Good day everyone, how are you. I apologize for the wait, but this chapter proved to be challenging. Now, time to answer some reviews.
NatsumiKyouno: Maybe you have a point about what you've said, but I've chosen to take this route. Besides, how was anyone supposed to know about Miku's hatred for men when they first saw her anyway?
HansenHan: I'm glad to hear you're so excited. Finally, Rio will appear in this chapter. And about Shido keeping Miku from Rio, I can see that happening.
Tony Anderson: Wait no more for the new chapter is here!
yogaratw607: I'll see what I can do about Rinne's Asuna angry mode.
Hakuorofan7: Thanks for telling me about Ren Dystopia.
NatsumiKyouno: You might be right, but for now enjoy this long awaited chapter.
That is all the reviews for now. Now, let's get straight to the chapter we've all been waiting for! Enjoy yourselves.
Chapter 6: The Ruler returns.
Inside of Tengu Square; the theater room was filled to the brim with thousands of people as they waited. The stage portion of the Tennou Festival has already begun and now; much to the crowd's excitement, it was Rindoji's turn with their prized student; Miku Izayoi taking the stage. Among the people seated were Reine and Yoshino with the Hermit Spirit holding up Yoshinon.
Up in the platforms high above; Shiori, Rinne and Tohka stood together with the two Spirits standing at the disguised boy's sides. All of them patiently waited for Rindoji's performance to begin and see just what exactly they're up against. Yet like how Shiori and Tohka were patiently waiting, Rinne was also thinking deeply for when it is their turn to perform.
It looks like everyone's patience was about to be rewarded as the lights in the room went out, a sign that Rindoji's performance was about to begin. The audience began to cheer in excitement, before bringing out their glow sticks that they were given earlier. They twisted the glowsticks, turning them on as they lit up into a light purple colour. They all held their sticks up and waved them, just as the stage's lights turned on and music began to play.
(Play Mermaid Lovestory)
Miku stood alone on the stage with her back to the audience, wearing a sort of mermaid dress. She raised her left hand into the air, before 4 more girls walked out from behind Miku to the sides; two on each with all of them wearing mermaid themed dresses as well. Miku turned to look at the audience with a bright smile, bringing down her hand as she did so. The Diva Spirit took a few steps forward before stopping, Miku's backup dangers taking positions.
Shiori and Tohka watched with wonder filled expressions, while Rinne had calculating eyes as she stared down at Miku like a hawk. In the audience; Yoshino and Yoshinon stared at the stage with wide eyes of wonder as well, while Reine had her left hand over the intercom she had, currently speaking with Kotori. Then, Miku began singing as she and her backup dancers danced.
'Are ha gogo no hirusagari (One early afternoon)'
'Shiokaze o uke te kagayai ta egao mitsuke te kara (I find your smile shining in the sea breeze)'
'Naze ka mieru mono subete kirakira de (For some reason, everything I see has been gleaming)'
'Atama no naka ha anata de ippai desu (And you're all I've been thinking about ever since)'
'What a destiny kore ga uwasa no hitome bore (What a destiny! This must be the fabled love at first night)'
'Go ki gen ikaga desu ka? Mama aite nara kantan nano ni ("How are you?" Even though I'd have no problem asking my mom that)'
Saisho no hitomoji sae nakanaka de te ko nai (I struggle to even utter the very first syllable)'
'Koi ni ochita māmeido (A lovestruck mermaid)'
'Naze naze umaku hanase nai Help me! (I can't put it into words, so help me)'
'Gomakashitemo kyun tte naru (I try to fake it, but my heart still throbs)'
'Kakusenai dokidoki (I just can't hide my excitement)'
With their hands on their cheeks, Miku and her backup dancers took a few steps back till they were lined up. All five of them stared marching on the spot, before taking up poses. They turned their backs to the crowd for a moment or two, before turning around. Miku took two steps forward, before she and the other girls stroke a pose, ending their performance.
(Music end)
The audience cheered for the Diva Spirit and her backup dancers, greatly enjoying the show they gave them. Shiori and Tohka had wide eyes at seeing Miku's rather spectacular performance. Rinne's expression hasn't change thought; still gazing down at the Diva Spirit with calculating eyes. "Oh, wow..." Shiori whispered in awe, very impressed at what he's just witnessed. Tohka just blinked a few times and Rinne folded both hands behind herself.
Another song began to play as Miku's second performance was about to begin. The Diva Spirit's backup dancers all left the stage, leaving Miku alone, yet that didn't seem to affect her in the least. She placed her right hand against the hip, before assuming another pose. But then without warning, both the stage lights and music suddenly shut off.
Miku was slightly surprised by this, yet didn't show it. The audience were confused as they mutter to themselves, wondering what's going on. Like them; Shiori and Tohka were confused with Rinne's eyes widen in surprise. "We may have a situation here". Shiori remarked, both hands gripping the railing. 'We tweaked the electronics backstage. She'll get the stage back one the audience has calmed down a bit'. Kotori informed her brother through the intercom, grabbing the attention of both Shiori and Rinne.
The disguised boy placed his left hand over the intercom, looking towards the device through the corner of his eyes. "Wow, that's pretty hardcore, even for you, Kotori". Shiori remarked, before widening both eyes in surprise when Rinne reached out, slipped under the disguised boy's hand and took the intercom. The Ruler Spirit brought the intercom to her face, gazing at the device with a disapproving frown. "Kotori, I've tolerated a lot of the things you've been pulling off, but this is where you cross the line". Rinne told her boyfriend's younger adopted sister, refusing to allow this.
'Why are you getting so mad? This way the bet's certain to end in our favor. Your boyfriend will be safe, another Spirit will be sealed and you can spend the rest of the Tennou Festival without worry, so what's the problem?' Ratatoskr's commander questioned the Ruler Spirit, honestly clueless on why Rinne's mad with her.
Kotori's words did nothing to calm the Ruler Spirit's disappointment in her however, clear to see due to Rinne still gazing at the intercom in disapproval. "The problem is that you've sabotage this, disregarded the efforts of everyone else participating in this competition and finally; whenever you try cheat to win..." Rinne began, before a sudden light caught the attention of her, Shiori and Tohka.
They all looked to the stage, and saw the light was around Miku's body, something that made Rinne frown. "...It always ends up backfiring on you". She finished her sentence from earlier, realizing what Miku was doing. The Diva Spirit, still in the pose she took earlier, had a sly smile and then spoke. "Shaddai El Chai..." Miku said, before spreading both arms out as her mermaid themed dress dissolved completely.
Miku's Astral Dress began to form around her; starting at the legs first, then to her arms, around the waist and torso, finally Miku's necklace and hair piece. Miku smiled brightly, rearing both hands in and then took a pose.
(Up in Fraxinus)
Kotori widened both eyes in shock at what she was seeing on the monitor. "That's her Spirit armour! Inconceivable!" Ratatoskr's young commander exclaimed, utterly shocked that Miku would actually use her Spirit powers in public view of so many people. The other members of the crew were surprised as well, yet remained silent.
(Back down at Tengu Square)
"Hope you're ready for some fun! Cause the real show's about to begin!" Miku called out to everyone in the audience, much to their anticipation as they all cheered and waved their glow sticks up in the air. Miku retook her original pose, right as the lights and music came back on. Then, she started singing her next song and danced.
(Play Monochrome)
'Monokuro no sora ga irozuitara hajimaru sekai (As the monochrome sky takes on color, the world begins)'
'Kimi ga issho nara watashi, kyōu mo waratteru yo (If you're with me, I can keep on smiling)'
'I can't stop loving you every day wow'
'I can't stop loving you every day wow'
'I can't stop loving you every day wow'
'I can't stop loving you'
'Tsunaida te wo nigiri kaesu gyutto tsuyoku (When I held your hand, you held mine back, firmly and tightly)'
'Todoiteru no? Kono kimochi ga umaku zenbu (I wonder if all these things that I'm feeling are reaching you)'
'Itsumo kimi ga tonari ni ite kuretara konna fuan kiechau kara (Whenever you're beside me, all the insecurities within me start to disappear)'
'Sukoshi dake demo ii yo kinō yori mo kimi ni ippo chikazukitai no (Even if it's just a little, I want to get closer to you than I was yesterday)'
'Nijiiro no kaze ga fuki nuketara gairoju ga hohoenda (As a rainbow breeze blows through the street, the trees start to smile)'
'Hajimatta love story tsutsumi komu you ni ne (Like they're embracing the beginning of our love story)'
'Monokuro no sora ga irozuitara matataku kokoro moyō (As the monochrome sky take on colour, my heart skips a beat)'
'Kimi ga iru sore dake de colorful na mainichi (Being with you is all it takes to make my life colorful)'
(Music end)
Through the whole song, Miku danced and used a bit of her Spirit power to make it a bit flashier. And at the end, she struck a pose and smiled at the audience. Everyone cheered for the Diva Spirit, truly amazed by her second performance that far surpassed the first one. Shiori and Tohka were once again in awe, staring with wide eyes directed down at Miku. Rinne, on the other hand, closed her eyes and breathed out, but not as a sign of defeat, but something else.
(Back with Ratatoskr)
Kotori stared at the monitor with wide eyes of disbelief at Miku's performance, and dread that instead of helping her brother she just made things more difficult. Munechika. on the other hand, was crying overjoyed tears from Miku's song.
(In Tengu Square)
Miku waved at the crowd for a few seconds, before raising both hands into the air. "That was incredible!" Tohka exclaimed with a bright expression, turning to look at Shiori and Rinne. The boy in disguise was still as a statue, while Eden's ruler slightly shook her head. "...We're screwed". Shiori stated, getting Tohka to blink in surprise at "her" words.
"But Shido-" The Princess Spirit spoke, only for Shiori to cut her off. "There's no way we can top that. She's just too good". Ratatoskr's main operative said, almost like he's accepted that there's no way that they could win now. "That's where you're wrong, Shido". Rinne stated, catching the attention of both Shiori and Tohka as they looked to the pink-haired girl.
Rinne had this look in her eyes, one that Shiori recognized back in Eden whenever he or one of the girls tried to defeat her by themselves. It was a look of certainty, a sign that she was certain of something. "Miku's singing is good, but there's one fatal flaw in it. And it's because of that flaw that we can't lose". Eden's ruler told the two, turning to face them and crossed her arms as she did so in her usual Ruler way.
Shiori and Tohka stared at Rinne with wide eyes, stunned at her words because of how she believed that they could win. Before either of the two could speak, someone spoke up from behind the Ruler Spirit. "Now that's what I like to hear!" A familiar voice stated, catching the attention of all three of them. They looked and saw both Kaguya and Yuzuru walking up to them with both Berserk Spirits still dressed in their maid uniforms.
"I guess the name 'Ruler' really is meant for you, to see a flaw in something like that". Kaguya said with an impressed grin, both arms pressed against the hips. "Respect: You are truly a formidable woman indeed, Rinne Sonogami". Yuzuru said with her usual poker face, yet the was respect in her eyes as she stared at Rinne. "You guys!" Shiori exclaimed in surprise to see the Yamai twins, while Rinne just smiled at seeing them.
The Ruler Spirit turned her gaze down towards Miku and saw her still waving at all the people cheering for her. 'You are an exaptational singer, Miku Izayoi. One of the best I've ever seen, but you sing without pouring your heart into it. And that is what keeps you from singing at your best'. Rinne thought to herself. All the songs that Miku has singed, Eden's ruler could tell that she lacked the most important part of singing and that was pouring your heart into it. It was an important lesson, one that Rinne had every intention of showing to Miku.
(Trust In You.)
The song began with a green stream displayed in a white world, before a green sparkle rained down from it with the camera following the sparkle. It rained past a metallic tree, until disappearing upon reaching a seed-shape device that the three came out from, which was revealed to be attached to a ship.
The screen changed to show Kotori, Tohka, Rinne and Yoshino, all in Spirit forms, gently floating down. They all landed on the ground with the Efreet Spirit standing behind the Princess Spirit on her right, while Yoshino was behind Ruler on the left. All four of them turned towards the screen as it zoomed in close to their faces, showing their eyes with Ruler's veil clearing to reveal her gleaming red eyes.
The screen then changed to show Kaguya, Yuzuru and Miku gently floating down to the ground. The twins were standing behind the singer, facing the sides with Kaguya to the left, and Yuzuru facing right.
They all landed on the ground, before the screen zoomed in on Miku's hair and Kaguya and Yuzuru's sides with none of their faces visible.
The screen changed once more, this time showing Mana and Origami together in their Realizer suits and armour. Mana had her arms crossed, while Origami was standing up straight. The ponytail-haired girl tilted her head up to look towards the camera, before it zoomed in to show her glare, and the white-haired female's lower face.
It changed once more; showing Kurumi and a horde of her clones all in different stances or positions. The original stood in the middle of them all, wielding both of her guns as she brought them up crossed over her chest with the left arm over the right. The camera zoomed in on Kurumi's face to show her smiling deviously with the bangs of her hair covering the eyes from view.
The screen changed again to show the members of Ratatoskr together with Reine and Kannazuki in the front. Reine had her arms crossed, Kannazuki's left hand placed on the hip and Kozue having her hands folded, while the rest were standing up straight. The screen zoomed in on Reine and Kannazuki, showing their frowning faces directed at the camera.
The screen changed to show a black world where Issac Westcott stood with Ellen Mathers behind him, both looking at the camera. The screen zoomed in on their faces, yet their eyes were covered by their bangs with Issac having a sinister smile displayed.
The screen changed back to the white world, this time showing Shido in his summer school uniform standing, looking straight at the camera with narrowed eyes. The camera zoomed out to show him standing straight, before zooming out once more to show his friends and siblings standing with him in a line with them still in their Spirit forms and Realizer equipment equipped.
The line consisted of Mana at the start, Origami second, Kotori third, Rinne standing beside Shido on his right, Tohka at Shido's left, Yoshino and Yoshinon as the seventh members, Kurumi right next to the Hermit Spirit with her right hand placed against the hip and finally, Reine at the end with both arms still crossed.
"Fate: Does everything happen for a reason?"
It changed to show a part of Tengu City's streets, Tohka, in school summer uniform, jumped into the air throwing her right hand up with a wide smile. The screen froze and changed into a deep purple colour with the words "Tohka Yatogami" displayed. The world turned back into normal as Tohka fall and landed on the ground with an excited expression. She then took off running down the street.
"Like the encounter that brought us together (together)".
Tohka ran past the kneeling down form of Yoshino, who was smiling down at Yoshinon as the two were starting at one another. However, Tohka's running caught the attention of Yoshino and Yoshino as they looked over, before the screen froze and changed into a bright green colour with the words "Yoshino" displayed. The camera then zoomed in on Yoshinon with her name displayed as well. The world returned to normal as Yoshino stood up on her feet.
"Binding my story to yours".
"If I never understand this beating in my chest (up to you)".
The Hermit Spirit began following Tohka as a nearby van drove by. Nearby, Kotori watched the two Spirits with a grin as she leaned her back against a tree, enjoying a lollypop that she was holding. She gave a smirk as the world froze and turned a yellow colour with the words "Kotori Itsuka" displayed. The world returned to normal as she pushed herself off of the tree and pulled her treat out, before walking off somewhere.
A bus drove by on the road, clearing to reveal Origami walking down the street, passing by a table that Ai Yamabuki, Mai Hazakura & Mii Fujibakama were all sitting down around.
"The only way I can go is down".
The camera zoomed in on Origami and turned into a light blue world with the words "Origami Tobiichi" displayed. The world returned to normal as Origami walked out of view as Ai, Mai and Mii looked over, while Tamae walked happily into view down the street in the same direction that Origami went.
"So make your choice".
The camera changed into a red world, showing Kurumi in her Astral Dress looking up towards the sky with a grin as the words "Kurumi Tokisaki" were displayed. The world returned to normal as the camera zoomed out to show the Nightmare Spirit standing atop a building's rooftop. She was looking up towards the sky as a shadow of a familiar airship was visible, traveling forwards.
"Let's begin this thrilling date!"
The camera changed once more to the street level, this time showing Shido and Rinne besides one another facing forward with the same rooftop that Kurumi was standing on nearby with Nightmare still there. A sound caught the attention of the two "childhood friends", before Shido looked over his left shoulder and Rinne over her right shoulder. The world turned into a bright pink one as the camera focus on Rinne with the words "Rinne Sonogami" displayed. It then changed colours to an electric blue world as the camera focused on Shido with his full name on display as well.
Something flew into the air in the distance, leaving white colours trails. The camera zoomed in on them, revealing them to be three AST members with their features covered. The camera zoomed right into one member's left wing, covering the screen in black.
"Every time we talk, every time we touch, every time we laugh, I'm reminded".
The screen changed to show Shido and Tohka walking side-by side down the street in their summer school uniform. Shido was carrying both his and Tohka's school bags, watching Tohka as she held up a wrapped up kinako bread. The Princess Spirit opened her mouth wide and took a big bite out of the bread, looking in absolute bliss as she enjoyed her snack. It suddenly changed to show a Tohka's left eye up close with the camera slowly zooming out.
The screen changed to show the living room of the Itsuka household. Two bits of toast shot out of the toaster and into the air, before landing neatly on two plates that Rinne was holding up with both hands. The Ruler Spirit brought her hands down, while Tohka, Yoshino and Yoshinon from the couch, all stared at Rinne in amazement at her professionalism. Even Kotori, who was brushing her teeth in the room, turned to look at Rinne as well. The screen changed once more, this time showing Ruler's face with her veil on. The camera zoomed out slowly to show Ruler, in her Astral Dress, flying forwards.
The screen changed to show the Class 2-4 classroom, where the students were getting the room ready for a party of some sorts. Shido, Rinne, Reine, Tamae, Ai, Mii and Origami were all looking up at Tohka, who was standing ontop of a chair placed on tables gather together, decorating above the blackboard with a purple paper garland with Mai keeping a steady hold on the chair she was standing on. Hiroto Tonomachi was standing on a chair as well, helping Tohka decorate the classroom too. Shido had his left hand placed against the hip, while Rinne had both hands folded behind herself as they watched the Princess Spirit help out.
The screen changed, this time showing the white world with Tohka in full Spirit armour, running at a fast pace with Sandalphon in her right hand. And flying besides the Princess Spirit on her right was Ruler, keeping up with Tohka as they advanced forward together. It changed once more, this time to Takadai Park with Shido and Rinne standing right in front of the railing, looking down towards Tengu City. The wind picked up a little, causing their hair and clothes to slightly blow in the breeze.
"Of this love that I won't ever give up".
Kotori in Spirit form, flew down out of nowhere to beside Ruler on her right with Camael in hand, flaming sprouting from the hands and legs out of nowhere. Yoshino, also in Spirit armour, came down from above mounted on Zadkiel, running fast to keep up with Tohka on her left.
The screen changed once more, this time showing Shido, Rinne and Tohka all seated in a train in their school uniforms. Shido was seated in the middle, Tohka on his left and Rinne on Shido's right with their bags laying against them. The human boy looked at Tohka first, then at Rinne as the two Spirits closed their eyes. The camera split into two with both sides showing Rinne and Tohka leaning their heads against Shido's shoulders with peaceful expression and both eyes closed.
"Because I've never wished to stay by someone's side as much as this".
The screen changed back to the white world, showing the four Spirits still advancing together, before flashing to outer space with clouds covering the Earth's surface. It changed back to the white world as Kaguya and Yuzuru flew down and passed by them, glancing down towards the other Spirits as Yoshino and Kotori split up from Tohka and Rinne. The four disappeared from view, yet Tohka and Ruler continued on beside one another.
The bluish-purple haired Spirit came in from above the side, riding upwards on a road that looked like a piano keyboard up, while Mana flew in out of nowhere in a black and blue CR-Unit, vaguely resembling a wolf's fangs and claws. Mana ignited the CR-Unit's thruster wings, kicking her speed up a notch as she drew in closer towards Tohka and Ruler, while Kurumi came down out of nowhere, appearing as if she was coming down to block the two Spirit's way with the keyboard road above her.
Behind Mana, another piano keyboard road appeared as the unknown Spirit slid down it with a smile, while Mana changed course and flew into the air, where black unknown creatures filled the white world's skies. The screen changed to show a humanoid robot with a red eye in a black world with a light shining down on it.
The camera changed again, this time showing an invisible ship bursting through the clouds into the night sky with a full moon shining in the darkness. It returned back to the white world, showing Origami armed in her Realizer suits, blade in hand. Ellen, in her own CR-Unit gear, flew in and clashed blades against Origami, creating a bright flash, before pushing the younger woman out of view with her hair briefly going over the camera.
The screen cleared to show the ground level of the white world with the camera moving forward at lightspeed towards a new Spirit. It was a little girl around Yoshino's height, she had long plum hair that reaches to her legs. The girl's hair was tied with one single braid and has a bow at the top of her head. She was wearing a lavish pinkish-red dress with a gold emblem on the center. The dress also contained a large robe that reaches her feet. Finally, she had a pair of black panty hose with strappy low red heeled shoes with an ankle strap with pink detailing and small wing shaped straps on the side.
The girl's hair and robe blew in the breeze as the camera went past her right shoulder and showed someone in the distance. The screen changed to show the blade of Sandalphon letting out a small shine, before changing to reveal Shido was the one holding the Angel in his right hand. The camera zoomed in on Shido's face as he narrowed his eyes with them changing from brown to a golden colour, gaining pupils that a Spirit would have.
The camera went past the boy towards the sky of the white world, where Tohka and Ruler flew down from above, Ruler's veil gone, with the camera showing their relived expressions. The camera spun around to show the two Spirits closing in on Shido with Tohka's right hand out, and Ruler's left hand out as well. Shido opened his mouth in surprise as he reached out with both hands and successfully managed to catch the girls' hands.
"I want to believe, Date A Live".
The camera zoomed around the three of them, showing the happy faces of Shido, Ruler and Tohka as the two Spirits gently landed on the ground in front of the boy, still keeping their hands together. The title "Date A Live Happiness of Eden" then appeared right in front the camera as Shido, Ruler and Tohka all disappeared from view. The title then disappeared as the screen turned pure white.
(Song end)
Unknown to all the people in Tengu Square, up high in the sky was an approaching force. It was a squad of DEM Wizards and Bandersnatches, led by Jessica with all the human females equipped with their CR units. Jessica flew through the clouds, her machine's systems scanning the city through one spot at a time. "Adeptus four through twelve, move to your positions. Be ready to attack. All Bandersnatch, standing by in outer one. Prepare to move in". The red-haired commander told her squad and Bandersnatch, right as her systems locked onto Tengu Square.
'Yes m'am'. Someone among Jessica's squad responded to her, resulting in the red-haired woman growing a rather crazy grin.
(Fraxinus)
The alarms suddenly started going off, much to the entire crew's alarm. "Wait, there are AST-like readings in the sky above Tengu Square!" Kozue reported to her commander, staring at her setup's screen as it displayed multiple signals drawing in. "Looks like we've got company". Deep Love added, right as the screen displayed Jessica's entire squad full of DEM Wizards and Bandernstaches, including herself as well.
"They're DEM Wizards". Kannazuki identified them not to be AST members, but members of DEM. "Why did they have to show up now?" Kotori questioned, frowning at the image especially at Jessica's grinning face. She then widened her eyes in alarm and dread. "Are they after the Spirits?" Ratatoskr's commander questioned in dread.
(With the DEM Squad)
Jessica pointed her blaster down at an unsuspecting Tengu Square, where her targets were. "Okay... Let's get this party started". The red-haired woman said with an eager voice, no care whatsoever to the civilians inside that'll get caught up. Her only concern was fulfilling her boss's wishes.
(Back with Kotori)
Kotori bit off her lollypop from its stick in anger at the situation. Not just her brother and friends, but many innocent people were in danger now because of this crazy DEM commander. "Should I handle them?" Kannazuki questioned his commander, voice cold as ice since he knew this situation was more concerning than the one at Arubi Island. "I don't have much choice. I'll leave it to-" Kotori spoke, only to be cut off by the alarms suddenly going off again.
Kotori and Kannazuki blinked, before the teenage girl frowned. "What is it this time?" Shido's little sister questioned her crew what the Fraxinus has detected this time. "Yet another powerful signal above Tengu Square!" Kozue informed Kotori, right as the monitor displayed an image of the bright sun with a few clouds clearing. "What is it?" Kotori questioned, focusing her gaze until she saw what it was, something that made Ratatoskr's commander widen both eyes in surprise. "That's..." She said with a stunned voice to see that thing again.
(In the air above Tengu Square)
Seemingly from the sun; a large and powerful green energy blast was unleashed, blowing away clouds, heading towards the DEM Wizards. They managed to move back to dodge, but a few Bandersnatches were caught and destroyed. "What is that?" Jessica questioned, looking straight in the direction that energy blast came from. "It's... It's not a Spirit! We're detecting artificial magic power". One of Jessica's subordinates informed her, much to the adult woman's confusion at hearing this.
(Play Digimon World Next Order OST - Battle Theme #1 (Extended) (HQ)
Upon looking closely, Jessica saw a shadow covered figure flying a bit away from them, equipped in something that she recognized easily. The shadows began to slowly clear to reveal that it was Origami, equipped with White Licorice. The DEM Wizard gritted her teeth in dead at seeing Origami piloting White Licorice. "No way... White Licorice? DEM's greatest failure, whose ridiculous power destroyed untold test subjects... How is she able to use it?!" Jessica questioned in outrage, recognizing White Licorice as it was original DEM property that was given away.
Instead of giving an answer; Origami just aimed White Licorice's cannons at Jessica's squad. Jessica narrowed both eyes and took her gun into both hands as she and her squad flew towards Origami. "Change of plans team, bring her down now!" The DEM Wizard told her squad, refusing to allow the AST girl to go unpunished. "Yes, ma'am!" Jessica's squad responded, right as they fired missiles from their CR units at Origami. They collided with Origami and exploded, covering her from view.
Jessica smirked in victory, but it quickly fell along with her jaw as the smoke cleared to reveal Origami unharmed with a Territory shield, the thing that protected the AST girl from harm. The Territory shield then expended, entrapping some DEM Wizards and Bandersnatches in smaller Territories. Origami's one then retracted with all the trapped DEM Wizards looking at their prisons in shock.
"Oh no, a targeted Territory!" One DEM Wizard exclaimed in dread. "I can't move at all!" Another one remarked, unable to move a single inch. Jessica gritted her teeth, before looking up towards Origami. "Damn her!" She cursed the white-haired girl for interfering. White Licorice's missile pods began opening, before Origami let loose a barrage of missiles at all the trapped DEM Wizards and Bandersnatches trapped in the Territories, striking right at the females' jetpacks and destroying the machines.
"Captain, help us!" One of the falling DEM Wizards cried out to Jessica as she and the others all fell. Jessica watched them fall, before facing forward and placed her left hand over the earpiece she had on. "We have a problem here, send reinforcements!" Jessica ordered, speaking to the AST right now through the earpiece. 'We're sorry, but unfortunately this line is currently unavailable for use'. A familiar voice told the DEM commander, much to her anger.
(At the AST base)
It was Ryouko, speaking to Jessica through a headset. The AST captain was wearing her army uniform, standing in the military base's observation room next to two seated female members that were tasked with communications and locating Spirits. "I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience, but Ryouko Kusakabe's not available. Please leave a message, or I suppose you could hang up the phone and try again". The black-haired woman said, acting like a voice message to avoid speaking to Jessica.
'This is no time to be joking around, Ryouko!' Jessica yelled out Ryouko, which she just stuck her tongue out in mockery.
(Back with the battle between Origami and the DEM squad)
'Like I said, I'm sorry but Ryouko can't come to the phone right now. If you're too pushy, I'll have to hang up'. Ryouko said from her side, before she did just that and hung-up on Jessica, much to her annoyance and anger. "So, what, this is your doing!" She exclaimed in anger, CR systems locking on Origami as a target. "I'm gonna make you regret the day you ever crossed me!" Jessica swore, thinking of ideas how to get back at Ryouko for this.
(Music stop/ Inside Tengu Square)
Back inside of Tengu Square; the audience was patiently waiting for Rizen High School's performance with all of them feeling eager after witnessing Miku's performances. Yoshino and Yoshinon were waiting patiently as well, but Reine's focus was on speaking to Kotori through the intercom she had. 'Reine, we've got a little situation in the sky above the stage. Any chance you could come back?' Kotori asked the sleep deprived woman, being careful to not alarm either her or Yoshino if she overhears.
"On my way". Reine responded, before lowering her left hand and looked at both Yoshino and Yoshinon. "I'm sorry, I have to leave". The sleep deprived woman apologized, grabbing Yoshino's attention as she slightly turned and nodded to Reine. "Would you rather stay or go?" Reine asked Yoshino, wanting to be safe and take Yoshino with her if she didn't want to stay here anymore. "I think I'd like to stay". The Hermit Spirit answered, desiring to remain here to see her friends perform.
"Yeah, we don't want to miss Shido and the others rocking it out on stage!" Yoshinon exclaimed with an eager voice. Reine smiled at the little Spirit and puppet, respecting their choices. "Understood". She stated, then rised up to her feet and left.
Meanwhile in another part of the building; Rinne, Shiori, Tohka, Kaguya and Yuzuru were all walking together to the stage. Shiori was carrying an electric guitar, Tohka had her tambourine, Kaguya carried a Digital Piano underneath her left arm and Yuzuru held a flute with her right hand. The original plan was the Yamai twins playing a guitar and drums, but Rinne changed that for the song she'd be singing on their performance.
Tohka and the Yamai twins all had earpieces on, something that the Princess Spirit was constantly tapping it right now. The roles for their play were simple; Shiori, Tohka, Kaguya and Yuzuru would all be playing the instruments while Rinne would sing. This plan of action was Rinne's, and Shiori agreed to it since "she" had almost zero to nothing experience on stuff like this. All "she" could do was trust that Rinne knew what she was doing.
"You guys, you sure you're gonna be alright up there?" Shiori asked the Yamai twins, looking at Kaguya as "she" spoke. "Hmmm? Of course we will, silly. I'll have you know, Yuzuru and I are pretty much expert musicians". Kaguya said with a confident, catching Rinne's attention as she looked over her left shoulder at the Berserk Spirit. "Rock and roll. In our 72nd match titled "Drumming to call a storm", Kaguya was the clear victor. And in our 84th match, award for best bases, I was the winner. I jam out a tasty baselit". Yuzuru told her friends, both Shido and Rinne picturing the two twins facing each other and for some reason, Kaguya breaking her base into two.
"Although I gotta say, my piano skills are a bit rusty". Kaguya remarked, gazing down at the musical instrument she was carrying. "Agreement. My skills with the flute are not as good as the base skills". Yuzuru stated, bringing up the flute and gazed at it. "I'm sorry you two, but they're important for the song I'm gonna sing". Eden's ruler apologized to the Berserk twins, giving an apologetic smile at them.
"That reminds me Rinne. What song are you gonna sing? I don't think with these instruments, your song will be like Miku's". Shiori commented, looking over at Kaguya's digital piano. "That's because I'm not gonna sing one like Miku's". Rinne told the blue-haired "girl", getting Shiori and Tohka to blink in surprise. "You're not? Then, what kinda song are you gonna sing?" Tohka asked her fellow Spirit with a curious tone, a question that made Eden's ruler smile a bit. "One that touches the people's hearts". Rinne answered, much to Tohka's confusion.
"Touches their hearts?" The Princess Spirit questioned, unable to understand what Rinne means by that. Without turning to look at Tohka, Eden's ruler nodded before gazing down at her feet as they continued on. "I've... unknowingly been thinking of making this song since my first week back. All I can say about it is that it represents all Shido and I have been through since Eden first activated, to the day the barrier came down". Rinne informed everyone, much to Shiori's wonder at how a song could fit what "she" and Rinne's gone through.
"Sounds interesting. I'm looking forward to it". Kaguya remarked with a slightly eager tone. "Wonder: I hope this song is truly one to be admired". Yuzuru commented, eager to see if Rinne's as good as Shiori claimed she was. "Don't worry, whatever Rinne sings we'll win! I got this, after all!" Tohka exclaimed, holding up her tambourine right as they all stopped walking. "Shido has bestowed this upon me!" She told her friends with a confident voice, much to the Yamai twins' fascination.
"Ah, the tambourine, the instrument of the maiden". Kaguya remarked as she began setting up her digital piano, recognizing the instrument in Tohka's hands. "Recognition: It suits you very well. I am not kidding". Yuzuru told Tohka, gazing down at her flute for a moment. Shiori grew a smile as he watched the Spirits, before the sounds of an explosion from the intercom caused "her" to flinch.
"Kotori? Did something just happen?" Shiori questioned, pressing "her" left hand against the device. "It's nothing. You need to focus on your performance, not me. Rinne's our last shot at winning this. I hope she lives up to the title "Raizen's Lorelei" like you said so'. Kotori told the disguised boy, right before cutting the transmission. Shiori frowned a bit, before gazing over to Rinne. Eden's ruler was gazing at everyone one at a time, before stopping at Shiori and gazed at the boy in disguise.
She was silent for a few moments, before eventually speaking. "Shido... Ever since I woke up that day here in Tengu City, I've been happy for this second chance. Being with you, Tohka, Yoshino, Kotori and Origami, I'm grateful". Rinne told her disguised boyfriend, before gazing over to Kaguya and Yuzuru. "And meeting both Kaguya and Yuzuru too. I'm really happy". She added, growing a small yet content smile as she slightly tilted her head down.
Shiori smiled at "her" girlfriend's words. "She" then walked over and placed "her" right hand on Rinne's shoulder, catching the Ruler Spirit's attention as she looked at Shiori. "I'm happy that you're here with us too. And I'm certain that everyone else will when they get their memories of Eden back. We'll even throw a party to celebrate you coming back to us". The disguised boy told Rinne, keeping "her" hand on Rinne's shoulder.
Eden's ruler's smile brightened at Shiori's words as they touched her heart. "Thank you, but... It's a little bit late to have a return party, don't you think?" Rinne said with a happy voice, yet that didn't wipe Shiori's smile away. "Maybe so, but that doesn't matter. I'm certain everyone would want to celebrate when they remember". Ratatoskr's main operative told the Ruler Spirit, something that made Rinne sigh first, before nodding to "her".
Rinne then turned her gaze to her fellow Spirits, just in time to see Kaguya finish setting up her digital piano's pedestal. "Tohka, Kaguya, Yuzuru, could you come over here for a moment?" She asked the three, catching the Spirits' attention as they gazed over to her. "What for?" Tohka asked with a curious voice, wondering why Rinne asked them that.
"It's just a little team thing where we come together and hold hands before the big event". Eden's ruler answered, much to her friends' confusion. Still, they did as Rinne asked and gather around. Rinne then took hold of Shiori's right hand with her left hand, and took Kaguya's left with her right hand. Kaguya looked over to Yuzuru and took hold of Yuzuru's left hand with her right hand.
Unlike the Yamai twins, Tohka wrapped her right arm around Shiori's left forearm, an action that made the disguised boy blush a bit. "Listen everyone. When you play, don't play using your heads. Play using your heart, and the memories you all have". Rinne told them all, speaking with a naturel tone. She turned to look at both Shiori and Tohka first, then gave a supporting smile at them. "Shido, Tohka. Play using the feelings you both build up in Eden. Just focus on your hearts and you'll play perfectly". Eden's ruler explained to them, giving a sort of peptalk.
Rinne then turned to look at Kaguya and Yuzuru. "Kaguya, Yuzuru. You may not have been in Eden with us, but these past two months is more than enough to make up for you. You've both enjoyed life without concern of either one of you disappearing. Focus on the memories and experiences you've both developed. Both of you will be amazing". Eden's ruler told the Berserk Spirits, speaking from the heart as she felt like both twins could play magnificently.
Shiori, Tohka, Kaguya and Yuzuru all stared at Rinne with wide eyes after listening to her speak. Her words had some sort of effect on them, almost like an influence, yet rallied them in a way. And even felt like they somehow know exactly the way they need to play in order to perform a flawless performance. All four of them grew confident smiles, before they nodded to Rinne, which she returned with her own.
'Our next performance is the Rizen High band!' The MC announced, getting them all to blink before they quickly let go of each other and got into position. Behind the curtain, all five of them heard applause from the audience. "This is it, everyone. Remember, play using your hearts". Rinne told her friends as she turned around to face forward, which Shiori, Tohka, Kaguya and Yuzuru nodded.
The stage lights turned on suddenly, something that made Rinne and Shiori cover their eyes for a moment. They lowered their hands and looked to see the audience watching them. It was truly different to be a part of the audience, and to be its center of attention as there were many more people than Shiori expected. Rinne's eyes scanned a few of the people watching, keeping calm as she did so.
'So many people... A stage truly is a place that requires great courage to sing in front of so many people. People with stage fright couldn't handle a place like this'. The Ruler Spirit thought to herself, before looking through the corner of her right eye. She saw Shiori reaching for "her" guitar's strings and Tohka holding up the tambourine with her right hand. Rinne then gazed through the left eye's corner to see Kaguya stretching both fingers out, while Yuzuru brought the flute up.
Rinne gazed forward, then down at the microphone stand in front of her with the microphone held towards the pink-haired girl. She took a deep breath with both eyes closed, then breathed out. Eden's ruler opened her eyes to reveal the gentle gaze she gave to the audience.
(Back with Origami)
Origami blasted a closing in Bandersnatch twice, one in the head and other in the waist, which broke it in half, before flying by. The legs fell to Tengu Square's roof and bounced off of it. Then a Territory appeared around the severed legs, before they exploded. Down below, two teenage girls were happily chatting with one of them carrying a cotan candy stick, before falling debris caught their attention. They looked up and saw explosions happening in the sky up above, a distant look of Origami's battle.
(Ratatoskr)
Tensions were high inside of Fraxinus as Ratatoskr was watching both the performance about to begin, and Origami's battle against DEM. Kotori's narrowed eyes were focused on the monitor, displaying concern as per Rinne's request earlier, they won't "assist" them and could only watch.
(Back down inside Tengu Square)
Rinne looked over to Kaguya, then nodded to her. The Berserk Spirit returned the nod, right as Rinne faced forward again. She brought up both hands, then brought them together as if she were praying with both eyes eyes.
Then... she began to sing right as the others began playing their instruments.
(Play Sword Art Online Smile for You)
'Yasashii kotoba o anata ga kureta (You gave me words of kindness)'
'Sabishii toki ni wa dakishimete kureta (You held me when I was lonely)'
'Kanashii koto mo atta kedo (Sad things happened)'
The song had just begun and already, the hearts of the audience were touched by Rinne's singing. The soft singing of Eden's ruler, the words she was saying and how peaceful she looked had stunned them all into silence. They weren't the only ones affected by the song, so were Tohka and Shiori.
The Princess Spirit felt the song touching her very spirit as feelings that felt buried deep within were resurfacing, feelings Tohka didn't even know she had. Shiori, on the other hand, felt "her" very heart stroke by Rinne's singing as it was bringing memories of Eden back. Such as the good memories and sad ones "she" experienced with Rinne. The disguised boy shed a single tear from his right eye, yet didn't stop playing his electric guitar.
'Asai haru no yorokobi mo futari de wakeatta (But together we shared the joy of early spring)'
'Toki ga owaru mae ni tooi hito ni (I searched for the words that I wanted to leave behind for someone far away)
'Nokoshitai kotoba o sagashita (Before my time ended)'
Up in the audience; Yoshino and Yoshinon watched in stunned silence as well. Just with Tohka, Rinne's song brought feelings from their hearts out. Feelings of pain and joy, ones they've "never" experienced before, but felt right to them. Yoshinon started to shed a few tears for reasons she didn't know.
(Outside in the air)
'Arigatou to tada kurikaeshita (I simply repeated, "Thank you")'
'Sore dake ga anata no mune ni (I hope that's the only thing)'
'Todokeba ii (that reaches your heart)'
Up in the air, Origami continued battling the DEM Wizards and Bandersnatch machines. She flew forward and fired energy blasts from White Licorice's cannons, blasting two Bandersnatches and causing them to explode. A single DEM Wizard flew through the smoke, revealing a Territory to be surrounding her, before a single missile came and blew up the jetpack on her back. The nameless female started falling as Origami continued soaring through the air.
'Alright. Yeah'. Origami thought to herself, eyes moving from one DEM Wizard to another with White Licorice's systems locking on the ones its pilot looked at. Jessica screamed out in frustration, firing her gun at the airborne Origami, yet kept missing. The AST girl spun around, then flew around from homing in missiles and right when they were about to strike, a Territory appeared and protected her.
Origami's Territory expanded, but didn't engulf any DEM Wizards or Bandersnatches. Their attacks, however, bounced off of the expanded Territory and instead struck a few Bandersnatch machines, causing them to explode. Jessica, looking over her left shoulder, started twitching both eyes at seeing Origami's masterful skills of piloting White Licorice. "Damn it!" She cursed, before looking over towards the soaring form of Origami. "What in the world are you? Tell me!?" Jessica shouted out, watching as Origami continued to avoid their onslaught.
(Back down inside Tengu Square)
Rinne stopped singing for a few moments, while Shiori, Tohka, Kaguya and Yuzuru continued playing their instruments. The Eden Ruler gently took the microphone from the stand with her right hand. She brought it up to her face, opened both eyes and continued singing.
'Kokoro yo douka tooku (May my heart)'
'Sora o kakete (soar far through the sky)'
'Hohoemi o anata ni tsutaete (and convey my smile to you)'
A few people of the audience began to shed some tears as well, for reasons they don't understand themselves. Their hearts were filed with all kinds of emotions; joy, sadness, happiness, so many to name that Rinne's song was somehow causing them to erupt from within.
'Kiete yuku haru no (A warmth)'
'Nagori no you na (that feels like the last traces)'
'Nukumori dake o sono mune ni (of the fading spring -)'
Up above in the Fraxinus, Ratatoskr watched through the monitor as Rinne singed her beautiful song. Kotori watched with wide eyes, right as she unintentionally shed a single tear. Ratatoskr's commander widened both eyes, then gazed at the tear as it runs down her cheek. Unknown feelings started invading her heart; different kinds of ones she didn't know she had.
Kotori turned her gaze back towards the monitor, gazing right at Rinne's image. The feelings erupting from out of nowhere only seemed to intensify when she looked at Rinne, but among them was a feeling she only experiences with Shido. A sense of trust, love, security and longing, almost as if to her, Rinne felt like an older sister to Kotori. "W-What...am I feeling?" She questioned, wondering if these feelings were hers that she developed inside of Eden.
'Sotto (If I can quietly)'
'Nokoshite yuketara (Leave just that inside of you)'
Back down in Tengu Square; Rinne ceased singing and gaze up towards the audience, to all the people watching. She gave a kind smile to them all, before saying the final lyrics of her song.
'Smile for you'.
Shiori, Tohka, Kaguya and Yuzuru all gently stopped playing their instruments, then looked towards the audience. All four of them gave a kind smile to all the people, just like Rinne.
(Music end)
The stage room was quiet for a few seconds, before slowly the audience began applauding, then cheering for the five students of Rizen High School, just like how they did for Miku's performance. Rinne let out a sigh of relief at seeing she had truly touched everyone's hearts with her song. "That was amazing, Rinne!" Tohka exclaimed, coming right up to Rinne on her left and brought her right hand up for a high five.
Eden's ruler smiled at her fellow Spirit. She turned to fully face Tohka and brought up her right hand. "I couldn't have done it without you, Kaguya, Yuzuru and Shiori, Tohka". Rinne told her friend, right before she gave Tohka the high five she was waiting on. Shiori watched "her" girls with a soft look, before gazing upwards towards the celling, as if "she" were gazing up at something.
(Back with Origami)
"Fire! Fire!" Jessica shouted out, almost crazily as this whole situation was getting to her mentally. Origami flew through the air, continuously dodging their attacks yet was beginning to slow down and have some trouble. Right as a missile was about to strike, Origami's Territory shield appeared and protected her once more. Soon after flying away from the explosion, the Territory quickly disappeared, and she continued on.
The AST girl gazed upwards, White Licorice's systems locking on all the closing in missiles. "They are too many of them". Origami stated, started to feel overwhelmed by all the DEM Wizards and Bandersnatches. She breathed out, right as the Territory shield reappeared around her.
A few missiles hit and bounced off, right before the Territory suddenly disappeared. A single missile flew right up and exploded right above Origami, the force causing her to grunt as she lost some altitude. Origami gritted her teeth, right before blood leaked out of her nose. Some of it fell on her left hand's fingers, right into her view.
Origami breathed out in disbelief at the sight of her own blood. "My...blood..." She whispered, right before someone started laughing at her. "Well, well". A familiar voice stated, which Origami turned and saw that it was Jessica. The DEM Commander laughed at the teenage girl, right as Origami's vision slowly started to turn blood red and become blurry.
"It appears your time here is almost up, O master Wizard". Jessica said with a taunting voice, right before White Licorice's systems went off for Origami, alerting her of incoming enemies from behind. The AST girl looked and saw it was more Bandersnatches flying in. "More of them". She stated, right as Jessica laughed once more and caught Origami's attention. "I'm afraid the tables have turned. I promise you this much; you're not leaving here alive". The DEM Wizard told Origami, face twisted with murderous intent.
(At Tengu Square)
All the performances have been done and now, it was time to announce the festival's top 3 winners. Standing on stage facing the audience were the 10 groups that performed, waiting to be announced which school won. Among the 10 were Shiori's group and Miku's as well. The Diva Spirit was still in her Astral Dress, while the Rizen High School group still wore their maid outfits. Tohka, Kaguya and Yuzuru all had their earpieces off as well since they no longer needed them.
As this was going on, Origami continued her battle against Jessica's squad. 'The results are in! Which of the performances from the 25th annual Tenngou Festival will emerge victorious?' The MC announced to the audience. Up high in the sky, Origami soared through the air, dodging her enemy's onslaught, but was having trouble dodging their lasers and missiles. 'In third place...' The MC began, Origami grunting a little before charging forward and fired back.
Back inside Tengu Square; a spotlight turned on above one of the 10 groups. 'Senjo University High School!" The MC finished, much to the group's joy at hearing this as the audience cheered for them. In their group; Shiori, Rinne, Tohka, Kaguya and Rinne quietly waited for the winner to be announced. The disguised boy turned his head to look towards Miku and saw her smiling as if she had already won. 'Next up... Oh my! What an unexpected development!" The MC exclaimed in surprise, catching everyone's attention.
Back outside up above; Origami barely managed to dodge a missile exploding next to her and flew away, dodging more missiles and lasers. The AST girl blinked upon feeling a sudden headache, yet fought through the pain and continued soaring through. She unleashed a barrage of missiles at some Bandersnatches, then fired lasers at more of the enemy machines.
'Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time in Tennoh Festival history; there's a two-way tie for first place between Rizen High and Rindoji!' The announcer revealed, two spotlights turning on above the two groups, much to their surprise as the audience cheered.
Origami breathed out heavy, before ascending high into the air with a few missiles chasing after her. She then flew downwards to try to lose them and managed so, but another barrage of missiles came on in and exploded around her, landing a hit on Origami.
'This is history in the making! Never has something like this happened before! Both Rizen and Rindoji gave magnificent performances that ended up with an even match!' The MC announced, much to the bewilderment of the two groups at learning this. The only one not stunned was Rinne as she gave a sigh of relief that they didn't lose. It wasn't a win or lose, but it could have ended worse for them.
'Next, we will check the overall rankings for today'. The announcer revealed, much to the audience's anticipation at learning this. Tohka turned to look at Shiori with a confused expression. "Shido, we didn't win". The Princess Spirit stated in confusion, right before Shiori turned to look at her with a reassuring smile. "They didn't win either. It was a draw". Shiori told Tohka, resulting in her blinking in wonder.
"That means we're safe from Miku's clutches". Rinne told her fellow Spirit, much to Tohka's joy at learning this as she turned to look at Eden's ruler. "True, but that also means you won't be sealing my powers". Miku stated, walking up to the Rizen High students and stopped 5 feet away from them. Shiori, Rinne, Tohka and the Yamai twins turned to look at the Diva Spirit with the ruler of Eden narrowing both eyes at her. "..." Rinne didn't speak, just kept staring at the Rindoji student.
"I must admit; I'm surprised that we ended up with a draw. You're quite the singer yourself, you know that". Miku said to the Ruler Spirit, giving an impressed smile at Rinne that she didn't return. The Diva Spirit then turned to look at Shiori with a sly smile. "Unfortunately for you, since this ended in a draw you won't be sealing my powers away. Too bad, guess you'll have to find some other way to do so". She told the disguised boy with a small smug voice, considering this to be acceptable since she didn't technically lose.
Shiori grew a bit worried at hearing this. While it was true "she" and the Spirits were safe now, it also meant Miku was still free to use her powers as she wished. And who knows what kind of damage she could further do if she hadn't been dealt with. 'First place in the overall ranking is... Raizen High! Congratulations!" The MC announced, right before the spotlight turned off for the Rindoji group, leaving the one above Shiori's group alone.
Shiori and the Spirits blinked in surprise as the crowd cheered, before all six of them turned to look at the nearby seen. It showed the ranking and true to what they heard, Raizen High was in first place, beating Rindoji since they were now in second place. The audience cheered for Rizen's victory, something that Shiori's group and Miku were still finding hard to believe. "Frist place? We won, really?" Shiori asked, finding it hard to believe as just a few minutes ago, "she" was worried about the tie.
In the audience, Yoshino and Yoshinon smiled in joy for their friends, glad that they won both the bet and Tennou Festival. 'Raizen High's Maid Cafe got an outstanding number of votes among the booths, which bumped them up past Rindoji into first place'. The announced explained, right as one of the screens changed to show Ai, Mai, Mii and a few other Rizen female maids in their café. The trio's leader was holding up a cup of tea with both hands, while the other two were standing on a table holding a flag with the words "Thanks for coming".
Miku's face fell at seeing and hearing this, before breaking into a sweat. Up in the audience; Tonomatchi sat with four glow sticks, two in each hand. "It's way simple. Miku cranked up the pressure big time during the stage performance part. However, Rindoji's true worth usually lies in their food booth's excellent ultra hotties per capita ratios, which unfortunately was completely negated this year". The young man said to himself, closing both eyes in disappointment as he himself wanted one of Rindoji's per capita ratios.
Shiori's mouth twitched a bit, laughing in a mix of relief and disbelief. "Shido!" Tohka exclaimed in delight, jumping at the disguised boy from behind and wrapped both arms around his neck in a hug, catching the attention of both Shiori and Miku as they looked at her. Shiori smiled down at Tohka's overjoyed face, then felt a hand placed upon "her" right shoulder. "Well duh, of course we're winners". A familiar voice stated, one that Shiori recognized as Kaguya's.
"Agreed. They never stood a chance against us". Yuzuru remarked from behind Tohka, her eyes showing a hint of joy in them despite the emotionless face she was currently displaying. Rinne smiled at her friends, truly relived that everything ended well for them.
Shiori gazed over to her "girlfriend", feeling as if she deserved some credit for how things turned out as well. "Guys, thank you for doing your best. You were all amazing, especially Rinne". The blue-haired "girl" told Tohka, Kaguya and Yuzuru, grabbing all of their attention as they looked at Rinne. "Yeah, Shido's right! Your singing was amazing, Rinne!" The Princess Spirit told Rinne with an honest tone, truly admiring Rinne's amazing singing.
"I'm in complete agreement. I've never heard anyone sing like you before". Kaguya told the Ruler Spirit, giving her a thumbs up with the left hand. "Awe: You're truly a singer unlike no other". Yuzuru said with a small smile directed at Rinne. The Ruler Spirit was touched by her friends' words as they truly moved her heart. "Thank you, everyone. It really means a lot to me". Rinne thanked her friends, happiness leaking out form the praise she was receiving.
Tohka and Kaguya began laughing in joy, a sign of them cheering for their victory. Miku, however, wasn't taking this so calmly as her hands were shaking in frustration. "You gotta be kidding me". Miku said, eyes covered by her bangs. Miku's words caught the attention of both Shiori and Rinne as they gazed over to her as the spotlights above them turned off.
"It doesn't make sense. There's no way they're actually serious". The Diva Spirit said in denial, taking a few steps forward with her fellow Rindoji students watching Miku in concern. "Don't you know? I'm Miku Izayoi, you fools! Understand?! Don't you understand?" She cried to the audience watching, denying what was happening right now. Tohka unwrapped her arms around Shiori's neck, allowing the disguised boy to take a few steps towards Miku.
"Miku". Shiori said to the Diva Spirt, which she flinched at hearing "her" voice. She then turned to look at the blue-haired "girl". "Just stop. My song won first place. I was supposed to win!" Miku exclaimed, growing a frown as she spoke. Rinne, Tohka, Kaguya and Yuzuru were now all staring at the Diva Spirit, all of them honestly taken back at her denial of losing. "Look; the reason we won may sound corny, but it was because we played together". Shiori told Rindoji's prized student, speaking from the heart and from the experience "she" undergone in Eden.
"What do you mean?" Miku questioned the blue-haired "girl", narrowing both eyes at Shiori. "What I mean is that we couldn't have won by ourselves. No matter how good someone is, they have their limits on what they can do on their own. But with friends supporting you, there's nothing you can't accomplish. I know that full well". Shiori explained, mind flashing back to the last day of Eden. How he was able to enter Eden's core thanks to Tohka, Kurumi, Yoshino, Kotori and Origami all destroying the four keystones of Eden's barrier.
Rinne gave a small smile at her disguised boyfriend's words since she knew full well they were true; having seen the power of unity and friendship herself. Her only regret is that she hasn't experienced that herself yet. "The other students of Rizen helped as well. They worked hard to help us win. Which means the humans you arrogantly looked down on can defeat you when they come together as a team. Our friendship, pain and trust in one another was what won us this victory". Shiori told Miku, something that made her eyebrows twitch at what "she" said.
"You can be a part of that too. Come with us and live for real, not in a fake world". Shiori offered to the Diva Spirit, but Miku turned her head away and lowered it, eyes once again hidden by the bangs. "...Shut your mouth". She told the blue-haired "girl", getting Shiori to blink in surprise and give a small gasp. "Friendship? Teamwork? Give me a break. I've got news for you". The Diva Spirit said, tilting her head up before turning to look at Shiori.
"Those words have no power against me". Miku told the disguised boy, before turning to face the audience. Shiori and Rinne widened their eyes in alarm because they knew what she was about to do, and unfortunately, there was nothing they could do.
Mikus left eye gleamed a bright red colour as she unleashed her power. "Gabriel!" Miku shouted out, throwing both arms out as the floor underneath her glowed bright white with yellow waves spreading out from within it. A shockwave burst forth, blowing everyone standing close away, including Shiori and Rinne. A giant gold organ with hundreds of pipes rose up from the ground; Miku's very Angel itself.
Everyone watching was rendered stunned and confused at what they were seeing. Yoshino and Yoshinon however, were both filled with concern at seeing this. "Oh no". Yoshino muttered to herself, knowing full well what Miku just summoned is. "Her Angel! This party's going wild!" The rabbit puppet cried out, waving both arms up and down anime style.
Miku gave an arrogant smirk at the audience, something that filled Shiori with dread. "Miku, wait! Listen to me, please!" The disguised boy cried out to Miku, a cry she ignored. She waved right hand, sparkles coming out as a transparent keyboard appeared in front of her. "Sing! Singing! Sing! Gabriel!" Miku shouted out to the heavens, holding both hands up then brought them down hard on the keyboard. She began playing, amplifying her voice in the form of purple rings that spread throughout the whole audience.
Shiori quickly placed both hands over "her" ears to block out Gabriel's music and shut both eyes. From their spots on the ground; Tohka, Kaguya and Yuzuru had wide eyes as they were hit with the purple rings as well. Even Yoshino and Yoshinon were as well. Rinne sat up from the ground and looked towards Miku before frowning in disapproval at her, the purple rings having no effect on her.
The audience had no chance of resisting Miku's power as they easily fell under her control. Slowly, all the glowsticks began to turn dark, until not a single one was glowing and only Gabriel and the stage lights were the only lights remaining. "No... Did you..." Shiori muttered to "herself", turning to look at all the people watching for a moment, then turned to Miku. "Miku... You can't do this, please!" The disguised boy exclaimed to Miku, both eyes narrowed at her.
The Diva Spirit turned to look at Shiori with a smug grin. "Hehehe... They were your friends, weren't they? So darn reliable. So earnestly committed". Miku chuckled, closing both eyes with her right hand over her mouth. She then gave a sinister smile down at Shiori, something that made "her" skin crawl. "And so easily bent to my will". She added, then pressed on three keys on her board.
The audience's glowsticks turned back on, but were now a purple colour. Shiori turned to look at the audience, blinking in dead at seeing them all under Miku's control. Tohka, Kaguya and Yuzuru were silent, their head downs with no sign of movement. Two mind controlled Rindoji students ran pass them to Shiori, grabbing hold of "her" arms, holding her up and still.
"Let me go!" Shiori exclaimed, trying to break free of their hold but wasn't able to. "I don't even care about the stupid promise anymore". Miku stated, the transparent keyboard disappearing before she began walking over to Shiori. The disguised boy glared at her approaching figure, something she ignored completely. "Because I will have my way and there's nothing in this world that can stop me. Now then..." The Diva Spirit stopped in front of Shiori and raised her right hand.
"You know what I want". Miku stated, placing her right hand's index finger on the "girl's" fake chest and started tracing it down. Shiori flinched with flushed cheeks at feeling Miku's finger, but was unable to stop her. Miku chuckled, leaning in to Shiori's face with a lustful look, one that the disguised boy almost flinched at. "Sweet Shiori-" The Diva Spirit spoke as she traced her finger down Shiori's leg, heading to a certain part.
However, a familiar hand shot out and grabbed a tight hold of Miku's right wrist, stopping her. Both Miku and Shiori turned and saw Rinne standing right beside them, stopping Miku from tracing her finger down any further.
The Ruler Spirit frowned at the Diva Spirit with clear distain for what she's done. "Get away...from my boyfriend!" Rinne exclaimed, pushing Miku away from her disguised boyfriend. The Diva Spirit stumbled back a bit unbalanced, but managed to regain her balance. Miku looked and saw Rinne pray the girl that was holding Shiori's left arm's arms off, then pushed her back.
Shiori quickly grabbed hold of the other girl's right arm and pulled it off of "her". Now free, the disguised boy pushed the control Rindoji girl back, before both he and Rinne turned to face Miku. The Diva Spirit was staring at Rinne as if she had two heads. "D-did you just call Shiori...your boyfriend?" The Diva Spirit questioned Rinne, a question that she didn't even flinch at. "You heard correctly, Miku Izayoi. Shiori Takamiya is actually my boyfriend; Shido Itsuka". Rinne told Miku with a serious voice, refusing to keep the secret anymore.
Shiori looked at Rinne with wide eyes at how she just revealed "her" true gender, but Shiori's surprise was nothing compared to the rage Miku was building up. The disguised boy gave a sigh of defeat, before turning to look at the Diva Spirit. "Calm down Miku. I..." Shido began to speak, only to be interrupted as Miku screamed out in rage with both arms up, expressing the rage she was feeling.
The transparent keyboard reappeared around Miku and she played it once more, releasing a sort of angry melody. Gabriel played once more, releasing the purple ring waves throughout the whole stage room again. It was more powerful than before as it almost blew Shiori and Rinne off their feet. The disguised boy used his left forearm to shield his face, while Eden's ruler held up both hands to protect herself.
The two Rindoji students weren't so lucky as they were blasted off their feet and sent flying. All the glowsticks changed colour from purple to red, as if it was a sign of Miku's anger. All the people began to rise from their seats and started headed to the stage, all under Miku's influence. "We're overwhelmingly outnumbered here". Rinne stated, both her and Shiori looked down the stage at the controlled people. "How dare you!" Miku angrily said, catching the couple's attention as they turned their gaze to her.
The Diva Spirit was glaring at the disguised boy in anger for deceiving her all this time. "You tried to fool me!" She exclaimed, no trace of lust or desire left for the disguised boy. "You won't get away from deceiving me!" Miku added, full of pure anger towards Shiori for feeling her. 'Crap'. Shido thought, then gazed towards the mind-controlled audience and saw no opening to escape.
"Shido, we have to leave now". Rinne told Ratatoskr's main operative, grabbing Shiori's attention as "she" looked at the pink-haired girl. "And go where? We're surrounded and there's nowhere to run". Shiori replied to Eden's ruler, something she had no argument to make against since it was true. Shiori turned to look at Miku, then slightly gritted "her" teeth. "Our only option is to stop Miku!" The disguised boy exclaimed, before taking off running to Miku with a cry.
Rinne widened both eyes at Shido's actions, reaching out to him with her right hand. "Shido, wait!" Eden's ruler called out in concern, right before she saw something through the corner of her right eye. Rinne slightly turned, then let out a low gasp of horror at what she saw. The Ruler Spirit quickly looked back towards her boyfriend, face displaying great concern for him.
"Shido, look out!" Rinne screamed out, catching Shiori off guard as "she" slowed "her" pace. And just in time as a wall of ice appeared and blocked Shiori's way to Miku. Shiori turned to see Yoshinon as Zadkiel there, growling at "her" with Yoshino seated on her Angel's back in a Limited Astral Dress. 'That's dangerous'. Yoshinon said with a snarl at Shiori, while the Hermit Spirit glared at the blue-haired "girl".
"You can't hurt her anymore. I won't let you". Yoshino said with a serious voice, Zadkiel coming over to stand in front of Shiori. "Yoshino! Not you too!" Shiori exclaimed in dismay at seeing the gentle Spirit under Miku's control as well. A powerful gust of wind came out of nowhere, getting Zadkiel to tilt its head and forcing Shiori to protect "her" eyes, before getting blown off the ground.
Shiori cried out, slamming and bouncing off the ground twice before finally stopping. "Shido!" Rinne exclaimed in concern, running over to her boyfriend and knelt down next to him. She looked to see both Berserk Spirits standing there, both in Limited Astral Dresses as well. Kaguya had her lance and Yuzuru her pendulum/chain. "Aha... You idiot. Did you really think we'd disobey our mistress's commands?" Kaguya questioned with a smirk, fully under Miku's control. "Scornful: We won't let you lay a finger on her. So, forget it". Yuzuru said with a glare, bringing up her chain/pendulum.
Rinne's eyes widen in horror, while Shiori sat up from the ground and looked at both Yamai twins. "Not even Kaguya and Kaguya could resist". The Ruler Spirit said in dread, having greatly underestimated Miku's power since she thought the Spirits would be unaffected, but was proven to be mistaken. Shiori turned her gaze back to Yoshino, then at the two Yamai sisters. 'We're in serious trouble'. The disguised boy thought, climbing back onto his feet. Rinne stood up fully on her feet, a single bit of sweat going down the right side of her cheek.
Miku let out a rather arrogant laugh at the whole situation. "Oh my, Shiori. I didn't know there were so many Spirits here! Or that they would be so charming!" The Diva Spirit said with a rather dark look, a sight that Rinne gave a small growl at. "But I'm not satisfied just yet. Not until I also have Rinne for myself". Miku said with a trace of lust leaking of her voice, something that made Eden's ruler feel sick to her stomach.
"I'd rather be erased from existence than to be yours". The Ruler Spirit said with a defiant tone, something that just made Miku chuckle at her. "I'm afraid you won't have a choice". Miku said to her fellow Spirit, words that made Rinne slightly frown in confusion. Just then, the sounds of a blade cutting the air caught the attention of Shiori and Rinne as they both widened eyes, right before a familiar blade came in from the side and held right in front of Shiori's neck, a mere inch away from piercing skin.
Shiori looked through the corner of "her" right eye to see, much to "her" horror, Tohka standing there. The Princess Spirit was also in a Limited Astral Dress, holding up her Angel with the right hand and staring at Shido with a cold gaze, much like the when they first met so long ago. "Tohka... Not you too". Shido muttered, feeling as if his very hope had been stolen just by the sight of Tohka being controlled by Miku.
Rinne turned, then gasped in absolute horror at seeing her friend holding Shiori hostage with Sandalphon. "Shido!" The Ruler Spirit exclaimed in dread, full attention on her friend and boyfriend that she was unable to do anything as two different pairs of arms grabbed hold of Rinne's arms in a tight hold. Rinne looked at her captives to see they were two female students of Senjo University High School, both under the full control of Miku.
"Rinne!" Shiori exclaimed in concern, right before feeling something grab hold of "her" arms as well. The disguised boy looked and saw that it was the same two Rindoji girls that held "her" hostage not so long ago, holding Shiori captive exactly like before. "Oh no". Shiori said in concern, Tohka lowering Sandalphon yet stayed where she stood. Miku's rather sinister chuckling grabbed both Shiori and Rinne's attention as they looked over to the Diva Spirit.
"Looks like it's the end of the road for the both of you. All the cards are in my hands now". Miku said as she walked pass Yoshino, Yoshinon, Kaguya and Yuzuru, her transparent keyboard disappearing as she took one step at a time. The Diva Spirit grew a sinister look as she stared down at Shiori, something that made him sweat in fear. "Now... It's time for you to pay for tricking me! With your head!" Miku exclaimed with outrageous anger, both Shiori and Rinne gasping in shock and horror at what she just said.
The two mind controlled Rindoji students forced Shiori down to "her" knees, tightly holding Shiori's arms and kept pushing "her" down. Tohka took Sandalphon into both hands, then raised it over her head. Rinne gave a gasp of fear as she recognized this from something she watched with Kaguya and Tohka; an execution by being beheaded. Eden's ruler started fighting the two controlled girls' hold, yet was unable to break free.
"Shido!" Rinne cried out in horror, continuing her struggle to break free of the hold that two of Miku's controlled girls had on her. No matter how hard she tried, Rinne couldn't break free. All she could do was watch as a controlled Tohka hold up Sandalphon, ready to bring it down at Miku's command and sever Shido's head from his body.
Shido gritted his teeth, still struggling to break free of the hold both Rindoji girls had on him, but like his girlfriend, he coudn't break free. Miku watched with a rather sinister smile down at the boy that tricked her. "I outta give you a far harsher punishment for deceiving me, but I'll make this quick and painless. Don't worry, I'll take good care of these girls you gave me". The Diva Spirit said with an icy cold voice at Shido, grabbing his attention as he looked up towards her with eyes full of pleading.
"Miku, please don't do this". The disguised boy begged the idol, yet she just gave him a dark glare for daring to speak to her. "Shut your trap, you filthy man. Ridding the world of you will be a great service, and most enjoyable for me". Miku said with a dark look, then looked towards Tohka with a sweet smile. "Okay my dear, make me proud". The Diva Spirit said to the Princess Spirit, speaking with a rather sweet and loving voice.
Tohka looked at Miku and nodded to her with a happy face. "Anyway for you, Miku". The Princess Spirit replied to Miku, then glanced down at Shido and glared at him. "Shido! SHIDO!" Rinne cried out in despair, desperately fighting against her captor's hold to reach her boyfriend, but still unable to break free.
Time seemed to go slow as Tohka began to swing her blade down to sever Shido's head from his body. As death drew near, Shido turned towards his struggling girlfriend and gave her perhaps his last gaze full of love. He said no words, yet Rinne saw in Shido's eyes all that he wanted to say. How he was happy that his last moments would be spent staring at her, the girl he loved the most in the world.
Rinne felt her heart ache for Shido, soul screaming out to save him. With her very soul, she screamed out her love's name. "SHIDOOOOO!" She shouted out with everything she had as Sandalphon was just a few mere inches away from ending Shido's life. Just as all hope seemed lost, a miracle happened.
Rinne's body suddenly burst into a bright and powerful white glow, blasting away the two mind-controlled girls that were holding Rinne captive.
(Play Thor Soundtrack - Thor Kills the Destroyer)
Rinne widened both eyes as they transform from light brown into a familiar pink, almost red colour. The sudden lightshow caught everyone's attention with Tohka stopping her swing, just as Sandalphon was an inch from Shido's neck, before they all turned to look at Rinne with expressions full of surprise. The light almost completely covered the pink-haired girl from view, only a silhouette was the only thing visible of her.
Rinne's maid cafe dress dissolved into sparkles as she finally transformed back into her Spirit form right before everyone's eyes. A white glow surrounded her body, before disappearing to reveal Eden's ruler wearing her Astral Dress. As they watched, Tohka, Yoshino and Yoshinon all grunted in pain, lowering their heads as they suddenly began to arch. Then, memories started rushing into their minds, their long-locked memories of Eden were finally resurfacing.
Rinne's hair grew from short to long, her braids reaching a length approaching her legs. Shido smiled widely like a kid on Christmas at finally seeing Rinne regain her powers and be restored to her Spirit form right before them all. Unknown to him was that a pink glowing orb of sorts emerged from his back, floating away a bit before disappearing.
The transforming form of Rinne slowly floated off the ground and into the air above the stage, everyone's eyes traced on her the whole time. "Impossible... She's a Spirit too?!" Miku questioned in disbelief that this whole time, Rinne was a Spirit as well.
In the glow, Rinne's decorated headdress appeared over her head. Finally, her veil appeared with a pink flash, covering Rinne's closed eyes. With her eyes closed, Rinne brought up her right hand and held it out.
From the powerful white light, two purplish pink energy blasts came up and blasted the two girls holding Shido captive. The two Rindoji students were sent flying with their grip on Shido released. The disguised boy fell, but managed to catch himself by placing both hands on the ground. All the Spirits looked at Shido in surprise, before a single energy blast came out of the light and struck Tohka, blasting her away with the Princess Spirit slamming into the wall hard.
Right as Miku, Yoshino, Kaguya and Yuzuru turned to look at Tohka's stuck to the wall form, the white light cleared to reveal Rinne's true form, the strongest Spirit that Shiod's ever encountered; Ruler.
She floated in the air in an elegant manner, hands to the shoulders bare and legs concealed by her dress. Ruler slowly opened her eyes and gazed down towards her boyfriend through the veil. Shido stared up at his girlfriend, breathless by her rather goddess radiance and beauty as he just realized at that moment, Rinne looked the most beautiful when she was in Spirit form. He breathed out happily with a wide smile, while Ruler had a relived face that Shido was safe from harm.
Ruler then gazed down at her hands, staring at not just them but her returned power. Ever since she awoke that day, she's felt like an important part of herself was missing, like half of her soul was gone. All this time; she's been living as she was only one half. Now though, she felt whole with the return of her other self; the return of Ruler.
Ruler let out a happy breath as she shed a single tear from her right eye. "...Welcome back, Ruler". Eden's restored ruler said to herself, feeling as if she's truly returned now as both sides of herself were once again one single being.
(At the AST base, same time as Ruler's awakening/ Music end)
In the AST's military base's observation room; the alarm suddenly went off. The whole room was flashing a bright red colour, something that made Ryouko let out a gasp of surprise at this unexpected development. "Hey! What the heck is going on here!?" The adult woman questioned the two young operatives in front of her, keeping a hold of the headset she used earlier.
"We're detecting traces of a Spirit! But it isn't Princess, Hermit or Nightmare!" One of the two female operatives reported to Ryouko, much to her alarm since she knew what this meant. "Are you saying there's a new Spirit?!" The black-haired woman questioned with an alarmed voice, right before she and the two operatives cried out in surprise as the keyboards in front of them exploded without warning.
In fact; all the high tech around started to explode, much to everyone's shock and horror. "What's happening!?" Ryouko cried out, demanding to know why everything was exploding. "The readings are unlike any we've ever seen before! It's more powerful than Princess, Hermit or Nightmare! The mainframe's short circuiting because it can't get a read on this Spirit's level of power!" One of the operatives informed the black-haired woman, before crying out as another monitor exploded.
Ryouko widened both eyes in surprise at what she just heard, finding it hard to believe. 'A Spirit that our mainframe can't match!? Just what is going on here, and who is this new Spirit!?' She shouted out inside her own mind, no clue on what or who was responsible for this incredible source of power.
(With Origami)
Origami grunted, flying through the air as she continued to dodge the barrage of lasers and missiles. The AST girl's eyes were focused as she tried to think of a strategy for a solution to her current predicament. 'I can't find an opening! And I'm growing weaker by the second! I have to do so something, or else Shido-' The white-haired girl thought, only to stop and grunt in pain as a sudden headache came out of nowhere.
Origami held her head, eyes shut in pain as suddenly flashes of images assaulted her. She saw many images like her playing soccer with Shido watching from the audience, both her and Shido in a bathtub and finally; the blue-haired boy wrapping his arms around her in a caring hug full of affection and care. 'W-what are these...memories?' Origami thought, head aching as feelings began assaulting her mentally.
Then, Origami's mind flashed as she remembered a special memory; perhaps the most important one.
(Flashback/ Play DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation {OST} 01 Small Happiness)
Origami gave a smile full of love as she stared at her husband; Shido, as he gently rubbed his left hand on Origami's pregnant stomach. The married couple were in their house's living room, spending time together since Shido had just returned home from work. Both their engagement rings were nested on their left hand's ring fingers, a sign of their marriage. Origami was sitting down on the couch, dressed in a light pink nightgown with her long hair in a side braid, while Shido stood in front of her.
Suddenly, Shido's face lit up in delight upon feeling the baby inside Origami gave a strong kick. "Oh, it moved. Origami, it just moved". Shido told his wife with an excited voice, much to her amusement as she gently rubbed both hands around her pregnant stomach. "So energetic. Like someone I know". Origami said with a soft voice, gazing down with eyes full of love for the unborn child inside of her.
Shido slightly flushed at his wife's words, before giving a small nervous chuckle. "Y-Yeah. I know!" He exclaimed with a bit of embarrassment yet was honestly happy by Origami's words. "I hope it's got some spunk. This is the proof of our love". The retired AST girl said, turning to look up at the boy she fell in love with and restored her heart. Shido gave a smile at Origami, then nodded his head at her. "Yes. I hope so". Shido said with a voice full of hope, eager to see their child soon.
"Hehe..." Origami gave an innocent laugh, closing both eyes in a peaceful manner. Shido's eyes widened at seeing Origami's face; one that always seemed to hypnotize him as it was the one he'd worked hard to see on Origami's face. A face full of life and love, no single trace of her past hatred for Spirits there. Shido reached out with his right hand and gently wrapped it around the back of Origami's head, gazing down at her with a face full of happiness and love.
'At last, our private war had ended. Now, a new era will begin with this soon-to-be-named life. An era that could take up the rest of our lives, protecting what's dear to us'. Shido thought, growing happier by the second just by thinking of this life after his and Origami's "war" that started in their teenage years. He then blinked upon realizing something, then gave Origami an eager smile.
"Oh, we need to think of a name soon. Got any ideas, Origami?" Shido asked his white-haired wife, reminding her that they still haven't picked a name for their unborn child yet. The pregnant woman nodded to her husband, keeping both eyes closed as she spoke. "Yes. Our child's name will be..." Origami then spoke the name for their soon-to-be-born child, something that made Shido's happy smile grow much larger.
(Flashback end/ Music end)
Origami opened her eyes with a gasp, right as she shed a single tear from her right eye. All her memories inside of Eden; of her life with Shido, their child, Rinne and the battle against Ruler were all unlocked right that instant, and her heart was in pain from remembering them all. 'My...memories...? But why? Why were they locked away?' Origami questioned inside her mind, flying like she was on auto-piolet despite the danger she was in.
To Origami; her memories were more important at the moment than focusing on the battle.
(Back inside Tengu Square/ Play Fairy Tail - Erza Scarlet - Theme [HD])
Ruler floated above the stage, staring down at Miku with cold eyes. All the while she, Kaguya and Yuzuru stared up at her in shock. Yoshino and Yoshinon were shaking in fear because unlike the other three, they knew exactly what they're facing right now.
Shiori remained silent from her spot, just gazing up at Ruler's majestic form in awe. However, a loud splat caught the disguised boy's attention as he looked over to see Tohka lying on the ground a little bit away, having just fallen from the small creator she made when she'd got blasted earlier. The Princess Spirit was already a bit injured, but not too much as she pushed herself to her knees, Sandalphon still held in the right hand. But beside that, Tohka made no move to get up fully and just stared up at Ruler in terror.
'Tohka's alright, but that must be because Rinne held back a lot. Even when she was at full power, Tohka was still easily blasted in oblivion when she fought against Ruler back in Eden'. The disguised boy thought to himself, having seen personally that Tohka was no match against Rinne in any way. Shiori then gazed over to Yoshino and Yoshinon, where "she" saw the two shaking in terror. 'Yoshino... Tohka... Do you finally remember?' Shiori questioned inside "her" mind, hoping that their fear was a sign that the two finally had their memories back.
As for Miku; she was slightly trembling as she looked towards Ruler's veil covered cold eyes. All this time she had been under the impression that Rinne was just a special human, but what she was seeing now changed Miku's option of her. Not to mention the pressure that Ruler was giving off was affecting the Diva Spirit greatly. It felt a bit like the one that gave Miku her Spirit powers, but different and powerful. All that bravado she had earlier was now gone just from seeing Eden's ruler.
"Miku Izayoi..." Ruler spoke the Diva Spirit's name, getting Miku to almost flinch. "You have proven to be a terrible person and Spirit. You refused to accept your defeat and used your powers to steal a victory that we earned fair and square. You carelessly wielded your Spirit powers, risking revealing the Spirits' existence to the public and took control of all the people here when they have nothing to do with this. But most of all, you tried to kill the man that I love". Eden's ruler continued, a trace of anger leaking out at the part of Miku nearly killing Shido.
The Diva Spirit did flinch this time at Ruler's leaking out anger. Ruler then narrowed both eyes down at Miku in a cold gaze. "As I said before; you are unworthy of Spirit powers bestrode upon you". The Ruler Spirit told Miku, words that replaced Miku's fear with anger as she glared up at Rinne with eyes full of anger. "Who do you think you are?! Talking that way to me!" She growled out, all traces of fear from earlier gone.
Ruler wasn't fazed by Miku's tone. All her earlier concerns of the Diva Spirit gone now that she had her Spirit powers back because she knew without a doubt; Miku was no match for her. She slightly turned, then raised her left hand just a bit. "I...am...Ruler". Eden's empress spoke her true name, something that Tohka and Yoshino flinched at hearing.
Miku, on the other hand, wasn't so worried as she gave an arrogant smirk at Ruler. "Ruler? Give me a break! If anyone is a ruler is, it's me". The Diva Spirit said with a voice full of arrogance, before she turned to look at the Berserk twins. "Okay my lovelies, take out that obvious deluded Spirit and I'll reward you two personally". Miku told Kaguya and Yuzuru with a seductive wink of the right eye.
Kaguya and Yuzuru looked at their "mistress" and nodded to her. "Reply: As you wish". The pendulum wielding Spirit replied to Miku with an obedient voice, still very much under Miku's control. "Yeah, we've got this in the bag. No sweat". Kaguya said with a confident smirk, confident they're a match for Ruler. The Diva Spirit gave a pleased smile at hearing their response.
The three Spirits turned to look up at Ruler, but just as they were about to make a move, Ruler made hers first. It was too fast that not even the naked eye could follow. One second, she was floating above the stage and the next, she was behind Miku, Kaguya and Yuzuru. It was hard to tell if she was standing, or floating slightly above the ground, but nonetheless.
The three Spirits widened their eyes in disbelief, while Shiori looked on in awe at seeing Ruler's incredible power once more. Eden's ruler slightly had her head tilted down, veil covering Ruler's eyes from view. "...The only deluded Spirit is you for thinking you're anything worthy of being called a ruler, Miku Izayoi". Ruler said, lifting her head to reveal the cold look in her eyes.
Then, something unexplainable happened. Some sort of great force struck Miku, Kaguya and Yuzuru at the exact same time. Miku was stuck right at her right cheek, a great force rammed into Kaguya's face and a powerful impact slammed into the back of Yuzuru's neck. Yuzuru slammed right down onto the ground creating a small creator. Kaguya blasted off of her feet and shot through the air, slamming into the wall far harder than Tohka did. Finally, Miku was sent spinning off of her feet right into Gabrial, slamming right into it and kicking up a bit of dust.
Shiori gasped and widened both eyes at the same time at what "she saw", or rather, didn't see. 'Don't tell me... Did Rinne move so fast that it took a few seconds for time to catch up?' The disguised boy questioned inside his mind. Shido was correct in his assumption; that was simply Ruler's speed, so fast that time wasn't able to keep up. She had backhanded Miku, palm strike Kaguya's face and finally, karate chop Yuzuru on the back of her neck. And the three couldn't do anything to stop her.
(Music end)
Ruler then started to walk (or glide) over to her lover, only to stop when a familiar roar erupted out of nowhere. The pink-haired female turned left to see Zadkiel charging towards her, Yoshino glaring at Ruler from atop her Angel. "I will never forgive you for hurting her!" Yoshino exclaimed in rage from seeing Ruler hurt Miku right before her eyes. "Get ready to be bulldozed over!" Yoshinon exclaimed at the pink-haired Spirit, who made no move to dodge or stop the approaching Angel.
Right as Zadkiel was right in front of her, Ruler widened both eyes, unleashing a powerful gust of wind that slammed into Zadkiel. The Angel was instantly pushed back, sliding across the ground until it slammed into the wall, kicking up a bit of dust with Yoshino crying out a bit. Ruler's expression softened at hearing Yoshino's cry, keeping both eyes on the dust concealed form of Zadkiel.
"I'm sorry; Yoshino and Yoshinon". Ruler apologized to her mind-controlled friends, bringing up her left hand and effortlessly caught a familiar blade. She turned her gaze to meet a shocked Tohka's face. The Princess Spirit had tried to attack Ruler with Sandalphon when she was looking away, but that attempt ended in terrible failure.
Ruler gave a small smile at her close friend, and first Spirit she ever fought back in Eden. "Tohka... You of all people should know that you have no chance of victory against me". Eden's empress said to the Ruler Spirit, right before she began to squeeze Tohka's Angel. Almost instantly, Sandalphon's blade shattered into pieces almost exactly how Ellen did it. The sight of which left Tohka and Shiori breathless from seeing Sandalphon's destruction again.
Ruler, moving like a blur, reared her right hand in and then thrust it forward and grabbed hold of Tohka's face. Tohka let out muffled cries, grabbing hold of Ruler's wrist in an effort to get her to let go, but it was no good as Ruler held the Princess Spirit up above the ground. Shiori widened "her" eyes in concern for Tohka, before quickly climbing up to "her" feet. "Rinne, what are you doing to Tohka?" The disguised boy asked Ruler in concern, having full faith in his girlfriend yet couldn't help getting worried.
Ruler looked at her boyfriend and gave a reassuring smile to calm his concerns. "Don't worry. Everything's going to be alright". The pink-haired female told Shiori, then turned her gaze to Tohka and hardened it. "I'm going to free Tohka from Miku's control". Ruler revealed, getting Shiori to gasp in surprise since "she" wasn't expecting to hear this. Deciding to trust in Rinne, the disguised Shido kept quiet and made no move to interfere.
Ruler gazed through her veil into Tohka's struggle filled eyes, then spoke softly. "Tohka... I'll free you from Miku now". Eden's empress said to her friend, right before a pinkish see-through aurora appeared her; a small sign of Ruler's power. The see-through aurora then spread out and entered inside of Tohka through her eyes. The Princess Spirit let out a muffled cry, both eyes beginning to glow a pinkish colour.
Then, to Shiori's surprise, purple rings exactly like the ones Miku released earlier shot out of Tohka's eyes for a few moments. Tohka let go of Ruler's wrist and let out a muffled, confused sound at. She gazed at Ruler and stared at her for a few moments, before growling a delighted expression and gave an excited cry, still muffled though, and started reaching out to her.
The pink-haired female gave a relived smile as she gently lowered Tohka to her feet and let go of Tohka's face. Immediately, the Princess Spirit ran over and wrapped her arms around Rinne in a deep hug full of joy. "Rinne!" Tohka exclaimed in joy, both eyes closed in a delightful way. Ruler blinked down at her fellow Spirit, before growing an expression that's a mix of joy and relief.
"Tohka? Do you...?" Ruler asked her friend, which Tohka eagerly nodded her head to answer. "I remember! I remember everything now! I remember you teaching me how to cook and telling me about marriage! I finally have my memories back!" The Princess Spirit exclaimed in absolute joy, sheading a single tear of joy from her closed right eye. Tohka's words filled Ruler and Shiori with absolute relief to finally hear that someone remember the events of Eden.
Ruler wrapped her arms around Tohka and returned the hug, closing both eyes to enjoy this moment. Shiori brought "her" left hand to the intercom to talk with Kotori. "Kotori, you there?" The disguised boy asked with an excited voice, hoping that if Tohka remembered then his sister would as well. 'Yeah, what?' Ratatoskr's commander responded, not really sounding too happy or anything. Shiori was too filled with excitement to notice however as "her" mind was only focused on everyone finally regaining their memories.
"Rinne's finally got her Spirit powers back, and Tohka remembers everything from Eden now! That must mean you remember too, right?" Shido asked his sister with a hopeful boy, only to be caught off guard when Kotori let out a growl. 'Who cares! Everything was a lot better when that witch was nothing but a helpless damsel!' Kotori exclaimed with a voice full of anger, causing the disguised boy to widen both eyes in alarm.
(Inside Fraxinus/ Play Fairy Tail OST - Evil Minds)
The whole Ratatoskr crew had all fallen under Miku's control. It seems that her voice even reached them from inside Fraxinus and now; they were all glaring at the monitor as it showed Ruler and Tohka's hugging image. The only one wasn't control somehow was Hinako somehow, who was standing near the left entrance in fear. "You evil she-devil!" Munechika exclaimed in rage, standing up from his setup with teeth harshly gritted.
"How dare you even lay a finger on Mistress Miku! You will pay for that!" Kyouji shouted out, filled with mind-controlled anger towards Ruler for hurting Miku. "He's right! Disappear like you were meant to, Ruler!" Kozue shouted out, thrusting her left fist into the air. Kotori was, likewise, glaring at the monitor. Also, for some reason, she was using Kannazuki as a chair, something he had no problem with because he had a face of pure delight.
(Back down in Tengu Square)
'Miku's song reached them from down here! Shit!' Shido exclaimed inside his mind on full alarm from realizing the situation was still a bad one. He turned towards the hugging forms of Ruler and Tohka. "Rinne! Tohka!" He cried out to them, grabbing both Spirits' attention as they stopped hugging and looked at the disguised boy. "Kotori and the others in Fraxinus! They were affected by Miku's song and fallen under her control!" Ratatoskr's main operative informed them with a voice full of alarm and concern.
Ruler slightly widen both eyes and Tohka let out a gasp. "I see. So, Miku can even take control of someone watching from a distance". Eden's empress said, both her and the Princess Spirit unwrapping their hands around each other. "So that's what's going on!? Miku's taken control of everyone?!" Tohka exclaimed in realization, now understanding what just happened and figured how she must have been under Miku's control.
Shido nodded to the Princess Spirit, but when he was about to speak, someone else beat him to it. "How dare you!" A familiar voice said in anger, grabbing the attention of all three of them. Shido, Ruler and Tohka looked to see Miku standing up on her feet with her head tilted down, bangs covering the eyes. The Diva's Spirits had a few tears here and there, but not to the point it was completely ruined. Just a bit messed up.
Miku tilted her head up to reveal the look of absolute rage that was directed at Ruler. "HOW DARE YOU HURT ME!" She screamed out, releasing a powerful gust of wind at them. Shido and Tohka shut their eyes and brought up both hands, hair and outfits blowing strongly from the gust of wind. Ruler, however, didn't so much as flinch. She only stared at Miku with a cold gaze as her hair, dress and veil blew slightly in the breeze.
The gust of wind quickly died down, much to the relief of Shido and Tohka as they opened their eyes to gaze towards Miku. But their attention was quickly caught by loud footsteps. The two turned to see Zadkiel slowly approaching with a dangerous look, Yoshino displaying a face of anger from Zadkiel's back.
Kaguya managed to force her way out of the wall and took flight, while Yuzuru floated off the ground and into the air. Like the controlled Hermit Spirit, both of them were glaring at Ruler in anger. Just like Miku, all three Spirits' Limited Astral Dresses were scrapped a little bit, but not ruined completely. "We're surrounded". Shido stated, taking a step back while Ruler turned to look at Yoshino, Kaguya and Yuzuru one by one. Tohka gave a determined face, right before she took a step forward.
"That won't matter! Sandalphon!" The Princess Spirit exclaimed, before stomping the ground with her right foot to resummon her Angel. A red glow appeared on the ground next to Tohka, before Tohka's throne with a restored sheathed Sandalphon raised up from the glow. "Haaahhhh!" Tohka breathed out, jumping onto the left armrest with her right leg and reached for Sandalphon's handle. The Princess Spirit drew her blade into the air as she stepped back onto normal ground, then pointed Sandalphon forward in a stance.
Without explanation, Ruler held her left hand out in Tohka's way, stopping her. The Princess Spirit and Shido looked at the pink-haired girl for an explanation, but she only just shook her head. "Tohka, you focus on protecting Shido. I'll take care of this. Besides..." Ruler said, then grew a small smirk on her face. "Whoever said we were outnumbered?" She questioned the two, something that made both Tohka and Shido blink in confusion.
(Back inside Fraxinus/ Music end)
The left entrance to the main bridge opened to reveal Reine, back in her uniform, seemingly normal. Hinako turned to look at the sleep deprived woman with wide eyes as Reine stepped inside. "What's going on?" Reine questioned, the entrance closing behind her. "Hey, you're not affected, are you?" The famed Nail Knocker questioned her co-worker, turning to fully face Reine, who just looked at her in confusion.
"While I was analyzing the sound on stage, everyone suddenly started acting weird". The black-haired woman told Reine, before the alarm suddenly went off without warning. The two looked over as the ship's AI announced something. 'Basic Realizers operating in parallel. Charging magic power... Preparing to fire the Convergent Magic Cannon. Targeting Tengu Square center stage'. Fraxinus's AI announced as the ship deactivated it cloaking field and brought out its cannon; the Misteltein with it aimed right at Tengu Square where Shido and everyone else was. It began charging up power to fire down at the location, right before an orange magic circle appeared in front of its cannon.
Hinako turned to look at the scowling Kotori for an explanation. "Commander, why is it powering up?" The famed Nail Knocker questioned Ratatoskr's young captain, a question that Kotori gave a growl at. "Because I'm planning to do what I couldn't before and eradicate Ruler from the face of the Earth!" Kotori answered with her voice full of anger, something that made Hinako and Reine blink.
The famed Nail Knocker took a step forward, now displaying a face of concern. "You can't! Our memories of inside Eden have returned, so you have to know that Ruler's too powerful even for the Fraxinus!" Hinako exclaimed, her memories of inside Eden restored as well including the battle against Eden's empress. "And isn't Rinne Sonogami like your sister?" Reine questioned Kotori, her memories of Eden reminding the sleep deprived woman of the bond Kotori had with the Ruler Spirit.
Kotori gritted her teeth very hard at their words as they triggered her anger greatly. "She...is no sister of mine!" She growled out, completely under Miku's control that she had no idea what she's even saying as those were words she'd never say normally. Hinako flinched at Kotori's harsh words, before turning to the blissful Kannazuki with a hopeful look.
"Vice-Commander, help me stop her". She pleaded to the adult man, grabbing Kannazuki's attention as he turned to look at her with a serious face. "I'll ask you not to interfere. I can't let this end. I've finally found my utopia". The blond-haired man told Nail Knocker, much to her comical anger at seeing he was perfectly "normal". "You mean you're not under her mind control!?" Hinako questioned with a comical anger filled voice that the crazy adult man was fine with this.
Kannazuku regained his blissful smiling face with slight flushed cheeks, while Reine and Hinako turned to look at the other Rataotskr crew members as they jumped and grabbed hold of both females, trapping them in place. Both females grunted, trying to break free from their hold. Kotori pointed her strawberry lollypop forward and Kannazuki, understanding the unspoken message, began to move forward to take the young girl to the controls.
(Back down at Tengu Square/ Play Fairy Tail Dragon Cry Ost - Lucy's Counterattack)
Yoshino on Zadkiel, Kaguya and Yuzuru surrounded Ruler, Shido and Tohka on three sides in a triangle formation. Miku stood a few feet across Ruler, glaring at Eden's empress with rage filled eyes. "How dare you strike me! You're gonna pay for that with your very life!" The Diva Spirit shouted at Ruler, her twitching right eye a sign of Miku's anger and her losing it a bit.
"Your empty threats mean nothing to me, Miku. You're no threat now that I'm restored". Ruler replied to Miku, eyes and voice cold as she spoke to the Diva Spirit. "Uhhh, Rinne? That may be true for you, but that's not the case for Tohka and I". Shido said nervously from behind his girlfriend, something that Tohka nodded to as she held Sandalphon with both hands.
"Shido's right. I'm not sure I can handle Yoshino, Kaguya and Yuzuru by myself". The Princess Spirit remarked, not so confident she can defeat her mind-controlled friends without help. Ruler grew a small grin at the words of her boyfriend and friend, then let out a small chuckle. "Shido, Tohka. You've both seemed to have forgotten about something I can do". The pink-haired female said with a confident voice. Shido and Tohka tilted their heads at Ruler, wondering what she meant by that exactly.
"I will kill you personally!" Miku told Ruler, yet her threat wasn't acknowledged by Eden's empress. Ruler began to slowly rise her right hand. "Appear...!" She began, stopping her right hand and held it forward towards Miku. "Loyal warriors of the Ruler!" The pink-haired girl continued, a spark of purplish pink coloured energy briefly appearing her hand.
In front of the pink-haired female, three purplish pink magical rings appeared on the ground in an uneven line. Everyone except Ruler gazed down at the magical rings in surprise, all wondering what they were.
(Back with Ratatoskr)
Kannazuki brought Kotori to her control console with the screen showing a button with the word "Fire" on it. Ratatoskr's young commander brought her right hand's index finger close to it, just a mere inch from pressing the button and firing on Tengu Square. "Now all I have to do is-" Kotori spoke, only to stop when three purplish pink magical rings appeared on the ground below the monitor.
Everyone looked towards the magical rings in bewilderment, wondering what those were.
(Both locations at the same time)
Slowly, cloaked humanoid beings with 6 wings slowly began to emerge from the magical rings. All of them looking completely identical with the only difference being the colours of their cloaks; red, white, or black. Shiori, Tohka, Yoshino and Kotori all widen their eyes at seeing this, all of them recognizing these cloaked figures from their time in Eden.
"My guardians!" Ruler cried out with conviction as all six cloaked figures fully emerged and the magical rings disappeared. They were the same "Spirits" Shido and the others faced inside of Eden that protected the keystones, having returned to serve their Ruler once more.
(Tengu Square)
'Oh no, not these guys again!' Yoshinon exclaimed at seeing the Guardians reappear, having thought that those things were history after the final battle inside Eden. Yoshino stared at Ruler's Guardians with a hint of fear because they were powerful, something she knew personally. "What the heck!? Who are these guys?!" Kaguya questioned with narrowed eyes, no knowledge of these cloaked beings or how powerful they were. "Uncertainty: I don't know". Yuzuru commented with an uncertain voice, starting to feel a bit uneasy.
Shido and Tohka had wide eyes, both stunned at how Ruler summoned those same cloaked Guardians that they encountered in Eden. "Wow... Rinne can just summon those things whenever she wants?" The disguised boy asked in awe, wondering if she always had that ability back in Eden or if it's just a nice trick. "With this, the odds are even!" Tohka exclaimed in joy, holding both hands up to express her joy.
Miku growled in anger at Ruler, before growing a smug grin. She reared her left hand in, then swiped it out and resummoned her transparent keyboard. She played it once more; releasing the purple ring waves once more at Ruler, Shido, Tohka and the guardians. Shido and Tohka shut their eyes and placed both hands over their ears to block out the sound. Ruler and her guardians, though, weren't the least bit affected.
The purple ring waves disappeared quickly with Miku displaying a smug grin at Ruler and her Guardians. But it quickly fell at seeing the cloaked figures not under her control. Ruler gave a grin at the Diva Spirit as her Guardians all took flight. "Sorry, but my Guardians are loyal only to me". Eden's empress said with a voice that didn't really give off the impression she's sorry for anything.
Miku growled in anger once more, before pointing forward with her right hand's index finger. "Take them out!" The Diva Spirit commanded her controlled Spirits, an order they obeyed completely. Zadkiel roared, unleashing a blizzard tornado, Kaguya flew down with her lance out to pierce something and Yuzuru thrust her chain/pendulum out. Immediately; Ruler's Guardians took action as they all shot forward.
The black cloaked Guardian flew down in front of the approaching blizzard tornado and threw both hands out, stopping it with its bare hands. The red Guardian flew towards Kaguya, before holding out its right hand. To Kaguya's shock and disbelief, the Guardian stopped her lance without getting impaled through, as if its skin was harder than steel. Finally, the white one effortlessly caught Yuzuru's chain/pendulum with its right hand, much to her astonishment.
Now, it was the Guardians' turn to attack. The black one spread her hands apart, splitting the blizzard tornado. It then flew forward fast, and right when it was in front of Zadkiel, the Guardian suddenly flew upwards. Once it was high enough, the black cloaked Guardian dived down and slammed its left hand down on Zadkiel's head. The result; Zadkiel's head slammed right down on the stage ground.
Yoshino gasped in dread, but before she could do anything, the black Guardian flew forward and stopped in front of her. It held its left hand out in front of Yoshino's face, a purplish pink ball of energy appearing in front of the palm, ready to be unleashed. And just like that, Yoshino lost to the same kind of Guardian she defeated back in Eden.
The red Guardian thrust its left hand forward, releasing a powerful force that blew Kaguya away with the Berserk Spirit crying out in surprise. Ruler's Guardian brought its hands together, then fired five purplish pink energy blasts at Kaguya. Almost instantly after she regained her balance, Kaguya was blasted 5 times with every energy blast exploding upon impact.
On the fifth explosion, Kaguya was blasted away and crashed into the wall hard, creating a small creator in the shape of her body. The Berserk Spirit grunted in pain, both eyes closed and lance still somehow grasped in the right hand. Kaguya weakly opened her eyes, only to blink in shock upon seeing the red Guardian flying in front of her, holding out its left hand with another purplish pink energy blast ready to be unleashed. And like that, Kaguya was defeated as well.
The white Guardian pulled hard on Yuzuru's chain/pendulum, pulling the Berserk Spirit along. As Yuzuru was pulled towards it, the Guardian held up its left hand right as a purplish pink energy blast appeared above it. Right when the orange-haired girl was about to ram into it, Ruler's servant moved aside. Time seemed to go very slowly as Yuzuru began to pass by, Ruler's white minion brought its left hand to above Yuzuru's back and fired.
The energy blast exploded instantly upon making contact, blasting Yuzuru down straight towards the stage. Yuzuru crashed onto the ground, kicking up a bit of dust. She groaned, trying to push herself back up yet the white Guardian came down next to Yuzuru, put its right hand behind Yuzuru's head and slammed it down on the ground. And just like that, the third fight ended.
All of this happened around the exact same time, much to Miku's shock at seeing this rather unbelievable sight. She wasn't the only ones stunned, so were Shido and Tohka as they never expected the Gurdians to easily defeat their mind-controlled friends. "Whoa... I knew they were powerful, but I didn't think those Guardians were this strong". The disguised boy commented, thinking back to how the Spirits faced Ruler's Guardians back in Eden and were defeated. "I guess they were stronger than I thought". Tohka remarked, bringing Sandalphon down since there's no reason to hold it up.
Throughout all this; Ruler hasn't moved an inch since she summoned her Guardians. She didn't even turn to watch them battle, just kept staring at the Diva Spirit. She began to move forward, then seemed to become a blur as the next second, she's right in front of Miku. Miku let out a gasp of surprise, right before Ruler's right hand shot out and grabbed the Diva Spirit roughly around the neck.
Miku grabbed hold of Ruler's arm with both hands and tried to force her to let go, but like Tohka, it didn't work. The pink-haired female glared at Miku, lifting her off the ground and up above. "My Guardians are powerful enough that sealed Spirits don't have a chance against them. They can only be defeated by those around unsealed Spirits' level of power. While they take care of Kaguya, Yuzuru and Yoshino, I'm free to deal with you". Ruler said to Miku with an icy cold voice, something that made the Diva Spirit shiver in fear.
(Back inside Fraxinus/ Music end)
The main bridge of Fraxinus had been reduced to a mess. Kyouji, Masaomi, Munechika and Kozue were all lying in a dog pile, eyes as comical swirls with all four of them groaning a bit. The black and white Gurdians were standing around them. The red one, however, was standing in front of Kotori, still seated on top of Kannazuki, holding its right hand out in front of Ratatoskr's commander with a purplish pink energy blast ready to be unleashed.
Reine and Hinako were standing off to the side, both silently watching as all of this happened. It was rather easy to explain; the Guardians showed up, easily handled Ratatoskr's controlled members and stopped Kotori from firing the cannon. And now, they were just waiting to see what happens next.
Kotori scowled at the red Guardian, while Kannazuki was just enjoying himself still. "I thought we destroyed you guys back in Eden, so how are you here?" Ratatoskr's commander questioned Ruler's servant, yet didn't receive an answer from the cloaked being. Kotori growled from the lack of answer as it was the final nail on the coffin for her. "That's it! I'll just turn you to ashes myself!" Shido's little sister exclaimed, standing up from Kannazuki's back, much to his disappointment, and stood face-to-face with the red Guardian.
Reine and Hinako widened their eyes in alarm, knowing full well what their young commander meant by that. "Don't tell me she's..." Nail Knocker said in shock that Kotori, even under Miku's control, would use her Spirit powers here in Fraxinus. "She is! Under Diva's control, Kotori has no idea what she's doing". The sleep deprived woman said with narrowed eyes, fully aware that Kotori could burn the whole ship from the inside if this went on.
Just as the young Itsuka sibling was about to unleash her Spirit powers; the left entrance opened, and a black shadow covered figure leaped into the room and landed behind Kotori. Before Ratatoskr's commander could even turn to look, the unknown figure karate chopped Kotori's back, knocking her out instantly. She began to fall forward, but was caught by the red guardian, no longer readying an energy blast to fire and was now holding Shido's little sister with care.
"Anyone want to tell me what's going on here?" The unknown figure questioned, grabbing everyone's attention as they looked at the new arrival. To the Ratatoskr crew's astonishment, it was Mana fully restored without a single trace of her injures.
Shido's biological sister was wearing her normal outfit, only without the jacket. "And start from the top. I've been away for a while, so I don't know what's going on". Mana added, gazing directly at the red Guardian in front of her.
(With Origami)
Origami was bombarded with lasers and missiles, creating a smokescreen that covered her from view. All the DEM Wizards and Bandersnatches continued to fire, Jessica included, upon the AST girl. All the attacks quickly caused an explosion, but Origami flew out of the smoke cloud left behind, yet White Licorice's left cannon fell off. Despite all that's happen; Origami still had the same look of disbelief she grew earlier displayed, as if the attacks weren't even worth her attention.
"Not so hot now". Jessica said with a mocking tone, flying a few feet away from Origami with a few DEM Wizards and Bandersnatches around her. "Shame there isn't more time to really work you over. But there are more important things to do". The red-haired girl continued, before pointing her gun right towards Origami. "Let's put an end to this, shall we?" Jessica said, only to frown at seeing Origami gazing downwards instead of right at her.
Origami's mind continued to flash images of memories to her; memories of her time inside Eden. It was so overwhelming that all the white-haired girl's attention was on it and not the battle at hand. 'Why... Why did I forget everything? Why did my memories disappear like that and what happened after Ruler knocked me unconscious inside Eden's core?' Origami continued to question herself, asking questions she won't be receiving an answer right now.
Jessica scowled for the lack of fear or uncertainty on Origami's face, dissatisfied that this girl won't give her a satisfying end. Just as she was about to open fire; an unexpected calvery arrived for Origami. Up above a light twinkled, before a powerful big gold energy beam came right down in between Origami and the DEM army. Some DEM Wizards flew away, while Origami finally tilted her head up.
(Play She's a Knockout!)
Jessica turned her attention to the golden energy beam as it passed through a few Bandersnatches and destroyed them. The beam disappeared, before a familiar girl flew down from above out of nowhere. It was Mana, equipped with a new a black and blue CR-Unit that vaguely resembled a wolf's fangs and claws. The thrusters were going off as the blue-haired girl flew right past the smoke cloud down towards Tengu Square.
Then, she started zig zagging around and then back upwards and stopped in front of Origami, staring directly at a shocked Jessica. "What the hell!?" The DEM commander questioned in shock, while Origami stared at Mana with slightly wide eyes. "M-Mana?" The AST girl said in disbelief to see the little sister of the man she had a child with back inside Eden.
"Long time no see, Master Sergent Tobiichi". Mana greeted her friend, sparing Origami a glance before returning her gaze to Jessica. "And my my. Fancy bumping into you like this, Jessica". The blue-haired girl coldly glared at Jessica, who was still shocked at seeing Mana as her enemy. "Adeptus 2?! I demand to know why you're attacking us?!" Jessica demanded, right eye twitching because the tables had turned once more.
Mana just narrowed her eyes at the older woman in response. "I don't think I'm going to go by that codename anymore. It's no longer needed since I'm quitting DEM Industries!" Mana declared, much to Jessica's rage at hearing this, her gritted teeth a sign of her anger. "I won't let you betray Master Westcott!" Jessica exclaimed, bringing her gun up and pointed it towards Mana.
The blue-haired girl chuckled with a rather sly grin at Jessica's words. "Tell that to my new friends". Mana remarked, much to the confusion of Origami and Jessica as they both blinked. From up above a purplish pink energy blast came down on Jessica's right hand and stuck her gun. It exploded and pushed Jessica back with her crying out a bit. She managed to regain control and steadied herself.
"Now what!?" Jessica exclaimed in annoyance, before she and her squad gazed upwards to where that unexpected attack came from. Origami looked up as well, only to gasp in shock at what she saw. Flying down towards the army of DEM Wizards and Bandernsatches were the three Guardians that subdued the mind-controlled Ratatoskr, having followed Mana after she left Fraxinus earlier.
Mana grew an excited grin, right before pointing forward with the right hand. "Get em, girls!" She called out with a voice full of excitement. All three cloaked beings nodded, before the red and white one spread their wings and stopped their descent. The black Guardian continued on and collided right into a single Bandersnatch, resulting in the machine exploding. Almost instantly, the black Guardian flew out of the smoke cloud left behind.
It continued on and grabbed a random DEM Wizard by the throat with its left hand. The captive female let go of her blast and grabbed hold of her captor's arm, trying to break free, but was failing. Another DEM Wizard gritted her teeth at seeing this, before aiming her gun at Ruler's servant and fired.
However, the black Guardian held its captive forward, effortlessly using her as a shield as her jetpack was hit and exploded. Ruler's servant let go of its captive, resulting in her falling from the sky with a scream, before firing a purplish pink energy blast at the one that attack it. It struck and exploded on impact, resulting in the female screaming in pain.
The other Guardians provided backup as they held their hands out, firing energy blasts at DEM Wizards and Bandersnatches, blasting them with perfect aim. A few female wizards and Bandersnatches fired blasts and missiles at the unknown opponents, but the Guardians just dodged and blasted the missiles before they got too close.
Jessica turned her back to Mana so that she could watch her squad start to get destroyed by the three Guardians. "What the hell are those things!? Are they Spirits?!" The red-haired girl questioned in shock, starting to consider today to be a really bad one. She then felt a chill upon feeling a familiar presence right behind her. "You of all people should know to never turn your back on an opponent". Mana said from behind the red-haired female, right before equipping her gauntlet blade on.
Right Jessica could even start to turn around, Mana cut her jetpack in half. The red-haired female turned around, only to let out a gasp of pain as Mana slammed her clawed right hand into her stomach. Jessica, rendered unconscious, began to fall, but Mana quickly caught her by the hair with her unequipped gauntlet blade right hand. Mana brought the unconscious woman right up to her face.
"Vanargand, huh? I guess it's not too shabby for something that's brand new". Mana said, examining the CR-Unit Jessica was using. She then raised her right hand and threw Jessica to one of her subordinates, which the nameless woman caught her commander. "I'll let you go this time. Now get going, before I let my new friends continue". Shido's biological little sister with coldly, right before the three Guardians came in front of her with all of them holding their hands out, ready to unleash more energy blasts.
The remaining DEM Wizards whimpered in fear, before they turned tail and flew away. Mana watched them go until they disappeared from sight. She gave a content sigh, then gazed at her gauntlet right hand. "This thing's pretty good. Gotta had it to Ratatoskr, they know their stuff". The blue-haired girl remarked, impressed with this CR-Unit that Ratatoskr had in store.
She turned her attention to the three Guardians and saw them facing her, none of them admitting a threatening aura. Mana gave them all a grateful smile, then brought up her right hand's thumb to give them the thumbs up. "Thanks for the hand guys, you rock". Mana thanked them all since their help really saved up time and effort. In sync, the Guardians raised their hands over their chests and gave a formal bow to Mana.
(Music end)
Then to Mana's surprise, they all blurred and disappeared from sight. "That's some fancy trick". Shido's younger sister remarked, curious to learn what had happened since she was knocked unconscious and when she was away. Mana spun around to look towards Origami, only to blink at seeing the white-haired girl appearing as if she's seen a ghost. "M-Master Sergent Tobiichi? What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost". Mana joked with a small nervous smile, but the humor was lost to Origami.
After a few moments of staring, Origami lost consciousness with a gasp and began to fall. Mana gasped in surprise, before thrusting her boosters and caught Origami in her arms. "Hey! You okay?!" The blue-haired girl asked her friend in concern, worried that she got too injured in the fight just now. What Mana didn't know is that Origami didn't collapse from her injures, but from her returning memories.
(Back inside Tengu Square)
Ruler slammed Miku right into Gabrial hard, still tightly holding the Diva Spirit's throat. Her Guardians were still keeping the controlled Yoshino, Kaguya and Yuzuru still so that they wouldn't do anything, even the audience were too afraid to try anything. Shido and Tohka stood together as they watched with the Princess Spirit still holding her Angel in hand.
Shido winced a bit from seeing Ruler's harsh treatment on Miku. "H-Hey Rinne? Don't you think you're being too hard on Miku?" The disguised boy asked with a worried voice, something Ruler had a comeback for immediately. "She took control of our friends and threatened to kill you. I apologize, but she's greatly upset me". Eden's empress said with a cold voice with a bit of anger leaking out.
Shido grew an understanding face since he couldn't really blame his girlfriend for being upset with Miku's actions. So, for now he'll just remain quiet and watch. Tohka, on the other hand, wordlessly stared at the back of Ruler's head. 'Rinne's so strong. She easily defeated me back in Eden when I was at full power. She even defeated everyone else, and that wasn't her best. Just how strong is she, anyway?' The Princess Spirit questioned inside her mind, gazing down at Sandalphon as she compared herself to Ruler.
Miku weakly opened her eyes to glare at Ruler, but it was no concern to the pink-haired Spirit. "...Miku Izayoi, ever since that day Shido and I talked with you at your house, I've seen you as nothing more than a selfish woman that's proved to be undeserving of the powers that were granted to you. My opinion hasn't changed a bit, only worsen from this whole experience, but what I cannot forgive is how you tried to kill the boy I loved". Ruler said with an icy cold voice, something that chilled Shido and the other Spirits a bit since they've never heard her speak like that before.
Miku coughed out with both eyes shut, before reopening them and glared at Ruler once more. "Men are...nothing but pieces of filth... that deserve to be eradicated". The Diva Spirit managed to speak, but that only made Ruler frown deeply at her. "Today's events have caused me to grow a desire to ERADICATE you. Keep on speaking like that, and I won't be able to hold myself back". Eden's empress threatened the Diva Spirit, much to her paling fear. Even Shido, Tohka and Yoshino all paled as well because they knew from experience that Rule wasn't making an empty threat.
Ruler then brought Miku right up to her face, staring directly into the fear filled eyes of the Diva Spirit. "I'm only gonna say this once. Let Yoshino, Kaguya and Yuzuru go now". Eden's empress told Miku, speaking plain and simple for her to understand. The Diva Spirit seemed to regain a bit of her earlier bravado as she glared at Ruler.
Then to the surprise of Shido and Tohka, Miku opened her mouth to unleash a shockwave right into Ruler's face. But to the Diva Spirit's horror, even that didn't seem to affect Ruler as she didn't even flinch. The pink-haired Spirit brought up her left hand, then slammed it over Miku's mouth, blocking her voice with the shockwaves ceasing. Miku grew the horror from earlier, but Ruler was able to detect something else in Miku's eyes that slightly confused her. In the Diva Spirit's eyes, there was a shellshock look that a trauma victim would have.
Ruler opened her mouth to question Miku, when suddenly a bright gold light appeared on the rooftop followed by an explosion in the shape of a double slash. This caught the attention of everyone as they, with the exception of Ruler, gasped in surprise as they looked up towards the celling. Ruler just looked over her right shoulder.
The explosion died down, revealing a cross-shaped hole in the celling, but that wasn't what caught everyone's attention. Flying down from above was Ellen, equipped in her CR-Unit, staring down towards Shido and Tohka with a cold gaze. The disguised boy and Princess Spirit widened their eyes in alarm at the sight of Ellen, Ruler just narrowed both eyes at her.
The DEM Wizard gazed down at the stage and as she expected, saw Tohka there. But she then blinked upon seeing the Guardians, not to mention them seemingly defeated the Spirits. Finally, Ellen turned to look at Ruler and narrowed both eyes since she didn't recognize her. "Well, this is an unexpected development. A new Spirit has appeared". The adult woman remarked, honestly surprised as she wasn't expecting something like this.
Ruler just glared at the older woman in response, before gazing at the black Guardian though her right eye's corner. All Guardians ceased preparing energy blasts at Yoshino, Kaguya and Yuzuru before they fully turned to face Ellen. Ruler's black and white guardian took flight, stopping at the same level of altitude Ellen was on, while the red one charged towards the DEM Wizard from her left.
Quick as a flash; Ellen drew the right sword handle with her right hand and powered it up. She spun it into a reverse grip, then impaled the red Guardian right in the stomach when it drew close enough. Ruler's servant stayed still for a moment, before it blurred and disappeared. Ellen turned her attention to the two remaining, right before held both hands out to blast her.
Ellen's hair seemed to float and waver as she stared at Ruler's Guardians, right before two Territories appeared around them. Both Guardians threw their heads back from the sudden intense pain inflicted on them from Ellen's Territory. Just like the red one, they blurred and then disappeared. Both Territory spheres disappeared, before Ellen turned her attention back to those on the stage.
Yoshino, Kaguya and Yuzuru took this chance to recover. Zadkiel weakly got back on its feet, Kaguya forced herself out the wall and Yuzuru climbed back onto her feet, yet none of them made any sudden moves that would catch the attention of Ellen or Ruler. "I guess it was too much to ask for Bailey's team to get the job done, but that's just fine with me. After all, seems like I've found some worthy pray". The DEM Wizard remarked, gaze right on Ruler's form who looked slightly fascinated from seeing her Guardians soundly defeated.
Ruler returned her attention to Miku with the Diva Spirit flinching at being Ruler's source of attention again. "...I'll deal with you later". The pink-haired girl told Miku, then threw her aside to the left and into the air. "Mistress!" Yoshino, Kaguya, Yuzuru and Yoshinon all cried out in concern, right before the curvy figured Berserk Spirit quickly took flight and caught Miku in her arms.
Yuzuru floated down to the ground, softly placing Miku down on her feet. The Diva Spirit was coughing terribly, both hands over her neck where Ruler had a tight hold. Ruler paid them no mind as she slowly began gliding to the stage's edge. "Tohka". She spoke, grabbing the attention of said Spirit and Shido as they turned to look at her. "Take Shido and leave. I'll handle this". Ruler told her friend, passing through the Princess Spirit and disguised boy as she spoke.
Both Shido and Tohka widened their eyes at what Ruler said, before they both looked at the gliding pink-haired Spirit. "You can't be for real, Rinne! We're not gonna leave you!" Shido exclaimed strongly, refusing to leave his girlfriend alone to face Ellen all by herself. "Let me fight with you! I can help defeat her!" Tohka pleaded to Ruler, a plea that was heard by Ruler as she stopped right at the stage's edge.
She looked over her left shoulder to look at Shido and Tohka. "She shattered Sandalphon without trouble, and she wasn't even trying. Like I said before, you don't stand a chance against Ellen unless you use your full power". Ruler reminded the Princess Spirit, much to Tohka's frustration as she gritted her teeth. Without warning, Ellen's thrusters went off as she shot down towards Ruler with her blade out, a sign she was going for a slash on Ruler.
"I'll teach you what a mistake it is to take your eyes off the opponent!" Ellen exclaimed, coming right up to Ruler in just a matter of seconds. Shido and Tohka gasped in dread, right before Ellen swung her blade at Ruler. However...
Clang!
Ellen's energy blade was stopped by Eden's empress, but the way how she did it stunned Shido, Tohka and Ellen. Ruler stopped Ellen's blade with nothing but her left hand's index finger, all the while she was still looking at Shido and Tohka. The energy blade was pressed against Ruler's skin, yet wasn't able to pierce through as if the pink-haired girl's skin was actually pure steel that couldn't be destroyed.
Ruler gave her boyfriend and fellow Spirit a confident right, right before holding her open right hand in front of Ellen's stomach. "Don't worry. Even if it was a small sample, I've seen Ellen's strength and know for certain she's no match for me". Eden's empress said with conviction, then unleashed another purplish pink energy blast that landed a direct hit on Ellen's stomach.
The adult woman let out a gasp of surprise and pain, right before she was blasted through the air. She eventually crashed into the wall above the catwalk and continued on to outside. Ruler lowered both her hands as she faced forward in the direction Ellen was blasted outside.
"Don't worry about me; just get to safety. On your own, you'll both be easy pickings for Miku since she has her full power. Just head back to the house and wait there for me". Ruler told Shido and Tohka without turning to face them. She slowly floated up from the stage, before shooting out like a bullet and flew out the building through the cross-shape hole Ellen made.
Left on their own; Shido and Tohka turned and saw their mind controlled friends gathering around Miku as she continued to cough terribly. The disguised boy gritted his teeth because true to Ruler's words, there was little chance they had to handle Miku and their controlled friends without her. So, with great difficulty, Shido made a choice that he didn't want to make.
"Tohka, we've gotta go!" Shido told the Princess Spirit, turning to look at her in mid-speech. Tohka looked at the disguised boy and nodded to him. "Okay, let's go". Tohka responded, grabbing hold of Shido's maid uniform with her right hand and pulled him right into her. Both of them flushed a bit at feeling each other pressed against one another, but made no complain. Tohka wrapped her right arm around Shido, securing a tight hold on him.
The Princess Spirit then took flight with a jump, releasing a small shockwave as she soared through the air with Shido still pressed against her. They escaped through the hole that Ellen made when she was blasted out, leaving Miku with the controlled Spirits and humans alone.
"Mistress, are you okay?" Kaguya asked Miku with a concerned voice, both her lance and Yuzuru's chain/pendulum disappearing with a small flash. The only answer the Berserk Spirit received was more coughs, but eventually Miku stopped. The Diva Spirit dropped both hands to the sides, both eyes covered by her hair's bangs. However, she began to shake, followed by Miku gritting her teeth in anger.
This concerned the controlled Spirits and audience, but none had the courage to speak in fear of angering Miku further. Miku slowly tilted her head up, revealing the expression of pure rage she was displaying for the world to see. "Bring me that boy right now! That woman and him will pay for making a fool out of me!" She angrily commanded, completely filled with vengeance that she had every intention to inflict on Shido and Ruler.
Kaguya and Yuzuru instantly nodded to their Mistress, while Yoshino and Yoshinon hesitantly did so. Unlike the others here, they knew full well what they're facing and that what they just went through, was just Ruler playing around with them.
(With Ruler)
Ruler flew up into the air above Tengu Square and ceased ascending. She turned her head left first, then right as she searched for Ellen. 'She's taking advantage of the fact I took my eyes off of her. Ellen knows when to take advantage of an opportunity'. The pink-haired female thought to herself, not too bothered to admire an enemy's talents. However, she was cut off from her thoughts at multiple slashes appeared struck her back.
Ruler was pushed forward a bit, but otherwise unharmed. She turned around and saw Ellen flying a few feet away with her energy sword in hand, staring at Ruler with slightly wide eyes. 'Those attacks hurt her obviously, but did no damage to her whatsoever'. The DEM Wizard thought to herself, amazed at the difference in the level of power between Ruler and Tohka.
"Attacking someone from behind? It seems I've misjudged you after all; to attack from behind is a cowardly move". Ruler said with a frown, getting Ellen to narrow her eyes at the Spirit. "Perhaps, but I'm no so called warrior of honor. I'm someone that gets the job done, whatever it takes". Ellen said with a glare, bringing up her right hand with the blade pointing right at Ruler. She reared her right hand in, holding the left hand out as if she was aiming with it.
(Play DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation {OST} 22 Decisive Battle)
"And I'll show you right here". The adult femalr said with a cold voice, right before the top of her blade flashed a bright purple light. She then burst into a big and bright orange energy force that shot out towards Ruler like a bullet. Ruler didn't change her expression at the approaching attack. She threw her left hand back as purplish pink energy gathered in front of her, forming into a single large energy sphere of the same colour.
She thrust her left hand into the sphere of energy, resulting in a bright flash for a brief moment, before it split into 3 smaller energy spheres that shot forward. The orange powerful energy and three spheres clashed against one another, resulting in a powerful explosion. Ruler didn't so much as flinch at the explosions, but she did gaze down towards Tengu City in concern.
'We're too close. If I'm not careful, innocent bystanders could get caught up. I'll need to take this fight higher into the sky'. Ruler thought to herself, then returned her gaze to the smoke cloud left behind by the explosion. It quickly cleared to reveal a dirty and slightly scorched form of Ellen and her CR-Unit. And not to mention, she was panting a little bit.
Ellen brought up her right arm, then widened both eyes at seeing a bit of her glove burned off, exposing the skin underneath. 'Impossible... She not only matched my attack, but hurt me as well?!' Ellen thought in shock, before angrily gritting her teeth and turned the right hand into a fist. In all her time as a Wizard; there's only been one person that managed to scratch her, but for someone to easily match and hurt her is insulting. And she will not stand it.
Her thrusters kicking in at full throttle, Ellen blasted off at full speed towards Rinne and swiped her blade out to the side. She took her blade into both hands and began swinging it fast as lightning. Ruler became like a blur as she flawlessly dodged Ellen's swinging, keeping up with the female adult's speed. After 10 whole seconds, Ellen ended her barrage and flew back away from her opponent and took a look at her.
To Ellen's growing surprise, there wasn't a single scratch on Ruler, a clear sign that all her attacks had missed. The pink-haired Spirit gave a smug grin at Ellen, right before holding both hands forward with a pinkish energy sphere appearing in between them. "My turn now". Ruler stated, then unleashed the energy sphere at Ellen. Ellen widened both eyes in alarm, before spinning her blade in a reverse grip and held it up. A hexagonal shield then appeared in front of Ellen, which the energy sphere slammed into it and exploded.
Ruler kept her hands out as she waited for the smoke cloud to clear. After a few seconds, the smoke cleared to reveal Ellen's hexagonal shield still intact and her unharmed. Ruler raised an eyebrow, but didn't really look that shocked overall. "Well, seems like you got a few tricks. Let's see how well that shield can stand up to me". Eden's empress said, lowering both hands. She then waved her left hand up, then down to in front of herself; purplish pink energy gathering in front of Ruler and formed a magical ring.
Ruler then reared the left hand in, then swiped it past her portal and leaving energy in her hand's movement. A whole barrage of energy spheres shot out of the portal and headed to Ellen, striking the shield one by one. After the second one; Ellen's shield started cracking with the cracks growing every time it was hit until it eventually shattered, much to Ellen's disbelief.
The last three energy spheres struck Ellen and exploded, the force blasting Ellen away with her more scorched than before. The DEM Wizard wasn't done fighting yet, regaining control with her thrusters still kicking, Ellen flew a little bit away from Ruler.
Feeling a strange liquid on her lip, Ellen wiped her mouth with the right hand's fingers and then took a look, only to let out a low gasp at seeing blood on the fingertips. 'Blood...? But, how is that possible?' The adult woman thought to herself in disbelief, having considered it impossible for her to be damaged to the point of losing blood. Ellen then looked towards Ruler and saw the same expression she's had since the beginning of their match, and that only served to anger Ellen greatly.
She angrily pointed her blade at the pink-haired girl, right at Ruler's veil covered face. "Show your face to me! It is an insult to hide your face!" Ellen demanded, an action that made Ruler raise an eyebrow at the older female. Nonetheless, Eden's empress's veil cleared to reveal Ruler's face. Ellen widened her eyes in shock at what she saw because she recognized the face of her opponent.
"You're...Rinne Sonogami!" The DEM Wizard exclaimed in shock, which Ruler nodded to Ellen to confirm her words. "Yes, that's right. Allow me to properly introduce myself; I am the Ruler. Spirit with the Angel; Eden". Ruler introduced herself, veil closing to conceal her face once more. Ellen continued to stare in shock for a few seconds, until her expression returned to normal.
"So, you weren't lying after all. You are a Spirit, and an incredibly powerful one at one. I should have taken you up on that offer back on Arubi Island". Ellen stated, lowering her blade as she spoke. "You should have, but you didn't. That mistake will be the greatest one you've ever made". Ruler said with a cold tone, an indication that she's done talking and ready to resume their battle.
Ellen narrowed both eyes at Ruler as her words hit a sensitive nerve. "I've made two mistakes that were the greatest ones in my life. The one I made with you is nowhere near those two". The adult woman stated, then swiped her blade up and pointed it towards Ruler once more. "You will fall by my blade. I, Ellen Mira Mathers, am the greatest Wizard in the world!" She exclaimed with pure conviction in her words, yet they mattered not to Ruler. "Your title means little to me. You're simply an enemy that's threatening my loved ones that needs to be removed". The pink-haired girl remarked, then held her left hand out.
(Music end)
Ellen took her sword into both hands and assumed a stance; both of her eyes were narrowed, focusing on Ruler completely. She then spoke low so that the Spirit wouldn't hear. "Target is on the run, and I'm occupied. Complete the mission... Adeptus 3". Ellen said, blinking her left eye and then gazed at the intercom in her left eye that had been hidden from Ruler's sights. 'Understood, Adeptus 1'. A feminine voice with an upper-class British accent responded to Ellen.
DEM's top Wizard then let out a cry, before charging forth to Ruler with her blade out, resuming the battle from their little break.
(Meanwhile with Shido and Tohka)
With Shido and Tohka; they've managed to escape from Tengu Square and fly away a bit. The Princess Spirit soon landed on a random building's rooftop and let go of the disguised boy. "We should be safe here". Tohka stated, taking a step back from Shido with Sandalphon pointing downwards. The disguised boy was displaying an unhappy express as he nodded to the Princess Spirit, something that Tohka immediately notice.
"Shido? What's wrong?" Tohka asked with a worried voice, getting Shido to blink in surprise before giving an uncertain smile. "It's nothing Tohka, just... Rinne's finally got her powers, everyone's memories of Eden are finally unlocked, but Kotori, Yoshino, Kaguya and Yuzuru are controlled by Miku and even Ellen's back now". The disguised boy answered, dejected that what he's been waiting for had to come in at a bad time like this instead and that everyone couldn't celebrate this happy occasion.
Tohka grew an understanding smile since she perfectly understood him. A happy occasion such as their returned memories was being spoiled by both Miku and Ellen, and until they're dealt with, they can't celebrate. Deciding to do something to take Shido's mind off their current situation, Tohka brought up her left hand and gently placed it against the disguised boy's right cheek.
Shido blinked, before turning to look at Tohka and saw the loving smile she was directing at him. "Shido... I meant it when I said all my memories had come back to me. That includes our wedding day". The Princess Spirit told the boy she married in one of Eden's possibilities, resulting in Shido flushing a bit. "...Tohka, I..." He tried to speak, but was stopped by Tohka placing her left hand's index finger on his lips.
"Everything you said back on that playground, about what I said to you was true. I'm so happy to finally remember all we went through in Eden, but remembering the most important day of my life... I just can't stop myself from feeling so much joy". The Princess Spirit told Shido with happiness leaking out of her voice, sheading a single tear from her right eye.
Shido grew a happy smile from Tohka's words because they brought him joy. He had been waiting for Tohka to regain her memories so that they could talk about those happy times inside Eden; their wedding most of all. Acting without a shred of uncertainty, Shido wrapped his arms around Tohka's waist and pressed her against him, something that the Princess Spirit let out a low, sharp gasp at.
"Our wedding day... It is just as important to me as it is you. That day I married the girl that changed my life and I couldn't be happier. All of our friends there as we made our vows, had our first kiss as husband and wife and sliced our wedding cake with Sandalphon. That day was one of the happiest ones of my life, and I'll never forget it". The disguised boy told the woman he married, no trace of self-doubt or hesitation in his voice as he spoke. He truly meant those words because they were the truth.
Tohka let out a breath of happiness at Shido, heart set ablaze at those words that touched her heart just like in that special day of theirs. The Princess Spirit then grew a small, serious expression on her face as she stared at Shido. "Shido, I want you to be honest and tell me something". Tohka requested from the boy that turned her existence upside-down, much to Shido's wonder as he blinked at her.
"What is it Tohka?" Ratatoskr's main operative asked the Princess Spirit, more than willing to be honest with her and answer whatever question she asks him. "Shido...do you love me?" The Princess Spirit questioned Shido, much to his surprise at the rather unexpected question. "Huh?" He questioned, speechless from the question Tohka asked him as it honestly hit him mentally.
"You got your memories back sooner, and you chose to be with Rinne because she's the girl you truly loved. I remember you saying so yourself on the day that Rinne came back, so I need to know something. Do you only have feelings for Rinne now and don't love me anymore? Have your feelings disappeared?" The Princess Spirit asked with fear leaking out of her voice at the possibility that Shido's feelings of love for her were gone.
Shido was rendered speechless because Tohka's questioned stunned him completly. If he was being honest with himself; Shido still loved Tohka romantically. He was unsure if he had grown those feelings over time, or if he fell for Tohka the day he first saw her, but the fact was that he had feelings for her. But there was the matter with Rinne; the girl he had truly fallen in love with in every possible way. Shido's feelings for his "childhood" friend were the strongest he ever had, and he didn't want to cheat on her with someone and break Rinne's heart.
This whole situation was too complicated and Shido couldn't find a solution. So, for the past 2 months he's been avoiding the subject as much as he could, but it seemed like it was just inevitable to confront. One thing Shido was certain of was that he was in love with both Rinne and Tohka. Shido wanted to be with Rinne, but also wanted to keep his promise to stay together with Tohka forever. He just didn't know what to do.
Shido slowly opened his mouth, yet he didn't speak. It took a few seconds for him to find his voice, yet he sounded completely uncertain and lost. "I...I...I..." He stuttered, unable to speak a full sentence. Tohka grew a concerned expression for Shido at hearing how lost and confused he seemed. She opened her mouth to speak, but stopped and widened both eyes upon spotting something twinkling in the distance behind Shido.
Feeling a great sense of danger; Tohka acted immediately. "Watch out!" She exclaimed, bringing her left hand up and pushed Shido away. The disguised boy cried out in surprise, while Tohka leaped back and just in time as an energy sword slash came down from above and struck right where they were just a second ago. The Princess Spirit landed on her feet, while Shido fell onto his back.
Shido opened his eyes and looked, before letting out a cry of surprise at seeing the hole in the shape of a slash on the rooftop. "What the!?" He exclaimed in surprise, before both he and Tohka looked up above where the sudden attack came from. They saw floating up above was someone they've never seen before equipped with a CR-Unit.
It was a teenage girl that appeared to be 18-years-old. She has light skin and blue eyes. Long blond hair that she wore in a semi-braid. Her CR-Unit was rather futuristic; it was neon blue armor that made her resemble a medieval knight, but also showed a bit of skin. She held a blue and white laser beam sword in her right hand, giving away the impression that she's responsible for the surprise attack earlier.
This unknown woman was gazing down at Tohka with an emotionless gaze, while the Princess Spirit had wide eyes directed at her. "AAA-Class Spirit; Princess and Shido Itsuka. I'll be taking you into our custody". The new woman told Tohka and Shido, much to their alarm. "Grrrr! Just who are you!?" Tohka questioned, taking Sandalphon into both hands and took her battle stance. Shido quickly climbed back onto his feet and ran over to Tohka's side.
(Play DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation {OST} 08 Nostalgia)
The unnamed female narrowed both eyes down at Tohka, but complied anyway. "Apologizes for the lack of introduction. I am Artemisia Bell Ashcroft, Adeptus 3 of DEM Industries". The woman, now named Artemisia, introduced herself to Tohka and Shido with a small bow of her head. Shido stopped right next to Tohka and gazed up at Artemisia with wide eyes at learning her identity.
'DEM!? Then that means she's an ally of Ellen's!' The disguised boy shouted inside his mind, quickly realizing that they were in trouble right now. Tohka realized it as well since she was gritting her teeth in frustration. 'This woman... She's stronger than Origami was when she used that machine when we faced Rinne's guardians to destroy the keystones! I don't stand a chance'. Tohka shouted inside her mind, cursing how little of her power she could use at this state.
The Princess Spirit looked through the left eye's corner to Shido, then narrowed it in determination as she knew exactly what she must do. Tohka refocused her gaze on Artemisia, then spoke. "Shido!" She exclaimed, catching Shido's attention as he turned to look at the Princess Spirit. "Call out to Rinne as loud as you can! I'm sure she'll hear you". Tohka told him, left hand letting go of Sandalphon's handle.
Shido grew a look of dread upon realizing what Tohka intended to do, something that filled him with great concern. "Tohka, no! I'm not leaving you here alone to-!" He spoke, only to get cut off by the Spirit grabbing hold of his collar and pulled him close. She stared right into Shido's eyes for a second or two, before her expression softened. "Shido..." She spoke softly, before closing both eyes and gave a face and smile full of love, the same kind she gave on their weeding day.
"...I love you!" Tohka confessed to Shido, much to his heartfelt shock and surprise at her words. But the surprises didn't stop there as Tohka leaned forward and kissed Shido right on the lips. The disguised boy's eyes widen at the unexpected kiss, but made no move to stop it. Artemisia just raised an eyebrow down at the two, yet didn't interrupt the moment the two were having.
After a moment or two, the flushed Tohka broke the kiss and pulled away to take one last look at Shido surprised and flushed face. She gave one last smile full of love, before suddenly throwing Shido into the air with all her strength. Shido gave a cry of surprise as he ascended into the air like a bullet, Artemisia watching him fly with slightly wide eyes.
"Alright you!" Tohka called out, regaining Artemisia's attention as she gazed down at the Princess Spirit and saw Tohka retaking her stance. "Let's see what you're made of! Here I come!" She exclaimed, right before taking flight towards Artemisia with her Angel pulled back for a swing. She charged into a battle she'll know she will lose, for the sake of the boy she loved with all her heart.
(Back with Ruler/ Music end)
Ruler, holding her left hand out, unleashed three energy blasts towards Ellen. The DEM Wizard flew backwards to get some distance, before swinging her blade three times and unleashed energy slashes. Ellen's three slashes made contact with the energy blasts, resulting in three small explosions, but surprisingly a fourth one came through the smoke clouds left behind.
"...!" Ellen widened both eyes in alarm, before quickly taking her sword in both hands and took a stance. A hexagonal shield appeared in front of her, just in time for the energy blast to ram into it and explode, protecting Ellen from harm. Ruler kept her emotionless expression as she stared at the smoke cloud, patiently waiting for either it to clear or Ellen to come charging at her. 'She's powerful, that is for certain with how our battle's gone so far. But I can tell she's not going all out just yet, but that is of little concern. It won't change the outcome'. Eden's empress thought to herself, lowering her left hand.
Despite her power, Ruler was in for an unexpected surprise that she wasn't expecting. "RRRIIINNNNNNEEE!" A familiar voice shouted out to Ruler, resulting in the pink-haired Spirit losing her emotionless expression and replace it with a surprised one. She looked downwards and saw Shido soaring up through the air, a freaked out look on his face as he kept screaming.
"Wha- Shido!" Ruler exclaimed with wide eyes, turning around and flew down towards her air-born boyfriend. Once close enough, Ruler held her hands out and caught Shido safely, wrapping both hands around him safely. The pink-haired Spirit gazed at her boyfriend in confusion at why he seemingly got shot into the air. "Shido, what happened? Where's Tohka?" She asked, wondering where the Princess Spirit was since she left them together.
Shido placed both hands on Ruler's shoulders, staring right into her eyes in panic and concern. "Rinne, Ellen isn't alone! There's someone else and Tohka threw me away so that I could get away!" The disguised boy told Ruler with an alarmed voice, much to Ruler's surprise at hearing this. Before she could question him further, an explosion down below caught the couple's attention.
They gazed down to see a smoke cloud right above the same building that Shido and Tohka had landed on earlier. Something shot out of it, quickly becoming visible to reveal that it was Artemisia, flying through the air with her holding onto Tohka's unconscious form by the back of her maid outfit, having been knocked out of her Limited Astral Dress.
"TOHKA!" Shido shouted out in great worry, while Ruler gritted her teeth in frustration at herself. 'How could I have been so foolish? I was under the assumption that Ellen was all alone, but there was someone else. I should have sent some Guardians with Shido and Tohka, but because of my mistake, Tohka's kidnapped!' The pink-haired girl shouted inside her mind, mentally kicking herself for being so careless like that.
Smug laughter caught the attention of both Shido and Ruler; they looked over to Ellen and saw her grinning down at them, as if she's won the war. "I must admit; I didn't think I'd need to call on Artemisia for aid. But it doesn't matter, the Princess has been secured". The adult woman stated, much to the anger of Ruler as she let out a small growl at Ellen.
Shido could do nothing except watch Artemisia fly away with Tohka; heart beating in concern for the girl he loved. He gritted his teeth in frustration and tilted his head down in shame. 'How could I have let this happen?! Why?! Why didn't I just tell Tohka I love her! Goddamn it all!' Shido mentally shouted out, angry at himself for not trying to fight to protect Tohka.
Shido tilted his head up and looked at his girlfriend in uncontrolled worry. "Rinne, we have to save Tohka". The blue-haired boy said with a small broken voice, grabbing Ruler's attention as she looked at Shido. "We will Shido, I promise you". Ruler told her boyfriend, bringing her left hand up and gently rubbed Shido's right cheek in a comforting manner.
"Don't make promises you can't keep". Ellen stated, catching the attention of both Shido and Ruler. They both looked to the DEM Wizard and saw Ellen holding up her sword, almost ready to swing it downwards. "After all, with that extra weight you stand no chance against me!" The adult female exclaimed, then swung her sword downwards and unleashed an energy sword slash.
Ruler frowned and gritted her teeth. She quickly swiped her left hand out and fired an energy blast. Both attacks collided and quickly created an explosion that covered them from view. Ellen didn't so much as flinch from the shockwaves and patiently waited. The smoke cloud soon cleared, but both Ruler and Shido were gone. Ellen's eyebrows twitched in surprise at this.
'She just needed a matter of seconds to escape completely? She's faster than I thought'. Ellen thought to herself, deactivating her energy blade and put it away in her jetpack. She then glanced down at her right hand, examining the damage Ruler had done to her. 'Not just that, her power as well. And all of it was done without calling upon her Angel. How could a Spirit this powerful have existed underneath our noses?' She added, wondering how they've missed a Spirit as powerful as Ruler. They should have easily been able to find out about her, so how come they didn't? It makes no sense.
Ellen shook her head sideways to rid herself of those thoughts, then turned her right hand into a fist. "Doesn't matter. Next time I encounter Ruler, she's going down!" The adult woman exclaimed with a determined voice, refusing to accept any victory unless it's her defeating Ruler herself. Ellen turned around and took off to the rendezvous point Issac set up for her and Artemisia.
(With Shido and Ruler/ Play Re:Zero Season 1 OST 12 - Chain of Memories)
A few feet away from the Itsuka household; Ruler and Shido appeared in a blur right above the ground. Eden's empress gently placed her covered and Shido's feet down on the solid ground and released her grasp on Shido. The disguised boy stumped forward to his house for a second or two, before collapsing onto his knees with only the hands as support.
"Shido!" Ruler exclaimed in concern, coming up to her boyfriend's left and knelt down next to him. She looked at Shido's face, then blinked in surprise at seeing the guilt and frustration displayed. "H-How... How could I let this happen?" The disguised boy questioned himself, much to Ruler's concern as she has no idea what happened. "How could I let them take Tohka away?! Why?! Why am I so weak?!" Shido exclaimed, then slammed his forehead down on the ground.
Ruler let out a gasp of surprise at Shido's actions, utterly shocked at how he just hurt himself. She reached out to take him into her hands, only to stop at seeing his body beginning to shake. Not from fear, but from sadness. "Shido..." She whispered, lowering her hands since she knew he needed to let this out. So, she stayed by his side to let Shido know that he's not alone.
Shido lifted his head up from the ground; forehead bruised but didn't care for it. All of Shido's care right now was for his stolen Princess. "Why can't I stop people I love from being taken away from me? Did I do something wrong?" The disguised boy questioned with a broke voice, something that Rinne couldn't overlook. "No, you didn't. You've done nothing wrong Shido". The pink-haired girl told Shido, placing her right hand on his back and gently rubbed it.
Shido didn't turn to look at his girlfriend, only continued to stare down at the ground. "...Rinne... Tohka told me that she... she loves me". The blue-haired boy revealed to Ruler, a revelation she wasn't really surprised to hear. "Tohka remembered our wedding day. She told me that day was the happiest one in her life. I was so happy at hearing her say those words, but then she asked me if I loved her". Shido continued, then gritted his teeth and turned both hands into fists.
"I... I didn't give her an answer. The one thing she wanted to hear, yet I didn't give it to her. Because... I... I just..." Shido stopped himself, losing the mix of guilt and frustration, replacing it with uncertainty. Ruler gazed at her boyfriend with understanding because she knew what he was trying to say. This subject of Shido's true feelings for the other girls has been unattended for too long now, and it was time to finally settle the matter.
She floated off the ground, then glided over to in front of her boyfriend. She once again got down on her knees, then reached down and gently placed her hands on Shido's cheeks. Ruler lifted her boyfriend's face so that Shido would gaze at her right in the eyes. "Shido... I want you to be honest with no restrictions and tell me. Do you love Tohka the same way you love me?" Ruler asked, speaking with a soft and kind voice without any hint of negative emotions.
Shido blinked at Ruler in surprise, mouth slightly open as he stared into her eyes. After a few moments, he closed his moth and then spoke. "I... I do. I love Tohka. I think I have ever since that day I first saw her". Shido answered, no trace of self-doubt in his voice as he spoke. Ruler grew a smile at finally hearing Shido confess his true feelings for the Princess Spirit.
(Music end/ Now Play Clannad OST ~ The Place Where Wishes Come True II)
"Ever since I met Tohka that day, my very life has changed. I don't regret meeting her, I never will. I've experienced so much since then and got to meet the people that became the most important people in my life. I met Yoshino, Kaguya, Yuzuru, Kurumi and you. I can't even imagine what my life would've been like if I never met Tohka that day". Shido explained to Ruler, truly feeling that it was because he met Tohka that he has the life he's living in now.
"I understand, you don't need to explain. In a sense, Tohka's the reason you're who you are now". Ruler summarized, nodding her head in understanding at what her boyfriend was trying to say. "And what about the other Spirits? How do you feel about them?" The pink-haired girl then asked her boyfriend with a curious tone, something that made Shido blink in surprise at the rather unexpected question.
The blue-haired boy slightly tilted his head down in thought, yet still spoke. "Kotori's... She's been my little sister for as long as I can remember. She's important to me and I'll always love her no matter what happens. But I'm still unsure if I can even feel that way towards her after how we've lived together our whole lives". Shido told Ruler, revealing how he truly feels about his adopted little sister, still uncertain if he could love Kotori the way she loves him.
"Yoshino and Yoshinon... Who knows how long they've been alone with only each other to rely on. Just thinking about it makes me want to be there for them always, to be the hero Yoshino's always wanted by her side. I want to protect her from the dangers of the world, and to always see her smile. Even if we get together or not, my feelings for her would never change. I always want to see her happy and enjoying life". Ratatoskr's main operative told his girlfriend, telling her what he truly feels for Yoshino.
Ruler nodded with a pleased smile, urging Shido to continue and he did. "Kaguya and Yuzuru are two parts of one original Spirit, but I don't care about that. They're their own people, sisters that love each other and wanted to be together. I want them to experience all sorts of things together, to know what it truly means to feel alive. My time with them hasn't been as long as everyone else, but that doesn't matter. Both of them are important to me, and I want to protect them". The blue-haired boy explained how he felt about the two Yamai sisters to Eden's empress, speaking from the heart.
Ruler nodded once more, but then slightly hardened her expression for this next explanation for the next Spirit. "And Kurumi?" She questioned. desiring to hear Shido's true feelings about the Nightmare Spirit. Shido fell silent for a few moments, but eventually tilted his head to look Ruler right in the eye.
"I was scared of Kurumi at first after seeing her kill people, but thanks to Tohka I'm not afraid and grew a desire to save her. That hasn't changed, but my feelings have. I don't know what her reason for killing is, her desires or endgame, but I do know this. She's someone that's alone and wants someone to cherish and give a home to her. I want to be that person for her, just like back in Eden. I don't care what anyone says or how long it takes, I won't give up on her". He told the Ruler Spirit, speaking with determination displayed in his eyes and conviction leaking out of his voice.
Ruler grew a content smile at Shido's answer, before letting out a deep sigh with both eyes closed. "Shido... You really are unfair". She stated, much to Shido's confusion as he blinked at her. "Huh?" He questioned, utterly confused by Ruler's words as he had no idea what she meant by that.
Ruler opened both eyes and gazed into Shido's with love and acceptance. "How can just one girl love you if you're so selfless, wonderful and caring like that? To be honest; I've secretly wanted to have you all to myself. That's truly greedy of me, isn't it?" The pink-haired girl said, looking away through her eyes' corners. "T-That's not-!" Shido exclaimed, but stopped by Ruler placing her right hand's index finger on his lips.
Ruler turned her gaze back to Shido and gave a reassuring look. "Don't worry, it's okay. To be honest; I think wanting someone is being greedy. So, that's why I think it's okay for us all to be greedy". The pink-haired girl told Shido, resulting in him tilting his head in confusion. "All of us being greedy?" He questioned, wondering what she meant by that.
Ruler giggled a little, but honestly understood why Shido was so confused. "What I mean Shido, is for all of us to have you". Eden's empress explained to Shido, much to his comical surprise as he gave a small cry. "A-All of you!? Do you mean like a h-harem!?" He stuttered, cheeks flushing a bright red at the thought of having one of those, as Tonomachi would call it, a guy's dream.
Ruler giggled once more, finding Shido's expression absolutely adorable. "That's one way of putting it. But yes, that's what I mean". Eden's empress told her boyfriend, resulting in him comically crying out in embarrassment. "B-b-b-but that's only for anime and cartoons?! What even makes you so sure that Tohka and the others would even agree to it?!" Shido questioned with an embarrassed voice, certain that Tohka and the others would disagree with this.
At Shido's words, Ruler's face fell slightly but instantly brightened. "If that's the case, we'll need to hurry and save Tohka then". The pink-haired female said with an eager voice, letting go of Shido's face and floated off of the ground. Shido's eyes were locked on Ruler's majestic form as she floated in front of him. "I admit that I'm not certain that the others will agree to this idea as they all probably want you for themselves. Even I want you for myself, but I know that doing so would perhaps doom the others to a loveless future. They all fell in love with you, and I'm certain they'll never feel that way for anyone else". Ruler spoke with a sad voice, because she knows that what she's saying is the truth.
Shido widened both eyes at Ruler's words and thought back to all the possible lives he lived in Eden. In every single one he chose a partner, the other Spirits never got with anyone else. They all remained single and alone with no man to love, or families to make. All they did was hide their sadness and wish him and his chosen partner happiness. And he just accepted it with no idea of their pain. Just thinking about how ignorant he was truly made Shido hate himself for never considering their feelings.
The disguised boy climbed back up to his feet and faced Ruler, who was watching him with a naturel gaze. "I don't want to take away their chances for happiness, I want all of them to have happy lives with the one they love. If I can truly give them that, then I'll do it". Shido told his girlfriend, yet she didn't look convinced and narrowed her eyes at him.
"Will you be with them out of pity, or because you genuinely want to be with them all?" Ruler questioned Shido, wanting two questions answered before they took off in a rescue operation for Tohka. Ruler's words didn't affect Shido in the least as he answered straight away. "Of course I want to be with them because I genuinely want to! Tohka, Kurumi, Kotori, Yoshino, Kaguya, Yuzuru and even Origami! I want to be with the girls I love. I want to be greedy with just this one thing!" Shido exclaimed strongly, deciding to abandon all logic and just do what his heart desires.
This got Ruler to smile a bit, but she still had one last thing to question him about. "And what about more Spirits we encounter in the future? Miku won't be the last, who knows how many more there are. If you manage to capture their hearts, will you give them happiness because you genuinely want to?" She questioned Shido one last time, pointing out to him that they'll encounter more Spirits in the future.
Shido was silent for a few moments, but eventually spoke. "I know full well what making them fall in love with me means. I don't know what kind of people they are, or what to expect, but I'm willing. I'm willing to fall in love with them as well. I know this'll be something that requires time and hard work, but I'll do it. And if they do fall in love with someone else, I won't force them into anything. Same goes for Tohka and the others. They can choose the kind of happiness they want and I'll do everything I can to help give them that". The blue-haired boy told Eden's empress, honesty in his words and truth in the eyes as he spoke.
(Music end)
Ruler finally gave a satisfied smile at her boyfriend; finally feeling content after he answered all of her questions. "I see. I'm glad to hear that". The pink-haired girl stated, before floating aside out of Shido's way to his house. "Go get change into something more comfortable. I don't think the way you look is appropriate for saving the Princess". Ruler added, then gave an innocent giggle as she gazed at Shido's Shiori disguise.
Shido flushed in embarrassment at Ruler's words, before looking down at his embarrassing disguise. "Rinne!" He exclaimed in embarrassment, much to Ruler's amusement as she let out a healthy laugh. Grumbling, Shido walked past Ruler and soon entered his house to get change; leaving Eden's empress alone on the street for a bit.
Ruler tilted her gaze upwards, then blinked upon seeing the sky no longer blue, but an afternoon orange colour; meaning that it was getting around to late afternoon. "Time is passing quickly. Pretty soon, it'll be night". Ruler remarked, mentally admiring the sky's beautiful colour. She gazeed down and looked at her hands, bringing them up to stare at them.
For the next few seconds, Ruler just stared at her hands, but was actually feeling her Spirit powers inside of herself. 'It feels likes I never lost them in the first place. It's a little bit like it was back inside Eden, but there's a difference. I just don't know what it is'. She thought to herself, tilting her head up and looked out across the distance to Tengu Tower.
In Ruler's mind; she could practically picture Eden in Tengu Tower's place. 'I haven't tried calling upon Eden just yet, but can I even control it now? I lost control of it before and it placed everyone in danger. It's probably best to save it as a last resort'. Ruler thought to herself, deciding to only use her Angel if the situation truly called for it.
For the new 2 minutes; Ruler just wordlessly stared at Tengu Tower in the distance. Eventually, she was broken out of her thoughts by a familiar voice behind her, one no longer altered. "Rinne". Shido said out of his Shiori disguise, standing 5 feet behind Eden's empress. Ruler turned around to gaze at her boyfriend, his real image a welcoming sight for her.
Gone was the Shiori disguise; the hair wig, breasts and female clothes. Shido now wore a blue high collared, short sleeve overshirt over a black t-shirt. Light gray jeans and dark blue and white sport shoes. Ruler gave a smile at seeing Shido, not hiding in a disguise anymore. "That's more like it. Seeing the real you and not a fake". Eden's empress said with a pleased tone, something that Shido gave a chuckle.
"Well, I for one, am glad to finally be out of that disguise. It was really uncomfortable". The teenage boy remarked, glancing down at himself for a moment before looking back up at her. "Now, let's go save Tohka". Shido said with a determined voice, yet Ruler shook her head at him. "We can't just rush in there without a plan. I can handle myself, but you're an easy target for them". Eden's empress told him, much to Shido's frustration at himself because she was correct about that.
Ruler then held her right hand out towards Shido. "Come. Let's head to Takadai Park to discuss our plan of action". She said, wishing to be in a familiar and important place right now to help them relax and come up with a reasonable plan. Shido gave a nod of his head, before walking straight up to Ruler and stopped a mere inch before her. Wordlessly, Ruler wrapped her arms around Shido's frame, before both her and Shido became a blur. Then, both of them disappeared.
(Takadai Park)
Ruler and Shido appeared in Takadai Park, floating a little bit up above. The blue-haired boy looked down below with slightly wide eyes as Ruler floated down and they both landed. Eden's empress unwrapped her arms around Shido's body, before he took a step back.
Before Shido could have a chance to speak, a brightly glow appeared over Ruler's form with her Astral Dress glowing as well. Shido grunted, bringing his right forearm up to block out the brightness. In just a few seconds it died down; allowing the blue-haired boy to bring down his forearm and look at Ruler. To Shido's slight surprise, he saw Rinne standing in front of him out of Spirit form; wearing her new clothes she brought over 2 months ago.
Rinne gave an apologetic smile at her boyfriend. "Sorry for doing that without warning, but I wanted to check something straight away to know if it would become a problem or not". She apologized to Shido, her voice back to the one she uses in this form. Shido tilted his head in confusion at Rinne's words, but kept silent. Rinne gazed down at her right hand as she brought it up, right before a purplish pink energy sphere appeared above the palm.
(Play Emperor's Melancholy — Overlord IV [OST])
Rinne gave a relived expression at the sight of her powers. "Thank goodness. I've still got my Spirit powers without any drawbacks". The Ruler Spirit said in relief, the energy sphere disappearing as she spoke. She then turned her attention back to Shido with a serious expression. "Now, let's discuss our plan. First of all; we have no idea where DEM took Tohka". She began, voice emotionless and calculating as this wasn't the time for pleasantries.
Shido slightly narrowed both eyes, focusing on the situation at hand. "And Miku is still on the loose with Yoshino, Kaguya and Yuzuru under her control". The blue-haired boy added, before blinking when Rinne suddenly pointed down towards the city with her left hand's index finger. "Not just them. Look". The pink-haired girl told Shido, something he did as he looked towards Tengu's streets and saw multiple purple lights.
Shido grew a small look of surprise, while Rinne lowered her hand. "Those are the people that Miku took control of. They must be searching for us". The Ruler Spirit said, capturing Shido's attention as he turned to look back at her. "I can handle Miku, Yoshino, Kaguya and Yuzuru on my own, but that's not my concern. I'm worried about you because you're someone they can defeat". Rinne told him, then gazed at him in concern. Despite her returned powers; Shido was Rinne's weak point and if anything happened to him, she'd lose all her strength.
Shido nearly flinched, but stopped himself. The blue-haired boy wasn't able to argue with that because he wasn't sure he could even call upon Sandalphon just like before. "Then... What do you suggest we do? We can't contact Kotori, I'm not even sure she's back to normal or still under Miku's control". He reminded Rinne of their last ally's current situation. The Ruler Spirit gave a nod to Shido, remembering full well that they couldn't call on Kotori for help right now.
"I remember. The only possible option we have right now is you staying somewhere safe while I handle Miku and free the others". Rinne told Shido, an option that he was quick to object. "There's no way I'm just gonna let you fight on your own! I'm coming with you!" Ratatoskr's main operative snapped at Eden's empress, an action that slightly surprised her, before she closed both eyes and nodded to him.
"Very well, I'll allow it. I know how stubborn you can be after all". Rinne said with a giggle, something that made Shido chuckle a bit. "Well, what do you expect?" He questioned, placing his right hand on the hip and pointed to himself with his left hand's thumb. "I'm Shido Itsuka! And staying safe while my girlfriend goes off to fight alone isn't my style". He said proudly, much to Rinne's amusement as she giggled for a total of 10 seconds.
(Music end)
She eventually ceased giggling and opened her eyes to gaze at Shido. "Anyway, the odds are against us, but we have to try and save Tohka even if it's just us". Rinne told Shido, then narrowed both eyes with resolve to save their friend. The blue-haired boy narrowed his eyes as well, before nodding to the restored Ruler Spirit. "You're right. I just hope that we're enough". The blue-haired boy stated, having seen how strong DEM's top Wizard Ellen was from witnessing her shatter Tohka's Sandalphon effortlessly.
Rinne opened her mouth to reassure her boyfriend that everything will be alright; but just then the two heard an unfamiliar voice. "Hm... Huh?" A young, soft voice came a little bit away, catching the attention of both human and Spirit. "Huh?" Shido said in surprise as he and Rinne turned towards the railing of Takadai Park, where an unexpected sight was.
(Play Sword Art Online Yui theme)
Standing just a few feet away from them was a little girl that looked to be around 5 years of age, looking bewildered and innocent. She had long plum hair that reaches to her legs. The girl's hair was tied with one single braid and has a bow at the top of her head. She was wearing a lavish pinkish-red dress with a gold emblem on the center, appearing as if it was gleaming. The dress also contained a large robe that reaches her feet. Finally, she had a pair of black panty hose with strappy low red heeled shoes with an ankle strap with pink detailing and small wing shaped straps on the side. Finally, her eyes were a deep pink colour. But the most surprising part was that she looked incredibly similar to Rinne.
The unknown girl stared at Shido and Rinne with wide innocent eyes, while the couple stared at her as well. "A...little girl?" Shido questioned in surprise, yet for some reason had this great sense of familiarity about her. "Where...did she come from?" Rinne questioned, staring at the girl that resembled her, feeling a weird yet strong urge to hold the child and never let go for some reason. "Huh...? The unknown girl blinked, yet keep staring at Shido and Rinne for some reason.
'I don't know why, but this girl has some kind of undeniable presence. And...she looks like Rinne a bit...' Shido thought to himself, feeling some sort of feeling that was keeping him from shifting his attention away from the girl. "Wait...Could you be Mama and Papa?" The unknown child asked the two, causing Shido and Rinne to widen their eyes in shock as they took a step back.
"What...?" Shido whispered with a low voice, utterly shocked by what the girl said. "M-Mama...? Me?" Rinne stuttered with surprise leaking out of her voice, staring at the child with wide eyes. 'Papa and Mama? What is this girl talking about!?' Shido questioned inside of his mind, growing a deep blush at the thought of having a child with Rinne one day. He loved Rinne deeply, but the two haven't talked or thought about having kids yet, so to randomly thought of having a daughter really flustered him.
The little girl grew a smile at the couple. "You're...Mama and Papa, right?" She questioned the two once more, this time making Rinne grow a blush herself at the thought of having a child with Shido. "W-Wait a minute... I'm Shido Itsuka and this is Rinne Sonogami. We're high school students. It's too soon for us to have a child your age..." Shido stuttered with an embarrassed voice, getting the girl to blink. "Shido...Itsuka? Rinne...Sonogami?" The unknown girl said with a small voice, as if something had clicked in her.
"T-That's right. I-I'm sorry, but we're not your parents". Rinne told the child with an apologetic smile with both eyes closed nervously. However, instead of looking disheartened, the little girl smiled happily with both eyes closed, similar to how Rinne smiles. "So you are Mama and Papa! I knew it!" The child cried out happily, much to the further embarrassment of the couple. "Sh-She doesn't get it at all..." Shido stated with an embarrassed frown, before he and Rinne glanced at each other.
"No, Rio gets it. Shido Itsuka is my papa..." The girl, referring herself as Rio, said in a statement, before unexpectedly dashing towards Rinne and wrapped her arms around the Ruler Spirit in a happy hug, much to the couple's surprise. "And Rinne Sonogami is Mama, Rio's mama. She's so nice and cute". Rio concluded, looking up at Rinne's face with an overjoyed smile. Rinne felt her heart skip a beat at Rio's words as she directly into Rio's eyes, where she saw the happiness in them. "Um...thank you?" The Ruler thanked the child with a nervous smile, slowly wrapping her arms to return Rio's hug in an uncertain manner.
Rinne turned to look at Shido and saw him looking just as uncertain as she was. The boy then turned to look at the little girl in Rinne's hands with a curious look. "Who...are you anyway?" Shido questioned Rio, catching the little girl's attention as she looked and smiled at him. "Rio is...Rio Sonogami". Rio introduced herself happily with eyes closed, unintentionally causing Shido and Rinne to widen their eyes in shock at what she said.
'Rio...Sonogami?' The two said inside their minds with shock, before looking at one another. To hear that this unknown girl had the same last name as Rinne was surprising to say the least.
Before either Shido or Rinne could ask more questions, Rio spoke up again. "Papa...come join me and Mama and hug us, please?" Rio asked with a polite voice, turning to look at Shido with perhaps the cutest puppy dog eyes he's ever seen. Shido grew a blush at how adorable Rio looked right now, before giving a defeated sigh and smiled at his "daughter".
"Alright Rio, I'm coming". Shido said as he walked over towards the two Sonogami girls. He wrapped his left hand around Rinne, and the right one around Rio, before bringing the two into a gentle hug. Rinne wrapped her right arm around Shido as well, while Rio did the same with her left one. The "family" had their first group hug as Shido pressed the two against him with Rinne and Rio laying their heads against him.
Rio moaned happily as she tightened her hold on Shido and Rinne, before looking up at her "parents". "Hehe. Papa and Mama together. Rio's so happy". The little girl said in joy, something that made Shido and Rinne smile down at her. "I see, you're happy... That's good". The blue-haired boy stated, feeling himself at peace from having Rinne and Rio in his arms like this.
"Papa and Mama, you're warm". Rio told her "parents" in bliss, something that touched their hearts as Rinne slightly tightened her grip on Rio. "...Mama's happy to hear that". The Ruler said with a content voice as she truly felt happy. Shido gave a heartfelt smile as he stared at his girls. All trouble thoughts such as DEM, Miku and figuring out a solution to saving Tohka were absent from his mind as Shido found himself only caring about his "family" right now. He knew that this moment couldn't last for long as they needed to save Tohka, but he was gonna enjoy it as long as he could.
The "family" stayed like that for a good 2 minutes, in each other's arms with Rio smiling happily the whole time. Eventually, Shido and Rinne looked at each other and nodded to one another. They both looked down at their "daughter", before Rinne spoke up. "Rio?" She said to the young girl, grabbing Rio's attention as she looked up at Rinne with a joyful smile.
"Listen... We can't stay here". Eden's empress told Rio, something that made the little girl tilt her head in confusion. Shido took over for Rinne, feeling a sense that he needed to be the one to tell her. "Our friend Tohka is in trouble and we have to save her. Not only her, but our other friends need our help too". The blue-haired boy explained to the young girl. At her father's words, Rio blinked in realization, then gave a wide smile at her "parents".
"Ahhh, you mean Tohka, Yoshino, Kaguya and Yuzuru!" The long-haired girl called out, much to the surprise of Shido and Rinne. Rio unwrapped her arms around her "parents" and took a few steps back, still gazing up at them. "Then, let's go save them!" She exclaimed with an excited voice, much to their concern as they both objected to taking her with them. "Rio, it's too dangerous for you to come!" Rinne exclaimed with great worry, refusing to allow this wonderful girl anywhere near danger.
"She's right! We're going up against Wizards and Spirits!" Shido told the child, but she didn't grow worried or scared. She just kept on smiling as if there was nothing wrong with the world. "It'll be alright. So long as Rio's with Papa and Mama, everything will be alright". Rio said with a bright voice, something that moved the hearts of both Shido and Rinne yet they were still worried about her. "But it'll be dangerous". Rinne pointed out, but Rio still didn't grow a face of concern.
"I'll be okay. Rio is Mama and Papa's daughter!" The girl exclaimed proudly, and then, to the surprise of both Shido and Rinne, flew off of the ground and into the air. Yet to their further surprise, orange and purplish pink energy appeared around Rio as she continued to stare down at them. It wasn't as powerful as Rinne's power, but it did seem to be around Tohka's full level of power.
"No way... Is she..." Shido stuttered, staring up at Tohka with wide eyes of honest shock since this was unexpected. Rinne was silent for a few moments, before she found the strength to speak to her "daughter". "Rio... Are you a Spirit?" Eden's empress asked Rio, a question the little revealed Spirit nodded to her "mother" with a bright smile. "Hai! Rio's a Spirit, just like Mama". Rio answered with a bright voice, the energy surrounding her disappearing before she floated down and landed on the ground.
She ran up to her two parents, stopped and then stared up at them with a bright face. Shido and Rinne wordlessly stared down at their "daughter" for a few moments, then looked at one another. "...I hate to say it Shido, but the safest place for Rio would be with us. DEM or the AST could find her while we're gone". Eden's empress told her boyfriend, seeing that they needed to take this girl with them so that she could be safe.
Shido gave a defeated sigh, before nodding his head. He then turned to look at the little girl before them and gave a kind smile. "Well Rio, looks like you win. We're all gonna save our friends together". The blue-haired boy told Rio, much to her delight as she threw both hands into the air. "Yay!" Rio exclaimed, before running up and wrapped both arms around Shido in a hug. Both "parents" chuckled down at the girl, before Shido wrapped both hands around Rio to return the hug.
(Later/ Music)
The sky was black with clouds and stars visible to the eye. All around Tengu City; Miku's mind controlled slaves were searching all over for the man that tricked their mistress, and the woman that dared to lay a finger on her. They've been searching for some time now, yet their search has been fruitless so far as they haven't found either of their targets yet.
Unknown to them was that their targets are hiding in an abandoned building, along with someone they had no idea about. Inside, Shido, Rinne and their "daughter" Rio all stood in the dark corner of a random floor of the building. The Itsuka boy was down on his right knee, holding his phone sideways as it showed a news-report of the mind-controlled slaves. Rio was standing besides her "father" on Shido's left, while Rinne was crouching down on her boyfriend's right with both females watching the news-report as well.
'This afternoon, around 5:00pm, the mysterious disturbance at the side of the Tengu Festival spread throughout the citylike a wildfire. Its numbers have swelled to tens of thousands'. The news report man reported, screen showing the mind-controlled males. All of them still holding the glowsticks as they searched for their targets. Shido lightly gritted his teeth, Rinne frowned and Rio just blinked innocently before she turned to look at her "father".
"Papa? Why is Miku trying so hard to find you and Mama? Does she really hate you two that much?" The little girl asked with a worried voice, catching her parents' attention as they looked at her. While surprised she knew about Miku, Shido gave a gentle smile at Rio before gently patting her head. "To be honest, she's well justified in being angry with me after I hid the truth from her". Shido told the little girl, before retracting his left hand. "Don't worry though; everything is gonna be okay. We'll save everyone, and we'll be home just in time for dinner". He added, much to Rio's eagerness to taste her father's cooking.
Rinne grew a gentle smile at seeing Shido interact with their "daughter", honestly feeling like they were a true family and that feeling filled her heart with such happiness. "And you'll officially meet everyone. I just know Tohka and Yoshino are gonna love you, Rio". The Ruler Spirit told the little Spirit. Rio let out an excited cry at her mother's words as she truly wanted to become friends with the other Spirits. "Really? You're certain they'll like me?" The pink-haired girl asked with an excited voice.
Shido and Rinne smiled a big smile at Rio, her child-like innocence feeling like a deep breath of fresh air from the situation. "They'll love you, Rio, just like us". The Itsuka boy told his daughter, which Rio let out an excited cry. "Yay!" The child Spirit cried out with both eyes closed and lifting her right hand into the air to express her excitement.
Rio's parents giggled at her, before Shido looked back at his phone and frowned. "Damn it... Tohka". He said in concern for the Spirit that he loved just as much as he did Rinne. "This is a tricky situation. I can call my Guardians to help us fight DEM, but Miku is still a concern. Not to mention you and Rio will be in danger". Rinne said in concern for both Shido and Rio. Unlike the other Spirits, Rio's capabilities were unknown, and they had no idea how powerful she was. It was too risky, and Rinne didn't want to put her in danger.
"If only we had someone else with us, one more Spirit and we can work on saving Tohka and handling Miku". Shido said with a deep frown since the other Spirits were still under Miku's control and he couldn't contact Ratatoskr. Just as it seemed hopeless, giggling belonging to a familiar girl broke the silence. Shido widened his eyes in disbelief, Rinne stood up on her feel fully and Rio just tilted her head in a cute manner.
(Play Re:ZERO - Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu: "Subaru and Emilia" (Official OST) | [MonsterSpace])
The "family" turned around yet saw no one else in the room. However, a familiar figure walked out of the shadows. Her features becoming clearer the closer she came to them. Shido let out a low gasp, before standing up fully on his feet. The figure's face soon became visible, and it was revealed to be Kurumi, who had a smile directed at Shido.
Shido breathed out in disbelief, phone slipping out of his grip and hit the ground; while Rinne widened both eyes in surprise to see Kurumi before them. Rio, on the other hand, had an excited face at seeing the Nightmare Spirit. "Poor Shido, you look like someone just walked over your grave. How can I help?" Kurumi greeted the blue-haired boy, who was still staring at her with wide eyes.
Shido continued to stare at Kurumi for a few seconds, mouth slowly moving as he struggled to find his voice. "K-Kurumi...?" He stuttered out, something that Kurumi gave a sly smile at. "Aww, are you surprised to see me? Don't worry, I'm not here to-" The Nightmare Spirit began, only to be cut off as Shido unexpected ran up and wrapped his arms around her, bringing Kurumi into a caring hug.
"...!" Kurumi widened her eyes in shock at Shido's actions, completely stunned because she thought he'd be filled with fear at seeing her again. But instead, he appeared to be overjoyed as he tightened the hug. "Thank goodness... You're alright. I was so worried after you disappeared when Eden's core was collapsing". Shido said in relief, eyes closed as he strokes the back of Kurumi's head in a gentle manner. "...You're... not afraid of me?" Kurumi questioned the Itsuka boy in disbelief, which he shook his head.
"No, I'm not. I could never be afraid of someone I love". Shido told the Nightmare Spirit, much to her further shock and somewhat embarrassment as her cheeks turned a little red. "Y-You... love me? How could you love someone like me?" Kurumi questioned the blue-haired boy in disbelief, a question he had an answer for right away. "Because I know you. You may be scary, conniving and dangerous. But you're kind, beautiful and caring of life". He answered, the last answer being one she frowned at.
"Caring of life? You of all people should know that's one thing I'm not". The Nightmare Spirit said, yet Shido immediately objected to that. "You're wrong! I saw it on our first date; the way you looked at those puppies and cats. You truly did adore them". He told Kurumi, something that almost made her flinch at. She tilted her head down, now laying it on Shido's shoulder. "Adoring animals and caring for life are two different things". Kurumi pointed out, her heart beating faster than normal just like back in Eden.
"According to who? I know that you've killed people, but despite knowing that, my feelings for you will never change. I'll always accept you, Kurumi". Shido told the Nightmare Spirit without a shred of hesitation or doubt, only pure conviction as he means what he's saying. Kurumi's eyes widen with her cheeks flushing brighter than before because Shido's words touched her heart.
Slowly but surely, Kurumi brought her hands up and returned Shido's hug, even closing her eyes to fully enjoy the unexpected moment with the boy that she desired. Rinne gave a caring smile at seeing Shido's reunion with Kurumi, no jealousy coming to her because she knew Shido loved Kurumi just as he loved her and the other Spirits. The Ruler Spirit turned to look down at Rio and saw her daughter watching with a happy face as well.
After a few moments; Shido and Kurumi broke their hug and gazed at each other's faces. "I'm honest when I say this; I've missed you". The blue-haired boy told Kurumi, something that made her giggle innocently a little. "You really know how to flatter a girl, you know that Shido?" Kurumi responded, much to Shido's amusement as he chuckled a little bit.
The Nightmare Spirit looked pass Shido to Rinne and Rio, both of them watching with kind smiles. "Ruler... Nice to see you again". Kurumi greeted her fellow Spirit with a warm voice, getting Rinne to raise an eyebrow, yet still returned the greeting. "Hello Kurumi. You're looking well". The pink-haired girl greeted Kurumi back with a warm voice without a trace of distain.
Kurumi turned her gaze towards the final person in the room, only to stop and blink at the sight of Rio. The child Spirit tilted her head, smiling an innocent smile at Kurumi, something that stole her black heart. Kurumi's cheeks flushed a bit, growing a smile she had no control over whatsoever at Rio. "Well now, who's this little princess?" She asked with a curious voice, feeling a sort of great light from this little girl that she never thought possible.
"Rio's a princess?" Rio blinked at Kurumi, honestly surprised at what the Nightmare Spirit called her. Shido gave a chuckle, before looking over his shoulder to look at Rio. "Honestly; you're as adorable as one, so you are a princess". The blue-haired boy told his "daughter", much to Rio's blushing joy as she gave a big smile at Shido. "Thank you, Papa". Rio thanked Shido, yet what she said made Kurumi narrow her eyes dangerously.
"Papa?" Kurumi said with a low voice, right before reaching out with both hands and grabbed hold of Shido's face. The boy blinked, right before Kurumi forcefully turned his head so that he was looking right into her rather jealous filled sinister face. "Shido... Would you care to explain yourself?" The Nightmare Spirit asked with a dangerously sweet voice, something that frightened Shido completely as he began to comically sweating like a waterfall.
Rinne gave a giggle at seeing this, while Rio just blinked in confusion at what's going on.
(Music end)
A few minutes later after explaining the whole thing with Rio; Shido, Rinne and their "daughter" stood across Kurumi, who was no longer smiling a sinister smile and instead had a calm one. The Nightmare Spirit had a thoughtful look as she held her chin with the right hand. "I see. So, this little girl is a Spirit that thinks both of you are her parents". Kurumi summarized what she's been told, honestly fascinated with the little Spirit.
Shido and Rinne nodded to Kurumi, but Rio on the other hand, puffed her cheeks out. "Rio doesn't think Mama and Papa are her parents. Rio knows Mama and Papa are her parents". The child Spirit said in a statement, getting everyone to look at her. Shido and Rinne had small smiles, while Kurumi was fascinated. 'Fascinating. Is this little girl truly the child of a Spirit?' Kurumi thought, honestly bewildered at the possibility of a Spirit having a child.
She then closed both eyes and giggled at Rio. "You really are an adorable princess". The Nightmare Spirit stated, catching Rio's attention as she turned to look at Kurumi and smiled with both eyes closed. "Hehe... Thank you for saying nice things, Kurumin". The child Spirit thanked Kurumi, causing everyone to blink in surprise at what she called the black-haired girl.
"Hauu?!" Kurumi gasped out, feeling as if an angel's arrow had struck her heart at what Rio called her. She then grew a flattered smile as she stared at Rio as if she were an angel. "Wh-what the?! Kurumi is acting odd..." Shido stated, rather stunned by Kurumi's behavior as he's never seen anything like this before. Rinne giggled a bit, but remained out of this conversation.
Kurumi then began to walk towards the child Spirit, the warping shadows at her feet disappearing each step she took. "You really are adorable. What is your name, nya?" She asked, stopping right in front of Rio and brought both hands up, holding her hands up like they were cat paws. Shido gasped with comical white eyes, while Rinne just giggled with hers closed.
Rio, who wasn't really bothered by Kurumi's behavior, gave a bright face at the Nightmare Spirit before her. "I'm Rio, Kurumin". The child Spirit introduced herself to Kurumi, waving her right hand at her. "Then Rio, please tell me one thing. Why are you calling me Kurumin?" The Nightmare Spirit asked Rio, a question that Shido and Rinne were curious to hear the answer too.
Rio looked a bit confused by Kurumi's question, staring with wide eyes of confusion. "Kurumin is Kurumin, right? A pretty kitty, right?" She answered with a confused voice, an answer that made the Nightmare Spirit's face fall a bit. "I don't understand, but my heart hurts". She said with a bit of comical pain leaking out of her voice.
Both Shido and Rinne let out good hearted laughs for a bit, before they both stopped and Shido dropped his smile. "Kurumi, I have a favor to ask you". The blue-haired boy told Kurumi, catching everyone's attention as they looked at him. Shido had no trace of playfulness from earlier and now had a serious face because the situation at hand required their full attention.
"We need your help". Shido stated, something that Kurumi grew a sly smile at. "Ahh yes. Yoshino and the Yamai sisters under Miku's control and Tohka kidnapped by DEM Wizards. You are in a rather tricky situation my darling, but why ask for my help? You have a Spirit that's more powerful than I am by your side". The Nightmare Spirit said to the blue-haired boy, sparing a glance at Rinne.
The Ruler Spirit slightly narrowed her eyes, unable to argue with what Kurumi said. "That may be so, but Shido and Rio would still be in danger. That's why having you by our side will really help". Rinne told her fellow Spirit, slowly lifting her right hand and held it out to Kurumi. "Like me, you have the power to call upon reinforcements and Zafkiel has 12 numbers with different abilities. And you're able to resist Miku's control. You're the perfect ally for this". She added, much to Kurumi's amusement as she let out a small laugh.
"Flattering, really". The Nightmare Spirit stated, placing her left hand on the hip. "Unlike my Guardians, your past selves can collect information and move around on their free will. I can only allow mine to remain until the objectives I've given them are complete. As we deal with Miku and the controlled Spirits, your other selves will collect information on Tohka's whereabouts". Rinne explained, much to Kurumi's fascination as she continued to listen.
"Interesting. And how will you deal with Miku and your controlled friends?" She asked with a curious voice, wanting to hear what Rinne planned to do with the Diva Spirit. "I can free Yoshino and the others without a problem, just as I did with Tohka. I'll beat Miku into submission and Shido will handle her later once this is all done". The pink-haired girl answered, grabbing Shido's attention at what she said.
"Actually Rinne, I'd like to talk to Miku and see if she'd be willing to help us". Ratatoskr's main operative told Rinne. Instantly, she gave a frown of disapproval at Shido's words. "She almost killed you, remember? If I didn't regain my Spirit powers, you would have died". The Ruler Spirit reminded her boyfriend, watching Kurumi as she narrowed both eyes at what she heard.
"I remember, but still... I want to at least try". Shido persisted, refusing to give up on Miku despite all that she's done so far. Kurumi suddenly started laughing innocently, grabbing Shido's attention before he turned to look at her. "Even after everything, you're still the same boy that stole my heart". She laughed, much to Shido's embarrassment as both cheeks turned red.
(Unknown location/ Play DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation {OST} 02 Quiet Day)
Loud bells went off as a newly married couple herald a new beginning of their lives. Inside a reception hall next to a large chapel, the whole room was filled with many people that it would be too hard to count them all. Among the people inside were Rinne, Kotori, Yoshino, Yoshinon, Origami, the Ratatoskr crew and the students of Rizen High school, all of them wearing formal wear for this special day.
Everyone's attention was on the newly wedded married couple that were just about to cut their wedding cake. The man was wearing a white suit, while his new wife donned a white wedding dress with a ribbon and the veil already lifted off to reveal her face.
It was Shido and Tohka, both recently married and just starting to cut their wedding cake with Tohka's Angel; Sandalphon.
The blade had a pink satin ribbon tied around with flowers on the center on the knot. The Princess Spirit held her blade with Shido's hands over hers as they began to slowly cut their cake. Despite cutting their cake, the married couple's attention was on each other; Shido and Tohka gazing at one another. 'Surrounded by the people most important to us, today, we step in a new direction'. Shido thought to himself, surging with incredible happiness right now.
"Tohka, feeling okay?" The blue-haired boy asked his new wife, worried about her handling Sandalphon since she hasn't wielded that blade for a long time now. "Leave it to me, Shido. My skill with a blade is still unmatched, you know?" Tohka responded with a voice full of life and joy, not the least bit tired of using her Angel for something such as this.
Shido chuckled a bit at his wife's words, feeling giddy to think of her like that. "That's true. Haha". He gave a small laugh, something that made the Princess Spirit laugh as well. "Yes! Ahahaha!" Tohka let out a joyous laugh, much to Shido's joy as he stared at her beautiful face. 'Marriage isn't the end of the road. This, I know. From now on, life awaits Tohka and me. No doubt there'll be plenty of fun times, but there will also be many hardships. I'm not sure if Tohka and I could ever become a pair of lovebirds, like the penguins we saw, but...' Shido thought to himself, thinking back to that day he and Tohka saw that lovebird penguin couple.
"This is wonderful, Shido". The Princess Spirit stated, snapping Shido out of his thoughts. He blinked, then smiled at the girl that's now his wife. "Yeah, everyone came, after all". He stated, sparing a glance over to all their friends and family among the people. Origami and Kotori had comical auras of depression around them, Yoshino and Yoshinon were both watching in awe and Rinne had a joyful smile for the two.
"I am so happy, Shido". Tohka told her husband, a feeling he shared completely. "Yeah, I can barely wait". Shido stated, excited to start their new life together as soon as possible. 'This is the happiest day of my life'. The Itsuka male said inside his mind, feeling happier than he's ever been before.
"Shido...?" Tohka spoke, grabbing Shido's attention as he looked at her once more. "Hm?" He slightly tilted his head at her, wondering if she had something to say. "I just wanted to say your name. Hehe". The Princess Spirit giggled a little bit, getting Shido to sweat drop a little bit. "I-I see... Um, Tohka?" He said, catching Tohka's attention now.
"What is it, Shido?" The Princess Spirit asked with an innocent voice. "I wanted to say yours, too. Haha". Shido responded, giving a small laugh at the end. "I see. Then... Shido?" Tohka said once more, much to her husband's amusement. 'Ah. At this rate, it might not end unless I give up first. That's Tohka, ever so stubborn'. The married man thought, amused by his wife's stubbornness yet adored it all the same.
Tohka closed both eyes and gave a smile full of full with her cheeks flushed a bit. "...I love you!" She confessed to her husband, much to his stunned joy at hearing those three magical words he never grows tired of hearing from her. "Y...Yeah! I love you, too". He confessed back, much to Tohka's delight at hearing this. "Yes!" She exclaimed, both of them now halfway through cutting their cake.
'Goodness, Tohka's amazing. Always so straightforward'. Shido thought, still so amazed by his wife's straightforwardness. "Tohka?" He spoke gently, grabbing Tohka's attention once more. "Hm, what is it?" She asked with a curious voice, which Shido just smiled at her. "Promise me you'll be with me forever". The blue-haired male requested form his wife, asking for a rather selfish desire to always remain beside one another.
Tohka instantly nodded to Shido, a rather beautiful yet determined expression displayed on her face. "Yes, leave it to me! I am still inadequate, but let us work on it together, yes?" The Princess Spirit replied with a bright voice as she truly meant what she said. "Sure, leave it to me!" Shido exclaimed with energy, truly happy by Tohka's words because if was her way of saying they'll be together always.
The Princess Spirit puffed her cheeks out a little at what Shido just said. "Hrm! Copying me again, are you?" She said with a childish voice, much to Shido's amusement. "Haha. Can I not?" He asked, to the Princess Spirit's small surprise as she wasn't expecting him to say that. "W-well, it's not like you can't, but..." Tohka said with an unsure voice because Shido's question threw the bride off her game.
"Hahahaha!" Shido let out a loud laugh, both eyes closed in a peaceful way as he did so. He quickly stopped laughing and opened both eyes, gazing at his new wife with eyes full of love. 'I wonder who it was, who mentioned that "marriage" isn't gazing at someone, but rather facing in the same direction as them. From this day forth, there are things waiting for me that I can't possibly imagine. With Tohka, I'm sure they can be overcome. Nothing will stop us. We will both face the future together, walking hand in hand'. The blue-haired male thought to himself, certain that he and Tohka together can handle whatever the future throws at them.
"We'll always be together, Tohka. I promise. Your heart is in my hand". Shido swore to his bride, much to her further delight at hearing this. "Yes! Shido, you and I will always be together! Even if you tried to flee, I wouldn't let you!" The Princess Spirit exclaimed without a shred of self-doubt, a sign she truly meant it. Shido and Tohka gazed at one another once more, right as they finally cut their cake completely.
All around the married couple, everyone cheered for them. Their cheers filled Shido and Tohka with joy, both appreciating all of their friends and family. Today was one Shido and Tohka will never forget. At least in this loop.
(Reality/ Music end)
Tohka groaned a bit, feeling herself regain consciousness. "Shi...do...?" She whispered, slowly opening both eyes with the vision a little blurry. Her vision soon cleared and to Tohka's alarm, she found herself in a large dark room made of metal panels on the walls with glowing green circuity acting as the only source of light. What's more was that she was restrained to a chair with wires and tubes attached on her arms and head.
"Where am I?" The Princess Spirit questioned, before gasping in alarm at seeing both Ellen and Artemisia walking up to her, both out of their CR-Units and now wearing almost identical uniforms. Artemisia looked perfectly unharmed, while Ellen just had minor scrapes on her face. "Are you awake?" The purple-eyed woman asked, both females stopping a few feet away from Tohka.
"It's you two!" The Princess Spirit exclaimed, glaring at the two DEM Wizards with hostility in her eyes. "Please remain calm. Breaking those binds wouldn't be advisable in your current state". Ellen said with an emotionless voice, as if Tohka's hostility wasn't anything to worry about. "Don't mess with me! Take these off and let me go right now, or Rinne's not gonna be happy!" Tohka exclaimed, glaring at the two females before her as if her glare could burn them alive.
Ellen's right eye twitched at hearing Rinne's name, but kept her cool. "Rinne Sonogami; the Spirit Ruler. I admit that she's an incredibly powerful Spirit, but it is no concern. I was just merely caught off guard, she stands no chance against me". Ellen said with certainty, like she had no doubt that she's stronger than Ruler.
At Ellen's words, Tohka let out a loud chuckle because it was incredibly amusing to her. Both Ellen and Artemisia blinked at the random laugh, right before Tohka stared at them with a confident grin. "You have to be kidding me, right? You beat Rinne? Sorry to tell you this lady, but there's way that's ever gonna happen! Rinne wasn't even trying against you because if she were, you'd be nothing but dust by now!" The princess Spirit exclaimed, speaking from experience as she's seen Rinne with Paradise Lost and knew that her fellow Spirit wasn't even trying against Ellen.
The purple-eyed woman grew an enraged glare at Tohka since her words hit a sensitive area. Ellen's hair became undone, right before her Territory appeared around Tohka. The Princess Spirit cried out upon feeling intense pain inflicted upon her. "No Wizard has better control of their Territory than me". Ellen stated, her Territory growing larger as she spoke while Artemisia remained silent. "It would be wise of you to keep comments like that to yourself". She added, right before her Territory disappeared.
Tohka lurched forward, coughing for a few seconds before she raised her head to glare at Ellen with a mocking smirk. "Whatever you do... It's nothing compared to what Rinne... can do". The Princess Spirit said with a daring tone, much to Ellen's further enragement at her words. Artemisia remained silent as she had nothing to say.
(Back with Shido, Rinne, Rio and Kurumi)
"To tell the truth, I have some business with DEM Industries myself. My intention was to use you as a decoy in return for helping you guys save Tohka. But it looks like that won't be necessary because of this partnership". Kurumi said to the "family", still smiling a sly grin only with her left hand placed on the hip now. Shido raised an eyebrow at Kurumi, wondering what she could want with DEM that she'd work with them.
"I don't know what you intend to do with DEM, and I highly doubt you're just gonna tell us, right?" Rinne said with a small frown, resulting in Kurumi giggling a little at her fellow Spirit. "Even though we spend the slightest time together in Eden; I'm confident to say you know me best". The Nightmare Spirit stated, honestly glad to see that Rinne didn't expect her to be such a goody-goody like Tohka and the others.
Shido narrowed his eyes a bit at Kurumi. He was about to open his mouth to speak, but then Rio suddenly walked forward, grabbing everyone's attention. The child Spirit walked up to Kurumi and stopped in front of her, looking up at Kurumi's curious expression with her hopeful one. "Kurumin... Could you please... help us save Tohka..." Rio asked the Nightmare Spirit with a pleading voice, much to the surprise of everyone as they blinked at her.
Shido and Rinne then smiled at their "daughter", while Kurumi stared down at Rio with a stunned face. She then grew a gentle look as she knelt down in front of Rio. Kurumi brought up both hands, holding them as if they were cat paws once more. "If cute little Rio asks like that, this pretty kitty can't possible say no to her request". The Nightmare Spirit said with a cat-like voice to Rio, much to her joy at hearing this.
"Really, you will? Yay! Thank you Kurumin!" The child Spirit cried out in joy, then jumped and wrapped both arms around Kurumi's shoulders in a deep hug. The Nightmare Spirit let out a low, but sharp gasp at Rio's hug, but after a few moments, hesitantly returned it by wrapping her arms around Rio. Shido and Rinne watched with a bit of surprise that their "daughter" managed to touch Kurumi's heart.
(Meanwhile at the JSDF Hospital)
'The big riots in Tengu City are still yet to subside. Even the police officers deployed to bring the rioters under control have joined them!' A voice disturbed Origami from her slumber, much to her annoyance as she grunted. The white-haired girl opened her eyes to see an unfamiliar celling above her, right before Mikie came into view and gazed down at Origami with relief.
"Origami, you're awake!" The brunette exclaimed in relief, much to the white-haired girl's confusion. She sat up from the bed she was apparently lying down and looked down at herself; seeing that she's wearing a pink hospital gown. She was even bandaged around the head and arms, much to Origami's confusion as she looked down at her hands. "Where...am I? And what happened?" Origami questioned, mind still a bit blurry from the sudden recovery of her memories.
"You fell unconscious for some reason, and it wasn't because of White Licorice. Mana brought you here to the JSDF with a CR-Unit I've never seen before, then took off. I haven't seen her since, and you've been unconscious all this time". Mikie explained to her friend what had happened while she had been unconscious. Origami narrowed her eyes, then looked up and saw a screen showing a news report.
"What's going on out there?" Origami questioned once more, wondering what she missed while she had been unconscious. "People are rioting and anyone that comes near joins them. It's even happening downtown and no one knows why they're rioting". The brunette answered, picking up the remote with her right hand and turned the TV off. "We should be safe here though. It's away from the city's center". Mikie added, turning to look back at Origami.
"It may seem like no reason to the public, but it honestly seems like the people rioting are under a Spirit's control". She told her fellow AST member, much to Origami's alarm as she remembered Miku and figured only her could control people because the other Spirits couldn't. "And the AST? Have they been deployed?" Origami questioned, wondering if their squad had been given the okay to handle the situation.
"We've been ordered to be on standby for now". Mikie answered, placing the remote down on the bed sheets. The brunette looked, then cried out in a panic from seeing Origami attempting to get out of bed, only to hiss in pain and fall back on the bed. "Origami, you're too hurt!" Mikie exclaimed in panic, coming right up and help Origami lie back down on the bed. "You have to rest. I was so worried that you might never wake up again". She added almost in tears, grabbing hold of the bedsheets and placed them over Origami.
The white-haired girl had a face of both pain and determination as she stared at her fellow AST member. "But Shido! I have to find him!" Origami persisted, desperate to find and see the face of the man she loved. "You can't in your condition. Just rest and wait for Mana to come back". Mikie pleaded to her friend, much to Origami's frustration yet didn't argue because she was right about her condition.
(Meanwhile/ Play Friendly Feelings)
In a dark street of Tengu City; Shido, Rinne and Kurumi were all walking down the street with Rio riding on Shido's back in a piggyback while the Nightmare Spirit lead the way. Rinne turned to look at her boyfriend and "daughter", eyes focused on the smiling child Spirit. "Rio, are you getting tired? Do you need some rest?" The Ruler Spirit asked Rio, catching the little girl's attention as she looked and smiled at her "mother".
"Don't worry, Mama! Rio isn't tired in the least". The child Spirit answered with a voice full of energy, something that made Shido smile a bit before looking over his left shoulder to look at Rio. "That's impressive to hear. Most kids would be tired and couldn't stay awake at this kind of hour". The blue-haired boy said with an impressed voice, much to Rio's delight at hearing this.
Kurumi looked over her right shoulder to gaze at the "family" with a hint of jealousy. She could handle seeing Shido with another girl, but seeing him with a girl and a child really gave her this disturbing feeling. Deciding to remind them of the situation, plus not let them see her jealousy, Kurumi fake coughed into her right hand, successfully grabbing the "family's" attention.
"Let's go over our plan of action. While my other selves are searching for Tohka, we take care of the Miku problem". The Nightmare Spirit began to explain, getting Shido to frown in confusion since they weren't heading to Tengu Square and instead to Miku's house. "Then why are we going to Miku's house? I doubt anything there could help us". The blue-haired boy remarked, unable to see why going to Miku's house would help them in anyway.
"Maybe not us, but for you it could". Kurumi stated, much to Shido's further confusion as he didn't know what she meant by that. Rinne, on the other hand, know what her fellow Spirit had in mind. "We're going to find anything related to Miku's past and see if it could help us. Maybe even explain why she hates men, her life as a human and how she became a Spirit". The Ruler Spirit summarized, much to Kurumi's amusement as she gave a chuckle.
"The first two are correct, but the third might be pushing it". The Nightmare Spirit stated, right as they all arrived at Miku's house right before the gates. Rio stared up at Miku's mansion-like home in awe. "Wow... Miku lives here? It's bigger than Papa's home". Rio said in awe, much to the teenagers' small amusement at the child-like wonder she had. "Miku's a famed songstress, so she earns more money than the average person. A place like this would be too much for Papa to buy, but it probably isn't the case for Miku". Rinne explained to her "daughter", much to Rio's wonder at learning this.
They all passed through the gate after Kurumi "handled" the lock and were now walking down the front yard. "You gave that girl a beating I'm certain she's not gonna forget anytime soon. Worst case scenario would be her siding with DEM, so taking care of her right now would be best". The Nightmare Spirit told the "family", having seen Ruler give Miku a tough lesson with her own eyes earlier.
Shido blinked at Kurumi's words, then widened both eyes in realization that he didn't really imagine her at Tengu Square. "Wait, then I really did see you back at Tengu Square?" He asked the Nightmare Spirit, catching Kurumi's attention as she looked over her left shoulder. "That's right. I must admit that seeing Shiori was very entertaining". Kurumi said with an amused voice, much to Rio's confusion as she tilted her head.
"Then why didn't you come over to talk to me?" Shido questioned, stopping in his tracks as he stared at the Nightmare Spirit with a frown. Kurumi slightly widen her eyes at Shido's question, cease walking as well but didn't turn to face him. Rinne stopped behind her boyfriend, but remained silent since this was between them. Rio also wisely stayed out of this since she knew this was something her "papa" and Kurumi needed to discuss.
It was quiet for a few moments, but Kurumi eventually spoke. "I... didn't think you'd want to see me. Especially after how our last encounter ended". The Nightmare Spirit told Shido, sounding disheartened as she spoke. Shido gritted his teeth; knowing full well that she meant the Tanabata Festival events, but that didn't give him pause at all. "I remember that day full well, but still! After remembering Eden and our life together, I just wanted to see you again". Shido told Kurumi, speaking from the heart because he has harbored the desire to see her again for so long.
Kurumi flinched at Shido's words because they hit just as hard as one of Ruler's energy blasts. "I... Why do you feel that way for me?" The Nightmare Spirit questioned Shido, something that appeared to insult him as he stared at her as if she were an idiot. "How can you ask something like that? Besides, you know the answer already. Remember our life together in Eden?" He answered, keeping as calm as possible to not startle the girl he was carrying.
"...That was just a clone of me..." Kurumi pointed out, reminding Shido that it wasn't the original but a clone he had that life with. "So?! That doesn't matter! That was still you, "Kurumi Tokisaki", so don't try to deny it". The blue-haired boy told the Nightmare Spirit, before kneeling down on his right knee. No words were needed since Rio knew what her "papa" wanted, so she unwrapped her arms around Shido's neck and stepped back.
Upon no longer feeling Rio on his back, Shido got back up and walked over to Kurumi. Once he was behind her, Shido wrapped both arms around Kurumi in a caring hug, an action that made the Nightmare Spirit flush. "You're important to me. Never doubt that". He told her, speaking softly into Kurumi's hair. The Nightmare Spirit was silent for a few moments, before raising her hands and placed them over Shido's hands.
Rinne and Rio watched the two with soft faces, glad that Kurumi wasn't trying to deny what Shido was saying. It was peacefully quiet for a few moments, before Kurumi glanced over her shoulder to look at Shido with a blushing face. "You sure know how to sweet talk a girl. If you continue this, you might end up taking my innocent just like you did before". She said with a flirting smile, much to Shido's embarrassment as his face turned bright red upon remembering "that" night.
Rinne twitched a bit, but didn't do anything else and just kept a peaceful look on her face. Rio, on the other hand, just tilted her head in confusion. "I-I-I-I-I-I..." Shido stuttered, much to Kurumi's amusement as she let out a happy giggle. "As much as I enjoy being in your arms, we shouldn't get sidetracked. We still have much left to do". The Nightmare Spirit told Shido, instantly ridding him of his embarrassment as he nodded to her. "Yeah, you're right". He stated, letting go of Kurumi with her letting go of his hands.
(Music end)
Shido and the three Spirits soon came up to the mansion's front door, and the only thing stopping them from getting in was the fact that the door's locked. "I don't suppose anyone here has the keys". Shido gave a small joke of their situation, something that got Rio to laugh a bit. "No, but I have the next best thing". Kurumi answered, then brought up her flintlock pistol with her right hand.
She pointed it right into the doors' keyhole, then fired, breaking the lock for them. "Do you do that every time you come into someone's house uninvited?" Rinne questioned her fellow Spirit with a curious voice, which Kurumi gave a chuckle in response. "Not really. I only do this when I visit Shido". The Nightmare Spirit answered, before walking into the house with a push of the door with her right hand.
"HUH!?" Shido gasped out in surprise at what Kurumi said, while Rinne and Rio just chuckled as the "family" walked in after the Nightmare Spirit. The four were soon walking down the dark hallway in search for Miku's room. Last time they were here; Shido and Rinne weren't taken to Miku's room, so they don't know where it is. Rio was humming a tone as they walked; a happy one that everyone couldn't help smiling as they listen.
Shido then looked at the back of Kurumi's head with a curious face. "Kurumi, be honest with me. Do you think Miku used to be a human before, or was a Spirit always?" Ratatoskr's main operative asked, curious to hear from Kurumi her thoughts about Miku. "She was human, obviously". The Nightmare Spirit answered as if she was stating an obvious answer. "Then why would she become a Spirit then?" The teenage boy asked once more, and this question was one that Kurumi didn't have an answer for.
But someone else possible did though. "Maybe she did it because she had no choice". Rinne spoke up, catching everyone's attention as they looked at her in curiosity. "What do you mean, Mama?" Rio asked her "mother", coming up so that she's walking beside Rinne. The Ruler Spirit gazed down at Rio with a slightly flushed face, then answered. "When I looked into her eyes after covering her mouth, I saw something. She had the look of a traumatized victim". The pink-haired girl revealed, much to Shido's surprise at hearing this.
"Well, this is interesting to hear". Kurumi remarked, wondering what could have possibly happened for the Diva Spirit to grow that kind of look in her eyes. "I was gonna question Miku, but then Ellen showed up and I had to focus on her. But maybe we could find the answers here". Rinne said, wondering if there was more to Miku than just the surface.
"That's a possibility. All we need to do is look through her personal items". Kurumi said with a small smirk, much to Rio's wonder at hearing this. "Miku's... personal items?" She said in wonder, not really understanding the meaning of "personal items".
(Meanwhile at Tengu Square)
Back at Tengu Square that was surrounded by Miku's mind-controlled slaves; the Diva Spirit was recovering from her "fight" with Ruler. In the changing room; a still bruised and scrapped Miku sat down on a single chair with Yoshino, Kaguya, Yuzuru, Ai, Mai and Mii all surrounding her, all of them all wearing maid uniforms with the exception of Miku still in her Astral Dress.
The Diva Spirit brought her right hand to the right cheek, then hissed in pain once she touched it. "It hurts... Just how could this have happened?" She questioned with an upset voice since today has been nothing but trouble for her. Shiori was really a boy, the new Spirit easily defeated and terrified her and most of all, Miku couldn't sing right now because she's recovering.
"Don't worry Mistress; we'll get Rinne back for what she did to you". Kaguya told Miku with an upset and determined voice, Yuzuru giving a nod of agreement to her twin's words. "Agreement. We will not rest until justice has been served". The second Berserk Spirit added, holding up her right fist to express her desire to get payback on Rinne.
Miku smiled at the Yamai sisters, but her attention shifted over to Yoshino as the Hermit Spirit spoke up. "U-Um... Maybe we should just leave Rinne and Shido alone". Yoshino suggested with a nervous voice, catching the other girls' attention as they looked at her in outrage. "Are you serious like, saying we should let this go unpunished?" Ai questioned with a deep frown directed at the Hermit Spirit.
"Yeah! That evil girl's gotta be taught a lesson for hurting our mistress!" Mai exclaimed in agreement, thrusting up both fists. "That's so lame". Mii remarked, frowning down at the little girl. "I-I didn't mean that". Yoshino said nervously, before holding Yoshinon up for the puppet to speak. "What Yoshino means is that it's a bad idea to pick a fight with Rinne! She could blow us all away if she wanted!" Yoshinon warned the girls, something that Kaguya scoffed at.
"Oh please! She just got the jump on us! Next time will be different!" The Berserk twin exclaimed, refusing to accept that they were defeated completely and effortlessly. "You don't understand. R-Rinne's so strong that she could destroy us". Yoshino tried to explain clearly for everyone to understand what they're facing. "I don't care how powerful she is!" Miku suddenly shouted out, getting everyone to flinch before turning to look at her.
The Diva Spirit had an expression full of rage upon remembering how Ruler covered her mouth, blocking her voice. "She's gonna pay! I don't care how, but she'll pay for trying to take my voice away!" Miku exclaimed, receiving a rounding cry from almost all of her mind-controlled girls. The only exceptions were Yoshino and Yoshinon as they looked at each other, knowing full well it was suicide to fight Ruler.
(Back with Shido and the Spirits/ Play DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation {OST} 18 The Perverted World)
With Shido and the girls, they've found Miku's room and have already started going through her stuff. But things have taken a weird turn because Kurumi has...found something. "Wow Shido, take a look at this!" The Nightmare Spirit exclaimed, holding up a rather large pink bra that's big enough to cover someone's face.
Shido's face flushed red at seeing this, while Rinne quickly covered Rio's eyes much to the child Spirit's confusion. "Oh god!" The blue-haired boy cried in comical embarrassment at seeing that thing. "Look at how humongous it is! I could almost fit my whole head in one of these crazy cups". Kurumi said with a sort of innocent smile with both eyes closed, not the least bit nervous or embarrassed.
"Come on! This is not the time for something like that!" Shido stated, taking a step back from the Nightmare Spirit in fear of what she's holding. "And get rid of that! Rio's too young to even be thinking of bras or anything of the sort!" Rinne told her fellow Spirit, more worried about Rio than anything else because of this new motherly protective nature she has for the girl. "Bra?" Rio said in confusion, too young to know what a bra is.
Kurumi laughed a little in amusement, opening both eyes to look at Shido. "Ahaha. You're both so serious. Guess that's to be expected from a pair of loving parents to an innocent little girl". The black-haired Spirit said in amusement, getting Shido and Rinne to blush a bit more than before. "Anyway, here. Take it. Why don't you try putting it on, too?" Kurumi added, holding the bra out to Shido, much to his paling dread.
"Y-You can't be serious! I'm not that kind of person that likes cross dressing!" Shido said with a bit of comical fear, taking another step back while Kurumi took a step forward. "I apologize, I must have been mistaken. Just thought it would look great on Shiori". Kurumi "apologized" to the Itsuka boy, much to his embarrassment upon remembering his shameful female disguise. "Oh all the things you had to see; why did it have to be that?" The blue-haired boy questioned, nervously sweating as he took another step back from the Nightmare Spirit.
Kurumi giggled at the boy, right before a rather "brilliant" idea for some fun came to mind. She turned to look at Rinne and Rio, before holding the bra out to the Ruler Spirit. "Why don't you try it out, Ruler?" She suggested to Rinne, much to her blushing surprise and Shido's comical shock. "Say what!?" The blue-haired boy shouted out with comical white eyes, both a bit eager and dreadful of seeing his girlfriend wearing that thing.
Kurumi giggled once more, honestly amused with the whole situation. "Come on Ruler. While it may not fit you in this form of yours, I'm certain it will with your other one. After all, in Spirit form your breasts grow larger". The Nightmare Spirit said to Ruler, much to Ruler's embarrassment since that was kinda a touchy subject. "I...you...it's... It's not what you're thinking, okay". She stuttered, unable to really argue since her breasts are in different sizes in her two forms.
"Don't worry. I'll cover sweet little Rio's eyes while you change". Kurumi reassured Rinne, before taking a single step to the pair of mother and daughter. "Hey, hold up a second!" Shido exclaimed, grabbing Kurumi's attention as she turned to look at him with a sly smile. "Oh? Do you want to try it?" She asked, holding the bra out to Shido once more and filling him with comical dread.
"I never said that!" Shido stated, almost pale white as Kurumi took another step to him. "Do it for me, please? I really want to take a good look at my darling Shiori when she's pushed to the edge". The Nightmare Spirit pleaded, taking another step but somehow slipped and fell on top of Shido, resulting in both of them falling with Shido giving a small cry of surprise.
Rinne gave a small gasp, while Rio lifted her "mother's" hands from her eyes and saw Kurumi on top of her "father" on the ground. "Kurumin? Why are you and papa lying down?" The child Spirit asked with an innocent face, getting Kurumi to chuckle as she looked at the little girl. "My foot slipped, but your big, brave Papa took the fall for me". The Nightmare Spirit answered, before turning to look at the man underneath her, only to blink at spotting something on Shido's left cheek.
"Shido, you're hurt". Kurumi said in small surprise, placing both hands on Shido's chest as she gazed at the scratch on Shido's cheek. The blue-haired boy blinked, before looking down at his cheek and placed the left hand over it. He then looked at his fingers and saw a bit of blood on the fingertips. "Don't worry, this is nothing compared to what I've got through. A little split and I'll be good as new". Shido told Kurumi, eyes focused on the blood that he didn't notice the girl lying atop of him narrow her eyes seductively at him.
"Uh-hu". She then started leaning down to Shido's face, much to his and Rinne's surprise while Rio just tilted her head. But to their surprise, Kurumi didn't try to kiss Shido but instead lightly licked Shido's cheek. The blue-haired boy both widened his eyes and flushed as he stared at Kurumi's seductive face staring down at him. "W-what was that for?!" He questioned with an embarrassed voice, only to blink once more when Kurumi gently placed her right hand on his cheek.
Shido looked into Kurumi's eyes where he saw a sudden nostalgic look in them, as if she were remembering a fond memory. "...Doesn't this take you back, Shido? Of that night we spent together at your house?" She asked the blue-haired boy, a question that made him regain his flushed face a bit since he remembered perfectly. Kurumi giggled at the boy's red face, taking that as an answer.
"Looks like you remember completely. I must say history has a strange way of repeating itself. Me on top of you again like this". The Nightmare Spirit said, gently rubbing Shido's cheek as if it were something she casually does every now and then.
Shido had no comeback for that since she was right in a way. He glanced over to Rinne and Rio, where he saw the Ruler Spirit pounting as she watched while their "daughter" looked clueless. He turned to look back at Kurumi and hesitantly nodded to her. "I-I guess so". Shido stuttered, heart flustered as Kurumi made no move to get back up, instead stayed atop of him.
The Nightmare Spirit gently placed her left hand on Shido's other cheek, before bringing her face right up to Shido's. Kurumi stared into the eyes of the boy before her for a few moments, before eventually pulling away. "As much as I'd enjoy a repeat of that night, I can't afford to have my Spirit powers sealed away. Sorry Shido". The black-haired girl told Shido, letting go of his cheeks and placed them on the ground.
Kurumi climbed back up onto her feet and stepped back, while Shido kept staring at her with flushed cheeks. He did turn away and looked to the side, but that was when he noticed an item right next to him. "What's that?" He questioned, before flipping over and got on his right knee to look at what it was that caught his eye. It was two CD cases with Miku on the cover page; it was titled "Tsukino", but the artist's name was "Yoimachi Tsukino".
"Yoimachi Tsukino?" Shido said with a frown, before picking up both CD cases with his right hand and brought them up to his face. 'This must be a song that Miku singed when she was human, but why isn't it with her real name?' He mentally questioned, seeing more questions surround Miku's past than before. Rinne and Rio walked over to Shido, before the Ruler Spirit looked at the cover pages. "She seems different compared to how she is now". The pink-haired girl said, seeing a brightness in the cover page girl's eyes compared to her present self.
"Seems like we're getting closer to our endgame. Look what I found". Kurumi told the "family" catching their attention as they looked to see her holding a picture frame. The picture was a surprise to Shido and Rinne, while Rio just tilted her head. "But isn't that..." Shido began, only to stop himself. Kurumi turned her gaze to Rio and smiled down at the little Spirit.
"Rio, could you hand me one of those CD cases your Papa is holding?" The Nightmare Spirit asked the child Spirit, grabbing Rio's attention as she looked at Kurumi and smiled at her.
"Okay, Kurumin". Rio replied to Kurumi, gently taking one of the two CD cases and then walked over to the Nightmare Spirit. She handed the CD case over, and Kurumi gave Rio a thankful smile. "Thank you". She thanked the child Spirit, much to Rio's child-like joy as she giggled.
Kurumi looked at the CD case and picture frame for a moment, before holding both of them with her left hand. The Nightmare Spirit then brought out pistol, much to the family's concern. "Kurumi, what are you doing?" Rinne asked in concern, wondering what her fellow Spirit was planning. To their astonishment, Kurumi brought both CD case and picture frame to beside her head on the right, aiming her pistol at them and her head.
"Zafkiel... Yod". Kurumi whispered, activating her Angel's power. Kurumi's clock-like eye began ticking away with black energy being absorbed into her pistol. Once the energy was fully absorbed, she then fired yet the items weren't destroyed and her head was unharmed. Rio gasped in concern for the Nightmare Spirit, before grabbing hold of Kurumi's Astral Dress and gazed up at her in concern.
"Are you alright, Kurumin?" Rio asked the Nightmare Spirit with a worried voice. Kurumi gazed down at the little girl, then gave a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, little Rio. I'm fine, I just used Zafkiel Yod to see the memories of these items". Kurumi told Rio, much to her relief at hearing this. "Memories?" Shido questioned with a small, confused frown. Rinne, on the other hand, had a look of realization on her face.
"Your Zafkiel has the power to see memories of anything it shoots?" She questioned in surprise, grabbing Kurumi's attention as she looked and nodded to Rinne. "That's correct, bravo Ruler. And thanks to these two, I know a bit more about our troublesome little Spirit. All that's left now is to deal with her". The Nightmare Spirit said with a confident voice, much to Shido's anticipation as the information could help big time with the Miku issue.
(Later at Tengu Square/ Music end)
In the dressing room, Miku was standing up on her feet looking completely healed with her Astral Dress all fixed up. The Diva Spirit giggled happily as she spun around on her right leg, arms spread out as she enjoyed no longer feeling the sting of pain from earlier. "There! I'm all healed up and now I can sing to my heart's content". Miku said with a pleased voice, ceasing her spinning and brought both hands down.
"Reporting in, Mistress Miku!" A voice called out from behind, catching Miku's attention. She turned around to see Ai, Mai and Mii down on their knees in front of her. "Have you found that boy and girl yet? The ones that deceived and hurt me". She questioned the three of them, which Ai nodded as she held up her right fist. "Yes, Mistress!" The leader of the trio answered Miku. "There's no mistaking it". Mai remarked from next to Ai. "That's so lame!" Mii cried out from Mai's left.
"Oh? Is that the case?" Miku asked with a pleased smile. "They were better at hiding than I thought, but no matter. Well, who finally track them down then? I hope it's a pretty young lady so that I can dot on her lovingly. But if it's a man... Oh, I guess you can give him a piece of candy and send him on his way". The Diva Spirit added, hoping it was a woman that found her targets.
The trio stared at their mistress with uncertain expressions. "They, uhhh... Got found by like, a whole crowd of people". Ai told Miku, turning to look at Mai as she spoke. "It's hard to pick just one person to reward". Mai remarked, turning to look at Mii who turned to look at her. "That is so, so lame". The glasses wearing female stated, much to Miku's confusion as she stared at the three for an explanation. "They're outside, like they just showed up". Ai told Miku where her targets currently were.
(Outside Tengu Square)
Shido, Rinne, Kurumi and Rio were surrounded on all sides by Miku's mind controlled male slaves, all of them still holding glowsticks. "Facing her head-on is crazy, no matter how you slice it". Shido remarked, honestly thinking they could have gone with a different approach than this. "Even if you thought of a more certain way to get you straight to Miku, it's too late because we're already here. Which means at this point your energy is better spent figuring out how to persuade Miku". Kurumi told the blue-haired boy, not the least bit bothered by the fact they're surrounded like this.
"Okay, fine. I guess you're right". Shido replied to the Nightmare Spirit. "Rio, stay close no matter what. Don't go running off". Rinne told her "daughter" with a stern voice, looking left and right to all the people surrounding them. "Hai, Mama!" Rio called out cheerfully, sticking close to the Ruler Spirit just as Rinne told her to. 'I had all these people out searching for you, instead you come to me on your own. You must have a great deal of confidence, Rinne Sonogami and Shiori'. A familiar voice said though the speakers, grabbing the attention of Shido and the girls as they gazed towards the building.
(Inside Tengu Square)
In the PA room; Miku stood in front of the multiple monitors that displayed both inside and outside of Tengu Square, staring at the one that showed the outside guests. Standing a few feet behind the Diva Spirit were the controlled Spirits; Yoshino, Kaguya and Yuzuru. Both Berserk Spirits had confident looks, but Yoshino and Yoshinon not so much since they know what's waiting for them.
"Or should I say...Shido Itsuka!" Miku exclaimed with a frown, holding the microphone right up to her face.
(Back with Shido and the Spirits)
"Well, I'd say it's a safe bet that she's still ticked off". Shido remarked, getting Kurumi to giggle a bit. Rinne stepped forward, before closing both eyes and breathed out gently. Blue energy with a gale of wind suddenly appeared around Rinne's body, right before she transformed into Ruler with the energy disappearing. Ruler opened her pink, almost red eyes, and gazed directly towards the building Miku and the controlled Spirits were.
Rio gasped in awe as she stared at her "mother's" majestic form with a wide smile. Kurumi glanced over at Ruler's form with slightly narrowed eyes, taking in the massive amounts of power she was leaking out that far surpassed her own. And Shido just gave a smile at his girlfriend, relived to see that Rinne was truly tree of the "wall" blocking her powers.
"Miku Izayoi... Your judgement has come for you". Ruler spoke with her emotionless voice, fully intending to finish what she had started and teach Miku a lesson she won't ever forget.
(Play (Date a Live: Day to Story ending)
"This is the tale of a long, long journey…"
"Of a hero who left home to save you".
The screen started off as pure black, before slowly lighting up to reveal the night sky full of bright stars. The camera started going downwards, eventually showing the back of Shido, in school uniform with Sandalphon held in his right hand, standing on a light blue ground. The camera zoomed in and shifted around to show Shido's face as he opened his eyes, with the night sky around him transforming into a sunset sky with clouds. Shido tilted his head up to look out across the sea towards the rising sun in the distance.
He continued to look out across the distance, before the sunlight from the rising sun soon blinded the camera.
"From a land of fairy tales, a hero set off on a journey".
The screen changed to show Shido standing in the park where he and Tohka went on their first date in front of the wooden railing. He had his head tilted down with both eyes closed as he held Sandalphone down with both hands and the tip pointing down. The gem on Sandalphone was radiating light from the sunlight on it. Yoshinon came into view, spun around and then smiled at the camera as she closed in and came over the screen.
"Passing through the grassy plains to find his princess".
Once Yoshinon left the screen, it changed to show Shido now at Arubi Island standing atop the large green hill that had a view of the whole island and even the ocean, still in the same position as before. Then, Tohka came into view with a big smile on her face. She gave a happy expression at the camera as she closed in and came over the screen.
"Overcoming pitch black caves and stormy mountains".
Once Tohka left the screen, it changed to show Shido standing atop a skyscraper's rooftop in the late afternoon, still in the same position. The sky was dark, had a few stars and clouds visible with DEM's Japanese branch building close by. Rinne appeared and gave a gentle smile at the camera, before closing in and came over the screen.
The screen then changed when Origami left, now showing Tengu Square with Shido not too far from the building, holding Sandalphone down still.
"His sword held high".
Sandalphone then came up from below and came overview in the camera with its gem flashing for a brief second, before disappearing to reveal a patch of grass with a dark background. The camera moved across to the right, eventually showing Shido kneeling on the ground on his left knee, holding a stabbed to the ground Sandalphone with its gem providing a bright light with a blue flame on his left cheek.
"The flames of courage burns in his eyes".
The blue flames eventually died down into nothing, before Shido opened his closed eyes and lifted his head up. He faced forward, before getting up on his feet out of view.
"I'll cast of the clutches of darkness and take your hand in mine".
A familiar right hand, belonging of that of a certain Ruler Spirit, reached out with Shido's left hand reaching out towards it as well. The two hands then gently grabbed hold of one another in a finger lock. From within the connected hands a light appeared that grew so much stronger and blinded the screen.
"Always with my sword in hand".
The screen changed to night sky full of stars with the camera slowly moving down a black and red sword. On the left side of the camera beside the sword, the Yamai sisters first appeared in their Astral Dress. They then disappeared and were replaced with Kotori in her commander outfit, licking a lollypop.
"I'll break through the darkness to find you".
Kotori then disappeared and on the right side, Miku appeared with a smile directed at the camera. She was then replaced by Yoshino and Yoshinon staring at the camera with bright faces with the puppet waving her left hand. The two disappeared, before Kurumi appeared in front of the blade, smiling deviously as she held her pistol with her right hand at the camera.
"No matter how hard it is, I won't ever give up".
Kurumi disappeared with the black and red sword disappearing from sight. Then, two familiar Spirits appeared at the left and right side of the camera. On the left side was Tohka, but she was wearing a more revealing Astral Dress, half of her hair changed colours to white and now her eyes were a mixture of amber and indigo. Her expression was different from her usual happy one, as if she were a completely different person.
On the right side was Ruler in her Astral Dress, staring directly at the camera from behind her veil with both arms folded. She had her mouth open a little bit with her braids looking as if they were blowing in the breeze. The two Spirits then slowly disappeared from sight.
"So come and take my hand".
"The eternal flames of courage (Dead or Alive)".
"Fills the world with light".
Then Rio came up into view. She smiled happily with both eyes closed at the camera, then twirled around on her right leg with the robe flowing out. The child Spirit stopped twirling around to face the camera and waved both hands with a happy expression as she slowly faded away.
Flames appeared out of nowhere from below the night sky and burned bright, before briefly covering the camera completely. It quickly died out to reveal Shido, Rinne and Tohka, all in school uniform, standing beside one another at a beach with a few grass covered rocks with flowers behind them. The three of them looking across the distance towards the rising sun, brining another day for them.
(Ending song finished)
And with that, the long-awaited chapter is finished. I apologize if this took a while; I took time off to play my games and watch anime. I've even started getting into Re-Zero, it's really emotional, heartbreaking and good. I hope to see season 3 really soon.
Anyway; I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Finally got some action done, Ruler has returned and Rio's appeared. I'm really happy to reach this point. I apologize if there was a bit much of flirting in it, but it's too make up for the next chapters that will have as small flirting as possible. I guess the new goal for this story now is to reach the end of season 2, but I won't go straight to season 3.
Curious question; what do you guys think of the changes I've done so far? Like Artemisia for example? They never did explain when she came under DEM's control, so I took advantage of that and had her appear since Mana disappeared, DEM needed someone else to replace her. And next chapter, she'll get her new position.
By the way guys; have any suggestions on how the next chapters should go, like what kind of changes should I make? Like should Shido use a different Angel than the ones in cannon around this time? Or should Ruler free the other Spirits and leave Miku on her own? Tell me what you think.
Now, I'm gonna enjoy the rest of my night to myself. I'll get the next story updated by the end of this month, so please be patient. Until then.
