Mairimashita! Iruma-kun: Shadows of the Past, part 60
Victoria's dark army of shadow serpents was attacking once again, but this time they were far more solid than their previous counterparts. Was it because Ai was so close or was it proof of her annoyance, perhaps even desperation?
Bachiko's arrows were more than enough to take down most of the writhing snakes, but the few that managed to slither away between bursts were quickly dispatched by Sabnock and Asmodeus.
They were keeping up well. She could see their potential, but there certainly weren't her star pupil. Still, she had faith in Iruma, just like his friends. It was only a matter of time before he would emerge from below with Kalego and the others.
The only thing that was really bothering her now was Valiant's dark prophecy. Dawn was drawing closer and she wasn't about to let Ai devour her protégé. Bachiko had a rough plan with Valiant to stop Victoria, but she had yet to discuss it with Balam, the operation's general, or Lord Sullivan.
She would update them soon. For now, her priority was to protect the wounded within the medical tent. Glancing over her shoulder, a strange aura surrounded the entire structure. It almost looked like some kind of ethereal skeleton had formed around it.
It could only be Xui. It seemed her ossification magic had more than one application. That suited the archer just fine. Now she could really cut loose. The smirk on her face was a little unsettling to the teen duo nearby as she spit out her toothpick and rained Hell upon the serpentine curses. Victoria's vile magic wouldn't touch anyone inside ever again.Elsewhere, deep within the underground complex, Victoria had made her way to her most sacred and secret of her laboratories.
Inside, a tall, muscular man was memorizing her notes as he burned them, one by one. Using her stolen ability from the Purson clan, she materialized just behind him. Playfully leaning over his shoulder, she said, "Hello, Jojo."
The man knew she would come to pester him, but he mostly ignored her while he studied. "I told you not to call me that", he muttered, mildly annoyed.
She grinned at his subdued ire. "Not even my friends call me that", she mocked. Now thoroughly annoyed, he finally paused his reading. "That's right and you are most certainly not my friend", he stated, coldly looking her in the eye.
Ai grinned as his spur expression. Flirtatiously leaning into him, she wrapped her arms loosely around his neck as he turned toward her. "But you are familiar with me on a deep, intimate level, aren't you, Joseph?", she teased.
She was quite amused by the irritated eye tick that followed. After all, her flirtations were only a reminder of what he considered an embarrassing mistake and seeing his calm, collected exterior crack was rather pleasing to her. "It's Lord Jophiel to you, demon."
Carefully removing her limbs, Jophiel sighed. "I merely sated my scientific curiosity. Nothing more...and if you put your vile hands on me again, I will end you", he warned. He was serious, of course, but she wasn't afraid. Instead Ai chuckled, almost scoffingly.
"You won't kill me knowing I harbor an innocent life in my belly, angel", she replied calmly. He held an even, yet dark grin at her confidence.
"I may devour you yet, demon. I imagine it would be like a stuffed pig - the tougher meat encasing the tender morsels within", he said, a near deranged look in his eye as he pictured it.
Victoria finally dropped her smug grin. She had worked and played with this man, even slept with him in a feverish desire to experience a true sense of danger, but his threats to eat her were far from hollow. He looked at her with the same eyes she stared upon her human victims with.
Beyond that, neither being was overly fond of life in any form. Angels may generally protect children, even those unborn, but in his eyes, Ai and her growing son weren't exactly 'people'. She knew by the frigid feeling deep in the pit of her stomach that he meant it. Her child may protect her from Baal's wrath, but not Jophiel's.
Baal... She mildly sneered as she thought of him. He was somewhere in her compound. She could easily sense his presence and had no doubt that the greats had sent him in as one of the crowns against a threat, completely and foolishly believing he was on their side. She would have to deal with him again soon enough.
She only hoped he hadn't caught wind that the hex upon his nephew had been broken. Linking Sabro's life to that of their baby was her only insurance. Now that link was broken and her previous partner in crime wouldn't hesitate to silence her.
Jophiel's chilling voice brought her back to reality. "Playtime is over. Your experiments are out of time; You've failed. Now return the girl to me."
A defiant, simmering rage burned within Victoria's cold eyes. "No, the lambkin is mine. I'm not done with her yet. I'm too close to a breakthrough to give up such a prized test subject now. You said it yourself - the lambs are rare among your people and she may be the final step to recreating the key to open the Forbidden Tomb", she retorted.
The angel let out a subdued sigh. He knew this would happen. "Victoria, listen to me… She's already been gone from the temple too long. The priests will be looking for her. It's imperative that I wipe her memory and return her now", he explained. It was certainly only a matter of time before the authorities would start sniffing around and it was far too soon to blow his cover.
Ai smirked smugly as she crossed her arms. "It's not my fault your precious priestesses are so rare. We made a deal. The lambkin stays with me", she replied.
Jophiel grinned faintly. "Nor is it my fault that you lost a fight… Look at you - shattered horn, broken tail, bruised limbs. It's unsightly… Still, I won't blame you for your foul mood. However, if you don't comply with my demands, I would only have further reason to destroy the evidence I was ever here, namely you", he warned.
She fought off a faint shiver, unused to being the prey and despising it. Still, she held his irritated gaze without emotion.
"Then again, perhaps it would be better to leave you to the demon authorities. Whatever they have planned for you is likely far more cruel than the quick death I would provide", he grinned.
Upon his last words, he gently wiped some of the fresh blood from her face and licked it off his fingers. Its flavor was far more enticing than he had anticipated, prompting an unholy gloom to envelope him completely.
Thrusting Ai's battered body into the wall, the angel's wings spread out behind him. Dark silver feathers drifted to the floor as he took a long, deep sniff of her injured horn. Her blood was calling to him.
She wasn't the predator this time. It felt unnatural, but she kept her cool.
"Go ahead. Take a bite. I'm sure you're already picturing the sweet taste of my flesh dissolving on your tongue, but remember, angel, you'd be killing an innocent life, too, and that goes against your creed, doesn't it?", she said coyly.
Despite her predicament, she was completely relaxed and in control of the situation. It was infuriating, but she had a point. Jophiel's grip on her slowly loosened.
"I won't join the tainted ranks of the fallen for such a hasty decision. Those creatures disgust me - half way between the races, yet not true hybrids", he uttered with revulsion. Just thinking of the outcasts made his stomach turn. There was no way he would allow himself to devolve into such a creature…
Finally letting go, he collected himself as his spent feathers evaporated, careful not to leave any trace of himself behind.
"It's true that we made a deal, demon… If you can manage to keep her hidden from me, then the lambkin is yours to keep, but if I find her, your prized experiment is forfeit." With that, the angel stalked out of the room with a final contemptuous glare.
Once she could no longer sense him, Ai finally slid to the floor in relief. She was shaking and covered in a cold sweat, but she and her child had very narrowly missed being eaten alive.
Honestly, she didn't care about the baby. She only needed it to secure Baal's magic and it had already served its purpose. Now, it was merely a method of insurance. Placing a hand over her belly, her entire body tensed. She hated being pregnant, nauseous and fearful of losing her stunning figure. Honestly, in her mind, the sooner she was rid of the little parasite, the better.Above ground, Henri and Shichiro had made their way to Sullivan. The captain of the border patrol began reporting his conversation with Lady Levi immediately, but Sullivan merely held up his palm with an eerie calm, still staring at the crumbling mansion.
"I already know what you're going to say, Henri-kun, but for Balam-kun's sake, go ahead and make it brief."
Granted the secrecy and how serious Azazel had become, Balam had already guessed the purpose of this hasty meeting.
"Dantalion Dali is missing."Ten minutes prior, at the prison. What they didn't know…
The guard in charge was staring down a handsome, yet otherworldly man. He'd just demanded custody of Dantalion Dali. He was tall, thin, and handsome with long, lilac hair. His features were already quite striking on their own, but his eyes were captivating. Their color seemed to change depending on the angle at which one looked at him.
At first, the guards had laughed and told the stranger to leave, but while his calm demeanor posed no immediate threat, an ominous air clinged to him. Something they couldn't pinpoint was increasingly intimidating as he stepped closer.
"You can't be serious. You have no authority here; We don't even know who you are!", spat the guard.
With their leader, Azazel, at the raid, all responsibility fell on the nervous demon being so closely observed. It was as if every tiny nuance of his discomfort was somehow being amplified into sheer terror and the poor soul had no idea why.
The handsome stranger held a calm, even expression, keeping his arms folded neatly behind his back. He wasn't smiling or sneering, but the servant behind him looked rather vexed in his place.
The beautiful, ethereal man had impeccable posture and grace. Even his mannerisms screamed nobility. Still, no one had ever seen him before, nor had he given a name, and they couldn't just hand over the traitor under their care.
"I assure you that I have every authority and I won't ask again… If Delkira-sama weren't currently missing, I'm sure he would vouch for my personage. Now give me the prisoner."
The demons present stiffened upon hearing him utter the name of their absent king. Just who did this guy think he was??? He looked far too young to know Delkira personally. Was he just throwing around names?
The stranger stared almost coldly, patently awaiting his prize. Finally, the servant behind him, who had until now been silent, stepped forward.
In a foreign tongue, he inquired, "Shall I dispatch these annoyances, my liege?".
The other replied in the same language, "No need. They are only performing their duties."
"As you wish, but please allow me to hasten this process", replied the servant with a subtle bow.
The demons present glanced at one another in question. They hadn't understood a single word and wondered what had been said. None of them had ever heard that language before. Somehow, it was unsettling and almost hurt their ears.
"Now just a minute!", began the head guard, irritated. Yet he was promptly interrupted. The servant stepped before his master as an intermediary.
"I won't allow you to waste my lord's time any further. He's abided by your laws and asked you politely, yet you mocked both his honor and attempt to peacefully parlay. Either release Dantalion to our custody, stand aside, or prepare yourself to be moved forcibly", he said, reverting to the common, local tongue.
The demon across from him narrowed his eyes as the others readied themselves for a fight. "Absolutely not."
Unimpressed, the servant sighed unapologetically. "So be it. Tell me, dutiful demon, which is your favorite organ?"
A deep shiver ran down the guard's spine. This man clearly intended to remove whatever bit of anatomy he responded with. Thankfully, the mysterious lord in question put his hand on his servant's shoulder.
"There is no need for that, Ethan. There is not to be a single drop of blood spilled. We promised my father... So, demon, will you comply?", he asked.
The guard slowly shook his head. The way these two kept saying 'demon', how they seemed to look down on those present, and the inexplicable sense of dread. They couldn't possibly be - ! …could they? After all, angels were just a myth to scare naughty children into behaving…right?
Swallowing his fear, the guard said, "No. I can't hand Dali over to you. Not even Lord Sullivan himself could take him from here without the chief's approval."
The stranger wasn't surprised by the man's response in the least. "Very well… Thank you for your loyal service. For what it's worth, you've earned my respect… Now sleep."
In the next instant, an unusual magic drifted through the air. The next moment, every demon was frozen in place as solid stone.
The stranger looked at the burning sigil upon his palm with mild indignation. It had been placed there to severely limit his mana as it was every time he left home. Doing so was essentially placing a leash on his powerful magic and the only reason he was permitted outside of the angel realm at all. It caused a mild pain, but nothing he couldn't tolerate.
"Father will be displeased that it came to this, but they were given their chance", he uttered, clenching his hand tightly.
His faithful servant bowed reverently. "There was really no reason to sully your hands, Shahin-sama, but I'm certain the king will understand. Should we be reprimanded, I will gladly take full responsibility."
The taller man grinned gently, glad to have his faithful companion at his side. "No matter. Let us collect the prisoner and make haste lest more demons arrive before our task is done… These men will revert to flesh in a few hours. No harm done."
"As you wish, my prince. I will retrieve Dantalion and report back at once."Back at the present, Balam gawked. Dali was gone?! Had he actually escaped after expressing such earnest guilt? What could he possibly be thinking???
Sullivan sighed faintly. He could tell by Balam's expression that he had a million questions, yet all they knew for certain was that Dali was missing. How or why remained a mystery.
"I'm sure you're very curious; We all are, but Belial-kun was there himself. He confirmed that the guards had all been petrified and that Dali-kun was gone. No signs of forced entry or any other physical evidence was left behind", he said.
"In other words, Dantalion didn't break out; Someone let him go", grumbled Henri, thinking of who might betray him. That worried Shichiro, too. Was there truly another mole or had Dali simply gone crazy? Just who could they trust with Victoria's corruption reaching so far?
Sullivan appeared thoughtful, yet calm. He was mentally going over everything that had been said on his phone call and he'd come to his conclusion, as troubling as it may be.
It didn't make any sense for Dali to run now. Had he hit a wicked cycle? Perhaps he'd panicked? Balam's thoughts were racing, too.
"Did Belial-sama have anything else to say?", he inquired, eager to put the pieces together.
"The lingering mana signature was unlike anything he's ever seen. He's certain it wasn't of demonic origin… Considering that humans would have no reason to interfere, it could only be a different variety of visitors... Wouldn't you agree?", ventured the chair demon with a tone that was far too whimsical for the seriousness of the situation.
"But why?!", vented Azazel, furious that his defenses had been breached. The traitor of Babylus was free, but to what end? Had he gone willingly? And that unspoken nuance. Sullivan was clearly referring to the angels, but they had to know such a brazen feat could mean war, something no one wanted. So what could they possibly want with him that would warrant such an act?
The group didn't have those answers, so all they could do was keep the raid on track for now and hunt down their fugitive later. After all, they had a duty to protect their students.
Balam had paled at the prospects, but knew he didn't have time to contemplate all of the far reaching implications right then, so he and Sullivan focused on trading updates while discussing the next steps of the operation.
Beside them, Henri was unusually quiet with his distraught thoughts. Still, he struggled to focus. Distracted, Azazel focused on something approaching quickly in the sky as his peers finished speaking.
Sullivan was, of course, well aware of the encroaching object, but paid no noticeable attention and it didn't take long for Balam to notice the incoming, either. As he focused his keen eyes on whatever it was, the swift shadow darted overhead, followed by a familiar voice pleading, "No, nooo, nooooooo!!!!", as it plummeted to the ground with a thud.
Robin landed hard on his backside. He'd barely had time to unfurl his wings to slow his descent. Then Nene's peryton familiar alighted gracefully beside the observing demons as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.
Sullivan grinned pleasantly as it lowered its head in respect. He patted its snout gently in thanks and dismissal. The creature seemed to nod before licking Robin's face in apology and evaporating.
Idly looking at his pocket watch, Sullivan playfully chided, "You're late, Robin-kun."
Henri simply stared in astonishment as he stiffly wondered what was going on and Balam quickly shook his shock, checking to see if Robin was alright.
The young teacher looked up in mild surprise as he instinctively held the side of his pounding head. "You were expecting me, principal?", absently fell from his lips.
Then it hit him. Of course he was anticipated. Sullivan and Nene were close, long-time colleagues. It was only natural that they would have an unspoken scheme in the works, be it an emergency backup plan or even something intended from the beginning.
Dusting himself off and storing his disheveled wings, Robin quickly got to his feet with Balam's help, ready for duty. The scene before him was both chaotic and impressive. He'd rarely seen so many demons working together in a common interest, but given that Victoria was the target of it all, it made perfect sense.She was far too dangerous to be ignored any longer.
The image of the vile demoness smirked in his mind, prompting his stomach to turn. His curses were gone thanks to Nene, but his tensing flesh recalled the searing pain and disgust all too easily. Inadvertently touching his previously marked eye, he grimaced toward the ground. Could he really face her?
"Bars, if you're here, who is assisting Lady Nene?", asked Henri carefully. Before Robin could answer, Sullivan cheerfully replied, "I'm sure everything is perfectly under control."
Azazel withheld an eye twitch. The wily, old demon clearly knew much more than he was saying. Meanwhile, the archer wanted to explain how he'd arrived, but there was little time. Looking around, he knew that it didn't matter.
"How can I help?", he asked, determination in his eyes.Sullivan put a hand on his shoulder with a grin.
"Well, since you're already here, I have a special job for you." Then he leaned close and whispered, leaving the others to wonder what the chairdemon was planning next.
Robin's eyes opened wide as he listened, then he reverted back to his usual cheerful grin, thankful for the chance to redeem himself. "You can count on me!", he said proudly, his fists held up tightly in excitement.
Sullivan's kind expression put him at ease. "But first, I think you'd best check in at the medical tent. Your prized student is already there with Bachiko-chan", he added.
Robin stared momentarily, stunned by the news. "Lied-kun is hurt?...", he uttered, worried. His big sis hadn't named the fallen during her brief updates, but he knew she was guarding them with her life. "Right", he said with renewed vigor.
The timing couldn't be more perfect. The group's radios were all abuzz. With a nod, each demon dispatched where they were most needed.
Victoria's serpents were everywhere. Robin hurried to help defend the medical tent, Balam was called back to the defense team, and Azazel quickly left to check on Ameri and the prisoners.
Once they were gone, Sullivan dropped his supportive smile. "Parisa-chan, you wouldn't know anything about Dali-kun's hasty escape, would you?", he asked, one wizened eye glancing aside.
His quiet tone vanished into the breeze. Parisa was keeping her word and staying out of everything. Still, the thought of a demon being in the angels' clutches was rather grim. All Sullivan could do now was hope that Dali was unharmed and that another major incident hadn't just been sparked.
Letting out a deep breath, he tried to relax and be patient. He had faith that Opera and Persephone would succeed in saving Kalego, but Iruma was down there, too. The boy certainly wasn't the same helpless lad that had first entered the netherworld, but that didn't stop a grandfather's heart from worrying. After all, he knew exactly what Victoria was capable of. Thus he waited.Somewhere…
Opera gradually came to in a strange place, still lying on the floor, yet alone. It was unfamiliar and wherever they were was both dark and cold. Then they remembered what they were doing mere seconds before this place. Where were Iruma and Kalego?
Glancing down, their side looked as if it had never been injured. Considering all of the evidence, only one thing made any sense. "I must be dead", they thought. Could this possibly be the afterlife or simply another of Ai's dirty tricks? Whatever the answer, it was so...empty.
Getting to their feet, it wasn't any warmer off the ground. Wrapping their arms tightly around themself, a deep shiver took over. They could even see their breath.
Feeling cold? Breathing? These were things the dead could not do. Still, their wounds were completely gone; Not a single scratch remained. How strange...
It became clear they were between planes of existence, but did that mean they had a choice of which way to go? Could they return to their comrades in the land of the living?
Their thoughts were interrupted by lights along with familiar voices as the faces of those dear to them danced in the air nearby. Was their life flashing before their eyes? Perhaps it was an invitation to turn back. Either way, Victoria didn't have a hand in this ethereal experience. She would never waste her mana showing Opera happy memories.
Nostalgia warmed their chest as the display of memories continued. Aria, Sullivan, Nene, Kalego, Shichiro, even Pandora and Persephone, followed by Iruma. The good, the bad, everything.
The images were fairly rapid, but the last one stood out as it lingered. Their young master was crying, smeared with their blood, and encouraging them not to give up. Meanwhile their kouhai stared with such a grim expression, even for Kalego.
Then the glimmer of Nene and Sullivan grieving appeared a few seconds later. It wasn't nearly as vivid as the others, faint by comparison, perhaps signifying it was some kind of foreshadowing or a warning of what was to come.
Opera's heart sank, seeing their adoptive mother weep so deeply. Sullivan was trying to console her, but it was no use, thus he cried, too, holding her in a tight embrace. Beside them, Iruma clinged to their sides. Their entire family was in mourning.
"I see...", uttered Opera, flattening their feline ears. They had no wish to make anyone weep, but they didn't really have a choice, did they?
Shying their gaze, they took a tense breath, knowing how hard their death would hit their loved ones and silently condemning Ai's name. Being brought down by someone so systematically devious really stung. If only they could get a rematch, there was no way the cunning security demon would fall for the same trick again. Damn her curses...
Looking back at the more vivid scene of Iruma and Kalego, there was no denying the present. Iruma was fervently pleading for the security devil to come back to him. Kalego was beyond tense and even Sage was weeping, but where was Persephone? Her phoenix was likely their only hope at this point. If she was missing, then...?
Someone else suddenly spoke up from behind them, cutting off their train of thought. "Hey, Scruffy."
Their eyes shot wide open in recognition as their entire body froze in place and the color drained from their face. That voice, that nickname... It had been so deeply buried in their heart that even Keket hadn't found it while probing about in their head.
They used to hate it; It generally meant they were being difficult back then, but now it didn't seem quite so bad…
Fighting off a soulful tremor, Opera slowly turned around. Sure enough, Aria was perched in the near distance with a nostalgic grin.
Anyone else wouldn't have even sensed her barely contained tears, but Opera could see them easily. They had watched her swallow her pain so many times before and now her wistful stare was cutting straight into their heart.
Was this the final reunion they'd waited for? Her fragile smile was eclipsed by a deep sadness in her amber eyes. She was real, and both elated and sorrowful to see them.
She looked older than what Keket had mimicked, closer to twelve, but at least she didn't appear as fragile as they remembered. Perhaps the pain tied to watching her waste away had been so buried that it somehow blocked the troublesome shapeshifter from digging too deeply before.
Seeing Aria again pried open Opera's nearly closed heart. The torn security devil was frozen in place as they breathlessly stared at the ghost of their long-lost sibling. Finally, a faint grin crossed their lips as their mind began to calm. "Hey, Sis..."
"You shouldn't be here. It's way too soon", she chided, dropping her soft smile. Despite how badly she wanted to stride forward for a tight embrace, she knew she couldn't. An invisible wall ran between them, a line that could not be crossed.
Opera began to step forward, but Aria hurriedly called out, "Stop! Don't come any closer this way... If you cross this border, there's no going back."
The shaken demon slowly paused mid step, realizing what she meant. If they willingly entered the land of the dead, everything would be forfeit.
Their wan grin faltered. Even now she was looking out for them. Yet the shimmering veil between worlds allowed one thing to pass through unhindered - Aria's scent... Even Keket couldn't duplicate that.
It was really her, yet had she always been so small and frail? She looked healthier than they recalled, but that was likely merely from being freed from her pain. Still, Opera was older and taller now. Perhaps that was why, but truthfully, that was only part of it. The rest was simply the mask of nostalgia.
She had been a larger-than-life figure during those dark days in the past - a sister, a protector, and, ultimately, someone who sacrificed her own life in favor of another's. Now she sat in an honest light - a tenacious kid, smaller than Iruma, yet determined to save her sibling one last time.
Stiffening, everything Opera had wanted to say, to apologize for, brimmed on their lips, but no words came out. Instead, the surprise feeling of a stray tear running down their cheek grasped their attention.
Shaking their focus from their own swirling emotions, something they usually kept in check, they took a deep breath and stepped close to the barrier between them.
"Aria...I'm sorry I couldn't save you", they uttered sincerely with a deep bow and their cat ears flattened apologetically. It was only a fraction of what had raced through their mind, but their honest feelings reached her nonetheless.
A strained silence drifted in as the girl's eyes brimmed with tears. Shaking her head, she put on a gentle grin.
"Stand up, Opera, and don't apologize. What happened in the past was my choice… but this one's yours, and as glad as I am to see you again, I can't let you stay… You have to go back; You still have so much left to do", she said.
Opera didn't argue. They had expected such a response from their long lost sister. She had always put them first and it seemed nothing had changed during their time apart. Her love for them still shined brightly.
Aria quietly walked forward until she could go no further. Pressing her palm against the division between them, a tear spilled from her eyes as she stared at her sibling with overwhelming pride.
"Just look at who you've grown into. So strong and dependable...and still so loved...I couldn't be prouder... You've endeared yourself to one of the greats and accomplished so much more… You have a good life and a wonderful family."
She paused to dry her eyes, but smiled serenely when she looked up again.
"You didn't even flinch in your beliefs when that horrible woman offered to turn you into me. You held onto the truth and you were absolutely right; I'd never want you to go through that. You are more than enough all on your own, a truly amazing demon. I always believed in your potential... I'm so glad you've harnessed it and done so well for yourself… So, please… Go back."
Her last words were a heartfelt plea and she could easily see the intensity in her sibling's eyes as they fought back years of repressed emotions trying to break free. Hearing such kindness was pushing the dam to its breaking point. Opera's eyes misted over as a deep warmth spread from their chest through their entire being.
"They still need you and you still need them... Don't worry about me; I'm in no pain and I'll be here when it's time for you to come home."
Opera sighed as they struggled to compose themself. "I know...You're right. You always are."
They grinned faintly, yet still sounded sad to leave her again. Sensing their hesitation, another side of their big sister began to show, one they had nearly forgotten.
Aria's red hair began to flow freely amid her churning aura and her gold eyes glowed sharply in warning.
"Don't even think about staying! Opera, if you don't march your scruffy tail back to the land of the living right now, I'll never forgive you!", she shouted.
A slight shudder of remembered intimidation passed through them. Their sister certainly had a way of getting her point across. She'd often used the expression, 'scruffy tail', when making sure they did what she said in their youth, hence the embarrassing nickname.
Opera hadn't been the easiest child to look after. Still, she wasn't nearly as scary as she used to be. Opera grinned nostalgically as they affectionately pressed their palm over hers against the barrier. Standing so close now, it dawned that they'd never seen her from this angle back then.
She was clearly small from years of malnutrition. Her limbs were so thin, yet her voice so strong. Her petite stature didn't do her any favors in intimidation, but her temper was just as fierce as they remembered.
"All right. I won't keep them waiting", they ceded.
Aria's devilish aura dissipated as she smiled brightly one last time. "Thank you", she said in sincere relief.
The two siblings stared at one another in silence for several moments. "You'll meet me here again, won't you?", ventured Opera.
Aria nodded in agreement. "I promise." She grinned wide, pleased at her sibling's growth. They'd truly become just who she always knew they could be.
"Opera, the journey back won't be easy, but I know you can do it. I know you're incredibly strong, but…Let me give you a gift to help you...for all of the celebrations I've missed", she uttered.
There was no point in arguing, so they simply smiled softly back at her. After all, what could she possibly have left to give?
After a brief moment, Aria closed her eyes as she focused. The veil between them prevented their hands from actually touching, but Opera could still feel an intense warmth pouring from her small palm into their own.
Once the energy transfer was over, she smiled weakly as the tears she was holding back began to flow freely. Saying goodbye again was so hard…
"Now go home, Opera. I love you", she said sincerely.
Their fingers flinched against the barrier at her words. It was good to hear them again despite the painful memories they churned up. Then they knelt to eye level with a fond grin, still holding their hands as near to one another as possible.
The young girl leaned as closely against the veil that divided them as she could as they gently rested her brow against hers in goodbye.
"I love you, too, Aria…and thank you - for everything."
As their sight grew dim and the visage of their sister got fuzzy, Opera ceded to one last tear with a proud smile. Aria had the same hopeful expression that perhaps the next time they met, they could finally embrace again.Back in Victoria's basement, Iruma pleading stared at his fallen kin. He'd gone completely pale with worry. Opera had let out one last wheeze minutes before and the boy had tried everything he could think of to save them.
He'd pleaded, prayed, encouraged, even tried CPR, but forcing air into a pair of lungs was useless when the fallen had no blood.
Staring helplessly, he trembled at the thought that Opera might actually die. His reality started to shatter. Was this what Kiriwo's precious despair truly felt like? It was so awful…
Sage started bawling and buried her face into Iruma's shaking arms as Kalego shied his gaze with an expression of angst.
Then, just as the lad began to lose hope, something strange happened. "Opera-san?", uttered the boy.
Kalego sent him a repentant look. "Iruma, it's over…", he said, clearly still in disbelief, himself. Then the look on the lad's face caught his attention. Just what was he staring at so intently?
"Kitty-san?", sniffled Sage. She'd looked up in hope after sensing Iruma's powerful emotions.
"Uncle Lego, look!", she said with a point.
Following the girl's tiny finger, Kalego gawked. The gaping wound in their side began to seal with a faint hissing sound and the color began returning to Opera's face.
They were all so transfixed by the resurrection that no one noticed Opera's tail was completely turning colors. From its base to its tip, it went from its natural black to a vivid red, even more intense than their hair. It was the hue of Aria's.
What kind of magic was this?! Iruma looked briefly at his sensei for an answer, but Kalego looked just as floored. Whatever was happening, it didn't appear to be the security demon's doing. This was no hidden skill or bloodline ability, but without Persephone, how was it even possible?
Iruma glanced at the room where the healer slept, but she was still out cold. Whatever was happening was truly a miracle.
Opera inhaled deeply as they jolted back to life, followed by some kind of mild seizure. Their nervous system had just been rebooted and, though they were still unconscious, their body aimed to defend itself.
Barely dodging their flailing arm, Iruma snapped back to reality at his teacher's stern voice. "Sage, get back! Iruma, hold them down before they knock off that empty head of yours!"
It was true that Opera was incredibly strong. In this state, they were unlikely to hold back and inadvertently killing their young master was a real possibility.
Iruma quickly guided Sage behind himself and held onto the fallen demon between them tightly. "Right!"
Seconds later, Opera awoke with intense pain. They quickly realized they were being restrained and instinctively struggled to free themself, but the grip upon each arm only grew more intense.
Deep in their psyche, a voice was calling out. Iruma-sama? Kalego? It sounded like both of them.
"Opera-san! Come back to us! You can do this!!!"
"Don't you dare give up now, you damn fool!"
That's right. They had a job to do, people to protect. They had to snap out of it; They needed to focus. The fading image of Aria's smiling face gave them strength. They couldn't let her down.
Their vision had begun as pure darkness, but it was slowly starting to clear. Kalego was on their left and Iruma on their right, holding on fiercely.
"Please don't stop fighting!", pleaded Iruma.
Kalego defended against a wild kick and shot him a dirty look. His choice of wording really could have been better.
Gritting his teeth, the dour demon gave in to the situation. "Wake up already before you kill us!", he spat.
Finally, Opera's eyes opened wide with a gasp. Trembling, they slowly regained control of themself. Glancing amid the concerned faces, Iruma's tearful stare touched their heart.
Relaxing, they patiently waited for the others to let go. Then they put a gentle hand on top of the boy's head.
"I'm sorry I made you worry, Iruma-sama… It won't happen again", they said with a faint smile.
Iruma instantly broke down into a sobbing mess as he launched himself into a tight hug. "You're back!!!", he wailed, squeezing tightly.
At first, Opera was surprised by the ferocity of the embrace. When had Iruma gotten so strong? Grateful, they settled into the affection as Sage, too, leapt into the hug.
"Kiiiittyyyy-saaaaaaan!", she cried, in pure joy that they'd somehow returned.
Beside them, Kalego took a relieved breath. He was even wearing a slight grin. At least until he got dragged into the love pile by his shaken senpai. Opera had only just woken from death's cold embrace and their damned strength was already returning. How truly frightful…
"Thank you, all of you, for calling me back… I'm alright now; I won't be any more trouble", said Opera humbly.
Shoving their face away to get free, Kalego straightened his collar, thankful no one had seen his feeble attempt to resist Opera's powerful tug. The group hug gave him mild chills, but he was still grateful that his senpai had miraculously survived.
Iruma tried to dry his face as he finally let go, but the tears of relief just kept coming. "I'm so glad you're okay!", he said, running out of dry areas on his sleeves.
Sage let go, too, but only to cling to her adoptive big brother instead. His emotions were beginning to calm and she was determined to help him relax further.
"Welcome back", smirked Kalego.
Opera grinned faintly as their eyes met with a slight nod of acknowledgement. Yet one question remained.
"How did you manage to - ?", began Kalego, but he got cut off.
"Opera-san, your tail!", blurted out Iruma, amazed by the sudden change.
"Hmm?", uttered the security devil, confused. Glancing down, they raised their tail for inspection. Sure enough, it was now as red as their hair. Wiggling it curiously, only one thing made sense.
"Aria", they uttered, realizing what she had given them as her 'gift'. They didn't understand how, but she had apparently given them all of the years she was never to use.
Flinching in angst, their eyes began to water and the trio surrounding them stared. None of them had ever seen Opera cry before, not even Kalego at Pandora's funeral in the past.
A few grateful tears made it down their face before a truly appreciative grin crossed their lips. Iruma watched with a small, supportive smile.
"Aria, she's your sister, right?", he ventured, eager to learn more.
"Yes", replied Opera, wiping their face and resuming their stoic ways.
Beside them, Kalego tensed. If they had met her, then they really had died. "But how did she revive you?", he asked skeptically.
Opera shook their head. They really didn't have any idea. "She always did have her secrets", they uttered.
Kalego then explained that Sage had removed their curse and that Iruma had offered his blood. Perhaps it was the combined effort of all of them that managed to pull Opera back from the brink…
After that, a few minutes passed with questions and ensuring the fallen demon was truly alright. No one had an answer as to what exactly Aria had done, but they were thankful.
Still, they couldn't stay put in one spot much longer. Victoria was sure to be on the group's trail and they knew she wouldn't give up her beloved Naberius without a fight. To make matters worse, she clearly had an interest in Iruma, too. Plus there was Persephone to worry about.
How long would she be unconscious? Were Kalego or Opera even strong enough to carry her yet at that point? And what of Sage? Three wounded demons and an exhausted human hardly made for decent protection.
Putting their heads together was the only option. Letting Opera rest and sort their thoughts, Sage went to check on Persephone while Kalego and Iruma did their best to come up with a plan.
The night was nearly over, but they had eight levels to ascend before they could get help. Their radios were useless down here, so they were on their own. Not to mention that they had no idea where Victoria was or what she had planned next. If only they knew they still had to contend with her lackey, Malphas, too…
To be continued…