Chapter Two

I, again, thought I was not going to sleep well. Which was true. I didn’t get that much sleep, but not any worse than I was expecting so I didn’t feel too bad when I turned off my alarm and got up. I did my stretching routine, slowly waking up and making sure my joints were set correctly for the day.

I went to the bathroom with my school uniform and quickly did my shower and hair routine. It felt like it took me way too long to put on the uniform. There were quite a few pieces and there were accessories, like a badge, and cape. I also didn’t do a great job with the tie. I’d only tied one a few times, so I wasn’t very good at it. But the uniform actually fit me really well, which was surprising. It was thick enough material that I wasn’t worried about my binder being obvious. I just wasn’t expecting it to fit like it was tailored specifically for me.

I snapped a quick pic to send to my mom and Em. Then, I brought my dirty clothes back to my room and put them in the hamper. I grabbed my bag, which had backpack straps, and put on my shoes. I sent my mom the pic and a funny text about not being murdered in my sleep, as well as sent the photo to Em.

During breakfast I just listened to Asmodeus chat with Satan while I ate and texted. Lucifer reminded Mammon that he needed to show me where my classes were and if I was late then he would get in trouble instead of me.

Mammon didn’t even bother to argue this time. Instead, he just hurried me along. I quickly finished my food and followed him to RAD. I noticed that the sky was still nighttime. In fact, the sky seemingly never became day, it was dark when I arrived yesterday as well. That was actually nice because the sun is bright and hurts my eyes. He showed me my classes, starting with the last one and ending with the first. I made note of the bathroom locations and any other places I may need to go, like the cafeteria.

Once we got to my first class, he bounced. I expected as much and just introduced myself to the teacher. She was obviously made aware of my arrival to her class, but she didn’t particularly seem to care and just told me where my seat is.

As long as I don’t have to introduce myself to the class, then I don’t care if she didn’t have me do it because they as demons don’t care about that sort of stuff, or because she doesn’t think it’s worth introducing a human. She didn’t seem unfriendly, just sort of whatever about it. I hope all the teachers are at least whatever about me. I don’t care if they hate me for being a human, I just don’t want to deal with an asshole teacher.

I sat at my designated spot and brought out the things that I would need for class. I gave my pen a little test write, to make sure it was working. Which it was, like usual. This class was Devildom History so I expected that I’d be doing quite a lot of writing. There were no textbooks, so it’s on you to write the information you need down. But there were reference books that the teacher would suggest for greater reading. Or required for homework.

Each class was quite long so there were only 4 classes a day, meeting twice a week, with Wednesday acting as an electives/clubs day. After morning class was a half hour long recess. During which, someone with short white hair approached me.

“Hello,” he cheerfully greeted, “I’m Solomon, the other human exchange student. I wanted to introduce myself.”

“Hi, my name is Drizzm,” I returned, “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise. I was wondering if you would be interested in exchanging numbers? Us humans should stick together while we are here.”

“I’m not sure how I could help you, if you’re as powerful as the others make you out to be. But I would appreciate the help."

“I actually don’t know what Diavolo was thinking bringing a human with no magical powers as an exchange student. It seems very reckless,” he mused as we exchanged numbers.

“I dunno, but I’m here now, and I’m determined to have a good time.”

“I like your spirit,” he laughed, “But I just want to warn you to be careful. You’re an outsider here and you’ll be treated as such.”

“Yes,” I answered plainly, “I’m aware of how racism works. I’ve been watched by basically everyone since I got here. If it wasn’t for being under the protection of Diavolo and the brothers I would be having a much harder time.”

“I see you’re well aware. I’d love to stay and chat, but I actually need to go do something. I’ll see you around, Drizzm.”

“See ya.”

I grabbed my things and was on my way to my next class, Home Economics, when I was stopped by Lucifer, “I’d be careful trusting Solomon.”

I thought about being passive aggressive that he didn’t greet me first but I decided against it, “I trust him about as much as I trust anyone else here so far.”

“He wields powerful magic and has the Ring of Wisdom, giving him control of lower demons. He may be friendly, but no one can understand what he’s thinking.”

“Okay,” I wasn’t really sure what to do with this information. It didn’t really change my approach down here so I just said, “Maybe he can use that Ring of Wisdom to realize that going after me probably isn’t worth it. I mean, what would he even gain?”

Lucifer gave me an annoyed look, “Next time I won’t warn you then.”

“I didn’t say I didn’t appreciate it. I just don’t see how that information changes anything. For me, people’s actions will tell me their trustworthiness.”

“Did Mammon show you the location of your classes?”

Guess he’s done with that conversation. I have Mammon recon to do anyways, “Yep, he bounced as soon as he was done, but he did it. How do you keep him under control? Threats of violence seems to barely work. So, you have to do something in addition.”

He looked amused and gave me a smile, “Let’s just say I froze something of his.”

Damn, he was already cute, but that smile is so cute, “I see.”

He excused himself and I didn’t have a whole lot more time left in morning recess so I went straight to my class. This teacher also didn’t really seem to care. So far so good. Can’t wait to see what makes the nice demon teacher streak end. This class was perfect for learning about preparing food here, and how demons live their day to day lives.

There was no cooking today though, so when the bell rang for lunch I headed to the cafeteria. I passed the board saying the weekly menu without a glance. I wouldn’t know what anything was anyways. Just pointing to a random food probably immediately outed me as the outsider, but I needed food and no one was there to help me. At least the food was already made and I could see them so I didn’t have to worry about anyone doing anything to it.

After getting my food I scanned the cafeteria for somewhere to eat when I spotted Beelzebub with an absolute pile of food. Satan was sitting near him with a book and I didn’t really spot anyone else. So to Satan I go I guess.

“Do you mind if I sit here,” I politely asked, sitting when he gestured to the seat. I just ate in silence. I know better than to bother someone reading a book. And honestly, I just didn’t want to sit by myself with all the bodies around. It didn’t bother me that they were demons, there was just a lot of them. I needed the comfort of being around someone that I at least know the name of.

Satan also was being pretty nice to me, he really didn’t need to let me sit here. He didn’t even know whether or not I would try to interrupt his reading. I know I’m massively protected and the reward of hurting me doesn’t outway the consequences that would probably happen, but still. I expected a lot more push back. If not from the brothers, then at the very least the other demons. It’s still early in my time here though, so that very well may change.

We didn’t speak for the entirety of lunch. I just used the rest of the time to look at the homework I’ve already been assigned. I’m at such a major disadvantage because I know literally nothing, so I have to put more work into learning everything than most other students. I got pretty good grades in school without any effort, but I knew I couldn’t really slack off here. I didn’t know the grade requirement for staying in the exchange, or if there was one at all. But I wanted to show that I really wanted to learn, because I do, and maybe I’ll get invited back.

My first afternoon class was Mathematics. Great. I’m not bad at math, but it’s a subject that really requires me to pay attention and put more work into. Or, at least, it feels like that in comparison to my brother, who is a total math wiz.

After math was afternoon recess. These breaks were so long and it felt odd. But I actually kinda liked it, I could get homework done, visit the library, or go the school store that sold snacks and stationary. It honestly felt like I was attending a really fancy college. Which, in a way, I was? This is the only school but there were only what appeared to be adult demons that attended.

Wait, how do they know how to read and write then? Do they just get born with that knowledge? Did their parents teach them? I suddenly have a lot of questions. But no time to think about it because it was time for my last class. Devildom Law. This sounds like it’s gonna be such a dry class. It’s important for me to know the laws though, I suppose.

I finally made it through my first day and made my way back to the House of Lamentation with Asmodeus. He just chatted about wanting to go shopping at places that I didn’t recognize. I don’t really do much in the way of shopping, but it’d be a good idea to get some everyday clothes. Wearing the school uniform as my only outfit didn’t feel practical. In the meantime I have some clothes my mom set aside when I get to go pick those up.

“Why don’t you come with me,” Asmodeus offered, “Though I can’t promise we’ll be done soon.”

“I think it should be fine,” I replied, “I already finished most of my homework, and I have no problem heading home early if I need to.”

“You mean you’d leave there myself?”

“Don’t you shop alone all the time?”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” he didn’t seem bothered in the least, “Let’s go~!”

Off we went. First to a place called Majolish, it seemed really popular because there were a lot of demons shopping. We all sorta went different directions in the store as our tastes differed. He seemed to be into more cutesy attire. I tend to dress really plain personally. I just don’t really have a good fashion sense so it’s just a shirt and pants usually.

I wandered through the aisles, Asmodeus could be heard no matter where I went. It’s not that he was particularly loud, though he did sometimes get very excited. I found his voice just carried through the air. It sort of weaved it’s way around other noises. I think it contributes to his captivating nature as the Avatar of Lust. I wonder if he even knew his voice had that effect, or if it’s an innate ability he has.

To be honest I don’t really know why I agreed to go shopping. It’s not like I can expect Asmo to pay for my clothes. Nor do I have Devildom money. What was it called again?

“Asmo lend me some Grimm,” Mammon’s voice jingled like coins through the air. How is he both everywhere and also always missing? I spotted the two of them by the watches.

“Ugh,” Asmo scoffed, gripping, but not pulling, his hair in irritation, “You still haven’t paid me back for the last time!”

“It’s just one watch Asmo!”

He scoffed at Mammon before spotting me as he turned to walk away, “Drizzm, there you are!”

Pretty sure I was just a good excuse to get out of the conversation, but I waved nonetheless. Mammon followed him as he came to where I was, “What’s up?”

“Mammon is just being scummy like usual,” he huffed, gripping his hair again.

“Who ya callin’ scummy,” Mammon put his hands on his hips defiantly, “I just want a new watch. What’s so wrong with that, huh?!”

“Because you never pay me pack!”

“That’s not true! I paid ya back last month!”

“Guys,” I interrupted firmly, “shut the fuck up about this. Mammon, pay your debts before acquiring new ones, especially with familial debt. You can leave if you insist on begging.”

They both looked at me shocked before Mammon got defensive, “I ain’t beggin’! I was just askin’! The Great Mammon never begs!”

“Whatever,” I turned away, tired of the conversation already, “Asmodeus, would you like to leave? Cause I don’t really feel like shopping. Not like I can buy anything.”

“Hmmm,” he hesitantly hummed, “But we haven’t even been shopping long.”

“Sorry. Never been much of a clothes shopper.”

“Well if you wanna leave sweetie then go ahead. I’m going to shop a little more,” he smiled before going through the aisles, “Oh, and you can just call me Asmo. We’re shopping buddies now~!”

Mammon was still on his tail. God speed Asmo. But I also hope he doesn’t want me to go shopping with him too much. I’m a homebody. Speaking of home, I began my walk back to the House of Lamentation. I knew I probably shouldn’t walk alone, but I honestly didn’t expect anyone to go out of their way to walk home with me.

“Drizzm?”

I turned to my right to see Satan with new books in his arms, “Hi Satan. Did you go to the bookstore?”

He nodded, “What are you doing here?”

“I was shopping with Asmo but I decided to go back before him.”

“Good choice, he’ll shop all night if you let him. Would you like me to show you the way back?”

“I’m actually okay on navigation. But I would appreciate the company and protection.”

“Shall we go then,” he stepped in time with me as we walked through the winding cobblestone streets. I’d only walked on cobblestone a few times before now and I’d always enjoyed the way footsteps sound.

“What books did you get,” I asked, both making conversation and genuinely curious.

He looked at me, “Do you like books?”

“Yeah, if you have any recommendations that would help me during my time here I would really appreciate it. Or any that I would find just enjoyable.”

“What kind of books do you normally read?”

“Well I already know that I gotta get a copy of The Seven Lords series. Sounds right up my alley.”

“So fantasy?”

“Yes a lot of the time. But, I read all sorts of books, and there’s so many to read down here. I just don’t really know where to start.”

He hummed, “I’ll send you a list later, I already have some ideas.”

“I appreciate it.”

We continued chatting the whole way back but parted right after walking in, with Satan going to his room. I barely made it a few steps towards mine before being interrupted by Levi.

“There you are,” he huffed his way down the stairs, glaring at me, “Where were you? I hope making yourself useful?”

“Do you need something,” I knew what he wanted but he was going to be an adult about it.

“Did you forget already? Stupid human. You were supposed to learn about Mammon?”

“Shut up, I didn’t forget. You were being rude and unless you drop it then I won’t help you.”

“Who do you think you are,” he puffed up and even though he doesn’t do a whole lot, he’s still considered powerful and I don’t know if I necessarily wanna try that yet… However.

“Someone who has the ability to text the Prince,” I said simply yet confidently.

Levi glared so hard his eyes became slits, I actually think his pupils thinned too. It was very snake-like. But he didn’t try anything. He just glared. Until after a few moments he calmed, “Whatever, normie. Did you learn anything?”

I took it as a success, “Lucifer said he froze something of Mammon’s.”

“Yeah his credit card probably.”

“But what if it’s also literal?”

“What?”

“He froze something of Mammon’s. He probably froze it through the bank and literally. I don’t think he would have said it in such a way otherwise.”

“Hm,” he thought for a second, “You might just be right. Let’s test it later tonight, I’ll text you.”

I didn’t have time to answer as he just walked away. At least I’ll finally get to my room. I put my bag down on a chair at the table before sitting on my bed with a sigh. It’s only day one and my will for school is already gone. Well, honestly, it’s just that I was on guard all day and I still have Levi and Mammon to deal with later.

Speaking of Mammon. I don’t really care to have a pact with him. He’s loud and annoying and has almost no sense of responsibility. But if I do have a pact with him, then I do have a guaranteed body guard, whether he likes it or not. Not that I particularly liked the idea of taking away his free will. I’ll just see where this goes, because I may not get a pact either way. Something could happen to keep me from getting a pact with him, or he straight up refuses. Levi seems like he’s thought about how to manipulate him so I’ll just leave it to him.

With another sigh I got up and sat at the table to do the rest of my homework. Because of my escapades after school I just finished when Lucifer knocked on my door for dinner. Asmo and Mammon didn’t get back till dinner was almost finished. Meaning they had few dishes to pick from, as Beelzebub had eaten most of it already.

I fiddled around in my room, wasting time, but not committing to anything while I waited for Levi. A couple hours after dinner I finally received a text from Levi to meet him in the kitchen. He also said to not keep him waiting as if my room wasn’t directly across from it. I just sent him the sticker of a little guy in a red hood saluting before putting my D.D.D. in my pocket and going to the kitchen.

Inside I found Beel raiding the fridge. Their food bill must be truly insane with Beel living here. I also spotted the chain and padlock used to keep the fridge locked on the floor, in pieces. Just a reminder of how strong these demons are, but Beel seemed at least polite like Asmo and Satan.

“Hi, Beelzebub,” I greeted.

“Oh, hi Drizzm,” he nodded at me before shoving some food in his mouth, “You can just call me Beel.”

“Okay,” I kinda stood there awkwardly for a second. Suddenly I remembered that I wanted to know if there was a seventh brother and this seemed as good a time as any, “Hey Beel, can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Um, is there a seventh brother?”

His face fell and the look on his face was mournful, “Don’t bring him up around the others. He’s in the Human World on exchange.”

“I’m sorry for asking. My curiosity got the better of me,” I wasn’t going to ask him any more questions but now I need to know what happened to cause the seventh to be basically dead to them.

“It’s alright, you didn’t know,” he left the kitchen, seemingly feeling a bit better as he said, “I already ate everything in the fridge.”

Yeah I’m sure you did. Not that I mean that negatively. I’ve just seen how he eats and it makes sense for the Avatar of Gluttony. I stood there waiting for Levi, scrolling on my D.D.D. when he came through the doorway suddenly.

“About time,” he said.

“I was here before you,” I corrected him, “So are we looking in the freezer?”

“Exactly, must be nice being so smart,” he went into the very back of the freezer as I ignored him and pulled out a block of ice, “Ugh. Why did he put it in a block of ice?”

“Can’t make it too easy on Mammon I guess.”

Levi just hummed in annoyance and shoved the block in the microwave. I was about to stop him when Mammon burst into the kitchen.

“Don’t do that! You’ll ruin her,” he shrieked. Levi hovered his finger over the start button as he stared Mammon down. “If you want your credit card unharmed, then make a pact with Drizzm. Do it or I’ll press start.”

“NO! No, no, no! I’ll do it! All I gotta do is make a pact? Okay! Anything for Goldie!”

God he was so desperate. And Goldie? Of course he named his credit card. He faced me and a light came from each of us, blue from me and gold for Mammon, merging together in a swirl before solidifying into a blue crescent moon with a gold four-pointed star nestled inside. It glowed brightly before it split in two. One copy disappeared into my chest and the other into Mammon’s. I felt an odd feeling of connection him, signaling the pact was complete.

Upon seeing this Levi opened the microwave. Mammon quickly swiped the ice and melted it magically, leaving his precious Goldie in tact. He even began crying over it.

“He’s like a less menacing Gollum,” I muttered aloud.

It didn’t take long for Levi to get annoyed, “Give me back my money Mammon! Or I’ll have Drizzm use his pact!”

“No need! I’ll just use Goldie for whatever you need,” Mammon seemed emotionally stressed so he really didn’t need any more pushing. They both left to Levi’s room and I tiredly went to mine. Though I do wonder why Levi couldn’t have just threatened him with the card instead of having me form a pact, but whatever. I dressed in my pjs and fell onto my bed, socially exhausted for the day.