Mairimashita! Iruma-kun: Shadows of the Past, part 44
Twilight settled over the netherworld and it was nearing the time to finally move against Ai. Victoria wouldn't have her prized prisoner's for much longer. It would undoubtedly be a long, brutal night, but no one even thought of backing out when given the chance. Every single member of the abnormal class and ally were determined to take back their friends no matter what.
Away from the teens, a select few were checking in on Pandora one last time. Persephone had scanned through her memories for clues about her curse after she collapsed that morning and their friends were awaiting answers.
Shichiro worriedly stroked Pandora's hand as he held it tight. He desperately wanted an answer, but mostly he just prayed for a speedy recovery. Sullivan also looked over the unconscious demon in concern. "Do we know what triggered it?", he asked.
Persephone's annoyed expression made it clear she was still uncertain. "I saw her memories of the curse. When Victoria cast it, she said that 'the moment she becomes whole Pandora would be hers again' and that 'our love would be her death warrant'... What that means exactly, I don't know. I'm assuming it has something to do with her happiness... Aside from Kalego-kun being captured, she has almost everything she ever wanted; She's finally free to choose her own fate."
Sullivan glanced at Balam in concern. He looked devastated. Surely the thought of himself inadvertently causing his beloved to suffer was crushing his spirit. He now understood a small piece of Kalego's pain under Persephone's spell. It had to be agonizing. He silently called out to his best friend, far away. "Just a little longer." They would definitely set him free from Victoria and his unearned guilt.
Nene hugged Balam gently in support, assuring him he was innocent. "Shichiro-kun, don't look so guilty. None of this is your fault. Ai is a very sick woman; Don't let her madness poison your soul", she said with a gentle smile.
He knew that was true, but it didn't make the situation any better. "Persephone, be honest. If we defeat Victoria, will Pan-chan get better?", he asked with hope. She glanced at her master in question. It was unknown.
Trying to give him a much needed boost in morale, she said, "I can't be certain, but it certainly is possible." Her cryptic tone made him finally look up from his lover's sleeping face. "What aren't you telling us?", he inquired carefully.
Persephone's crimson eye looked rather dark at that moment. Just what was she hiding? Meeting Nene's gaze, she knew her master was onto her. The Great Purifier looked at her protégé sternly.
"Per-chan, you're planning to try 'that', aren't you?...It's untested. There's no telling how your body will react...If you do this, you'd better be very sure you can handle it... Those kids will need you in the coming fight. Kalego-kun will need you", she said, unusually serious.
Sullivan said nothing, simply looking between the two healers. Persephone was definitely up to something. She smirked faintly, caught. "Yes, Mum, I know...I have no intention of deserting the rescue mission, but I'm 89% sure I can do this", she replied. Shichiro peered at her inquisitively.
"Do what?", he asked, intrigued yet skeptical. It seemed like decent odds, but exactly was her plan? Persephone grinned assuringly. "I've studied under Mum for a long time now. In the past year, I've been honing my skills and working on a new technique. If it succeeds, Pan-chan will immediately feel a lot better", she explained. "And if it fails, you're both down for the count", chided Nene.
Shichiro's eyes quivered as he realized what she was planning. "You're going to absorb her curse?...It's too dangerous! She would never allow it", he said, a little harsher than intended. Persephone took his warning in even stride.
"You think I don't know that? Kalego-kun wouldn't either, but Pandora is in no position to argue… Don't misunderstand. I'm not simply moving her curse into me as a new host; I'm going to store and purify it just like Mum does. Nene-sama may have the innate ability from her bloodline, but I think I've found a way to mimic it", she explained.
Balam glanced toward the higher ranking demons for support. The plan was risky at best. If either of them forbid it, Persephone would have to stand down. "If you are certain you can do this, I will allow it, but do be cautious. Too many demons are still counting on you out there", said Sullivan. Nene smiled serenely, proud of her prized student. "I've taught you almost everything I know. I have faith you will succeed", she stated.
Shichiro panicked briefly. No one was going to stop her. Looking deeply into her eye as she stared at him, he could see the depth of her determination. Sighing lightly in defeat, he ceded, "Be careful. If this fails, Kalego-kun will be very disappointed that your smile won't greet him tonight and Pan-chan will have both our hides when she wakes up."
Persephone grinned, already well aware of both consequences. Yet, to be fair, she was more concerned with her lover's fragile state of mind than her cousin's ire. Looking amid the gathered demons, both Sullivan and Nene smiled supportively. Balam had no choice but to give in and trust in Persephone's impressive skills. Besides, if something went wrong, Nene would undoubtedly intervene.
With a brief nod to the group, Persephone hovered her hands over her cousin's remaining curse and closed her eye in deep focus. Shichiro watched breathlessly as her mana manifested. The warm glow that he usually saw in her healing magic thickened into bold strands of pure light that reached deep into Pandora's heart. After a moment of intense concentration, she smirked, "Got it."
The light strands turned jet black as the dark mana was transferred between demons. Flickers of pain crossed Persephone's face as she fought to control it. Balam tensed, worried, but Nene gently put her hands on his shoulders for comfort. "She can do this", she whispered with barely subdued pride.
All stared as a trickle of black blood ran from the corner of Persephone's lips. "Oh no you don't", she grumbled. As she redoubled her focus, a lock of her burgundy hair started to turn black from the roots and slowly spread to the tips. As the mana exchange turned bright once more and ceased, she smiled confidently.
Opening her eye, she grinned in victory at her friends. Wiping away the faint trickle of blood, she looked otherwise unharmed. A pitch black streak now decorated her hair to the right side of her face. Nene smiled proudly at the sight. The gambit had paid off.
All focus shifted to Pandora as she sighed in relief, sound asleep. The color was returning to her face and she looked to be finally out of pain. Persephone checked her vitals before speaking.
"Her pulse has improved dramatically...She still has her curse, but I've halved its power. Once we defeat Ai, the rest will hopefully dissipate on its own, but if it doesn't, I will treat her again… I can't purify the invasive mana nearly as quickly as Mum, but Pandora is the only family I have left. I'll gladly bear it no matter how long it takes", she said with resolve.
Shichiro couldn't help but grin at her determination. "Persephone, thank you", he said sincerely. She grinned lightly in response. It was a rare, touching moment between the two.
"I'm glad you love her so much, but you're wrong about one thing - We're all your family; Kalego-kun, too. With everything we've been through together in the past twenty years, we've earned that, so don't be so reckless in the future. Everyone here wants you to be healthy and happy alongside us. If you sacrifice yourself trying to save her, Pan-chan will never be at peace", stated Shichiro.
He meant every word. It was sweet, but his kindness hurt, too. She'd kept him at arm's length after Pandora's loss. He just reminded her of her cousin, practically her little sister, too much. They were so alike in the way they cared so deeply for others.
Persephone froze at the sentiment. It was clearly echoed by the genuine smiles around them. The usually stern demon was surprised to feel her eye misting over with tears. She smiled as she wiped her face, truly touched. "What a troublesome brother you're going to be", she grinned.
A little later, after ensuring the base team was settled, it was time to make sure that their small, mobile army was fully prepared. Nene and Robin were ready to defend Pandora with all they had. It was up to the others to bring Kalego and Valiant home.
Sullivan addressed the abnormal class first, praising their determination and telling them how proud he and the other teachers were. It wasn't a long speech, but it was earnest. Those kids had come a long way.
Next, Balam spoke. As their master general, his words held extra weight. "It's going to be a long battle. I won't waste time repeating the chair demon's sentiments, but know you've all earned our respect. You've grown so much since this all started...Everyone, remember your roles and stay close to your teams. Above all, be careful… It may not be today or even tomorrow, but I know you're going to do great things."
Lastly, Persephone stepped up. No one asked about the minor change to her appearance. The air was far too tense for such trivial things. Their drill master and head medic held a stern edge, but she smiled subtly as she spoke.
"This fight will test everything you've got, but I am confident you will act responsibly. We've taught you all we can in the time allotted… Watch each other's backs. You brats are too young to learn the sting of losing a loved one in battle, so protect each other and don't do anything stupid… If you have anything to say to each other, spit it out now. The battlefield is no place for theatrics; It is a very real danger. While we teachers will do our best to avoid any casualties, be aware that it could potentially happen... Don't leave any regrets."
Her speech was heavy, but it drove home some key points. A few of the teens coyly glanced at one another. Would they get another chance to come clean about their feelings if they held their silence? The chances of injury were high, but most were fairly confident that there wouldn't be any deaths. Their teachers would make sure of that. Still, it never hurt to be prudent.
As the main group scattered to hype each other up and calm each other down, a few select students paired off in private. Ameri nervously approached the Iruma trio. Azz was already glorifying Iruma's kingly actions he had yet to take while Clara hung onto their soul mate with a pink face. She clearly had something she wanted to say, too.
Iruma blushed lightly in surprise as he locked gazes with Ameri. She looked flustered, but resolute. "Iruma, can I talk to you for a moment...in private?", she uttered shyly. Clara clinged defensively, but seeing his expression, she begrudgingly let go. "Sure", he nodded.
As they walked away, Clara seemed to pout. Azzkun grinned calmingly as he patted her head. He knew she was jealous. Honestly, so was he. How dare the president steal away their precious Iruma at such a pivotal moment?
He glanced down in question at Clara's unusual silence. Was she really that upset or just worried? "Azzazz...You know I love Irumachi", she said meekly. He stiffened at the sudden confession, but he already knew that. "Of course I do. I'm not dumb", he grumbled, shying his gaze. This was getting awkward.
He then blushed brightly at a sudden, tight embrace. "Wh-what are you doing?!", he panicked. Some of their friends were already looking over in curiosity, but Clara didn't care. She buried her red face into his clothing. "But I love you, too, Azzazz...So don't get hurt out there, okay?"
Slowly relaxing, he let her hug him for a moment without resistance. With a coy smile, he affectionately mussed her hair. "Stupid Clara...Iruma-sama and I will be fine. You should worry more about yourself. Stay close to him for me. If something happens to you, he'll be - ….we'll be upset." Smiling wide to herself at his words with moist eyes, the ensuing hug nearly crushed his ribs. Struggling to get loose was futile, but he still tried briefly.
Henri turned just in time to see Ameri and Iruma step out of sight. He tensed immediately, ready to go after them, but a strong hand clutched his shoulder. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw Sullivan smiling proudly. "Let them have their moment, Henri-kun. You remember what it was like to be young."
Azazel begrudgingly forced himself to relax, disliking that point. Sullivan crowed as he laughed, "Just think, Henri-kun! We might actually be related one day!". Azazel froze as his glasses shattered at the thought of his little girl marrying a human. Why did the chair demon have to tease him so?
Hurriedly finding something to occupy his mind, he stalked off to check the communication equipment one last time. Hopefully the young demons could keep their cool if they were to come across Ai. Staying in touch would be key.
Across the room, Jazz, Gaap, and Camui eagerly watched Lied and Elizabetta from a small distance. "He's so awkward. It's almost painful to watch", teased Jazz. "At least he's trying, degozaru", added Gaap. Camui, meanwhile, seemed to be visually steaming with his fervor. He was so jealous that their friend was so physically close to a girl at that moment. "It's not fair! Aren't we all in the spring of our youth?!", he fussed.
The two demons being observed seemed to be shyly conversing, oblivious to their friends. Lied anxiously stared as he balanced on his tail to meet Neesan at eye level. She was so beautiful he could barely breathe.
"What is it you wanted to talk about, Lied-kun?", asked Elizabetta innocently. Swallowing his nerves, he blurted out, "I really like you, Neesan." She blushed in surprise at his candor. Realizing what he'd said, he panicked. "I mean, you're really great! Everyone likes you, right?", he said nervously.
Sighing, he decided to stop being a coward. Actually standing on his feet for a change, he looked up at her with resolve in his violet eyes. "Neesan...Elizabetta… I know I'm not exactly eloquent or very bright, but...You're really important to me. So please be careful out there! If you got hurt, I'd never forgive our friends on your team! Don't let Azzkun be careless as your leader. Even though he'd thrash me, I would still duel him if meant keeping you safe."
His tone was meek, yet honest. Anxiously looking into her pink face, he awaited her response. She covered her mouth coyly, trying to hide her smile. "Lied-kun...I like you, too." He breathlessly waited for more. She had said before that she liked everyone in their class. That had to be what she meant, right?
Offering her hand, she smiled brightly. "When everything gets back to normal, let's spend some time together. I'd really like to get to know you better", she grinned. Lied stood nearly numb, mesmerized as if a shaft of heavenly light had been cast upon him among trumpets of joy. Was this really happening?
"Lied-kun?" Jolting to attention, he grinned wide as he accepted her gesture. He was super excited by the prospect and, to make things even more amazing, he was actually holding her hand for the first time. "Yeah, of course! Anywhere you want to go!", he beamed.
Nearby, Purson smirked in approval. It was about time. Besides, he was hearing all sorts of interesting conversations. They were a welcome distraction.
He remembered what he had said to the principal in regards to Victoria facing justice for his brother. He just hoped he had the determination to follow through with that. Still, he knew he could count on Iruma to keep him grounded. It was undoubtedly why they were on the same team. Speaking of Iruma, where did he get off to?
In Sullivan's office, Ameri shyly leaned her back against the door. She was finally alone with Iruma, but what should she say? She looked at him as he quietly inspected her anxious posture.
"Ameri-san, is everything alright?", he asked. Shying her heated face, she nodded. "Iruma...I wanted to tell you - …", she began. Glancing over, his innocent grin was almost too much. He had to know what this was about, right? Why was he making this so hard?!
Taking a deep breath, she calmed herself. "I'm glad your friends chose you as their king. You're going to be an amazing leader", she said sincerely. He smiled at the praise. "You've worked hard again. I'm proud of you, but please be careful. You mean a lot to me."
She'd finally said it. Her chest was pounding. What would he say? How would he respond? Hearing nothing, she nervously looked at his pink face. "Ameri-san…" Her entire body shuddered at the gentleness of his tone. He sounded appreciative, but concerned.
"Y-yes?", she said, grinning anxiously. His entire expression had shifted from clueless yet supportive to coy yet intrigued.
"I think you're really great, too...I'm not entirely sure what you see in me, but I also want us to get closer. I want to learn more about you...So let's go somewhere again when this is over, just the two of us", he grinned.
Her hue turned to a deeper red. Was this really happening? Lost to her fervor, she said, "What do I see in you? You really don't know?...Iruma, you have so much potential. You're kind and gentle. I've never seen you wrong anyone, even when it would benefit you. Yet you protect everyone you care about with a passion rarely seen in demons...Are all humans like you?"
Iruma froze. How long had she known? Should he refute it? Smiling faintly to himself, he decided to be honest. As far as she had pushed herself for this conversation to even happen, she deserved that much.
"Not at all...Sure, some people are nice, but others have fallen pretty far. Humans and demons aren't so different, you know. Most of us are only concerned with our own needs and desires...Some are so low that they even sell other humans for financial gain. That's probably how Victoria gets the humans she eats - Traffickers."
Ameri stared at him in mild horror. He had finally confessed. She wondered how many others knew his secret, but she was also floored by the thought of people selling each other as food.
"Victoria eats humans?...How do you know that?", she asked carefully. Iruma looked mildly distraught, but he'd come this far honestly. "I overheard it when Grandpa and Balam-sensei were talking once. They didn't know I was there...I know it's wrong to eavesdrop, but I - "
His words were cut off by a sudden, strong embrace. The thought of him getting killed was stifling; The concept that he could be devoured was absolutely soul crushing. He blushed as Ameri clutched him close.
"Don't paint any more dark pictures for me...I'm already worried enough", she said, her voice shaking. "Promise me you'll be safe out there. If we lost you, we'd all be devastated...I'd be devastated", she said sincerely.
Iruma's eyes quivered as her words and actions settled over him. Looking back at their time together, it was fairly obvious now. She really cared for him. "Ameri..." This time, she froze. He hadn't used an honorific. Had they just gotten closer?
"Same goes for you, okay? Stay vigilant out there. I know you're strong, but don't needlessly endanger yourself, alright?...I still have so much to learn about you. So when we get to relax after saving everyone, don't hold back anymore. Tell me everything if you think it's just a trivial thought, okay?...I want to hear it."
Both hearts were beating loudly at that moment. As he hugged her in return, Ameri's nerves finally won. The duo slowly slid to the floor as her legs gave out. Anxiously looking into his eyes, she was surprised to see him smiling so calmly. Did he even understand what hadn't been said just now? Was he really that oblivious or just playing dumb?
After an awkward pause, she shied her gaze and asked, "Iruma, you know why I brought you here to talk, right?...Am I really just another friend to you?". She had let go of him, but she could see him tense as he stared in mild shock. His wide eyes softened as he took her hand into his own.
"I do understand...but I don't really know what it is that I want yet or what I'm ready for… Would it be selfish to ask for a little more time before I answer?", he said, shyly staring at their intertwined hands. "N-not at all!", she stammered. She was still reeling from how close they were and all they had shared.
Iruma smiled as he said, "Thank you, Ameri-san. I promise I won't take too long, so wait for me, okay?". She found herself grinning in response. "I'll hold you to that", she blushed. His smile widened. There was no doubt that she would.
Moments later, everyone assembled outside. Facing the coming battle, emotions were running high, but each demon had spoken their peace. Now it was time to take back their allies and defeat Victoria once and for all.
The teams splintered according to the plan. Balam and the others looked over their students with subdued pride. They were really growing up. The abnormal class hadn't looked so intense since their arrival at the harvest festival. There was no backing down now.
"Everyone line up. Stay in your squadrons and stick close during the flight there. They may be expecting us, so be prepared to maneuver. Kalego trained your wings and minds for this. Any questions?", said Persephone.
"No, ma'am!", replied the misfits in unison. She grinned at the sight. They had stepped up to the call of battle. She was pleased with their progress. "Does everyone have their radio? Equipment check, commence."
One by one, each demon made sure their headsets were working. An earpiece and a small microphone around their necks allowed instant communication between the teams and the adults without the need to dial individual phones. Knowing who was where and their current situation was vital.
They were all gathered on the lawn at the point, anxiously looking to the night sky. "Move out!", ordered Persephone. As the various teens began to take to the air, Balam unceremoniously grabbed Iruma by the back of his collar. His teammates stared in question.
"You're a slow flier. It'll be faster if I carry you", said Balam, making an excuse. Iruma grinned awkwardly in thanks. His friends didn't argue. They couldn't really remember seeing him participate in aerial training...at first. A moment later, they did. The memory of Kerori falling from the sky was now Iruma plummeting to the earth followed by Kalego-sensei chewing him out for neglecting to train such weak wings after the rescue.
The teens were a little confused by the sudden haze in their collective memories, but they had been through a lot recently, so no one really questioned it. Nor did they see the smug grin on Persephone's face as she nodded to Balam. They'd never know she had just rewritten their memories to protect their leader's secret.
Waiting for the other to take to the air, Opera and Sullivan lingered briefly. "Iruma-sama, please take care", uttered Opera with a subservient bow. Beside them, Sullivan grinned as he knelt to eye level. "If anything at all goes wrong, be sure to call your grandpa right away", he said.
Smiling wide, Iruma hugged them both at once. "I will!", he promised. Grinning faintly, Balam offered his hand as his wings unfurled. "Ready?", he ventured. With a nod of approval, the lad lifted his arms slightly in preparation. His teacher sent one last sad look toward the estate as he grabbed ahold of him. The ground quickly got farther away.
"Sensei?", ventured the boy. Balam had a dark look to him. He was obviously worried about everyone, but was holding his silence to favor the focus he'd need to lead. "Hmm?"
"Pandora-san will be fine. Robin-sensei and Granny will look after her", assured Iruma. "Do you think Kalego-sensei is alright?", he asked a little meekly. He looked very concerned as Balam glanced at him. A familiar yet unexpected voice called out beside them in the sky. Bachiko had swooped in close. She looked tense.
"That guy? He'll be fine. He's too stubborn to give up", she smirked. "Man, you two are slow. I had to circle back just to see if you were actually coming", she grumbled. She was clearly trying to cheer him up in her own way. Balam grinned faintly in thanks behind his mask. He was worried about Kalego, too. Hearing her support his friend despite their differences was comforting.
"Now, that pretty boy, Vincente? If he's anywhere near as good of a spy as he says he is, he'll hold out, too… Iruma, don't forget your mission. Get in, find the kid, grab her, and get out. Don't go looking for trouble, got it?", she asked. She was giving him a complex look, trying to mask her concern. Iruma smiled reassuringly. "I won't let you down, master!".
The rest of the flight went by quickly. Iruma watched the others hover and circle over an empty space below. "Is this the right place?", he inquired. Balam activated his radio and said, "We're all here. Lord Sullivan, you're up."
Iruma stared in interest as his grandfather cast a powerful spell before landing. The air itself seemed to shatter. As the holographic shards fell away, a huge mansion was revealed. It reeked of blood, death, and debauchery, causing many of the younger demons to cover their sensitive noses. Not wanting to stand out, Iruma did the same.
One at a time, the teams and adults all landed. It was eerily quiet. Asmodeus quickly approached his master. "Sensei, what should we expect? Doesn't she know we're here? Where is everyone?", he asked, anxious and annoyed.
Before the master general could respond, an eerie, dark laugh lilted in from seemingly everywhere. "Disappointed? Don't worry. I always entertain my guests."
That voice. It was definitely Ai. The improvised army took defensive stances as several demons approached from both sides of the estate. Their numbers were impressive. Most were armed and several appeared entirely lost to their bloodlust.
"Get ready!", yelled Persephone. Shaking their nerves, the misfits went into formation. Sabnock and Azz's teams went in hard alongside Balam and Opera, launching the attack. Hanging back, team Agares, Azazel, and Bachiko readied themselves to take down the stragglers. Henri's agents would be there any second to back them up.
Iruma stared in awe at how seamlessly everyone was performing. Hearing his name, he snapped out of his reverie. Persephone was staring at him in mild irritation. "Wake up, 'your highness'. Your team is awaiting your orders", she chided.
Purson, Clara, and Lied we're watching him closely. "Irumachi, what should we do?", asked Clara nervously. Resolutely forming his bow to defend his friends, Iruma took his role seriously. "Purson-kun, Lied-kun, find us a way in. Clara and I will cover you. Lamya-sensei… Go find our friends", he said with an appreciative grin.
Persephone smirked in response. She didn't need to take orders from one of her students. She already had every intention of finding Valiant and Kalego. Before she took off, she made sure he had his phoenix pinions. Once assured, she also started looking for an entrance. It was finally time to take action.
To be continued...