Hi there everyone, welcome to my Date a Live story: Happiness of Eden. I got into it sometime ago, before season 4's trailers came out. I've watched season 1, 2, 3, the ovas and even the movie. I've already watched Date a Live Rinne Utopia and Rio Reincarnation on Youtube. ShidoXTohka was my number 1 shipping of this anime, but that was before I found out Rinne Sonogami. She and Shido really got to me, especially after Rio came into the picture. I really didn't like how Rinne and Rio weren't in the anime, how Shido and Rinne separated and how their "family" with Rio ended.

Date a Live has become one of my favorite anime, despite Shido not being a kick-ass badass, he is a strong person in spirit. I decided to write this story based off of the what-if cutscene from Rinne Utopia, the one where Rinne somehow came back. I'm 100% gonna have Rio in this story as she, Shido and Rinne really reminded me of Kirito, Asuna and Yui from Sword Art Online. Their "family" hit me in the heart, and I was sucked in. I'm unsure about Date A Live: Ars Install as I have yet to play it, but I might change my mind.

And about Ren Dystopia, really unsure because that game never had an English sub version, so I have no idea what it was about. I have also become aware of Date a Live: Spirit Pledge, but have not played it yet. I'll add some of its elements to it, but not too much. This chapter will be right before season 2 began with elements from Rio Reincarnation, enjoy.


Chapter 1: A Small Miracle.

30 years ago, the Eurasia continent was attacked by a massive Spatial Quake. There were one hundred and fifty million victims of this world changing event. It became known as the "Eurasian Sky Disaster". Six months later, smaller-scale disasters appeared all over Japan, ranging from the southern region including Tokyo to north of the Kanagawa Prefecture. These comprised the "South Kanto Sky Disaster," after which the catastrophe appeared to end.

Unknown to humanity that this Spacequake wasn't a random event; it was caused by an unknown creature called a "Spirit". Spirits were an unknown race of creatures that came from another world with one thing in common. All the Spirits were females. These girls all possessed powers that humans could only dream of. The Spirit that caused the first Spatial Quake would soon be known as "The Spirit of Origin". Nobody knows what became of her.

Years passed since that date the first Spatial Quake happened. For 25 years, there was not a Spatial Quake and the world enjoyed peace without concern. However, the Spatial Quakes eventually returned, and with it, more Spirits. The world began making counter measures for them. A special defense for known as "Anti-Spirit Team", or AST was created to handle the Spirits and kill them on sight so that Spatial Quakes wouldn't happen again. They used Realizers, weapons created by a company called Deus Ex Machina Industries.

While the AST was created to kill Spirits, another group was created for a different reason. A new corporation called "Asgard Electronics" was formed 30 years ago with the sole purpose of protecting Spirits instead of killing them. They created an organization called "Ratatoskr" to monitor and protect the one that could seal the Spirits' powers without harming them.

The one with the powers to seal the Spirits was a 17-year-old boy named Shido Itsuka, a boy that lived in Tengu City, a rebuilt city in the heart of South Kanto. For reasons unknown to many, this young boy had the power to seal a Spirit's power, yet there was a condition for it. He needed to get the Spirits to fall in love with him, and then kiss them on the lips. Truly, it was a challenging and stressful roll that he played.

He had met his first Spirit when he went searching for his younger adopted sister, Kotori Itsuka. Shido had been abandoned by his birth mother, but was adopted by the Itsuka family that welcomed him into their lives. In his search, he witnessed a Spatial Quake with his own eyes. Then, he laid eyes on his first Spirit and the female that changed his life.

It was beautiful girl around his age codenamed "Princess". His heart was taken by her the moment he laid eyes on her. She was so beautiful in Shido's eyes. Princess wasn't harmless though as she mistook Shido as someone that had come to take her life, much to his confusion. Shido then witnessed Princess battle the AST, where he saw the despair that Princess had. Her powers earned her the hatred of humans. This caused Shido to grow the desire to prevent her from every growing the sad eyes that he had witnessed Princess had.

He was rescued from the battle by Ratatoskr and was recruited by them. To his disbelief, his little sister Kotori was the commander. Due to some "training" provided by Kotori and a woman named Reine, he was to meet Princess again and earn her trust. He even helped her pick an official name.

She was named "Tohka".

Shido had selected that name as he had met her on the tenth of April. Tohka loved it and was more than happy to have it as her name. They eventually went on a date, and Shido soon sealed Tohka's powers with a kiss. Tohka wasn't the first Spirit he sealed. His next one was a young child-like Spirit named Yoshino, someone who didn't want to bring harm to anyone. After risking his life, Shido sealed Yoshino's powers with a kiss as well.

The next Spirit that Shido encountered wasn't like Tohka or Yoshino. It was a girl named Kurumi Tokisaki that attempted to "devour" him and the powers sealed inside of him. Despite Kurumi's desire, Shido still wished to save her, after witnessing her murder a younger version of herself that she created from her Angel; Zafkiel. In the battle against Kurumi, Shido found out that his little sister, Kotori had the powers of a Spirit as well, but unlike the others, she didn't have control of it and went berserk.

She came close to killing Kurumi, but Shido stood to protect the Nightmare Spirit from Kotori, which snapped her out of it and earned the real Kurumi's "affection". Still, Shido was unable to seal Kurumi's powers and she disappeared. He then focused on sealing Kotori's returned Spirit powers. After a close call with a classmate of his named Origami, Shido sealed his sister's powers, but also unlocked a hidden memory.

5 years ago, a Spirit had come to Kotori and turned her into one. Kotori couldn't control her new Spirit powers and accidently caused a fire that took lives, nearly taking Shido's one as well. However, for reasons unknown, the sme Spirit had told Kotori of Shido's powers and told her to kiss him in order to save Shido's live. Kotori did what the original Spirit told her and kissed her brother, sealing her powers and granting a healing ability over to Shido, which saved his life.

Not much time has passed since Shido began his journey to save the Spirits and has only sealed 3 so far. Summer had just begun for Tengu City, but unknown to Shido, the Spirits and residents of the city, an event took place very recently, but they couldn't remember it as their memories had been locked away. Not even Shido could remember, but he would soon remember on this one fateful day where someone special to him would return.


(Raizen High School)

Raizen High School, the high school of Tengu City where high schoolers came to learn and prepare themselves for their future. It was long rectangular, multi tiered buildings with lots of long, angular glass windows in the front with slanted rooftops behind the building that backed onto the forest. It had a wide entrance with a foyer that opened up into a long courtyard framed by tall trees and grass.

Inside one of the many classrooms of Raizen High School, Class 2 – 4 was assembling for the day. Almost the whole class was already inside, chattering away or minding their own business. Among the students of this classroom was Shido Itsuka, seated at his seat at the back row of the desks.

Shido had the looks of a handsome young man. He has straight blue hair and bands down to his neck and amber brown eyes. He was wearing the Raizen High School uniform as he waited for the class to start. He had a black jacket with white trims with the Raizen High School symbol on it over a white button up shirt and blue tie. He also had gray long pants and dark shoes.

The blue haired boy was currently holding his face up with his left hand with the elbow resting on the table. He had a small smile as he thought about the peaceful morning of today. His eyes then shifted over to his right towards a classmate and close friend of his seated past an empty desk.

It was a 16-year-old female that was a few inches shorter than him. She had very long, dark-purple hair in the same shade as the color of the night. She partially had it tied back into a ponytail with a red ribbon. Her eyes were a beautiful dark purple are described as crystal-like and have a golden tint. She was wearing the female Raizen High School, which composed of a white, short-sleeved top, together with a blue skirt, and a pair of long, black stockings that reached up to half of her thigh.

This young girl is named Tohka Yatogami, the first Spirit that Shido had ever met and the girl that took his heart. She was currently opening up a book to write down the details of today's lessons and was completely focused. Shido grew a gentle smile as he stared at Tohka. Not too long ago; Tohka had nearly lost control of her powers on the rooftop. But perhaps thanks to her doing so well to endure it, things didn't go out of control. They were able to avoid the worse thanks to Tohka's efforts. What a relief.

Just then, Tohka looked and took notice of Shido smiling at her. The "Princess" Spirit tilted her head in confusion at the way the boy was staring at her. "Huh? Shido, what's wrong?" Tohka questioned the blue haired boy in confusion, wondering why he was smiling at her like that. Shido dropped her smile and gave the dark purple haired a reassuring smile. "It's nothing Tohka. I was just deep in thought". Shido told the "Princess" Spirit, lifting himself off of his hand and sat up fully.

Tohka still looked confused by Shido's words. She decided to drop the subjection and focus on school for the day. She turned to look forward towards the front of the class. Shido, on the other hand, looked at the empty seat between his and Tohka's. That seat and desk has been empty ever since school had begun for the year, yet for some strange reason, Shido feels like it hasn't always been empty.

Lately, he has been feeling weird for the last few days. He had felt like Tengu City was missing something, a big building by the train station. Not only that, Shido also felt like he had forgotten something important. Something really important, something he shouldn't forget about. Shido felt confident that he'll remember eventually, but was starting to forget about the whole thing slowly.

Just then, the door to the classroom opened to reveal the class's teacher; Tamae entering. Tamae has a small body, and had light brown middle length hair. She had rimmed glasses, a small necklace around her neck and was wearing her usual pink dress. The small teacher stopped in front of the blackboard and turned to look at her class. "Hello. Good morning, everyone!" Tamae called out in greetings to her students with a bright and cheery mood with her eyes closed in delight.

She then opened her eyes to look at all the students before her. "Now, let's take attendance right away". Tamae told her class, before her face suddenly fell slightly. "Oh, oopsies. I have an announcement for everyone". The small teacher informed the class, catching the attention of all the students as they looked at her with curious expressions. Tamae then closed her eyes and gave a joyful smile towards the students.

"Heehee. Today, in fact, we have a transfer student joining our class!" Tamae called out with a happy voice, immediately causing the class to erupt in an uproar of excitement. "Ohhh man! This didn't pop up on my information network yet. Is it a guy or a girl? Either way, this is one fiery development!" The class idiot, Hiroto Tonomachi, exclaimed with an excited voice as he sat up from his seat.

Like the rest of the class, Shido had grown interested at learning a transfer student would be joining them from today onwards. "Huh, a transfer student…? At a time like this?" The blue haired female questioned with slightly wide eyes, pointing out that school for the year had begun some time ago, so it was a bit odd that a transfer student was joining them at this point of time. Just like Shido, Tohka was curious of the transfer student and wondered if she could be friends with them.

Tamae then turned to look at the classroom door, still smiling in a cheerful manner. "Now, please come inside". She said loud enough for the transfer student to hear. The door to the classroom went "whoosh" as it was opened, before the transfer student walked in. It was a female teenage girl that appeared to be around the exact same age as Tohka.

She had short, light pink hair, with part of her hair tied up in a braid. Her left eye was the only one visible as she walked in and was light brown. She was wearing the Raizen High School uniform with a sweater that had the logo of the school on it. She had long white shocks and brown shoes on.

The transfer student was a beautiful young woman, yet Shido wasn't able to fully see her face completely due to the angle. The pink haired girl stopped next to Tamae, before she proceeded to write down her name on the chalkboard. Once she finished, the transfer student turned around to fully face the class and revealed her face to them.

(Play Date a Live: Rio Reincarnation [OST] Theme 18 extended)

She was a truly beautiful girl as her skin colour was alabaster. Her sincere eyes were a beautiful light brown colour and her face was angelic. Finally the smile on her face was both gentle and alluring. Shido suddenly widened his eyes and low out a low gasp of disbelief shock. "…?!" Shido was silent as the grave as he stared at this female, both his heart and soul shaking and full of heartfelt emotions.

The pink haired girl gave a warm face towards her new classmates. "It's nice to meet everyone. I'm Rinne Sonogami. I hope to meet and get along with all of you". The girl now named Rinne Sonogami greeted the students of class 2 – 4 with a warm and kind, ticklish voice.

The students immediately grew different reactions at seeing Rinne. The boys were all love struck with the new beauty before them, while the females was fascinated with Rinne, Tohka included as she was excited to get to know the new female.

Shido, however, was in full disbelief as he continued to stare at Rinne. Rinne's voice wasn't new to him, it sounded so familiar to him. His mind going blank as his memories felt like they were at war with themselves. Joy, sorrow, pain and anger, all those emotions were overflowing Shido as he stared at this new woman before them. 'I know… I know her. That relaxed aura, a sort of ticklish voice, the kind yet sincere eyes…' Shido thought to himself, suddenly gaining details about this beautiful girl as if he knew her greatly.

Tamae gave a small hum as she looked around the classroom, until she stopped with her eyes landing on the empty desk and chair between Shido's and Tohka's seats. "Your seat will be… Let me see. The seat next to Shido Itsuka is open. Miss Sonogami, over there". The small teacher told her new student as she pointed her left hand towards the desk and table, causing Tohka to widen her eyes in surprise.

Rinne turned to look at the older female and gave a respectful nod to Tamae. "Yes. I understand". The pink haired female replied to her new teacher. Rinne then turned to Shido's way and met his gaze. The moment that the two made eye contact, Shido's heart skipped a beat as memories suddenly erupted out of nowhere. No, didn't erupted out of nowhere, they returned to Shido as he remembered who this girl was.

Rinne Sonogami, his "childhood friend".

Shido remembered everything now about Rinne, and how she wasn't really a human, but was really a Spirit that was created by Spiritual Power forming a consciousness, and her Spirit name was Ruler. Shido remembered her, and all the events that took place in her Angel, Eden. He remembered when it was first activated when he, under stress of his dangerous life, made the powers of the sealed Spirits return to their owners, and on the school's rooftop, Tohka's power went berserk and accidentally killed him.

Rinne activated Eden to save his life, engulfing Tengu City completely and entered Shido's life as a childhood friend to continue Eden forever, and for Shido to have a happy life with his chosen partner. Eden restarted many times as Shido had lived multiple lives inside. In lots of the lives in Eden, Shido ended up with Tohka, Origami, Yoshino, Kotori and even Kurumi in them, but through all of those events, Rinne was by his side always, supporting him.

However, as a result of her inability to fully control Eden, Shido started noticing the oddity around him. In order stabilize her mind; Rinne dated Shido in one of the lives he spent. However, her objective failed as Shido still broke through. Yet; her date with Shido caused something else that she wasn't expecting.

Shido had grown feelings for her.

As a last resort to keep Shido inside of Eden, Rinne decided to give up pursuing a happy ending in this loop and tried to forcefully reset Eden by killing Shido once again. However, she was stopped by the Spirits and Origami. Eden's memory manipulation was dissolved, allowing Shido and the others to see the lives they spent together in Eden.

Shido and the Spirits destroyed Eden's vital points and guardians, before they continued on Ruler, where Shido finally found out his "childhood friend's" real identity as Ruler. Shido questioned her why she trapped him in Eden, Ruler confessed that she was never his childhood friend and implanted her existence into his and everyone else's minds.

Ruler questioned Shido how he found out and why he wanted to leave Eden as it was a happy world where he could have happiness. Instead of answering her, Shido questioned Ruler why she did it once more. Ruler didn't give him an answer and was about to kill Shido to restart Eden once more.

Shido stopped her by confessing that he wanted to go home with her. That stopped Ruler in her tracks. Shido confessed that it didn't matter if she wasn't his real childhood friend and was the one that trapped them in Eden, the memories, laughs; cries and time they shared together were real.

His words reached Ruler's heart as Shido begged her to leave this world with him and continue to be together. Ruler, no, Rinne truly was touched by Shido's words as they made her want to believe it was possible. Yet, she said that future was impossible. She was happy that she made such an impact on Shido's life and confessed their friendship meant everything to Rinne. Yet, she refused to allow Eden to fall. She bid Shido farewell as she activated Eden's Paradise Lost.

The world around them changed with Rinne trapped in branches. Shido, despite the dangers, sought to rescue Rinne with Tohka and the others coming in to help him. Yet, Paradise Lost's power got to them all and rendered them all unconscious, even Shido when he was close to reaching Rinne.

When he came about, Shido was in another one of Eden's illusions, only there were no other spirits and just him and Rinne. They went on a date together and went all around Tengu City, having fun, laughing together and enjoying their time together. At the end, they went to Takadai Park to stare at the city as the sun set.

Shido was truly happy with Rinne in that date, and the feeling was mutual for her. Rinne confessed she wanted to be like this with Shido forever, yet somehow Shido was unable to resist and confessed that he didn't want to live like that forever.

His words hurt Rinne and he sought to take them back and tell her that he did want to be with her forever. Yet, the illusion was broken and Shido awoke back in the real Eden. Ruler had awoken, yet for some reason seemed accepting of her defeat. Shido went to her and confessed that he wanted to be with her, together forever.

He confessed that he wanted to be with her; that Rinne was more than family to Shido. Shido admitted he wanted Rinne more than anyone; the one for him. Even if they left Eden, it wouldn't change what Rinne meant to him.

Shido asked Rinne once more to come back home with him, to their normal lives and that they don't need Eden. They could find happiness with help from everyone else. He went up to her as Rinne opened her eyes and grew a heartfelt smile. Rinne told him that Eden's power had left her and that it was unstable with no telling what could happen. Shido grew worried at what Rinne said, but she told him that there was a way to stop it all.

It was to seal her. If he did, the barrier would vanish and everyone would return to the normal world. Shido understood what Rinne was saying, but was unsure as his powers only worked if the Spirit opens her heart to him. His concern made Rinne laugh a bit, before she told him that his powers would work as her heart was open to him.

Shido was ready to do the deed and asked her if she was ready to go home with them. Rinne was ready and told Shido if it meant they could be together, she'd do it. Shido asked her once more if she was ready, yet Rinne stopped him when she "remembered" a memory. Yet, it was just to stun Shido so that she could be the one to kiss him.

The moment their lips met, Shido's heart was set ablaze as it was unlike the ones he's had with Tohka and the others. Their kiss was one of a man and a woman that had deep affections for one another. Yet, when they broke their kiss, Rinne looked sad. Eden's core began disappearing and freed Rinne. Shido was filled with hope that they could finally leave and return to the normal world.

Yet, reality had different plans. For Rinne at least.

Rinne, in Shido's hands, began to disappear. Shido was filled with horror at what was happening. Rinne confessed that she lied about being able to go back with Shido and the others. She lied because she was worried that Shido wouldn't kiss her if he knew what would happen. Rinne knew after all, because she was Shido's childhood friend, something that Shido agreed wholeheartedly. He pleaded to Rinne to stay with him, just like how she used to and will forever.

Rinne reminded him that that was never real, and nether was she and that she won't exist anymore. Shido was filled with sadness at what was happening in front of him as Rinne continued to disappear. The former Ruler told Shido that he taught her so much, such as pleasure comes with pain, but can be overcome. That good memories always outweigh the bad.

Shido pleaded for her to wait, but Rinne assured him that everything would be alright. The two "childhood friends" began shedding tears and joked around a bit, yet Rinne seemed happy to know what it was like to cry. Shido pleaded once more for her to stay, even though he knew that wasn't possible anymore.

Rinne had one last requested and asked Shido to listen to her. The time and days they were together were precious to her. Eden may have been a lie, but the days they shared were real to Rinne. True happiness.

Shido was in denial at what was happen and brought up the promise they made of being together. His words warmed Rinne's heart at how much he cared about her, before making light of the situation at how Shido could make the others jealous. That got a laugh out of Shido.

Seeing her time was nearly up and that it was just them, Rinne wanted to say something important to Shido, causing him to grow worried at what she wanted to say. Rinne confessed to Shido that she loved him, right before she disappeared before Shido's eyes. Shido felt like he was floating the moment Rinne disappeared from his hands and cried out the name of the woman he fell in love with.

Shido, Tohka, Yoshino, Origami, Kotori and Kurumi all escaped the collapsing Neo Tengu Tower and when they came out, they were at Takadai Park. Tohka and the others were recovered by Fraxinus, Kurumi disappeared, and Origami returned to AST's base. Shido was left alone at Takadai Park, crushed by despair even as Eden slowly began to break. The ending he believed where he and Rinne would be together never came. He didn't understand why Rinne created the barrier or tried to kill him. It was all a mystery, and no one could answer Shido's questions.

Reine teleported in from Fraxinus to check on Shido and see how he was doing after everything that happened. To her concern, he was still badly affected and full of grief. Thinking that it wasn't the best time to discuss with Shido about the day's occurrence, she was about to leave until Shido stopped her and asked her what she found out. Reine told Shido the truth of Eden's barrier and its purpose.

First; Reine told Shido that Ruler wasn't exactly a Spirit like Tohka and the others, but had signs of her being the remnants of powerful, spirit energy. She had no vessel, so Ruler would disappear without a body. Second; the barrier had another special power besides keeping all of Tengu City. It had the power to redo the world. Shido was shocked at its purpose as Reine further explained that Eden would restart the world until a desired outcome was obtained.

It would make sense with how Shido had memories of how he ended up with Tohka, Yoshino, Kotori, Origami and Kurumi. Possibilities Shido had chosen inside of Eden, endings that could have been born of the world repeating. Shido was honestly in disbelief that all those memories were real; memories of how he ended up with all five girls.

3, Rinne's reason for creating the barrier and this was what had Shido's complete attention. Reine was unsure and said that her answer might not be the complete truth, but Shido still wanted to hear it. The sleep deprived woman said that restarting the world had a caveat. The world would end and restart on the day that Eden activated, but only under one condition. A certain something happens, and that was Shido's death.

Shido was shocked at first, but began to understand upon remembering dreams he had of Ruler whenever he fell asleep. Even in times he died, he still saw Ruler. Reine confirmed that when Shido died, the world would restart to the day that the barrier was formed. Shido was shocked and question why Rinne would try to kill him with the spiritual energy inside of him gone.

Reine explained that the premise was incorrect all along. Tohka, having lost control of her spirit powers before all of Eden began, killed him accidently. That was around when Eden activated, and saved his life. He had been having poor health before Tohka and Yoshino went berserk, and an abnormality was occurring without their knowledge. Shido was the one losing control all along, due to the tension and stress he had been undergoing since he met the Spirits and his day-to-day became arduous. Reine explained that the barrier might not have been the reason the spiritual energy returned to the Spirits, but Shido's illness instead caused the irregularity.

The dots were finally connecting in Shido's head on everything that's happened, and he realized something about Rinne. With the lost of the spiritual powers and Kotori's Flame of Regeneration, Shido was an easy target to kill. He came close to dying. With the Spirits returned power, Origami and Kurumi, it was a dangerous situation.

Dying and the world restarting was all the proof Shido needed. Rinne wasn't causing the Spirits to lose control; everything she did was for Shido's sake all along. All the while she was chipping away at herself, Rinne was saving Shido as he continued dying without the Flame of Regeneration.

Shido was in complete disbelief at the revelation, while Reine confirmed that Rinne created Eden to protect him. Shido's spirit was broken beyond belief at what he's found out. Reine managed to help Shido upon telling the boy that only for him; Rinne sacrificed her life to protect him. She pleaded with Shido to give thanks to Rinne instead of regret or apologies. Her words managed to help Shido regain his composure as he understood what she was saying.

Seeing that Shido was stable now, Reine then gave him a bag that got mixed in when they escaped Neo Tengu Tower. It had something inside and Reine asked Shido if he knew what it was. At first; Shido had no idea, but then a memory of the time he spent with Rinne resurfaced in his mind and he immediately knew what was inside. He asked Reine to leave him alone for a bit. She granted it and reminded Shido that Eden's barrier would soon disappear completely. She told him to finish any unfinished business he had, before teleporting back to Fraxinus.

With Reine gone, Shido was alone with his grief once more. His thoughts were filled with Rinne, and how she was no longer by his side. He opened the bag and found cutesy keys inside. The keys were keys that Ratatoskr had created for Shido's house, and he had given it to Rinne, something she promised to look after with all her heart. But this key had another purpose; it was proof that Rinne was Shido's childhood friend. Shido could still remember the surprised, but elated face Rinne had when he gave the keys to her.

Shido began to cry tears of sadness as he held the keys to his chest with both hands. He screamed out to the sky, to Rinne on why she didn't take the keys with her. He howled to the night sky, to the girl that he wanted to be with more than anyone. He let out a loud question on why she left when she said that they'd be childhood friends forever, to be together. He finished it up by shouting out Rinne's name towards the night sky. He wasn't expecting an answer, but somehow he heard Rinne's voice in his mind.

"Thank you, Shido. The time I spent together with you… was my only true happiness."

Those were the last words Shido heard Rinne's voice say before Eden's barrier broke and they all returned to the normal world. Unexpectedly, everyone's memories of Eden disappeared and not even Shido remembered Rinne. Life continued on, yet Shido always had this lingering feeling that he was forgetting something important.

Yet now, somehow Rinne was before him. HERE, in his classroom, in the real world. She was here; alive and real. Not inside of Eden, or a fake world, but in the real one. And with her return; the return of Shido's memories of Eden, the possibilities he had with the other girls in that world; but most important his memories of Rinne and what she meant to him.

Shido's broken heart healed completely, as if it was never broken in the first place now after Rinne had come back. He grew a small smile and breathed out in relief as he stared at Rinne. The pink haired girl noticed the blue haired boy's gaze filled with emotion and it filled her with relief as Rinne could tell that Shido remembered everything. 'Thank goodness Shido remembered. If he didn't regain his memories of me, I wouldn't know what I'd do'. Rinne thought to herself with full delight that the boy she loved remembers her.

Shido saw the relief in the Spirit Ruler's eyes and immediately knew that she was just as happy as he was at being reunited. The blue haired boy looked through the corner of his right eye to look at Tohka, where he saw her staring at Rinne with curiosity instead of shock. Yet, Shido knew why Tohka was looking at Ruler like that. 'I'm sure nobody remembers her'. Shido thought to himself, before he lightly shook his head sideways.

'No, there's no possible way they could remember'. The blue haired male added, turning to look back towards Rinne as she began walking over towards the desk and chair that was about to be hers. 'But… I remembered. If I have anything to say, it's this. Straightforward, right at her'. Shido said inside of his mind, changing his smile into a warm, welcoming one for the girl that he grew feelings for.

"…Welcome home, Rinne". Shido said to his "childhood friend" when she was right beside him on his right. His words caught the attention of both Rinne and Tohka as the two females turned to look at him. The Princess Spirit had a face full of confusion, while the Ruler Spirit just gave a small, but happy giggle. "Hehe. I'm home, Shido". Rinne replied to the blue haired boy with love and affection reserved only for him.

Shido felt his soul quiver with happiness at what Rinne said, so overwhelmed with emotion that a single stray tear escaped his right eye and fell down his cheek. '…Miracles really do exist…' Shido thought to himself, thanking whatever god existed that made his dream of him and Rinne together in the real world, a reality.

Rinne then took her seat in between Shido and Tohka, before she faced the front of the class with an eager smile. "Alright class, now that Mrs. Sonogami has been introduced to everyone, let's begin!" Tamae called out with a cheerful voice, before proceeding to turn around to face the chalkboard. At her words, all the students turned to face the chalkboard, including Shido, Rinne and Tohka, as their teacher began her lesson.

Unknown to most of the class, Shido and Rinne turned their heads to glance at one another again. The Ruler Spirit then slowly reached out her left hand towards the blue haired boy. Shido reached out with his right hand towards Rinne's hand as well. He hesitated for a moment, before he took hold of Rinne's card in a gentle manner. The two then locked eyes for a moment, before they smiled and turned to look towards the front of the class.


(Music end/ Later on)

A little bit of time passed since the beginning of the school day and Rinne's return. Right now, launch break has begun for the day. The students of Class 2 – 4 were all beginning to leave their seats and enjoy their break from schoolwork. At their desks, Shido, Rinne and Tohka all stood up from their seats. The Princess Spirit turned to look at Shido and was about to ask him to have lunch with her, only to stop upon seeing the blue haired boy turn to face Rinne, who was already facing him.

Tohka saw Shido's face grow a hint of disbelief on his face as he stared at Rinne, who had a gentle and happy smile directed at him. "…Rinne…how is it-". Shido began, only to be cut off by Rinne placing her right hand's index finger on his lips. Tohka's eyes instantly transformed into anime white at seeing this, while Shido just blinked at the Ruler Spirit. The pink haired girl was quiet as she gave Shido a loving gaze, before she took Shido's right hand with her left one and began leading him out of the classroom.

The blue haired male had slightly wide eyes at Rinne's actions, but then eased his gaze as he allowed himself to be lead to wherever she was taking him to. Tohka had an expression full of jealously as she watched Rinne and Shido leave the classroom together. "Just…who is that girl? And why does Shido seem so comfortable with her?" The Princess Spirit questioned with a hint of hostility in her voice.

Wanting to make sure nothing bad happened to the blue haired boy who saved her, Tohka began to follow after Shido and Rinne, but kept her distance to not let them know she was following behind them.

Rinne led Shido through the school to the rooftop; all the while Tohka followed them in secret. The Ruler Spirit pushed open the roof's doors with her right hand, before continuing on, all the while still holding Shido's hand. She slowly let go of Shido's hand and took 3 steps away from him. Shido watched in confusion as Rinne turned her head left and right to look at their surroundings.

Seeing the coast was clear, the pink haired girl turned to face the blue haired male with a blooming smile on her face. "Rinne, just what-". Shido began, only to be cut off once more as Rinne ran up and wrapped her arms around Shido in a warm, big hug. "Shido!" The Ruler Spirit called out in pure joy with her cheeks red, eyes closed and a great, big joyful smile. Shido was silent as the grave with wide eyes of disbelief from the feelings he was experiencing from Rinne's hug.

'…Is this what it means when your mind goes blank?' The blue haired boy questioned inside of his mind, slowly lifting his hands up. He felt so detached that he was conscious of it. 'This soft voice, those kind eyes… She's really…' Shido added in his head, before he slowly wrapped his arms around Rinne to return the hug. "Rin…ne…?" Shido questioned with the disbelief he was experiencing leaking out of his voice.

At the sound of Shido's voice, the pink haired girl softly nodded in his arms. Shido held Rinne tightly in his arms, as if letting her go would cause her to disappear. 'If I squeeze too hard, would she just pass through me like a phantom…?' The 17-year-old male questioned inside of his mind, before he tilted his head down to look at Rinne. "Are you…really Rinne?" Shido questioned the girl in his arms, wanting to make sure that this was real and not a dream.

In response to his question, Shido definitely felt the girl in his arms and felt a nostalgic feeling – her warmth. Rinne opened her eyes and tilted her head up to look into Shido's eyes, the eyes of the boy she fell in love with. "Yeah… I'm Rinne… Rinne Sonogami. Shido…" The Ruler Spirit answered the human with all the joy she was experiencing leaking out of her voice, confirming that this was real and not a dream.

(Play Date A Live Season 2 OST OP - 'Trust in You (Orchestra Version)'

The moment Shido acknowledged it, something inside of him overflowed him. Pure joy, relief and disbelief that Rinne, a special person and former "childhood friend" was really here with him in the real world. Any thoughts of their sad separation, or how he wasn't supposed to see her again was completely absent from the blue haired male's mind. All that mattered was that the girl he wanted to be with was here, safe and sound in his arms.

"I don't believe it… You're here, Rinne". Shido said as he grew an almost disbelief filled smile on his face. "I'm thinking the exact same thing, Shido. I'm wondering how I could be here". Rinne replied to the blue haired male in her arms, looking up into his eyes. "But there's a part of me that thinks none of it matters… Is that terrible of me?" The pink haired female questioned Shido with a hint of guilt in her voice at her lack of caring of how she was here.

Shido shook his head in response at Rinne's question. "Not at all… I'm thinking the same thing…" The 17-year-old male replied to the Ruler Spirit, instantly erasing all the guilt Rinne was feeling as she grew another happy smile. "I'm so happy… You haven't changed at all, Shido". The former ruler of Eden told the boy she cared about more than anything else in the world. Her words made Shido's smile become gentler.

"Right back at you. You're the same old Rinne". The blue haired male told the Ruler Spirit with a soft, but happy voice at seeing she was still exactly how he remembered. "Hahaha… Maybe we're similar". Rinne giggled a little as the wind gently blew past them. "We are childhood friends, after all". Shido stated, bringing more joy to Rinne at what he said and that he truly considers her his childhood friend. "…Yeah, we are childhood friends". The Ruler Spirit said in agreement to what the blue haired youth said.

The two "childhood friends" then stared into each other eyes with happy expressions. Any thoughts about anything else besides each other were completely none existent in their minds. All that mattered to them right now was that they were finally together again, in the real world and not in a fake one like Eden. Their eyes then became half lidded, as if they were in a trance, before they slowly leaned their faces towards each other's with their lips closing in on one another.

Just as their lips were about to connect with one another, something stopped them. "Shido!?" A familiar voice cried out towards the blue haired boy, causing Shido and Rinne to widen their eyes as they regained control of themselves. They both turned towards the roof's door, where they saw Tohka standing there with a deep frown on her face.

(Music end)

"Tohka!?" Shido called out in surprise, before he sweated a little at seeing the dark look of jealousy in her eyes. "Shido…Just what were you doing just now? You let this new girl drag you up here, then try to kiss her…!" The Princess Spirit growled as she began matching up to the blue haired boy. Shido took a gulp at the menacing feeling that Tohka was giving out, but luckily it wasn't like when she accidently lost her powers and killed him when the events of Eden took place.

Shido opened his mouth to speak, but then Rinne stepped out of his hands and stood in between him and Tohka. The two directed their gazes onto the pink haired female, who was gazing at Tohka with a soft expression. "Ummm…hello. You're Tohka Yatogami, yes?" Rinne asked with a slightly nervous voice as she knew that one wrong step could trigger Tohka's anger. She had witnessed events in Eden when Tohka accidently killed Shido when it came to launch. Although Shido had his healing ability back, Rinne preferred not to take any chances.

At the new transfer student's question, Tohka narrowed her eyes, but did give a nod towards the pink haired female. "It's…nice to see you aga- I mean met you for the first time". Rinne greeted the Princess Spirit, changing her words in mid speech as this was Tohka's "first" time seeing her as she couldn't remember the events of Eden.

Tohka didn't return the greeting and instead just stared at the Ruler Spirit with narrowed eyes. Shido, on the other hand, stared at the back of Rinne's head in confusion at why she seemed so nervous. He then blinked in realization as without her memories of Eden, Tohka didn't remember Rinne at all, or how they used to be friends. 'Without her memories, Rinne's just a stranger to Tohka. That's why she's acting so cold towards her'. The blue haired male said inside of his mind, although he wondered why Tohka wasn't able to remember Rinne like how he was able to.

"M-My name is Rinne Sonogami, it's a pleasure". The Ruler Spirit introduced herself to the Princess Spirit, while Tohka brought her hands up and crossed them. "I…I apologize for taking Shido without warning. I just…wanted to speak with him in private because I've missed him so much". Rinne apologized to the purple haired girl, taking a moment to glance over her left shoulder to look at the male behind her.

Rinne's words finally got a reaction from Tohka as her right eyebrow twitched a bit. "Really? And how is it you know Shido if you've just arrived here today?" The Princess Spirit questioned Rinne with a suspicious voice, catching Rinne's attention as she looked back at Tohka. Almost instantly, Rinne gave an alluring, happy smile at the pink haired girl. "It's because we're childhood friends". The pink haired girl answered the "real" Spirit, getting different reactions from Shido and Tohka.

The blue haired boy grew a heartfelt smile at Rinne, while Tohka widened her eyes in surprise. "W-what!? You and Shido are childhood friends?" The Princess Spirit questioned, shifting her gaze from Rinne to Shido and looked at him with an expression that demanded answers. The blue haired male noticed Tohka's gaze and gave a nod to her.

"It's true, Tohka. Rinne Sonogami is my "childhood friend". She's close to me as Kotori. We used to be classmates ever since we were little. Our parents got along, so we've been around each other a lot since then, we grew really close to one another. You could even say she's like family". Shido told the purple haired girl, using the same background that Rinne used when they were inside of Eden and how she entered his life.

Tohka had wide eyes of surprised after listening to Shido's words, before she turned to look back at Rinne, who was looking over her left shoulder to Shido with an adoring expression. The pink haired girl turned to look back at Tohka and gave her sweet smile. "We were together always back then, but then those happy times had to come to an end. My parents moved out of Tengu City 5 years ago, and have only recently moved back in. I'm sorry again for leaving with Shido without an explanation, but I really wanted to talk to him". Rinne explained to the purple haired female, keeping up the lie for now as she didn't want to alarm Tohka.

Tohka was silent as she glanced from Rinne to Shido and proceeded to repeat the actions. "…If…If that's the case, then why were you two about to kiss then?" The Princess Spirit questioned the two, instantly causing Shido and Rinne to flush upon the reminder of what they were about to do. The two had just lost control of themselves from gazing into each other's eyes and just acted on their feelings, which lead to their almost kiss.

Shido scratched the back of his head with his right hand as he looked up towards the sky, while Rinne brought both of her hands up to her mouth and looked down at them with a flushed expression. "W-well… We kinda… I don't know…" Rinne stuttered as she had no idea how to explain a reasonable reason why she and Shido almost kiss.

"I…guess that we just lost control of ourselves there. It's just been so long since we've seen one another that we kinda couldn't control ourselves". Shido said with a nervous voice, hoping that Tohka would accept that and drop the subject before it gets more out of hand. Fortunately for him, the Princess Spirit accepted that excuse. "Oh, okay then". Tohka said with a calm voice, instantly filling Shido and Rinne with relief that she brought that.

However, Tohka then slightly puffed her cheeks out with a frown directed at Shido. "Just make sure not to kiss him. I don't like Shido kissing other girls than me". The purple haired beauty stated, causing Shido to sweat drop a little while Rinne giggled nervously. "O-okay". The pink haired girl replied to the "real" spirit, folding her hands behind her back.

With that matter settled, Rinne turned to look at Shido with a hopeful expression. "Shido, would it be alright if we spent lunch together at the cafeteria?" Rinne asked the blue-haired male with an eager voice, catching the attention of both Shido and Tohka as they looked at her. Shido gave the Ruler Spirit a smile at her request as it was one he was more than happy to grant.

"Sure, no problem. I was starting to get hungry myself". The blue-haired male answered the "spirit", causing Rinne to breathe out happily at her response. "Ahh, thank you Shido". The Ruler Spirit thanked the male as she clapped her hands in delight, causing Shido to laugh a little. "If you two are going to eat, can I join?" Tohka asked with an excited voice from the topic being her favorite thing in the word; food.

The two "childhood" friends turned to look at the Princess Spirit, before Rinne gave an apologetic smile at her. "I'm sorry Tohka, but I'd like it if it was just me and Shido". The pink-haired female said to the Princess Spirit, being as polite to not trigger Tohka's anger of jealousy. Tohka's eyes shot wide in jealously and she opened her mouth to snap, only for Rinne to continue speaking and stopping her from shouting.

"I want to tell Shido all I've done since we said good-bye 5 years ago, and learn what he's done as well. We're probably gonna spend the whole lunch breaking catching up with each other and not eating. I understand that this may seem selfish, but it will really mean a lot to me if you'd understand". The Ruler Spirit said with a soft voice, before she gave Tohka a pleading expression. She needed to discuss something with Shido, a possible clue to how she was alive and in the real world.

Tohka grew an uncertain expression as she stared at Rinne. Reasonably, she understood Rinne's desire to spend time alone with Shido after being away from each other for a long time. On a more childish point of view, the Princess Spirit didn't like the thought of Shido being alone with another girl besides her. Tohka really couldn't decide what she truly wanted; be considerate of Rinne's feelings, or ignore them and join them.

Shido took notice of Tohka's struggling expression and could tell that she was having a hard time on making a decision. So, he decided to help her out a bit by using his "secret weapon". "If you let us have some time to catch up with each other Tohka, I'll buy you a whole load of Kinako bread". The blue-haired male told the first Spirit he ever encounter, knowing that with an offer like this, Tohka would finally relent.

Tohka's eyes immediately brightened and gained anime stars in them as she turned her gaze towards Shido. "Really Shido?! A whole load of Kinako bread?" The purple haired Spirit asked with an excited voice at the thought of her favorite food in the world. "Yup. A whole load of it, just for you. Cross my heart". Shido answered, crossing his heart with the right hand's index finger. He figured that Tohka deserved Kinako bread after the events of Eden, and probably some whipped cream bread.

Tohka threw her arms into the air in joy and cried out happily. "Yay! Thank you Shido!" The Princess Spirit cried out with a wide smile, before she went up and wrapped her arms around Shido in a massive hug. The blue-haired youth gave a laugh himself at Tohka's actions, before wrapped his arms around her to return the hug. Rinne just watched with a warm smile at the two friends.

Eventually, Tohka broke the hug and ran towards the rooftop's door. She stopped right in front of it, before she turned to look at Shido and waved her right hand at him. "I'll be waiting, Shido!" The purple haired beauty called out with an energetic voice, before turning back around and ran through the door and down the staircase, intending to go enjoy her own lunch that Shido made himself this morning.

Shido and Rinne watched Tohka leave with amused smiles. Once she was out of their sight, Shido turned to look at the Ruler Spirit with an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that, Rinne. You know how she is when it comes to girls around me". The blue-haired male apologized to the female, yet Rinne just shook her head sideways in response to him. "Don't worry about it. I'm just glad to see that Tohka's still the food loving girl she's always been". The pink-haired female replied to the young male, not bothered with Tohka's distrust of her as it was to be expected. She knew full well about Tohka's feelings about Shido, especially after witnessing their wedding in that Eden timeline.

The Ruler Spirit then turned to look at Shido and gently took his right hand with her left one. Shido turned to look at Rinne and saw her looking at him with a slightly urgent look in her eyes. "Shido, there really is something I need to talk to you about. It's about what happened to me after we… "separated" in Eden". The former ruler of Eden told the blue-haired male, believing he should know what happened to her after she disappeared in Shido's arms.

Shido's face grew a hint of fear on his face at the reminder of Rinne's "death" back in Eden. Just thinking about how she was taken away from him filled Shido with fear that the same thing could happen again in the same way. Rinne was a "Spirit", but not like Tohka and the others. She was created from Spiritual Power forming a consciousness. Because of that when Shido sealed her back in Eden, Rinne disappeared in his arms.

The Spirit Ruler immediately noticed the fear in her beloved eyes, and lightly gasped in concern for him. She realized too late that the memory of their parting was one that filled Shido with grief, something that Rinne never wanted to cause him. Still keeping her hold on Shido's right hand, the pink-haired female took a step forward to Shido and brought up her left hand, gently placing it on the teenage boy's face.

Shido directed his gaze towards Rinne's and saw her reassuring smile. "I won't disappear from you ever again, Shido. I can't make any promises as I don't know how I'm here, but believe in the hopes that we can be together. After all, the fact that I'm alive is proof that anything is possible". The Ruler Spirit told the young man, speaking from the heart as she believed herself that they can be together.

Shido's expression eased greatly at Rinne's words. He nodded to the pink-haired female, causing her to smile happily. Rinne then took her left hand off of Shido's cheek, before she began gently pulling him with her. "Lunch break won't last long, so we have to hurry Shido. Launch is one of the three most important meals of the day after all". The former ruler of Eden said with a bright tone, resulting in Shido letting out a happy laugh as Rinne took him to the cafeteria.

In just 2 minutes or so, the two "childhood" friends were sitting down in front of each other in Raizen High School's cafeteria. Just like it was in Eden, it was a large room with multiple long dining hall tables with a white divider in the center. There were white box plant holders with green hedges in the cafeteria. There was a long white counter for food order and serving. Finally, there was a light wooden double door that acted as the entrance and exit.

The cafeteria was filled with students, eating different kinds of lunch, lunch that they either brought with them to school, or lunch that they ordered from the counter. Shido was eating a chicken salad sandwich that he was holding with both hands, while Rinne was enjoying a corn burrito and green tea.

The table that the two were sitting around, fortunately, was empty besides them. It didn't matter to Shido as it, along with the loud noise of the gossiping students, would drown out their voices and keep anyone from listening in. The blue-haired boy considered it a stroke of luck since the cafeteria wasn't normally a place to have a secret conversation, but when it was packed like this, it was.

Shido took a bite out of his sandwich, slowly chewing before swallowing. He then looked up towards Rinne, who was holding her corn burrito with her right hand and left hand holding the bottom of it. The cup of green tea was also placed down on the table in front of her, yet the Ruler Spirit's attention wasn't on her food, instead it was focused on some of the school students around them.

Rinne smiled softly at seeing a group of friends laughing happily with one of them, a male, wrapping his around a girl sitting sides him, resulting in the female giggling at his attics. "Rinne, is something wrong?" Shido asked with a hint of concern in his voice, grabbing Rinne's attention as she turned to look at him with the smile still present. "No, I'm alright. It's just that…" The former ruler of Eden began, turning to look back at the group of friends in mid-speech.

Rinne's face softened even more when she saw the girl lean into the boy and give him a kiss on the cheek, resulting in the male blushing, but smiling happily. "It's just that there doesn't seem to be much of a difference to the naked eye, but there is". The "Spirit" concluded, causing Shido to tilt his head in confusion. He had no idea what she was talking about, but before he could ask her what she meant, Rinne turned her head to look at him and began to explain.

"The cafeteria, school, streets and even Tengu City…it looks like it's the same back inside of Eden, yet it isn't. Time is moving forward; people are growing, and happiness is being forged. I guess this is what it means when something's "real", huh?" The Ruler Spirit said with a soft voice, causing Shido to understand now what she meant.

True, it looked like everything was the same in Eden, but here's the difference. Everything was the same, nothing changed, and development was being formed. Eden gave happiness to everyone, happiness that assured no matter what and how many times it reset, yet that was it. Here in the real world, happiness may not be granted to everyone always, but they grew and experienced other emotions such as sadness and anger. It was one of the many differences of something being "real" and "fake".

Shido gave the Ruler Spirit a nod as he placed his sandwich down on his lunchbox that was placed down in front of him. "That's right, Rinne. While we may not have the eternal happiness that Eden gives us, that doesn't mean we still can't have it. People will experience happiness, sadness and much more in their life, each experience helping them grow. That's what it means to be alive". The blue-haired male told the "Spirit" with a strong voice, speaking from the heart just as he did in Eden.

Rinne's face grew a hint of amazement at Shido's words, before she looked down at her reflection in the green tea. "I have a lot to learn about this world, and what it means to be "real", don't I?" Rinne said with an eager voice, finding the differences between reality and Eden amazing, no matter how small or large they may be. Shido reached out with his left hand and gently placed it on Rinne's right one, grabbing her attention as she looked at his face.

"I'll help you learn, don't worry. Before you know it, you'll know what it means to truly be "real", I promise". The blue-haired male told the former ruler of Eden, much to her appreciation as Rinne gave Shido a thankful smile. "I look forward to our time together then". The "Spirit" told the teenage boy, eager to both spend time with Shido and to learn from him what it means to be "real".

Shido was silent for a moment or two, just gazing at Rinne's face with an adoring expression. He then slightly hardened his expression as he let go of Rinne's hand and straightened his posture. "Getting back on track, what was it that you needed to tell me Rinne?" The blue-haired male asked the Ruler Spirit, causing Rinne's face to fall slightly at the change of subject, yet understood that they were getting off track.

Rinne sighed a little with her eyes closed. She placed her corn burrito down, before taking hold of the green tea with both hands and brought it to her lips, taking a small sip of it. The "Spirit" then opened her eyes and gazed at Shido. "After you sealed me and I disappear in your arms, I…" The Ruler Spirit began, only to stop and grow an uncertain look as she was unsure how to explain to Shido the place she ended up in.

After a moment or two of thinking of the best words to use, Rinne looked back up at Shido's face with the same uncertain expression still present. "I…I don't know how to best explain it, but here's the best explanation that I've got. I ended up in this "space" in an unknown place with no one else around. I was alone, yet somehow able to watch you, Tohka and the others live your lives not that long after Eden collapsed. I saw how you all forgot about Eden and me". The pink haired female continued, only to tilt her gaze down again with a sad expression.

"No, the best way to describe it would be that you never forgot. It just never happened. I, the foreign object, vanished from the world and normalcy returned". The "Spirit" corrected herself, causing Shido to grit his teeth at what she called herself. "You're not a foreign object Rinne, you never were to me! To me, you were real, the most important person to me, just like I said!" The blue-haired male snapped in a low voice, having enough control of himself to not draw unwanted attention, yet couldn't control himself on what he said.

Rinne lightly gasped and widened her eyes as she stared Shido, who returned the stare with resolve in his eyes. A few seconds passed until Shido's eyes turned anime white and he grew a massive blush upon remembering his "confession" to Rinne. The pink-haired female grew a blush herself, yet was able to remain her cool. Shido then brought his hands up in front of himself and began waving them around, anime style in panic.

"I…I meant that… You know… What I'm trying to say…" Shido stuttered, unable to form a proper sentence from the embarrassment that he brought upon himself. Rinne then suddenly giggled with a happy expression with her eyes closed, causing the blue haired male to lose his embarrassment and stare at her. The Ruler Spirit then ceased giggling and opened her eyes to stare at her beloved with an understanding expression.

"I know what you mean Shido, and it means a lot to me that you'd say that. If you truly see me that way, then I won't call myself as such anymore". She told the male with a thankful voice that he didn't consider her a "foreign object". Shido's gaze eased greatly as he smiled at Rinne, glad that he accomplished his goal to get her to not forever to herself like that.

"We're getting off track here; let's continue where we left off". The former ruler of Eden stated, while Shido gave a small nervous laugh as he scratched the back of his head. Rinne suddenly grew a frown as she looked down at the table, yet wasn't really looking at it. "I thought for certain that I'd spent eternity there, watching you all continue your lives with each other. But then, "it" appeared". The Ruler Spirit informed the blue-haired male, causing him to widen his eyes in surprise at her words.

He didn't detect any fear, admiration or uncertainty in Rinne's voice, just pure confusion. "What? What appeared?" Shido asked in concern, wanting to know what appeared in that "space" that Rinne ended up in. Rinne tilted her head up to look at him with an uncertain expression. "To be honest, I have no idea". The former ruler of Eden answered much to Shido's confusion at her answer. Knowing that he needed more information, Rinne began to explain.

"It happened one day in that "space". Underneath me, a sort of black portal appeared, but nothing came out. Only a voice, yet it sounded like it an ethereal, echoey voice of some kind. I never anything like it before". The Ruler Spirit told the young male, staring down below as if she was imagining the same portal to reappear again and that same voice to come out.

Shido frowned in confusion at Rinne, having no idea what or who it was that voice belonged to as he's never heard of one like it before. 'A…ethereal, echoey voice? Who would have a voice like that?' Shido questioned inside of his mind, wondering who that voice belonged to, that spoke to Rinne in that "space". "It did sound feminine, like a female's voice, but I'm not too certain yet. She said to me "Good work. You fulfilled your role splendidly. At last, sleep well…" That's all it said to me". She further explained, repeating the words that the voice said to her. She then took another sip of her green tea.

Shido frowned even more than before he looked down and scratched the side of his head. 'Fulfilled your role? What does that mean?' Shido questioned inside of his mind, wondering what the meaning of those words was. Knowing that he won't be getting any answers anytime soon, he looked back towards Rinne and listened as she continued.

"Once it finished its sentence, I felt incredibly tired and closed my eyes. It felt like I was erased, yet I woke up in a rundown apartment. I was somehow "Rinne Sonogami" again and not "Ruler". Besides the clothes that I had, I also had a wallet. There was an identity in it, a credit card with money in it and even a note. Yet, all it said was how much money the credit card contained. I checked outside and it turned out, I was still in Tengu City". The former ruler of Eden continued as she picked up her corn burrito and took a bite of it, before continuing.

"I didn't feel Eden's influence at all, and quickly figured out that I was somehow in the real world. I was overjoyed that somehow, I was alive, in Tengu City and in the real world. Of course I wondered how it was all possible, yet only one thing truly mattered to me". Rinne added, tilting her head up and gave Shido an overjoyed smile filled with relief and happiness. "It was that I could see you and everyone again, Shido. That I could finally be with you in the real world and not just in Eden". The pink-haired female told the young male, happiness leaking out of her voice to express just how happy she was that this miracle happened.

Shido grew his own happy smile, unable to deny the joy he also felt at the incredible miracle that brought Rinne back. He thanked whatever God that existed for allowing this, and swore to never lose Rinne again. "I'm happy you're back too, Rinne". The blue-haired boy stated, not ashamed to admit that he was happy of her return. Rinne's face brightened at Shido's words, but then her expression fell slightly, something that Shido noticed immediately.

The teenage boy replaced his smile with a concerned expression, wondering what caused Rinne to change her expression like that. "Rinne? What's wrong?" Shido asked her in concern, grabbing Rinne's attention as she looked up and gave him a forced smile. "It's nothing Shido. It's just that ever since I woke up here in the real world, I've felt something wrong". The former ruler of Eden told her beloved, increasing his concern at what she considered "wrong".

"What? What's felt wrong ever since you woke up?" Shido questioned with growing concern, worried that it could be a bad sign of some sort. Instead of answering Shido's question immediately, Rinne looked down at her hands holding her green tea's cup. "…They're gone…" The pink-haired female answered, causing Shido to tilt his head to the side in confusion as he didn't understand what she meant.

Rinne placed down her cup of green tea, before she slowly brought her hand up and stared at them in silence. "…My Spirit powers… I don't have them anymore". She added, and this time Shido understood what she meant earlier as he let out a sharp, but small gasp of disbelief. He's never heard of a Spirit losing her powers, even when he had sealed them. He had seen from Tohka and Yoshino that a Spirit could still use their powers even when he had sealed them, but nothing about them losing their powers completely.

"The powers that I had when we were inside Eden are gone, I couldn't even create a small fireball like I used to. It's like only "Rinne Sonogami" returned, and "Ruler" is still gone". Rinne explained to Shido, speaking from the heart as she felt like one one-side of herself was brought back. Shido's face grew heavy with concern for the "Spirit" as he's never dealt with anything like this before.

"Rinne, I…" The blue-haired male began, only to be cut off by Rinne. "But it's okay". The pink-haired female said in a quick manner, catching Shido off guard. The former ruler of Eden lifted her head up and gave Shido a smile, yet he was able to tell that it was slightly forced. "If being with you means that I'm no longer a Spirit, then I'm alright with it. It's a small price if it means being with you and everyone else". The now former Spirit told the teenage boy with a positive voice, before closing her eyes and gave a big smile at Shido.

Yet, he still frowned in concern for her. Shido had no doubt that Rinne meant what she said, but he could still tell she was disheartened at the lost of her powers and Spirit identity. After all, she was "born" as "Ruler", the Spirit that could reshape the world with the power of Eden. Yet now with her loses, it could be considered losing a part of herself.

The blue-haired male looked down with an uncertain expression, thinking of a solution to keep clear both his and Rinne's minds at her revelation. Almost like a light bulb went off in his head, Shido got an idea to cheer the former Spirit up. Shido looked at Rinne with a determined expression on his face without a shred of doubt in visible in the eyes. "Rinne!" He exclaimed strongly, catching Rinne off-guard with how serious he sounded.

"Yes?" The pink-haired female replied with a curious voice, having no idea what Shido was about to say. The blue-haired male spent a moment staring at her, until he spoke. "Will you go on a date with me after school today?" Shido asked the former Spirit, causing Rinne's eyes to widen in surprise as she flushed a bit red. She's seen Shido go on lots of dates inside of Eden with Tohka, Yoshino, Kurumi, Kotori and Origami, yet she has only experienced two dates. The first to help regain control of Eden, and the second one as her last restore to Shido falling back into Eden's loop of happiness with his chosen partner.

Rinne placed both of her hands on both sides of her face, stuttering as she tried to form a sentence, yet was unable. She had wanted to go on a date; a real date with Shido again, yet just didn't expect him to ask her on one so soon after they reunited. Shido took notice of Rinne's struggling expression and knew that she was struggling to respond. He softened his expression and gave the former Spirit a reassuring smile to calm her nerves.

"I'm not trying to push you into going on one with me, I just thought it would be a good way to get our minds off of things and have some fun. Our last "date" never finished after all". Shido told his "childhood friend", speaking softly to help her calm down. Rinne ceased blushing a bit as she stared at Shido with a natural expression for a few moments. Deciding to just listen to her heart and forget about all concerns, the pink-haired girl gave the blue-haired male a happy and excited smile.

"I'd love to go on a date with you, Shido". Rinne told teenage male, causing Shido to grow a massive smile on his face. "That's great, thank you Rinne". The teenage boy thanked the female, causing Rinne to giggle at Shido's thanks. "It's no problem at all Shido. In fact, I should be the one thanking you". The pink-haired female replied to the boy that she loved. She truly meant her words as Rinne deeply wanted to go on a date with Shido to experience a real one, one without any hidden motives.

"I guess we're both thanking each other then. But for now, let's focus on finishing school for today. And for that matter, finishing our lunch". The blue-haired boy stated as he looked down at his chicken salad sandwich. Rinne gave an amused giggle at Shido, before she gave a nod to him. The two "childhood friends" then resumed eating their meals, eager for the school day to end and for them to go on their date.


(Timeskip)

The bell of Raizen High School rung, signaling that school for the day was over. Students of the school either walked, or ran out of their building in excitement, either going home or going to hang out with friends. Among the students leaving was Tohka, carrying her school bag with her right hand, walking in a slow pace as she looked around her surroundings to spot Shido.

For the whole day, she didn't bother Shido, giving him space to reconnect with the new girl; Rinne Sonogami that he claimed was his childhood friend. The Princess Spirit had kept her word about giving them space in both the lunch break, and for the rest of the school day. Yet to Tohka's surprise, Shido paid almost his full attention on Rinne. True, he did so schoolwork, answer questions that the teach asked him and even talked to Tohka for a bit, but after he was done, Shido's attention went straight back to the new student.

Tohka honestly didn't like how much attention Shido was giving the new girl, but understood that it was just him catching up with an old childhood friend that he considered family. Now that school was finished for the day, Tohka hoped that she could finally spend some time with Shido on their way home together. So far though, he hasn't spotted him among the students leaving.

Just as she was about to turn around and head back into the school to search for him, Tohka then spotted Shido walking out of the school gates a few feet in front of her. The Princess Spirit grew a massive smile on her face and was about to call out towards him, only to stop upon spotting something that dropped the smile that she grew moments ago.

Walking besides the blue-haired boy on his right was the new transfer student, Rinne Sonogami, carrying her school bag with both her hands, while Shido carried his with the left arm. Both she and Shido had their heads slightly turned to look at one another as they conversed with one another. The two "childhood friends" turned the right corner, out of view. Tohka let out a low gasp, before she ran a bit and passed the gates as well.

She stopped and turned to the right, where she saw Shido and Rinne still walking besides one another and speaking with each other. Tohka opened her mouth to call out to the blue-haired boy, but her ears then caught what the two were saying to one another. "Now that school is over for the day, where do you want to go for our date?" Shido asked the pink-haired girl with a curious voice, although he already had an idea on what she wanted.

Tohka let out another low gasp, while Rinne gave a giggle as she smiled happily at Shido with both eyes closed. "Shido, you know that you don't have to ask me that. I'm pretty certain you know what I'd like for us to do on our date together". The pink-haired female answered, making Shido let out a laugh at her answer as it was exactly what he was expecting to hear. "Alright Rinne, but let's add a few new things to our date. It'll be exciting". The blue-haired male said with an eager smile, mind working at super speed to come with new ideas for their date together.

"I'll take your word for it Shido. Let's see what new ways you can come up with to excite me". The former Spirit said with an eager voice as the two continued to walk away, neither of them noticing Tohka watching them. The Spirit Princess' face fell at the sight of the two happily chatting away as they went on their date together. She turned around and began walking off in the other direction with no destination in mind.

As she walked, Tohka thought about how the day started out normally, but changed dramatically when Rinne Sonogami joined their class. Shido paid most of his attention on Tohka, but that changed when he "reunited" with Rinne. Tohka could understand that the two were "childhood friends", yet she still felt robbed of Shido. The Princess Spirit knew that if she lost her cool and her powers went out of control, she'll cause trouble again and the AST would probably try something again.

So, with great difficulty, Tohka kept control of her emotions and just began making her way home to Yoshino, Yoshinon and Kotori. Just then, the afternoon silence was broken by Tohka's phone ringing from inside of her bag. The Princess Spirit stopped in her tracks, before she brought the bag in front of herself. She placed her left hand inside of it, before bringing out the ringing Smartphone.

It was a classis black and white Smartphone, only having a black and white Panda keychain called "Pandalone", something that Tohka had won at the arcade for Shido sometime ago. The screen showed a picture of Kotori with the younger adopted sister of Shido's name displayed as well. "Kotori?" The Spirit Princess said in surprise that the flame Spirit was calling her and not Shido.

Pressing on answer, Tohka brought the phone to her left ear. "Hello?" The beautiful female greeted with a slightly confused voice. "Hi there, Tohka. Glad to see that you know how to use a phone completely now". A familiar voice the Princess Spirit back, one that Tohka knew that belonged to Kotori. The purple haired female gave a small smile at hearing the flame Spirit's voice, needing to talk to a friend after the day she had.

"Well, I had some help from Shido, but at least I know how to use a phone completely now". Tohka said to the younger Itsuka as she resuming walking back to the apartment that she lived in. Kotori let out a laugh from her side of the phone call in response to Tohka's words. "Speaking of Shido, is he with you right now?" The captain of Ratatoskr asked the teenage female, causing Tohka to blink in surprise at Kotori's question.

"Huh?" Tohka said in confusion, wondering why her fellow Spirit asked that. "I was gonna ask him to bring you to Fraxinus for a checkup. You nearly lost control of your powers after all, so we can't be too careful". Kotori explained to the Princess Spirit, which Tohka gave a nod of understanding. "Yeah, you're probably right. But why did you call me then instead of Shido?" The purple-haired female asked, tilting her gaze up to look at the slightly clouded sky above.

"I would have, but the dummy apparently left his phone at home. So, I went with the second best option and called you". The captain of Ratatoskr answered the Princess Spirit, which Tohka blinked in surprise for a moment, before turning her gaze back into a natural one. "Okay, I guess that makes sense. But the thing is; Shido isn't with me right now". Tohka informed the 14-year-old girl, tilting her gaze down to face forward and not bump into anyone.

"Say what?" A confused Kotori said from her side of the call, a bit surprised that Shido and Tohka weren't together right now. "If Shido isn't with you right now, then where is he?" The younger female questioned Tohka with a curious voice. At Kotori's question, the Princess Spirit's expression fell slightly. "He's with Rinne right now". Tohka answered, doing her best to sound as natural as possible to not tip Kotori off.

Tohka didn't know what to expect from Kotori next. Perhaps her excitedly crying out and asking her questions about Rinne, or even going dead silent in shock to hear that Shido's childhood friend was back. However; instead of any of those, Kotori asked something else. "Rinne? Who's Rinne?" The captain of Ratatoskr questioned the Princess Spirit with a clear, confused voice as she had no idea who Rinne was.

Kotori's question caused Tohka to widen her eyes in shock and stop dead in her tracks. The purple haired female felt growing dread inside of herself as she was unable to find her voice. After a few seconds, she managed to speak with a confused, but scared voice. "R-Rinne Sonogami… Shido's childhood friend". The Princess Spirit answered the flame Spirit, hoping that she was just being paranoid and that everything was alright.

Unfortunately for Tohka, her prays went unanswered. "Rinne Sonogami? Tohka, I have no idea who you're talking about. Shido never had a childhood friend like that". Kotori said with her voice still confused, but was now sharp. Tohka let out a gasp at what her friend said, and ceased walking immediately. She brought the Smartphone in front of her and stared at the screen with growing concern.

"What do you mean you don't know her? Shido said that she and him used to be classmates ever since they were little. He said that his parents and hers got along, so they were around each other a lot and grew close. He even said that they were close as family". The purple haired female said with panic in her voice, recalling what Shido said about him and Rinne. The dread inside of her was growing by the second, along with the concern for Shido.

There was no response from Kotori for a few moments, until she eventually spoke with an alarmed and sharp voice. "What the heck are you going on about? Our parents had friends sure, but Shido and I were never with them when they hang out together. Shido was always at home with me, and no other kids stayed at home with us. I've met the kids of all my parents' friends, and there was never a girl called "Rinne Sonogami", or a family that was called Sonogami". The flame Spirit told the purple haired female with the voice losing its cheerfulness, something that always happen when Kotori switches over to black ribbons.

Tohka began shaking in terror at both Kotori's words, and the fact that Shido lied to her about Rinne Sonogami. "Shido…lied to me?" The Princess Spirit questioned in disbelief, shaken that the boy she cared deeply for actually betrayed her trust.

"Whoa, calm down Tohka! I'm sure Shido has his reasons on why he lied about this girl. For all we know, this "Rinne Sonogami" could be a Spirit that's just as bad, or worse as Kurumi!" The youngest Itsuka sibling told Tohka with an urgent voice, believing that her brother wouldn't lie without a good reason.

Yet, Kotori's words only made Tohka worry even more than before. She turned around and began running as fast as she could to catch up to Shido and Rinne. She quickly reached the high school and ran past it, until she eventually reached a street that split into three different directions. The Princess Spirit breathed in and out heavy, concern for Shido reaching a new level. She brought up her Smartphone and held it with both hands in an urgent manner.

"Kotori, I can't find Shido! I don't know where he or that girl are!" Tohka exclaimed in panic, turning to look at one of the three directions in hopes of spotting Shido. "Darn it! I've tried calling Shido through his intercom, but he's not picking up! Don't tell me that he left it at home too!" Kotori cried out in frustration from her side of the call. This did nothing to calm Tohka down as she began to have a small panic attack at the thought of Shido in danger.

"Shido…Shido…Shido". The Princess Spirit muttered to herself, terrified that something horrible could have happened to Shido like Rinne "eating" him like how Kurumi tried to, or was kidnapped by her. It was a miracle that she wasn't regaining her powers from the panic she was experiencing. "Tohka, calm down! Find someplace to hide, and then we'll bring you up to the Fraxinus. We'll be able to find Shido and this new girl quickly". The flame Spirit told the purple haired female, mentally kicking herself for not sounding more reassuring to Tohka. It was more Shido's field of experience, while hers was to be either rough or cute and cuddly.

Tohka began breathing easily as Kotori's words brought her hope that it wasn't too late to find Shido and Rinne. She slowly brought her Smartphone to her ear and slightly nodded her head. "O-okay… I'll head back to the school and wait there to be picked up. Just hurry, I'm worried about Shido". The purple haired female said with a calmer voice than before, something that Kotori was grateful to hear as it meant that Tohka wouldn't accidently cause a Spatial Quake.

"I'm just as worried about my brother as you. Just hang in there; we'll get to the bottom of this soon". The flame Spirit replied to the Princess Spirit, revealing that she was worried about Shido just as much as Tohka. The Princess Spirit turned around and began heading back to Raizen High School to find a place to hide from view and be transported to Fraxinus.


(Meanwhile)

In the middle of the Tengu City Street, Shido and Rinne were walking besides one another with smiles planted on their faces as they began to enjoy themselves. Their first destination for their date together, was the department store in front of the train station. It was where Rinne wanted to go first as she had something in mind to find.

The two passed through the Tengu Station ticket gates, the same place that Shido had begun his triple date with Tohka, Origami and Kurumi, yet the two "childhood friends" paid it little mind and continued on. They eventually arrived at Twin Building B and entered. The two were currently going up an escalator to the higher levels.

The two were still standing beside one another as they stayed still on the escalator, but then Shido turned his head to look at the former Spirit with a knowing expression. "Rinne, are you looking for the same swimsuit that we brought in Eden when we went to the pool with Tohka?" The blue-haired male asked the teenage girl, catching Rinne's attention as she turned her head to look at him.

Rinne giggled in a low voice with a healthy blush forming on her face. "Ahhh…you saw right through me. I honestly took a liking to that swimsuit and was hoping that I could get it for real". The pink-haired female answered with a nervous voice, shifting her gaze down towards her feet. Shido raised an eyebrow, before he blushed slightly upon remembering an "incident" that involved that specific swimsuit.

"I'm…surprised that you want that swimsuit back, after what happened at the pool". The teenage boy said with his own nervous voice, causing Rinne's face to turn nuclear red upon remembering that incident where her top untied itself and bottom was pushed down a bit. Fortunately for the Ruler Spirit, Shido was behind her when that happened and didn't see anything he wasn't supposed to.

Rinne's face quickly returned to normal, before she turned to look at Shido with a small frown on her beautiful face. "Shido, you're a pervert". Rinne said, sounding as if she was stating a fact. The blue-haired boy let out a small cry of surprise with his eyes turning anime white at what his "childhood friend" said. "What!? I'm not a pervert, I swear!" The teenage boy exclaimed in denial at what Rinne just called him.

The former ruler of Eden slightly turned her body to face Shido and placed both hands against her hips, keeping hold of the school bag. "Really? Then why is it that you only remember when my swimsuit nearly came off when you, Tohka and I went to the pool? And let's not forget that you've practically seen me naked already". Rinne said with a slightly stern voice, reminding Shido that when he went to confront her in Eden, he saw Rinne's naked body.

The blue-haired male's mouth was wide open in a perfect "O" and gapping like a fish, trying to form a comeback, yet wasn't able to as Rinne was technically right. Despite the circumstances back then, he had indeed seen her naked body. It didn't matter that his main focus at the time wasn't on that, it was still literally an invasion of privacy.

Shido stuttered greatly, attempting to form an apology to the former ruler of Eden, yet was too nervous to actually speak a full sentence. Just then, Rinne's frowning expression transformed in a gentle, amused face as she giggled a little with her eyes closed. "Hehe…calm down Shido. I was just playing around with you". The pink-haired female said with a playful voice, catching Shido off-guard as his eyes returned to normal.

The pair of "childhood friends" reached the top of the escalator and stepped off of it, yet Shido was still facing Rinne as she opened her eyes and stared back at him. "It wasn't your fault that my top's straps untied themselves and bottom nearly came off from going down the slide, it was just a harmless little accident that didn't hurt anyone. And about you seeing me, well… "naked", that wasn't your fault either". The former ruler of Eden said as she re-grew a small blush and scratched her right cheek.

"I kinda caused that to happen when I used Paradise Lost. So, it can't be helped". Rinne added, believing that the blame of the second incident resided on her. Shido's expression softened a little at Rinne's words as it lifted some of his embarrassment off his shoulders. He then gave the pink-haired female a curious expression. "Still, why do you want that specific swimsuit anyway? Does it hold special meaning to you?" The blue haired boy asked his "childhood friend", wanting to hear from Rinne why she only wanted that swimsuit.

The former Spirit grew a gentle smile as she brought down her right hand. "…It's because it was the one you chose for me". Rinne answered Shido, causing him to widen his eyes and almost let out a gasp as his heart felt like it was struck from Rinne's words. It was true as he was the one that picked that swimsuit for her when they and Tohka were shopping for swimsuits. He just chose it because he thought it suited Rinne as it was the same colour as her hair. Now though, hearing from Rinne why it was important because he chose it, really struck Shido mentally.

Rinne gave an amused smile at seeing Shido's priceless look. The blue-haired male shook his head sideways at anime fast speed, before looking directly at the former Spirit with a natural expression. "If that's the case, then we better hurry. We don't want someone else to buy before we get the chance". Shido said without a hint of his inner emotions as he tried to speak as normal as possible after the subject they were speaking of not too long ago.

Rinne nodded to Shido in agreement to what he said, although former Ruler Spirit still had the amused smile that she grew earlier planted on her face. "You're right. Let's hurry". The teenage girl stated, causing Shido to grow an eager smile. "Here, Rinne". The teenage boy said suddenly as he brought up his left hand and held it out towards the once ruler of Eden. Rinne blinked as she stared down at Shido's hand, before looking back towards his face.

"Um… What are you holding your hand up for?" The Ruler Spirit questioned her "childhood friend" in confusion, not really understanding why he was holding his hand out towards her like that. Shido gave a confident grin towards Rinne in response. "Isn't it obvious? I'm going to escort you to the resort shop". The teenage boy answered, making Rinne blink in surprise, before giving an eager smile to Shido.

"…Okay! Then please do, Prince Charming". The once ruler of Eden told the teenage male with a bright expression with her eyes closed. Shido sweat dropped and chuckled nervously at what Reine called him. "Oh, come on… What's with the Prince Charming thing… I'm not like that". Shido deadpanned, honestly seeing no similarities between him and that fairy tale character. Rinne's expression slightly fell at Shido's words.

"No. For me… And I'm sure for Tohka and the others, you're Prince Charming". Rinne told the boy, growing a small blush once more at what she was confessing. Shido grew his own small blush at Rinne's words as well. "Um… You're making me blush. Then what would you be, Rinne? A princess?" Shido questioned his "childhood friend", losing the blush in mid-speech.

Rinne lost her blush as well and gave a simple smile to Shido. "I don't want to be a princess. I want to be an ordinary girl". The pink-haired girl answered the young male, causing Shido to let out a good laugh at her response. "Haha. That's so like you Rinne. But I think you can be a princess for just a day". Shido told the former Spirit, resulting in her blushing once more as Rinne gave a happy expression with both eyes closed again.

"Hehe… You're right. If you're a prince, Shido, that works for me". Rinne said with a soft voice, something that made Shido's smile grow a little larger. "All right, let's go". The main operative of Ratatoskr said with an eager voice, slightly lifting his left hand again. Rinne opened her kind filled eyes and laugh a little. "Hehehe. Let's". The girl once known as "Ruler" said as she lifted her right hand and gently took hold of Shido's.

The pink-haired female began walking once more towards the resort wear shop that she remembered from Eden, keeping a hold of Shido's hand as she led the way. Shido looked down at his and Rinne's connected hands, feeling incredibly warmth from her hand. 'I can feel Rinne's warmth through my hand. I don't want to let her go. I sincerely feel this way'. The blue-haired male said inside of his mind in peace, truly feeling happy to have Rinne back.

Just as he said inside of Eden, Shido wanted to be with her forever. He didn't know if the thing that Rinne said she saw in that space was responsible for her return, but if it was, Shido was incredibly grateful to it. "Okay. I promise you I'll make this date fun". The main operative of Ratatoskr told Rinne, grabbing her attention as she looked over her shoulder to look at Shido and flash another happy smile at him. "Got it. I look forward to it". The pink-haired female replied to her "childhood friend", knowing he'll make good on his promise.

"Leave it to me!" Shido exclaimed as he quickened his pace to match Rinne's. Rinne giggled as she and Shido continued to hold hands as they walked the usual path, just the two of them. The time that had unknowingly stopped for Shido, started moving again.


(A little later/ Fraxinus)

Flying high above Tengu City about fifteen kilometers; was the Fraxinus ship of Ratatoskr. In the main bridge of the ship, the whole crew of Ratatoskr were gathered together, including their vice commanded and commander. The members: Kyouji Kawagoe, Masaomi Mikimoto, Hinako Shiizaki, Munechika Nakatsugawa, Kozue Minowa and Reine Murasame were all seated at their designated stations with their advance computer setups in front of them. The large monitor was at the front of the room, showing a map of Tengu City.

The Vice Commander: Kyouhei Kannazuki was standing right in front of left entrance with his arms crossed and eyes narrowed in a frown. The commander of Ratatoskr; Kotori Itsuka, was seated on her seat in her commander clothes and black ribbons on. She had both arms crossed, right leg over the left and a strawberry lollypop in her mouth. Standing right behind her was Tohka, still dressed in her school uniform, having a worried expression on her face.

For the last half an hour, the whole Ratatoskr crew has been searching for Shido, using the Fraxinus to help find their operative. However, their search so far has proven fruitless so far. "Have you guys still haven't found Shido yet!?" Kotori questioned the whole crew with a loud, but worried voice. "Not yet Commander!" Kyouji, Masaomi, Minako, Munechika and Kozue cried out in response, causing the flame Spirit to grit her teeth in frustration.

Tohka lowered her gaze with a growing concerned frown. Like she had said, Tohka went back to Raizen High School to find a place to be transported to Fraxinus without any prying eyes. Once she was teleported to the ship and arrived at the main bridge, Tohka informed Kotori and everyone about what happened and about Rinne. During the Princess Spirit's explanation, Kotori listened with great curiosity at the closeness that Shido and Rinne had.

The commander of Ratatoskr was still on guard thought after Tohka was finished. She immediately ordered the crew to search for her brother, wanting to see if he was alright and in order to get a good look at "Rinne Sonogami". With how long and fruitless the search has been, the two Spirits' concern for Shido doubled. Just as Kotori was about to issue a command, Reine spoke up with her usual sleep deprived voice.

"I found Shin". The Ratatoskr member and high school teacher said with a low, but clear voice. Everyone immediately turned to look at her as Reine pressed away at her setup. "Bringing a visual up to the monitor". The sleep deprived woman added, causing everyone to shift their gazes to the monitor as a screen came up.

The screen showed both Shido and Rinne in what appeared to be a resort wear shop with multiple outfits and swimsuits on display, standing in front of a counter with a female adult standing behind it, handing a shopping paper bag to the pink-haired female. "That's her! That's the new girl!" Tohka exclaimed, shooting her left hand out with the index finger pointed towards Rinne's image as she looked down into the paper bag with a smile.

"So, this is Rinne Sonogami. Shido's "childhood friend", huh?" Kannazuki said with a small smile, right hand holding his chin with the left hand supporting the elbow. Kotori narrowed her eyes at Rinne's image as the monitor showed the former Spirit turn to Shido with a happy expression, before they both began leaving the shop. Rinne held the shopping bag's handles with her left hand and held her school bag with the right one.

"…I've never seen that girl before in my life". The commander of Ratatoskr stated, catching Tohka's attention as she looked at the back of Kotori's seat. "Are you certain? Shido sounded like he really meant it when he said that Rinne's his childhood friend". The Princess Spirit questioned the younger female, bringing her left hand up in concern.

Kotori slightly tilted her head to look at Tohka through the corner of her left eye, before looking back at the monitor as it showed Shido and Rinne walking together with the two gazing at one another with happy expressions. "Trust me when I say this; I've been with Shido for a long time, and I've never seen that girl before. The better question is why Shido would make up a lie about this "Rinne" being his childhood friend". Kotori answered her fellow Spirit, wondering why her brother would lie to Tohka about being childhood friends with Rinne.

"Commander, I think I might know". Munechika spoke up, grabbing the attention of Kotori, Tohka and Kannazuki as they looked at him. "Oh really? Then please, enlighten us". The Vice Commander asked the "famed" Dimension Breaker with a curious voice. Munechika was silent for a few moments with his bangs covering the eyes from view. "I think it's because…" The man began, giving a dramatic pause as he tilted his head up with a glint on the left side of his glasses.

"…Shido is in love with this girl!" He finished in a dramatic style, standing up from his seat and threw both arms into the air. Tohka and Kotori cried in comically with anime white eyes at what he said, both feel incredibly jealous at the thought of Shido in love with a girl besides them. "I think he has a point. I know my ladies, and this Rinne girl is a rare catch". Kyouji remarked, leaning back on his seat with both arms crossed and nodding in agreement.

"Those kind and sincere eyes, and that relaxed aura of hers as well. But most of all that ticklish voice is really something. I bet she's incredibly popular with the girls". Hinako remarked, listening to Rinne and Shido's conversation as they spoke about grabbing a snack. "The look that she and Shido have for each other, it's the look of a man and a woman that hold deep affection for one another". Kozue added in with her focus on how the two "childhood friends" gazed at one another as it reminded the female adult about love movies she's seen.

"Put all of these facts together, and it leads to the proof that Shido may very well be in love with this girl". Masaomi finished for his colleagues, while Munechika sat back down. Kotori and Tohka were rendered speechless at their words, while Kannazuki and Reine didn't seem that bothered. Eventually, Kotori shook her head sideways to rid herself of their words and glared at Rinne's image.

"There's no way that my dense brother could actually fall in love with a random girl that he just met today! For all we know, she could be a Spirit!" The flame Spirit exclaimed in denial that her brother could be in love with someone. Shido had met beautiful girls ever since he first encountered Tohka; such as Yoshino, Kurumi, Origami and herself, yet he never spoke about harboring true feelings for any of them.

"Actually, the commander may have a point. About the part of this "Rinne Sonogami" being a Spirit". Reine remarked, catching everyone's attention as they looked at her, waiting for an explanation. "It's very faint, but I was able to detect the faintest bit of Spiritual power from her". The sleep deprived woman added, turning her head to look at Kotori. Reine's words caused Kotori to narrow her eyes, while Tohka gasped in concern.

"Then that means this girl is a Spirit". The red-haired girl stated, turning her gaze back towards the monitor as it showed Shido and Rinne going down the escalator with the pink haired girl looking down inside the shopping bag to whatever was inside. "But that still doesn't explain why Shido lied about her being his childhood friend!" Tohka exclaimed, reminding them all about what Shido told her about Rinne.

"True… Was Shido truly lying because of some reason, or was it to get close to this new Spirit and seal her powers? And if that were the case, why would "Rinne Sonogami" play along with his words? Does she have her own motive that involves Shido?" The Vice Commander questioned with narrowed eyes, wondering why Ratatoskr's main operative made a lie on how he knew this new Spirit, or if he was telling the truth.

Kotori hummed in thought, before turning to look at Tohka, remaining seated on her chair. "Tohka, what else can you tell us about this new Spirit?" Shido's younger adopted sister questioned the Princess Spirit, wanting to know if Tohka knew anything else about Rinne Sonogami. The purple haired female frowned as she thought about today's events that involved Rinne, beginning when she joined their school.

"Well…when Rinne first came into our class, Shido looked shocked to see her, but then incredible happy, as if something amazing happened. He even said to her "Welcome home, Rinne". And she responded by saying "I'm home, Shido". They even acted like they were old friends instead of strangers". Tohka explained, remembering the greetings that Shido and Rinne gave to one another and the way they acted around each other.

Kotori listened to Tohka's explanation with a confused frown on her face. She knew Shido greatly and knew that he wouldn't act that way around a stranger. 'Is this Rinne Sonogami really Shido's childhood friend? Did I forget about her or something?' The captain of Ratatoskr questioned within her mind, wondering if Shido was telling the truth about Rinne and that she was wrong. Kotori's inner thoughts were interrupted as Tohka wasn't finishing talking yet.

"When it was time for our lunch break, Rinne took Shido to the roof. I followed them because I wanted to know why Shido seemed so comfortable with her. They talked a bit and even hugged each other, but then Shido and that girl tried to kiss each other". The Princess Spirit informed the flame Spirit, immediately causing Kotori to shot open her eyes in shock at what she heard. The part that struck her the most was when Tohka said Shido tried to kiss Rinne. It was most shocking to hear her brother attempted to do that with someone he just met.

"Huh… Shin tried to seal a Spirit's power without any help from us". Reine said with an unbothered tone at Shido's actions from earlier. Kotori chewed hard on her lollypop, causing it to break in half. She stared at the monitor as it showed Shido and Rinne leave the department store and into the open streets of Tengu City. "Show me this Rinne girl's happiness meter!" The red-haired girl commanded, doing her best to think of something else besides the fact that her brother almost kissed a girl, either by force or free will.

The Ratatoskr crew nodded to their commander as they began typing away on their setups. The monitor zoomed in on Rinne's image, before a happiness meter popped up. To the surprise of everyone; Rinne's happiness meter was already almost 100%, just a mere 10% away. "Well, that's surprising. Shido's done extremely well with this new Spirit". Kannazuki remarked, looking impressed with Shido as he believed that he was responsible with Rinne's level of happiness.

"If this Rinne girl is already this happy with Shido, does that mean she's not trying something with him like how Kurumi did?" Kotori questioned as she crossed her arms, wondering if this was a good sign that the new Spirit had no intention of hurting her brother. "I was looking over it over and noticed something. Shin's happiness meter is high as well". Reine informed the organization, catching everyone's attention at what she said.

They don't normally monitor a human's happiness meter, and the fact that she said that it was Shido's one was surprising. "I'll show it on the monitor". The sleep deprived woman added as she typed away on her specific setup. The monitor zoomed out to show Shido again, before another happiness meter came up at the top side. To the surprise of everyone except Reine, Shido's happiness levels were the exact same as Rinne's.

The whole Ratatoskr crew and Tohka stared in surprise at the monitor as it showed the "childhood friends" walk through the streets. Rinne then took notice of a crepe truck, before she pointed towards it and looked at Shido with a slightly excited expression. She placed the shopping bag's handles over her left forearm, before gently taking hold of Shido's left hand with her right one.

Shido widened his eyes in surprise, while Kotori and Tohka narrowed theirs in jealous manners at seeing their hands together. "It doesn't appear that Shin is under her control, or anything related to control. He's genuinely happy". Reine informed the members of Ratatoskr, turning to look at Kotori and Tohka to see their reactions.

The two Spirits didn't look convinced by Reine's words, something that caused the sleep deprived woman to let out a small sigh. "We should make contact with Shin and ask him about this "Rinne Sonogami". Just watching them won't answer any of our questions. It would be best to ask Shin himself". Reine suggested, grabbing Kotori's attention as she looked towards the older woman and gave a nod.

"I agree with that course of action. The only question is how to get them up here. Without Shido's intercom, I can't contact him. And we can't just teleport them in the eye of the public. So, we have to send someone to fetch them". The teenage girl said as she crunched on the remains of her lollypop. "Let me go! I'll bring back Shido, no doubt!" Tohka exclaimed, catching Kotori's attention as she looked at the Princess Spirit with a raised eyebrow.

"Alright, but try to bring that Rinne girl along as well. I've got questions for her". The commander of Ratatoskr told the purple haired female, causing the Princess Spirit to grit her teeth. She just wanted to get Shido away from Rinne as far as possible because of the dangers thus unknown girl may possess. Still, she knew that if Rinne was truly a new Spirit, Shido would want to help and save her.

The Princess Spirit let out a deep breath to let out all the negative feelings she was harboring for Rinne. Tohka knew that she was acting out of jealousy, not reason, because of how close Shido was acting with Rinne. Her experience with Kurumi had left a bad taste in Tohka's mouth about suspicious things, especially if Shido was involved. She decided to not let emotions control herself and hear from Shido just who "Rinne Sonogami" really is.

Tohka turned her gaze towards Kotori and nodded to her, giving a silent message that she'll try. The flame Spirit smiled a bit, before giving an approved nod. Tohka returned the nod, before she turned left and walked down the small staircase around Kotori's podium. She then left through the right entrance/exit towards the round room of Fraxinus, where she'll be teleported.

The Ratatoskr crew went back to watching the monitor as it displayed Shido and Rinne stop in front of the crepe truck and began ordering two separate crepes for themselves.


(With Shido and Rinne)

The owner of the crepe truck, which was a healthy-looking middle-aged man with black hair, held out two strawberry cream crepes to Shido and Rinne. "Here you go! Two strawberry cream crepes for the cute couple". The adult male said with a bright smile, much to Shido and Rinne's embarrassment as they blushed a bit at what he called them.

"T-Thank you". The former Spirit thanked the man as she and Shido took their separate crepes from the owner. Shido had already paid for the crepes, so they were no need to hand in more money now. "No, thank you for your purchase". The owner of the crepe truck told the pink-haired girl, causing Rinne to giggle a little.

The former ruler of Eden then turned around and began walking away, pulling Shido with her as she still had a firm grip of his left hand with her right one. Rinne was holding her strawberry cream crepe with the left hand with the shopping bag's handles rest on the forearm. Shido was holding his own one with the right hand, while carrying his school bag under the right arm.

The two "childhood friends" walked away from the crepe truck and down the street, continuing their date together. Rinne continued to hold Shido's hand through it all, even as she began to enjoy her strawberry cream crepe. She moaned in absolute delight at the delicious taste of the crepe. She began eating it in a quick manner, similar to how Tohka eats, much to Shido's surprise as he eat his strawberry cream crepe in a slow manner.

"It's my first time eating it all… Crepes are delicious". Rinne said with a joyful smile with both eyes closed in delight. Shido chuckled a little at what she said, before blinking in realization. "Oh, come to think of it, we've never eaten crepes together, have we?" The blue-haired male asked the former Spirit, unable to recall ever eating crepes with Rinne in Eden before.

"But you've eaten it before with Tohka, Kotori, Yoshino and maybe even Kurumi in Eden, huh?" The pink-haired girl with a rather dangerous vibe in her smile, something that made Shido chuckle nervously as his danger vibes were going off. "Hey, Rinne. Why do I sense a little bite when you say it like that…?" Shido questioned with a low voice, something that made the former ruler of Eden giggle in amusement.

"Anyway, I hope this makes up for it". The blue-haired male said with a hopeful voice, causing Rinne to open her eyes and gaze at him with a sly expression. "Unfortunately, interest has been accruing". She replied to the main operative of Ratatoskr with a smile, something that made Shido's smile turn a bit uncomfortable. "Don't say it with a smile". Shido complained, yet had every intention to make up for the lost time they had.

"But Shido, you're going to pay me back right?" Rinne questioned her "childhood friend" with her kind voice present again. Shido nodded to the pink-haired girl as that was his intention. "Yeah. I'll pay you back double, triple". The blue-haired male answered with certainty in his voice, something that made Rinne laugh in amusement.

"Hahaha. Are you sure about that? I'm not going to let you trick me like Tohka". Rinne told the 17-year-old boy with a playful voice, something that didn't cause Shido to falter at all as he kept his gaze on her. "I won't trick you. And besides… There's so much I want to give back to you. What I'm doing now isn't enough". Shido replied to her, taking a bite from his strawberry cream crepe.

Rinne gained a thoughtful expression as she looked up at the sky above, thinking about what Shido said. "Hmm… I don't think you owe me that much though?" The pink-haired girl said to her "childhood friend", finding his words to be a little exaggerated. "Oh, come on. I don't feel like I could ever pay you back". Shido stated, speaking from the heart as he obeyed so much to the girl walking beside him.

She saved him when Tohka's out of control power killed him. She even sacrificed her life to protect him through Eden's power, something that Shido felt like he obeyed her so much. Rinne shook her head in denial to Shido's words. "No, you already are though. Shido, you bring me so much happiness". The former ruler of Eden informed the blue-haired male, speaking from her own heart as well. Shido's cheeks flushed from Rinne's words, before growing a heart touched smile at her.

'Rinne is so honest with her feelings that I'm at a loss for words. Her saying she's happy with her new ordinary life. That makes me so happy'. Shido said inside of himself, feeling joy course through him at Rinne's conferment of enjoying an ordinary life. The two finished their crepes as they continued walking, hand in hand. Rinne soon broke their peaceful silence as she opened her eyes to gaze at Shido.

"Oh, right. It's almost lunchtime. What should we eat?" The former Spirit asked her "childhood friend" causing him to sweat drop a bit at her. "Is that something you should say right after eating a crepe?!" Shido questioned with a loud voice of surprise, thinking that's more like something Tohka would do.

"That's one thing, this is another. They say you have a separate stomach for sweets, right?" Rinne countered, causing Shido to falter as she kinda had a point about that. "Well, I mean, I can eat but…" The blue-haired boy stuttered much to the teenage girl's amusement as she let out a soft giggle. Shido took that moment to stare at Rinne, taking a good look at her.

'Rinne is really acting a bit like Tohka today. She gets so happy about food… overly happy…" The high school student thought to himself, seeing the similarity that Rinne and Tohka had for food. "You can feel so happy just by eating something delicious". The Ruler Spirit said with a happy voice as she opened her eyes and turned to look at Shido past her shoulder.

Shido gave a smile as he nodded in agreement to what his "childhood friend" said. "That's true. Eating delicious food kinda feels… fulfilling". The boy stated as a good meal has always left him feeling fulfilled at times. He could understand why Tohka loves eating so much, but still isn't able to understand how she can have so much and still look as beautiful as she is.

"I know, right? So, let's go on a food journey". Rinne proposed to Shido, causing him to sweat drop a bit at Rinne's sudden interest in food out of the blur. "I feel like you're totally losing sight of our goal". The 17-year-old boy groaned out, yet the Ruler Spirit didn't appear to care about his words. "Who cares. Will you come with me?" The pink haired female asked with a hopeful voice, something that Shido had no chance of resisting as he nodded to her.

"Of course. I'll follow you wherever you go, Princess". Shido joked with a playful voice, causing Rinne to laugh a little at what he called her. "Hahaha. Sorry for being suck a spoiled princess". The Ruler Spirit "apologized" to her "Prince Charming" as she played along, which Shido shook his head at her.

"Don't worry about it. The Prince always has a soft spot for the princess". The main operative of Ratatoskr told the former ruler of Eden, which Rinne gave him a soft, thankful look. "Thank you, Shido". Rinne thanked her "childhood friend" with pure happiness leaking out of Rinne's voice. She then gave a playful grin at the blue-haired male. "But if I really were a princess… Then I'd be the little mermaid". The female muttered with certainty in her voice, as if she truly believed out of all the fairy tale princesses, she would be the little mermaid.

Despite Rinne muttering it, Shido was still able to hear her perfectly. He gripped her hand more tightly, catching the pink-haired female off guard as she glanced towards Shido and saw him staring at her with warmth in his eyes. Rinne's face flushed a bit at Shido's gave, before giving an alluring smile at him with her eyes closed in a happy manner.

However, their peaceful date was about to be rudely interrupted. "SHIDO!" A familiar voice cried out towards the blue-haired boy, causing both Shido and Rinne to blink in surprise. The two turned their heads left to see Tohka running towards them with an alarmed expression directed at Rinne. The two childhood friends widened their eyes at seeing the Princess Spirit coming towards them from out of nowhere.

"Tohka!?" Shido exclaimed in surprise, having thought she was at home with Yoshino and Yoshinon. Tohka stopped right in front of them, before grabbing the wrists of Shido's left hand and Rinne's right and attempted to separate the two joined hands apart. "Get away from Shido, you!" The purple long haired girl exclaimed, finally managing to separate the joined hands of the two "childhood friends".

She then stood in between Shido and Rinne, glaring at the pink-haired girl with suspicious eyes. Shido and Rinne took a step back in surprise and stared at the Princess Spirit with slightly wide eyes from her actions. "Tohka, what are you doing?" The blue-haired male questioned her, yet Tohka didn't turn to face him and instead held her left hand out in a protective manner.

"Stay behind me Shido! This girl is trouble!" The Princess Spirit told the teenage male, taking a moment to look at him over her left shoulder. She then turned to look back at Rinne with narrowed eyes, while the Ruler Spirit looked a bit worried at the way Tohka was looking at her. "Tohka, what's wrong? Why are you staring at me like that?" Rinne questioned the purple haired female in concern, although she had a good idea on why though.

"Quit playing innocent! Kotori told the truth! The truth that you're not really Shido's childhood friend!" Tohka snapped at the pink-haired female, making Rinne flinch. Both at the fact that her fellow Spirit snapped at her and the reminder that she wasn't Shido's "real childhood friend". Shido gritted his teeth a bit at Tohka's words, before quickly forcing himself to calm down.

"Who are you really? And why did Shido lie to me about you? Are you a Spirit and used your powers to control Shido? Do you mean to hurt him?" The Princess Spirit questioned the former ruler of Eden with hostility, something that caused Rinne's face to fall as she tilted her gaze down to the ground. She may have killed Shido from time to time inside of Eden, but it was never with the intention to harm him. It was to protect both him and his happiness. The thought of harming Shido with the intention to hurt really brought down Rinne's spirits.

"Tohka, that's enough!" Shido exclaimed as he refused to remain silent anymore and allow Tohka to say anything else. He went around the Princess Spirit from her right and stopped right in front of Tohka. The purple haired girl widened her eyes as she gazed up at Shido's face, while Rinne looked at the back of her "childhood friend's" head.

"Shido?" Tohka said in confusion, both confused and disturbed at how protective Shido was of Rinne. The blue-haired male's face softened as he brought up both hands and held them in a peaceful manner. "I'm sorry about snapping, but you need to be more careful. We're out here in public, remember?" Shido reminded the Princess Spirit, talking a look through the corner of the left eye.

Fortunately for them, Tohka's loud talking didn't catch the attention of anybody as the Tengu City's residents continued going about their business. Tohka blinked her eyes in realization at her mistake, before her expression fell. Keeping the existence of Spirits a secret from the public was still important, because if it was known that they were responsible for Spatial Quakes, they'd be exiled from a normal life and hunted by the AST with assistance from the humans that sided with them.

"I'm sorry Shido, I didn't mean to. I was just worried about her because Kotori told me that this girl, "Rinne Sonogami" isn't really what you said she was. I thought she was controlling you". Tohka said with a low voice as she lowered her gaze, unable to look Shido in the eye after being carless like that. Shido gave the Princess Spirit a forgiving smile, before he walked up to her and placed his hands on Tohka's shoulders, causing the purple haired girl to blink in surprise.

"It's alright Tohka, I'm not angry with you. It means a lot that you were worried about me, but I swear that I was never in danger". Ratatoskr's main operative told the Princess Spirit, before bringing his right hand up and gently pat Tohka's head. The purple haired girl grew a soft smile and moaned from Shido's pat as it caused her earlier sadness to disappear.

Shido then retracted his hand and placed it back on Tohka's shoulder. He then slightly narrowed his eyes as he glanced up at the sky, knowing without a doubt that Kotori and Ratatoskr were watching all this. He then glanced back to Tohka and spoke with a loud enough voice for Kotori, Ratatoskr and Tohka would hear.

"Tohka, Kotori… What I said about Rinne wasn't a lie". Shido said with conviction, causing Tohka to blink in surprise at his words. She opened her mouth to speak, but Shido cut her off as he continued. "I'll explain everything on Fraxinus; about Rinne, how I know her and how all of you have forgotten her". The blue-haired boy added, this time causing Rinne to widen her eyes in surprise at what he said

"Wait, Shido…" The pink-haired female said with an uncertainty as she didn't think telling the others about her and Eden yet was a good idea, much less at this point of time. Despite Ratatoskr's professionalism at handling Spirits, Rinne didn't feel certain that they'll believe Shido's words about her being a Spirit once, especially if she has truly ceased being one and lost all Spiritual powers that she once possessed.

Shido looked over his shoulder to look at Rinne and gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry Rinne, everything will be alright. Besides, you of all people should know that there's no need to be worried around Tohka or Kotori". He told the Ruler Spirit, making Rinne's expression soften as she could still what he meant. Inside of Eden, Kotori considered her an older sister and Tohka treated Rinne as a close friend and even a mentor to cooking.

Due to their memories of Eden being either sealed or erased, the Ruler Spirit didn't feel 100% certain that everything will be alright. Yet, she decided to trust in Shido and follow his lead. So, she narrowed her eyes a bit in resolve and nodded to him. Shido smiled a little, before returning the nod to Rinne and then glanced up at the sky. "Kotori, bring Yoshino and Yoshinon as well. They also deserve to hear this". Shido requested, wanting the two to hear about the events of Eden as well.


(With Ratatoskr)

Just as Shido thought, Kotori and the whole crew of Ratatoskr had indeed been watching the events ever before Tohka interrupted the two. At the beginning, Kotori was seething with jealousy at watching her brother looking so happy with Rinne, before growing confused at Shido's claim that he wasn't lying about her being his "childhood friend".

Now though, she was a bit angry and confused for two reasons. Angry; because of Shido speaking about Fraxinus' existence with a stranger within ear shot as the ship's existence needed to be a secret to avoid unwanted attention. Confusion; because of Shido's words about how she and Tohka had forgotten about Rinne.

'What is he going on about? I've never met this girl before in my life, so how could I have forgotten about her? Is Shido just messing with us or something?' The commander of Ratatoskr questioned inside of her mind. She really had no idea of what Shido was talking about. Even Kannazuki and the others seemed confused by Shido's words. The only exception was Reine as she turned to look at Kotori with a curious expression.

"So…shall I go fetch Yoshino and Yoshinon?" The sleep deprived female questioned the commander, instantly grabbing Kotori's attention as she looked at the older woman. "Don't tell me you actually believe my brother's words about this girl, do you?" The flame Spirit questioned the Analysis Officer, taken back that Reine would believe Shido's words about Rinne.

"I do, because Shin's not the type to lie about something like this. Besides, this "Rinne Sonogami" genuinely seems to care about him. We should at least hear him out". The adult female replied to the younger female, causing Kotori to frown in uncertainty. She looked down and thought about what Reine said about hearing Shido out.

"I'll ask again. Shall I go fetch Yoshino and Yoshinon?" Reine asked once more, catching Kotori's attention as she looked at the older woman and nodded. "Yeah, you do that. We'll hear Shido out". The young commander of Ratatoskr answered, receiving a nod from the sleep deprived woman as she stood up from her seat and walked around it.

Reine left the main bridge to pick up the Hermit Spirit and her best friend, leaving the Ratatoskr crew and their commander to watch the monitor as it showed Shido take his hands off Tohka's shoulders. The flame Spirit's eyes narrowed dangerously at her brother's image as it showed Shido turn his body to look at Rinne. 'You better have a good explanation, big bro'. Kotori thought to herself, taking the lollipop's stick with her right hand and flicked it away.


(Back with Shido)

"Rinne, I know that this may seem like a bad idea, but its best that we explain everything to the others. Once they've heard the full story, I'm certain that Kotori and Ratatoskr can help you live a normal life just like how Tohka and Yoshino are living now". Shido told the former ruler of Eden, before he walked up to Rinne and placed his hands on her shoulders.

Rinne looked up at her "childhood friend" in surprise, while Tohka began bouncing anime style around the two in jealously. "I don't feel alright with the knowledge that you don't even have a place to stay. At least this way, you'll be given a place to stay and we'll even be next-door neighbors, just like back in Eden". The high school male student added, causing Rinne to grow an excited smile at the thought, before she nodded eagerly.

"Okay, I'll follow your lead Shido". The pink-haired female told the main operative of Ratatoskr, something that made him grin a little. Shido then turned his head right to look at Tohka, who was still anime bouncing around them with a jealous expression, before he reached out and gently took hold of her left hand. This caused the Princess Spirit to stop dead in her tracks as she looked down at Shido's hand holding hers with a surprised look at how gently he was doing it.

The blue-haired male then turned back towards the Ruler Spirit, before reaching down with his left hand and took hold of Rinne's right one in a gentle manner. Rinne's smile softened as she looked down at their connected hands as Shido lifted them up. "Let's go find somewhere for Fraxinus to teleport us in". The blue-haired male said to the two females, before he began pulling them along as he walked to find an isolated area for Ratatoskr to teleport them aboard Fraxinus.

Tohka continued to stare at hers and Shido's connected hands with her stunned expression still planted. She and Shido had held hands together, but that was from her doing the deed. Now though, Shido was the one that took her hand into his. She was surprised at his sudden straightforwardness, and lack of nervousness. 'Shido… Just what's going on with you?' The Princess Spirit questioned, wondering just what was going on with the boy that turned her existence upside down and accepted her when the world refused to.

She turned to look at Rinne, before widening her eyes at seeing something unexpected. Rinne's eyes were half lidden as she stared at the back of Shido's head with an emotion inside her eyes that Tohka couldn't identify. She could see the strong longing, joy and comfort in the eyes of Rinne had directed at the blue-haired boy, yet Tohka had no knowledge the exact emotion that the pink-haired female was staring at Shido with.

'This girl…is she really not a threat to Shido? Just who is she, and how does she know Shido?' The Princess Spirit questioned, before turning to gaze at the back of Shido's head and stared at him. 'Was Kotori telling the truth about Rinne, or was Shido? I'm so confused right now'. Tohka added with a frown growing from the confusion she was experiencing. She then let out a defeated sigh as she decided to just wait and hear from Shido himself.

The human male led the two Spirits into an alleyway in the middle of the streets that lead to a dead-end, but that wouldn't prove a problem for them. Shido stopped 5 feet away from the alleyway's dead end, before he finally let go of Rinne and Tohka's hands. "This should do. Now all we need to do is wait to be teleported to Fraxinus". He said with a small grin, before turning around to look at the two Spirits standing behind him.

Rinne gently took hold of her right hand with her left and held it to her chest, closing both eyes as she could still feel Shido's warmth. Tohka took a moment to glance at her fellow Spirit, before shifting her gaze towards Shido. "Shido? Just what's going on? Did you really lie to me about this girl?" The Princess Spirit questioned, wanting to hear from the blue-haired boy himself if he really lied to her.

Shido frowned slightly at Tohka's question, before he shook his head sideways to rid himself of the frown and gave Tohka a reassuring expression. "No, I didn't Tohka. Just wait a little longer and everything will be explained to you, promise". Ratatoskr's main operative answered the Princess Spirit, resulting in Tohka growing a hopeful expression.

"Really?" The purple haired girl questioned the high school student, which Shido nodded to her. "Really". The blue-haired male answered with certainty in his voice. "Really really?" Tohka questioned once more, getting Shido to smile a bit in amusement as this reminded him of the day he gave Tohka her name. "Really really". The young man answered the Princess Spirit again, having a good idea that she'll question him one more time.

"Really really really?" The Princess Spirit questioned one final time, causing Rinne to giggle at Tohka's cute, childish manner. "Really really really". Shido answered once more, finally resulting in Tohka smiling as she nodded to him. Just then, all three of them were wrapped up in a sort of green data that covered them from view, before they were teleported to the Fraxinus.


(Inside of Fraxinus)

In the round teleport room of Fraxinus, three of the same green swirling data appeared, before quickly clearing to reveal Shido, Rinne and Tohka. The Ruler Spirit blinked as she looked around the rather round shape room, taking in how futuristic it was. The floor was glowing bright yellow. The walls conveyed the impression that they appeared to be made out of the finest, adamant materials of Earth. A bright blue light also circulated around the room within the middle portions of the walls as well.

Rinne breathed out with an amazed smile on her face. "Wow…so this is the Fraxinus". The former ruler of Eden said in awe that she was finally inside of the airship. Despite the many lives Shido lived inside of Eden, he had never taken her inside of the Fraxinus before. So, to finally step inside of the airship base of Ratatoskr really brightened Rinne's spirits as she had always wanted to look inside of it.

Shido blinked in realization, before he turned and gave his "childhood friend" a welcoming smile. "Well; I guess that I should give you a welcome. Welcome aboard the Fraxinus". The blue-haired male announced playfully, resulting in Rinne giggle a little as she brought up her right hand to represent her amusement. Tohka just watched the two with wide, curious eyes at how they close they were.

Shido then slightly turned to the right and held his right hand out towards a metal slide door. "Come on girls. I'm sure Kotori and the others are waiting for us". The blue-haired boy remarked, catching both girls' attention as they looked at him with Rinne nodding her head. "It would be rude if we kept them waiting for too long now that we're here. And I have to admit that I'm a bit excited to see more of Fraxinus". The Ruler Spirit said with an eager voice. She wanted Kotori to be in a good mood as she and Shido explained everything.

Shido returned the nod to Rinne, before he turned around fully to face the door and began walking towards it. The pink-haired female followed Shido with Tohka right behind her as the three left the round room. Shido, Rinne and Tohka walked through the halls of the ship as they headed towards the main bridge with Ratatoskr's main operative leading the way as he's been aboard the ship more than the two Spirits.

As they walked, Rinne took the time to look around her surroundings and admire the inside of Fraxinus. It may just be a normal hallway with doors, a couch and even a vending machine around a corner, it was still exciting for the former ruler of Eden. Tohka remained silent for the whole trip, just watching Rinne carefully for any signs of trouble to either her or Shido.

Eventually, the three made it to the slid door to Fraxinus' control room. "Well, here we are". The blue haired boy announced as he walked up to the door, which opened for him, only to receive an unexpected surprise. "Boo!" A familiar funny-looking white rabbit shaped puppet with a right eye patch cried out as it came right up into Shido's face, causing him to let out a cry of surprise as he took a step back.

Rinne giggled at this, while Tohka looked over Shido to get a look inside Fraxinus' main bridge. Inside, the Princess Spirit saw Yoshino standing right in front of the opened door with her left hand out for Yoshinon to have surprised Shido, while Reine stood right behind her. The Fraxinus crew of Kyouji Kawagoe, Masaomi Mikimoto, Hinako Shiizaki, Munechika Nakatsugawa, Kozue Minowa and Reine Murasame were all still seated at their designated stations. Kannazuki was standing right besides Kotori on her right with the flame Spirit still sitting down on her seat.

Yoshino was wearing the same white sundress and hat that Shido saw her wearing when she had finished her inspections that Reine did on her after Shido sealed Yoshino's powers. It has been some time since he had last seen the Hermit Spirit wearing that outfit, but it was a welcoming surprise to see her wearing it again.

Yoshinon began laughing as she brought her hands up, while Yoshino brought the eye-patch wearing rabbit away from Shido. "Ahahaha! I got you, Shido! You're so easy, it's almost like you're a frightened little rabbit!" Yoshinon laughed out with a wide smile, while Yoshino gave an apologetic look to Shido. "I'm…sorry about Yoshinon". The blue haired girl apologized to the high school boy, which Shido gave her a reassuring smile.

"Nah, don't worry about it. I'm just glad to see you and Yoshinon here". Shido told the little Spirit, being honest as he wanted to see her and Yoshinon again after regaining his memories of Eden. Yoshino may not be as attractive or developed like Rinne or Tohka, but she and the little rabbit had a cuteness that easily made up for it.

Yoshino stared up at Shido with her cheeks slightly flushed at his words. However, that was when she and Yoshinon took notice of Rinne standing behind Shido and besides Tohka. "Ohhh, who's this pretty lady!?" The little rabbit called out with a bright voice, while the little girl stared in a curious fashion. Yoshinon's voice caused everyone to look over at the open door, right towards Rinne.

The former ruler of Eden was smiling gently at Yoshino and Yoshinon as she, Shido and Tohka walked into the room, ignoring everyone else's gazes. "Hello there; my name's Rinne Sonogami". Rinne introduced herself with a kind voice, walking up to the Hermit Spirit and rabbit, before she crouched down to be eye-level with the two. She then gave a warm smile, happy to see the little Spirit and rabbit again. "Yoshino, Yoshinon, it's great to see you again". The pink-haired girl added, relived to see the pair again after how their last meeting ended without any good-byes.

Yoshino blinked at Rinne, while Yoshinon tilted her head to the side in confusion. They weren't the only ones confused as everyone else was feeling the same with the only exception being Shido. "See us again?" The eye-patch wearing rabbit said in a slow voice, unable to recall ever "meeting" Rinne before. "Um…miss? I…don't think we've…met before". Yoshino told the Ruler Spirit with uncertainty leaking out of her voice. Even her memories of Eden were still gone, thus neither Yoshino nor Yoshinon could remember Rinne, or her other self; Ruler.

The former ruler of Eden gave a sad, understanding smile to the Hermit Spirit as she wasn't angry that she nor the rabbit could remember her. It was still disheartening to Rinne thought as she still considered them, Tohka, Kotori and maybe Origami as great friends. The pink-haired female brought her right hand up and gently rubbed Yoshino's head, something that made the little girl blink. "It's alright that you don't remember. I just hope you will someday". The Ruler Spirit said with a hopeful voice that one day, her friends will remember the events of Eden.

Kotori narrowed her eyes down at Rinne as she crossed her arms. "I hate to interrupt this nice talk you guys are having…" The commander of Ratatoskr began as she stood up from her seat, turned to fully look at Rinne and placed both hands against her hips. "But I'm not in the mood for games right now!" The red haired girl finished with a loud voice, grabbing the attention of the Spirits, Reine and Shido as they all looked up at her.

Shido took a few steps forward and stopped next to Rinne, looking up at his younger adopted sister with a calm face. "Kotori, I...-" The blue-haired male began, only to be cut off by the flame Spirit as she looked down at him with a suspicious look in her eyes. "Just who is this girl Shido, and why did you lie to Tohka about her being your childhood friend? I remember all of our parents' friends and none of them had this girl for a daughter or the last name "Sonogami", so start talking". Koroti said with a demanding voice, not in the mood for any of Shido's complaining as she just wanted to cut to the chase.

Shido smiled a bit nervously at his sister's tone, but complied. "Okay, to start off; Rinne is actually a Spirit". The blue-haired revealed, causing Tohka, Yoshino and the Ratatoskr crew to gasp in surprise, while Kotori, Kannazuki and Reine narrowed their eyes. "But she's not like Tohka, Yoshino and you". Shido added, causing everyone except Rinne to grow confused at what he meant.

Even Kotori had a confused expression planted on her face as she had no idea what Shido meant by that. "I have no idea what you mean, so would you care to elaborate on that?" The flame Spirit asked her brother, wanting a better understanding on what he meant on Rinne not being like her and the others. Shido opened his mouth to speak and explain what he meant, but then Rinne spoke.

"I'm a Spirit was created by Spiritual Power forming a consciousness. That's what Shido meant". The former ruler of Eden explained, immediately grabbing everyone's attention as they looked at her. Shido's expression was a natural one, but everyone else's was filled with shock and disbelief at the revelation. "Spiritual power…forming a consciousness?" Kotori muttered in disbelief, having never heard of anything else like this before.

"Is that even possible?" Kannazuki questioned as he tilted his gaze down and held rest the chin against the right hand he brought up. Reine's expression returned to normal, but she remained silent. Shido stared at his "childhood friend" for a moment, before turning back towards Kotori with eyes slightly narrowed. "Kotori, remember when Tohka nearly lost control of her powers?" The blue-haired male questioned the commander of Ratatoskr, catching Kotori off guard at the random timing of that question. "Yeah, but why are you bringing that up?" The red-haired girl questioned in response, "remembering" the incident clearly.

Shido looked down at the ground for a moment, before looking back up at Ratatoskr's commander. "The truth is that wasn't what really happened. Tohka did actually lose control". The blue-haired male revealed, causing everyone to widen their eyes while Rinne looked at Shido with a sad face. "And when she did, Tohka's powers killed me". Shido added, this time making the Ratatoskr crew and the Spirits to gasp in shock with Tohka taking a step back. "I...killed Shido?" The purple haired girl questioned in disbelief as her soul shook in fear at the mere thought of Shido dying.

Rinne turned to Tohka, before she walked over to the Princess Spirit. The former ruler of Eden reached out with her right hand and placed it on Tohka's shoulder, grabbing the Princess Spirit's attention. "You didn't do it on purpose, Tohka. You tried with everything you had to keep Shido safe, it was just too much to handle". The former ruler of Eden told the real Spirit with a reassuring voice. Tohka's expression softened a little at Rinne's words, but still felt a little shocked at what she heard. Kotori, likewise, was shocked like her fellow Spirit as she stared down at Shido. "That... That can't be right. I mean, you're here, alive right?" The red-haired girl questioned her brother as she stood up from the commander's chair.

Shido didn't give a reply, something that made Kotori's eyes widen in horror as she knew that this was a sign of him not joking around. "B-but then how are you here? If you died, then how are you alive?" Kotori questioned the blue-haired male, a question that made Shido smile a bit as he turned to look at Rinne. "Rinne saved me, that's how". Shido answered, causing everyone to look at the pink-haired girl again. The former ruler of Eden noticed the many eyes on her and gave a nervous smile at everyone. "I used the power of my Angel; Eden to save Shido". Rinne revealed, causing Tohka, Yoshino and even Kotori to slightly narrow their eyes a bit.

Eden. That word felt incredibly familiar to them, yet they had no knowledge of it. Clearly wanting more answers to her questions, Kotori proceeded to question Shido further. "And what could this "Eden" do?" The flame Spirit questioned as she retook her seat and brought out another lollipop with the right hand and placed it inside of her mouth. "Eden has the power to redo the world". Rinne answered in place for Shido, causing Kotori to spit out her new lollipop in shock at what she heard. "Redo...the world?" Yoshino questioned with wide eyes, staring at Rinne with a hint of awe at the amazing power she possessed.

The Hermit Spirit wasn't the only one as the whole Ratatoskr crew and Tohka were staring at the former ruler of Eden with wide eyes as well. The pink-haired girl gave a nod to Yoshino as she lifted her hand off of Tohka's shoulder. "That's right. With Eden, I created a large field over Tengu City, where I was able to manipulate events and redo them as many times as I wish. It was how I was able to enter all of your lives". The Ruler Spirit explained about her Angel's abilities, much to everyone's amazement at Eden's power. "For a power like that to exist...incredible". Kannazuki whispered in awe, having never thought that such a power could exist.

"Hold on a second!? If what you're saying is true, then how come none of us remember all of this?" Kotori questioned as she stood up from her chair once more. Rinne's face fell at the younger girl's question, while Shido looked up at his sister and answered her question. "It's because when Eden's field came down, all of our memories...disappeared". The main operative of Ratatoskr revealed, catching the attention of everyone as they looked at him. "D-Disappeared?" Yoshino questioned with an uncomfortable voice at the thought of something or someone messing with her memories.

Shido gave a side-glance to Yoshino and nodded to the little girl, before looking back at Kotori. The young commander of Ratatoskr looked bewildered that once again, something messed with her memories, but quickly got over it as she wanted to ask Shido something. "Then...how come you remember? How is it that we've forgotten, while you never lost your memories?" The red-haired girl questioned her brother, grabbing Shido's attention as he looked at Kotori and shook his head. "That's where you got it wrong. I actually did forget about Rinne and everything that happened". The high school boy informed the flame Spirit, though he wished that he never forgot in the first place.

"Huh? You forgot too, Shido? Then, how did you remember?" Tohka questioned the blue-haired boy, wondering how he managed to remember while they couldn't. Shido smiled a little as he turned to look at Rinne, who blinked at his sudden attention on her. "When I saw Rinne at class today, all my memories of her and Eden came back". He answered without a shred of doubt as he felt within his heart that Rinne's return really was how he regained his memories. The Ruler Spirit flushed a bit at her "childhood friend's" words, but returned the smile with a smile of her own.

The Spirits all puffed their cheeks at Shido's answer, and the way he was looking at the pink-haired girl. "And just how exactly does seeing her again bring back memories that were most likely erased?" Kotori questioned, catching both of their attention as Shido and Rinne looked up at her. The two flushed at the question as they knew the answer to it would most likely be one that Kotori, Tohka and possibly Yoshino won't like. Shido chuckled nervously as he scratched the back of his head, while Rinne looked away to the side to avoid eye contact with anyone.

Kotori quickly grew impatient at the lack of answer, and opened her mouth to speak, yet someone beat her to it. "Isn't it obvious why!?" Yoshinon questioned with a loud voice, causing everyone to look at the rabbit as she crackled a little with an expression that spelled mischievous. "It's because Shido and this Rinne girl are sweethearts!" The eye-patch wearing rabbit exclaimed, causing Kotori and Tohka to cry out in comical outrage while Shido and Rinne flushed a bit as they glanced at one another, before looking away. The two did hold deep affection for one another, but they haven't made anything official yet so being called sweethearts got to them.

"Shiiidooooo!" Kotori and Tohka comically growled out as they turned to look at the blue-haired male with anime white angry eyes, something that made Shido flinch and take a step back. "Yes?" The male replied with a nervous face from the way the two were looking at him. "Explain everything that happened inside Eden...RIGHT NOW!" Kotori exclaimed with anime flames surrounding her, something that made Shido sweat drop as if he wondered if that was just his imagination, or Kotori's Spirit powers. "N-No problem". The main operative of Ratatoskr complied as he raised his hands and held them in a peaceful manner. He then turned to look at Reine as he lowered his hands.

"Reine, is it alright if I ask you something?" Shido asked the adult woman, causing Reine to raise an eyebrow at him in wonder. "What is it?" She questioned in response, wondering what Shido's request was. "Could you do an inspection on Rinne to see if she has any Spiritual energy inside of her?" The blue-haired boy asked the Analysis Officer.

Reine blinked at Shido, while Kotori and Tohka lost their anime looks of anger and stared at Shido in confusion. "Why would you ask that? You just said that Rinne is a Spirit, remember". Tohka said to Shido, grabbing his attention as he looked over to her. Just as he was about to explain, Rinne chose that moment to speak. "Actually; it's more likely to say that I "used" to be a Spirit". Rinne said to the Princess Spirit, looking down at her right hand as she lifted it up to stare at it. Tohka, Yoshino and Yoshinon turned to look at the pink-haired girl in confusion at what she said.

"Used to be?" Yoshinon said as she tilted her head to the side, something that Yoshino mimicked. "What do you mean "used to be a Spirit", Rinne Sonogami?" Kotori questioned the Ruler Spirit, eyes slightly narrowed as the only sign of her confusion. Rinne sighed a little with both eyes closed, and then opened them to stare at her hand again.

"My powers as the Spirit "Ruler", were sealed by Shido inside. But ever since I woke up, I haven't been able to feel even the smallest bit of my powers. It's not like how the Spirit powers of Tohka and Yoshino have been sealed and they can only call a small bit of their powers. It's like my powers are gone completely". The former Ruler of Eden explained as best she could about her situation. The Ratatoskr crew and Spirits were taken back at Rinne's explanation, while Shido turned to look at Reine again. "That's why we're uncertain if she's still a Spirit or not. That's why I was hoping Reine could check and see herself". Shido informed, catching Reine's attention as she looked at him.

The sleep reprieved woman then nodded in understanding at the blue-haired boy. "I understand Shin. Okay, I'll do a quick inspection on Rinne Sonogami". Reine told Shido, making him smile as he turned to look at Rinne. The pink-haired girl gave a small, hopeful smile at her "childhood friend", then looked at the Spirits in the room one-by-one. "In the meantime, Shido and I will explain everything that took place in Eden". The Ruler Spirit informed the three females, before giving a playful smile at them. "And I'm certain you three will be happy to hear about a few incidents that involved you guys and Shido". Rinne added, causing Tohka, Kotori and Yoshino to blink in confusion.

Shido grew a bit nervous since he had a good idea what Rinne was talking about. It wasn't that he was scared of them finding out he got together with them in a few of Edens restarted times. Shido was worried about how they'll react at learning he also got together with Kurumi and Origami. Tohka hated Origami because of their rivalry for them, and Kotori would chew him out after their fight with Kurumi at the school rooftop. Shido let out a defeated sigh, before throwing Rinne a small, anime glare, something that the former ruler of Eden giggled at as she knew that her "childhood friend" wasn't really mad at her.

In the end, Shido knew that Tohka and the others would have learned either way and thus, left no escape for him. So, all he could do was just accept his fate and prepare himself mentally.


(Later)

A little bit of time has passed since Shido, Tohka and Rinne arrived in the Fraxinus, and the day was just beginning to reach the late afternoon with the sun beginning to set. In the sickbay of the ship; Shido, Kotori, Tohka, Yoshino, Yoshinon, Reine and Rinne were all in the room. Rinne was in a lying down position on one of the hospital-like bed with her left arm linked to the monitor by tube with a similar one on right leg, yet she was seating up. Her shopping and school bags were placed down on the ground, resting against the bed. Reine was standing in front of the monitor, going over it. Meanwhile, Shido, Tohka, Kotori and Yoshino were standing near the exit with the human male facing the three Spirits. His school bag placed against the wall.

1 hour have passed since Shido and Rinne began explaining the events of Eden and told Tohka, Yoshino, Yoshinon, Kotori and Reine what happened inside. They told them how Rinne slipped into their lives with them having false memories of her, the events that happened, the people trapped inside, how life was restarted again and again whenever Shido died and even how Shido ended up with his chosen partner in most of those lives. They revealed in those lives inside Eden, Shido got together with Tohka, Kotori, Yoshino, Kurumi and Origami with Rinne supporting him in them all.

Right now, the three Spirits were staring at Shido with bright red faces. Tohka had been informed of how Shido and her got married and their wedding together inside of Eden, and the most embarrassing, yet happy apart to her was how they confessed that they loved each other. Yoshino had, likewise, been told of her romance with Shido inside of Eden, yet the two important parts had been when Yoshinon had "moved on", she tried to stop relying on her and how she attempted to cosplay for Shido. Kotori was like her fellow Spirits at hearing that even she and Shido ended up together, yet the part about Ratatoskr accomplishing its mission and how she withdrew from being captain really surprised the flame Spirit. Of course, learning how she ceased wearing ribbons was surprising as well.

Shido was laughing nervously as he scratched the back of his head, while Rinne looked at them all with a simple smile. "Ahahaha... Yeah, all of that happened in Eden". Shido laughed in a nervous manner, while all three Spirits flushed nuclear red. Yoshinon suddenly started laughing, before looking at Shido with a sly expression. "Well, well Shido... I always took you for a lecher, but I never figured you for a playboy". The rabbit said with a grin, causing Shido to sweat drop a little.

"Not to be rude, but could you save your comments for later. I wasn't exactly done yet". The high school student told Yoshinon, getting her, Yoshino, Kotori and Tohka to blink in surprise. Shido turned to look at Rinne and saw her giving him an encouraging smile to continue on. He gave the Ruler Spirit thankful smile, before turning back towards the three Spirits and proceeded to tell them how he also ended up with Kurumi and Origami. He told them how he and "Kurumi" got together graduated together. And how he and Origami got together with her pregnant with his child.

By the time he was time; Shido was being looked at Tohka and Kotori with angry expressions with anime flames surrounding them and their eyes glowing red. He was laughing nervously as he held up his hands in a peaceful manner as he slowly edged away from the two ragging females. Yoshino and Yoshinon were silent as they stared at the blue-haired male, while Rinne was giggling as she watched. Reine just focused on the monitor with no care on what's happening.

"Kotori...Tohka...I..." Shido began, only to be cut off by his little adopted sister as she took a stomping step forward. "I expected to hear a lot of things from this little tale, but this is the most stupid thing I ever heard you've done! What the HELL were you thinking!? You not only dated Kurumi Tokisaki, but also SLEPT with her!" Kotori roared out as the flames intensified tenfold, causing Shido to start sweating like a waterfall. Things continued to get worse for the boy as Tohka also took a stomping step forward, now right beside the flame Spirit.

"Shhhiiidddooo!" The Princess Spirit growled out, catching Shido's attention as he looked at her, only to immediately wish he didn't. Tohka's irises were literally glowing a deep purple colour as she glared at him. "How could you go and have a BABY with Origami Tobiichi!?" Tohka yelled out in outrage, causing Shido to whimper in fear at the two females. Kotori and Tohka then took another step forward towards the blue-haired boy, who took a step back as he cried out in fear. "I don't mean to interject..." Rinne began, catching the attention of Shido, Tohka and Kotori as they looked over towards her.

The former ruler of Eden had her own nervous smile at watching them. She knew that the two Spirits intended to bring the pain to Shido, so she sought to interject for his sake. "But I thought you should know about a few things. Tohka, when Shido started living multiple lives inside of Eden, his first chosen partner was you while Origami was the last one". Rinne continued, first turning to look at the Princess Spirit. Immediately, Tohka's flames of rage died down as she grew a happy face as she considered this a sign that Shido liked her more than Origami.

Rinne then turned to look at Kotori, only to hesitate. Unlike Tohka with her anger with Origami, there was nothing that Rinne could use to calm her down. Shido, after all, chose Kurumi as his second partner after Tohka and Kotori was the fourth choice, right after Yoshino. So, for the sake of Shido, the Ruler Spirit decided to make a lie. "Shido chose you right after Tohka as his second partner, while Kurumi was the fourth partner. There's no way Shido would choose someone like Kurumi over you". The former ruler of Eden told the Efreet Spirit, doing as best as she could to sound convincing to the commander of Ratatoskr.

Fortunately for her and Shido, Kotori seemed to have bought it as the flames surrounding her died down and her face lost all signs of anger. She did, however, stair at Shido with narrowed eyes. "You might not be as dumb as I thought, but you're still an idiotic playboy". Kotori said with a calmer voice, which eased Shido's nerves greatly as he sighed in relief. He threw Rinne a thankful glance, which she just waved her right hand at him. He then turned to look back at the three Spirit as he lowered his hands. "There's still more that I've gotta tell you guys about". Shido informed his friends, still having more to tell them.

Shido proceeded to tell the three Spirits how in each life he lived inside, he and his chosen partner encountered cloaked beings with humanoid forms and 6 wings. Rinne revealed that they were guardians that she could summon, and that they were powerful, but not as powerful as an unsealed spirit. She and Shido then explained how due to Rinne's inability to fully control Eden, Shido started noticing the oddity around him. Kotori and her crew were also able to identify Eden's effect. Whenever Shido and his chosen partner attempted to dissolve Eden by destroying the vital point of Eden, Rinne herself as "Ruler" would step in.

Tohka, Kotori and Yoshino were shocked at hearing in every encounter, Rinne defeated them, Origami and even Kurumi and killed Shido to restart Eden. "N-No way... We really lost to you?" Kotori questioned as she turned to look at the lying down form of Rinne. The pink-haired girl just gave a simple smile for an answer, something that made the Efreet Spirit take a step back. Out of all the Spirits; she was perhaps the most dangerous one, so to hear how she was easily dealt with by Rinne inside of Eden was shocking, and a blow to her confidence.

"Wow, she really sounds like one tough cookie to even beat Tohka and that scary gun lady". Yoshinon remarked with her usual smile, while Yoshino took a small gulp as she stared at Rinne. Reine finally looked away from the monitor to her commander. "Judging from what we've heard; I would say it's most likely that Rinne Sonogami is a SS-Class Spirit, perhaps the most dangerous Spirit there is". The pale blue haired woman told the teenage girl, much to Kotori's further astonishment. "Amazing..." Tohka whispered in awe, although she was unsure what to think of Rinne at hearing how she killed her inside of Eden.

Rinne felt flattened at how everyone was acting, though she felt glad that they didn't harbor any ill-will to her. "Umm, if you're all feeling a bit angry with me with what I did to you and Shido, I'm sorry". Rinne apologized to the three Spirits as Reine went back to the monitor. "Wait until we're finished explaining everyone, please. You can say all that you want after". Shido requested, knowing that soon they'll be done. The three Spirits turned their attention back to Shido, before they all nodded to him. Shido smiled a little, before proceeding to continue the tell with Rinne helping out.

They explained how the chain of events of Shido noticing the oddity around him and Ratatoskr identifying Eden's effect kept repeating until Rinne could no longer erase Shido's and the girls' memories completely. It also allowed Ratatoskr to notice the field and the others were able to notice the world's oddity, and eventually the Ruler's existence as well.

In desperation, Rinne concluded that this was the result of her mind turning unstable over time, and so she chose to date Shido to stabilize her mind once again. But, it only it ended in a failure. Shido hid the fact that Rinne's plan caused him to begin developing feelings for her as he knew that was something that would set the Spirits in a rage again. So, they just continued on to explain how Rinne, as a last resort, decided to give up pursuing a happy ending in this loop and tried to forcefully reset Eden by killing Shido once again.

However, she was stopped by the Spirits and Origami's arrival. Eden's memory manipulation had dissolved, and the Spirits destroyed Eden's vital points and guardians. They continued onto Eden's tree, which was disguised as the city's new monument: New Tengu Tower. There, he encountered Rinne and learned of her true identity as Ruler, though he did suspect it earlier. He witnessed her transform into Ruler, questioning her why she did all this, but received no answer. Rinne explained how she used Eden's powers to implant herself in Shido and everyone's lives and memories.

The two "childhood friends" continued explaining the events that took place from their questioning each other, Rinne almost killing him, the Spirits arriving to Ruler activating Paradise Lost. Once again, the three Spirits stared at Rinne in bewilderment after hearing how they, Origami, Kurumi and even Shido were rendered unconscious by Paradise Lost. "Paradise Lost allows me to control the roots of the tree that is the core of Eden to attack my enemies. But I never hurt any of you, just rendered you all unconscious". Rinne explained to the three. Rinne meant what she said as she never had the intention of hurting any of her friends even back then.

Tohka, Yoshino, Kotori and even Yoshinon didn't make a reply to Rinne's words. They just continued to stare at her with Rinne growing a nervous smile at their stares. The three females then turned to look back at Shido, who had waited patiently with his arms crossed. Seeing that he had their attention again, Shido continued on where he left off. "Paradise Lost sent me into another illusion, only this time it was just Rinne and I without any of you guys. We went on a date and went around Tengu City, until we ended up at Takadai Park to watch the sunset. We really had fun together, but then Rinne asked me a question about repeating it every day, for forever. I admit that it was tempting, but somehow, I was able to resist and confess that I couldn't live like that". Shido explained to the three, taking a moment to glance at Rinne again.

The pink-haired girl met his gaze and nodded to Shido, giving a silent message for him to continue. The high school student returned the nod, before he turned to look back at the three females. "I made the right choice as it allowed me to wake up from Paradise Lost, back in Eden's core in Neo Tengu Tower. Rinne was shocked that I broke free, but was surprisingly accepting of it as she accepted her lost. I..." Shido continued, only to stop dead in his tracks and looked down at the ground with his cheeks flushing a little.

He remembered perfectly how he went up to Rinne and confessed the feelings he had grown for her. How much fun he had with Rinne and how he wished it could last forever. How he openly confessed that Rinne was who he wanted to be with, the one for him and how she was more than family to him. Shido glanced over to Rinne once more and saw her blushing as well, the likely case being that she remembered Shido's confession as well. "Well? What happened?" Yoshinon asked with an excited voice as she was really wrapped up in this tale.

(Play Tales Of Berseria OST ~True Will)

Shido looked back at Tohka, Kotori, Yoshino and Yoshinon with an uncertain expression. The thought of keeping what happened between him and Rinne crossed his mind, before Shido shook his head. He knew that would be selfish of him, and it would only cause heartbreak when they found out. So, as much as Shido wished to avoid hurting the Spirits, he needed to tell them the truth. He softened his expression and took a deep breath in, and then breathed out with both eyes closed. "What I'm about to tell you; I'll accept all your angry for it". The main operative of Ratatoskr informed the three Spirits, returning his gaze on them once more.

Tohka, Kotori, Yoshino and Yoshinon all blinked in confusion at Shido's words, even Reine ceased her work on the monitor to stare at the blue-haired boy. Rinne blinked as she stared at her "childhood friend" in wonder at what he was gonna say, until she gasped in realization at what Shido intended to do. "Shido, wait-!" The Ruler Spirit cried out in alarm but was too late as the boy spoke with a face full of resolve. "I confessed the feelings I grew for Rinne to her!" Shido called out with a strong voice, staring fearlessly at the three Spirits.

Tohka, Yoshino and Kotori all stared at Shido wide eyes of astonishment at what he said. Even Reine herself looked stunned at what the blue-haired male said. Rinne herself, felt her heart skip a bit at Shido's words. Shido himself, kept looking at the three Spirits as he continued to speak. "When Reine and I went on our date before she resorted to her last resort, I grew feelings for her. I felt happy with Rinne. My normally controlled emotions go out of control. I wanted her to smile. My stomach felt like butterflies were inside of them. And I wanted to be with her forever. Those are the feelings I grew in our time together". The main operative of Ratatoskr continued, each word causing Rinne's blush to slowly turn redder by the second.

"I said to her "When we were on our date earlier, it was the first time I realized how fun dating you could be. I wish we could be together forever. Okay Rinne? I want to be with you. You're more than family to me. You're the one I want more than anyone. The one for me! Even if we leave this world, even if we say good-bye, it won't change what you mean to me. Let's go home together, Rinne. We're going back to our normal lives. Starting over from scratch. We don't need Eden! Don't worry about failure. I'm here. Everyone's here. You can find happiness on your own!" Those were the words I said to her". Shido explained, tilting his head down as he repeated the words, he used to confess his feelings to Rinne.

Tohka and Kotori appeared star struck, while Yoshino and Yoshinon harbored flushed expressions at how romantic Shido was to Rinne. The former Ruler Spirit herself was nuclear red with anime white eyes with steam coming out of her head. Shido wasn't done as he continued. "Rinne opened her eyes and I went to her. Eden's power had left her, and she didn't know what would happen. The only salutation was to seal her, which would break down the barrier and everyone would return to the real world. I was willing to do it, but wasn't certain that it would work". The blue-haired male continued, turning to look at Rinne again.

The former ruler of Eden noticed her "childhood friend" staring at her. Rinne's blush died down enough for her to speak, but not too much. "I told Shido that there wasn't any need to worry. He was ready to do the act and asked if I was coming with him home. I told him yes, before telling him it was the time to act. Just as Shido was ready, I stopped him by saying I remembered a memory. But I honestly just used that to stop him so that I could be the one to kiss him". The Ruler Spirit told the Spirits, before she and Shido blushed bright red upon remembering their kiss.

Despite the circumstances, mode and location, that kiss the two "childhood friends" had was the most magical thing that ever happened to them. It was indescribable by words, yet meant the world to Shido and Rinne. Sadly, it only lasted for just a few seconds, before Rinne broke it. Shido coughed into his hand, before looking back at his friends and adopted little sister. "I sealed Rinne's powers, but Rinne looked sad. The core disappeared and the branches around Rinne disappeared. I caught her in my arms, and she told me that Eden's role had ended. I looked and saw you guys, Origami and Kurumi beginning to wake up, but then..." Shido suddenly stopped upon feeling his very soul shake at that memory.

The blue-haired male brought up both hands and widened his eyes upon seeing them shaking in a frighten manner. He clenched both fists and shut his eyes, willing himself to continue. "...Then, Rinne began to disappear in my arms". Shido added, causing the three Spirits and Yoshinon cry out in surprise. "D-Disappear!?" Tohka called out in surprise, getting Shido's attention as he looked over to her and nod. "B-but how can that be?" Yoshino questioned with a low voice at the thought of someone she knew disappearing.

Rinne glanced over to the Hermit Spirit, before looking down at her lap. "It was because unlike you three, I didn't have a physical vessel. That meant that with the loss of my powers, my existence was coming to an end". The Ruler Spirit explained, much to the shock of Tohka, Yoshino and Kotori as they glanced over to her, while Shido lowered his head in sadness. "It makes sense. A Spirit that was born of Spiritual energy wouldn't have a vessel, so if they're sealed, their existence will end. You know that when you told Shin to seal you, correct?" Reine questioned the former ruler of Eden, her usual tired expression present again.

Rinne turned to look at the pale blue haired woman, giving a nod to answer the question. "Yes, I knew. I lied to Shido so that he would kiss and seal me. If I had told the truth, he wouldn't have done it". Rinne answered the older woman. Kotori narrowed her eyes a little at Rinne's words and how well she knew him. "And how would you know that?" The commander of Ratatoskr questioned the Ruler Spirit, grabbing Rinne's attention as she looked over to Kotori and gave a smile full of belief. "Simple; he's my childhood friend". Rinne answered the younger female, much to Kotori's bewilderment at the answer.

Shido smiled a bit from Rinne's words, before he continued on where he left off. "I begged Rinne to stay with me, just like how she used to". The blue-haired boy began, before Rinne continued for him. "I told Shido that was never real, nor was I. I really believed that I wouldn't exist anymore. Shido didn't believe me, or what was happening before him. Since I though my end was near; I told Shido how much he taught me. That with pleasure comes pain, but also how it can be overcome. How the good memories always outweigh the bad". The Ruler Spirit explained, turning to look at Shido, Tohka, Yoshino, Kotori and Yoshinon.

Tohka and Yoshino were crying tears anime style as they listened to the tragic tale, while Kotori's eyes were twitching as she tried hard not to cry. Rinne gave a small nervous smile at the sight, before she continued. "Shido and I began crying tears, but it was honestly my first time crying and it wasn't so bad. He begged me one last time, but it was a plea that I couldn't answer. Feeling my end came closer, I told Shido that the time and days we spent together were precious to me. Eden may have been a lie, but the days we spent together were real. True happiness. Isn't that right, Shido?" Rinne asked as she turned to look at the blue-haired boy.

Shido gave a smile at Rinne, before he nodded to her. "Yeah, that's right. What we had inside of Eden was real, there's no denying that". The boy agreed wholeheartedly, making Rinne's face brighten at his conferment. Rinne then turned to look back at the audience of Spirits and continued the tale. "Shido brought up our promise of always being together in hopes that I would stay. My heart was warmed so much by how much Shido cared about me. I did joke that he'd make you guys, Origami and Kurumi jealous". The pink-haired girl explained, giggling a little while the three Spirits all smiled uneasy smiles. Even Shido chuckled a bit.

Rinne then ceased her giggle. "Since my end was near and that it was just us, I decided to just tell Shido something. He was curious as I was a bit serious. I told him that I..." The Spirit Ruler stopped. She turned to look towards Shido and gazed at him with pure love displayed on her face and eyes. "I love you". Rinne confessed, getting different reactions out of everyone except Reine.

(Music end)

Yoshino and Yoshinon stared at Rinne in comical shock with the little girl's cheeks flushed. Tohka and Kotori had anime white eyes at the size of bawling balls and were gaping like fishes. Shido himself, was blushing with wide eyes at her straightforward confession. Rinne looked away and gave a giggle, before looking back at Shido. "Shido, why don't you continue on from here?" The Ruler Spirit suggested to the high school male student, getting Shido to blink in surprise. He calmed his blush down, before he nodded to the Ruler Spirit. He then turned to look at the audience with Tohka, Yoshino, Yoshinon and Kotori turning their attention back to him.

"I screamed out Rinne's name, feeling like I was floating. We managed to escape Neo Tengu Tower and ended up back at Takadai Park. You guys were recovered by Fraxinus, Origami returned to the AST's base and Kurumi disappeared without a trace". Shido resumed explaining the events of Eden, before looking down in sadness. "...I was left alone, crushed by despair by what happened to Rinne. I stayed in Takadai Park with my mind filled with Rinne, how the ending I believed never came and there was no happy ending". The operative of Ratatoskr said with a sad voice, placing his right hand on the chest right where his heart was as he could still feel a bit of the despair and sadness he felt back then.

Everyone looked at Shido in concern, easily able to detect the sadness leaking out of his voice as he didn't even try to hide it. Tohka took a step forward and reached out to Shido with her right hand, but stopped when he lifted his head and gave the Princess Spirit a reassuring smile. "I'm okay Tohka. I just needed a moment to get it back together, but thanks". Shido thanked the purple haired female. Tohka smiled a little at Shido, before looking down in disappointment that she wasn't able to touch or comfort Shido. She then blinked upon feeling a soft pressure on top of her head.

The Princess Spirit looked up to see Shido standing in front of her, patting the purple haired girl's head with a thankful expression. Tohka flushed a bit at the look Shido was giving her, before giving a pleased smile. Shido then took his hand off of Tohka's head and continued the story. "I started asking questions on why Rinne created the barrier and tried to kill me, yet got no answers. It was all left in a mystery". Shido explained, and then turned to look at Reine and saw her focusing on the monitor again. "And that's when you teleported in from Fraxinus, Reine". The blue-haired boy added, causing the sleep deprived woman's ears to twitch as a sign he caught her attention.

Shido explained how Reine came to check in on him, and to her concern, he was still badly affected and full of grief. Thinking that it wasn't the best time to discuss with Shido about the day's occurrence, Reine was about to leave until Shido stopped her and asked her what she found out. Reine told Shido the truth of Eden's barrier and its purpose. Shido told everyone how Reine told him how Rinne wasn't like Tohka and the others, the barrier's special power to redo the world until the desired outcome and most importantly; Rinne's reason for creating the barrier.

After hearing how Rinne created Eden to protect Shido and sacrificed her life for him, everyone turned to look at Rinne, who was looking down at her lap with a soft smile to avoid their gazes. Even Shido stared at Rinne, waiting for her to speak. Either to deny or confirm Reine's theory back then. A few moments of silence passed, until Rinne turned to look at everyone with a soft expression. "I have to admit; it's really impressive how you managed to hit the nail on the head Shido. Your theory was correct; I did it all to protect you and let you be happy". The Ruler Spirit confirmed Shido's theory to be true, speaking in a calm, honest voice.

Shido grew a heart touch smile at Rinne at her confirming what he thought to be true. He walked towards the Ruler Spirit and stopped besides the bed. Shido then leaned down and wrapped both arms around her in a hug, something that surprised the three Spirits behind him. Rinne's face softened greatly at Shido's hug, before she wrapped her arms around him and returned the hug. The hug lasted for a few seconds, until Shido broke it and leaned back to look at Rinne's face. "I know that it's a little late, but thank you Rinne". The blue-haired male thanked the Ruler Spirit, which she shook her head at him.

"There's no need to thank me. Just knowing that you're alive and well is rewarding enough". Rinne replied to Ratatoskr's main operative, content with her beloved simply being alive. Shido chuckled a bit as he let go of Rinne and turned to look at Tohka, Kotori, Yoshino and Yoshinon, only to sweat drop at what he saw. Tohka and Kotori were staring at him with anime narrowed eyes with their cheeks puffed out. Yoshino had a healthy blush as she held her right hand up in front of her mouth, while Yoshinon had a sly grin directed at the blue-haired male.

Shido gave a sigh as he scratched his head with the right hand. Behind him, Rinne smiled in amusement at the sight of the four's expressions. Shido then brought his hand down and looked back at the three Spirits again. "Thanks to Reine's help, I calmed down a bit. She then handed a bag that got mixed up when we escaped Neo Tengu Tower. It had something inside and she asked me if I knew what it was. At first I didn't, but I remembered a memory of the time I had with Rinne. It helped me figure out what was inside the bag; it was...the...keys..." Shido slowly began to hesitate with wide eyes of realization upon remembering the key he gave to Rinne; the one that represented how much he cared about her.

The pink-haired girl slightly widened her eyes upon remembering the keys as well. She then turned to look at Shido with a hopeful expression. "Shido, do you still have the keys you gave me?" Rinne asked Shido with a low voice, catching Shido's attention as he looked over to her. The blue-haired boy smiled in reassurance to the Ruler Spirit and nodded. "Don't worry, they're at home safe and sound. I'll give them back to you soon, I promise". Shido declared, much to Rinne's relief as she let out a sigh with both eyes closed.

"What are you guys talking about? What keys?" Kotori questioned with a confused frown, wondering what keys had to do with this. Shido looked back at his younger adopted sister and slightly narrowed his eyes at her. "In Eden, you and Ratatoskr created a pair of cutesy keys for me to our house. I gave them to Rinne, not just so that she can come in whenever she wants, but as proof that she's my "childhood friend" and that she's family". Shido explained to Kotori, growing a smile in mid-speech upon remembering the elated face Rinne had when he gave the keys to her.

Kotori stared at her brother in shellshock at his words. From everything she heard and them confirming it, she found it hard to believe that Shido still consider Rinne his "childhood friend". "Wow Shido. For you to still consider this girl your "childhood friend" after everything is very hard to believe. She must really mean a lot to ya!" Yoshinon called out with a wide smile, making Shido chuckle a bit. His expression then turned serious as he focused back on telling the story.

"I asked Reine to give me time alone, something she allowed and went back to the Fraxinus. I was left alone, where I let out all my sorrows. I held the key with both hands against my chest as I screamed out into the night sky, towards Rinne, asking her why she left when she that we'd be childhood friends forever, to be together. I finished up by shouting Rinne's name out to the sky". Shido said as he looked down at the ground, body slightly shaking at feeling those very same emotions again after thinking about that last night in Eden.

Everyone stared at Shido in deep concern, especially Rinne at seeing the pain she caused him by her death. It was silent for a few moments, until Shido slightly lifted his head up. "...I wasn't expecting a reply, but somehow, I heard Rinne's voice. It was like she was talking to me from the grave. She said..." The blue-haired boy began, only for Rinne to take over. "Thank you, Shido. The time I spent together with you… was my only true happiness". The Ruler Spirit said with a soft voice, perfectly remembering those words as if she had recently spoke those words.

Rinne's words brought a smile to Shido's face as they touched his heart, as they were proof that he hadn't imagined them. He spared Rinne a thankful glance, before looking back forward. "Right after Rinne's words registered inside of me, Eden's barrier disappeared, and we were all free. But when it did, all of our memories of Eden, what happened and of Rinne all "disappeared". I don't know about Kurumi or Origami, but it was clear our memories of what happened were gone". Shido finished explaining, as he had finished explaining all that happened in Eden.

The three Spirits all looked speechless after hearing the whole story, and that they were apart of it all along. Kotori turned to look at Rinne ad stared at her with a mix between guilt and concern. "Wh...what happened to you after you disappeared in Shido's hands? Did you really die?" The red-haired girl asked with a low voice, uncertain what she should feel, or how she should. Rinne turned towards Kotori, narrowing both eyes slightly at her question. "I don't know where exactly, but I ended up in some kind of "space", where I could watch you all". The pink-haired female answered, causing not only Kotori, but Tohka and Yoshino to tilt their heads in confusion.

Rinne gave a short explanation of what happened to her, and the unexpected visitor inside of the Space. Tohka, Yoshino and Yoshinon still looked a bit confused, yet Kotori's expression was the one that had the full attention of Shido and Rinne. A deep frown was married to the commander of Ratatoskr's face, both eyes dangerously narrowed as if she just heard the world's ending.

Shido grew a bit worried for his little sister as he's never seen that face before. "Kotori? Are you alright?" Shido asked the Efreet Spirit, but to his astonishment, Kotori didn't appear to even acknowledge his question. Instead, she stared at Rinne with an incredible amount of focus. "Rinne... Are you certain that whatever it was that spoke to you, it exactly sounded like an ethereal, echoey voice of some kind? No mistake?" The captain of Ratatoskr questioned the Ruler Spirit with a serious voice, as if she wanted to be certain.

Rinne blinked at Kotori as her question surprised her. Still, the pink-haired female nodded her head to the younger female. "I'm certain that was what it sounded like. It was tricky, but that's the exact sound it made, and it was definitely from a woman". Rinne answered Kotori, certainty that she was right on the mark about her description. At Rinne's answer, Kotori narrowed her eyes even more than before, and then crossed her arms. "Then there's no doubt about it". The red-haired girl stated, causing everyone to stare at her in confusion as they had no idea what she was talking about.

"Kotori, what are you talking about? "There's no doubt about it"? I don't understand". Shido told the teenage girl, grabbing Kotori's attention as she turned her gaze towards him. "Don't you remember? 5 years ago, when I became a Spirit, there was "something" there that turned me into one. I should have mentioned this sooner, but it had an ethereal, echoey kind of voice, exactly like the one that Rinne just described". Kotori revealed to the high school boy, much to Shido's shock as he let out a gasp. Of all the things he was expecting to hear, this was not one of them.

Shido wasn't the only one that was shocked as Rinne, Tohka, Yoshino and Yoshinon all stared at Kotori as if she had grown a second head. Reine was the only one that wasn't staring at her commander as she was almost finished inspecting Rinne. Rinne's eyes then narrowed at Kotori as the dots began to click insider her mind. "Are you saying...that it was the Original Spirit that appeared before me?" The pink-haired female questioned the Efreet Spirit. She had learned about the incident 5 years ago during her rule of Eden from reading the Itsuka siblings' minds. She didn't know much, but she knew that the first Spirit that appeared 30 years ago was responsible for the deaths of millions of people.

"There's a good chance that it might be, but I'm uncertain. Maybe this Spirit is the original one, or just some random one that can turn humans into Spirits. Ratatoskr doesn't have much information about the first Spirit, or even its appearance". Kotori answered. Besides the incident 5 years ago, Kotori never encountered that same Spirit again, or heard anything related to its description, leaving her with very small information about it. Rinne looked down at her lap as she thought about Kotori's words, while the red-haired herself wondered what that Spirit's connection to Ruler is. The tension was so thick that it you could cut it with a knife.

"Umm...excuse me?" Yoshino softly said to Rinne, now standing right beside the bed and looking up at the former ruler of Eden. Rinne blinked in surprise as she was broken from her thoughts, and then turned towards the Hermit Spirit and Yoshinon. "...If what you said was true...then how did you come back?" The little girl asked with an innocent voice, before Yoshinon came right up and waved her hands. "Yeah, give us an explanation on how you came back from the grave to reunite with your beloved!" The rabbit exclaimed with a dramatic voice, leaning right up into the Ruler's face.

Rinne smiled in a gentle manner at both Yoshino and Yoshinon. Thanks to the Hermit Spirit's innocent question, the tense atmosphere earlier was gone, and she could feel herself relax again. She brought up her right hand and gently pat Yoshinon's head. "I don't know how exactly. When I just woke up, somehow, I was here in Tengu City. The answers to my survive are a mystery". The Ruler Spirit told the little girl and rabbit, taking her hand off Yoshinon's head and placed it on Yoshino's one, giving the little girl a soft rub.

Yoshino grew a small, content smile at feeling Rinne's soft hands as they reminded her greatly of Shido's pats. She would have continued enjoying Rinne's pat, but then Reine spoke up all of a sudden. "I think that I've found an explanation on how you're here in the real world, but not a reason on how you came back". The sleep deprived woman said as she turned away from the monitor and turned around to face everyone. The Analysis Officer's words captured everyone's attention as they turned to look at Reine. "Reine, what is this explanation of yours?" Shido asked the woman with a hopeful voice as this might explain a bit on Rinne's miraculous revival.

Reine's expression didn't change the least as she looked right into Shido's eyes. "When I was inspecting Rinne Sonogami, her readings were like Tohka, Yoshino and Kotori's ones. Not only does she have a physical vessel now, but there's a Path between you and her now Shin". Reine explained, crossing both arms as she spoke about her discovery about Rinne. This caused both Shido and Rinne to widen their eyes in delight at the answers they got. Shido was happy to hear that Rinne had a vessel now as it meant even if he sealed her again, she won't disappear.

Rinne was just as happy as Shido about the vessel part, but hearing the part about the Path between her and Shido also brought the Ruler Spirit joy. "If there's a Path between Shido and me now, does that mean I'm still a Spirit?" The "childhood friend" of Shido asked the older woman, which Reine turned and nodded to her. The Ruler Spirit breathed out in relief, before turning towards Shido with a joyful smile. Rinne truly wished to live a normal life, yet she wished to help Shido in his mission to save all Spirits more. With her powers as Ruler, Rinne could protect him from harm and provide support, just like Tohka and Yoshino.

"However..." The Analysis Officer said suddenly, catching everyone's attention once more as they looked and saw Reine frowning. "There seems to be some sort of "wall" in the Spirit Path between you two". Reine revealed with a straight face. Everyone blinked at her in confusion as they had no idea what she meant. "A "wall"? What on Earth are you talking about, Reine?" Kotori questioned the adult woman, having never heard of something like this before.

"Allow me to explain..." The sleep deprived woman requested as she took a glance at Shido, then at Rinne, before looking back at everyone. "Shin and Rinne do possess a Spirit Path, but there's this sort of interference, acting as some sort of wall within Rinne Sonogami. Fortunately, it doesn't seem to be causing any harm to her, or disturbing the Spirit Path between her and Shin. It is, however, seems to be disrupting Rinne Sonogami in some way, yet I don't know what exactly". Reine explained with a trace of uncertainty, as this was something she's never dealt with before.

Tohka, Kotori, Yoshino and Yoshinon all looked down in thought at what this "disturbance" was doing to the Ruler Spirit. Shido and Rinne, on the other hand, turned to look at one another with knowing looks as they had a good idea what this "wall's" effects were doing. "Mrs. Murasame, I think that Shido and I know what this "wall" is doing to me". The pink-haired girl told the older female, catching Reine's attention. She looked down at the former Ruler Spirit, who lowered her gaze to stare down at her lap. "Ever since I woke up here in Tengu City, I've been unable to call upon my powers as a Spirit". The pink-haired female informed the older woman, seeing this "wall" having a connection to why she can't use her powers.

Reine's eyes slightly widened at Rinne's words, while the three Spirits all gasped in surprise. "You can't use your powers?! But why?!" Tohka questioned with a loud voice as this was a cause to be concerned about. Despite being sealed, Tohka still could feel and call upon her powers in her Limited Astrel Dress, so to hear that a fellow Spirit couldn't call upon theirs was a shock to the system.

"Unfortunately, I don't know why. That's why I wanted Ratatoskr to do a check-up on me to find the problem. Thankful, some of my questions have been answered now". Rinne answered the purple haired female, wondering if the Original Spirt herself was the cause of this "wall", or it was something else.

"Reine, is it possible to tear down this "wall" so that Rinne can regain control of her powers?" Shido asked Reine, wondering if this disturbance could be removed. "It's possible. The fact that you two still possess a Spirit Path is proof that Rinne Sonogami's powers aren't gone and are still inside of her. It's just unknown how to remove this "wall" that's the problem here. Perhaps angering her will trigger the powers of Ruler and remove the disturbance". The adult female answered, unsure herself how to remove the "wall" that's within Rinne.

"Well, it isn't exactly what we were hoping to hear, but it's good enough". Kotori remarked with both arms crossed. The Commander of Ratatoskr then turned to look at Rinne, who blinked at seeing Kotori's attention on her. "Based on what we've heard and found out, you're now a "real" Spirit. And Shido obviously cares about you, so Ratatoskr will look after now just like with Tohka and Yoshino. Since you don't have an apartment, you're more than welcome to stay in the house next to our home with Tohka and Yoshino now". The red-haired girl told the Ruler Spirit, much to Rinne's delight as she clapped both hands together.

"Really? Thank you, Kotori!" Rinne thanked the little sister of her "childhood friend" with a thankful voice and both eyes closed in joy. "Don't thank me. It is, after all, Ratatoskr's mission to help Spirits like you". Kotori told the Ruler Spirit, and yet Rinne still looked thankful to her. "Does that mean we'll have a new friend living with us?" Yoshino asked with a hopeful voice, having grown a liking to Rinne very quickly. The Ruler Spirit turned towards the Hermit Spirit and nodded her head in an answer to the little girl's question, much to the joy of both Yoshino and Yoshinon.

Rinne then began removing the tube on her left hand, before moving onto the one on her leg. Once both tubes were removed, Rinne pushed herself off of the bed and onto her feet beside Shido. "If it isn't too much trouble, I'd like to finish my date with Shido now". The Ruler Spirit requested, much to the comical jealousy of Tohka and Kotori as they gazed at her with narrowed eyes. The pink-haired girl paid no attention to their looks of jealousy as she wrapped her left arm around Shido's right one, much to his blushing surprise.

"We were still in the middle of one when Tohka interrupted it. And correct me if I'm wrong but isn't it Shido's duty as Ratatoskr's main operative to go on dates with Spirits and keep them happy. My last date with Shido never ended officially, and I'm quite eager to finish this one with him. If not, I'm not sure how upset I'll get". Rinne said with a playful grin that spelled "mischievous" all over it at the two jealous Spirits. "She has a point. We can't let Shin's date with this Spirit end like this. It must end without interruption". Reine remarked, unintentionally increasing the jealousy of Tohka and Kotori as it meant it was something they couldn't prevent from happening.

Shido chuckled nervously at the expressions of his friend and little sister, while Yoshino and Yoshinon just at the boy and his "childhood friend". 'Rinne sure knows how to use logic to her advantage to get what she wants. Since this is technically what Ratatoskr's purpose is, Kotori can't really refuse'. The blue-haired male said inside of his mind, recognizing that Rinne's got Kotori trapped against the wall here.

The Efreet Spirit eventually let out a defeated sigh, knowing that she couldn't stop this. "Alright, fine! You two can finish your date, but Ratatoskr will be keeping an eye on you to keep watch of Rinne's happiness meter". Kotori told the pair of "childhood friends", wanting to keep watch of the two in case "something" happened. "I don't think that'll be necessary. It'll be late soon, and there's just one last place I want to visit with Shido". Rinne informed the commander of Ratatoskr, wishing to finish her date with Shido in an important place to both of them.

Kotori lightly gritted her teeth, yet didn't make a reply. She breathed out in defeat, before nodding to the pink-haired girl. "Fine, but after that, take her to where Tohka and Yoshino are staying bro". Kotori told Shido as she turned to look at him, which he nodded to her. "Got it". The blue-haired male replied to the flame Spirit as he had every intention to take Rinne to his house to return the keys he gave her.

Shido turned to look at Tohka, where he saw her still staring at Rinne in jealousy. The blue-haired male sweat drop in anime style at the sight, before releasing a sigh. "Tohka, can I ask you a favor?" Shido asked the Princess Spirit, catching Tohka's attention as she turned to look at him. "What is it Shido?" Tohka asked the boy, more than willing to do whatever this request of his was. "Could you take both mine and Rinne's bags back to my place? It would help Rinne and I focus on our date". The high school boy explained to the female, getting Tohka to puff her cheeks out a bit.

Still, the Princess Spirit nodded her head to Shido as her way of agreeing to Shido's request. Shido gave a thankful smile to the Princess Spirit, and then turned to look at Yoshino and Yoshinon. "Yoshino, Yoshinon, could you guys pick a room for Rinne back in the apartment?" The blue-haired asked the two, which Yoshinon gave a wide smile at him. "Wow Shido, asking us personally to pick a room for your girlfriend? Well, since you asked so nicely, it wouldn't be a problem". The rabbit said without a care, while Yoshino smiled at Shido and nodded her head.

"Sure...no problem". The cute little girl said with a happy voice, before turning to look at Rinne, who gave Yoshino a thankful smile.


(Later on)

Not too long later, Shido and Rinne were walking up the staircase to Takadai Park together, holding each other's hands just as they did before earlier. Earlier, they left Ratatoskr's ship; Fraxinus and returned right where they were teleported in with Tohka earlier. They had left before Tohka, Yoshino and Yoshinon, so the "childhood friends" had no idea if they were still aboard the ship or not. Right now, all that mattered to them was that they continued their date.

Shido and Rinne had eager smiles as they were nearing the top of the staircase to the park. The last time they had been in Takadai Park was in Paradise Lost's illusion, but now they wanted to see the view together in the real world, just as they did back in Eden. The two reached the end of the staircase and walked into Takadai Park. Rinne gasped in delight at seeing the familiar view, while Shido looked around their surroundings.

"Takadai Park...it feels like a lifetime ago since I was last here". Rinne said with a happy voice, going straight towards the railing and stopped before it. She placed both hands on the railing and looked out to the familiar view of Tengu City as the sun was close to sundown. "Last time I was here, wasn't exactly a happy memory". Shido remarked, walking up next to Rinne on her left. His face fell, looking down below at thinking about the last night inside of Eden where he was crying out for Rinne in sadness. Despite having her back, Rinne's "death" still brought him great suffering.

Rinne turned to look at Shido in deep concern. She felt guilt strike her heart at seeing the pain still remaining. Hoping to relieve him of the guilt, Rinne reached out with her left hand and took Shido's right one gently. The blue haired male widened his eyes and turned to look at the female, who was smiling gently at him. "I'm not leaving you ever again, Shido. This time, I'm staying with you forever, just like I promised you". The Ruler Spirit reassured the male, bringing up Shido's hand and gently placed it on her left cheek.

Shido slowly widen his eyes at her words, before gently rubbing Rinne's cheek. Rinne leaned into his touch, gently rubbing the hand. "This is real, I'm real now. And that's why no matter what happen, I'll always be by your side". The Ruler Spirit added, speaking from the heart of her desire. All that Rinne wanted, was to be with Shido forever, nothing more and nothing less. He was her heart's desire. A part of Rinne truly wanted Shido all to herself, but she knew that was unlikely as his heart may long for more than just her. After all, inside of Eden, he lived multiple lives with different woman.

Shido slowly grew an expression full of relief joy at her words, before a single tear left his right eye as he gave Rinne a nod. "...Yeah... This time you're not going anyway, I won't let you. I'll chase you down if I have to". The high school student declared, causing Rinne to giggle as she let go of Shido's hand. "I'll be counting on that, but didn't Tohka say something similar to you?" The Ruler Spirit asked with a content voice, resulting in Shido flinching a bit at what she said. He'd be lying if he said she was wrong, because Tohka did say something similar on their wedding day in one of the lives he lived inside of Eden.

"Y-yeah, she did". The blue-haired boy confessed as he brought his hand down from Rinne's cheek. Rinne kept her smile, despite Shido's confession, before turning back towards the view of Tengu City. "Speaking of Tohka, we still need to get her Kinako bread since you promised her some". The former ruler of Eden reminded, no hint of jealousy or anger leaking out. That got a laugh out of Shido as he turned towards the view as well.

"I remember alright. I'll even get her some whipped cream bread. She did like that back in Eden, so there I'm pretty certain she'll like it out here". Shido remarked, thinking back to how Tohka tried whipped cream bread and liked it. The two "childhood friends" stayed silent as they enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and wind blowing against them. Rinne closed her eyes and gently brushed a stray bit of hair over her left ear. She then opened both eyes and turned to Shido. "Shido?" The gentle girl said to the boy, catching Shido's attention as he turned to look at her.

(Play Clannad OST The Place Where Wishes Come True)

"Hmm? What is it?" Ratatoskr's main operative asked the Spirit with a content voice, having enjoyed the peace and quiet afternoon with her. Rinne stared at Shido in silence for a few moments and gave a hopeful smile. "Did...did you mean what you said? Back in Eden's core?" The female asked with a low, nervous voice as she willed herself to keep looking at Shido and not glance away. Shido blinked in surprise, before giving a smile as he realized she just wanted conferment from him on what he said.

He turned towards Rinne and brought both hands up, reaching out and placed them on Rinne's shoulders, before turning her towards him. The Spirit blinked in surprise at Shido's actions, while he gazed at her with longing in his eyes. "Rinne, I meant every word I said back there. I'll say it one more time; you're more than family to me, you're the one that I want, the one for me. Tohka, Kotori, Yoshino, Origami and even Kurumi are important to me, that's for certain, but you're the most important person to me". Shido said to his "childhood friend" with conviction, a sign of how much he meant those words.

Rinne greatly softened her expression and smiled at Shido as those words warmed her heart, just like before. Yet, Rinne wasn't satisfied yet as she wanted to hear three specific words from him. "Shido...I want to hear you say it. Those three magical words". The former ruler of Eden told the human boy, heart aching to hear those special words that she said to Shido not too long ago. Shido slightly widened his eyes and flushed a bit at Rinne's request, and then gave a smile full of love. "Rinne...I love you..." Shido confessed to the girl he harbored affection for, diving head in first without any hint of self-doubt.

Rinne felt her very heart set ablaze by Shido's confession, as it was the last bit of proof that she needed to know. "Shido...I love you too". The former ruler told the blue-haired male as she folded both hands behind her back. She then closed her eyes and leaned towards Shido with the intention of kissing him. Shido's eyes became half lidded as he leaned towards Rinne as well. The two drew closer to one another, however Shido then hesitated. Mind flashing back to his last kiss with Rinne, and what happened to her after.

Fear gripped Shido's heart at the thought of her disappearing in his arms again, causing him to lean away from the pink-haired female. Upon feeling the tension in Shido's arms, Rinne opened her eyes and saw the look of fear displayed in his eyes. Rinne gave a soft sigh at seeing this, before she brought up both hands and gently placed them on Shido's cheek. "Shido, I meant what I said before. I'm not disappearing this time, so don't be afraid to kiss me". The once ruler of Eden told the young man, gently her right thumb against his skin.

The gesture may be small, but Shido's fears disappeared at the soft rubbing of Rinne's thumb. He rearranged his hands from Rinne's shoulders to her back. He pulled her in and pressed Rinne against his body, getting a surprised cry from the female at how bold he was being. Shido gave a grin, before leaning forward and pressed his lips against Rinne's, much to her further surprise. She quickly closed her eyes in bliss and returned the kiss to Shido, who wrapped his arms around Rinne's back.

The kiss felt like it lasted for an eternity, but in reality, it was just 10 seconds until Shido leaned back and gazed down at Rinne. He let out a breath of relief at seeing no signs of what happened last time taking place. The Ruler Spirit opened her eyes and smiled at Shido, before it turned into a small grin. "You did that to catch me by surprise, just like I did it, right?" Rinne asked the teenage boy with an amusement leaking out of her voice at how Shido catch her by surprise just as she did him. "...Maybe..." Shido said with a mischievous grin, making Rinne giggle at how he didn't deny it.

The Ruler Spirit placed both hands gently against Shido, and then laid her head against Shido's left shoulder, closing her eyes to enjoy the feeling while he held her close and gently. The two "childhood" friends spent the next few moments in silence, just enjoying each other's warmth. Eventually, Rinne opened her eyes and smiled a bit. "Shido, it's time to go home". Rinne told the boy, keeping her head resting against Shido's shoulder, causing him to blink. He looked out across the view once more and saw that it was close to sunset, very close. He gave a nod, before looking down at Rinne's head.

"Before we go, can I ask you something?" The blue-haired boy asked the Ruler Spirit, getting Rinne to hum in curiosity. "What is it?" Rinne asked Shido in return, more than willing to answer his question. Shido grew a nervous expression and flushed slightly as he glanced away to the side. "Ummm... Since we confessed our feelings and have kissed already... Does that mean you're...my girlfriend now?" Shido questioned Rinne, scratching his right cheek with the right hand's index finger.

Rinne slightly widened her eyes and face grew red a bit at the question. Rinne's face then softened as her smile brightened with happiness. "I'd love nothing more than for us to be together as a couple Shido. You just simply need to make it official, and I'll be yours". The Ruler Spirit answered, pulling her head off of Shido's shoulder and looked right at his face. Shido blinked in hopeful surprise, before looking towards the Spirit's face and saw the longing emotion in her eyes as she waited.

Shido grew a wide smile as he removed his hands from Rinne's waist, and then took her hands, brought them down and gazed into the eyes of the girl he longed for more than anyone. "Rinne... Will you be my girlfriend?" The operative of Ratatoskr asked the former ruler of Eden with hopes she'll say "yes". Rinne felt her very heart engulfed by happiness at what Shido asked her.

She began shedding tears of joy with both cheeks flushed, before nodding her head to Shido. "Yes...I will". The Ruler Spirit answered, sounding absolutely delighted as her heartfelt desire was finally coming true. A part of herself felt like she was being selfish as she knew for certain that Tohka, Kotori, Yoshino and Origami were all in love with Shido, yet Rinne couldn't bring herself to care right now. All that mattered to her right is that Shido was all hers now.

Shido gave a happy laugh at Rinne's answer, the fear of her rejecting him disappearing completely. He then leaned forward and kissed Rinne with both eyes close, which she closed her eyes and returned the kiss. The sunset's light shined down on the newly created couple, as if giving off its joy at the two "childhood friends" finally getting together for real.


(Music end/ Later)

The sky was a beautiful dark colour with stars twinkling above Tengu City. The new couple of Shido and Rinne were walking side-by-side up the street that led to the Itsuka household, holding each other's hands. Shido was holding Rinne's right hand with his left one, while Rinne held two paper sandwich bags with her right hand.

They had stopped earlier to pick Kinako bread and whipped cream bread for Tohka, per their promise to her earlier. With the big day coming close to an end, the two were heading back to Shido's house and the apartment building where the Spirits were living.

Speak of the devil, the two apartments came into view as Shido and Rinne drew closer. However, that was when they spotted a familiar figure waiting in front of the Itsuka building. It was Tohka, still garbed in her summer school uniform, who smiled brightly upon seeing the two. "Shido!" The Princess Spirit cried out happily, before running towards the blue-haired boy. The two childhood friends ceased walking and let go of each other's hands, before Shido raised his left hand up into the air and waved at the Princess Spirit.

"Hey Tohka". Shido greeted the purple haired girl as she stopped right in front of him and Rinne. Tohka took a moment to look at Rinne, who was smiling her usual kind smile at the Princess Spirit, before looking back at Shido. "It was getting late, so I was starting to worry about you. Did something happen between you and Rinne?" The purple haired girl asked with a concerned tone, still a bit on guard around Rinne despite all that she's heard from the pair of "childhood friends". Shido shook his head in response to Tohka's question, before slightly turning his head towards Rinne.

"We stopped on the way to pick the Kinako bread that we promised you back at school". Shido informed the Princess Spirit as Rinne took both paper sandwich bags into her hands and held them up. "We also got you someone new. The bakery had a sale going on for their new whipped cream bread". The pink-haired girl told her fellow Spirit, causing Tohka to tilt her head to the side in confusion. She felt excited to hear about the Kanako bread, but the whipped cream bread was new to her. "Whipped cream bread? That sounds a little familiar". Tohka remarked, feeling a strange sense of familiarity at hearing the words "whipped cream bread".

Shido and Rinne smiled a bit at Tohka's words, and shared a look. It seemed that despite having no memories of inside of Eden, the experiences from within remained as Tohka feeling familiar about whipped cream bread was proof. "You tried whipped cream bread in Eden, and really enjoyed it. Why not try it out again, and see if you still like it?" Rinne suggested, holding out the paper bag to the purple haired girl. Tohka's eyes displayed her curiosity at what the Ruler Spirit said, before gently taking the bag from Rinne.

She held the bag underneath with her left hand, before reaching inside with her right hand. She then pulled out the whipped cream bread, which looked exactly as it did inside of Eden. Almost instantly, the sweet and fragrant smell entered inside of Tohka's nose, causing the Princess Spirit's eyes to widen in pure anticipation as she loved the smell. She wasted no time and began munching on it. Ironic as it was, a small bit of cream ended up on Tohka's nose exactly how she first tried it.

Shido and Rinne gave a good-hearted chuckle at the twist of fate. Tohka then turned to look at them with a pleased expression displayed on her face. "It has an indelible sweetness. I like it". The Princess Spirit told the two, much to Rinne's joy. "I'm glad to hear that". The pink-haired female stated joyfully. Shido then took forward in front of Tohka and pointed towards the bit of cream on her nose. "You got a bit of bread's cream on your nose. Hold still for a moment". The teenage boy told the Spirit girl, reaching out and gently wiped the cream off Tohka's nose.

The Princess Spirit blinked, before flushing a bit at Shido's actions. Rinne just giggled at the whole thing as the main operative of Ratatoskr turned towards her. "Could you wait here for a moment, Rinne? There's something I need to give back to you". Shido requested from the Ruler Spirit, resulting in Rinne growing a bright, hopeful expression since she had a good idea what it is Shido's talking about. The teenage girl nodded in an excited manner, getting an amused laugh from her "childhood friend". He then walked into the Itsuka household, closing the door behind himself.

Rinne stared at Shido's house with an excited smile, while Tohka focused on finishing her whipped cream bread. In record time, she finished the bread and gave a satisfied sigh from the delicious taste left behind. The Ruler Spirit took notice of Tohka finished with her first snack, then turned to look at the Princess Spirit. "Here you go". The pink-haired female said to Tohka, handing over the bag that contained the load of Kinako bread. Tohka's eyes sparkled with joy as she eagerly took the bag from Rinne, while she took the empty bag from Tohka.

"Thank you Rinne". The Princess Spirit thanked the pink-haired girl with a happy smile, before reaching into the bag and pulled out the Kinako bread. Rinne blinked in surprise at two things; the happy smile Tohka was displaying and the familiarity in her voice. It was exactly like it was back in Eden, something that made Rinne grow a hopeful smile in hopes that one day, things will be like they were in Eden. "You're welcome, Tohka". Rinne replied to her friend, watching Tohka as she began enjoying her Kinako bread.

It wasn't long until Shido came back outside and went right up to his new girlfriend. He gave Rinne a smile, before holding up his closed left hand and opened it, revealing the same cutesy keys that represented their bond. "Ahhh!" Rinne cried out in joy at seeing the keys. Tohka tilted her head in confusion at Rinne's sudden joy, wondering why she seemed so happy. "Go on, take it. It's yours, after all". Shido told Rinne, encouraging her to take the keys.

The Spirit created from Spiritual energy gave her boyfriend an appreciated smile, before looking down to the keys in Shido's hand. She brought her right hand and took hold of the keys from him, while he took the empty bag from her. Rinne looked down at the familiar key in her hand as she brought them closer, placing the left hand over the right one.

The former ruler of Eden turned back towards her new boyfriend and gave Shido a great, big, happy smile to express the delight she was experiencing. "Thank you, Sido. I'll take good care of it". Rinne promised to Shido, unintentionally causing him to let out a low gasp as those were the exact same words she said back when he first gave the keys to her.

He regrew his smile from earlier and gave a nod to her. "Okay". Shido replied, feeling a great sense of déjà vu from the location that this was taking place, the words they were using and Tohka being there with them. Speaking of the Princess Spirit, she was watching the two "childhood friends", not with jealousy, but with a smile that she found herself unable to drop. "Rinne, come on! Let's go check your new home! It's right next to mine and Yoshino's!" Tohka exclaimed with a bright voice. She didn't know why, but she was beginning to relax around the Ruler Spirt, as if something was reassuring her that Rinne really was a friend she could trust.

Shido and Rinne turned towards Tohka with joyful looks, before looking at one another again. "Go check out your new place, I'm sure you'll like it. I'm gonna go start making dinner for everyone". The blue-haired male told the girl, taking notice that it was getting late and that everyone was probably growing hungry. "Alright, but wait until I join you. Then, we can cook together". Rinne requested from Shido, wanting to help him cook food for them. Shido thought about it for a moment, before nodding his head towards Rinne.

"No problem, but on one condition. We cook together, no trying to cook by yourself". Shido told the teenage girl, remembering perfectly how she tried to do all the cooking in Eden and tried very hard to reassure him that she could take care of it all. Rinne gave a nod of her head instantly as she knew that he wouldn't take no for an answer. Shido looked satisfied with Rinne's compliance as she and Tohka turned around and began heading towards the Spirits' apartment. "You can cook, Rinne?" Tohka asked with an excited voice, catching the attention of her fellow Spirit as she looked at the purple haired female.

"I'm pretty confident that I'm as good as Shido when it comes to cooking". Rinne answered, giving a wink to Tohka with her right eye, much to the Princess Spirit's excitement as they turned and entered the apartment. Shido spent a few moments staring at where he last saw the two females, before turning towards his house and walked inside, intending to get things ready for him and Rinne to cook dinner for everyone.


(Next morning)

"Shido... It's morning... Wake up". A familiar voice stirred Shido from his slumber, causing the boy to groan as he slowly opened his eyes. His vision was blurry for a few moments, before clearing to reveal Rinne standing over him in her school uniform, giving a kind smile at the lying down boy. Shido slowly widened his eyes at the sight of her, before giving a relived smile at Rinne, something that made her blink in confusion.

Last night, just as they agreed, Shido and Rinne cooked dinner together for themselves, Tohka and Yoshino. The four and Yoshinon all enjoyed dinner together with the two Spirits finding that Rinne's food truly was a match for Shido's. Rare enough, Kotori joined them as Ratatoskr got off early for the night. They all conversed happily with the two "childhood friends" telling more stories about their time in Eden.

Such as Tohka playing tennis for the school festival, Yoshino playing the recorder, Kotori fainting in Rinne's arms in the "Tengu Cow" incident and Shido giving Kurumi a "scare". It was a very fun night as the Spirits were all enraptured by the tales. Sadly, the night had to end for them as it was getting late. Rinne, Tohka, Yoshino and Yoshinon left to return to their apartments and rest for tomorrow, leaving the Itsuka siblings alone in their house. Shido and Kotori quickly went to bed straight away to get ready for school tomorrow, and in case another Spirit appears.

Though, it seems like Shido slept in a bit, and Rinne had to come over and wake him up herself. It must have been because Shido had a little bit of trouble sleeping as he was afraid that when he woke up tomorrow, Rinne would be gone. But seeing her here, waking him up like she used to rid the fear inside of Shido.

The Ruler Spirit blinked upon noticing the look on her boyfriend's face. "Why are you looking at me like that?" Rinne asked with a small smile, only to cry out in surprise as Shido's right hand shot out and grabbed hold of her left, before pulling her in. The results: Rinne on top of him just like in Eden, only this time she was the only one blushing and Shido had his arms wrapped around her.

"Sh-Shido...! What are you..." Rinne stuttered with a flushed expression at Shido's actions as he's never been this bold before. "...Sorry...I'm just happy to see you". Shido apologized with a low voice, having acted on auto pilot just moments ago. The Ruler Spirit smiled softly as she relaxed herself and laid down on Shido for a few moments. She then opened her eyes, having closed them earlier to enjoy the moment.

"Shido...As much as I'm enjoying this, we need to stop and get breakfast ready. We still have school for the day". The pink-haired female told the boy, causing Shido to widen his eyes in realization. "Oh crap, that's right!" The blue-haired male cried out in surprise as he released his grip around Rinne. The Ruler Spirit giggled as she climbed off the bed and back on her feet. Shido pulled the covers off, revealing himself to be wearing his light blue pajamas. He swiped his feet to the bed's right edge and placed them on the ground.

Shido stood up on his feet and looked towards Rinne. "What time is it?" He asked his "childhood friend", worried that he overslept and was running late. "Don't worry, you still have enough time to get ready for the day. I'll take care of making breakfast, while you get ready". Rinne replied to her boyfriend, getting Shido to sigh in relief at the answer. He gave the pink-haired female a thankful expression, grateful to her for covering for him. "Thanks Rinne. I'll make dinner tonight to make up for it". Shido told the Ruler Spirit, intending to make it up to her for the helping hand.

"Don't worry about it. You do so much for Tohka, Yoshino, Kotori and now even me. The least I can do is help make it easier". Rinne replied to her boyfriend, before turning around and headed to the door. Shido watched her go as she opened the door and walked through it. Rinne gave Shido one more warm look, before closing the door, leaving him alone in his room.

Shido was silent for a few moments, until he breathed in profoundly, and then exhaled. He opened his eyes and gave a smile full of energy, ready to tackle the day. "Alright, let's get this thing on the way!" The blue-haired boy cried out energetically, before he headed to the shower to get ready. The day had already begun, but seeing Rinne's face first thing in the morning had already filled him with energy. He looked forward to the day with Rinne and Tohka at school.


And done. First chapter of my Date a Live story completed. I hope that I did well, and that you all enjoy it. Next chapter will be the first episode of season 2, so please be patient. And about Rinne not having her powers, don't worry I've got it planned. By the way, I'm curious if any of you know why the hell it took so long to do season 3, and why Mana wasn't in it. Don't get me wrong, it was really good, it just sounded really ridiculous how long the wait was.

Some of you may not be happy to hear this, but next year my main focus will be on this story as I really want to reach the part where Rio joins the story. And about how and when she will, it's a secret. Hope you all have a great day and look forward to more of "Date a Live: Happiness of Eden".