Mairimashita! Iruma-kun: Shadows of the Past, part 25
The rest of that day was spent resting and recovering for everyone. They were all tired, but they couldn't lower their guard now. Victoria was still out there.
Sullivan had spent the afternoon and evening lovingly snuggling Iruma and generally showering him with gifts and attention. He was so happy to have his precious grandchild back. Bachiko decided to stay until nightfall after checking in with Robin. Babylus seemed peaceful, but she would rejoin him soon.
Sullivan tearfully let go of his beloved grandson long enough for Nene to treat and check him over. Between her and Persephone, he was in good hands.
Meanwhile, Opera wasted no time putting his kouhai to work. Kalego had been roped into several duties around the house, but as part of his punishment, he couldn't complain too much. To his surprise, Pandora offered to pitch in. She wanted to repay their senpai for their kindness and help in her recovery.
Pandora really seemed to be getting back on her feet. She no longer resembled the fragile creature they had pulled from Ai's clutches. She had regained her magic and a healthy complexion. Her physical strength and stamina were slowly catching up while Shichiro's coy attention kept her spirits high.
She was more than happy to help Opera prepare dinner. She hadn't cooked in so long, but it came back to her quickly. The group looked on in wonder at the variety across the dining table. They duo had outdone themselves. Opera sent Kalego a readable glance, informing him he was in charge of cleaning up.
The atmosphere was pleasant after their meal. Everyone seemed to be catching their breath, but much of the show was for Iruma's sake. After he went to bed, the air shifted drastically.
The adults gathered under tension. They had to stop Victoria for good this time. The danger was higher than ever and they couldn't afford to make any mistakes. The trouble was that they couldn't agree on a good plan. Most of them put too much risk on individuals. Kalego didn't mind the danger to himself as a lure, but his friends disagreed, and no one wanted Pandora to paint a target on her back. She'd already suffered more than enough in their eyes.
Leaving the four close friends to talk it over, Sullivan had retreated to his office. He needed to update Belial and Levi. They were rather distressed when he'd told them what Victoria had done to Iruma. It opened old wounds. All three greats had been affected by Ai's scheming over the years. Each had lost someone precious or just barely avoided it.
When the trio finally ended their call, Sullivan had promised to update them as soon as a plan was decided. They were glad to offer their help if needed. No one wanted the Victoria clan back in power. They were simply too dangerous.
After a knock on the door and invitation to enter, Nene stood before Sullivan's desk with an almost evil smile. "Saaa-chaaaan", she called in an eerie tone, an intimidating aura dancing around her. He stiffened, tiny beads of sweat on his brow.
"This isn't about your 'compensation', is it?", he asked nervously. He owed her for a lot recently and knew what she likely had in mind. She grinned serenely, putting on an air of calm. "No", she said assuringly. Sullivan let out a held breath of relief. He was safe another day.
"This is about something I observed in Iruma-kun", she stated, gathering Sullivan's attention. Was there something wrong with his treatment? Tense, he swallowed hard in anxiety.
In the blink of an eye, the serene healer was gone and the Nene he knew so well had taken over again. She'd leapt onto the desk and was harshly throttling him by his collar. "Why didn't you tell me he was human?!", she demanded. He tried to apologize, but she was literally shaking the air right out of his lungs.
Finally dropping him back into his chair, she crossed her arms as she huffed in anger. Glancing aside, her cheeks were puffed out as she grumbled in irritation. Sullivan took a minute to catch his breath, glad his office was thoroughly warded to scramble speech to any eavesdroppers.
He sighed as he replaced his glasses. "It's a closely guarded secret", he stated. He flinched when that only seemed to increase her rage. She slapped him hard.
"You senile, old goat!", she snapped. He blinked in surprise, inadvertently touching his red cheek. Even during her tantrums and wicked cycles, she had never spoken to him like that. At closer inspection, she was trembling.
"You sentimental fool! As a healer, my patient's personal information is sacred! I would never betray his identity!...but I could have easily killed him during treatment, thinking he was a demon...Humans aren't built like us. There was no guarantee his body could handle that much magic...It was reckless!...You should have told me."
She blushed faintly at the emotion behind her own words. She was deeply troubled and it hurt that Sullivan hadn't trusted her after everything they'd been through together. "Forgive me", he said sincerely. He wasn't looking her in the eye; He looked down at his folded hands.
"It wasn't that I didn't trust you, Nene-chan... You know exactly how dangerous it is just for him to live here. If word got out - …", he trailed, leaving her to imagine the rest. Sighing, she got down off the furniture.
"I know that, dummy...but it's me. You should have said something. If the surge of mana had imploded his heart, I'd never forgive myself for failing to save someone so precious to you!"
She had tears in her eyes. In the end, she genuinely cared for her old friend. All of her flirting aside, he meant a lot to her and she couldn't bear the thought of wounding his spirit so deeply if she had accidentally killed Iruma.
Sullivan smiled sheepishly. "You're absolutely right. It won't happen again", he said sincerely. Nene seemed to grin in satisfaction. She'd managed to get through to him.
"Now then", she said, painfully pulling on his ears in punishment, "I would like to discuss my compensation." At first, Sullivan's chibi form had fussed at her tugging, but now he was sweating nervously. She wouldn't be so bold as to demand...would she?
She grinned evilly at his tearful, egg-shaped face. "Nene-chan?", he ventured anxiously. Releasing him, she stared, very near to his face. After a brief pause to watch him squirm, she grabbed his collar with a warm kiss. Letting go, she smirked at his pale expression and fluffed mustache. "You've been warned. No more secrets", she winked.
As the door closed behind her, Sullivan collapsed over his desk, exhausted. Comical tears streamed down his face. He knew the risk in calling for her help, but now it was time to pay the piper. Still, he was grateful she had come. Without her, his precious grandson would have undoubtedly died and there was no telling what other casualties Robin could have caused under Victoria's control. He would tell her of Ai's knowledge of Iruma later.
Late that night, it was Persephone's turn to take watch. She had already made her first rounds and now sat to read a little before going around again. A familiar presence caught her attention. Kalego was quietly watching her nearby, having paused on his way to his room.
He looked exhausted; It was pretty clear that Opera had put him through the wringer. She grinned as he came closer. He averted his gaze as she watched him. Sitting at the opposite end of the sofa, he said nothing as he stared into the fireplace, spent.
Turning back to her book, she hid a smile. "You should be sleeping. You need the rest", she chided. He knew she was teasing him, well aware that Opera was only getting started with him. He glanced at her briefly before settling further back into his seat, exhausted. She was one of the few people he allowed to see him in such a state.
"Is it the nightmares again?", she asked. He grinned faintly at her concern. "It's not that", he muttered, used to them from a lifetime of experience. She could tell from his expression that Opera had gotten under his skin again. Turning her attention away from her book, she stared at him as if looking into his mind.
"Then it's everything that's happened lately", she observed. He smirked in response. She knew him well. "Here to talk?", she ventured, but he remained reticent. Feeling her eye burning into him, he met her gaze. She had her arm extended in invitation. "Come here", she said softly. Blushing faintly, he looked away. "No thanks", he muttered.
Her fearsome glare pierced straight into his skull. She was in no mood for his obstinate nature. Far too tired to argue, he gave in, begrudgingly moving closer. Grabbing onto his shoulders, she guided him into a comfortable place, lying beside her with his head on her lap. She grinned at his pink cheeks. "Relax. Everyone is asleep. No one is going to see us", she assured. She knew Opera would be merciless if caught.
Despite himself, Kalego tried to ease into her, but he remained stiff, tense from so much recent drama. He was purposely keeping himself closed off, but the sensation of Persephone's fingers running gently through his hair seemed to do the trick. He finally began to relax. "So stubborn", she teased. A small grin crossed his lips at her taunt, knowing they both were.
"You used to like this before", she said, softly petting him. There was the past again. It was unavoidable, especially in such a vulnerable position. Yet, he didn't argue. Her touch was still soothing after all their time apart. He wanted to keep her away to stay safe, but it seemed like fate had other plans. He stared into the fire as she gently massaged his scalp.
"Persephone." Her fingers froze at her name. "Yes?" Kalego hesitated, searching for the right words. Finally he uttered, "I'm sorry." She knew what he meant, but she wanted to hear it from him directly.
"For what?", she asked carefully, resuming stroking his hair. He smirked to himself. He knew she wouldn't make it that easy. "Everything."
Persephone held an even expression as he sat up. He was right beside her now. Staring, he said, "I shouldn't have chased you away like that...You deserved better."
She blushed as he lifted her hand and gently kissed the back of her fingers in apology. He really meant it, but were they ready to try again? Shying her gaze, she coyly uttered, "Everyone makes mistakes." Slowly meeting his eyes, her heart skipped a beat at his expression. He was staring with intent. "Kalego-kun?"
He smiled softly as he carefully reached out, touching her face. He was being so gentle. "Per-chan", he grinned teasingly. She chuckled at the nickname that only her master ever used. "You don't have to call me that", she grinned. That smile seemed to widen his own.
"Does this mean?...", she ventured coyly. Searching her expression, he held her stare. "Is that what you want?", he asked in reply. Persephone hesitated. She did still love him, but she wasn't sure if their lives would mesh so easily this time. She had responsibilities to the war now, but she hoped she could stay at least a little longer before returning to duty.
Taking a serious, near painful tone, she inquired, "What is it you want, Kalego-kun?". He'd thought a lot about that ever since she strolled back into his life. Watching Shichiro and Pandora get a second chance started to make him think that, just maybe, even he deserved a chance, too.
He sighed lightly as he glanced away. "Can you ever forgive me?", he uttered darkly. The sadness in his tone nearly broke her heart. Turning his face in her hands, she smiled affectionately. "I already have", she stated sincerely. This time it was his heart to flutter. The way she smiled just then felt like she'd somehow erased a few days' stress.
Pulling him in, they shared a long kiss. When their lips parted, both seemed eager for more, but they had responsibilities at the moment. The house could not go unguarded.
Sharing a coy smile, they lingered close, Persephone gratefully resting her head into his shoulder as he gently held her. It felt good to finally be in his arms again, but would it work out this time? Sensing her distress, he pulled her a little closer in assurance. They would take it one day at a time.
The following morning, Balam patiently waited through the morning routines to see Pandora in private. Opera led her through her exercises before breakfast and the mood at the table seemed almost hopeful.
She had greeted him with a kiss to his cheek as she sat beside him, something he held dear despite the prying eyes around them. Yet now, it was time for just the two of them. He looked forward to it every day. Knowing he had night watch that day and wouldn't be able to tuck her in, he was eager to spend the afternoon together.
Balam politely knocked on Pandora's door. Getting no answer, he tried a little louder. Finally, she called, "Come in!". Stepping inside, he stared in awe. Pastels and drying watercolors were pinned on every surface on the walls that she could reach. She was currently standing on her desk to reach a higher place. She smiled warmly as he approached.
"Pan-chan, what is all of this?", he asked, taking it all in. She grinned proudly as she pinned her most recent work to dry. "Isn't it obvious? I'm practicing", she beamed.
Carefully helping her down by her waist, Shichiro was amazed by the sheer amount of art she had managed to produce. "I asked senpai for supplies after therapy this morning. I wanted to refresh my skill set", she said with a shy grin.
Shichiro blushed in realization. When they were still in school, they would sometimes make picture books together. The nostalgia was overwhelming. Seeing his eyes mist over, she smiled as she took off his mask. Below it was a warm smile with pink cheeks.
Wiping a stray tear from his eye, she said, "Don't cry. You'll make me start." Setting his mask on her desk, she smiled to herself as she looked at her work. "I know I'm out of practice, but I thought it would be fun to draw with you again", she stated shyly.
Feeling his arms wrap around her from behind, she settled her back against him, enjoying the gentle embrace. Something so simple had really gotten to him and he adored the amount of thought she had poured into the idea. Happily nuzzling into her ear, he was so glad to have her back. Those painful years apart were starting to melt away.
Pandora giggled in amusement as they fell backward onto her bed. Shichiro's touch addiction was kicking in again. He snuggled her close and playfully mussing her hair, grateful to be in her thoughts. They had landed with an ungraceful flop, but neither cared.
"Pan-chan", he said softly. Rolling over, she smiled happily as she met his gaze. She was so small perched there upon his chest. Tucking her hair behind her ear, he clearly had something on his mind. "You're really amazing", he said with a sincere grin.
She blushed in response. She didn't feel so incredible. She had only thought of spending time with the one closest to her heart. That wasn't so unusual, was it? Still, the way he smiled turned her to putty in his hands.
Trying to think of something to say to break up the intense stare they were suddenly sharing, she averted her pink face and said, "I'm nowhere good enough to be in any of your published work yet, but it'll still be fun."
Anxiously glancing back, he was serenely grinning at her, glad to be in physical contact. His shy nature was at war with his growing desire to show her just how much she meant to him. She could practically see his battling thoughts reflected in his eyes. He was getting bolder. It was only a matter of time before such thoughts would become actions.
Internally screaming, Pandora smiled back politely. She was panicking inside. She needed to have a talk with Persephone soon. Her cousin was apparently right about some things they had discussed about men in private...but this was Shichiro - the gentlest, kindest demon she'd known and loved for years. For him, she would gladly fight her anxiety, but as shy as they both were, there was really no telling how slow or fast things would progress.
The duo ended up drawing, reading, and snuggling over the next few hours. Eventually, Balam's thoughts turned back to the darkness waiting just outside of the barrier. "Pan-chan?" She glanced over in question. Hesitant, he tried to think about how to phrase his question. Seeing him so tense, she ventured a guess.
"This is about Victoria, isn't it?", she asked carefully. Unable to meet her gaze, he solemnly nodded. Fighting off a sigh, Pandora cuddled up close. They couldn't avoid this conversation forever. They were sitting in the noontime sun by her window, looking out into the distance. The barrier shimmered beautifully in the sunlight, a reminder they were safe.
"Whatever it is, just ask. I won't hide anything from you", she said softly. Cradling her against his chest, he nuzzled into her hair. Until now, he could only imagine the horrors she'd lived through, but now he would know for sure. She knew the story she was about to share would both hurt and anger him, but she would be honest, knowing Shichiro would relay any vital information, relating to Ai's whereabouts, to Kalego so she wouldn't have to relive it again.
After a deep breath, he gently placed his hand on her head, holding her near with the other. "Tell me everything." He would regret those words later on. Listening closely to every word, he absorbed her haunting past.
She told him about how she'd been chained by the neck, without treatment for her wounds, as soon as Victoria got her back to her hidden mansion. The clan's home had mysteriously vanished soon after Ai's father went missing. The site it had been standing was completely empty.
She told him through painful tears how Victoria had affected her mind, casting dark visions, for years, of her friends' demise over and over until they became so vivid that it finally broke her spirit. She talked about her escape attempts in the early years and the harsh punishments that followed, as well as how Victoria regularly drained her blood, keeping her weak.
She explained how she had been made a slave and the focus of ridicule during Victoria's wild parties and how she'd barely gotten enough food to survive. Even when Victoria was in prison, on and off, her loyal servants would remind Pandora how worthless she was. They would go days without even giving her water.
Between Ai and her compatriots, Pandora had been routinely beaten and psychiatrically abused. She stopped crying after a few months which only prompted Ai to try more bizarre and horrific things. They worked at first, but one torment at a time, Pandora shut down, letting her curses make her the soulless puppet Victoria wanted.
She would occasionally hear Victoria crow of her achievements and boast about her recent endeavors against Kalego. She learned not to visually respond, but inside she still mourned for her friend's innocence.
It wasn't until Ai's last escape from the authorities that anything really changed. One of the thirteen crowns came and held hushed talks of Babylus, a man in green appeared, the current object of Victoria's torture, then the names she always listened carefully for fell from Ai's lips - Kalego and Balam.
Knowing how precious Pandora was to them, Victoria carefully planned to use her as a bargaining chip. She was no longer fun to play with anyway. Pandora hadn't cried or even reacted in years.
Before their fated meeting and her rescue, Pandora's curses had been reinforced. She couldn't remember anything after Victoria had sadistically smiled as she placed her hand over her eyes. The curse marks held within burned as if being seared into her flesh anew. In intense pain, she had blacked out.
Her next memory was waking up at the infirmary. Nene and others worked over her with serious expressions, unsure of just how far gone she was. She exchanged a few words with Sullivan and Opera after realizing who they were. She was so relieved to see a friendly face.
"When they told me you and Kalego had rescued me, I was so happy", she said, tears in her eyes with a sad smile. "I went under again and it was hazy, but I held onto that hope, that all of it was real...When Kalego-kun came to see me, I cried so hard...but they were happy tears. Then when he said you were just outside my door - …"
She trailed her words, trying to think of how she could possibly convey how much it meant. Shaken by her tale and warmed by her feelings, Shichiro held her tightly, letting her know she didn't have to say anything more.
He was trying to be strong for her, but his cheeks were just as damp as hers. He could perfectly picture every horrible thing Victoria and her lackeys had done to his beloved. Now he could finally share in her pain.
Overcome with empathy, he made sure she knew she'd never be alone again. He promised her exactly that as she slowly calmed down in his embrace. A long, passionate kiss followed, reaffirming their bond.
A warmth overtook the room as they cuddled close. It was late afternoon by then. The time had flown by, lost in the darkened past. Both had finally calmed. As they stared out into the sky, Pandora blushed faintly at her thoughts. Seeing the sneaky smile on her lips, Shichiro asked what she was thinking about.
Her grin widened when caught, but she was happy to share. "The future", she smiled. She had sat up to look Balam in the eye. "I'm so grateful for all of you. It's so surreal to be back at your side", she said sincerely. Mirroring her coy expression, Shichiro agreed.
After a moment, Pandora looked back out to the sky. "Everyone is so kind. Lord Sullivan and senpai, you and Kalego-kun, even Nene-sama and Persephone...Iruma-kun is really something special, too...I hope we have kids like him some day."
She blushed as the last sentiment left her lips. She hadn't meant to say that part out loud. Seeing Shichiro freeze, she readied herself to explain that she had gotten carried away in the moment. Coyly looking over, she was surprised to see a shy, but genuine smile on his red face. "I'd like that."
To be continued...