Mairimashita! Iruma-kun: Shadows of the Past, part 43
Early the next morning, Bachiko and Robin personally accompanied Dali to Sullivan's estate, leaving Phis and Orias behind to watch over Suzie in the meantime. Despite learning his reasons for working with Victoria, Bachiko still didn't trust the fallen teacher.
It was a relatively quick flight. Once they landed, she sent Dali a warning glare. He was about to reveal his role in everything. There was no doubt that Sullivan was well aware of Sage's existence, but it would likely be kept from the misfits. That aside, she was eager to check on her best student, knowing that Iruma would be participating in taking their allies back. It was a foolish endeavor at his current rank, but she was proud. Human or not, she wouldn't have it any other way.
The abnormal class was glad to see the group. Any allies against Ai would be a valuable asset. Robin cheerfully greeted them all while Bachiko stuck close to Dali. He wasn't bound for the sake of the misfits, so she made sure she was keenly aware of his every movement. If he tried anything, she wouldn't hesitate to take him down.
Sullivan greeted them as he would any other guests, though he knew the reason for their visit. Behind him, Opera and Henri watched Dali closely. Inviting them all to his office, the chair demon kept up appearances until the door was firmly closed and guarded. Robin and Pandora kept the teens busy while Bachiko attended to her ward.
Inside, Balam and Persephone were already waiting. The air was tense and Dali didn't blame them for their dark expressions. Both were deeply shaken, but Balam looked more disappointed and hurt while Persephone appeared ready to tear him apart in revenge. She never moved a single, tense muscle as he silently stepped between them.
"Bachiko-chan, I have already read your report and discussed it with the others. Dali-kun, do you have anything to add in your defense?", said Sullivan, watching him carefully. All eyes turned to the demon in question. He met their accusing stares evenly, knowing he was in no position to bargain.
"I don't expect you to believe me, but I truly am sorry. I'm just a desperate fool... I tried to warn Kalego...I really did... He should have suspected me. I ask for no mercy."
"Anything else?", asked Azazel. "No...Only that I did it to save my little girl. I know that's no excuse... I'm ready to accept any punishment, Lord Sullivan", he uttered, acknowledging his guilt. Azazel stared at him uncomfortably. If Victoria had taken Ameri, what would he have done to get her back?
The others had been told that Dali had a daughter and that Ai had kidnapped her as leverage, but the girl's heritage had been kept quiet...until now.
Nene spoke up with mixed emotions. "There has never before been a child born between a demon and an angel. Her genetic structure must be very strained... Why didn't you come to us for help? That girl cannot survive here on her own." She was severely saddened by Dali's role in this mess, but was also clearly concerned for the child's welfare. She was a high ranking demon of the front lines, yet at heart, she was still a mom.
Balam maintained his silence, simply observing. The girl's mixed parentage wasn't entirely unexpected on his part. He had an inkling as he thought about the angel blood in Victoria's poison. No doubt it came from the mother, also desperate to save the child. Though he was overflowing with questions for his research, that would simply have to wait. Saving Kalego and Valiant took priority.
Azazel scowled mildly nearby. He didn't like such a dangerous secret being in the relative open. The three races had separated thousands of years ago, each to their own world for safety, peace, and balance. While rumors of humans persisted among demonkind as folktales, no one ever really mentioned angels outside of advanced medical and theoretical study. They had essentially been erased from history. Very few were privy to the knowledge of their existence at all.
Being one of the thirteen crowns alone was not enough to grant such permission. Even the border patrol was ignorant for the most part and, while it was possible for high ranking demons to illegally visit the human world, there was simply no way to contact an angel without help from the middle realm that separated the realms. However Dali had come across an angel at all meant that he had a human connection somewhere along the line.
Sullivan stared at him in thought. Dali openly wore his guilt as he spoke. "I'm not so naive as to beg for your forgiveness...I admit that I panicked. As Lady Nene said, it is very dangerous for Sage-chan to be here at all. I'm not certain how Ai got ahold of her, but I'll do anything to get her back safely...I just hope Kalego and Vincente aren't suffering too extremely because of me... Chair demon, Lamya-san, when this is over, I have a favor to ask. I know I don't deserve your sympathy, but once my daughter is safely returned to her mother, please erase my memories of her; All of them….I can't be trusted not to make this mistake again."
Bachiko glanced over in mild shock as Persephone visibly tensed. Dali knew she didn't like using 'rewrite' for such purposes, and she really had no desire to help him knowing that Kalego may very well die because of his cooperation, but she also knew she wasn't innocent either.
"Are you certain that's for the best?", she asked stiffly. She still couldn't bring herself to look at Dali, but she understood he was trying to prevent further disaster. He stared at her pleadingly with moist eyes. The thought of losing his little girl was almost too much to bear, but if it meant her happiness safely in another world, he would gladly make that trade for his memories.
Henri shifted uneasily with a dark look. "I understand where you're coming from, but is that fair to her? That child will forever wonder what she did wrong to drive you away. Is that what you want?"
Dali stood near breathless. He'd considered that, but hearing it out loud was stifling to his heart. Sage had done nothing wrong. Burdening her with such guilt truly was unfair.
Nene sighed, torn by the prospect. "Even if we erase both of your memories, the fact that she is half demon will remain. If she's unaware of that, her health could easily suffer later on...She's unwell already, isn't she?", she asked.
Dali nodded briefly with a somber expression. Demons and angels were fundamentally detrimental to one another. Each race's blood could harm the other. As a result, Sage was rather small and frail. She appeared to be merely two or three years old when she was actually six and there was no telling how her body would change or even fail in the future. She would undoubtedly need resources from both worlds just to stay alive.
"Nene-sama is right. As likely as it is that your relationship may cause trouble again in the future, you must accept your role as her father to take care of her, even if it means doing so her entire life. Anything less is simply unacceptable", said Henri sternly. He knew his duties, but nearly losing Ameri had taken its toll on him. He would ensure that Dali was properly punished for his crimes, but Sage was innocent. She would need him.
Everyone looked to Sullivan for his judgement. He held his hands crossed neatly in front of himself as he leaned on his desk. His sharp eyes were staring straight into Dali's soul.
"Dali...Your transgressions simply cannot be ignored. If Kalego-kun or Vincente-kun die, you will be held just as responsible as Victoria. Do you understand?", he said in a warning tone. Dali lowered himself to one knee, awaiting his punishment. "Yes, Lord Sullivan. I would accept nothing less."
"That being said - your help in recovering the two of them will be invaluable. Robin-kun's memories, Bachiko-chan's tracer arrow, and the knowledge we gained from Lamya-chan's captured enemy agent will be pooled with what you know to finally find Victoria Ai. Once her location is confirmed, we will make final preparations for the rescue plan… However, I cannot allow you to participate in that mission; You're already too close. You will remain under constant observation until all of our allies are home safe. Once Sage-chan is safely returned to her mother, we will decide what to do with you."
Everyone held their silence. Sullivan had made his decree; Depending on how heavy the inevitable casualties were going to be would decide Dali's ultimate fate.
Each demon present was sworn to secrecy for the details of his daughter's and her mother's existence. It was simply too dangerous to let that information into the demon world unchecked.
"What do we tell the kids?", ventured Balam. He knew Sage would be another vital rescue target. How would they explain her presence or who she was?
"We will tell the abnormal class to watch for her during the raid. All they really need to know is that she's an innocent prisoner. Those kids may question her presence or importance, but they won't question her need to be saved", uttered Persephone.
Dali stared at her in mild horror. "You're going to let the misfits fight Ai?...That's a suicide mission!", he argued. "Those kids are stronger than you realize. As a teacher, you should already know that. The abnormal class is going to achieve great things", she stated, drawing appreciative glances from the others. Behind his mask, Balam grinned proudly. She was absolutely right.
"Those 'kids' are all promising young demons that are eager for battle experience. They've been training hard for this... I could forbid them to go, but you and I both know they would still find a way to fight for their sensei...Kalego-kun has taught them well. Besides, do you really think we could stop them, even if we wanted to, at this point?", grinned Sullivan. He looked awfully proud of himself knowing that it was a young demon's nature to do as they pleased and not what they were told.
Dali smiled faintly in defeat. "I'd expect nothing less from his students...Please let me support them in any way I can. I'll tell you everything I know about Victoria and I'll repeat it all for them as well. They need to know what they're up against."
Bachiko smirked in mild approval. "Then you're ready to face them with the truth?", she ventured. Dali never faltered as he resolutely said, "Yes." He was ready to endure their rightful anger.
Balam exchanged glances with the principal. Dali seemed truly remorseful and willing to admit all of his sins. He fully knew and accepted that he would likely be put away for a very long time, but he deeply trusted Kalego as his protégé to take over Babylus in his place. That much was clear.
A little while later, the group of adults finally emerged from Sullivan's office. The misfits eagerly awaited them. They didn't know the true purpose of the meeting; They had assumed it was all part of broadening the alliance against Victoria. Kalego-sensei and Vincente-san would not be left to rot.
Over the next hour, Dali told him what he could of Ai's magic and defenses. It was a little odd that he knew so many details, but the teens assumed that he had been busily gathering information behind the scenes.
"I've never seen it, but sources say that Victoria's hidden mansion is rather expansive. Beyond what is visible, there is a massive underground complex that houses her twisted endeavors. We're talking laboratories, dungeons, torture chambers, unspeakable experiments, and more", said Dali.
The teens looked pale in response to how dire it all sounded, but Dali was serious as he spoke. "Sensei, how do you know all this?", asked Lied, raising his hand. His friends looked at their teacher with suspicion. Bachiko watched him, too, curious if he'd fess up in front of so many trusting, young souls. To her chagrin, Sullivan took the fall for him.
"Dali-sensei has been researching for me. He's gathered quite a lot of useful information, so make sure you listen well... You students are the precious treasure of Babylus, the future that we all swore an oath to protect. We cannot afford to lose a single one of you... If it were any other class, I would not allow such participation, but I know you won't let Victoria keep your teachers for long."
Dali grinned faintly in self deprecation. "Thank you, principal, but if I may speak?", he ventured. The adults all tensed, awaiting the reaction to his pending confession. Sighing deeply, he stared into the questioning eyes before him with intense sadness.
"What the chair demon said is all true, but there's more to the story… Earlier, you were told to look for a mole as part of your training. That situation was real and I am that traitor", he stated. Several shocked reactions erupted from the class.
"What?!" "No way!" "How could you?!" "Eggy-sensei trusted you!" "Why in the netherworld would you betray everyone like that?!"
Anger, loss, and pain marked the expressions of the teens. Their words stung, but he deserved them.
"You're entirely correct...I am absolute dirt...I have my reasons, but I won't ask for your forgiveness. Just promise me you'll get Kalego and Vincente back safe."
Quiet rolled through the room. The teens weren't sure how to react and Pandora was completely crushed that such a trusted ally could do that to her friends. She buried her face into Shichiro's arm for comfort as she clinged to him, praying for her friends' safety.
Sabnock and Azzkun looked angry. Balam gave them a warning gaze to remain calm. Fighting amongst the group wouldn't help anything, but their rage couldn't be so easily contained. "What possible reason could you have to help Victoria?!", spat Azz, standing abruptly. "Did you really think we'd just let it go without an explanation?", added Sabro, simmering in frustration.
Sensing the rising tension, Henri stepped forward. "You have every right to be upset. We all are, but that doesn't change the fact that we need to make a rescue plan and Dali-sensei has vital information that will help with that... Get what you need from him to accomplish your goals first. Then you can jeer at him later when he's behind bars."
Azz begrudgingly sat beside Iruma in a huff, unable to argue that logic. Sabnock, however, was still glaring. "Tch. We're just supposed to trust anything he says again just like that?", he inquired.
"I both understand and fully accept your ire, but I didn't do this because I wanted to. Whether or not you believe me, you students really do mean the world to me. Your safety was the one thing I demanded of Victoria in exchange for Kalego-kun... I know it doesn't mean much, but I am truly sorry", uttered Dali, bowing deeply to the gathered teens.
His words seemed to soothe the group a little, but he still had to answer for his crimes. As he humbled himself, Clara stepped close. Slowly rising to meet her gaze, Dali was unsure what she had to say.
"You're going to help us save Eggy-sensei, right?", she asked. She didn't have her usual playful expression. In fact, she looked and sounded ready to cry. Looking her in the eye, Dali knelt on one knee with his wings spread in apology. Taking her hand, he said, "I will offer everything, even my life. Kalego-kun didn't deserve any of this. I swear, I will help you get him back."
Pausing a moment, he looked up to see her tears start spilling over as she hugged him tightly. She was really worried about her teacher. Looking over the faces of her friends, it was obvious that they all were. The sight warmed Dali's broken heart. Kalego had an excellent class.
The morning faded into afternoon and the adults held one last meeting, leaving Opera and the archers in charge of the misfits. As the elected "king", Iruma was permitted to attend for his input in place of the entire abnormal class. Various plans and strategies were discussed in depth. As things started to come together, a nagging feeling made Balam glance beside himself at Pandora. She'd been rather quiet the entire time. She looked pretty pale as if she felt sick to her stomach or something.
Gently taking her hand, he asked, "Are you okay?". She slowly nodded, though she certainly didn't look like she was. She stared into space, likely not hearing a single word of the entire discussion. Figuring she was both deeply worried for their friends and reliving bad memories, he held her hand tightly for the rest of the meeting. He would continue to glance over in concern every few minutes.
Once things were wrapping up and the demons had scattered from the table into smaller conversations, Balam was listening to Iruma and Sullivan discuss the third rescue target. Iruma was really surprised to learn that Dali had a daughter, but he was determined to save her, too, now understanding his teacher's reasons for working with Ai.
Behind them, Pandora was in a daze. She held her stomach in obvious discomfort; She looked ready to vomit. Worried, Persephone came toward her to check in. An alarmed, "Shichiro!", made Balam snap to attention. As he turned, he saw Pandora fall into her cousin. Persephone supported her heavily.
"Pan-chan!", he cried in panic as a thick, black blood dripped from the corners of her eyes and mouth. Gently helping her to the floor, it became clear that Pandora was now struggling to breathe. Nene quickly rushed over, assessing the situation. "She's burning up. Pandora-chan, I know you're shy, but I have to check your chest", she said apologetically as she popped the buttons along her dress.
Henri sent Dali an accusing scowl. However, the teacher turned double agent looked just as worried as everyone else. This had not been his doing.
Shichiro stared in breathless horror. Ai's calling card, Pandora's hidden curse, had been activated. What were once faint traces of mana were now bold, darkened lines upon her skin, emanating from her heart in the unmistakable shape of the crest of clan Victoria.
"I'm sorry", she said weakly. Holding her hand tightly, he fervently told her she would be okay and that it wasn't her fault. She coughed hard, splattering black blood across his worried face. Scooping her up with care, he quickly carried her to bed, past anxious faces in the main area of the house.
Minutes later, he held his head in his hands as he anxiously sat against the wall in the hall, waiting for one of the healers to update him from inside. A mix of red and black blood stained his shirt and gloves. Asmodeus and Sabnock quietly approached. He was clearly shaken to his core.
"Master, is everything alright? Iruma-sama said Pandora-san collapsed", uttered Azz. Balam nodded glumly without meeting their worried gazes. "How is she?", asked Sabro.
Balam finally looked up at his pupils with a deep sadness. It was touching that they were concerned, but he really couldn't think straight right then, let alone elaborate in detail. Sensing that, they silently sat beside him, one on each side, in solidarity.
Eventually, their master sighed in desolation. He looked so forlorn as he stared into his hands. First Kalego had been taken, then several students were injured, and now Pandora was deathly ill when she seemed fine that morning. He'd been helpless to stop any of it. What good was his strength if he couldn't protect the ones he loved?
"Pan-chan still has one of Victoria's curses...It's strong", he uttered meekly. His students exchanged looks. Azz had been told about such things when Balam had visited him after Iruma's traumatic injury, but Sabro was only familiar with them in regards to Ai's serpent attack. Asmodeus sent him a dark look and shook his head, as if telling him not to ask questions; He would explain later.
Putting his hand on his master's shoulder in support, Azz said, "Lady Nene and Lamya-sensei are both skilled healers. I'm sure Pandora-san is going to be just fine." He offered a small smile of encouragement as Sabnock nodded with a grin in agreement. Balam's eyes misted over at the gesture. He had really great protégés. Neither teen was surprised when he gratefully dragged them into a tight group hug. They didn't struggle, knowing he needed it. Still, it was a little hard to breathe.
All three awkwardly looked up as the door cracked open beside them. "Shichiro, you can come in now", said Nene. He silently thanked his students with one last squeeze and a warm look as he got up and went inside. Nene smiled fondly at the boys. "You may as well go back to your friends for now, but tell Iruma-kun he's on standby. He'll know what I mean." She then closed the door once more, leaving the teens to wonder about Iruma's involvement.
Inside the room, Shichiro's heart broke at the sight awaiting him. Pandora looked deathly pale in their bed. Her breathing had thankfully calmed, but her face still showed twinges of lingering pain. Persephone silently put a fresh, cool rag upon her forehead as he approached.
Kneeling carefully beside the bed, he made sure not to disturb her rest. Persephone had clearly put her cousin under with a powerful sleep spell to minimize her suffering. He was grateful for that. Gently holding Pandora's hand, he stared into her face with deep concern.
"It's the curse on her heart, isn't it?", he asked meekly. Nene put her warm hands on his shoulders in support. "It is, but we don't know what triggered it yet. Was she acting any differently this morning?", she inquired.
Balam shook his head. Pandora seemed perfectly fine up until the meeting. Persephone sighed in mild disappointment. She was really hoping for a clue. Then again, Pandora was notoriously good at hiding when she was in pain, not wanting to worry anyone. She could have easily been sick for more than a day.
"It's possible that Victoria activated it out of spite...She already has Kalego and Valiant. Maybe she just wanted to remind us of how little control we have of anything right now", said Persephone darkly.
"It's also possible that some kind of predetermined conditions were met. We've all been rather stressed lately. Maybe her wicked phase was trying to emerge?", ventured Nene. Persephone shook her head.
"No, I've seen it before. I would have noticed." Shichiro quietly wondered about that. There was a time in school that Pandora had missed a week. That must have been when Persephone was talking about. He was curious what it was like, but he was far too worried to really think about that at the moment.
"What do we do?", he asked, almost hopelessly. He knew Nene was in no shape to take on another curse, especially one so strongly woven into Pandora's being. Overwhelmed with concern, he was struggling to keep himself together. If he snapped now, who would lead the misfits against Ai?
"For now, just let her sleep. She's stable. When we have more information, we can adjust her treatment accordingly. Leave Per-chan to search her memories for clues; You have other duties to tend to...And try not to worry. Pandora-chan is in good hands", said Nene calmingly.
Her serene smile was appreciated and she was right, but Shichiro couldn't tear himself away. If he lost Pandora again, it would undoubtedly destroy him completely. He glanced over as Persephone hovered a hand over Pandora's eyes in concentration. She grinned faintly.
"She's dreaming. It's a good dream...You, me, and some of the kids...Kalego-kun is there, too...She's worried about him." Opening her eyes, she lovingly tucked the stray strands from her cousin's face. "That's just like her - worrying about others when she can't even stand."
Shichiro smiled lightly to himself. It really was Pandora's nature. Squeezing her hand, he held it gently to his face. "I'd better go get him back then", he said. Nene grinned at his renewed resolve. "Good plan", she smiled.
"Per-chan, once you've finished scanning her memories, you need to go, too. The abnormal class is counting on you both... I will stay with Pandora. You two have a job to do. Don't let my grandbabies get hurt too badly, okay?", she said with a supportive look in her eyes. She was pushing them to do the right thing. Pandora would be fine to sleep soundly without them staring at her in concern.
"Yes, Mum", ceded Persephone. Excusing herself, she asked to speak to Nene in private, giving Shichiro a chance to be alone with his fallen lover. The two healers stepped out into the hall to discuss treatment options.
In the numbing silence, Shichiro unfastened his mask. It had simply become habit to remove it now whenever he and Pandora were alone. She lit up with a smile every time she saw his marred face. She didn't see his scars; She only saw the demon she loved so dearly.
That tender expression had been etched into his heart. Gently kissing her fingers, he made a promise. "I don't know if you can hear me, but I swear I will bring Kalego-kun and Vincente home...I won't let anyone die this time, I promise...so please come back to me...I'll be looking for your bright smile when we all come back."
He stared at her sleeping form as he slowly swallowed his concern. He knew Nene would keep her alive no matter what. He just had to trust in her.
"Pan-chan, stay strong. I know you can beat this. Don't let Ai take you away again...I love you."
Softly kissing her lips, he lingered by her face, knowing he had to leave her behind for a while and dearly wishing he didn't have to. Feeding off his own swirling emotions, he practiced a few humble words for the future. Two words, spoken so softly, he could barely hear them himself.
Gently stroking her cheek, he whispered, "Marry me?". She reflexively smiled in her sleep at his touch, prompting him to grin as well. She was so sweet and he loved her so very much.
"Gladly", she murmured. Shichiro blushed at her subconscious response. It was awfully cute. Kissing her one last time, he made sure she was comfortably tucked in. "We'll all be back soon", he promised.
Later, as Sullivan, Henri, and the archers narrowed down their search for Victoria's mansion, Balam kept himself busy by running several training drills. The difficulty had been amped up in preparation for their pending counterattack. He would make sure Kalego's class was ready. No one was going to die. He would make sure of it.
After a while, Persephone rejoined the group.
Iruma grinned at the sight of her pinion box. Pulling him and his three generals aside, she thoroughly went over first aid and how to use the feathers. Next, she gathered her team and did the same thing; The girls would each act as the medic for their assigned group.
The misfits would be divided into teams for safety. Each would have its own medic, soldier or spy, and leader. Essentially, one student from each team would come together.
The teams were set - Asmodeus, Elizabetta, and Camui. Sabnock, Kerori, and Allocer. Agares, Gaap, Ameri, and Jazz. Iruma, Purson, Clara, and Lied. Balam was designated the master general. He, Persephone, Henri, and Opera would oversee their improvised army and take on the tougher opponents.
The misfits were under strict orders not to engage Victoria should they find her first. They were to stick together for defense and call the adults immediately. Whoever was closest would respond. Balam and Opera would be the offense team while Henri and Persephone would make up the defense.
Each student had to know their role and commit to it fully. Should any team member deviate from the plan at any time, putting themselves or others in danger, they were to be stopped, by force if necessary. Should a soldier be removed from the battlefield for reckless endangerment, it was up to Sullivan to decide what to do with them.
As everyone fought their growing exhaustion, the chair demon and the others finally emerged. They had a location and a plan. Robin would be left with Nene to defend the estate and Pandora while Bachiko would join the defense team.
As Sullivan and Dali explained the finer details, the team leaders were pulled aside. Opera carefully reviewed their roles. Teams Asmodeus and Sabnock would focus on attacking and keeping the enemy forces busy once they infiltrated the estate.
Team Agares was in charge of maintaining a perimeter for defense and ensuring that none of Ai's flunkies would escape; Henri was sending several members of the border patrol to help with that.
Beyond that, team Iruma had a special mission. They were to locate and rescue Sage as well as any other prisoners. Opera and Persephone would focus on finding Kalego and Valiant while Balam oversaw everything and helping where needed.
Everyone knew their part. They had trained hard and each demon had taken on the role of either commander, soldier, spy, or medic. This raid would be a great test of their newly honed skills. Balam looked upon them all with pride. He knew Kalego would feel the same if he could see them getting ready for action.
Once Victoria's location had been verified by one of Henri's scouts, he turned over the small glass prison of their captive. Ai's agent was officially taken into custody as last minute preparations were made. Dali quietly and willingly went with them. He had to trust in the abnormal class now to atone for his sins. He knew they would get everyone home safely.
to be continued...