Mairimashita! Iruma-kun: Shadows of the Past, part 48

Outside of Victoria's mansion, the fight between opposing miniature armies was still going full force. Asmodeus had completed his task of helping to gather up the defeated forces and ran back to check on his master, leaving them in Azazel's capable hands. He knew Henri would take care of the rest.

Last he had seen Balam, he was descending into a ruthless madness against Ai's agent, Ash. Finally returning to the scene, Azz stared in mild horror. He knew his master was powerful, but he wasn't prepared for what he had just witnessed. One of Ash's lower legs had just been ripped off at the knee right in front of him. Balam's deranged glare challenged their intruder as he dropped the rendered limb unceremoniously into the dirt along with its owner.

Ash was in shock, but didn't seem to quite register how bad the situation was. He smirked at his infuriated attacker as if pleased with the outcome. He had purposely provoked Shichiro into his current rage by talking about Pandora's past enslavement and the things he had supposedly done to her. It triggered something deep inside the usually peaceful giant and ended up setting off the secret technique he'd taught his pupils, a forced wicked phase.

Azz faltered briefly at the unhinged look in his master's eyes. He almost seemed to be enjoying the carnage he had wrought. Seeing Balam practically revel in his enemy's blood was so surreal. Thinking back to his own training, Azz knew what he had to do to bring him back to his senses.

Thrusting himself between the fallen demon and his master, he took a defensive stance. He had no interest in protecting the creep, but he knew Balam was no murderer. If left to his current state of mind, he would undoubtedly later regret his actions. Hopefully, Azz would get through to him. If not, he had to be prepared to move.

"Sensei, he's down; You've won. Turn him over to the police", said Azz, trying logic first. A slight flicker of recognition passed over Balam's face, but he was still clearly pretty far gone. "Move", he said harshly. His tone was unsettling and filled with bloodlust, very unusual for the generally shy demon. He seemed to register that Azz wasn't an enemy, but he wasn't done with Ash just yet.

Shichiro knew exactly how strong he was and how destructive he could potentially be. Thus he usually worked hard to keep his physical prowess under control. He deeply understood how precious life was and that ending it shouldn't be taken lightly. Yet right then, all he could do was seethe the hatred he generally repressed in a fight. That loud mouthed demon had really gotten under his skin and he would not let Pandora's honor go unavenged.

Gritting his teeth, Azz gave it one more try. "Don't do it, Master; He's not worth it!", he ventured. Behind him, Ash laughed. "One idiot training the next, eh? How about you, kid? You got a girl I should know about? I could have some fun with her while you two chat... I don't really care if she's still a youngin'. Suits my taste just fine", he taunted, a dirty look in his eyes.

Azz stiffened as his mind suddenly conjured a familiar face, one that usually annoyed him. Then he was forced to pause. Why was he suddenly thinking of Clara? Why now? Sure, she needed to be protected, but why was the thought of this jerk manhandling her so infuriating? Was it because of her innocence or the age difference?...

He didn't have time to think about it right then. Shaking the memory of her irritatingly nostalgic antics from his mind, he focused on his master. If forced into a fight, Balam would easily destroy him; He wouldn't stand a chance. He had to talk him down.

Glancing across his shoulder in annoyance, he chided, "Shut up. I'm trying to save your worthless life." Ash merely grinned despite how much pain he should be feeling. "I can see it on your dumb face, pinkie. There is a girl... But don't worry about pointing her out for me. I'll just take all of the young broads from your class. Then my bases are covered and whichever bitch it is will be marked with my fingerprints forever", he said, his voice thick with twisted innuendo.

Azz was nearly ready to snap himself, but hearing his master step closer shifted his attention. Calming himself, he reassessed the situation. "If it were anyone else, I'd probably just let them kill you...To be perfectly honest, I'm tempted to silence that filthy mouth of yours myself", warned Azz.

Ash's smug grin fell. Asmodeus was completely serious about that, but his master was too kind to bear that kind of sin.

Focusing, Azz quickly ran a few scenarios through his head. His best bet was guessing Balam's safety release word. "Pandora", he said defiantly. Balam froze momentarily as if his mind and body were battling it out for control.

Naturally, Ash made things worse again. He laughed loudly. "Pandora!", he echoed. "That little hottie was nearly mine. I only had to - "

His words broke off as the stump of his bleeding leg burst into flames. He stared in surprise. Then that irritating smirk returned to his face. "Joke's on you, kid. I can't feel a damn thing. How did you think I was talking so much with a shattered jaw?"

His words were slurred, but it was a valid point. He actually wasn't feeling any pain, but how? Still, Azz had only meant to cauterize the wound. If this fool bled out, his death would still be on Balam's hands and he couldn't allow that. He'd hoped the shock of the flames would at least shut the guy up for a minute.

"It's a boon from the boss for keeping old chicken legs here distracted", stated Ash. "Distracted?...From what?", thought Azz. Before he could look around for a clue, the demon's severed limb exploded. The crazy bastard clearly had no qualms about using himself as ammunition. The boom shook the ground, but despite being so close, Balam kept his balance and silently patted out the fire on his clothing.

Still unsure about the so-called distraction, Azz gave it one more go. His master's focus had been shaken. The kindness in his eyes was starting to shine through again. "Pandora's waiting for us to bring Kalego-sensei home. Just picture her smiling face when we succeed. You can see it, can't you?"

"Pan-chan?", uttered Balam, as if waking from a dream. Azz smiled faintly. He'd finally gotten through. "Pandora-san wouldn't want you to sully your hands with this cretin's life... Sensei, feel free to break every bone in his body. I won't stop you, but don't kill him. It would make her sad", he ventured.

Balam shook his head, slowly snapping out of his trance. Asmodeus was making perfect sense. He could picture the look of disappointment in her face and it shook his anger. He bashfully looked around, taking in the scene and the blood on his hands. His student had shown up just in time. He never meant to lose control. Truth be told, it was a little embarrassing. "Azzkun...Thank you."

Ash looked annoyed. "Oh, come on! Just the bitch's name calmed you down?...Hey, chicken legs! That tanned ass of hers was tight, but I really liked the taste of her lips. Tasted like candy", he called, trying to enrage his opponent all over again.

Azz anxiously glanced between them. His master was tense. Just what was this demon trying to accomplish? Did he have a death wish?

"Don't be shy, big guy. Come over and take out your frustration. I can take it... Guess I should you about the time I forced her to - "

"Stop talking! Your filthy lies are getting old", said Azz stiffly, cutting him off. He was getting mad, too. This demon was manipulating them all too easily. They couldn't take anything he said at face value.

Ash just smirked at his irritated tone. "Doesn't matter now, kid. You're already too late", he said. Balam and Azz exchanged anxious glances, wondering what he meant. The answer came quickly as some kind of object was launched from the roof.

A massive crate split open as it hit the ground nearby. Balam had snatched his pupil out of harm's way just in time. Whatever was inside vaporized into the air and thick smoke began to flood the battlefield. Both Azz and his master froze. They had seen this before.

"Azzkun, don't use any magic!", ordered Balam, anticipating another reversal. Azz nodded, understanding. That trick wouldn't work a second time. Ash simply laughed darkly as the smoke encompassed them. Then his laughter turned into an agonized scream. All of the pain he had blocked before caught up with him in seconds.

"I know what you're thinking, chicken legs... but you're wrong... This isn't a reversal. It's a null field!", panted Ash, amused despite his sudden agony. That meant the spell protecting him from feeling pain had also been canceled. Whatever his reasons, this guy was certainly dedicated.

Balam's eyes quivered as his words sank in. Quickly activating his radio, he called out to his forces. "Attention, all teams! The smoke taking over the area is a null field. I repeat - a null field! All magic will be rendered useless until it clears, including healing. Get the injured and medics off of the battlefield!... Gaap-kun, blow as much of it away as you can. I'm on my way."

The fallen demon beside them continued to chuckle darkly as all of the damage he had sustained finally took over his body. "Hey, pinkie. Go find that girl of yours for me, yeah?" Then he passed out.

Balam peered at his pupil in question. He'd apparently missed something. Still, Azz's red face spoke volumes. Thankfully for Asmodeus, there was no time to talk about it at the moment. Brushing off the awkward air, he said, "Master, I'll take him to Azazel-san. You have bigger things to focus on. The defense team will undoubtedly need you once the null field catches up to them."

Balam nodded in agreement. He trusted Azz to follow through and he had the rest of their forces to worry about. However, he was in for one more surprise once he reached team Agares.

Meanwhile, on the fourth level of the sub basement, Persephone stopped in mid step at the sound of footsteps. Leaning onto her heavily for support, Valiant was in no shape for a fight. She was on her own to defend them both. With any luck, Opera awaited them ahead. She held her breath as she glared into the gloom.

As the approaching demon came into view, she slowly relaxed. "Shax-kun, where is the rest of your team?", she asked. Lied looked relieved to run into them, as well. Then his eyes settled over Vincente's battered form. He looked awful, but Persephone's stern gaze warned the boy not to stare.

"Lamya-sensei, Vincente-san, I'm glad it's you guys. My team got separated...You haven't seen Iruma-kun by chance, have you?", he ventured.

The healer narrowed her eye. A human wandering around this place alone was not good news. "What happened?", she asked. Lied filled her in without hesitation. She grimaced as she listened. Glancing over, even Valiant looked concerned. He had already figured out Iruma's secret on his own some time ago, so he also worried for the boy, knowing well that Sullivan would be beside himself if he knew what had transpired.

Once caught up, Persephone seemed lost to her thoughts. A team had been divided and a pinion had been used. She was thankful that Clara had succeeded, of course, but learning that Iruma didn't have any medical supplies on his person at all was disconcerting.

"Shax-kun, go retrieve the rest of your team. We'll wait for you here. I need you three to take Valiant to the surface. Once that's done, I'll keep looking for Kalego...Have you heard from Opera?"

Lied shook his head. "Not since before our radios short circuited...But Clarin will have new ones waiting for us when I get back", he replied.

Persephone carefully lowered her patient to the floor. Despite his obvious discomfort, Valiant waved weakly with a grin. He didn't want Lied to worry. "Go and hurry", instructed Persephone. With a nod, Lied turned back the way he came, rushing to bring help.

Minutes later, he flew up from the shaft Iruma had created to the relief of his friend's. They were glad he was safe, but where was Iruma-kun?

Seeing Purson and Clara stare with such soulful, searching gazes, he sadly shook his head. Trying to keep up morale, he smiled and said, "But I found Lamya-sensei and she's already rescued Vincente-san! She needs our help to get him out. Follow me."

The trio retraced his steps in silence. They were still deeply concerned for their friend, but at least one rescue target had been recovered. They had yet to find Sage still, but they all knew they could count on their team leader to keep looking, even on his own. Iruma wasn't one to let anybody down.

Once the two groups reunited, Soi shuddered at the sight of his fallen master. He knew that Lamya had already treated Valiant and it only darkened his ideas of what state she must have initially found him in.

Persephone smiled in relief as the trio grew close. She quickly assessed Purson before giving the okay. "How is it you're so mobile?", she inquired skeptically. By all accounts, the lad should be down for the count.

"Well…", he trailed shyly. "Clarin - mmphf!", started Lied, being quickly muffled by Clara's hand. Her face was awfully red. Persephone easily guessed the resuscitation, but that didn't explain anything.

"I double charged the pinion!", blurted Clara. Persephone blinked in surprise. "Double charged?", she repeated. Of course. Clara had an obscene amount of mana. As they exchanged information, she made several mental notes. This research could be invaluable.

"I see. Good work, Clara-chan. You did well to look after everyone… You've also given me an idea", ventured Persephone, affectionately patting her student's head. "Yes, master?", asked Clara.

Persephone looked over the gathered faces with a subdued grin. "Clara, I need you to loan Valiant some of your mana", she began. Everyone stared at the sudden suggestion. Even Vincente looked mildly surprised. Still, he had an inkling where she was going with her idea.

"Purson-kun, I need you to support your master. He can't walk on his own yet… Valiant, Clara should be able to help you maintain a portal long enough for you two to get to the surface. Purson, report immediately to Azazel. Understood?... Shax, Clara, you're going to continue looking for Iruma-kun while I delve deeper after Kalego. Any questions?", said Persephone.

The three students shook their heads. It was a good plan. Valiant started tapping his finger, drawing their attention. Lied and Clara didn't understand what he was doing, but Soi did. He grinned quietly to himself as he listened to the rhythmic code.

Persephone patted Valiant's shoulder in reassurance. "I know what I said before, but trust me; This will work. You're tapped out, but Clara's magic is near bottomless", she said.

Valiant grinned as if to say she always had his trust. Even in his emotional acceptance of romantic defeat, his affection toward her still shone through. That would likely never change.

Beside them, Clara smiled at the praise. Then she pulled out new radios from her pockets and distributed them. "Way to go, Clarin", grinned Lied. Finally, they could communicate freely again. "Master, take this extra in case you find Irumachi", she said, handing it over.

Persephone nodded, secreting away the device. Then they put their plan into motion. Clara put her hands on Vincente's shoulders, donating her magical energy. He took a deep breath as her mana settled into his body. It felt good to not be helpless again. His gruff, strained voice uttered, "Thank you."

The air began to warp where he stared and his portal stabilized with her help. Everyone stared at the sight. The other side didn't look so good. Smoke had hazed the entire area, giving the battlefield an eerie look.

Persephone swiftly reminded Purson of his orders. Nodding, he shouldered his master's weight and the duo slipped through. Once they were gone, Persephone confirmed their passage over her radio. She would learn of the null field later.

The boys had just made it through in the nick of time. Had the null field already overtaken the place where Valiant's portal appeared, the two demons may have been caught in limbo or worse, torn to shreds in the haze between space.

"They made it. Thank you, Clara... That's one rescue target down. Stay close to Shax and find Iruma. Keep your eyes and ears open. If you find him or Sage, notify me immediately", she said. Meeting Lied's gaze, her intense stare silently told him to protect his medic. "Lied, I'm counting on you."

Elsewhere, Iruma held his breath as he blocked the door to his hiding place with his body. He could hear his pursuers just outside in the corridor. He froze as the door handle jiggled.

"Still locked." "What the Hell does she keep down here anyway?" "Who cares. Find the brat." "Yeah, yeah, I'm coming."

Iruma slowly breathed out as their voices faded into the distance. Gratefully clutching his right hand, curled anxiously into a fist, he silently thanked Ali-san once more. Then a sound across the room jarred his nerves. Trying not to panic, he peered into the cobweb filled gloom.

The room was full of boxes and old furniture, covered with sheets. A few creepy, old portraits stared back at him, but what had made that sound? He sincerely hoped it was just a rat. Then a sneeze sounded out.

"Not a rat! Definitely not a rat!", he panicked inside his mind. Taking a deep breath, he readied himself to face whatever it was.

Iruma was drenched with sweat, knowing he wasn't alone. "H-hello?", he ventured anxiously. Whatever or whoever it was shifted again. Then a small child peered out from her hiding place beneath a covered table. Her dark pink hair was powdered with old dust as her heterochromic eyes filled with tears.

"Are you a nice human or a mean one?", she sniffled. Iruma stared in surprise. He hadn't expected to find her here. "Your name is Sage, right? I'm Iruma", he ventured, holding out his hand with a friendly smile. Darting forward, she latched onto him tightly. "I knew Daddy would send me a friend! Auntie said she was keeping me safe, but she lied. I just wanna go home!", she cried.

He slowly hugged the girl, trying to comfort her, but how did she know he was a human so quickly? "It's okay, I'm a nice human. I won't hurt you...You know the word 'friend', huh? Sure, I'll be your friend", he offered with a sincere smile.

Letting go, Sage smiled up at him, then looked at him sadly. "You're hurt", she observed. Not wanting her to worry, he dismissively waved his hands. "It's not that bad. I'm fine, really", he lied.

Honestly, his shoulder was really sore and he worried about infection setting in. Ali-san had stemmed the blood flow, but Kiriwo's saliva was still deep inside his flesh. Plus the muscle was barely still attached at that point.

The girl climbed onto his lap and inspected him closely. "This isn't healing magic. It's some kind of patch...We're friends now, right? Will you trust me?", she asked.

Despite her youth, she seemed to be gauging his health. "Iruma-nii, hold still, okay?", she said. He watched her raise her tiny hands over his wound. Amazingly, Ali-san seemed to quietly withdraw his makeshift bandage without argument. It seemed he trusted this strange child to help his partner.

As the dark patch vanished, blood seeped out in a heavier flow. The wound ached without the added pressure, but at least bleeding would help flush out the bacteria.

Sage looked determined as she focused yet the girl's magic didn't look quite like Persephone's or Nene's. Instead of a soft glow over time, a bright light flashed suddenly from her palms, like a camera taking a picture.

Iruma gaped in amazement as his skin sealed over almost instantly and the pain melted away. The girl smiled proudly. "I know you were worried, so I purged the icky germs, too", she beamed.

Iruma gratefully matched her pure smile. He had to remind himself that she was older than her toddler appearance let on, but she was still very young to have mastered such magic. "Thank you", he said sincerely.

"Where are your friends, Iruma-nii? Did you find your sensei yet?", she asked. He stared in question, surprised. "How do you know about all of that?", he asked carefully. Sage giggled innocently at his confusion. "You're a loud thinker. Mommy says I'll get better at hearing human thoughts when I'm older. She says it's part of my heritage", she explained.

Iruma had been told that Sage was a hybrid, but not of her angelic nature. Maybe she could sense his humanity because of their shared genetics? Thinking it over, it didn't make sense. Her fluffy, black wings were reminiscent of Nene's, but the girl couldn't possibly be a tengu. Then it dawned on him. Her strange magic and features suddenly clicked.

"Sage-chan, your mom...She's an angel, isn't she?", he ventured. The girl nodded though she seemed a little worried. "You still like me, right? I know how much you love demons, but Grandfather says humans have to pick a side...but I'm in the middle...Do you still want to be my friend?...Please?", she said, tears in her eyes. She seemed terrified of rejection.

Her last word naturally pierced right through him. That sadistic 'please' echoed in his heart. He couldn't turn down such an innocent request yet she was reading his thoughts again. It had to come from her angel blood. The ability to hear the thoughts and concerns of humans - almost like listening for a prayer. Could all angels do that?

He smiled wide as he put an affectionate hand upon her head. "Of course we're still friends! You're the first angel I've met, so let's help understand each other, okay?", he said. She smiled to herself and hugged him in thanks. The poor girl had trouble finding anyone among the three races that would accept her. This was her first human friend. She was so happy.

After a moment of silent gratitude, Sage started to tremble again. Undoubtedly she was picking up on his fear for his friends. His team was alone and Kalego's condition was completely unknown.

"Someone important to you is missing", she uttered meekly. She didn't seem to know who it was, but his concerned thoughts were still loud in her young heart. "I'm missing someone, too… Auntie said my uncle is here somewhere, but he never came to play with me... Do you think he's mad that I got away from Mommy?", she ventured.

Iruma wasn't certain, but he had a feeling that his sensei and her so-called uncle were one in the same. There was no doubt Kalego would know of her existence and that Victoria would be crowing about his capture. He only hoped the vile demoness hadn't gone into too much detail around the poor girl.

Hugging her close, he said, "No one is angry with you, Sage-chan. We all came here to find you… We'll look for our friends together, so stay close to me, okay? I'll keep you safe; I promise."

She glanced up into his face and relaxed at the kindness pouring from his sapphire eyes. "Pinkie promise?", she sniffled. Happily holding out his finger with an assuring grin, he agreed, "Pinkie promise."

After linking fingers and hearing him swear, she seemed more at ease, even wiping her damp face to smile for him. "Iruma-nii, are you gonna save the other humans?...You smell like a demon, but I know you're not...It's okay, though. I won't tell your friends", she said, reading his unease yet again.

He wanted to thank her or explain why he was keeping secrets, but her two toned eyes seemed to understand. So, instead, he asked about the humans, but Sage didn't know where they were or if any of them were even still alive.

She shivered as she told him about being offered some of their flesh to try one night. Ai had tried to awaken her demon side, but the girl had refused to eat it. She just cried over it like a child being offered their dead goldfish as food. Victoria had sent her away in disgust, but she had kept her word to Dali not to physically harm the girl.

Iruma held her tightly, desperately trying to take away the mental trauma she'd endured. Then he started looking around. He'd found his rescue target, but he had to find a way to get her out still.

His options were limited, but he refused to let her down. She kept calling him as her big brother and clutched onto him like a giant teddy bear. There was no way he was going to leave her behind. If only his radio were working… For now, they were on their own and he'd protect her with his life.

to be continued...