Mairimashita! Iruma-kun: Shadows of the Past, part 58
After the small meeting of those higher ranked dispersed, each took their new orders with them. Henri kept a close eye on the remaining exits from Victoria's mansion and the collapsed tunnel underneath. Anyone who appeared from within was to be subdued without hesitation.
Only after the last Ai's agents were cleared could their forces begin to stabilize the crumbling structure and go in after their allies. Most had already been arrested, but two worrisome capture targets remained - Ai, herself, and a man with the power to twist minds.
Outside of the medical tent, several minutes of strained silence had passed between Asmodeus and Sabnock after their master's departure. With the battle still going, they assumed Balam-sensei had to return to his duties, leaving Sabro to tend to his training partner's emotional wounds.
He had heard what happened underground when Azz had explained it to Balam and he had several questions, but he knew his curiosity about Kiriwo and Lied's missing memories weren't a priority at the moment.
Asmodeus had sunk into sitting on the ground, knees to his chest and staring pensively into the dirt a while ago. He hadn't spoken a word since. Even his radio's earpiece wasn't in place, simply hanging limply near his shoulder just in case Iruma reached out for an update.
Sitting beside him, Sabro had patiently waited, but Azz's melancholy had gone on long enough. Trying to lighten the mood, he teased, "Squint all you want. You can't see Iruma down there."
The only response was a slight twinge of further angst in Azz's expression. He had faith that his soulmate below would be fine, but the one sleeping nearby worried him deeply.
Still no verbal response, so Sabro sighed and took on a serious tone. "Hey… Clara's gonna be fine, too", he ventured.
Azz tensed visibly in response, mildly gritting his teeth, a clear sign that was exactly what he'd been brooding about in uncertainty, piquing Sabro's interest.
The love trio had all declared themselves soulmates, but Sabnock still didn't fully understand what that meant. Still, Asmodeus was obviously worried about Clara. Forcing himself to relax with a deep breath, he finally spoke. "It's too quiet", he uttered coyly. Normally his rambunctious friend was far too noisy, but now the lack of sound only proved how badly she was hurt.
Sabnock stared at his classmate. Grinning softly, he replied, "Yeah." He understood exactly what was meant, but the faint pink tinge on Azz's face as he glanced away was new. Was he being shy about showing his true feelings, had something happened, or did he feel he had let Iruma down?
Asmodeus was still trying to sort his thoughts. The explosive demon, Ash, had really gotten under his skin when asking if he had a girl and taunting about taking her away. Why did Clara of all demons come to mind then and why couldn't he shake that thought?
Sabro could sense his unease even if he was ignorant to its root cause. He was unaware what Ash had said, but it was clear that Azz was intensely focused on the well-being of their classmate. Thinking back to when Azz had carried Clara out of the rubble, even Sabnock was unsettled by how much blood the poor girl had lost.
Azz didn't care about his ruined clothes, but it did bring back memories of the attack that nearly took Iruma's arm before the school was closed. He'd been covered in blood then, too. Yet Iruma had pulled through thanks to Lady Nene and Lamya-sensei...but neither of them were here now. Would Clara really be okay without immediate treatment?
"You did good bringing her back. She'll be alright... Hell, I died and I'm fine. There's no way a busted leg will keep her down for long", ventured Sabro with a faint smirk.
That ounce of self humor seemed to finally take the edge out of the air. Persephone's phoenix pinions were truly a godsend, but Azz still worried. How long would it be until one of the ace healers could treat Clara? Was she in pain while asleep? How long until she returned to her usual antics?
Sabro grinned to himself as he stared into the distance, touched to see just how concerned his friend was. Perhaps Iruma had finally rubbed off on him a little, instilling the kindness now being seen.
"If you're that worried, I'm pretty sure Barbatos-dono will let you in", he stated.
Azz glanced over at that moment as if he hadn't thought of that. Then their conversation was interrupted by the return of their haggard master. Balam was being heavily relied upon and the duo had a good idea of just how powerful he was, but even the silent gargoyle showed signs of fatigue after most of the night had passed in fighting.
He was worried about Kalego, Iruma, and Pandora. His students knew that, so Sabro put on a welcoming grin while Azz peered at him with a new level of understanding. Just how heavy were the burdens of a high rank?
"How is she?", asked Balam as he approached. That simple question seemed to rattle his pupil all over again. Azz looked pale. Sabnock sent his master a pleading look and Balam understood, so he silently nodded, granting permission to enter the tent for an update.
Alone, the master general watched his usually feisty protégé with concern. Azz averted his gaze, unable to face the possibility of losing Clara the same way Balam had lost Pandora. Realizing his confused feelings invading his thoughts again, he tinged pink as he stared into nothing. Why was he thinking like that?
"Are you alright?", ventured Balam, guessing the boy's thought process. Thankfully, their bond granted insight, especially after telling Azz the truth about Ai and everything she had done. When he finally glanced back, the look on Azz's face was obvious. He was worried Victoria was going to take someone else away again.
"Azzkun... I know what you're thinking, but this is different. Pan-chan was unprepared and caught in a violent sneak attack back then; Clara's already been rescued and is surrounded by friends. She'll be okay", he assured.
Azz's hue deepened, called out so easily. When had he become so transparent? "Master...", he trailed, barely audible, averting his gaze once more. Balam stood close, waiting for him to open up.
"First Iruma-sama, then sensei, and now Clara... This is what she does, isn't it?", get uttered bleakly.
Balam looked upon him with sad eyes. "Yes. Victoria feeds on the misery of others. That's why we're all here to finally stop her", he replied, keeping his emotions in check. It was a true statement; It didn't need hate or pain voiced with it.
"Is this what it felt like when you lost Pandora-san?", managed Azz. Balam's heart sank, seeing his student so badly lost yet again. He was almost as deep in despair as he was after the attack on Iruma. He held the same somber look in his eyes and darkness in his voice. It really felt like history was repeating itself.
The combination of events was wearing everyone thin. Balam sighed faintly, recalling just much it hurt in the past, but there were differences. Pandora was on her own after her parents were killed, with no warning of the attack, and the stakes weren't quite the same. Still, he could sense Azz's pain as he sat helpless while his soulmates suffered.
"To say I was heartbroken doesn't do it justice...It was more like my world completely shattered… We were so close to finally being happy and then Victoria ruined all hope of a shared future…"
His response echoed how hard it was to lose anyone, let alone someone you love... There was that word again. It made Azz's head hurt. Staring aside, he gambled on an answer.
"About Pandora-san...How did you know - ?", he uttered, deeply red and unable to finish the strained question. He detested feeling so vulnerable, but he trusted his master to keep this conversation private.
Balam tinged slightly pink with widening eyes in surprise. Azz wouldn't look at him, but that question could only be interpreted one way.
It was true they had met at fourteen, just like the Iru-army, so he wasn't going to insult his student by saying he was too young to ask such questions.
"Azzkun...", he uttered coyly, scrambling for an answer. He'd been caught entirely off guard. To think that Azz had possibly developed feelings all of a sudden for someone was a little much to take in, especially if it was Clara. His primary focus had always been Iruma, but trauma had a way of jumpstarting thoughts and feelings that had been quietly tucked away or even ignored. Besides, opposites sometimes attract.
Letting out a deep breath, Balam grinned nostalgically behind his mask as his eyes softened.
"Pan-chan… Her kindness drew me and I fell for her before I knew it, really… I admit I was pretty clueless that she felt the same way", he said bashfully. "I hoped before I knew", he added. With a muffled chuckle, he added, "I was the last to know, really...Kalego-kun never did let me forget that."
Lightly sighing, he put a supportive hand on the top of his student's head. "I'm glad to help you if I can, but I think you'd be better off discussing this with Iruma-kun once the dust settles", he said. Kalego had been instrumental in sorting his thoughts back then, so it seemed only natural that Azz's best friend be a source of clarification, too.
Asmodeus turned a deeper red, unready to have that discussion. What would Iruma-sama think? What would he say? How would it impact the trio's dynamic? Plus Azz wasn't completely sure yet himself. Still, it was sound advice, thus he begrudgingly nodded in acknowledgement.
Balam was going to also suggest talking with Pandora next, but Sabro's return cut that thought short. He looked tense.
"Clara's still asleep, but Barbatos-dono wants to see you, master", he stated. Bachiko hadn't given him any details, but it seemed Vincente had a plan and the master general needed to know what it was.
Glancing between the two awkward demons, he knew he'd interrupted something, but held his tongue for the moment.
Rising, Balam nodded, ready to head in. "Azzkun, we'll talk again after - ", but his words stopped mid sentence. His radio was going off. Sabro had turned off his radio during treatment and Azz barely registered the noise coming from his.
Balam focused on what was being said, pressing his fingers over the earpiece as he listened. His students peered at him in question. Now what had gone wrong?
"Copy that. I'm on my way", he responded. Looking toward the teens, he tried to look hopeful. "Azazel-san needs me. I'll be back soon. Sabro-kun - ..."
Sabnock smirked in acknowledgement. "Don't leave Azz alone" was the unspoken message, but he got it. "You can count on me", he assured with that and a nod, then their master was gone.
The two teens were alone once more. In reality, Sabro had overheard more than he let on, having lingered inside the tent. Now he was going to help the only way he knew how. He knew his classmate wasn't one to be overly frank, but he did respond well to a challenge. It was a common tactic during their training sessions. It had to work.
Azz got to his feet and dusted himself off. Being seen in such a sorry state was uncomfortable, so he tried to at least appear more stable in front of his pseudo rival.
"Azz", ventured Sabro. He looked rather serious as he stared off after their master. "When this mess with Victoria is over, you need to figure things out."
Azz narrowed his eyes. What was Sabnock babbling about? A smug grin crossed the taller demon's face as he glanced back toward the tent and finally faced his sparring partner.
"I'm not trying to push or anything. I'm just saying, if you take too long to make up your mind about Valac, someone else might step in your way", he taunted.
Asmodeus tensed. Just what did he mean by that? Then the cocky look on Sabnock's face made it clear. "Is that a threat?", asked Azz stiffly. "And if it is?", smirked Sabro, stepping closer to stare him in the eye.
Azz shivered. Was Sabro really thinking of Clara in that light? The glint in his eye certainly made it seem possible. He grinned at Asmodeus with an almost evil look of challenge.
"You - !", seethed Azz, glowering as he clenched his fists. Sabnock often pushed him, but this was going too far. Then the smug air of victory tipped him over the edge. Azz glared darkly in warning, but Sabro wasn't backing down.
Instead, he grinned confidently, almost as if bragging. His entire aura was radiating triumph as if claiming a future prize. That level of smug bravado angered Azz, getting under his skin. Grabbing his friend's collar and yanking him forward, he scowled menacingly. This wasn't funny.
"Still confused?", smirked Sabro as his eyes finally softened. Azz froze as it hit him. It had all been a show designed to push him into a decision. Gritting his teeth, he resisted the urge to punch his troublesome friend.
Annoyed, but grateful, he let him go and turned away. "Hmph. Any idiot knows you shouldn't play with fire", he grumbled as he crossed his arms, but Sabro was unphased. Instead of looking like he'd narrowly dodged a bullet, he instead smiled like a kid who had just gotten their way.
Asmodeus hadn't even thought of the possibility of someone stealing Clara away before. Really, the only potential threat was Iruma and if that were to come to pass, he'd be okay with that...or so he had previously thought. At first, he would have been jealous of Clara getting more time with Iruma, but now a new thought turned the scenario the other way around.
Still, Iruma-sama would take good care of Clara. Then again, so would Sabro. So why did either possibility suddenly tighten Azz's chest? The ordeal had been a nuisance, but he wasn't entirely unappreciative.
Slowly relaxing his arms as he began to relax, he muttered, "Who ever asked you to be so meddlesome?". Sure he sounded vexed, but Sabro only grinned in amusement. "You're welcome", he teased.Back on the battlefield, one of Henri's agents escorted a new arrival toward the fallen. A lovely, well-dressed woman with dark hair and ebony skin strode calmly. She held no hesitation about what she might see. The wounded within were why she had come.
As they reached the medical tent, Sabro and Asmodeus peered at her question. She had the air of regal confidence as she entered and that gave the teens some hope for their friends within.
The agent bowed humbly as he excused himself. Meanwhile, Bachiko looked up in mild annoyance, as if expecting more patients to guard, but the woman grinned pleasantly as the nurse from before hurried to her side.
"I'm so glad you're here! I couldn't believe our luck when Sullivan-sama said you were coming! Thank you for traveling so far out of your way. The girl needs you first, my lady."
The stranger glanced over her new wards. Lied was sound asleep, Valiant was struggling in his rest, and Clara was only out of her intense pain from a powerful sleep tonic.
The woman was obviously a healer, but Bachiko had no idea who she was. After all, no one had told her of the pending arrival. Understanding her keen stare, the woman calmly introduced herself.
"I am Akiyama Xiu. I'm here on Sullivan's invitation and Nene is expecting me to cover in her stead. Do you have any information for me before I begin my work?"
Bachiko gaped for a moment. She had heard the name mentioned in the same breath as Lady Nene, but Akiyama was far from home. Beyond that, she wasn't using any honorifics. Did that mean she was on the same level as her apparent peers and just how close were they?
The archer lowered her guard and acknowledged this new ally with a grin, glad to have someone of value and skill at the helm of treating her friends. "I'm - ", she began, but Xiu cut her off.
"Barbatos Bachiko, the undead archer. I know who you are. Thank you for watching over these souls… Now, tell me about the girl", she said.
The nurse began to prattle, but was silenced by Xiu's raised palm and an icy stare. "I believe I asked Barbatos… These are my patients now. I'll tend to them, so please help the lesser injuries outside."
The nurse quietly left, feeling a little dejected, but Bachiko smirked in approval. She didn't like that woman's attitude, especially after their brief disagreement over Valiant earlier.
Xiu listened for details as she inspected the sleeping teen. Clara's leg was in bad shape. Discoloration and swelling had already set in.
"Can you fix it?", asked Bachiko anxiously. Xiu smiled softly. "Yes. I specialize in ossification, rather the healing and forming of bones. It will take some time, but I'll get this child back on her feet...And the other two?"
Bachiko explained that Shax was mostly exhausted aside from minor physical injuries, then she got quiet as she glanced back toward Valiant. "And he's - …", she started, but couldn't find the words.
"Vincente. I heard Victoria did a number on him, but he seems fairly stable for now. How much fresh blood has he ingested?", asked Xiu, quickly checking his pulse.
Bachiko blushed coyly. She didn't go into detail, but it was fairly obvious to the healer what had transpired. "I see. Thank you for that", she said, turning her attention back to Clara.
It seemed she knew the Vincente family secret. Bachiko wondered if she knew Valiant personally, but it was just as likely she'd heard about him from Persephone in the past. It didn't really matter so long as both patients got the care they desperately needed.
"I heard Lamya-chan had a hand in his rescue. I look forward to seeing her again… Now let's see what I can do for the young Valac", said Xiu, inspecting the bandaged limb.Elsewhere, deep below ground, a solemn trio quietly waited for Kalego to wake again. He needed to rest, but they also needed to move soon. The longer they stayed in one place, the more likely Ai or her flunkies were to find them.
Sage stared silently upward as if searching for something far beyond the ceiling. Her intense concentration drew Iruma's concern. Was something wrong or was she sensing the other humans in levels above? Were they still alive?
Kneeling beside the girl, he inspected her expression. She looked so serious at first, but then a warm smile and moist eyes lit up her face. Turning toward him, she smiled wide. "It's my mommy!... I can feel her magic up there. She came for me!", she explained with happy tears, tugging his sleeve in excitement.
Iruma internally gawked for a moment. How was that possible? Were angels even allowed in the demon realm?! Still, he smiled for the sweet, small girl who called him big brother. "That's great!", he managed.
Seeing how nervous he was, Persephone stepped closer and set a reassuring hand on top of his head. "It's no surprise she's come. Never underestimate a mother's love", she said calmly.
Iruma knew she meant well by that statement, but it made him remember his own mother, someone who never showed him any particular maternal care or protection once he was able to walk. Sensing his emotions again, Sage playfully squished his cheeks.
"No sad faces! Uncle Kalego needs big smiles waiting for him when he gets up again. Like this, see?", she said, grinning wide. She really was adorable and her concern for his sensei warmed his troubled heart.
"Right", he ceded with a bashful grin. She giggled, pleased with his expression."Bigger, Iruma-nii!", she encouraged. Having her there to distract him from his thoughts really was a blessing, so he tried on a comically large grin to appease her.
"Yay!", cheered Sage. It didn't matter that it hurt his face. He would do whatever it took to keep her happy and safe. He'd promised both the girl and himself that much.
Nearby, Persephone had quietly watched his complicated feelings play out deep in his sapphire eyes. She didn't know anything about his life in the human world, but it seemed to be painful, or at least a sensitive subject, so she didn't pry.
Glancing toward Sage, she wondered how best to get everyone to safety.She was bordering on exhaustion after using Garuda and Kalego was still in no shape to fight, no matter how badly he wanted to give Victoria some well deserved payback.
"Sage-chan, can you teleport to your mother like you did with Iruma-kun?", she asked carefully. It would be the fastest way to guarantee the child's well-being. It was also highly likely that Lord Sullivan was already aware of the angel's presence and would help them find each other if her mother couldn't be pinpointed.
Reuniting the small family quickly would certainly be in everyone's benefit before it caused a multi-realm incident between the races, something avoided for over a thousand years.
Persephone had no doubt that the angelic authorities were also aware of Parisa's descent and they weren't likely to sit idly by for long.
She didn't know the existence of the ancient treaty or the laws it entailed, but learning that angels were real had come as no real shock after finding out Iruma was human. It all made her wonder what else she hadn't been told and just how much weight the three greats were silently bearing.
Then she thought back to an earlier meeting before the raid when her master had stated that Sage was the first and only hybrid of her kind. Was that really true or were Nene and Sullivan hiding yet more secrets? Perhaps the girl was the first in recent times, but Persephone had a nagging feeling that the greats had kept many secrets buried as part of their responsibilities to the demon world. Yet her research, curiosity, and suspicions would have to wait.
Meanwhile, the small girl had been pondering her answer. "Maybe. I've never gone through so many layers of a structure before...Should I try?", replied Sage, snapping the healer from her errant thoughts. Iruma looked between them with worry. Would she really be okay to do that? She had only jumped two or three floors before and she was now eight levels away from her mother, not counting distance once on the surface.
A sound interrupted, sending all eyes upward as Kalego carefully opened his door. He still looked thoroughly drained, but more steady on his feet. The slight improvement raised the group's spirits. He was slowly coming back to them.
"Can you visualize a clear path?", he asked. He'd apparently been listening and already knew that the compound had been badly damaged during Ai's previous explosions. If the poor girl ended up trapped amid the debris, there was no telling how long it would take to find her again or what injuries she might sustain.
"Should you be up already?", inquired Iruma innocently. He was still worried about his sensei. Kalego smirked faintly, his way of waving off the boy's concerns as he made his way toward the trio. Knowing it was pointless to argue, Persephone silently helped him sit down nearby. He was still very stiff in his movements, but it wasn't from the agony of his torment so much as the trauma of being resurrected. His body and spirit would likely suffer quite the recoil considering how much mana had been forced through his veins.
Garuda wasn't nearly as delicate as her phoenix. When her familiar acted alone, it was a saving grace, like a warm, gentle bath or waking from a dream. When imprisoned in her flesh and using her very life force for energy, it was less like waking up and more like being completely aware of every nerve in your body being forcefully reconnected at once. It was risky to both the caster and the patient, and the phantom pains that followed weren't so easy to ignore for either.
Sage pondered Kalego's question. He understood her magic and how she teleported. She needed a clear mental path, knowledge of where she was going and how to navigate what was in between points A and B. Yet she couldn't see anything clearly in her mind at all. A short distance over a memorized area was one thing, but jumping blindly into a proverbial minefield was another.
Understanding the risks, she sadly shook her head."I'm sorry... I'm causing trouble again, aren't I?", she uttered meekly, her eyes misting over in disappointment. Iruma watched as his sensei gently patted the girl's head with tender affection and a kind grin. It was a strange, new side to the usually harsh demon, but it was heart-warming to witness.
"It's alright. We'll take care of you", he assured. Sage gratefully hugged her so-called uncle and Kalego sent a quiet gaze to Iruma in thanks. He'd done well to keep her both safe and calm. The boy nodded with a subdued grin in recognition. He knew it wasn't easy for his teacher to be so helpless, especially in front of him.
"Sensei, what do we do now?", he inquired. Kalego appeared deep in thought, weighing their options.
Nearby, Persephone spoke up. "Let me go help Opera. Iruma, you stay here and keep your bow ready. There's no telling who else Ai has up her sleeve."
He nodded, agreeing that was probably best, but then it hit him. "But I'm out of feathers!", he panicked. Then Sage let go of her uncle and smiled at him. "Nuh uh! You have some of mine!", she reminded.
Iruma paused. He'd forgotten about the downy in his pocket during Kalego's rescue and Victoria's attack. Pulling a small, black feather out, he peered at it closely in question. What would even happen if he tried to channel Sullivan's demonic magic into a pinion that was half angel?
Before he could voice his thoughts, he noticed the look being shared between the adults present. Kalego was unsure what he had missed, but it sounded like his senpai was down here, too. How irritating. Being rescued? He'd never live it down…
Persephone read him like a book. Stepping close, she pressed her fingers to his temple and shared her memories of the fight that covered their escape. He tensed, of course. He hated depending on Opera. However, if anyone stood a chance against Victoria in a one-on-one, it was them.
Narrowing his gaze, his expression said to forget her plan. He knew his lover was still weak and likely in considerable pain from the aftermath of Garuda. She was good at hiding it, but he knew her better than the others. Every tiny flicker of exhaustion and subtle shiver of barely subdued agony was clear as day to his keen eyes.
"We wait", he said darkly. "Opera-senpai will come to us... That bastard always had a way of finding me", he smirked, recalling how many times he'd tried to avoid them in their school days.
His pride was hurt, but he knew the security demon was their best bet at this point. He and Persephone were both weak and he couldn't hold a single student accountable for the group's safety.
After a few exchanged comments, he beckoned his lover closer. Several whispers later, she nodded and quietly took Sage into the other room, leaving him alone with Iruma.
A full minute ticked by in complete silence. The air was tense. Kalego had dragged Iruma into a private conversation and whatever he was about to say was serious. The dark look in his eyes as he stared made that much obvious.
"Iruma." The boy sat up straight, and anxiously replied, "Y-yes?". Kalego's gaze narrowed as if judging his response.
"There's no point in trying to hide it any longer... With everything you've done and as unusual as you are, you clearly aren't the same as the rest of your class."
Iruma stiffened visibly. "Crap! He's figured out my secret!", he thought, suddenly drenched in sweat. Swallowing hard, he tried to calm his nerves. His teacher wouldn't actually eat him, would he? Then again, Kalego was certain to be salty about several things like the summoning ritual, so it wasn't entirely out of the realm of possibility.
"You already know what I'm about to say", ventured Kalego. Iruma shied his gaze, staring into his tight hands upon his lap, and unable to meet his teacher's intense eyes. There was far too much on the line. If his sensei outed him for being human, all of Babylus would be shaken and Sullivan would certainly have a lot of questions to answer. There would be no going back.
Kalego smirked faintly. Of course he knew the truth, but he also understood that there was no point in shouting it out to the universe at large. Not now.
The familiar ceremony, Iruma's strange and caring nature, his unfamiliarity with everything considered basic knowledge, and Sullivan's irritating whimsy... It all made perfect sense. The boy was obviously not a demon.
"Victoria mentioned it during one of our sessions, but I already had my suspicions before that… Shichiro knows, too, doesn't he?"
"Knows what?", ventured Iruma, feigning ignorance. His teacher's cold eyes saw right through him, of course. Sighing deeply, the boy waited to hear what his sensei had to say.
Kalego quietly dropped his sharp stare, understanding why his best friend would keep such a secret from him. He was too set in the rules and in that world, there was no room for humans.
"Who else knows your secret? Asmodeus? Valac?", he asked. Knowing he'd been pinned, Iruma shook his head. He looked so sad at the moment, as if ready to cry, terrified of being sent away with no memory.
"No one in class. Just Grandpa, Opera-san, and Balam-sensei", he said distantly, unaware Bachiko was also in on it. He had no desire to incriminate Ameri or her father, either, so he withheld their names.
"Anyone else?", pressed Kalego. He needed to know just how big of a mess he had to clean up. "Humans aren't allowed in our world for good reason. Who else knows?", he asked again.
Iruma paused, trying not to squirm. He desperately wanted to stay in this world. He loved his family and his friends, things he didn't have where he came from.
A deep sigh escaped the boy's lips. Unable to meet Kalego's stern gaze, he quietly uttered, "Persephone-san and I think Pandora-san...Probably Nene-sama..err… Granny, too."
Quiet drifted in as Kalego mentally processed everything, leaning forward in thought. Of course the healers would figure it out, but Pandora? Did Shichiro tell her? It was a little irritating, but deep down, he could understand if that was the case. She was far more likely to be accepting of it than he was and she definitely wouldn't turn the boy in. She was too kind for that. Then again, she'd been exposed to humans during her imprisonment...
"...So now what?", ventured Iruma nervously. He was unsure what to expect. Had his sensei figured it out without this entire mess, he'd turn him in without a doubt, but now? So much had happened.
Kalego stated into his interlaced fingers as he debated. Finally, a deep, exasperated breath came out. "Iruma…"
The boy stiffened, awaiting a decision that would ultimately direct his fate. Would he be handed over to chief Azazel, cast out, and forget everyone he loved?
"A lot has happened since your first day at Babylus, and even more in recent weeks… Everything makes sense. I can see it all so clearly now…", trailed the stern demon.
"Despite everything - the humiliations, the irritations, and the chaos you've created...It seems I still somehow owe you a debt", he mumbled begrudgingly.
Meeting Iruma's sapphire eyes, Kalego stared intently as he lowered his crossed hands from in front of his face. Sitting there on the floor, across from one another, with everything finally in the open, the air was still so heavy. What was the verdict?
"I am obligated to report both you and the principal to the authorities. As one of the netherworld guard dogs, Babylus is my territory and I cannot blatantly disregard my duties; The chair demon has broken the rules too many times already and his rank won't protect him forever."
Iruma's heart dropped into his stomach. Would his memory be erased and he be sent back to his lonely, miserable life? Then a plaintive sigh caught his attention.
"Knowing what I now I do, I can't ignore it. It goes against everything I stand for…... That's why, when this is over, I'm going to have Persephone erase this truth from my mind."
Iruma sat frozen in shock. Had he heard right? This didn't sound like his callous sensei. Just what had Victoria done to him? Had Persephone's spell truly broken him that badly? Or perhaps, this was the noble demon that was in front of him all this time. Maybe he'd finally earned Kalego's respect and was beginning to see the soul behind his usually scary stare.
"Sensei, are you sure about this?", uttered Iruma without thought. Seeing the familiar sight of his teacher's annoyed countenance as he grit his teeth was somehow relaxing.
"Don't make me second guess myself, you brat!", spat Kalego. He wasn't used to being so frank with a student, especially one that had caused him so much trouble, or bending the rules for anyone. He'd always lived by a strict code. Maybe the years of Sullivan's obnoxious whimsy had finally cracked his resolve.
Taking a calming breath, he resumed a calmer expression. "I know she won't be keen to use her magic on me again so soon, but if it's to keep you safe and me sane, I have a feeling she will", he said.
To be continued...