Mairimashita! Iruma-kun: Shadows of the Past, part 20
The next day, Robin had sent for Nene and Kalego first thing that morning. Persephone had come along, as well. Robin nervously stared at the lovely demon. She exuded a kind of gothic beauty. He was so curious about what Ai had told him of the past, but the duo seemed to stand at a professional distance, neither angry nor intrigued with each other.
As the trio listened to his report, he could see his senpai stiffen with a simmering rage. Victoria had yet again succeeded in getting under Kalego's skin. Nene-sama seemed to be deep in thought as Persephone sadly looked to her old lover. So many emotional scars had just been ripped open.
"You're positive that's what she said?", asked Kalego, tense. Robin nodded, affirming the words he had memorized. "Then you know what you have to do", ventured Nene, drawing everyone's attention. With a grin, she turned toward her protégé. "The exact opposite! Per-chan, I don't want you to let Kalego-kun out of your sight", she stated. "What?", said Kalego flatly, unamused. Persephone seemed to be hiding a smirk at her master's plan.
Nene approached Kalego with sparkling eyes, pleased with her idea. "She wants you two to fight. I mean, you probably will if I force you to this, but at least you can watch each other's backs this way", she explained.
Kalego fought off an eye twitch at her proximity. He knew she meant well, but he wasn't exactly fond of his superior. Persephone stepped forward and put a supportive hand on his shoulder, drawing his focus. She offered a demure smile.
"I won't ask you to cooperate with Mum's plan, but if you do, I won't get in your way. Your class won't even know I'm there", she stated calmly.
"So, Kalego-kun, it's up to you. I won't make it an order, but it is in your best interest", said Nene with kindness. Robin watched his senpai eagerly. What would he choose? Kalego smirked, knowing Nene was right. How irritating.
"And Bars?", he asked. "Azazel and Barbatos will look after him. He can't stay locked in here forever", stated Nene, knowing she could convince Sullivan to go along with her plans. Kalego stared at his kouhai in thought. Robin grinned supportively. "Fine", ceded Kalego with a dark grin.
Nene smiled happily in victory. "I'll go talk to Sa-chan", she said, excusing herself. Sensing Kalego's mood, Persephone stepped into the hall to give the two teachers some space. Robin nervously waited to hear his senpai's thoughts.
Kalego glowered briefly before sitting in the chair beside him with his arms crossed as a pseudo barrier between them. "You understand you'll be under close observation", he began. Robin was rather comfortable with that. In fact, he preferred it that way.
"Senpai?", ventured Robin. Kalego kept a level expression as he listened, unsure what exactly Robin was going to ask about first. "Pandora-san is safe, right?", asked the rookie. Kalego narrowed his eyes in response. He hadn't expected his kouhai to be sensible.
"She is", he stated carefully. Robin grinned in relief. "Can you tell me more about Lamya-san?", asked Robin with hopeful eyes. He quickly braced himself for a harsh response, but surprisingly, his senpai was faintly grinning with his eyes closed. He knew that question was coming.
Taking a deep breath, Kalego replied, "We've known each other for a long time. We've been colleagues, associates, and...something more...That's all you need to know." Robin grinned lightly, glad for the honesty. Even if he really hadn't learned anything new, he was genuinely happy that Kalego had answered at all.
A few minutes later, Henri accompanied Lady Nene to release Robin from his bonds. Bachiko waited from the doorway. She looked unharmed, completely healed by Persephone's magic. She wearily eyed her relative, worried for him. Thus, the day began.
As Kalego and Persephone headed for Royal One, she seemed intrigued to see it from the inside. While she hadn't attended Babylus herself, everyone knew about Delkira's old classroom. Thankfully it held several chambers within, meaning she could easily watch over Kalego without being seen by his students.
He knew the rumors would restart quickly, so he made a plan to quell them before they started. Persephone was surprised by his proposal. "You want to introduce me?", she asked. Kalego smirked with confidence. They just had to choose her role. "Would you rather be a scout, looking for talent, for the front lines or a special instructor?", he inquired. They had to have all of their answers planned in sync to pull it off without suspicion.
Persephone grinned darkly. "Let's whip these kids into shape", she said, clearly planning on putting them through the wringer. Kalego smiled in amused agreement. They could use a good shake up to their routine.
As the misfits took their seats and completed roll call, they all stared in shock at the lovely woman beside their teacher. Who was she and why was she there? Regardless, the boys were happy to welcome her, Camui especially so.
"Settle down, brats. We have a guest", chided Kalego, annoyed with their chatter. Taking control of the situation, Persephone stepped forward and bellowed, "Quiet!". Her tone left no room for argument. Kalego smirked approvingly.
Staring down the rambunctious students, she grinned faintly at their obedience. "You may address me as Lamya-sensei. I am here to ensure you are capable of holding your current ranks. You are going to prove your worth to me. Whining will not be tolerated."
The class swallowed hard. They had gotten used to Kalego, but Lamya seemed another force to be reckoned with. They weren't sure they could survive two such sources of discipline. A dark gleam stared at them from her scarlet eye. She had plans for them.
By the end of the day, the abnormal class was exhausted. Not only had they completed their normally scheduled lessons, but their new instructor had pushed them hard under scrutiny. She tested their stamina and skill, as well their knowledge and abilities. It was reminiscent of how tired they were when they first started under their tutors.
"Don't forget to study up on the Great War. There will be a test", reminded Kalego as his students dragged themselves to their batras. Once the last was gone, he closed his book for the day with an impressed grin. "Not bad", he ceded. Persephone smirked at the light praise. "Please. I can handle you; Those kids were easy", she taunted.
He sent her a complicated look. She seemed to be getting too comfortable around him and he wasn't sure how he felt about that just yet. It was dangerous.
An awkward quiet passed between them as he silently graded papers at his desk. He seemed grateful to have something else to focus on. Understanding, Persephone summoned a novel and quietly read nearby.
Later, the duo had made their way to the staff area to check on Robin. He wasn't there, so they headed off to discuss things in private. Once they had left, Robin checked in. Another teacher mentioned his senpai was looking for him, so he ventured off in the same direction, Henri carefully watching nearby.
Elsewhere, a little later, Persephone and Kalego had just finished another strained conversation. She knew she was supposed to stay by his side, but the topic of Victoria had encouraged a few heated words. She needed some air to calm down.
As she strode past him to leave, she tripped and he managed to catch her as if performing a dip at the end of a dance. They stared coyly at one another, unsure of what would happen next. They were arguing just a moment ago, but now she was unexpectedly in his arms.
Before they could regain their balance, the door opened, knocking them both to the ground. Persephone had landed on her back and Kalego fell on top of her, face down into her cleavage.
Looking over them from the doorway, Robin blushed and nervously smiled. "I'll come back later", he said, quickly excusing himself. As the door closed, Kalego grit his teeth in annoyance. "That idiot", he grumbled, propping himself onto his elbow.
Glancing beneath him, Persephone had turned her pink face away, unable to meet his searching gaze. He carefully observed their predicament before speaking. "Are you all right?", he asked cautiously. She quietly nodded without looking at him. He smirked as he started to get up.
A tug at his clothing pulled his attention back to the woman below. She was staring into his eyes as if to say, "Please don't leave". Kalego's expression softened as the surprise faded. She still loved him after all. Realizing that, he gave her a slight smile.
"Per-chan. Isn't that what she called you?", he teased, referring to Nene. Persephone grinned faintly. Her master had been the only one to ever call her that. Carefully touching his face, she said, "I like it better when you say it."
Despite his best efforts, Kalego found himself entranced and leaning ever closer. Mere millimeters away from her lips, his phone rang. Sighing, he got to his feet. He offered his hand to help her up as he answered.
"Shichiro, slow down. I can't understand you", he said, annoyed by the interruption. His face paled suddenly, prompting a worried look from Persephone. "What do you mean she's missing?", he asked stiffly. Persephone tensed. Something was wrong. Where was Pandora?
"Yes, I understand. Keep searching the area. I'll cover the halls...Yes, she's here. She'll check the second year tower. Call me if you find her."
He hung up and sent a concerned gaze to his companion. "Nene-sama is searching from over the roof. Check in if you find anything", he said. Persephone nodded, but she looked shaken. Offering a supportive grin, Kalego gently tucked the loose hairs from her face. "We'll find her", he assured.
Eager to fulfill that promise, he turned to leave, but a firm tug to his arm spun him around. Persephone was gently kissing his cheek. As she let him go, she said, "Good luck", with a grin. Shaking the stun from his mind, he smiled affectionately. A silent nod and they were off to find Pandora.
Balam had frantically looked through the tower that housed the infirmary twice with no luck. Desperate, he thought back to their school days. Only one place came to mind, the secret spot in the gardens where he would read with Pandora and she would cradle his head in her lap in the afternoon sun.
Rushing to that precious spot, he stared in relief. There she was. Pandora was standing in front of her familiar, gently stroking its massive head. It twitched its tails in curiosity as he approached.
"Pan-chan, what are you doing out here?", he uttered, concerned. At first, she didn't seem to hear him. As he got closer, she looked up. He froze at the sight of Victoria's mark glowing faintly in her eyes again.
"Have you seen my master?", she asked absently. The mark, her mind, what was happening? Approaching carefully, Shichiro reached out slowly. Sensing no danger, the giant, blue, twin tailed cat yawned and settled down beside Pandora for a nap.
Shichiro gently grabbed her shoulders and looked pleadingly into her eyes. "Pan-chan, it's me", he uttered, hoping to spark a sense of recognition. It was just like the night they had rescued her. She seemed to look right through him.
Worried, he shook her gently. "Pandora, wake up!...Please…" The last word had a heart wrenching tone that somehow got through. Pandora blinked in confusion as the marks faded from her irises. Even her familiar vanished.
"Shichiro?", she uttered, a little scared. She looked around, confused, as if she had been sleepwalking. "How did I get here?", she asked, tears forming in fear. Pulling her close, he hugged her tightly. "Everything's okay now. I'm here."
A few phone calls later and Pandora was back in her room, being closely examined by Lady Nene. Balam watched with worry, Persephone and Kalego at his side.
Nene made a face. "Damn." Everyone looked up in concern. It wasn't like her to swear. "What is it?", asked Persephone, approaching her master. Nene sighed in irritation. "I don't know how I missed it!", she said, chiding herself. Pulling Pandora's collar loose, she said, "Look."
To everyone's astonishment, a faint glowing mark crossed her chest. "A hidden curse?", uttered Persephone. She hadn't seen it during the healing session. "Where did it come from?", she inquired with worry. It wasn't like herself or her master to completely miss something so obvious.
Kalego glared at the faint mark, cursing Victoria's name. Hadn't she done enough? "What is it?", he asked darkly. Balam silently stared in anxious concern.
Nene ran her finger over the traces of magic. "It's attached to her heart", she stated, observing the weaving strands of mana. Pandora looked shyly to her friends. Her breasts were still covered, but it was still embarrassing. When she met eyes with Balam, he shyly looked away.
"Is it because we unblocked her mana?", he ventured. "No. I'm afraid it's more dastardly than that", said Nene, irritated. Letting Pandora rerobe herself properly, she said, "It's time you told us of your capture, dear."
Pained expressions passed through the room. Glancing at Pandora's friends, Nene smiled supportively. "You might want to sit this one out if it's too much", she offered. Yet no one stepped down. There was no way they were going to leave their beloved Pan-chan to relive such dark memories alone.
Pandora dropped her gaze. She knew this moment was coming, but she didn't want to hurt those who cared for her with such awful memories. She glanced up in thanks as Shichiro sat beside her, affectionately wrapping his arm around her shoulders and holding her hand. Persephone sat at her other side in support. "It's okay. We're all here for you", she said. Even Kalego offered a kind grin. Nodding, Pandora went back to the past.
Hekate residence, twenty years ago.
Pandora was getting ready for bed like any other night. She was looking forward to the next day. Shichiro was coming to see her and it would be their first visit since the dance. She blushed as she smiled to herself, eager to discuss their future. She had finally kissed his cheek. With luck, he was also ready for the next step in their relationship.
A loud noise caught her attention as the front door was decimated. A vase shattered and someone screamed. It sounded like the maid. She nervously peeked from her door, eager to help. Using her bloodline ability, she could easily calm an attacker using "rose tint". It projected the hue of her eyes, creating an area of complete calm and happiness.
She could see her father approach the scene, but his attempt to defuse the situation failed. She had sneaked along the hallway and now stared in abject horror as a stranger sliced out his eyes. Covering her mouth, she jumped at the feeling of her mother grasping her shoulders. She motioned to stay quiet and led Pandora back to her room while more demons began searching the house.
"Mom, what do we do?", whispered the panicked teen. Her mother smiled fondly at her, calmingly patting her hair. "Hide. I'll see what's happening and send for help", she said. Pandora was terrified, but nodded obediently. Her mother quietly left the room. She would never see her alive again.
After some noise and screams, the house got eerily quiet. Her door creaked as it opened. Someone stepped inside, their high heels clacking on the wooden floor. A tail twitched in front of her face as she hid under the bed.
"Come out, Pan-chan. I know you're here", called Victoria. Pandora's eyes grew wide with shock. Was this really happening? Ai suddenly grinned in her worried face. "Found you", she smirked. Grabbing Pandora by her hair, Ai pulled her from her hiding place. She smiled wickedly at the tears in her eyes.
Pandora tried to calm her using 'rose tint'. Victoria laughed at the attempt. "I'm perfectly calm already", she sneered. In a panic, Pandora tried other hues and emotions, even "blue despair", one she hated. Nothing worked.
Victoria stared darkly into her eyes. "I told you to stay away from Kalego-kun. I even warned him. It's too bad he didn't listen", she said coldly. In the next motion, she slashed Pandora's face open with a jagged blade.
The girl fell to the floor, blood in her eyes. Ai watched in amusement, expecting a breakdown. Instead, Pandora glared defiantly. "Don't you dare try to blame him for your madness", she said.
Victoria's eyes grew even colder. "I know you have eyes for Balam-kun, but my threats are not empty. Now they both have to suffer and all because of you", she said. A malicious grin crossed her face.
"I was going to kill him initially, but then I thought - Pandora. They both adore you, so killing you would be the easiest way to crush them both. Kalego-kun will have to watch Shichiro fall apart at your loss… It will be perfect." Ai blushed sadistically at her plan.
Pandora was horrified, but kept an angry expression, knowing that Ai would revel in seeing her despair. "Even if you kill me, Kalego and Shichiro-kun will bounce back in time. They're more resilient than you give them credit for", she said with feeling. Victoria's eye twitched in irritation.
"Sweet Hekate, I'm not just going to kill you. Your parents are already dead", she smirked. Tears ran down Pandora's bleeding face. She knew, but now it was real. "Why?", she sobbed.
Victoria knelt to eye level with a wide grin. "Because Naberius has to suffer if he's going to be any good to me. He'll blame himself for this slaughter just like I wanted. Watching Shichiro crumble is just a bonus… Can't you picture it? The ever serious Kalego, drowning in angst because he didn't take me seriously in time and little Balam-kun crying all alone in the dark. Both bitter and completely destroyed."
Pandora stared at her in disgust. Victoria was starting to drool at the thought of their devastation. "You're sick", she uttered. Victoria smiled. "I'm a demon", she stated proudly. Then, without warning, she drove her talons into the wound covering Pandora's face, pumping it full of her mana.
Pandora could feel her body and mind slipping away as if locked from her reach. One by one, the curse marks appeared in her eyes and her face contorted with Ai's power.
"Don't worry. You'll make a good pet. If you behave, I might keep you alive to humor me", said Victoria as she leaned into Pandora's ear. Her victim shuddered as she fought it, but dark visions flooded her mind.
She could see her funeral. Kalego and Shichiro were fighting. "No, don't blame each other", she thought. She knew these visions weren't real and she believed in her comrades to be strong together. She knew deep down that Ai couldn't pit them against each other, even with her death.
"You're wrong", said Pandora, smiling faintly. Victoria sneered at her in question. Pandora turned her face to grin in defiance. "They won't blame each other. Shichiro-kun and Kalego-kun will always be close. You can't change that… That's why you picked me, isn't it? Part of you wants them to be happy. If I'm gone, they'll move on, but you couldn't bring yourself to kill Kalego and you know he'd be broken without Shichiro. That's why you're here. They don't need me."
Victoria had gone pale with rage. She kicked Pandora to the ground. Grinding her heel into her chest, she smirked down at her victim. "How does it feel to not be needed?", she grinned. Then, she punctured Pandora's chest with her claws just as she had Kalego two years before. As her fingers touched the poor girl's heart, she spoke a dark spell.
"Even if you survive in their memories, the moment you become whole, you'll be mine all over again. Go ahead and love them from your shackles. Should their love somehow reach you in return, it'll be your death warrant."
Infirmary, the present.
Everyone stared at Pandora, pouring their souls forth to comfort her. Shichiro and Persephone hugged her tightly. Kalego couldn't speak. He was both livid and distraught. What was it about him that brought such misfortune to those he cared for? He knew it was really Victoria's madness to blame, but he still felt at least a little responsible.
As her loved ones slowly let go, Pandora gave him a supportive smile. Despite her pain and the tears on her face, she was worried about her friends. "Kalego-kun, don't blame yourself for any of this. I don't", she stated with kindness. He grinned faintly at her words. She needed to worry more about herself.
Nene sighed heavily, desperate for some fresh air. "All right. I'm going to call Sa-chan and set something up to keep you safe, Pandora", she said, dialing her phone as she exited.
Persephone gently kissed her cousin's brow in support. "Take a minute to calm down. Shichiro-kun, I'm trusting you to look after her for me", she grinned. Balam nodded, promising to do just that.
As Persephone got to her feet, she stepped close to Kalego, whispering in his ear. It seemed she needed to see him in private. With a glance toward their friends, the duo stepped out to the hall.
Pandora looked pleadingly to Shichiro. She knew he was hurting, having heard the tale. He stared at her with worry. Finally, he grinned faintly. "Pan-chan, you're amazing", he stated. She blushed lightly at his words. Gently stroking her face, he looked deeply into her eyes. "Not many demons could come back from that", he uttered, genuinely impressed with her resilience.
She smiled as she nuzzled into his fingers. She was so grateful for every touch. "Shichiro-kun, it's okay if you're upset, too. You don't have to be strong for me", she said, gently grasping his wrist. His smile faltered briefly, before renewing with sincerity. She really was incredible.
Out in the hall, Kalego and Persephone stared silently at one another. Finally, she broke the ice.
"Are you alright?", she ventured, noting his stiff posture. She knew nothing got to him quite like Victoria. "Are you?", he replied darkly. Stepping closer, she carefully held his face in her hands. "Kalego, talk to me. None of this is your fault. Don't hold it in", she pleaded.
Carefully lowering her wrists, he averted his gaze. "Just promise me one thing", he uttered. She looked to him, ready to promise anything. "Make sure to end this. No matters what happens to me, take Victoria down this time", he said, firmly looking her in the eye. "She won't darken Babylus again", said Persephone.
Kalego grinned faintly in relief at her words. "Same goes for you. If she kills me for good this time, you can't give up, okay?", she uttered. His eyes narrowed at the prospect. He refused to let Ai take her away again.
To be continued...