Guardian of My Heart

Chapter 9: Bonds Beyond Time

Opera's POV:

Five in the morning was when I had awoken, just as I would any other day. Having gotten all of my morning work around the mansion completed in under an hour, I took a few minutes to simply relax and enjoy the rising Sun as it crested over the horizon, taking a sip of Hell Grey Tea as I basked in the warm rays cascading through the window of the dining hall. Today was going to be a good day, I could feel it in my bones. Lord Sullivan had yet to awaken, and it's likely he wouldn't rise for another hour. Although it was entirely possible that he was fully conscious but simply pretending to still be sleeping. It wouldn't be the first time he had attempted this particular tactic to avoid his work, which thanks to the new school year beginning so soon, he had quite a bit left. I would be sure to drag him out of his room soon enough, but right now I was content to just enjoy the peace and quiet. Sullivan was a truly kind and caring demon, and I would forever be grateful to him, but he could prove to be somewhat boisterous in his tendencies. It tended to drag down the atmosphere of those around him considerably, and even I had my limits when it came to his antics. So, it felt nice to have some time to myself like this, a calm before the inevitable storm. Little did I know that today's storm was going to turn out to be far bigger than I could have ever known. And to think it all started with a simple phone call from my favorite demon to play with and mentally torment, Naberius Kalego.

"Hello Kalego, how are things? I must admit, I wasn't expecting to hear from you any time before the new semester began." I remained mostly neutral in my response, but I couldn't help but throw in a little jab about Kalego obviously wanting to avoid me for as long as possible. Not that I minded, it just made our eventual reunion all the more impactful. A tired sigh could be heard from the demon in question on the other end of the connection. "Opera, I'm not in the mood for games right now. We need to talk, face to face." I felt a coy smile make its way onto my lips. This should be fun. Before I could tease him further, Kalego continued. "I'm not coming alone. I'll be accompanied by Shichiro, Azazel Henri, and my brother. We'll be over in 2 hours. And make sure that ridiculous chairdemon is awake, we need his input into this as well." I was not expecting Kalego to bring over so many demons. I could understand him wanting Shichiro with him, the two were practically best friends. But Henri and Narnia were a genuine surprise for me. Why is Kalego involving Demon Border Control? Nonetheless, if they have business with Lord Sullivan, I would be remiss in my duties if I didn't properly inform him. "I will make the necessary preparations for your visit. Thank you for calling ahead."

With that I ended the call, my thoughts no longer clear and focused. My routine had just been severely disrupted, but ever the diligent servant I worked quickly to adapt to the situation thrust upon me. "Lord Sullivan, it's time to wake up. Would you like some Hell Grey Tea?" As I opened the door to my lord's private chambers, a cup of tea already in hand, I noticed him looking out of his massive balcony window at the rising Sun, clearly enjoying it as I had been just a moment ago. "Opera! You know it's rude to invade others' privacy like that! But yes, I'd absolutely love some tea!" As the two of us walked throughout the vast halls towards Lord Sullivan's office, I was sure to inform him of the conversation I had shared with Kalego. Sullivan was certainly as puzzled as I was, or at least if he did know more, he kept it well hidden. "I haven't spoken to Henri since the last Thirteen Crowns meeting nearly three months ago. I know he's very excited about his daughter being in charge of the Babyls student council, especially since it's only her second year. But I don't understand what I could have done to be in the target sights of Demon Border Control and two of my favorite professors! Oh, what will I do? Opera, why didn't you just tell them I was sick or something?!" I gave my lord a quizzical glance. "Who's to say you aren't ill, Lord Sullivan? I could have easily slipped something into your tea earlier." For a moment he looked taken aback, before his face contorted into a childish pout and his body morphed into an egg. "Not funny Opera! Not funny at all!"