Mairimashita! Iruma-kun: Shadows of the Past, part 15
Later that day, Nene sat alone in Sullivan's office. A dark aura was beginning to swirl around her. She had removed the curse over Robin's belly, leaving only his eye marked. Her work with Pandora had been intense and she already had dark magic stored in her wings from the front lines when she showed up. Much more would send her into an evil cycle, but she had so much work to do.
The door opened and a lone demon stepped through. "Master, I see you've been too hasty again", said a woman calmly. Nene smiled to herself in relief at the familiar voice. Her protégé had finally arrived.
Persephone was a striking woman with deep red hair and eyes. She wore a dark dress that fit her curves well and an eye patch shaped like a spider's web covered her right eye. She was paler than her cousin, but one could still see a resemblance if they looked hard enough. As if in memory of Pandora, she even had ribbons tied around her horns.
Persephone stepped close, gently running her fingers down the length of her master's wings. A few feathers absorbed the darkness around them and drifted to the floor, leaving her overall burden lesser.
"Where is Lord Sullivan?", she asked, curious why he wasn't helping his old comrade. Nene turned with a thankful grin. "With his grandson", she stated. Persephone was mildly surprised by the news, but didn't ask for details. After all, it would only set Nene off on a tangent.
Taking her hand, Nene smiled serenely. "Your cousin is waiting for you", she beamed. Persephone's dark expression slowly turned into a pleased grin. "Then it's really her?", she ventured. Nene nodded, glad to reunite them. "She's in bad need of your skills. I did what I could", she stated.
Persephone keenly noted the nuances of what wasn't being said. She knew that if Pandora was truly in need of such healing still, that Nene had focused on the worst, the curses. She wondered what condition she would find her cousin in.
They spoke as they headed for Pandora's room. Nene filled her in on what had already been treated and what remained. When they arrived, Opera was stretching alongside their patient in synchronized light exercise. Both parties stared briefly.
Tears in her eyes, Pandora rushed to hug her cousin. Persephone wasn't nearly as open with her emotions, but the soft smile on her face spoke volumes as they embraced.
"I can't believe you're here!", said Pandora, excitedly. Her cousin stroked her hair affectionately. Locking eyes with Opera, she gently pulled free. "Pandora", she uttered kindly. Then her tone shifted. "Your hair… Opera, why haven't you fixed this yet?", she asked sharply. The cat demon looked up in surprise. They'd nearly forgotten Persephone's edged personality.
Stepping in, Nene played peacekeeper. "Yes, it is matted, but I promise you it's clean. We had more urgent things to address", she explained. Pandora had tried to brush it out several times, but several years worth of knots weren't giving up easily. Plus, some areas had been cut off at odd angles, likely during Victoria's mood swings.
Resuming her usual demure expression, Persephone smiled fondly over her kin. "I'll help you fix it after I've healed you", she said. Pandora smiled gratefully. Her beautiful hair had been her pride in their younger days.
Gently pushing her cousin toward her bed, Persephone took control of the room. "Out you go, Opera-san. I'll take it from here", she stated. Nene gladly entwined arms with them. "Come keep Mummy company", she beamed. Without argument, they left the cousins alone.
Persephone inspected Pandora closely. She clicked her tongue in dismay at the sight of what lay beneath the various bandages. "Go ahead and strip. This might take a while", she uttered. Then she went to work.
Hours later, Kalego and Shichiro waited patiently outside Pandora's room. They had left Robin in good hands and were obeying Nene's order not to enter until invited, but a shrill cry jolted them from their seats.
Bursting in, the duo gawked at the scantily dressed Pandora, standing in front of her mirror. She blushed deeply at the intrusion. Both men quickly turned around quickly, a 180 degree spin on their heels. Balam was too embarrassed to speak, so Kalego said, "Our apologies. We thought you were in trouble."
A menacing presence dug her nails into the backs of their collars and threw them both out. As they stumbled to catch their balance and the door slammed, it dawned on Kalego that it was Persephone who had given them the boot. Gritting his teeth, he looked at Shichiro for guidance. He wasn't looking forward to that reunion just yet. Still silent, Balam was pretty red and clearly reliving the sight on repeat.
Sighing, Kalego smirked. "Persephone cut her hair", he stated. Balam stiffened as it hit him. That was the cause of the cry. Pandora's hair had been cut short, near chin length, removing the mats and odd angles. The sight must have been a shock for Pandora, who had always prided herself on her long waves.
"Didn't notice?", grinned Kalego with a taunting tone. Shichiro nervously waved his hands, claiming his innocence. "I didn't mean to look!", he panicked. Kalego smirked in amusement. It felt good to have some fresh ammo against his old friend.
Several minutes later, after everyone had calmed, the door to Pandora's room opened. She shyly stepped out with her new haircut and dress. Persephone smiled supportively behind her, proud of her work. The bandages around Pandora's neck were gone. The deep wounds had been expertly healed, barely leaving a scar. The fang marks on her wrists had been completely erased, too.
Nervously touching her shortened locks, Pandora coyly looked up with pink cheeks. "Does it look okay?", she asked meekly. Kalego offered a kind grin, knowing she couldn't wait for her hair to grow back out. "It's lovely, right, Shichiro?", he ventured. He glanced at his friend.
Balam stared in awe. It was a definite change, but he blushed, evidence that he thought she was adorable either way. An elbow to his ribs finally jarred his speech. "It looks really nice", he grinned, bashfully. Pandora's shy smile widened.
Persephone stepped forward. "Just add a few ribbons and it will be as good as new", she assured. Pandora nodded in thanks. "Your dress is lovely, too", stated Shichiro. Pandora grinned at the compliment. It was black, with long mesh sleeves and highlights. Clearly it was a gift from her cousin.
As Pandora and Shichiro fussed over each other in a thinly veiled attempt at flirting, Kalego and Persephone met each other's stern gazes. "You look well", he offered, breaking the ice. She smiled faintly at his manners. It had been nearly ten years and that was all he had to say?
"Thank you for helping to rescue her", she said, polite yet distant. A pained smirk crossed his lips. Of course she was still upset with him, or so he thought. His eyes softened as a genuine grin came his way. "It's good to see you again", she said sincerely.
The burning of nearby stares interrupted the sentiment. Balam and Pandora watched them both eagerly, like children waiting to catch their friends admit their feelings to one another. An eye twinge hit both Kalego and Persephone. Pandora chuckled. She had always thought them similar, but never got the chance to see them date.
"A little space?", sighed Persephone, annoyed. "Of course", grinned Pandora. Shichiro took her hand and led her out to the hall. They overheard him say something about getting some fresh air. A little sunlight would do her good.
Alone, the dark duo stared at each other in awkward silence. "You haven't told her?", asked Persephone. Kalego hid a grin. "It hasn't come up", he replied. Persephone smirked in approval. "She has a lot to catch up on. We all do." Those words caught his attention. She had stepped close and inspected him closely with her good eye.
She pressed her hand over the curse mark on his heart. She knew it was there. She'd seen it close up in the past. He watched her movements closely. Just what was she up to?
"You're not angry?", he asked carefully. She shied her gaze introspectively. "Should I be?", she inquired, withdrawing her hand. "You didn't want me to get hurt like she did. It was difficult at the time, but it was noble of you to push me away", she stated.
He stared at her with conflicted emotions as she spoke. "How are the front lines these days?", he asked absently. She grinned at his attempt to change subjects. "As they've always been. Narnia-san is well", she replied.
Reaching into her plunging neckline, she offered him a sealed letter. "He says you haven't written in a while", she chided. Taking the letter, he was careful to avoid her fingers. He wasn't ready for that yet. "It's been a busy year", he stated.
Elsewhere, in the school courtyard, Pandora smiled in wonder at the botany tower. She'd never seen cherry blossoms before. They were lovely and the sight of the petals drifting in the breeze around her was a beautiful sight. Balam smiled beneath his mask.
A familiar voice pulled him from his reverie. "Sensei!", called Iruma, waving with a grin. Asmodeus and Valac followed him happily under Sullivan's watchful eye in the near distance. Balam was surprised to see them all and they were clearly curious about his guest.
"Oooohhh, she's pretty! Her eyes are like flash! And her smile is like kaboom!", said Clara, admiring Pandora despite her facial scar. The demon in question blushed with an amused grin. "What a charming girl", she uttered. Catching up, Azz sent Clara an annoyed look for running off.
Iruma smiled wide, knowing who stood before them. "Pandora-san, it's really great to finally meet you!", he beamed. She looked confused, but happy. "These are some of our students. This is Suzuki Iruma, Valac Clara, and Asmodeus Alice", introduced Balam.
The trio was glad to be back together after a few days of unexplained separation and lockdown. Only Iruma had any idea what had caused it or who this demon was. Balam happily pat their heads, proud of them.
"Master, who is your friend?", asked Azzkun. Pandora had heard his name during Shichiro's visits. She knew he was mentoring Sabnock as well, though she had yet to meet either of them. Balam and Pandora glanced at one another shyly, unsure of the best answer.
Popping up between the two awkward adults, Clara, excitedly said, "I know! This is your girlfriend, right?". Pandora's face reddened, but Balam happily answered, "Yes", tiny flowers behind him. Azzkun faltered, unprepared for the revelation. His master had never mentioned a girlfriend. How did Iruma-sama know her?
He dragged Clara back a few steps, Iruma letting her play with his arm as a distraction, giving Pandora some breathing room. "You probably don't know who I am, but I'm honored to finally meet you", he said. She smiled politely. "Shichiro-kun told me about you", she said cheerfully. A brief glance from his sensei told Iruma his secret was safe.
Azzkun stared at his master as if to ask, "When did this happen?!". He usually paid little attention to anyone outside of Iruma, but he was admittedly curious. Balam-sensei was strong and even a little scary at times, but he was also caring. It was no real surprise he would be involved with someone, but students rarely think of their teachers in such a light.
"I've known Shichiro and Kalego-kun a long time", stated Pandora, understanding his look. "We went to school together", added Balam shyly. Azzkun seemed satisfied with the brief introduction, but he was curious to learn more.
Clara's attention returned to the lovely new demon. Pandora smiled at her calmly. "Ask anything you like. I don't bite", she offered. Iruma and Azzkun shuddered at the sparkle in their friend's eye. Clara poked at Pandora from all angles as she rambled.
"This is a pretty dress! Where did you get it? Have you been dating sensei long? What's your favorite color? Why haven't we seen you before?"
Balam paled at the intrusive questions, but Pandora seemed perfectly comfortable with them.
"Thank you; It was a gift. We've been friends a long time, but dating is new...I think… um, green?...I've been away", she said with a shy smile. Balam smiled fondly behind his mask, an expression mirrored by Iruma. She really was amazing.
"Stupid Clara! Don't be so rude", fussed Azzkun, mussing her hair as punishment. Pandora's chuckle broke the tension. "It's alright. I invited her to ask", she stated. Clara grinned in appreciation as Azz let her go.
"New?", teased Sullivan as he joined them. "Grandpa", grinned Iruma, "You know Pandora-san?". The old demon smiled with fond memories. "I was the principal back then, too", he grinned. "The chair demon is old", stated Clara bluntly. He laughed it off despite the tense faces around him.
"Balam-kun, I'm sure Pandora-chan is likely near her limit. Why don't you take her back upstairs?", he ventured. Balam nodded, understanding that so many targets in one spot was dangerous. There was no telling when Victoria might show up again.
Pandora smiled fondly over the three students. "I look forward to getting to know each of you", she said sincerely. "Tell Eggy-sensei to bring you to class!", blurted Clara. "I'm sure everyone would love to meet you", agreed Iruma.
"Perhaps you can attend one of our training sessions", offered Azz, politely. Pandora's eyes sparkled at the suggestion. She hadn't seen Shichiro in action in a very long time. Balam grinned coyly at her fervor. "Maybe in a few days", stated Sullivan, reminding them with his tone that she had a lot of recovering to do.
Pandora waved politely as Balam led her away. As they headed back to the tower, she leaned against his arm for support. He didn't mind the inadvertent affection, though it did elicit a few curious glances by passing staff.
As they entered the infirmary, she was pretty dizzy. Hanging onto her beloved tightly, she had nearly forgotten they had left Kalego and Persephone alone. Both Balam and Pandora gawked at the sight awaiting them.
Persephone had Kalego pinned to the floor in a headlock, sitting on his back. "Say it!", she demanded. He stubbornly held in the words as he grit his teeth, trying to get free. If it were anyone else, he wouldn't be holding back. Thus his current predicament.
Blankly staring, Pandora uttered, "What did we miss?", completely confused. Shichiro whispered in her ear. She instantly perked up at the news that her beloved friend and cousin had a romantic history.
The brawlers glanced up in surprise at the interruption. Both usually had a calm and collected, if not gloomy, demeanor. When put together, however, they seemed to bring out something different in one another.
Releasing her victim, Persephone got to her feet and dusted herself off. Her stoic personality was instantly restored. Kalego swatted Balam's offered hand away as he got up, cracking his neck back into place. He didn't want any help. He was both annoyed and embarrassed.
"Pan-chan, bed. Now", said Persephone, rushing her cousin to the other room and slamming the door without explanation.
"What was that about?", asked Balam, mildly amused. His best friend gave him a nasty look for being nosy. "Never mind that", he grumbled, tugging his clothing back into place. Smoothing the loose hair from his face, Kalego sighed, irritated.
"Nene-sama is rubbing off on her, huh?", ventured Balam flatly. The look on Kalego's face answered that question clearly. "At least she missed you?", offered Shichiro, trying to lighten the mood. "Hmph."
In the other room, Persephone twitched her eye at the proximity of her cousin's eager face. "Tell me everything", said Pandora with fervor. Persephone diverted her eye. She really didn't want to get into it, but now there wasn't much of an escape available. "Fine", she grumbled.
They spoke for a while and when the story was finished, Persephone had a somber look, her eye a pool of sadness. Pandora offered a kind touch and smile. "He sent you away to save you...That's so like him", she said.
"Losing you was the worst thing that happened to all of us. I don't think he was strong enough to risk it happening again… I don't blame him. I couldn't bear it either", said Persephone, lost to the memories. Pandora hugged her stoic relative. She wanted to know more, but it was clearly a sore subject.
"You're going to talk it out, though, right?", she ventured. Persephone stared into the pink eyes eagerly looking at her. She sighed lightly. "I'll try."
To be continued...