Mairimashita! Iruma-kun: Shadows of the Past, part 37
Late that afternoon, Kalego returned to his chambers. Persephone met his exhausted look with an amused grin. His head was thoroughly wrapped in bandages, so much so it was comical to see. Stifling a snicker, she ventured, "My medic got carried away again?". Pandora's worried eyes softened at the revelation, glad he wasn't seriously hurt.
Pulling loose the prolific gauze, all he really needed was the small bandage underneath, across his cheek. "I had to catch one of the brats in aerial training. Their wing spur got me", he explained.
Pandora grinned at his words. "I'm glad you were there to help them. Someone could have broken a wing or worse", she ventured in genuine concern. Persephone and Kalego exchanged a worried look at her words. She sounded truly relieved that no one was badly hurt. She wasn't mourning the loss of her own wings at all, simply concerned for the young demons' wellbeing.
Thinking up an excuse to be alone, Kalego smirked as he teased, "Shichiro's been moping since training ended. I've stolen you away for two whole days." His taunt was a clear diversion, but she accepted it, knowing her friends had things to discuss in private.
"I'd better go cheer him up then. Persephone, don't start moving around again yet until Nene-sama says you can. We don't want any remaining curse to spread faster with an increased heart rate", she chided. Her cousin nodded in agreement as she left.
Once the door closed behind her, Persephone grinned at Kalego's gentle expression. He'd truly been worried for her. "I'm fine", she promised, taking his hand. He stared at her fingers momentarily before lifting and kissing them softly, prompting an amused blush. "If all I have to do is sleep in to get your attention, I can arrange it", she teased. He smirked at her taunt. "Very funny", he said flatly.
Meeting his gaze, she could easily see how relieved he really was. Both knew Ai's curses were nothing to take lightly. "I'm sorry if I scared you", she uttered sincerely. His soft smile seemed to forgive her, but he was being unusually quiet as it faded with dark thoughts.
"You were out cold. I even shook you… I guess now we're even", he ceded, recalling how his unresponsiveness during his recent nightmares had jarred her. She grinned affectionately as she stroked his taught face. After pulling him in for a small, grateful kiss, she explained what happened.
"Kalego-kun, that serpent became part of me. I slipped into nightmares of my own, but with my bloodline magic, I focused on what you had told me and rewrote them into yours. I looked over every detail as carefully as I could", she stated.
He tensed, recalling the intensity of those visions. Yet he hadn't expected her to do that. Obviously, she saw his raw emotions deep within the dreamscape. Embarrassing as it was, it was useless to refute them. Still, "rewrite" was truly a powerful ability.
"What did you see?", he asked carefully. "Everything you told me… I was looking for a clue of how to stop it, but there was nothing. I kept replaying everything over and over in my mind. There was no loophole in those visions, but I think I found an answer as to how to prevent my death", she replied.
He was grateful for her choice of words. She could have easily said, "How to stop you from killing me", but she didn't. It was clear as day that Victoria had evil plans for them. Thus Persephone had experienced Kalego's nightmares for herself and seen the pain in his soul for each. She knew exactly how sensitive the subject was.
Squeezing her hand in thanks, he carefully kissed her fingers once more. She was a little surprised by the sudden affection. "Kalego?", she called. His expression had grown dark again. Slowly meeting her gaze, he said, "If you really did find an answer, I'm glad, but don't tell me what it is. We still don't know if Victoria is listening through me."
Her eye softened in sympathy for his self doubt. "Have some faith in yourself. I do", she grinned. He smiled faintly at her affirmation, pleased she wasn't simply dismissing his concern. She understood his mind well. There was no use arguing with his insecurities, but a little affirmation was appreciated.
She nodded reluctantly in agreement. "If you insist, I won't tell you my plan", she offered. He grinned in relief, but faltered at her sad expression. "Just promise not to hold it against me later, okay?". Her words conjured several questions, but they had reached an agreement.
After that, she showed him her leg. It looked a lot better. It was still a little swollen, but she had successfully purged the dark mana from her body. It was likely that the minor curse had simply run its course, but if not, her growing skills were impressive.
Reaching up, she then easily sealed over the cut on his face; It wasn't terribly deep. He told her about the impromptu rescue. The top claw upon Kerori's wing had gotten him as he caught her in mid plummet, but he managed to keep her from crashing. She twisted a wing, but nothing was torn. There would be no permanent damage thanks to him. Besides, Nene was undoubtedly already treating her.
Persephone listened to his tales of the day's training, then they discussed what Dali had to say. She stiffened at several parts, but held her tongue. When the recap ended, she carefully asked, "What do you think, Kalego-kun?". She wanted his opinion on the suspects.
He hesitated as he chose his words. He sighed, giving in to his thoughts. "I think Vincente is a fool...but he brought you back to safety immediately and I can't deny that." She grinned at his statement, knowing the two of them would never get along, and appreciating his candor.
"As for my students, all I can do is watch and wait, though I'm fairly certain senpai is right. Our mole is likely on his side of things, but we still don't have any idea of who it could be."
Dismissing his thoughts as he looked at her, he was both grateful and impressed with her speedy recovery. "How did you purge that curse?", he asked carefully. She smirked, saying, "I have my ways." The unamused look on his face was humorous, but she'd had her fun.
"I told you that I've learned a lot from Mum. I may not yet be able to purge a curse from someone else, but I am the master of my own body given enough mana", she explained before changing the subject.
Taking on a very specific look in her eye, she smiled softly at him. "You look tense. Maybe I can help purge a little darkness from you, too?", she offered. He grinned at her meaning. "I thought we were avoiding raising your heart rate", he chided. She grinned mischievously. "I won't tell if you won't", she teased. Amused, he entertained the thought. "Perhaps."
Meanwhile, Ameri was patrolling alone outside. Her father had given her strict instructions to call him right away if she saw anything. Reluctantly, he also told her part of the truth - that Victoria Ai was a real criminal and this training camp was a way to protect the abnormal class while preparing them to face her.
Still, he had left out many pieces of the puzzle and that troubled her. She felt there was no need for her father to keep any secrets from her, but surely he had a good reason, right?
She had been warned not to listen to anything Victoria said if contacted. She understood not trusting a criminal, but she also worried about Iruma. If he really was a human, then he was in grave danger. Still, she knew that the gathered adults would protect all of the misfits and she was determined to fulfill her role as security. She would keep Iruma and those dear to him safe.
Halfway passed the side of the mansion, Ameri felt an odd presence. The ambient shadows didn't look right and a strange perfume wafted on the breeze. As she turned to face the intruding presence, it vanished, reappearing directly behind her.
Somewhere else on Sullivan's estate, Purson Soi inexplicably stared in that direction from inside the mansion. Distracted from his friends, something eerily familiar was nagging at his subconscious.
Back outside, Victoria grinned as she casually took Ameri's phone from her hand. "Don't be so hasty. We need to have a chat, Red", she said. Easily dodging Ameri's reactive attack, she smirked in amusement. "Feisty, just like your father", she taunted.
Ameri glared in defiance. "You know my father?", she asked carefully. It was expected in a way. Henri was in charge of the border patrol, the police chief, and one of the thirteen crowns. Undoubtedly, he had some knowledge or experience with Victoria.
Ai chuckled darkly as she tossed the phone aside. "You poor, deluded child. He really hasn't told you anything, has he?", she teased. Ameri grit her teeth, knowing she was being reeled in, but burning with questions just the same.
"He told me not to trust you", she retorted, keeping a defensive physical stance. She was ready to fight if needed. Victoria smirked in amusement.
"Oh really? Is it because I'm a liar? So is he...and I'll tell you everything he never has." Ameri narrowed her gaze in question. Could she be so easily deceived or was this villain speaking the truth? Seeing her thoughts flicker through the girl's eyes, Ai smiled evilly.
"Don't believe me? Ask him yourself. He knows that would-be boyfriend of yours has a secret. Iruma is a mere human. Why do you think your dear daddy is so weary of you spending time together?"
Ameri shivered. Not only had her suspicions about Iruma just been confirmed, but her father knew and hadn't told her? Even worse, somehow Victoria knew about her interest in him. Just who was this demon and what did she want?
"Listen, Azazel-chan, I'm not all bad. I'm in the business of making deals, you see… I have a current deal that I would like to cancel as it no longer suits me… One of my investors knows Iruma's secret, too. He's planning to eat him."
Ameri's eyes widened in horror. She couldn't let that happen. "Why are you telling me this?!", she yelled, concerned and angry. Ai only blushed sadistically at her outburst, reveling in her panic.
"I no longer need that investor and you want Iruma to live. Help me get inside the mansion tonight and I'll guarantee his safety", offered Victoria. Ameri scowled at the offer. "And what of the others?", she inquired, already knowing the answer.
Ai smiled at her disgusted expression. "The rest of the abnormal class is none of your concern. Every war has casualties, dear girl", she said evenly.
Having kept her distracted long enough, Ameri pulled the whistle from her pocket and blew it loudly, alerting the rest of the security team that there was trouble. Victoria's grin fell in annoyance. "Poor choice. Now that boy's blood will be on your hands."
Henri quickly arrived on the scene, guarding his daughter with his body. Ai chuckled at the piercing hatred in his eyes.
"Henri-kun, it's been a while. I have to say, I'm genuinely disappointed in you. You never told your daughter what really happened to her mother, did you?", she asked calmly.
Ameri could see his entire body stiffen in response. "What did you tell her?", he asked darkly. His tone bordered on rage. Ameri was getting anxious. What was he hiding?
"My mother?", uttered Ameri, shaken. Believing in her father, she steeled her nerves. "My mother died in childbirth", she stated with determination. In front of her, Henri glanced back sadly, though she didn't see.
Victoria laughed loudly in response. "Oh, Henri, that's the best you could come up with?!... Dear child, you didn't kill your mommy. I did." She smiled wickedly as Ameri slid to the dirt in shock. Could it possibly be true?
Henri clenched his jaw as he glared at his old adversary. Despite wanting to comfort his daughter, he knew better than to take his eyes off of Ai.
"Ameri, she's lying. She's just trying to turn you against me... You're an Azazel; Stand strong with your truths and ambitions. Together, we can stop her!", he said, fervently speaking across his shoulder.
Ameri wasn't sure who to believe. She knew her father loved her. He'd raised her alone and doted on her every need her entire life. If he had lied to her, surely it was to protect her, but why choose her mother? Was it because he knew she was strong enough not to blame herself for her death or was it simply the easiest cover story?
"You killed her?", she asked stiffly. Her voice teetered between anger and pain as she stared into the dirt. Victoria smirked smugly. "I did. She was truly pathetic. You, however, have potential. Think about my offer. I'll be in touch", she said.
She vanished in a puff of air as Opera delivered a blow where she had been standing. Their fist left a small crater in the ground where they landed. They were clearly annoyed they had missed.
Breathing out in a mix of relief and irritation, Henri turned to tend to his shattered daughter. Kneeling in front of her, he hugged her near. "You know she was only trying to get under your skin. Whatever she offered you, forget it. You can't trust anything she says."
He was going to ask if she was okay next, but her own words interrupted him. "Can I even trust you, father?" His eyes quivered at her grim tone. She wasn't returning his embrace, simply sitting there as if broken.
"Is that really how mom died? Cut down by a common criminal?...You always said she gave up her strength for me... Was it all a lie all these years?"
"Ameri…" He reached toward her to tilt her face up and look into her eyes, but she swatted away his hand. She couldn't bear to look at him until she knew the truth. "Answer me!", she yelled.
Opera silently watched them, knowing it wasn't their place to intervene in a family matter.
Henri sighed heavily, finally drawing Ameri's gaze. She looked so desperate for answers. Unable to take the look in her pleading eyes, he grimly averted his. His tone was low and full of emotion as he explained.
"Your mother did die when you were born, but not from complications from your birth…", he trailed. "What?", uttered Ameri, breathless. Tightly clenching his eyes, Henri relived the painful memories.
"Victoria heard I was having a child and she was still angry with me from meddling in her affairs before. I had arrested her a few years prior… She came for you, knowing it would destroy me if she took you away… I don't know if she planned on kidnapping or killing you that day, but your mother didn't allow it… She died protecting you from that monster… I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough to tell you the truth."
Utter silence took over as the breeze blew between them. Ameri stared at her father, both with tears in their eyes. Grateful for the truth, she gave in with a tight embrace. Crying into his shoulder, she said, "I forgive you."
Opera grinned faintly as they affirmed their familiar bonds. It was a touching scene, one they would usually keep to themself for posterity, but this snag in history needed to be made known to Sullivan, at least. Whether or not the chair demon would tell Kalego remained to be seen. It was unlikely that Azazel was the mole, but if he was before, he was free now.
A little later, Ameri was still outside, lost to her thoughts. Henri watched her from a distance as the person he requested approached.
"Azazel-san? Is everything okay?", asked Iruma. Opera had come to find him and whispered to him away from his friends. Ameri apparently needed his help. Looking at her, he could see how fragile she looked as she sat in the dirt, leaning upon her knees.
Henri sighed, knowing he'd made the right choice, even if he didn't like it. "I'm asking you to go talk to her. Make sure she's okay", he uttered. Iruma glanced up at him in question. Apparently he had missed something, but he was happy to cheer up a friend in need. He nodded resolutely as he headed off.
He got about two steps away before an ominous presence grasped his shoulder in warning. "Only talk", said Henri darkly. His aura danced wickedly in intimidation. "Y-yes, sir!", replied Iruma nervously.
A moment later, the police chief stepped out of sight, but Iruma knew he was keenly watching his every move. Ignoring his anxiety, he approached the crestfallen president.
"Ameri-san, are you all right?", he ventured, concerned. She looked up with moist eyes. If it were anyone else, she would have acted fine, but for some reason, she knew she didn't have to do that for Iruma.
He sat beside her as her tears began to spill over. Hugging him, she let her emotions flow. Iruma froze, not sure if it was okay to return her embrace under her father's keen glare. Still, she needed it, so he did.
He let her cry for a few minutes without a word. When she finally sat up and wiped her face, he offered a supportive smile. "Better?", he asked. She blushed at his care and her own embarrassment. Sniffling, she nodded as she dried her tears.
He grinned in genuine relief. "I'm glad. I know I wasn't much help, but you can call on me any time for something like this, okay?"
Touched by his kindness yet again, she nodded in thanks. Patting her head affectionately, he said, "Don't worry. I won't tell anyone." He knew her persona as the iron willed student council president could not be seen or known to cry.
Taking a brief moment to calm down, she coyly muttered, "You better not", with a playful punch to his arm. He tried to maintain a smile for her, but it really did hurt. Sometimes he forgot just how strong she was.
Nervously laughing, he cheered her up with stories of training failures from the day. Some were about him and others about their friends. Either way, Ameri finally laughed, too. Nearby, Henri grinned in gratitude. He owed Iruma now.
As evening settled in, Pandora smiled to see her cousin up and about again. She looked so much better, completely back to normal. Adding to her pleasant surprise, Persephone had a gift. The box was tied shut with a fancy ribbon from the ladies' department store. As Persephone handed it over, she hid a sneaky grin.
"You didn't have to get me anything! You really are too sweet sometimes", smiled Pandora, hugging her in gratitude. "We need to rebuild your wardrobe, but I'll take you shopping for that later. For now, I just got you some new sleepwear", said Persephone.
Pandora grinned excitedly. She loved pajamas, so cozy and comfortable. Setting the box upon her dresser, she happily opened it. A soft nightgown was the first item, adorable and invitingly cuddly. She loved it. Seeing what laid underneath it, though, froze her stiff.
Blushing deeply, she looked to her cousin in question. "Persephone, we talked about this", she uttered nervously. Her cousin grinned proudly despite her anxiety. "We did, but every girl needs a secret weapon. You know, just in case you change your mind", she winked.
Pandora anxiously held the lingerie against her torso in thought. It looked like a perfect fit, but she wasn't sure about the cut. She was generally more modest than that.
It wasn't as adventurous as what Persephone might pick for herself. It was a bit more demure. Pandora experimentally felt the texture. It was certainly interesting and would definitely invite curious fingers.
"Relax, Pan-chan. Save it until you're ready and don't worry about the straps. Men love straps." Pandora blushed as she thought about that. Was it really true? Deepening her hue, she carefully placed the items back into their box before hiding it in a drawer. She really didn't want Shichiro to find it before it's debut.
Smiling politely, she swallowed her nerves. "Thank you for the gift, but please don't do anything like this again", she uttered. Persephone grinned at her shyness. "You're welcome, dear, but thank me after you've tried it out."
She chuckled at her innocent cousin's pink face. Gathering herself, she said, "I won't mention it again if it makes you feel better, but never discount what the right amount of strategically placed lace can do to a guy."
Having gotten the last of her humor out, they turned the topic to her wounded leg. The bite mark from the shadow snake was barely visible now. It had healed remarkably fast, thanks to Persephone's magic. Even the cursed mana had been completely purged. Pandora was genuinely relieved for that as well as impressed at how far Persephone's magic had come over the years.
"Persephone?... Do you think I could learn healing magic?", she asked meekly. Her cousin was mildly surprised, but happy. "It would suit you, but I thought you wanted to teach music?", ventured Persephone. Pandora blushed faintly as she smiled to herself.
"No one said I couldn't do both", she grinned. "Honestly, I'd love to be closer to Kalego-kun and Shichiro professionally and I've always loved playing music almost as much as I love them, but learning some basic healing isn't a bad idea. You never know when I might need it."
Persephone smiled subtly. Her long lost cousin had grown up without her. Still, she was eternally grateful to their friends for rescuing her from Victoria. Persephone had been alone for so long. It felt really good to have her little sister figure back in her life and she was eager to seek retribution against the offending kidnapper.
"I can show you how to get started, but I really think you'd be better off letting Mum teach you. I'm going to be tied up with the abnormal class and, let's face it, Mum is way more patient than I am", she replied.
Pandora stifled a chuckle. Her cousin was right about the last part. "Do you really think Nene-sama would take the time aside just for me?", she inquired. Persephone sent her a reassuring grin.
"I don't see why not. She isn't going to be able to purge any more curses safely for a while and all she's really doing in the meantime is following Lord Sullivan around... I have a feeling he would appreciate the break from her undivided attention", she smirked.
The two talked for a while longer about the possibility of personal training from the great Purifier and the interesting relationship she shared with the chair demon. The duo were clearly old friends, having known each other and even worked together for a very long time.
Pandora wasn't entirely sure that Nene's flirting was all in good fun, but she could always ask for herself if Nene agreed to take her on as a student. She looked forward to getting to know her better.
The darkness of night fell over the estate as Sullivan got a frantic call from the Babylus team. Robin was near hysterics, so much so, that the principal could barely understand a word he was saying. What became clear was that there had been an attack and someone was hurt...badly.
Kalego, Persephone, and Valiant immediately departed via portal in response. It had been briefly argued that Nene should go instead, but Persephone swore she was fine. The only evidence of her previous attack was a mild limp and Nene was dangerously close to blackening her wings in totality. In the hurry to leave, it had been agreed that Vincente would return to collect the master healer if needed.
Once the trio arrived at Babylus, Robin tearfully grabbed onto Kalego's clothing, both relieved and desperate. "We have to hurry!", he pleaded. Thankfully, Valiant had portaled them into the school just outside of the infirmary. The group quickly made their way inside where Bachiko was keenly guarding a room. Phis-sensei, the school nurse, was working hard inside.
As Persephone entered to see the damage, she was shocked by both the patient and the amount of blood. Phis looked relieved to see her. "Thank goodness you're here." They looked exhausted. Persephone immediately jumped into her work. There was no time to lose.
Robin watched worriedly from the door. He knew if anyone could save Suzie-sensei in her current state, it would be Persephone or Nene. After all, they brought Bachiko and himself back from the brink and even saved Iruma-kun's arm. They were her only hope.
A dark look of concern overtook Kalego's face as he grimly turned away. Closing the door to leave the healers to their vital work, he took a deep breath as he tried to collect his thoughts.
"Is it really Stolas-san? Do you want me to update the chair demon?", asked Vincente, trying to help. The look he got from Kalego told him to stop talking. Kalego then turned his stern eyes toward his kouhai. "What happened?", he asked grimly.
Robin stared at Bachiko in hopes she would explain. "Dali-sensei found her in the doorway to the ingredient vault. Apparently she found our traitor raiding it and tried to stop them", she explained.
Kalego crossed his arms as he thought. Who could possibly want to hurt Suzie that badly? She didn't have any enemies that he could think of and that meant her attacker was likely either surprised or desperate.
"Where is senpai now?", he asked darkly. Bachiko averted her gaze, annoyed. "Questioning the only suspect", she grumbled. Kalego looked at Robin for answers. The young teacher looked badly shaken.
"I can't believe Marbas-sensei could do something like that", he uttered meekly. "Marbas?", repeated Kalego in disbelief. "Tch, yeah, the torture arts guy. Sure he looks harmless, but he definitely had the knowledge of how to masterfully use all the stuff we removed from Stolas. They were all instruments commonly used in his class", grumbled Bachiko.
"He doesn't have an alibi and had blood all over him", said Robin sadly. He really couldn't believe it. Oddly, neither could Kalego. Something wasn't adding up. His only options were to speak with Dali and Marbas directly or wait for Suzie to wake up and name her attacker. There was no way of knowing when that might happen.
"Vincente, stay here with Barbatos. We need you mobile in case Lady Nene's advanced skills are required. Bars, you're with me. We're going to talk to Marbas", he instructed.
Valiant nodded, accepting his orders. He may not often agree with Kalego, but he had to respect him as Sullivan's appointed leader of the task force. Besides, if he needed to retrieve Nene with his portals, there would be no time to lose. Bachiko didn't look too keen to be stuck with him either, but she was in the same boat. She had a job to do.
As Kalego and Robin headed for the door, a piercing screech and blinding light emanated from Suzie's room behind them. Robin looked back in confusion, but Kakego knew exactly what it meant. Whoever had attacked Suzie had succeeded in killing her. Persephone's phoenix was the only thing with the power to bring her back. Thankfully, it had recharged after it's previous summoning with Iruma.
The other three gathered demons glanced at Kalego in question. He suddenly didn't look so good and whatever was happening with Suzie was intimately involved. His aura was even darker than usual.
"Barbatos, do not enter that room unless requested. Persephone needs to concentrate. Vincente, stay alert. We may need Nene after all", he instructed. His tone left no room for argument.
"Senpai, what was that noise? And that flash? Should we be worried?", asked Robin, clearly concerned. Kalego grit his teeth, but not in annoyance with kouhai for once.
"Come on. We need answers", he said. With that, he hurriedly stalked out into the hall. He had questions for both Dali and Marbas.
Thanks to Persephone's familiar, Suzie would be alright, but someone still had to answer for their crimes. Her attacker would not go unpunished.
to be continued...