Mairimashita! Iruma-kun: Shadows of the Past, part 12
As the group approached the main building of the school, several demons were waiting for them. Nene had ensured a skilled medical team would be on standby to treat the recovered woman. Their leader was a well respected doctor. He reached toward Pandora as they got close. A stretcher was at the ready.
Shichiro instinctively tightened his grip on her without thought. "Please, let me help", said the doctor. As Nene stepped forward, she put a calm hand on the man.
"It's alright. He can carry her upstairs if he wants to. She's in no immediate danger", she said serenely. The doctor nodded and let their group lead the way. Balam smiled faintly in appreciation and Kalego followed at his side.
Once at the infirmary, Shichiro had to hand Pandora over. The medical team hurried to work in a private room with the equipment they had carried up with them. Balam and Kalego were escorted to another room to wait. The last thing they saw was Lady Nene's darkened wings as the door closed behind her.
Later on - Hours had passed since the faceoff with Victoria. It was now around three in the morning. Shichiro and Kalego had successfully rescued Pandora with no losses to their side. The plan hadn't gone perfectly, but it worked out with some extra help. Still, there was a lot to discuss once things calmed down again.
The two of them now waited in gloomy silence. Neither had said much since they returned with their beloved friend. She was still undergoing intense medical examination and treatments.
Shichiro had an earful for his best friend after such reckless actions, but it would have to wait. He was clearly already annoyed with himself. Kalego looked filled with angst, even for him.
Eventually, Sullivan stepped out of Pandora's room with Opera close behind. Both waiting demons stared with eager eyes. They hadn't heard anything in hours.
"How is she?", asked Balam with worry. Sullivan didn't seem too keen to answer as if he had a lot on his mind. "Principal?", added Kalego, desperate for news. Meeting their waiting gazes, the chair demon answered them carefully. "She's been through quite a lot, but it is Pandora-chan", he stated. "It seems Victoria kept her prisoner all this time", he said darkly.
Balam and Kalego glanced at one another, understanding that meant she had most likely been tortured regularly. There was no telling how deep the trauma ran until she woke up again. Balam stared with worry. He could only imagine the horrors Victoria had planned for his friend's eventual capture. Shichiro didn't want to think about that. It would only hurt more knowing many of such torments had already been visited on Pandora.
"Let her rest for now. I've already asked the staff to notify us when she wakes", said Sullivan. He already knew neither of the demons before him were going home, so he pat Balam's shoulder as a sign of support as he left. He had Iruma to worry about, who was currently asleep under his master's sharp eyes, so he left Pandora to her friends. Opera nodded to Kalego and took their post outside the door in the hall.
"Kalego-kun", called Balam. "She's going to be okay, right?", he asked meekly. His friend offered a comforting grin. "She's made it this long. She's home now; She'll be just fine", he stated with confidence. It got quiet again after that, each lost to their thoughts. Balam kept reliving the moment they took her back in his mind. She looked so frail and weighed so little in his arms. Her beautiful hair had been matted and hacked away, and a bad scar ran over her lovely face, but she was back among friends and that's all that mattered. He knew it would take time to heal her body and mind, but there was no way he was ever giving up on her again.
Late into the night, just before dawn, Nene was the last to step out from Pandora's room. She smiled supportively at Kalego as she passed, headed to get some rest. She looked exhausted.
The waiting room was deadly silent. He glanced at his friend who had somehow miraculously drifted off in his seat, likely dreaming of the patient beyond that door. He smiled faintly, knowing Lady Nene most likely had something to do with that. Otherwise, Shichiro would undoubtedly be an anxious mess.
Quietly getting up, Kalego entered Pandora's room. It smelled strongly of medicine and scattered notes covered the desk nearby. He grimaced at what he saw written. Still, she was alive and she was finally free. That was enough for now.
Stepping close to her bedside, he sat in the chair beside her. She was fast asleep, likely still from the shock of being rescued and the intense healing magic coursing through her body. He watched her breathing, noting the steady rise and fall of her chest. He grinned to himself, knowing she would pull through.
He glanced back at the door, sure Shichiro would be furious with him for sneaking in first, but he needed to mentally prepare himself for supporting them both over the next several days and he couldn't do that if he didn't know her condition. At some point, he, too, finally drifted off, glad she was home.
The next day, Kalego quietly sipped his tea as his best friend glared daggers at him. Balam hadn't gotten to see Pandora yet and was fuming. The doctor had kicked Kalego out early that morning and now he was silently accepting Shichiro's ire. Someone stepped out of her room, breaking the tension. Both demons looked up in curiosity. It was Opera again. Stepping close to Kalego, they stooped and whispered into his ear, only further fueling Balam's poor mood.
Kalego got out of his seat and put his hand on his friend's shoulder, looking him in the eye. "Shichiro, give me two minutes", he said as if asking permission. Balam's eyes turned worried again. "Is it bad?", he inquired nervously. Kalego shied his gaze. "I don't know yet", he lied. Balam sighed. "Two minutes", he said firmly, holding up two fingers as if to remind his friend how long. Kalego smirked in agreement.
Inside the room, a nurse approached Kalego. "She's still pretty hazy. Be gentle with your questions", she said. He nodded and she left them alone. Pandora seemed to be awake, but stared out the window as she laid there as if still dreaming. He took his seat at her side. Realizing she wasn't alone, she slowly turned her face toward him. "Narnia-san? You cut your beautiful hair", she ventured. Her voice was weak and shaky. Kalego grinned softly. She hadn't seen him in so long, she'd mistaken him for his elder brother.
Gently taking her hand, he said, "It's Kalego." He saw her eyes quiver in recognition. She seemed to be asking herself how long it had been since her capture. "Kalego-kun?", she uttered softly. Their eyes met in silent communication. In the next second, she had launched herself into a tight hug. She squeezed him as hard as she could, crying into his shoulder. "It's really you", she sniffled, grateful for his presence. His look of surprise faded quickly. Returning her embrace, he confirmed, "I'm here."
After the warm hug, she carefully pulled away and gently touched his face in awe. "You've grown so handsome", she said proudly with misty eyes. She knew she must look awful by comparison. The last image her friends had of her was young and full of life, lovely and vibrant. Now her eyes were sullen and her face was badly marred.
Carefully grasping her wrist, Kalego stared firmly into her eyes. "How much do you remember of your time with Victoria?", he asked keenly. She blinked as she thought it over. She had more marks than anyone else while captive, but her memory was astoundingly clear. "Everything", she said with fervor. Kalego grinned faintly. He knew it was hard for her, but those memories were vital in finding and stopping Victoria Ai.
"There's going to be a lot of questions once you've recovered", he began. Glancing at the door, he added, "But first, there's someone else eager to see you." He smiled softly as she put it together. "Sh-shichiro's here?", she asked nervously, blushing in surprise. He grinned as she fretted. Swallowing hard, she took a deep breath and nodded, trying to calm herself. Getting to a seated position on the side of her bed, she stared anxiously at the door. "Take it easy. Don't push yourself", he chided as he strode to open it.
Pandora could barely breathe. Within seconds, the door was open and a large demon shyly entered the room. They stared at one another breathlessly for a moment as if reading one another's souls, and in the next, she had run full speed into his arms. Kalego smirked silently, knowing she would ignore his warning about her weakened state.
Closing the door, he quietly watched the reunion unfold. The last time Balam had seen her, she had five of Victoria's marks across her face, but thanks to Nene, now they were gone. When she was finally freed, she blacked out, likely never even seeing her friends waiting in front of her.
"Shiiichiiiiwwwoooo!", sobbed Pandora, burying her face into his chest. He hugged her closely, yet carefully, afraid he'd squish her in excitement. "Is it really you? You've gotten so big!", she cried, unable to tear herself away long enough to even look at him. "It's me", he uttered, "And I'm never letting go again." He smiled through tears of joy as she gently pulled away and carefully removed his mask. Just as at the dance so long ago, she smiled, "There you are."
They gazed into one another's eyes as he carefully tucked her hair away from her face. Realizing how close he was getting, she nervously whispered, "What are you - ?". With a grin, he answered, "Something I should have done a long time ago."
Kalego politely diverted his gaze while they shared a passionate kiss. After several seconds, he loudly cleared his throat to remind them he was still there. Both blushed deep red. Balam smiled bashfully at him while Pandora hid her face against his chest, both embarrassed and overwhelmed with happiness. "Make sure she gets back to bed", smirked Kalego and left the two of them alone.
In the next room, Opera was waiting for him. They were uncomfortably close to Kalego's face. "That's an awfully sneaky grin", they teased, inspecting their kouhai. Kalego shoved their face away and muttered, "You're shameless." He realized Sullivan was also in the room, sitting with an amused smile. Gathering himself, he took the seat across from the chair demon.
"I'm glad she's regained consciousness", he offered sincerely. Kalego grinned in genuine relief. "Yes, but she still needs to rest", he stated. "Agreed. I'm sure she'll be leaning on all of you over the next few weeks", said Sullivan. Letting the quiet fall, Opera poured them both some tea.
"Be honest. How bad is her condition?", asked Kalego. "It isn't good, Kalego-kun. She's suffered a great deal these past several years", replied Sullivan. From the side of his vision, Kalego could see that even Opera looked tense. There was no doubt they wanted in on taking down Victoria.
"She's covered in scars and her wings have been irreparably shredded, but there is no major internal damage physically", stated Opera with his cat ears flattened in mild concern. "But her mind will require special care", finished Kalego, understanding.
Sullivan offered his sympathy. "We will find somewhere safe for her to recover. You're already too close to Victoria and Shichiro-kun will be expected", he ventured. Kalego wasn't happy about it, but Sullivan was making perfect sense at the moment. "I will be busy preparing the school and protecting Iruma-kun now that we know he's a target. Thus - ", he said. "I will guard her", stated Opera, completely serious.
Kalego smirked to himself. There really was no better plan. "Keep us updated", he ceded. "Opera-senpai to the rescue", said the cat demon with peace fingers and their usual bland expression. Fighting off the annoyance, Kalego stayed quiet. He actually was grateful. Opera was a good choice, but he was unsure how Balam would react. He had a good, level head on his shoulders with most things. He would be emotional, but surely he would understand.
Opera refilled Sullivan's tea and reminded him he had work to do, adding, "Don't forget Nene-sama will be eager to see you after she's rested." Sullivan froze, taking on his egg-shaped chibi form and shivering at her name. Kalego grinned to himself, glad to see the flamboyant principal getting a taste of his own medicine.
On the battlefield, Nene was calm, collected, and a beacon of hope to those around her - reliable, regal, and poised. In private, however, she was a very different demon. When lives weren't on the line, her true colors ran rampant. Kalego's dark smile only reminded Sullivan what he had to look forward to.
"Now, now, you were the one that called her here", chided Opera. "Can't you just say I'm busy?", asked Sullivan meekly. "I cannot", replied Opera flatly. Sullivan sighed in defeat, comical tears on his face.
Elsewhere, at the police headquarters, chief Azazel was leading Bachiko down a hall. Unlocking the door, he let her in first. Inside, Robin was seated with his hands bound to a desk. He'd insisted since he couldn't use his bow like that. He wasn't willing to give Victoria another chance.
Bachiko had already been filled in on all of that and stepped close to him, a harsh look in her eye. As she raised her hand, Robin winced, ready for the impending slap. Instead his eyes shot open in surprise as she hugged him tightly.
"Big sis?", he ventured, confused. She was stiff, but the emotion in her embrace was evident. "Robby, don't scare me like that", she uttered as she held on. He relaxed as a soft smile crossed his face. "I'm sorry", he said sincerely.
Henri watched from the doorway. It was a heartwarming scene. At least it was until the inevitable smack across the face followed by an annoyed rant. She told him how dumb he had been and that he should have come to her right away. When she'd finished yelling, she sighed.
"We're family, stupid. I can't help you if you won't trust me", she said, hurt. Robin dropped his gaze and apologized again with genuine remorse. "Still, I'm glad you're okay", said Bachiko with a small grin.
Stepping forward, Henri unlocked Robin's handcuffs. The younger demon panicked. "What are you doing?!" He worried Victoria would take over again at any time. Meeting his gaze, Henri replied, "I'm releasing you into Barbatos-san's custody under Lord Sullivan's orders."
He didn't look too pleased about it, but there was little he could do in the face of a direct order. Bachiko smirked confidently. "Don't worry. I won't let you do anything else stupid", she teased. That put Robin at ease at least a little, so he agreed to the terms. He would not be allowed out of Bachiko's sight unless he was immediately supervised by another trusted comrade.
After some formalities, the two archers left and headed for Babylus. The others were waiting for them. Robin glanced at his relative. She looked irritated. As if reading his thoughts, she grumbled, "I can't believe that rotten bitch got away."
As they walked, she told him about the night's events. He was relieved to hear that Pandora had been rescued and looked forward to meeting her. Still, he was aggravated that he couldn't correct the assumption that Iruma was his primary target. Knowing that Lady Nene was waiting ahead, he tried to relax. He'd tell them all everything soon.
To be continued...