A/N: Salutations! It's been about a month since the teaser.

I won't waste any time with apologizing for my lateness. Vacation gone wrong or not, it's my fault for being so late. I will make up for it by writing harder. This is my (late) Chirstmas and New Year present for you: chapter 11, "Interluding Date, Part I"

"I messed up…"

The Ruler whispered while averting her gaze, unable to face her partner.

She couldn't stop her feet from shifting nervously, partly because of embarrassment and partially out of guilt. Kurumi didn't even face her, the gothic girl was staring down the school's yard from the rooftop's fence.

She knew that this Kurumi was just a temporal clone of the original. The real Nightmare Spirit was preparing for the second phase of their plan. However still, clone or not, Kurumi had right to be angry.

The conversation with Itsuka Kotori just now was a mess. The Ruler didn't expect the Spirit of Fire to actually cause her genuine anger. Or rather, Rinne overestimated her own ability to stay calm.

Threatening Kotori was never a good idea. Not only the ensuing fight with her could hurt Rinne herself and the Itsuka sister, it could also hurt the students there, not to mention obliterate the school. All of which would cause Shido to lose his trust on her, and ruin the date before it even started.

"It's intolerable, especially for her…"

"Do you think so?"

The pink-haired girl widened her eyes as she heard a soft, gentle voice instead of the expected fury. She looked up to her partner, just in time to see her turning around.

"I think what you did was quite adorable."

As their eyes met, Kurumi smiled at her, one that was full of warmth and appreciation.

Dumfounded and not knowing what caused her to do so, Rinne only stared at her blankly. "Huh?"

"It was rash, I have to say." Kurumi chuckled.

"But I can't reject your actions, considering for whom you did it for."

Rinne sunk into a contemplative silence at her words. 'For whom you did it for'? Did that mean Kurumi appreciate it? Her impulsive and not-very-well-thought actions?

"No way… Kurumi never accept mistakes…"

"Kurumi, you-" Rinne was cut off.

"I know this doesn't sound like me, but I am quite… pleased that you defended me the way you did."

Kurumi paused for a moment, looking away as if she was trying to find the right words. After a moment, she continued.

"Only you and Shido-san would ever do that for me. And unlike him, nothing stops me from thanking you."

Realizing the implication, the Ruler Spirit was suddenly at a loss of words.

"Eh, um, I…"

Being appreciated so openly, Rinne couldn't help but feel embarrassed at Kurumi's words. However, the lyre player knew that, those words- didn't fit her partner.

Sonogami Rinne had known Tokisaki Kurumi for nearly five years. The Ruler had known the Nightmare inside-out. Therefore, she could tell what the goth girl would have responded.

However, as if Kurumi just read her mind, she spoke again.

"Ara, do you find me acting differently from usual?"

As she said that, Rinne nearly gasped in surprise. Not only she was correct, Kurumi basically admitted that she was acting strange.

"Hihihi, it seemed that when it comes to me, you are very perceptive. However…"

Kurumi put a hand on her chest, closing her eyes.

"I see that you don't remember me?"

Rinne narrowed her eyes at the clone. Kurumi's temporal clones were all her previous selves, who came to life after being given some of the original's time supply, or in other words, lifespan. Therefore, they should behave like her.

However, this Kurumi didn't take Rinne's actions as stupid, something the real deal would never do. That either meant that this clone either came from a distant memory before Kurumi became the way she was now, or-

A realization struck Rinne.

"Could it be… you were the one-"

For some reason, Kurumi seemed to already know what she was about to say.

"Yes. I was the one who was killed by [Herself]. That day, right here."

"Wh-what? That one…"

Rinne noticed that this 'Kurumi' didn't use confusing words such as [Me] to describe the original Kurumi. She used [Her].

Then this was her- the 'Kurumi' who wished to accept Shido's hand. This was the one who, in Kurumi's own words, were swayed by his hollow declaration.

As she recalled it, Rinne did not like it when Kurumi invaded Shido's school half a year ago, in June last year. Her murder of civilians were uncalled for, her methods to evade Takamiya Mana were ruthless, and her cruelty to Shido was simply evil.

However, Rinne was honestly cheering when Shido was so close to saving her- no, that was wrong. He merely convinced a clone. In a sense, it was 'Kurumi' but it was not the real Kurumi.

And then, the 'Kurumi' who wanted to be saved was killed. Like any other clone, just like that.

The Ruler Spirit couldn't hide her disappointment at that. Even though Kurumi's own safety was endangered by Kotori afterwards and she had to intervene to save her partner, Rinne didn't forget that 'Kurumi' who changed, and died.

'Kurumi' did appear again in the Tanabata Festival a month after, by some miracle. Rinne was happy seeing her return, but unfortunately, she didn't last long. The real Kurumi tracked her down, and killed her again. At that point, Rinne almost wished history wouldn't repeat.

But it seemed that, the wish on that tree was granted. However, she was curious.

"How do you come back?" Rinne asked.

"After all, Kurumi certainly knew which of her memories she would use as a clone."

At that, 'Kurumi' smiled.

"It seemed that my original made a mistake of accidentally recreating me after helping Shido-san and that idol during the Tenou Festival. [She] was in a hurry to replenish [Her] numbers and strength since [She] had attracted the DEM's attention."

As Rinne listened, she supposed that was reasonable. Indeed, Kurumi was quite anxious, she even considered calling Rinne here in case DEM did hunt her after that. Fortunately, they did not, and thus the Ruler didn't need to come.

"To think that it would actually lead to this…"

"Then that means… you have been around for five months, since September?" Rinne asked.

"Yes." The clone replied.

The Ruler was amazed. Like before, her survival -her existence- was nothing but a miracle.

Despite being clones of Kurumi, a powerful Spirit in her own right, temporal clones are very weak in comparison to the original. And, considering Kurumi's ruthless use of 'Herselves'… the possibility of survival got even lower.

"But there she is."

'Kurumi of that day' lived. The one whose heart had softened, was right here.

Somehow, it made Rinne happy. Somehow, her existence was proof that Kurumi could be saved.

Even though the Kurumi she knew and the 'Kurumi' who stood before her were different, somehow-

"I feel… I can still do something for her."

"I'm glad."

"Eh?"

"I'm happy that my friend can still be saved." Rinne said with a cheerful smile.

'Kurumi' widened her eyes at her words. "Wh-what are you talking about? I am just a-"

"Your existence is proof that the possibility exists. So, I am grateful. Thank you for existing, Kurumi."

That silenced her. Then, as if she was overheating, her cheeks became red. The Nightmare Spirit's expression became one of panic as the Ruler giggled. In embarrassment, 'Kurumi' turned around, and tried to inhale deeply to calm down.

"Hihihi. I made you blush." Rinne smiled.

"..."

The goth girl didn't reply. Rinne waited patiently at that- after all, she was the one who made her like that.

However, what came after was completely unexpected.

"Ara, it seemed that I successfully managed to cheer you up. 'Mission: Dropping Happiness for Ruler' is successfully completed!"

"Huh?"

All of a sudden, 'Kurumi' twirled around, giggled lightly and raised a fist into the air. Rinne was surprised, more to what she just said than what she was doing.

Rinne knew that the twin-tailed girl used to be overly imaginative with her words and behavior. And she also knew that Kurumi had stopped her habits long ago, thus this clone should be the same.

But judging from what she was seeing and hearing, it seemed that Rinne was wrong.

"Um, didn't you say you would drop that 'embarrassing' persona?"

'Kurumi' only smiled in response.

"And what part of it is embarassing, eh, Ruler?"

"Uh… you said everything."

"Which me are you referring to?"

"Eh? But you didn't exist until-"

"In this whole world, there is but one Empress of Time, and that is myself. And she is proud of what she is."

This 'Kurumi' smirked as she declared a technically correct argument flavored with what Rinne knew as hamminess. The Ruler meanwhile, gaped her mouth, processing the familiar lines that would certainly humiliate the real Kurumi.

After a moment of recognition, the pink-haired girl couldn't help but burst out in laughter.

"Pfft- Ha ha ha!"

"Haa?"

It was the Nightmare's turn to be dumbfounded. It seemed that she didn't expect the reaction.

"Hihihihi… Ha ha ha ha!"

The Ruler tried to stifle her laughing. She didn't intend to laugh at the ridiculous lines, it was just that it was so unexpected that she didn't know how to react.

Unfortunately, she couldn't stop herself. She was already shedding a tear from her hysterical laugh.

"H-hey! I had been praciticing that line for 2 months! You can't just laugh… like that…"

'Kurumi' made a pouting face, clearly offended and embarrassed. However, that only served to make Rinne laugh harder.

"Ku- Kurumi… just stop…"

Finally able to stop herself a few moments after, Rinne cleaned the tears on her eyes as she tried to return to the conversation.

'Kurumi' wasn't amused.

"Is that your thanks for me? That's rude."

"Sorry, but I can't help it. I mean, you always gave me that scary look whenever I tried to talk about them. And suddenly you-"

"I know, I know." The goth girl crossed her arms and pouted. "I sound ridiculous, right?"

"I never said that." The musician smiled and shook her head in rejection. "I just like it better when you are being honest."

The Nightmare Spirit took a peek at the Ruler with her red eye. It was clear she was not convinced.

"You are just saying that to make me feel better."

"Have I ever lied, Kurumi?"

At the direct question, the pouting girl faltered. "Well… no."

"Why the change though? I thought you disliked it." She changed the subject to satiate her curiousity. "What happened since June?"

'Kurumi' paused at the question, before smirking.

"Shido-san had said that she liked me better with that eyepatch back during the time travel, did he? Then I see no reason for me to discard what Shido liked about me."

Rinne widened her eyes at the statement.

"Oh… right." The Ruler quickly understood.

This was the 'Kurumi' who wished Shido to save her. Of course, this was the one who was also attracted to him.

The Ruler smiled.

"Then you are also a rival for me, eh?" Rinne asked cheekily.

"How could I? For Shido-san, I'm already dead." Kurumi chuckled.

"But you are alive, aren't you?"

"But right now, I only want to help you, partner."

Rinne raised a brow. "Hm? Help me?"

"Yes," Kurumi nodded, "help you with the date you are having."

"I have been spying on you and [Her] since you arrived in this city yesterday. And I must say, you and my original are very smart with the plan last night. However, I want to make a few changes." She elaborated.

Rinne became silent. This was the first time one of Kurumi's clones ever tried to contribute to the planning. There was no reason to refuse.

"Very well, let's hear what do you want to add."

"Huh…"

Already out of the Raizen High, Itsuka Kotori scoffed in displeasure as she walked away from the school.

"I need to make some changes in the dating plan according to the new information…"

Sonogami Rinne's personal data had become one of Ratatoskr's top priotities since her appearance yesterday. It would be useful in many ways: to find clues about both Tokisaki Kurumi and [Phantom], by virtue of being the former's partner and had her appearance used by the latter. Not to mention, it would help Shido conquer her.

That's why Kotori had risked going by herself for a chance to interrogate her. She had even mentally noted all the important points.

1. Sonogami Rinne was reborn as a Spirit in 3rd of August, in the same day as herself. Just like most other non-recent Spirits, she lost her memories.

2. The amnesiac Spirit met Tokisaki Kurumi sometime after her birth, and the Nightmare recovered the lost memories with her time-based ability. It could be inferred that they became partners some time after this meeting, although Kurumi's motive for doing so is unknown.

3. It's unknown how the pair operate together since Nightmare is well-known by JGSDF, Ratatoskr and DEM, while there isn't a single record about Ruler. Rinne implies that her Angel has something to do with it, meaning that whatever power she possesses, it can only help to hide herself.

4. Ruler appears to be much less malevolent and more stable than Nightmare. The stalking mission yesterday suggested Rinne has a functioning moral compass, and during the interrogation just now she willingly discloses information as much as she can, while also being patient enough not to consider attacking Kotori until provoked.

5. Rinne seems to be genuinely fond of, fiercely protective, and loyal to Kurumi. Although her higher moral standards should put her at odds with the murderer, they seem to put it aside whenever they are together. The fondness seems mutual, as Kurumi appears to care for her well-being and opinion, at the very least.

6. Kurumi needs a large amount of Spirit powers for something. Although this means Shido's life is not her target, it's possible that Kurumi has an end-goal with grand, large scale effects. With her ability to manipulate time and physically travel through timelines, this may or may not be disastrous.

The validity and details of some of these points were not foolproof, but Kotori believed most, if not all of them to be true. Their behavior and actions were too natural to be faked, and she couldn't imagine of any other possibilities.

"Huh… if only I didn't mess up just now, surely I can gather more info."

But now she had no time to dwell in it. All Kotori needed to do now, was to think how these information could help Shido later.

As the redheaded commander made a left turn to the direction of the Itsuka household, she pondered the dating plan once more.

From each of these points, the one which mattered to Shido the most was Rinne's connection to Kurumi. Seeing her violent reaction when Nightmare Spirit was insulted, Shido had to avoid them at all costs.

"But conversely, Shido could appeal to her with that usual stubborness of his… especially if she secretly wishes Kurumi to be saved, as well."

Another important point was Rinne's patience and stability. Factoring that in, Shido could get away with many choices that would have ruined most dates, although Kotori had to admit that usually, crazier options that made no sense somehow were the most effective.

"I think I can even say that Shido wouldn't need the choices this time."

The final, circumstantial point was that Rinne seemed to enjoy the same things as Honjou Nia: anime festival. The Ruler might not be an otaku, but she at least liked it enough for it to matter.

"We are very lucky that the anime festival haven't ended."

The festival lasted for three days, beginning two days ago. So today would be the closing day of the festival. Since most of the events began in the evening, it was actually a good idea for Rinne to promise the next date after school.

"...I had a bad feeling about this."

It was an unfounded statement. Everything was going quite well, in fact. Information, circumstances, setting, and preparation. All of them were going as expected, if not better.

"Then, why?"

Kotori frowned. Something didn't feel right. Usually, she always disregarded her gut feeling and focused more on what's in front of her, but this time-

"Kotori?"

"Eh?"

Hearing her name being called, Kotori who was deep in thought was suddenly brought back to reality, and her attention was directed to the voice in front of her.

It was her brother, standing a few meters ahead of her.

"Shido? Why are you here?" Kotori uttered.

"Why am I here?" Shido raised a brow. "I've been looking for you!"

Hearing such concern, Kotori felt embarrassed. "L-looking for me? Why do you do such a thing?"

"Isn't it obvious? You left the base without telling everyone where were you going! We were all worried."

"Eh? How do you know that?"

"Reine-san told me. She also uses the Fraxinus' sensor to find your location."

"Reine told you I was going by myself? …Damn, even though I bribed her with milk creams!"

Kotori had spent some of her money to buy Reine some milk cream puffs in order to keep her from telling Shido her 'business'. After all, the sleepy researcher could only be bribed with sweets. Unfortunately for her this time, it didn't seem to work.

Shido didn't seem to pay attention to that piece of information, however.

"Why would you keep it from the others? What were you doing?" Shido narrowed his eyes at her.

The redhead became silent at the question. Should Kotori tell him about what she just did? Even with her Angel, it was foolish to simply meet Rinne directly like she did. The only reason Kotori didn't get hurt at all was because of Kurumi's intervention.

Basically, Kotori just did the exact same thing as Shido did yesterday evening, 'charging foolishly into the enemy'. It was the very same thing Kotori berated Shido for. Even though she apologized for it, it was hypocritical for her to do such things.

Shido would be… her Oni-chan would be…

"No… I am not going to hide anything from him."

"Shido, I-"

UUUUUUUUUUUuuuuuuuuuuuu-

"...!?"

Kotori's confession was cut short as the loud, unpleasant alarm echoed through the streets. Of course, the Itsuka siblings knew what that meant.

"Spacequake alert!?"

"Kuh, now, of all times?!"

Shido nearly shouted in surprise, clearly not expecting any spacequake. Kotori didn't expect one as well, but at this point she had just grown used to them.

"Is it a new Spirit? Or one of those two decides to summon a Spacequake?" Kotori thought.

As if to answer her, her phone in the left pocket of her skirt vibrated. Knowing it would be a call from Reine, Kotori quickly answered the call. Shido became silent, paying attention to the conversation.

"Hello? Is this Reine?" Kotori said.

"Yes, it is me. I assume you have met Shin?" A sleepy voice was heard through the phone.

"Why you! I promised you milk cream!" Kotori growled in irritation.

"I'm sorry, but I must have forgotten your offer." Reine replied calmly.

"This analyst… I need to have some serious talk with her after this…" Kotori mentally noted.

"Well, enough about that. More importantly, what causes this spacequake? Is it a Spirit we already know or a new one?"

"The readings indicate that the spacequake is identical with the one summoned by Tokisaki Kurumi previously."

Kotori rolled her eyes. What was she up to, this time around? She had no way to tell whether this spacequake was summoned by the real Kurumi or just one of her clones, but this must be part of their plan.

"Where the spacequake will appear?" The commander asked further.

There was a pause. "I believe the location is close to where you two are. It's on Raizen High."

Kotori scoffed. "So after getting me away, she decided to immediately start something."

"Understood." Kotori directed her gaze at Shido. "Well then, Shido, we will talk later. Go to her, you brought your communicator with you, right?"

Kotori trusted she didn't need to say anything more to her brother to understand.

It was clear that this spacequake was intended to draw the Ratatoskr's attention. Otherwise, Kurumi would not have no reason to summon it on Raizen High.

Although Kotori still couldn't trust Rinne, so long as she was around it was unlikely for Kurumi to harm anyone, Shido included. That meant the spacequake was summoned for another reason.

Whatever the reason was, since the AST specialized in outdoor fights and the DEM had been less active since the incident with Nia, Shido could reach Kurumi before any of them did. Conflicts could be avoided, meaning overall Shido was relatively safe.

And anyway, the [Irregular] -Rio- couldn't possibly allow anyone and anything harm her 'father'. This would also be the best time to test the limits of the little Spirit's power.

Then, it was best to send Shido to accept Kurumi's invitation.

"I understand." Shido nodded. "Later then, Kotori, I'll be going!"

"Be careful, Oni-chan."

As Shido ran past her, Kotori too ran toward the Ratatoskr's base.

"Do you hear me, Shin?"

"Loud and clear, Reine-san!"

Testing the functionality of the communicator in his right ear again, Shido and Reine exchanged the sentences as the blue-haired boy ran as fast as he could to reach Raizen High.

"Be careful. Although Tokisaki Kurumi seems to invite you, we couldn't eliminate the possibility of AST or DEM reaching Kurumi's location faster somehow." Reine warned.

"Understood!" Shido replied.

As his legs continued to carry him forward, Shido's thoughts were in disarray.

"What are you up to, Kurumi?"

Shido couldn't help but ask that question in his head.

He didn't understand. What was Kurumi doing? According to Rinne, they would meet for the date after school. If the Nightmare Spirit were to cause a scene, even now in the morning before class started, AST or DEM intervention could interrupt the date.

No matter how, he couldn't comprehend the logic behind her current course of action.

"Ahhh! It would be better if I just asked her directly."

Focusing his attention ahead, Shido decided to try and use his Spirit powers to reach the school faster.

"Rio, may I borrow your strength?" Shido asked.

"Of course, Papa!" Rio replied cheerfully.

Then, his body suddenly felt a surge of heat, as tremendous power flowed in. Without realizing, his pupil whitened.

All of a sudden, his body was released from the shackles of gravity.

Shido recalled the familiar feeling as he defied the laws of the world around him for the first time. So his assumption about Rio being able to control his powers was right. So long as she was around, he could channel his powers to an extent.

"Thank you, Rio. Are you fine? Do you feel anything discomforting?"

"Papa's always welcome! And Rio is fine with Papa's strength!"

And with that, Shido smiled as he kicked the air, and flew toward the school at high speed. Knowing that most of the people around should be within shelters by now, and neither the AST or DEM could respond quick enough to catch sight of him.

With that, Shido decided to enjoy the feeling of high-speed flight to the fullest.

Although Shido was sure that Reine noticed that Shido liberally used his powers, the sleepy analyst didn't comment. It seemed she didn't mind.

"Ah, there it is!" Rio commented.

As Raizen High was now visible in sight, Shido was able to spot someone, waiting on the center of the front Raizen High building's rooftop.

It was a girl clad in black-and-orange dress. She had assymetrical twin-tails, and mismatched eyes.

"Tokisaki… Kurumi!" Shido shouted.

"Ara." Kurumi said, turning to him.

Within seconds, Shido was able to reach the school's rooftop and got a clear view of the Spirit who seemed to be waiting for him. He then slowed his speed, and gently floated down to the floor.

At this sight, the Spirit in front of him seemed to be impressed..

"Ara ara, Shido-san. Your ability to control your Spirit power is splendid." Kurumi said, giggling.

"Ah, thank you, but this is not my doing. Rather than that, what are you doing here, Kurumi?" Shido asked, wary of the Spirit.

Shido's not-so-friendly tone was met with a cheerful smile. The gothic girl then stretched both of her arms to the side.

"Hihihi. I am not my partner, surely you didn't expect me to seek your attention with an elegant musical performance that only Spirits can hear?"

"So you really do summon a spacequake just to call me here… you are unbelievable, Kurumi."

The Nightmare Spirit merely chuckled. Shido let out a tired sigh at that, however, he knew didn't have much time before either AST or DEM arrived to the scene.

"So, why do you call me here?" Shido asked once more.

Kurumi's lips curved into a smile. "Always straight to the point, I suppose. You never change."

"Not at all, since the last time we met."

Shido raised a brow at the way she spoke. Kurumi didn't need to emphasize that point like that.

"What do you mean?" Shido asked again, confused.

"Exactly what I say. By the way, how have you been, Shido-san? Has time been nice for you? Or has it been cruel?" Kurumi's smile became brighter.

Shido paused. He felt like he had heard sentences like those before, somewhere. However, he couldn't recall when, or where.

"That's… Kurumi, don't you already know?"

"Hihihi, I only know things that have been happening to you, Shido-san. I don't know how you feel about it. Did you make good memories since we last met?"

The blue-haired boy became silent, this time. Those words… it was familiar. It didn't give him a strange, alien feeling like Rinne's did, but somehow he felt like he had heard them before.

Seeing his silence, Kurumi's smile disappeared, and in its place was a slight frown.

"Shido-san, do you have such a bad memory? Although we haven't been meeting in secret, I have never forgotten about you, you know."

"Eh?"

Shido widened his eyes in surprise. Those words… now he remembered.

"No way… impossible! Could this Kurumi be… no way, she was killed!"

Recalling the 'Kurumi of that day' in last year's Tanabata, Shido shook his head in denial. There was no way the Kurumi standing in front of him was her.

The man with Spirit powers took a glance at the gothic girl in front of him. "But I have no way of knowing… she looked the same."

At his stare, Kurumi smiled once more. "Do you begin to remember?"

"No… there is no way…" Shido said, weakly.

The girl's smile turned into an amused smirk this time. "Ara, are you acting cold towards me because I am not wearing the underwear you specifically chose for me today?"

Shido gasped. "What!?"

The boy reevaluated his thoughts quickly. Now that he remembered it, that 'Kurumi' was killed before, right here, in this place. But she reappeared again in the Tanabata, somehow. Even the real Kurumi said it was like 'an act of God'

Could it be… could it be the miracle that day repeated once more?"

As he was too shocked to say anything, Kurumi closed her eyes as she raised her right hand in front of herself, and gently closed her palm.

"Look at this, Shido-san."

She opened her palm, and on it, an orange paper. On it was written something, which Shido couldn't read due to the distance. However, he didn't need to read it to know what was it.

Kurumi's smile became very warm.

"It seems that my wish was granted."

And… that was it! Share your thoughts in the reviews, as always.

I am in my vacation month. I should be able to finish this earlier. Yet, due to some unforeseeable circumstances and my vacation had gone wrong (although not dangerously so and I did have fun, it was horrible from hindsight). Still, I am not pulling an excuse.

Time to catch up. I will at least try to finish the Interluding Date Part II and III chapters in three weeks. That being said, I apologize since there is no Mayuri yet~ I did promise she will appear soon, though. And I'm not taking back my promises.

Thank you for following the development of "Alternate Reincarnation" so far!