Mairimashita! Iruma-kun: Shadows of the Past, part 11

In the physical world, Robin's body was moving autonomously. His mana focused and his bow sprang forth, a well practiced motion in his muscle memory. His sharp eyes focused on a single target - Valac Clara. She was innocently playing with her friends, blissfully unaware of her impending demise.

In his mind, Robin shivered helplessly. "Please no", is all he could think. As those words escaped him, his physical body glanced at his reflection in the glass of an open window. Just as Victoria had promised, he had a wicked smile on his face.

Inside his psyche, Robin summoned his courage. Thrusting his hand into his belly, he pierced the second curse mark. Outside, his body shuddered and his bow evaporated.

Grinning faintly as the blood flowed over his fingers, he was starting to win his fight against Victoria's control. He knew he had to ignore the pain. This psychic form wasn't his true body, but it could affect it. He dug his nails deep into his abdomen, tearing the mark upon his skin. His real body fell to one knee. He smiled meekly, but it was short lived.

Both of his curse marks began to ache intensely. It really felt like he'd ripped off his skin. His eye bled, but this time, the blood was black. This even happened to his physical form.

As Victoria's power reclaimed him, Robin's body stood calmly as if his little diversion had never happened. "No more distractions", he heard Victoria say.

He raised his wrist, his mana bow in his hand. His other hand moved, drawing back an arrow. He stared squarely at Clara's heart.

A sudden sound made him scream inside, thinking he'd loosed his arrow, but instead, it was a door behind him. Azazel and Balam glared at him, one with pure anger, the other in mixed emotions. Balam knew Robin wasn't himself and he silently cursed Victoria Ai for pushing the young teacher so far.

In an unexpected turn, Robin regained consciousness at the exact moment tight vines clutched at his body. The plants wrapped around him at every weak point, stopping any and all movement. After all, Balam was a master of biology.

Chief Azazel glowered at him and ordered, "Dissolve that arrow." In tears of relief, Robin obeyed. All he could say was, "Thank you." Balam breathed out in relief that they were in time, but he couldn't risk letting up just yet. Henri stepped forward and apprehended Robin officially. His hands safely bound, Robin smiled sincerely despite his arrest. His students were safe.

Henri entrusted his daughter to lead the student council in keeping the incident under wraps. It would be a fitting test of her potential to join him down the road.

As the students headed home for the weekend, none the wiser to what had transpired, Ameri watched Iruma leave with Opera. She didn't have all of the details, but she was glad he was safe.

Below, Iruma asked why he couldn't see his master for their scheduled training. Opera told him she would come to the mansion for a private session after checking on Robin-sensei. Iruma was glad he'd been found, so he didn't complain. He would learn just what had happened later on.

Bachiko came late in the afternoon as promised, an extra guard unbeknownst to Iruma after being updated about her kin. She put on a brave face to keep her pupil from worrying. They held their lesson and played some video games while Opera held hushed conversations on the phone in another room. Iruma could tell something was very wrong.

Eventually, Bachiko went home and Opera explained Robin's arrest to him. He didn't go into specifics, only saying that Robin was being observed and cared for, but Iruma put it together. He knew it had something to do with Victoria. Balam-sensei's worried eyes came to mind as he remembered his earlier warning. Just what had she done this time?

Meanwhile, at the police station, Robin sat through intense questioning, but he was still bound to the order. He couldn't tell them anything. Henri was annoyed. Any other case would have been closed by that point by any means necessary, but this was no ordinary case.

Under the spotlight sat one of the most innocent and likeable demons he'd known as a teacher of Babylus. To make it even more unusual, the suspect was grinning softly at his tightly bound hands. He finally felt safe enough to relax. He'd been stopped at the last second and he was so grateful.

Robin glanced up as the door opened. Azazel eyed him carefully as Sullivan entered. "Thank you, Henri-kun. I can take it from here", he said. The police chief grit his teeth, ready to argue, but the sharp look in his superior's eye made him cede, leaving them alone. He watched tensely through the glass.

Sullivan stood before Robin in silence, observing him. As the young teacher looked up in relief, the chair demon sighed. Sitting across from him, he offered a gentle smile.

"I see you've regained yourself", he ventured. Robin nodded shyly, dropping his gaze in guilt. "I almost did it, Principal… Victoria, she almost made me - ", he uttered, his voice breaking. A hand on his shoulder made him glance back up. Sullivan wore a neutral expression. He wanted to help him, but he also had to prioritize the safety of their students.

"Robin-kun, what was Ai's goal today?", asked Sullivan carefully. Robin wanted to tell him everything, but his voice wouldn't cooperate. He was only able to stare with quivering eyes, asking for help. "I see", uttered Sullivan.

"Please forgive my intrusion", he said, placing his hand over Robin's head. Robin shivered as the strands of the chair demon's magic pulsed through him, searching the dark crevasses of his mind. It was an otherworldly feeling, having the mana of two powerful demons battling within his veins.

After a moment, Sullivan withdrew his hand as Robin passed out, falling to the floor. Henri burst through the door. "What happened?!", he bellowed. He froze at the look on Sullivan's face. Genuine tears lined the old demon's eyes.

Calming himself, Azazel dragged Robin back into his chair. "What did you see?", he asked, more collected. "He was aiming at Iruma-kun and his friends… Victoria meant to erase them from existence", stated Sullivan grimly. He was angry and worried. "I don't know who today's target was, but I want them all under strict guard", he ordered, returning to a serious tone.

Later - Back at Kalego's place, it was already nightfall. He and Balam sat in a tense quiet. The day had been taxing already and it wasn't over yet. They were to meet Victoria at midnight for the agreed upon prisoner exchange.

Shichiro had told his friend everything that happened with Robin and they were still trying to process the events. Kalego was furious with Ai. How dare she turn his kouhai against innocent children? It was so against the very image of the carefree, young teacher that it had come as a shock despite knowing how low Victoria could sink.

Balam watched his friend narrow his eyes and grit his teeth for the hundredth time that night. Victoria's expert use of Robin had really gotten under his skin. Still, Balam was glad that he was the one to stop their kouhai. He knew Kalego may not have held back, something Victoria would have been delighted to see.

"At least we got to him in time", ventured Balam, trying to ease the tension. Kalego stared darkly ahead, not moving. "She's gotten bold", he grumbled, deep in thought. He had to foresee her next move. This was far too close of a call.

Balam's phone rang. "It's senpai", he stated before answering. Kalego listened closely from his seat. After a brief conversation, the call ended. Balam knew why he had gotten the call. Undoubtedly, Opera knew Kalego would be in a foul mood and, for once, decided to cut him some slack. Besides, Opera also knew about the scheduled exchange and that Shichiro likely needed to hear a friendly voice.

"Well?", asked Kalego, still staring off in thought. "Kalego-kun", uttered Balam, waiting for his friend to look at him. The look in his eyes told his friend it was bad news. "Robin's target today", he began, "It was Iruma."

Kalego froze as he stared in shock. What would Victoria possibly want with him? The boy had potential, but he was also far from achieving it fully. "Iruma?", he repeated in surprise. Balam nodded briefly. "Sullivan had to sort through Robin's memories since he's still verbally sealed", he explained.

Kalego was gripping his chair arms tightly, his dark nails digging into the furniture. "Damn that insufferable woman", he spat. A student had been endangered by another teacher at Victoria's hands. He could picture her snide smirk perfectly as if she were there, watching him squirm.

Balam gave him a moment to cool down. "Kalego-kun, will you be alright tonight?", he asked with concern. Straightening his posture, Kalego was now looking forward to tricking her. "She deserves to fall", he stated with a chilling tone. Shichiro didn't argue. His friend was right; They needed to take Victoria down. He glanced at his phone, hoping his earlier message had been received.

Hours later, Kalego and Balam stood outside of the school gate, hoping Victoria would show up, and more importantly, that Pandora really was alive. They both needed this chance to set her free. They hadn't discussed the painful feelings that had been dredged up, but both knew the other felt guilty for not trying to find their friend sooner. Shichiro stared into the darkness solemnly while Kalego held his crossed arms tightly to his chest. The mark over his heart was starting to hurt again. Victoria was close.

Eventually, the smell of smoke began to fill the air. A demon stepped forward, the grass smoldering at his feet. Without speaking to them, he simply glanced at his phone. "They're here." With a smirk, he hung up and walked away.

In a swirl of air, Victoria stood smugly before them. She grinned at the look on Kalego's face. "I see you got your present", she taunted, referring to Robin's capture. He glared at her in silence, knowing to speak would only play into her hands. "You're so cute when you're angry", she taunted. Balam watched his friend carefully. The bloodlust surrounding him was palpable. Kalego was furious.

Stepping forward, Shichiro met Victoria's gaze. "Enough banter. I'm here", he said. "So you are", she grinned, "And you brought a witness. I'm hurt, Shichiro. You don't trust me?" Both men held their tongues. This meeting was far too important to waste with heated words.

"Where is she?", demanded Kalego coldly. Victoria smiled to herself, loving the animosity in his voice. "She's close, but a deal's a deal", she said, gauging their reactions. Balam sighed. He knew what she wanted.

Placing his hand on his friend's arm, he hung his head, staring at the dirt, in defeat. "Kalego-kun, I'm sorry", he said darkly. Playing along with their plan, Kalego stared at him in feigned confusion. "What are you babbling about?", he asked carefully. Balam glanced toward Victoria before continuing. "This meeting. We're not just getting Pan-chan back. I'm trading myself as collateral", he said.

Kalego's fury exploded. "You damned fool! You know you can't trust anything that woman says!", he shouted, pointing an accusing finger.

Balam blinked in surprise. Kalego was either a very good actor or he was venting his frustration. "It was my idea. Don't blame Victoria-sama", said Balam meekly. Kalego's eye twitched at the honorific. Shichiro was really playing his part. Applause broke their conversation.

"Not bad, boys. Now, Shichiro-kun, come stand by me", said Victoria, amused. Balam didn't budge. "Pandora first", he said, leaving no room for argument. Victoria sighed, "Very well." She snapped her fingers and the man from before stepped back into view with a veiled woman. Her arm was twisted in his hands behind her back. The angle would have caused extreme pain, but it didn't seem to register in the victim.

Kalego and Shichiro stared breathlessly. Could it really be? They hadn't seen in her years and there was no telling what Victoria had done to disfigure the poor girl. If this really was Pandora, would they even recognize her? Both grew pale at the sight of her.

Victoria smirked at their awe. "Bedlam, if you will", she said. The man grinned as he tossed the veil away. Five of Victoria's marks decorated the woman's face - one on each cheek, one on her forehead, and one glowing brightly in each eye. A deep, jagged scar ran diagonally over her face from above her left eye to the right side of her jaw. She looked so fragile as if she could collapse at any moment. She had clearly not been fed well for a very long time.

Balam's eyes misted over and he reflexively stepped forward. "Pan-chan?", he called, skeptical yet hopeful. Victoria nodded to Bedlam, signaling him to cooperate. He still held the woman's arm tightly, but he allowed Balam closer.

Shichiro carefully inspected the woman's face. She looked so hollow, like she didn't know who or where she was. Her blank stare cut right through him. It was like she couldn't even see him.

Gently reaching out, he softly touched her cheek. The only reaction was the upturn of her vivid, pink eyes. He froze, holding his breath. "Pandora?", he uttered. A vague hint of recognition lit her eyes. Taking a deep breath, Balam smiled as he turned back toward his friend, tears streaming down his face. "Kalego-kun, it's really her", he said with a broken tone.

Kalego narrowed his eyes. The woman before them was in shambles. Her neck and ankles were badly scarred from years of collars and chains. Small wounds covered her body and her wrists were covered with fang marks. It appeared Victoria had been using her as both a slave and a food source.

"What have you done?", he asked stiffly. Victoria smirked with pink cheeks. She simply adored his pain. "What I had to. It's all your fault, you know. You wouldn't listen", she replied evenly. Kalego again held his arms crossed tightly, lest he strike out. He hated her so much it physically hurt. The mark over his heart burned intensely at their proximity.

Balam sent him a look of support as if to assure him that he was innocent in Pandora's fate. Victoria was only saying those things to hurt him and it was working.

Without fear, Victoria stepped close to her beloved Naberius. "At least you were smart enough to send the other one away, but your brother can't keep her safe forever", she said, grinning darkly. He glared harshly at the mention.

"Are you ready to trade?", she asked, tracing his face with her finger. He sneered at her touch, but held his ground. He had to get Pandora to safety before they could make their move.

"Let her go and I'm all yours", said Balam, reminding her of his presence. She really did only have eyes for Kalego. Ai smirked at his interruption. "Fine", she said, waving her hand languidly as if to dismiss him. Walking back toward Bedlam, she looked over her shoulder, waiting for him to follow. Shichiro slowly took a step toward her.

"Wait", called a stern voice. Victoria smiled evilly. "Yes, Kalego-kun?", she asked innocently. He had averted his gaze at first, but now he looked her in the eye. "Let them both go", he ventured. "And why would I do that?", she taunted, waiting to hear the words. He sighed heavily and took a step forward. "Release them and I'll go with you instead", he said, extending his hand in offer.

"Kalego-kun, you can't!", said Balam in a panic. "You promised you wouldn't do this. You said you would take care of Pan-chan for me!", he pleaded. There was so much feeling behind his words, Kalego wondered if he was still acting. He stared with wide eyes, only drawn back to reality by a harsh laugh.

Victoria cackled darkly. "Oh, Kalego, you're so predictable!", she chortled. Both demons faltered. Was she onto them? Her face flushed red with twisted delight. "Did you think I would take you just like that? It's too easy. It's almost as if you were trying to keep me from noticing senpai in the shadows over there", she said, sending a deranged look to their side.

Opera stepped forward, hands held calmly behind their back. There was no use in hiding now. "You caught me", they ceded. "I'm not so foolish as to come in blind faith. I knew Kalego-kun couldn't face me alone. Of course he would bring you, the only one to escape my grasp", she said coldly, eliciting a angry look from Kalego.

"New deal. Forget all of this and let them all go", he said, completely serious. Opera and Balam both looked to him in surprise. He stared at the object of his hatred, waiting for an answer. This wasn't part of the plan.

Victoria looked at his extended hand. No weapons or magic. There was no deceit in this offer. She could tell by the look in his eye and the way Balam had reacted. A smug grin crossed her lips. She pointed at the ground with a single finger. "Bow down and kiss my feet if you want to be forgiven for such a grievous misjudgement", she smirked.

Balam sent Opera a pleading look. He couldn't get too far from Pandora. In her current state, Bedlam could kill her easily. Opera nodded, but before they could move, Kalego was already bowing on one knee, wings spread behind him in obedience. Victoria smiled with satisfaction. "Go on", she taunted, holding out her leg.

"Kalego-kun! Don't!", cried Shichiro desperately. He knew that if such a motion of servitude occurred, her curses would take over his friend as he would have given up the will to fight. He'd be in a hollow state, just like Pandora. Kalego didn't look up. He simply closed his eyes as if to say he was sorry and carefully grasped Victoria's ankle. Opera and Balam stared wide eyed.

In a flash, several arrows landed in Victoria's leg, spraying blood over Kalego's face. He glanced toward their source in surprise. Bachiko Barbatos smiled smugly, more arrows ready between her fingers. She'd limited her volley as not to hit him,but she wanted revenge for Robin. She was just waiting for an excuse.

Shichiro exhaled in relief. The hopeful call he'd made earlier in the night had gone through. Victoria turned her face toward her attacker, annoyed, her heel still in Kalego's hand. She'd been hit, but she didn't go down. Without looking to her cohort, she ordered, "Kill her."

Bedlam grinned as his palm heated and reached for Pandora's throat. Balam's vines held his wrist tightly at a safe distance as black smoke started to escape his body. Kalego gawked. Was he really going to use a forced wicked phase release now? "No", he realized. It wasn't on purpose. Shichiro was just that angry over the threat to his beloved Pandora. He wasn't about to lose her again.

The sound of tiny bells and a drawn sword rang out. Everyone stared in surprise as small black feathers drifted through the air amongst them. Bedlam suddenly collapsed in a pool of his own blood, causing Shichiro to return to himself in surprise.

Victoria snapped her head to look. Her eyes settled over the cause. As Balam gratefully scooped Pandora to safety in his arms, he, too, looked upon the unexpected figure before them. A female demon dressed in a fine, red and white kimono and black hakama clicked her katana back into its sheath. She looked at Victoria as if warning her she was next.

Large, darkly feathered wings spread behind the newcomer. Her long brown hair framed her regal features in loose waves as her piercing green eyes dared Victoria to move.

Victoria smirked faintly in defeat. "I see", she said humbly. Pulling her injured leg close, she shot Bachiko an evil glare. "Until next time, Kalego-kun", was the last thing she said as she vanished.

Bachiko lowered her weapon, reabsorbing it back into her mana. "I can't leave you guys alone for five minutes. I can't believe you boneheads are the ones Lord Sullivan expects to protect Iruma", she said, annoyed. Kalego grinned to himself as his wings folded away. Getting to his feet, he wiped away Victoria's blood with his sleeve.

"Thank you both. Your timing couldn't have been better", he said sincerely. It suddenly dawned on him. Where was Pandora? Frantically glancing over, he exhaled in relief. Shichiro had her cradled close to his chest. Holding her protectively, his tearful face buried into her hair, he was overwhelmed to have her back. Opera was nearby, helping their second savior to her feet. They smiled kindly at her. "Nene-sama, thank you for your assistance", they said with a sincerely grateful bow, pressing their forehead to her hand.

Bachiko shook her head. "You guys are unbelievable", she muttered. Lady Nene stood before them, looking everyone over for injuries. The only casualty had been Bedlam, as expected of her skill. She smiled serenely, genuinely glad no one else was hurt. Approaching Shichiro, she offered a soft grin. Despite not wanting to let go, he loosened his grip on Pandora for inspection.

Nene looked her over carefully. "It'll be a tough fight, but she'll pull through. Let's start with this." Placing a hand on Pandora's forehead, Nene closed her eyes and concentrated. Bachiko watched with interest as the three external curse marks disappeared from the unconscious woman's face and into Nene's glowing palm. The feathers in her wings shivered, each changing hue at different rates as they absorbed the powerful darkness.

"There", she grinned, looking over the fallen with an expression like a mother would have tending to her sick child. Balam froze, breathless, as Pandora stirred. Both eyes were still marked, but she at least seemed somewhat aware of herself now. "Where?", she uttered, then quickly blacked out again. Seeing Shichiro's panicked expression, Nene assured him all would be well.

"Come now, quickly. We must get her to the infirmary. Once she's stable, we can move her to a proper hospital", she instructed. Balam nodded and carefully carried the fragile form barely clinging to life. Nene turned her kind eyes backward Kalego. "Aren't you coming?", she ventured, knowing he was still in shock.

Opera put their hand on his back and he didn't even jump. Noting the lack of recoil, they gave him a gentle push and he started following his friend's lead, his thoughts still swimming. He'd come so close to giving up for the sake of his friends. He'd have to face it later.

Seeing him realize his actions, but moving on anyway, Nene nodded, pleased. Lastly, she looked to Bachiko. "I appreciate your help", she said sincerely. Bachiko grinned nervously. Such words from the Purifier were high praise indeed.

"Don't thank me; Thank Iruma. His request to Sullivan-sama is the reason I came", she said. Nene smiled politely. Her beauty belied her age, but her reputation had been cemented for quite some time. There was no mistaking the great Purifier.

She glanced toward the trail of blood leaving the area and Bachiko understood. With a deep bow deserving of Nene's rank, she departed to follow it. Once she was gone, Nene took a deep breath. She was so proud of everyone. Stepping over Bedlam's body, she touched a single finger to his head and his remains evaporated in a strange light.

Turning her attention to the school, she headed after her patient. It was going to be a long night treating Pandora, but she was ready, and she knew her protégé, a skilled healer, wasn't far behind. Nene had rushed from the front lines at Sullivan's request, leaving her assistant to tie up loose ends.

She knew Kalego was counting on her. She was his best bet for ridding himself of Victoria's curses for good, but she also knew he would put Pandora first. Smiling to herself, she knew his big brother would be proud of that. Glancing toward Sullivan's home, she said, "See you soon, Sa-chan."

Elsewhere, a chill ran down Sullivan's spine as if an ill omen had somehow crossed his name as he stared toward the school. Shaking it off, he watched his beloved grandson sleep beside him. Knowing Opera was needed at the exchange, he'd playfully invited Iruma to have a sleepover in his room where he could protect him personally without alarm.

Looking over the innocent boy's face, he knew he couldn't keep him in the dark much longer. Too much was happening. If Iruma was in fact Robin's target, there would be much to discuss.

To be continued...