Mairimashita! Iruma-kun: Shadows of the Past, part 5
After the last bell, Kalego was finishing his paperwork for the day. Fighting off an eye twitch, he tried to ignore his kouhai until he was done. Finally closing his notebook, he looked to Robin. The school nurse had bandaged his eye, but he steadily stared with the remaining one. Glancing toward the staff members several yards away, Kalego kept his voice low.
"How much did they tell you?", he asked. "The chair demon hasn't said much to me apart from asking about my well being and Balam-senpai - ", replied Robin, pausing at the intensity from Kalego's stare. Dropping his gaze, Robin continued, "He told me about an old friend." Kalego smirked to himself as he closed his eyes in thought. "Did he seem all right?", he asked sincerely. Robin nodded meekly, not too sure of the answer.
"I'll talk with him later", stated Kalego. Rising from his seat, he gathered his notes and started out of the staff area. A few paces away, he paused without looking back. "Are you coming?" Robin hurriedly caught up, wondering what secrets he was going to learn and hoping that, just maybe, this awful ordeal might bring him and his senpai a little closer.
A little later, the duo were seated in a private staff room with the door closed. Robin was trying to be patient, but they had sat in silence for several minutes already. Finally, Kalego looked at him again. "What do you want to know?", he asked. Robin lit up inside. Finally, answers!
"Senpai, what is her goal here? I mean, I know she really wants you, but - Why now?", inquired Robin. Kalego stared into his coffee. "She must have connections with a higher ranking demon, someone who could cover her tracks and break her out of prison", he began. Robin listened closely. He knew there were reports of missing demons and wondered if there was a link. "I'm assuming the timing is no accident and it's possible she's aiming to take down the principal. Whoever she's working with has likely promised her several of the staff as compensation for her cooperating with their plans", stated Kalego darkly.
"But why you?", asked Robin, concerned. "My family are the watchdogs of the netherworld. Taking me out would have its advantages", ceded Kalego. Noting the look on his kouhai's face, he knew there was still much more to tell. Giving in, he went back to the past. "It all started a long time ago", he began, trying to ignore the interested sparkle of Robin's good eye.
"I first met Victoria when we were twelve, at a meeting of the noble houses and were kept away from the important discussions being held for our youth. She introduced herself and tried to make small talk once she verified who I was. I tried to ignore her throughout the evening, but it only managed to make her more interested... She sneaked up and swiped my book from me later on. She laughed when I snatched it back in irritation, saying it only proved how greedy we both were… The next time I saw her was two months later. She tried playing her tricks again. I should have been more careful, but I was ignorant of her abilities… Annoyed, I told her off and she snapped; The fake smile was gone and her true nature shone in her eyes. In a flash of spread wings, she was biting into my neck, indulging in the taste of my blood. That was the first mark… At the time, I didn't know what it meant, but I found out quickly enough."
Kalego spent a long time explaining Victoria's bloodline ability and her skill with curses. Robin listened raptly the entire time. He was amazed by Ai's versatility in her magic. She could engineer a unique snare for each mark she left, giving her dominion over a wide array of demons. He couldn't help, but wonder what hooks she placed into his senpai in the larger scheme of things.
Kalego withheld several details about receiving the mark over his heart, but it sounded like he was more embarrassed than anything. What exactly happened, he never said, only that it was after they had entered Babylus as students. Knowing it was best not to push his senpai, Robin withheld his questions on that matter. Still, he asked, "And Balam?". Kalego narrowed his eyes as he stared. "He showed you?...That moron", he grumbled. "It happened during the Harvest Festival. If you want to know more than that, you can ask him yourself", he said, not wanting to get into it. Perhaps it was linked with the tale of his second mark?
After a moment of silence, Robin finally mustered the courage to ask, "What was she like? Pandora, I mean." He anticipated a harsh scowl, but Kalego maintained a carefully controlled expression. "Shichiro told you a lot", he ventured. Robin really wanted to know more about all of them, so he kept his sharp gaze fixed on his senpai. Taking a deep breath, Kalego leaned forward with his arms upon his knees as he stared at the floor, hands clasped tightly, an unusual posture for the generally austere demon.
"She was a good friend - moral, kind, and intelligent", he said softly. Robin quietly waited for more. "She was very talented, especially in music. What happened to her was - ...undeserved", said Kalego. Briefly closing his eyes, he recalled the dark weeks following her slaughter. Slowly looking up, he said, "Victoria has to be stopped. We can't afford to fail again." Robin nodded lightly in agreement. The rest of their time together, they discussed how to handle the coming days. Robin didn't ask about Pandora again. He'd seen his senpai gloomy, angry, and even disturbed, but never the look on his face when he talked about her. Maybe he'd loved her, too.
Later that day, it was already sundown. Robin stared out his window wistfully. He was wondering about the risk in defying an order from Victoria. He was worried, considering young Eiko's involvement. Despite what his senpai had told him, he wasn't sure the students were really safe. Part of him wanted to go, likely the part she was calling out to, yet he recalled Balam's warning. "Don't give in, even if it hurts." Eventually, exhaustion took over and he managed to fall asleep.
Hours passed and he suddenly awoke to the smell of smoke. He was not in his home. Had he been sleepwalking? Several paces ahead stood the old lightning-split tree. The leaves at the edges smoldered in response to the presence leaning against its trunk. A demon with reddish hair and black-sclera eyes stared at Robin, clearly unimpressed. Flicking his cigarette, he stated, "You're late, Bars."
Robin tensed, confounded that his body had moved so far on its own. The man lit a new smoke and stepped in front of him, tipping up the brim of his hat to stare him down as he purposely exhaled the smoke in Robin's face. "If I weren't under orders, I'd kill you right now for wasting my time", he warned. "Now come along before I change my mind."
Robin wanted to find out more about Victoria and even more to help stop her. Thinking he might learn her location, he quietly followed. Down the road, the stranger was getting annoyed by his stare. "Stop looking for marks; I haven't got any", he stated. "Then why are you working for her?", asked Robin, nearly walking into the man's back as he stopped. He glared at him intensely across his shoulder. "Know this, you second rate lackey - I don't work for that bitch. I'm just on loan as a favor from her boss", he said. "I don't even know why she wants you. I guess she couldn't get her hands on a Barbatos, so you're the second choice... Now keep moving."
They walked in awkward silence for some distance after that. Robin didn't know who this stranger was, but he was clearly an ash demon. He smoked constantly and if they lingered too long in one spot, the plants there started to singe, never truly igniting, but smoldering slowly. The smoke hazed his intellect. He had no idea how long or far they had walked or even in which direction. Then it dawned on him. The fumes were full of passive magic. He was being purposefully hazed.
Eventually, the demon leading stopped, placing his arm out in front of his ward. Robin could almost make out a strange sheen in the air before them. His captor muttered, "It's Bedlam. I brought the archer." The air shifted and the mirage of nothingness gave way to a mansion. Shoving Robin forward, he ordered, "Get moving. She'll be pissed we're late and that's on you."
Going around the side of the building, they went in through the servant's entrance. Robin could hear a raucous gathering in the main room as they walked the dark hall. Finally arriving at a grand door, Bedlam kicked him though it, leaving him on his knees in front of Victoria. She was seated like a queen, coldly looking down on her new toy. "Leave us", she said and Bedlam departed without a word. Once the door was closed, Robin nervously watched her approach him.
Kneeling in front of him, she removed the patch and bandage from around his eye. "There. Isn't that better?", she grinned. He stared at her, unsure of her next move. Gently stroking his face, she smiled invitingly. "I'm sure Kalego-kun told you all kinds of awful stories about me, but I'm not so bad...if you cooperate", she said, the last part leaving a chill from her tone. Her smile was gone and she clearly looked unamused by his late arrival.
Tilting his chin, she lingered mere inches from his face. "We really must work on your punctuality", she said, playfully tapping his nose. He finally uttered, "What do you want with me?". She smirked at the question. "It seems your senpai has instilled a rebellious streak in you, but I can fix that", she said. Rising, she kicked him hard in the abdomen. As he doubled over, another kick to his face sent him sprawling onto his back. Before he could register what had happened, she pinned him to the floor with her body. Her tail stroked his face carefully as her wings spread around them. Robin stiffened. Was she planning to give him another mark or just messing with him?
She grinned at him darkly, followed by a deep kiss. He couldn't keep track of her mood swings. He wanted to push her away, but she held his wrists down tightly and was stronger than she looked. Releasing his lips, she smiled at his red face. "You're going to tell me everything you know about Babylus, Sullivan, and of course, our sweet Naberius", she said. "Why should I help you hurt anyone?", he retorted, more feisty than she expected. She smiled evilly in response. "How amusing. Maybe Kalego-kun has rubbed off on you some after all", she grinned.
She once more leaned in close. "Dear Bars, you don't have a choice", she stated. Without warning, and with ludicrous speed, she planted her taloned fingers into his stomach. She made sure to wriggle her digits in deep as his blood started to pour, clearly enjoying his expression. "Let's have a look, shall we?", she said, mockingly innocent. Sliding her body down, she pulled open his clothing, admiring her work. Robin shuddered as she slid her forked tongue into one of the holes she had made, greedily lapping up his life fluid.
She truly was vampiric. He could feel his strength being sapped, but couldn't make his body move to defend itself. Staring at the ceiling, he felt so helpless. Finally releasing her prey, she smiled at him as she got to her feet, licking the blood dripping from her lips. "Your taste will get better as I play with you, but you're less likely to fight me now", she said. Slowly looking over himself, his fear was confirmed. A new dark mark now pulsated over his wounded belly.
He started rambling uncontrollably, but he somehow kept the school's closest guarded secrets to himself. Still, he talked about everything she had requested. "A substitute? Interesting, Shichiro-kun is only there by luck. That works for me. Now, tell me more about this 'Iruma' everyone is so fixated on", she grinned. His stomach turned, sick from pain and frustration that he was still answering questions. When he'd finished, he looked up to her with worry. How much new information had he given her?
He looked to Victoria, but she was sneering at someone else. A disheveled form in the corner was chained by their ankle in the gloom. Snapping her fingers, Victoria ordered, "Clean him up." As soon as she spoke, the door opened and a servant came in. He bore her mark on both hands and over his forehead. Victoria grinned to Robin as she left, "I'll be back when you're more presentable."
The servant had his face covered, but appeared to be well built. Kneeling down, his voice left no room for argument. "Hold still", he said. Placing his hands over the wound, a warm energy flowed from them. "There. That should do it", he stated. Looking toward the darkened corner, he added, "That one will get you cleaned up", and left without another word. Robin slowly sat up, amazed by the healing. As he carefully touched his resealed skin, he could still feel Victoria's invasive fingers and tongue, but the physical pain was gone. Still, he wondered how he was going to explain the new mark to Kalego.
The sound of chains in the corner drew his attention. The captive demon slowly crept forward, careful not to trip themselves. As they came into focus, it was clearly a woman. She was malnourished and had a massive scar across her heavily curse-marked face. "Five?", thought Robin, amazed. She had a mark on each cheek, one in each eye, and the fifth on her forehead. Two things were clear. One - the demon must have been very strong willed to require five curse marks as well as chain; And two - she would have been very pretty if her face weren't so marred, something he was certain Victoria had done on purpose.
The healer had left supplies, so this new demon carefully tended to Robin. She froze as he carefully grasped her hand in concern. She looked so thin that she might collapse at any moment. "Please… Let me help you", uttered the woman meekly. "What has she done to you?", asked Robin, thinking aloud with sincere concern. The shy captive withdrew her hand. "Let me help", she repeated with more feeling. Ceding, he let her wipe up the blood. He was still amazed the holes were closed, but his skin crawled at the memory. "You're stronger than you realize", said the meek voice.
She sounded so sad, nearly hollow, but something peculiar struck him. Her dark hair was long and matted in places and hacked off at odd angles in others. It hung unkempt around her sallowed face. One thing stood out, though. Despite the brightly glowing marks in her eyes, they were a very specific shade of pink.
Gathering sullied supplies, she stopped as Robin clutched her sleeve. He hadn't meant to stare, but she merely shied her gaze, clearly used to the horror filled expressions that greeted her over the years. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to", said Robin sincerely. He couldn't get a clear glimpse of her shied face after that, but she seemed somehow familiar. Thinking back to the picture in Balam's study, he wondered if, even hoped, it was possible. Before he could ask, the door once more opened and Victoria sent a nasty glare to the woman beside him. She shrank back her corner in silence.
"Robin-kun, it dawned on me that I haven't given you your assignment yet. You teachers can appreciate a little homework, right?", she grinned. She knelt beside him, blocking the mysterious demon from view. "I have a deal for you, you lucky devil", she said, playfully pinching his chin. "Deal?", he uttered, still processing the night's events. Leaning close, she whispered sensually. "A trade. You aren't a worthy trade for Kalego, but your skills can still help him." He listened closely, memorizing every word for his report to his senpai.
Both of his marks started to burn as she spoke some dark spell. Once he was frozen in pain, she grinned. "You will tell no one of this deal", she stated. Unable to refuse, he replied, "Yes, Victoria-sama." Pulling his head to her chest, she cradled her frozen puppet. "You're going to kill two students for me. If you do this, I will remove one of your senpai's curses in exchange", she said. He went rigid at her words, desperately trying to refuse, but the curse kept him silent. "Relax. It'll be easy with your bloodline ability. Just go to the tower while they're outside and aim down... Your first target is Valac Clara."
He shivered, unwilling to comply. "Why?", he managed weakly. Victoria smiled to herself, proud of her plan. "Sweet Robin-kun, we're going to crush Babylus and the first step is slaying that girl. It'll be easy; Just aim for her heart", she cooed. Fighting her power over him, Robin smirked in defiance. "Is this your plan or your boss's?", he inquired. Her caring grasp of him turned cold. Staring into his eyes she stated, "I don't work for anyone; No one dares try to control me. I'm simply giving an investor a gift and he wants Babylus to fall as much as I do. Any demons who get in the way are mine to play with."
Robin wondered what value a first year student was. Either way, he had no intention of following this new order even if he had to voluntarily chain himself up. Victoria sighed, becoming tired of the charade. Grasping his face in both hands, she glared harshly. The mark glowed brightly in her eyes as she commanded him once more. "You will kill Valac and speak of it to no one. Ensure you aren't caught. You will take your second target just when the students start to recover. The second death will be the pin in the map, heralding the downfall of Babylus." Despite his will, his voice asked, "My second target, my lady?". His marks burned intensely.
Victoria smirked at her power over him. "The loss of Valac will break the heart of that pesky brat leading the misfits to fame. Without a doubt, the second target will help him begin healing and when he's on the brink of recovery, you will kill that second target - Asmodeus Alice. The second sudden loss of his closest supporters will crush his spirit." Robin's eyes quivered. Why was she after Iruma? Was it a bigger ploy to weaken the chair demon? "Remember to maintain your usual schedule and habits. No one will suspect the cheerful rookie teacher and with any luck, they will blame the boy or his teacher, the only other archers in Babylus", she grinned, a wicked air around her.
"Just imagine Sullivan's face when his precious grandson becomes the villain or despairs beyond help", she uttered, a sadistic blush overtaking her expression. "W-why are you doing this?", uttered Robin, his voice wavering. She smiled at his horror. "That's my business, my sweet", she said, followed by another kiss. That act sealed her orders. He would literally be unable to tell his superiors of her plan. How could he stop himself? There had to be a way.
To be continued...