Mairimashita! Iruma-kun: Shadows of the Past, part 52
Deep in Victoria's underground compound, Iruma shivered, nearly frozen with fear. His wrist was being bitten open and cursed by the mad vampire herself, Victoria Ai. There was no telling what one of her curses would do to a human and both the sensation and concept of his blood being forcefully drained was so horrifying, he'd essentially gone numb from shock. This was the second time that night he'd come close to truly being devoured by a demon. Yet, thankfully, he wasn't alone.
As Persephone got to her feet, she stared, completely flabbergasted, at the form now behind the duo. A tall, strange demon with a single eye had his arm locked firmly around Victoria's neck, ready to snap it without hesitation. "Let him go", ordered Ali-san. His tone left no room for argument.
Amused, Ai released the boy, letting him crumple to his knees, still in shock. Licking his blood from her lips, she seemed awfully relaxed given her predicament. "You finally decided to show yourself", she said calmly.
Iruma slowly looked over his shoulder in relief as he instinctively clutched his wrist close, applying pressure to stem the bleeding. Even the dark, magical tether between his ring and Alicred was spattered with fresh blood. "Ali-san, you saved me... Thank you", he uttered with genuine gratitude.
Victoria grinned in amusement as she gently caressed her attacker's arm as if cuddling. "Ali-san? Is that what you're calling yourself these days?... I see; That ring...So this is where you've been hiding all this time, darling." The others froze at the term of affection as Alicred tightened his grip in irritation. Was he trying to silence her? Did he actually know who he was and not have amnesia as he'd told Iruma-kun?
"I have no idea what you're talking about, but if you try to harm Iru-boy again, we're going to have a serious problem", he stated evenly. Looking closer, Iruma could tell his partner was rather upset. He looked confused, worried, and anxious behind his bravado. He'd exposed his existence to save his partner, but just who was Ali-san before being trapped in the ring of gluttony? Did he even know?
In a single, fluid movement, Victoria turned the tables yet again. She phased beside the fallen human, pinching his cheek in mocked affection. "What's wrong, my love? Can't survive without your little host?...You always were a parasite. It's why you and I got along so well", she taunted.
Alicred was so angry and shaken that his given form started to alter. He began to resemble the shapeless monster he had first appeared as, only much bigger. His animosity filled the room with a deafening screech. The horrific sound quickly overwhelmed the two other demons present.
Feeling her strength start to sap, Ai hastily made her escape with a nasty look on her face. She disappeared like a breeze, leaving the trio behind. Persephone desperately covered her ears, but still managed to stagger toward her bleeding patient, determined to help.
She curiously looked up at the monster staring her down. "Iruma, what is that thing?!", she yelled, trying to make herself heard. She was completely caught off guard by the sudden appearance and still hadn't quite recovered from her personal encounter with Victoria. Yet she still somehow recognized their strange bond as the raucous howl waned. "He's bleeding! Let me help him; I know healing magic", she implored.
Iruma, himself, looked anxious. He knew what could potentially happen if his companion completely lost control. Slowly rising as blood dripped down his arm, he stood in front of Persephone protectively. "Ali-san, calm down. You already have enough power right now; Grandpa fed you before we left home, remember?...It's okay. Persephone-san is a friend; She would never hurt me… Please, let her help", he said, offering a pleading smile.
The mass of confused, evil energy seemed to falter. Shrinking faintly, he seemed to peer over the boy's shoulder in question. After a moment, he seemed to understand that Lamya was safe and would undoubtedly both heal and protect Iruma. He just had to calm himself and let it happen. Closing his eyes, he tried to relax.
The powerful demoness behind his host looked shaken yet resolute. Realizing how much she had likely already been through before their arrival, Ali-san's monstrous form begrudgingly shrank back into Iruma's ring without another word.
Iruma breathed out heavily in relief before falling to the ground in exhaustion. Seeing the seeping fang marks upon his wrist, Persephone quickly shook herself back into medic mode. It was a potentially deadly wound if left to bleed for too long. Besides, Kalego was confirmed to be alive and Iruma needed her help. Her training as a healer easily overtook her anxiety. Whatever that monster was, she would deal with her thoughts about it later.
Swiftly healing the bite wound, she propped him up to face her. Thankfully, he hadn't lost too much blood, but it was highly likely that Victoria had at least drained his strength or stamina as well. "Iruma-kun… Are you alright?", she inquired, assessing him.
He smiled meekly, still winded. He was surely going to get another lecture about his recklessness later, yet despite seeing him foolishly throw himself in harm's way again, she was glad he had called out to her earlier. When faced with the possibility that she was too late to save her beloved, her mind had completely shut down and she became easy prey for Victoria's fangs.
Persephone quietly pulled Iruma into a close, grateful hug. Actually being the target of her affection for once was a little strange, but he had already seen her vulnerable before and there wasn't much use in putting up an emotional wall with only the two of them, so he was pleased to see her softer side shine through.
"You said Kalego-kun is still alive. That means you found him...Thank you", she said sincerely, clutching the boy tightly. She sounded nearly broken by Ai's mind games, but now her relief was palpable. Carefully hugging her in return, he affirmed, "Sensei's alive. He's waiting for us."
Letting go, Persephone straightened her appearance. She was getting rather tired of so many exhausting emotions, but now she knew for certain that Kalego was still breathing and that meant there was hope. Steeling her resolve, she reignited the simmering anger in her garnet eye that Iruma had grown accustomed to.
"We have to hurry. Victoria may try to move him or worse...The only thing we have going in our favor right now is that she's unaware that we know his location", she said.
Iruma wasn't so sure of that, but the likelihood of losing his sensei again lit a fire in his heart, too. Still, there was still one thing left to clear up.
"Um, about Ali-san…", he began. Persephone held up her palm to silence him as she shook her head with a reassuring grin. "You're already protecting several of our secrets; I can keep one of yours. The less I know, the better", she said calmly.
He grinned in relief, then both stared in surprise as a puff of black, downy feathers suddenly appeared from nowhere between them. Once they settled upon the floor, Sage sat in Iruma's lap with a pleased look on her face.
"Sage-chan?...Where did you come from?!", he gaped. That certainly didn't look like one of Valiant's portals and from what he'd been told, such a feat was rather unlikely at the moment, given Vincente's current state.
Hugging him tightly, the small girl said, "I heard your thoughts. You were really scared so I came back to help!". Persephone blinked in moderate shock. "How did you - …?", she trailed.
Sage smiled at her brightly. "Iruma-nii called out, so I came back and I left presents just in case, see?", she explained, pulling a few of her feathers from his pocket. He looked on surprise; He'd never even noticed them.
"I figured if I left you some feathers, you could make more bows and if things got really scary, I could help, too", she stated. "But how did you know where I was?", asked Iruma, confounded.
Sage grinned mischievously. "I left my mark!", she beamed. "Mark?", repeated Persephone. "Uh huh! Iruma-nii, roll up your left sleeve! You'll see", beamed the girl.
Iruma complied and was shocked to see a strange sigil upon his forearm. He'd never seen anything like it before. Before he could ask what it was, Persephone breathlessly uttered, "Angel runes." She couldn't decipher them, but she was somehow able to recognize them.
Sage looked awfully proud of herself. "I knew they wouldn't hurt you and you already did lots for me, so I wanted to pay you back... The mark let me hear your thoughts even far away and gave me an anchor to return to if you needed me. Mommy showed me once. She says I'm super good at it!"
Iruma grinned fondly as he affectionately patted her head. "Sage-chan, you're really amazing", he said. She seemed to glow at his praise, then she looked worried.
"Auntie cursed you", she observed, seeing his right arm. Iruma glanced back at his wrist. Persephone had healed the bite wound, but a dark crest still decorated his skin. She hadn't even gotten a chance to attempt erasing it yet.
"Icky...but don't worry; I'll make it go away." Putting her tiny hand upon the mark, light flashed from Sage's palm just like before. The dark mana invading Iruma's skin hissed as it evaporated into nothing. He and Persephone stared in wonder. "Ta dah!", beamed Sage.
Persephone grinned in approval. Somehow this strange child had already mastered such a powerful technique at such a young age. As she had said before, angel magic was really incredible, and seeing that small feat gave her hope for Kalego. After all, his curse had undoubtedly been reinforced if not multiplied.
"Thanks", smiled Iruma. Sage hugged him happily. Then she pouted, "Kitty-san is going to be mad at me for leaving." Realizing that Opera was most likely doubling back toward them, Persephone called their radio.
"Opera-san, Sage found her way back to us. We're all safe, but Victoria is somewhere close. Stay vigilant."
Once they responded and confirmed their location, she called Sullivan next. He was grateful to get an update, but Iruma seemed oddly uneasy upon hearing his voice. After a moment, he asked, "Grandpa, is this a secure line?".
Sullivan hesitated, but finally replied, "Something's on your mind...What is it, Iruma-kun?". His grandson's tone was unusually serious. "I'm guessing Ai told you about some things I was saving for when you were older...We can talk about everything once we're home. It isn't exactly safe to discuss it in the open like this. I hope that's alright", he ventured.
Persephone worriedly watched Iruma tremble with anxiety as he held Sage close. "Just tell me one thing for now... What Victoria said about the angels and the past...Is it all true?", he asked stiffly.
Again Sullivan hesitated. "I'm guessing what was said by your inflection and if I'm correct, then yes...I'm sorry you had to find out that way, but I promise I will answer all of your questions later. No more secrets, so please come back to me safely... I couldn't bear to lose you."
Iruma closed his flinching eyes, internally torn. Ai was right and Sullivan knew everything. What else was he hiding?
"Iruma-kun?...Don't forget, Grandpa loves you", said the old demon wistfully.
The boy still looked shaken, but he knew for certain that at least that much was true. Forcing a small grin, he said, "Yeah. I love you, too, Grandpa". Taking a deep breath, he calmed his racing thoughts. "Don't worry. We'll definitely come back safe and bring Kalego-sensei with us. I'll call you again once we've rescued him, okay?…and Grandpa?...Thank you...for everything."
Then the call ended. On one end, Sullivan had tears welling up in his eyes in a mixture of gratitude for his grandson and relief that he had one less thing to hide from him now. On the other end, Iruma hugged Sage gently. He was unsure just how much she knew and didn't want to upset her.
"Are you okay?", asked Persephone carefully. She didn't know exactly what Victoria had told him. Within his arms, Sage tugged on his clothes for attention. "Iruma-nii, I know you're sad, but it's okay; Nobody's eaten a demon in a really long time", she offered, trying to cheer him up.
He grinned softly in gratitude as Persephone stiffened beside them. Her suspicions about the true danger that angels posed had just been confirmed. "Thanks, Sage-chan. That does make me feel a little better", he said.
"Iruma, Sage, stay together. I have to step outside for a minute, okay?", said Persephone as if suddenly remembering something. As she got up, she sent them both an assuring smile. The secret of the angels was safe for now, so what was she doing?
Watching her exit the room with her radio activated, all Iruma could hear was, "Allocer? I have a favor to ask."
Above ground, the young demon had an odd look on his face. Combat was finally winding down, so he had time, but what a strange request.
"Yes, Vincente-sensei is in medical now….You want what?...Of course I'll do it. You can count on me."
Beside him, Camui and Kerori looked over curiously. They could potentially be quite helpful in procuring what Lamya-sensei had asked for, but he felt it best not to involve them. She was clearly counting on his stoicism.
"Can you check on sensei for me? I have something to take care of. I'll be there in a moment", he said cryptically. The two summoners glanced at one another briefly before departing. Their classmate was acting rather strangely, but it was simple enough to go along with whatever he was scheming. As he walked into the distance, they saw him call his familiar once more.
Over at the medical tent, Valiant, Soi, and Bachiko had checked in. Purson got the okay from the nurse after a once over, but Azazel instructed him to stay close. He and Sabnock were an unknown factor with their resurrection and he didn't want them going anywhere until Balam gave his okay. Yet he was busy elsewhere on the battlefield, so they had to bide their time until then.
Across the tent, Sabro was snoring peacefully, put under by the nurse for safety. Henri didn't quite trust the spirited, young demon to rest without argument, so preventative measures had been put into place to avoid further injury.
Nearer the entrance, Valiant had been placed on a cot and was currently surrounded by a few concerned faces. Bachiko kept her relative distance as the misfits checked in on him. Camui and Purson worriedly fussed over their spymaster, ensuring he had ample water to wet his parched throat as his voice slowly came back.
Kerori stood by the entrance, observing calmly. When Allocer finally joined the group, she left them to converse. The spy team was back together and everyone looked worried for their sensei.
"What happened?", asked Camui. "Help is on the way", stated Allocer calmly. Meanwhile, Purson grinned faintly as he tried to fill them in and translate Valiant's coded tapping. Eventually, Vincente insisted he was in good hands and told them to rejoin the fight alongside their peers. Their friends still needed their skills; After all, information was a vital part of any skirmish.
Eventually, they conceded and left their wounded spymaster under Bachiko's vigilant stare, knowing she would take care of him until he could be treated further. Seeing their bond amid their interactions as master and students made her wonder where Iruma was and if he was okay, but she had faith in him to pull off the impossible. She'd seen him do it before and, besides, she had someone else to watch over for now.
As Valiant settled into his makeshift hospital bed, he waved his students off with a proud grin, watching them leave. Once they were gone with their minds at ease that he would be okay, he was left alone in the medical tent with Bachiko, awaiting the nurse. Sabnock was still out cold and therefore not a concern for their conversation.
Bachiko looked at Vincente with a stoic expression. "The kids are gone. You can drop the act now", she said, watching him closely. After another grateful swig of water, he asked, "Whatever do you mean, good lady?".
Annoyed by his unwillingness to show how bad off he truly was, she pinched his ribs, knowing it was a sore spot. Wincing and hissing in mild pain, he finally ceded. "Alright, I give!", he said with a shudder. How could someone so petite and adorable be so mean?
She smirked in victory as she sat beside him. There was no need for him to put on airs just for her. She could only imagine the things he had been through during Ai's twisted playtime, but he had survived the torture and given the enemy nothing of use. She respected that.
"You're not leaving?", ventured Valiant, mildly surprised. Surely she wanted to be alongside the others in the fight, so why was she suddenly being so attentive and nice to him?
With an intimidating look, she asked, "Is that a problem?". "Not at all!", he said, innocently waving his hand. Watching her start to grin, he began to smile himself. Catching on, she defensively stiffened into a grumpier expression. She wasn't ready to let him get too close emotionally just yet. After all, she was still learning to open up again with Iruma's help.
"It's not like I can just leave you all alone after those three made such a big deal about your recovery!...Stop talking already and drink your damned water", she said haughtily. He grinned at her demure act. It was kind of cute.
Then something else deep inside of him suddenly churned, like an empty stomach growling for food. He shivered as he fought it off, that dark thirst he'd inherited. True, a lovely and powerful, young demoness was right there and she undoubtedly had more blood in her veins than she really needed, but he refused to give in. Whatever Persephone had given him before would have to suffice.
Forcibly relaxing into his makeshift bed with a mild sigh of irritation, he closed his eyes to meditate. He had just barely cemented their relationship as allies. There was no way he could jeopardize that by attacking her. Besides, she looked far too innocent in her pigtails and all those frills.
"What?", she asked gruffly. She knew she was being stared at, but not why. Valiant averted his face as he shook his head. "It's nothing", he uttered almost sadly. Just what was going on in that bruised head of his? Now she was curious. Surely he hadn't taken that kind of interest in her, right? They barely knew each other!
Her expression turned nervous as her thoughts began to run wild, but before she could grill him for details, Azazel peered into the tent with a strained look on his face. "Vincente, you have a visitor. The healer should be here soon", he said, stepping aside to reveal Purson.
The young demon looked troubled, clearly concerned for his master, but that was anticipated. What was unusual about his prompt return was the fluffy creature in his arms. A rabbit twitched its ears in confusion.
Soi glanced at Bachiko briefly before entering. "Schneider's hawk caught this for you. Lamya-sensei radioed and said you might need it", he explained.
The archer peered over in mild interest yet said nothing. Valiant simply sighed with a self deprecating grin. "Thank you both", he uttered in a subdued tone. He sounded rather grim, but his throat would need time to heal. Perhaps he was just in pain.
Handing the creature over, Purson didn't ask any questions. He already had a fair idea of the rabbit's purpose and understood that his master had many dark secrets. If he was ever to be trusted enough to learn them all, he needed to be both trusting and patient.
Valiant looked at the animal sadly as he silently petted it until his pupil quietly excused himself. Well aware of the archer's presence, he held his tongue as he cuddled the creature. He looked ready to cry.
Being reduced to such a state deeply wounded his pride. Still, if it weren't for Persephone's magic and Iruma's blood, his inherited thirst would likely have caused him to attack his allies by now in an attempt for his body to heal itself. He was grateful for their help.
Bachiko could tell he was struggling, internalizing some kind of moral quandary, but she had to know for sure if her suspicions were correct. "What do you need that for?", she asked, hoping it was merely a coping mechanism akin to an emotional support companion. Yet there was no bond between this man and beast, just a curious rabbit and sullen demon.
Unable to face her, Valiant uttered, "You may want to leave now...I'll be fine." She narrowed her gaze, wanting to ask why. He sent her an apologetic glance as he slowly reached for a nearby scalpel. His fangs were too far gone to be any use and the tool shook in his nervous hand. He didn't know what to expect for a reaction from her, but since he was working for Sullivan, she would surely learn his secret eventually anyway.
He was both upset and relieved to have a ready blood supply in his hands. He was thankful to Persephone, but knew he would likely repulse his new friend. Sighing, he said, "Don't worry; I'll make it quick and cleanly sever the spine. It won't feel a thing...Just please don't watch. I don't think I could take the look in your eyes."
Understanding what was about to happen, Bachiko turned her face away to give him some privacy, but from the corner of her eye, she saw him lovingly cuddle the rabbit's forehead to his own as he whispered, "I'm sorry, little one, but thank you."
He was clearly terrified of rejection, but still took the time to acknowledge the life in his hands and that sparked something in her.
In the last second, Bachiko blurted, "Wait!". Valiant looked up in surprise. Was she angry or, worse, disgusted with him? She seemed to be fighting off an eye twitch.
"You need blood, right?", she uttered, battling her conflicting thoughts. Valiant looked ashamed as he coyly nodded. He'd tried to warn her.
"It's my lineage. We Vincente's are a branch of the Victoria clan. We, too, have a debilitating thirst when so weakened… Now that you know the truth, I fully understand if you despise me or think me vulgar and uncouth...It's alright to leave me here with my self-loathing...Those kids probably need you out there anyway."
She stared at him with a mixed expression. "Kalego was right", she began a little darkly. Valiant braced himself for the impending verbal onslaught. He slowly looked into her face, but, astoundingly, she wasn't disgusted or upset at all. She almost looked amused. "You really are an idiot", she said flatly.
Valiant blinked in mild surprise. "...What?", he managed. Bachiko smirked at his stupor. "Why would I hate you just because you're related to Victoria? That'd be like you getting mad at me for something Robby did...And why should I care what you eat?...I know I look young, but I'm not that naive, so don't think I can't handle whatever other secrets you're hiding… Tch! You forget who I am. I'm the undead archer of the Barbatos clan! I've dealt with way worse things than an injured, wannabe playboy, vampire dork like you", she said smugly.
Valiant stared in a mix of shock, humor, and admiration. She had looked past his doubt and seen right through his carefree persona.
After a moment, he grinned softly. "Thank you, Barbatos-san", he said sincerely. Her defiant grin was rather becoming in the face of his dour mood. Then she surprised him again, by correcting how he addressed her. "Bachiko is fine. We're allies, right?", she ventured.
"Bachiko-san...No, it just doesn't sound proper. How about Bachiko-hime instead?", he grinned. That hopeful smile and those bright eyes, she couldn't take it. Averting her pink face, she mumbled, "Whatever...idiot."
Valiant snickered at her coy expression. She could turn away, but she couldn't hide that amused grin. "Well, princess, I must apologize for underestimating someone of your prestige. I should have entrusted that your nobility would shine so brightly. Forgive me."
Turning a tinge pinker, she smirked at his apology. "Don't forget it again", she said smugly. A brief, awkward pause drifted between them. Eventually, Valiant uttered, "I'm truly glad you aren't repulsed...but aren't you afraid to be alone with me now?".
Turning, she made an odd face. "Why would I be? Just look at yourself. I could totally kick your ass, wounded like that. Hell, I don't even need that handicap. I could take you any day", she grinned. He had to chuckle at such a response. "That is likely true", he ceded.
He got quiet again, looking at the rabbit upon his chest and the knife in his hand. He really didn't want to kill it, but had little choice. He tried to take solace in knowing that the rest could at least be properly cooked and eaten after being drained of its blood. Still, it was awfully cute.
Bachiko sighed, half grumbling. "For fuck's sake, just get it over with already", she muttered. He stared at her briefly. "You don't really want that. It's why you stopped me before, am I right?", he ventured.
Shying her gaze, she said, "Of course, stupid, but if it's between your life and a rabbit's, the choice is pretty obvious, isn't it?". Valiant sighed dejectedly, grabbing her attention.
"I'm honored you feel that way...It is sad, though", he said, petting the creature once more. He stared into its eyes as it twitched its tiny nose in question. "...Aauuugh! I can't do it! It's just too cute!", he ceded, putting the scalpel down and apologetically hugging the bundle of fur. "I'm sorry I scared you, little bunny", he said.
Bachiko stared in disbelief. Was this guy for real? "What kind of half baked vampire are you?!", she blurted, flabbergasted. He looked up in surprise at her outburst. Then he blushed faintly as he looked back to the innocent creature in his arms.
"I must look pretty pathetic, huh?...I've fought this need for blood my entire life...It isn't so bad if it's a willing donor that will recover, but I always hated taking an innocent life...I know it's really no different than killing to eat just like anyone else, but - ...I guess I'm just the sentimental fool everyone sees me to be", he said.
Bachiko stared briefly, followed by an annoyed grumble and heavy sigh. "Willing donor, huh?...Yeah, I guess I could do that...for a friend", she ventured.
He stared in disbelief. She couldn't possibly be serious, right? Yet her red face said otherwise. Slowly extending her arm, she said, "Give me the damn rabbit already and don't make it weird... We don't have to make a big deal out of it. It's no different than if I gave you a sandwich or something; No big deal, okay?".
She couldn't quite look him in the eye as she spoke, but her words were genuine. A smile spread over Valiant's lip in veritable gratitude. "A kind offer, but I'm afraid I must decline… You see, I have a tendency to get rather attached to those who offer such a sacrifice so willingly", he said coyly, clearly referring to Persephone.
Glancing up, he saw her mildly glaring at him, flustered. "I said not to make it weird", she warned. She clearly didn't intend on backing down. He obviously needed the boost. His body had been through a lot over the last 36 hours of endless torment and his genetics were well aware of the fastest route to getting him back on his feet.
Sighing, he gave in. "Far be it from me to decline a noble lady's generous offer. It certainly wouldn't be very gentlemanly of me, now would it?"
Bachiko smirked, pleased she'd won the battle of wills. Sitting close beside him, she took the rabbit from his hands. "So how does this work?...Your teeth are - …", she trailed. She didn't want to be callous, but his fangs were badly damaged. It would be embarrassing for any demon of note, let alone a debonair vampire.
"Messed up? I know...A blade would do, but I'd hate to mar a lady's skin", replied Valiant. She froze, trying to calm her pounding chest. When did she start associating this idiot with being charming? She quickly convinced herself that it had to be part of his vampiric nature.
Straightening her back and trying not to read too deeply into her previous thoughts, she muttered, "It's fine. The healers here can fix a cut. I'm not worried about it."
Valiant's golden eyes softened in appreciation. "Are you sure you're okay with this?...You don't have to", he said. She averted her pink face as if to say she already knew that.
"Just shut up and get it over with before somebody sees us. I don't wanna deal with that kind of headache from a bunch of delusional teenagers", she grumbled, wanting to avoid any lengthy explanations. He grinned faintly. "As you wish...Hime, you should keep the rabbit. It suits you", he replied.
Blushing despite herself, she half agreed to taking on a pet. His words seemed to insinuate that both creatures were cute and therefore belonged together, but she forced that from her mind. She was already getting in far too deep with this fool.
Sensing her unease, he handed her the scalpel, allowing her to make the incision as she saw fit. His cat-like pupils dilated at the sight of fresh blood as it trickled across her skin. He only hoped she couldn't see his mouth watering, too.
Slowly grasping her arm, he uttered, "Thank you for this. I will never forget such kindness." Then he drank deeply of her veins. A shiver shot through her petite frame at the sensation, but it wasn't exactly unpleasant. In fact, it was a warm, gentle feeling, nothing like the cold embrace of a killer that she had expected.
It was pretty obvious he was minding his manners, reserving his darkest impulses, but she could also sense his eagerness to feast. Thankfully, he was truly a gentleman of noble breeding. He wouldn't fall into his baser instincts so easily. He was only accepting her generous offer because his body was so desperate to recover the blood he'd lost during Victoria's torture sessions.
A few strained minutes passed, and he finally released her. Gratefully kissing her hand, he thanked her once more before carefully bandaging her arm. "Make sure the nurse flushes this. I don't want you to get an infection because of me", he stated calmly.
Bachiko stared at how tender the entire process had been. He really was nothing like Victoria. Shaking the pink tinge from her cheeks, she nodded. As she hugged the rabbit, shyly burying her face in its fur, the nurse finally arrived.
"Please forgive the delay. I was treating the younger patients first. I'm sure you understand", she said. Glancing between the two demons on the cot, she almost asked if she was interrupting from the awkward air, but politely held her tongue.
"Vincente-san, you seem to have gotten some color back in your cheeks. Please continue to drink more water. You need to rehydrate", she instructed. "Yes, ma'am", he nodded.
"Barbatos-san, I didn't know you were hurt! Please, allow me to take care of that arm. They may need your skill and bow again before this is over. Vincente-san, will you be alright to wait a few more minutes?", she asked.
Bachiko said nothing as the healer fussed over them. Valiant nodded and graciously gestured, "Ladies first." The archer then let the nurse flush and heal her wound, holding the rabbit the entire time. Why did she feel so attached to it all of a sudden? Was it just because it was cute or that she had saved it or maybe even because it was a gift from Valiant? Perhaps he wasn't quite as annoying as she previously thought…
Once the nurse watched Valiant drink several of Nene's healing tonics, she bandaged him thoroughly. Ensuring her patients were comfortable, she headed back over to Sabnock to recheck his vitals.
Knowing she was out of earshot, Valiant kept his voice low. "Truly, thank you...but I must ask one more favor", he began. "Yeah?"
He looked worried again. Meeting her gaze, he uttered, "Please don't mention any of this to my team...I'll tell my students when I'm ready."
Bachiko smirked, "I'm pretty sure Purson already knows." Valiant grinned coyly. She was probably right and there was little doubt that Allocer would easily figure things out. Still, he wasn't looking forward to answering Camui's fervent questions about procuring or wooing a donor.
"But they're your pupils. Tell them whatever you want. It's not really my business", she shrugged, putting his mind at ease. "I am in your debt, Hime."
Elsewhere, Sullivan had a rather ominous aura as he held a hushed conversation on his phone, away from prying ears. Amerie guessed he was likely updating the other greats about the raid. She was admittedly curious as to what was being said, but respected both his rank and privacy, keeping her distance and taking criminals to her father for processing.
"I agree. What I found in Ai's lab was certainly disturbing if true...I'll continue to look into it, of course. Once Victoria is in custody and the estate is fully secured, Opera will investigate thoroughly while we interrogate her."
"Levi-chan, I understand your concern, but there is no proof that any others have come at this point…No, Henri-kun is not currently aware, but I'm choosing to believe Parisa-chan for the time being; She has no reason to lie to me."
"Belial-kun, there's no reason for you to come down here. Doing so could potentially be seen as an act of aggression and nobody wants that kind of political headache….I promise you both that I will personally see to it. Should the situation change, I will call you. You have my word."
Meanwhile, as Opera descended back toward Iruma and the others, an odd sight peered at them from around a corner. Falfal was spying on them. Pausing, they activated their radio. "Team Iruma, what is your location?"
After a brief pause, Lied responded. "Opera-san? I thought you were heading topside with one of the rescue targets. Is everything alright?", he asked. Opera grinned faintly at his concern as they watched Clara's unusual familiar. Clearly they were scouting for something or someone and utilizing their familiars was a good tactic.
"Slight change of plans. I'm going back to Iruma-sama, but I'd like to return his medical pouch if possible. He is currently safe with Lamya, but the chair demon would feel better knowing he is well prepared...I can see one of your familiars. You two must be close", they explained.
"Pera-san, follow Falfal!", said Clara, excited to help. "Roger that." The strange creature waved them forward and scampered ahead, leading the way. Once the teens came into view, Clara waved happily before taking turns with her familiar patting each other's heads for a job well done.
"If you're back this far down, does that mean Sage is already safe?", asked Lied. Opera didn't seem overly quick to explain, but humbly said, "Yes. She is well guarded." There was no real reason to go into detail lest prying ears were listening in. She was undoubtedly being protected by Iruma and Lamya.
Clara finally brought over Iruma's medical pouch. She was glad to see Opera returning to their young master. She knew her soul mate wouldn't go down so easily, but having someone so reliable at his side was rather comforting. "Do you want us to follow you to Irumachi? He's okay, right?", she asked.
Opera grinned faintly to ease her worries. "Iruma-sama is just fine, but you two should head to the surface. Victoria and her officers could be anywhere. It isn't safe for you to remain down here on your own", they said.
Lied and Clara exchanged glances. "About that...We've decided to keep looking for Amy-senpai. Clarin and Iruma-kun were pretty set on helping the guy, so I agreed to their plan. He was last seen on this floor and injured, so he couldn't have gotten too far, you know?", ventured Lied.
Opera knew it was pointless to argue based on the resolve in the young demon's eyes. Clara, too, looked pretty determined. "I see. Then I assume you've already discussed this plan with Iruma-sama and Balam-kun?", they asked.
Lied smirked rather mischievously. "Iruma-kun is on board", he replied. That obviously meant they hadn't asked their commanding general at all and Opera had a choice to make - turn them in and drag them out or put faith in their abilities and trust in their team leader. Iruma had certainly turned out to be quite the interesting 'king' among his peers.
The teens stared at them nervously, awaiting a decision. If Opera ordered them to abandon their plan, they would have no choice. The adept security demon glanced aside in thought. "Very well, but should anything happen or you feel overwhelmed, call for backup. Understood?", they offered.
"Yes!", agreed Clara excitedly. "Understood" grinned Lied. They had permission to continue. After a long pause, he inquired, "Any word on sensei yet?". Both students were clearly worried, but Opera had nothing to tell them.
"Not yet, but I'm sure we'll all get good news soon. It isn't in Iruma-sama's nature to give up on something he believes in...I will return his belongings, but I suggest you hold onto the pinion. Lamya herself is ready to intervene below; They aren't likely to need it."
Clara shook her head. "That one belongs to Irumachi. He might need it for Eggy-sensei. We'll be alright. Don't forget about my pockets", she grinned. Opera stared briefly, intrigued. Certainly Valac could summon a myriad of items, but something so rare and powerful would be difficult to duplicate. Still, there was no time to argue.
"Watch each other's backs. I'll keep my ears open should you call for help", they said, then departed after a silent nod of agreement with Lied. Once Opera had left their sight, Lied glanced back at his team mate. "Clarin, are you sure that was wise? I mean, you tried and - ...", he trailed.
Clara looked disappointed in herself. She could pull out however many bandages or tonics they needed, but her attempts to summon more phoenix pinions only resulted in shiny red feathers that turned to ash when touched. They really were on their own now.
With luck, no one else was going to die, but going after Kiriwo was certainly looking for trouble. Still, they had to try and if things turned sour, they knew Opera would hastily return for them. The hunt for their senpai was on. Hopefully they could still reach him and bring him back to the light. Only time would tell.
To be continued...