Author Notes:

* Part 1 takes place during the events of Date A Live: Rio Reincarnation


Fictions Mentioned:


Episode 18


OP Insert Song:

Oh! My Goddess OVA Soundtrack Volume 2 - Congratulations!


Start:


PART 1

Flashback

It was sometime in the past. But this was not the time of Kamen Rider Black. No, this was further into the past, before the New World, before the Time War, before everything that entailed or transpired. Shidou Itsuka, dressed in his best casual clothing that he got from the closet. It consists of a dark blue jacket with a black shirt underneath, blue jeans, and black shoes. Right now, with the important spare key that he had gotten from the drawer after looking for it, he had rung the doorbell of a simple suburban house that was just right next door to his own house.

This was the house of Rinne Sonogami. Well, at least in this reality.

A thought came into his mind. Was she already awake by now? He left her in bed a while ago in order to get outside the house. As he waited, he can still remember the dread that he would feel. That this was the last day before the end. And in the end, he would have to make the ultimate decision. To eventually let this world go and bring the world back to how it used to be. That was truly the right thing to do.

...But.

Sometimes, doing the right thing hurts so much. With only a fraction of a time left, there was only so much that he could do in this situation. Now it was about 10 in the morning. Only a couple of hours left before the afternoon sky. He didn't want this to end. But he would be forced to make a choice either way. But before that, there was something that Shidou had in mind just for this occasion. It had been on hold for too long. The feelings that he had developed with this young woman were stronger than most. The one person Shidou loved more than anything. She was his soulmate. She was everything to him. It could not be anyone else. Not any of the Spirits. Just her.

And now, he's taking the lead, steeling himself with a certain resolve. It was time for him to no longer hold this out. It was time for him to be completely honest about how he felt. No more running from it. Time to acknowledge it.

"Haaai!"

"...!"

Shidou's heart stopped as he heard the sweet, soothing voice of Rinne Sonogami. His angel. His everything. And remembering the extremely limited amount of time that he had left only made the pain worst. But no, he cannot cry now. He cannot show his tears now. He wanted Rinne to be the most happiest woman in the world, and he would make sure of that, by intending to do what he should have already done since the very first round of Eden; for this was the second round, and he's not going to waste this second chance.

The door opened, revealing a young beautiful woman with a delicate face that sported a surprised expression as her light brownish irises would look upon Shidou, not expecting to see him at the door. She was like a princess, with short light pink hair as a part of it was tied up in a braid that took the form of a crown and waved gracefully, giving a sense of innocence and reminiscence. But it was also making Shidou remember the pain of the hour, of the melancholic tragedy that he knew would come, of memories that would pass away as this world would pass away. With soft skin that radiated with a whitish complexion, reminding one of alabaster, not too obstructive, and just perfectly balanced just as her figure was. Now, she was wearing casual clothing consisting of a red jacket with pearl necklace-like decorations that were found on both top sides of the jacket, a beige-colored shirt with a black ribbon tied to her collar, a brown skirt, and brown shoes.

"Huh? Shidou? Oh, did you forget something?"

Shidou, trying his best to not flinch at the question due to how close to home his general thought was in relation to something and vehemently has the urge to declare an empathic "NO!" to such a question, would simply smile, shaking his head, and say. "Oh no...It's not that. Rinne, do you have some free time today?"

"I don't have anything to do in particular...What's the matter? I woke up and both you and Rio-chan were gone, so I was a little surprised," Rinne spoke with a tone of concern.

Shidou gave a contrite expression. "Yeah, sorry. I thought I'd try to get home before Kotori got back."

"Oh, I see. Sorry, I didn't think about that. So, where's Rio-chan?" Rinne asked with a concerned tone.

Shidou answered. "When I got home, Maria wasn't home. So I think they're together..." But Shidou thought of something else with a grim tone. "("No doubt they're looking for that important thing that's keeping this world together. But unfortunately for them, I have it...for now that is...")"

"I see," Rinne understood but still could not help but worry. "I'm a little worried."

"It's fine. Maria and Marina are by her side. I'm sure they're just taking a stroll together," Shidou said with a reassuring smile, because he was, in fact, telling the truth based on previous encounters with them.

Rinne smiled, encouraged by Shidou's smile. "I see. You're right. So what about you, Shidou? If it's not about Rio-chan, what do you need to talk to me about?"

And there was the question. Shidou would now make his move, because this needed to be said. "Right, it's not a big deal, but would you come with me?"

"Umm," Rinne smiled a bit. "You want to go shopping, right? I'll go with you. Since it's morning, should we go to the station—"

But Shidou would cut her off gently with a serious expression, because that is not what he fully intends to do with her. Well, he suppose that shopping would be a supplementary at best to add to this limited daytime, but that is not the first thing that came to his mind. "—Let's go on a date, Rinne."

Now Shidou laid the offensive, making Rinne speechless for a moment before resuming with a careful, inquiring tone, as if to make sure what she just heard was correct. "...Hai? Sorry, Shidou. I couldn't hear you. Can you say it again?"

"We're going on a date, Rinne. We didn't finish the last one," Shidou responded with a serious expression. But there was far more to this than just a mere date, taking into account past experiences of being able to date the Spirits, and having one particular goal in mind for this kind of date. Because this was no mere date. It was an all-or-nothing.

"Date...with me?" Rinne softly muttered with a concerned, anxious expression. "Are you serious? You don't have to feel sorry for me..."

Shidou continued with a firm tone, showing that he was in fact completely serious. "No, I want to go on a date with you, Sonogami Rinne, so come with me."

"...Hehe," Rinne softly muttered with a giggle after being silent for a moment. "That's not fair, Shidou. If you're going to put it that way...how can I say no?"

"Yeah, I know that I'm not fair. Did you not know that already?" Shidou asked.

Rinne simply smiled in response, closing her eyes. "Umum, I know all too well...that's what I liked about you."

Shidou's heart would be pierced by such a statement. It was taking every bit of his power not to cry right in front of her, otherwise, this would ruin what he would like to set in motion. Keeping his cool, Shidou spoke softly. "...Right. So will you get ready? I'll be waiting here."

"Haai," Rinne positively beamed. "Then give me a bit more time, okay, darling?"

"?!" Shidou was surprised a bit. Then he asks. "Where did that come from?"

"I just copied Miku-san," Rinne smiled a bit. "Anyways, be right back."

Afterwards, Rinne would close the door, leaving Shidou for a moment. As Rinne was gone, Shidou now sported a serious expression.

"("...I really...truly loved that part about you a lot...Rinne...")" Shidou thought.

As he breathes in and out, now he would need to carefully think about how to proceed. This date would not just be any kind of date. It would be something rather special. It was a little something that he thought about last night after everything that has happened. Naturally, knowing Rinne, she may think that she may be getting the wrong idea, and that this is simply Shidou's way of simply spending the time with her, the only remaining time left before this fake world wanted to end.

A part of him did not want this to end, but it could not be helped. It had to happen. The people are trapped here just as much as he was. This was not the real world. This was not reality. It was a fake world. It cannot be able to go on forever like this. He cannot simply just take away all of the smiles from the various individuals and peoples who still have yet to do something worthwhile in their life. He cannot be the center of the universe. He must lower himself down. Down to a normal human. Down to a person who puts the needs of the many instead of his own.

...But it was easier said than done due to how painful this was.

Rinne Sonogami, the woman that Shidou Itsuka truthfully loved with all of his heart. The times that he spent with her were something he never wanted to forget, but it seems fate is saying otherwise. He clenches his fists for a bit out of frustration, and his clenching teeth were showing, before immediately unclenching his hands and put his teeth back inward, and breathing with a heavy sigh.

He cannot allow Rinne to worry for him. This was her time. This was Shidou's time. This was their only time left together and he's going to make the most of it. No matter what it takes.

And then, he heard the door clicking, indicating that it was opening, which made Shidou immediately fix his posture, keeping his emotions firmly in check, and gave a simple smile as his eyes laid upon the most beautiful woman in his eyes.

"Oh, you ready? Let's head out then," Shidou smiled.

"Umm. Sorry for making you wait," Rinne said with a contrite smile.

"("You don't have to feel sorry for anything, Rinne.")" Shidou thought sadly before saying. "I didn't wait at all. Actually, I feel like you got ready really quickly."

"I told you I'd be right back," Rinne spoke with a serious expression. "I keep my word."

Shidou softly smiled. "You're amazing as always, Rinne."

"It's nothing out of the ordinary," Rinne smiled a bit while closing her eyes. Then she opened her eyes and spoke with an inquiring tone. "Anyways, where are we going?"

"...Oh, it's a surprise, but until then," Shidou muttered softly as he raised his right hand. "Here, Rinne."

Rinne became a bit confused as she stared at the hand in silence. "Eto...Nani?"

"I promised you, didn't I? I'm going to escort you today," Shidou explained.

Rinne smiled at that. "...U...Umm! Then please do, ouji-sama (Prince Charming)."

"Hm? Ouji-sama? Why would you think of that?" Shidou showed a slight, bewildered expression.

"Well...for sure, for Tokha-chan and Maria-chan, you're their Prince Charming," Rinne softly smiled.

Shidou smirked with amusement. "Then...what would that make you be, Rinne? Hime-sama (Princess)?"

"I don't want to be a princess," Rinne denied with a tone of humility. "I want to be an ordinary girl."

"("...Hmm, that's so like you, Rinne.")" Shidou sadly thought before saying with a smile. "Well, I think that it is alright for you to be a princess just for this one day."

"Hehe...You're right. If you're a prince, Shidou, then that works for me," Rinne smiled as she closed her eyes.

"("...And you're my princess, so that goes both ways.")" Shidou thought secretly before saying. "All right, let's go."

And Rinne, opening her eyes that flash a joyful demeanor. smiled as she takes his hand and felt its touch with care. Then she giggled like there's no...tomorrow... "Hehehehehehe...yoroshiku onegaishimasu (please treat me favourably)."

And Shidou could feel the warmth of Rinne's touch, and the sincere desire to not let go of that hand was stronger. And then they took the first step, with Shidou feeling a burning resolve as he gently and firmly holds the hand of the woman he loves. Their time is limited to the utmost extreme, so he cannot simply waste this time. There was something that he always wanted to do at this particular moment. Something that he wanted to do.


Rinne would be very surprised. No, surprised doesn't even begin to describe what she is now feeling at this particular moment.

"Alright, here you go."

There was the sound of a young woman with brown hair and brown eyes, a receptionist with office attire who handles...wedding dresses had now been helping her put on her wedding dress. Yes, wedding dress. She was now currently wearing a wedding dress. How exactly did it come to this? She did not know what Shidou was thinking at this point, this was just too out of the ordinary.

As she looks into the reflection of the mirror, she sees herself...in a wedding dress, one that wasn't of the traditional white and bright color, but of a more subdued white with a hue of pink that compliments the color of her hair. Flower designs adorn the top breast part of her gown along with her long gloves that signify high status, clean hands, and white gloves that symbolize both cleanliness and purity. She sees her uncovered bodice showing her uncovered face that showcased just how bewildered and conflicted she had been. And she was wearing a pair of bridal shoes that would protect and lift her feet.

What was happening here?

This was quite out of the ordinary, even for Shidou. While walking, instead of heading into the more predictable places such as the shopping area or other locations in Tenguu City, when they were just nearby a certain chapel and suddenly stopped in their tracks, and after standing in the sidewalk for what felt like a few minutes, out of the blue, he turns to her with a serious face and laid out this proposal.

"Let's get married, Rinne."

Just like that. And it stopped her heart all of a sudden. Because this was quite the unforeseeable outcome that she did not even expect.

"...Hai?" Rinne muttered softly with a conflicted face whose eyes could not help but widen and as it slowly mulled over the words from the ears would feel the urge to cry. She did not know what to say to this. In fact, her heart ached, and felt a swirling whirlpool of emotions when she heard this.

"Please...Rinne..." Shidou muttered, with a subtle tone of desperation and with a shaking, trembling smile as he held her right hand. Finally, he was showing his expression, one of interior confliction, one that may break like shattering glass at any moment. He even kneeled down and begged for her request. "...Please...Please...I...I love you...Rinne..."

It was a shocking confession, one that she never thought to hear from him. He was now pouring out his honest feelings. Rinne would tremble softly as she continued to look at the saddened, grimacing Shidou who was letting out everything he had to her, for her to see.

"...I...I know...I know how much time is up between the both of us...so...before I eventually have to make up the decision...on whether to choose to stay in Eden or not...please...please grant me this request...become my wife...Rinne...Please...At least...For now...For now...be my wife...Ple...ase..."

His brown sorrowful eyes that were looking back at hers were now leaking tears as his face contorted to a sense of deep sadness. And Rinne would do the same as she did not expect this kind of response as her mouth trembled, with a deeper feeling of joy and sadness mixed together upon her heart that shone so brightly yet also dimly. And of course, Rinne could not bear the look on Shidou's face. He was supposed to be happy, not like this. He was supposed to feel joyful, not miserable. Why?

She had thought that even being with Shidou at all was a miracle in and of itself. She should not even be walking and breathing, let alone even being able to speak or feel like a normal girl. She thought that she couldn't give Shidou happiness, so she asked herself whether it was alright to receive so much happiness from you. In this case, she could not bear to utter to Shidou on what seemed to be going on, for she may get the wrong idea, she thought.

...And, with a heart that felt like crying and smiling like an angel, she spoke softly after pondering it over, with a trembling voice.

"...Hai."

And that was it. It restored a bit of happiness to one Shidou Itsuka that still had many tears in his eyes and Rinne had to embrace him. And right now...

"Alright, dear, the bridegroom would liike to see you now!" the receptionist spoke with an excited tone.

Rinne would turn around, only to find the handsome face of the man that she loved, dressed in his best wedding suit consisting of a white jacket with a grey suit underneath a white collared shirt with a white necktie, with a corsage attached to the white jacket. He was also wearing white pants, white socks, and white shoes. And the handsome young man—Shidou Itsuka would only look in silent awe...and a hint of melancholy.

Rinne smiled a bit, jokingly saying. "...Umm, Shidou, it's embarrassing for you to stare at me like that."

But Shidou kept staring at her with the same expression. He kept looking at her as he slowly makes his way towards her. And, with not a word, he would silently offer his hand, making Rinne look back to the hand and back to his expression. It was time. And by instinct, Rinne took it without saying a word.

And for the next few moments to come, Rinne was now standing in the presence of an altar. They were in a church, and there was a kindly old priest who was there to provide for the official ceremony, with the receptionist, who was carrying a handkerchief to dry her tears, and the cameraman, a man in his twenties with black hair and brown eyes, wearing casual clothing, who was making use of his camera to take a few appropriate photos, being the only two witnesses to their wedding.

...Rinne was rather both amazed and stumped. How did Shidou manage to plan something like this in just a day? She asked Shidou about this briefly and the latter explained to her that he had been a bit busy for a few days before now. And he'd been planning for this particular moment ever since she returned, and it was only in these recent circumstances that he needed to move the date to right now since there was barely any time left. That long?! She thought with a shocked expression that she carried at that time. She was both surprised and touched to the heart that Shidou could be capable of planning something ahead like this.

"I don't want to take things for granted," Shidou declared with a serious tone. "Not this time. If there ever came the time when...when fate itself would be quite cruel to the both of us again...I thought it was about time we made it official...After everything...So that even when Eden is somehow no more once again...If even my memory may fade...Our marriage would still be a part of us no matter how much fate tries to separate us...The one that binds us forever...All in order to show that I, Itsuka Shidou, consider you, Sonogami Rinne, to be my family and not just simply a childhood friend. And I simply wanted to prove it to you...with this act of marriage in mind."

And now, she was looking into the eyes of the man she loved who would now put the ring on her ring finger as he uttered his vows.

"I, Itsuka Shidou, take you, Sonogami Rinne, Ruler of Eden, to be my wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honour you all the days of my life."

And Rinne would do the same in turn as she puts the ring on his ring finger, with a trembling, hard-to-believe voice that was uttered with a graceful afternoon smile.

"I, Sonogami Rinne, take you, Itsuka Shidou, Spirit Savior, to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honour you all the days of my life."

And as the vows were uttered, eventually, the old kindly priest would utter with a smile.

"In the sight of God and these witnesses, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

And then, raising the bodice, uncovering the veil, Shidou would look into Rinne's eyes and time seem to slow down for the both of them. And with their faces slowly reaching the other, as the sun and the moon would now join its light, and a soft chaste kiss would land upon their mouths as it poured out everything that they felt in one simple act. Pure happiness radiated for the both of them as their breath and heart and soul felt synchronized. And the memories that they both shared were being recalled by them as they did their one simple act.

Now, they were truly a family.

Now, they were inseparable.

And even if this world were to crumble down, this had still happened.

And even if the memories of it were to fade, this had still happened.

And thus came the spark of hope that still shine dimly upon the hearts of the two newly wedded couple. And as they release their kiss, they look into each other's eyes and smiled with tears on their faces, and with soft touches to their faces with their hands and their foreheads eventually touching each other. And they were simply content to embrace one another while the only few witnesses watched.


PART 2

...And now, further down to the future, further down to the timeframe of Kamen Rider Black, when he was thirteen years of age...

"...!"

Shidou Itsuka, sitting down on the bench, somewhere in an empty school hallway that had multiple blue lockers and a reflectable marble floor, was currently holding what appeared to be a picture of himself and Rinne in their recognizable wedding outfits. He'd recognize the location anywhere. He'd recognize the scene that was right in front of him. This was impossible, he thought. How come...And he asked this with tears leaking into his amber brown eyes that looks upon the woman in the picture that showed her carrying the bouquet of flowers with a smile on her face.

He turned to the man who gave him the photo who was seated right beside him, gently patting him on the shoulder. The man was a foreigner, looking a bit Scottish, tall and handsome, with a slim frame, finely boned hands and face, thick brown hair with sideburns, pale skin scattered with freckles, and large, dark brown empathetic eyes that showed just how old he actually is when you look deeper into it. He wore a brown pinstriped suit, with a brown Duster-type overcoat, and Converse All Stars for footwear.

"...Doctor...Where...Where did you get this?" Shidou asked with trembling lips.

"Oh, I cheated a bit," the Doctor smiled softly. "Simple time travel and all that jazz. Your past self and your wife may not have noticed me there at the time, but I was right there on the back, wearing the same old suit that you know me wearing now. And of course, I had a perception filter on just in case. What I did was simply asked the cameraman for one of the photos that he took and paid him a few hundred yen and well, I scaddled just right before your past self and your wife managed to notice me. So...Merry Christmas, Shidou."

Yes, for Shidou and the New World, December has come at last. And the Doctor paid a visit to his student in order to give this precious gift to Shidou. And this gift was far more valuable than simply material things. Because of how and what and who this gift represented.

"...Th...Thank you...Doctor...Th..." Shidou couldn't say anymore and simply kept looking at the photo, looking at Rinne Sonogami, and cried rather thoroughly. "...Ahh...Ahhh...Ahhhhhh...Ahhhhhhhh...Ahhhhhh...Ahhhhh..."

And the Doctor could only silently give his student a hug as he let everything out.

And this was merely one of the many days in the hallways of the special blue box that can travel through space and time.

And with an echoing cry, the love that surpasses space and time still knew no bounds.

That even when she was no more, Shidou Itsuka still loved Rinne Sonogami with all of his heart and cherished everything and every waking moment he spent time with her.

That she was the wife that he married.

And he had no regrets.

And he cried.


End:


Incarnation(s)/Regeneration(s) of the Doctor:

The Tenth Doctor - A: David Tennant