming dog and barely had the thought to me before a wall of crystal appeared, blocking the canine's descent on top of them.

Lyra's shout, "Give a girl a warning you stupid cat!" and Shichirou's exclaim "A shoulder throw!?" sounded as if it was miles away, barely heard over the blood rushing and heart beating rapidly in her ears as Kai watched Opera dart forward before landing a solid punch into Kalego's gut. She couldn't help but wince as Kalego was visibly lifted off of the ground from the force before falling to the ground, certain that he was blacking out -

Until Kalego's feet caught the ground and he whipped forward with a snarl, fangs flashing as he bit down harshly onto Opera's tail. Spitting it out he growled, "I couldn't possibly care any less about whatever reason your hunting is, but stop using that stupid 'Top Dog' title..." he paused staring directly into Opera's eyes, "because the guard dog of this school is me!"

Silence descended upon the rooftop at that declaration.

Opera blinked slowly, "Guard dog?" they muttered, before deadpanning, "You look more like an underdog to me..." Lyra snorted in amusement and even Kai couldn't help a startled laugh at the statement. "I see, you're quite --"

A startled scream from Shichirou interrupted whatever Opera intended to say and had everyone whipping their heads towards the small gargoyle. Kai's eyes widened at seeing him lifted off the ground by one of three students she had assumed was as knocked out as the rest of the pile. Had they simply been biding their time?

Did it really matter what they had been doing though, when what she could only assume was the head of the group, had his arm wrapped securely around Shichirou's neck.

"Don't move!" The leader shouted, brandishing his bat at them.

"Oh my," Opera commented as Lyra simply raised an eyebrow at the group.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," she said.

"Ya hear me, don't you dare a move a muscle," a crazed grin lit up the leader's face, "Heh, you let down your guard ya morons."

Shichirou grunted as the arm squeezed tighter, his fingers curling around the arm just that much tighter so that it wouldn't choke him, "It'll...it'll break."

"Really," Lyra said, "you should let him go or it will break."

"That's right! Try to fight us and I'll break this kid's ne..." He paused and Kai pulled at her ears, worry coursing through her veins at what was about to happen when she noticed that the leader was tilting. "ne...ee..." A loud crack resounded throughout the rooftop and before Kai could blink the leader was on the floor screeching in pain as Shichirou stood above him, arm still clutched in his hand as he fretted.

"I'm so sorry! I'm really bad at controlling my strength so...I might break your..." Shichirou trailed off, quickly letting go before he did further damage.

Lyra sighed, placing her forehead in her hand, "I tried to warn you it was going to break. Honestly, how is it you can hold a newborn devikitten but the second it's another demon all control flies away."

'Ah,' Kai thought, her eyes refusing to leave where there was a significant dent where Shichirou's fingers had connected with the leader's arm, 'so this is why Shichirou refused to ever touch her or Kalego.' To be fair, if she had the same problem, she would probably never touch another being again.

Her thoughts were interrupted as the leader did his best to get up, wondering to himself about what they all were. "Damn it! We'll retreat for now." He shouted as he ran past Kalego and Opera towards the exit. Privately Kai wondered why they didn't fly away rather than risk getting closer to the one who had beat them initially, though if she was in their position she might not have been thinking rationally either.

"Those who can still move report back to the Ethos Battler!" Another one shouted as he also ran past, and soon it was only the five of them left. Well the five of them left who was still conscious at least.

"Lyra! Opera! What in the Demon King do you two think you're doing!" A feminine-sounding voice screeched out from behind Kai, startling all of them. "You better not have been the cause of all this or I swear I'm going to-"

"There," Lyra said dragging Kai out of the memory, "your hair is all done and you're looking like a proper demon king if I say so myself." Kai's hand immediately flew up to touch and admire how the top of her black locks had been drawn up into an artful braid around the flower crown, woven into the vines and looking almost natural despite it being two different materials. The lower half had been left down but curled into a wavy mess that flowed behind her back, with tiny braids filled with flowers throughout it.

"The demon king?" A new voice popped in amused, sounding far nicer than when Kai had first heard it, "She's looking more like one of the goddesses above themselves. Could even give that adorable little princess a run for her money." Slowly appearing into the frame of the mirror, Kai met the gold eyes of the new demoness and blushed at the compliment. Kagetsu was always heaping compliments onto her and others, her succubae training always apparent in this manner, though according to Lyra, Kagetsu had always been the one people go to feel better, even before she had been dragged into the Succubi battler.

"Hardly," Kai replied, "but...do you think he will like it?" Her hands fiddled with the thick fabric of the slightly off-white gown she wore, being careful that her long claws didn't rip the delicate upper layer of thin lace above the main fabric. Out of the corner of her eyes, she could see Lyra and Kagetsu exchange a look before Kagetsu came closer and wrapped her arms around the lamb demoness. Kai could feel the warmth of the older demon's body as her breast pressed against Kai's back, Kagetsu's larger hands lightly gripped Kai's own forcing them to hold still before a hole could be worn through as Kagetsu's face nuzzled into the side of Kai's head, careful to not ruin Lyra's handiwork.

Two large pairs of black bat-like wings flowed out of Kagetsu's back, one pair slightly smaller than the other, and wrapped around them both, effectively hiding them from the view of the world, even from the view of the mirror so that all Kaitlin saw was the leathery blackness of Kagetsu's wings. "Oh, darling little Kai, he adores the ground you walk on and the sky you fly in. He would like it if you appeared in a potato sack or one of those overdone crystal ballgowns. This allows your true beauty to shine and the second he sees you he'll be praising Derkila and the gods themselves for letting him have even a chance at courting much less to marry you."

Kai's eyes teared up slightly at her adoptive parents' words and she nodded with a light laugh. With that Kagetsu's wings were gone, once more tucked neatly into her back, and she walked around the chair so that she was in front of the tinier demon. Placing a clawed finger underneath Kai's chin, Kagetsu gently tipped it up and tilted it from side to side, nodding softly to herself before waving her other hand, several palettes and a couple of bottles floated over leisurely, filled with what Kai could only assume was a multitude of makeup products.

"Besides," Kagetsu continued casually as she grabbed one of the bottles filled with a thick, viscous liquid, eyeing it carefully then opening the lid and pouring some onto the back of her other hand, before looking Kai in the eye with a feral grin, "should he be anything less than courteous and respectful to you I will personally rip out his wings and shove them down his throat before taking his tail and strangling him with it. Now tilt your head up and keep looking at me." Kai merely sighed at the threat, more than used to Kagetsu's darker side at this point, as Lyra nodded along and offered more colourful threats should Shichirou displease her in any way. Being essentially adopted by the older demonesses in her first year meant also having two bloodthirsty females who would go to war for her.

Kai didn't really mind it in the least now. In the beginning, it had been slightly horrifying, always terrified that their bellicose ways would turn on her somehow, but it never did. Not once. Oh, there were definitely times they argued and snapped at one another, you couldn't have three inherently territorial creatures in one space for ages on end without them, but never had Kai felt truly scared of them when it happened. There were, in fact, times when they had made Kai feel stronger and more empowered when it happened. Kagestu always twists and manipulates words so that even when she wins the fight, Kai feels like she has also won and is all the more confident about it. Still, it was probably for the best that she never mentioned the few times Shichirou had actually made her cry, otherwise there wouldn't be a demon left for her to marry today.

Or she'll end up a widow before the night is over, and as she would really like to avoid that it was probably best to avoid mentioning anything. It was really no wonder that the two allies kept the Naberius brothers well in line.

Kai laughed at her thoughts and shook her head slightly, mindful not to disturb Kagetsu's careful handiwork. Lyra, catching her movement, raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

"What's amusing you, Kai?" she asked, her voice as gentle as the brush strokes against Kai's face.

"Oh, nothing much," Kai replied, her smile widening. "Just thinking about how far we've come. If someone had told me back then that I'd be here, getting married to Shichirou, with you both by my side, I wouldn't have believed them."

Kagetsu and Lyra exchanged a look before breaking into matching smiles.

"Life has a funny way of surprising us," Kagetsu said, her tone softening. "But I, for one, am not surprised. You and Shichirou are perfect for each other. You balance each other out in ways that not many mated pairs can claim. I bet even Lilith herself would be jealous of you upon this day."

Lyra nodded in agreement. "And you've always had a knack for finding your way, even when the path seemed unclear."

Kai's heart swelled with affection for her friends. They had been through so much together, from the early days of school to the trials and triumphs that had followed. Their bond had been forged in the fires of adolescence, with her often heavily leaning on the two for parental advice, and it had only grown stronger with time.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I couldn't have done this without you."

"Nonsense," Kagetsu said, brushing off the sentiment with a wave of her hand. "You've always had the strength within you. We just helped you see it."

As they finished the final touches, Kai took one last look in the mirror. She barely recognized the radiant demoness staring back at her. Her gown fit perfectly, and the intricate lace, embroidered vines that trailed up from the hem, and oversized sleeves highlighted her slender frame. The flowers in her hair added a touch of natural beauty, making her look like she had stepped out of a fairy tale. A far cry from the little first year who hadn't even known what a menstrual cycle was and had to have her, then ally's, mother explain it to her.

Kai lay curled up in Shichirou's nest, wings tightly curled around her as she lay clutching her stomach, waves of pain coursing through her body. She had come to visit him during their winter vacation, looking forward to a week of relaxation and fun. But instead, she had been struck by a mysterious and agonizing pain that left her weak and trembling.

Shichirou sat beside her, his face etched with worry. "Kai, what's wrong? What can I do?" he asked, his voice tinged with desperation. Kai could only shake her head, unable to speak through the pain.

"I don't know, Shichirou," she managed to gasp out. "It just... it hurts so much."

Panic flashed in Shichirou's eyes, and he quickly got up, rushing out of the room. He knew he needed help, but he didn't know what to do. Bursting into his mother's study, he found her reading a book, her green wings draped gracefully over the back of her chair.

"Mom! Something's wrong with Kai!" he blurted out, his voice high with anxiety. "She's in so much pain, and I don't know what to do!"

His mother, Althea Balam, looked up quickly at her youngling's panic before gripping his shoulders and kneeling before him. "Take a deep breath, Shichirou," she said gently. "Tell me what's wrong."

As Shichirou explained, Althea's expression softened with understanding. "It sounds like Kai is having her first period," she said, a slight laugh in her voice as relief gripped her. "It's a natural part of growing up, though it can be very painful and confusing, especially for the first time."

Shichirou's eyes widened. "Her...period? But, what do I do?"

Althea stood up, placing a comforting hand on her son's shoulder. "I'll help you. First, we need to make her comfortable. I'll get some tea and pain medication. You go back to her and just be there. Let her know she's not alone."

Shichirou nodded, his heart still pounding with worry but now bolstered by his mother's guidance. He returned to his room, finding Kai still curled up on the bed. He gently climbed in beside her, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close.

"It's going to be okay, Kai," he whispered, his voice soothing. "My mom's getting some tea and medicine. I'm here with you."

Kai buried her face in his chest, finding comfort in his warmth and the steady beat of his heart. "Thank you, Shichirou," she murmured, her voice trembling.

A few minutes later, Althea entered the room, carrying a tray with a steaming cup of tea and a small bottle of pain medication. She set it down on the bedside table and smiled reassuringly at Kai.

"Here you go, dear," she said, handing the cup to Shichirou to give to Kai. "This should help with the pain. Just sip it slowly, and take these as well." She handed Shichirou the bottle, and he carefully measured out the proper dose before giving it to Kai.

"Thank you, Mrs. Balam," Kai said, managing a weak but grateful smile.

Althea nodded and gave her son a gentle pat on the back. "Just let her rest, Shichirou. She needs comfort and warmth right now. You're both doing great."

With that, Althea quietly left the room, closing the door behind her. Shichirou adjusted the blankets around them, creating a makeshift nest that enveloped them both in warmth. He held Kai close, stroking her hair and whispering soothing words until the tea and medication began to take effect.

As the pain gradually subsided, Kai felt herself relax in Shichirou's arms. The warmth of his body and the gentle rhythm of his breathing lulled her into a state of calm. She nuzzled closer, finding solace in his presence.

"Thank you, Shichirou," she whispered again, her voice barely audible.

"Anything for you, Kai," he replied softly, resisting the urge to kiss the top of her head. "Just rest now. I'm here."

Kai closed her eyes, the pain fading away as she drifted into a peaceful sleep, secure in the knowledge that Shichirou would be there to take care of her.

"Ready to go?" Kagetsu asked, her voice filled with anticipation.

Kai took a deep breath clearing the latest memory away and nodded, carefully flipping her veil down to cover her face without messing anything up. "Ready."

With that, Lyra and Kagetsu led her out of the room and towards the grand hall where the ceremony would take place. As they walked, memories of her journey flashed through Kai's mind, each step bringing her closer to the moment she had been dreaming of.

The doors to the hall swung open, and Kai's breath caught in her throat. The room was filled with friends and family, all gathered to witness this special day. At the end of the aisle stood Shichirou, his eyes locked onto hers with a mixture of love and awe.

As Kai made her way down the aisle, she felt a sense of peace wash over her. This was where she was meant to be, with the people she loved most by her side and the demon she adored waiting for her.

When she finally reached Shichirou, he took her hands in his, his touch sending a shiver down her spine.

As Kai stood hand-in-hand with Shichirou, her mind drifted back to the first fight they had ever had. It was a memory she rarely revisited, but today, on their wedding day, it seemed important to remember how far they had come.

It had been a stressful week at Babyls. Exams were approaching, and the pressure was getting to everyone, especially the third years, as this marked whether or not they would be able to continue their next three years of final schooling at Babyls. Kai had been working tirelessly, balancing her studies with her familial duties. Her sketches, studies, and plans fill her every waking moment. Shichirou had been equally busy, his responsibilities as a student and his own family obligations leaving him exhausted.

The tension between them had been building for days. Little things that normally wouldn’t have bothered them became sources of irritation. They hadn’t had much time to spend together, and when they did, their conversations were strained and filled with misunderstandings.

The breaking point came one evening in the library. Kai had been hunched over a particularly challenging assignment, her frustration mounting with each passing minute. Shichirou had arrived late, looking worn out and distracted.

“Could you please keep it down?” she snapped, not even looking up from her work.

“I’m not making any noise,” Shichirou replied, his voice equally sharp.

Kai glanced up, her eyes narrowing. “I could hear your talons clicking from a mile away, and you’re fidgeting. It’s distracting.”

Shichirou sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’m just trying to get comfortable. Can we not do this right now?”

“Do what?” Kai shot back. “All I’m asking is for a little bit of consideration. Is that too much?”

Shichirou’s eyes flashed with irritation. “Consideration? You’re the one who’s been snapping at me all week. Maybe if you weren’t so wrapped up in your work, you’d notice how stressed I am too.”

Kai felt her anger flare. “Oh, so it’s my fault now? I’m doing the best I can, Shichirou. I’m sorry if that’s not good enough for you.”

They stared at each other, the tension between them thick and palpable. The library felt suddenly too small, too quiet. Shichirou’s wings twitched in agitation, and Kai’s ears flattened against her head in anger before snarling at him. Her usually hidden fangs bared and Shichirou startled, eyes wide in his surprise and tensing in case she snapped and tried to attack him, a low warning growl in his throat.

Without another word, she gathered her things and stormed out of the library, leaving Shichirou standing there, his expression a mix of surprise and worry at what had just happened. He had never felt so out of place in her company before, and he didn't like the feeling.

It wasn’t until a week later, during a particularly quiet evening in the garden, that Kai finally found herself in his presence again. She found him in their garden, sitting on a bench, looking lost in thought as he worriedly picked at the scales on his arms. Gathering her courage, she approached him, her heart pounding in her chest.

“Shichirou,” she said softly.

He looked up, surprise and relief flashing in his eyes. “Kai.”

She sat down beside him, her hands trembling slightly. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you. I’ve been so stressed that I ended up pushing myself into an evil cycle and I took it out on you. That wasn’t fair.”

Shichirou sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “I’m sorry too. I should have been more understanding. We’ve both been under a lot of pressure.”

They sat in silence for a moment, the tension between them slowly melting away.

“I don’t want to fight with you,” Kai said finally. “You mean too much to me.”

Shichirou reached out and took her hand, his grip warm and reassuring. “I don’t want to fight either. Let’s not let this happen again. Next time let me help you, okay?”

Kai nodded, a sense of relief washing over her. “Okay.”

As Kai stood at the altar, she squeezed Shichirou’s hand, her heart filled with love for the gargoyle before he. That fight had been a turning point for them, a reminder that their relationship was worth fighting for. And today, as they stood together, ready to face the future as partners, she knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.

"You look beautiful," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion.

"And you look handsome," she replied, her smile matching his.

As the ceremony began, Kai felt a sense of completeness she had never known before. Surrounded by love and supported by her friends, she knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, she would face them with courage and strength.

What few clouds there were moved and the sun bathed the garden in a warm, golden light as Kai and Shichirou stood before their gathered friends and family. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the gentle murmur of the assembled guests. Shichirou's white hair, for once properly brushed and pulled back into a high ponytail, shimmered softly in the sunlight and Kai's eyes sparkled with emotion.

The officiant, a respected elder from their community, nodded to Kai to begin her vows.

Kai took a deep breath, her heart pounding with the weight of the moment. She looked into Shichirou's eyes, finding strength in the love she saw reflected there.

"Shichirou," she began, her voice steady, "from the moment we met, you have been my anchor, my confidant, and my greatest challenge. We’ve faced countless obstacles together, and every trial has only made my love for you stronger. I promise to stand by your side, to support you in all your dreams, and to cherish every moment we share. You are my heart, my home, and I am honoured to become your partner for life."

A soft murmur of appreciation rippled through the guests as Shichirou squeezed Kai's hand gently. He took a moment, collecting his thoughts before speaking.

"Kai," he said, his voice filled with warmth and sincerity, "you have brought light and joy into my life in ways I never imagined. Your strength, your passion, and your unwavering dedication inspire me every day. I promise to be your protector, your supporter, and your friend. Together, we will face whatever challenges come our way, and I will love you with all that I am, for all of my days."

The officiant smiled and nodded, signalling for the next part of the ceremony. He raised his hands, signalling the completion of the ceremony. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you bound in love and life. You may seal your union with a kiss."

Kai and Shichirou turned to face each other fully, Shichirou carefully lifting the front of the veil so that her face was exposed. They both held out their out their left hands to the other’s face. Kai felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as she gently took Shichirou’s hand, bringing it to her lips. She met his eyes, silently asking for permission one last time. He nodded, a small, reassuring smile on his face.

With careful precision, Kai bit down gently on Shichirou's ring finger, leaving a small, neat mark. She felt a strange sense of connection flow through her as she did as if this act truly bound their souls together. Shichirou then took her hand and did the same, his bite firm but tender, and Kai was quite proud to have held in the wince at the pain that hit her.

Kai and Shichirou leaned in, their lips meeting in a kiss that was soft, yet filled with all the passion and promise of their vows. The guests erupted into applause, celebrating the union of two souls who had found their perfect match in each other.

As they pulled apart, Shichirou whispered in Kai’s ear, "You’re finally mine.”

Kai smiled, her heart swelling with happiness. "I always was.”

Yes the day had finally arrived.

And it was perfect.

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