Date A Re:Live

S1 Chapter 13: Kotori Possessed, Part 4

By : Tohka_Yatogami

...

Summary

Even a similar story can take it's own path. Shido and Mana are amnesiac siblings living with their friend Kotori, however the past catches up to Shido when he nearly runs into a space quake, and his world changes as one girl asks... "Are you here to kill me?" (Stronger Ratatoskr, weaker DEM, games & movie are canon to story) [Shido/Tohka/Harem]

Here we are, the final chapter of the Kotori arc! Everyone's about to fight against the DEM weapon Hydra that Minerva's controlling, and they have to somehow figure out how to kill it when chopping off a head just gives it two more. Especially since unlike Nidhoggr, the Hydra will intentionally take attacks that will wreck its heads just to strengthen itself.

And best of all, Shido's about to reveal a new technique that Mio learns he has due to a new memory she's regained from Kotori being sealed, it'll be a while before it actually reaches Mio's head, so you won't be seeing it instantly. This technique is like his Spirit Ascension, based off something he can do in canon but in a different form. It'll make sense once you actually see it, and once you do... minds will blow! *makes explosion sound*

Since we'll be showing Shido's new ability, time for me to give you all new information about Shido's current level of power. I honestly should have done this before now. There will also be other Spirit data sheets, but I think I'll wait until "Date A Re:Live - Encore" before I share them since most are just to mention some state changes I've given each Spirit in the story.

I also realized I forgot to add Mana's data sheet last chapter, so if you wanna see them, go back and check above the end notes. Don't let the Risk Factor fool you though, especially since I think we all remember Kotori proved that alone means nothing when she was able to defeat Kurumi who was two ranks higher than she was.

-Shido Takamiya, Spirit Ascension State-

Angel: None

- Powers: Spirit Ascension - Shido can embed the Spirit Mana of one Spirit he's sealed into his body to use their power and Angel, but only if the strength of their bond has reached at least 50%. Unfortunately, Shido does not gain every Spirit power, most notably their shared ability of flight or their self-forming mana barrier, requiring him to improvise or have one of his harem aid him directly. This ability was named by Tohka who chose it due to how it was essentially using the Spirits' powers to ascend past his usual limitations.

- Powers: Sealing - If Shido can make a Spirit fall in love with him, he can kiss them to permanently seal their powers. If the Spirits need to use their powers again they can call them back, this doesn't affect Shido's Spirit Ascension since it's rank and power are already set. According to Reine, a Spirit's bond level is at least 20% if Shido meets the criteria to seal them.

Risk Factors: AAA

Spacequake: None

Spirit's Astral Dress: None

Angel Rank: Varies

Strength: 110

Consistency: 180

Spiritual Power: 210

Agility: 101

Intelligence: 170

S1 Chapter 13: Kotori Possessed, Part 4

Kotori was seen crying as she ran through the streets of Tenguu City, her hands occasionally as she wiped her tears and didn't even check where she was running towards anymore. She had been with her big brother and her sister and had wanted to tell her brother something, but then she got cold feet and then... she ended up tripping and falling into a bowl of bread dough. No one laughed, but it was the fact her brother had seen it happy that made her run off crying.

As she kept running, she eventually ended up running into someone and the force knocked her onto her back.

"Owie!" Kotori cried, sniffling before she opened her eyes and saw who she ran into. However, that was the strange part, the one she ran into was... there, yet not there? To be exact, she was looking at a clear silhouette of a young child whose appearance seemed to be made invisible by some kind of mosaic. "Huh?"

"(Yeah, that hurt a bit.)" Phantom groaned, soon noticing her. Realizing they were out in the open, she helped Kotori up and soon dragged her into the nearest alley way.

"W-Whoa! Hey!" Kotori shouted, soon feeling Phantom let go of her arm.

"(My apologies, but I don't think people are gonna think your sane if they saw you talking to someone they don't realize is invisible.)" Phantom sweat dropped, soon wiping some tears from Kotori's eyes. "(You're crying, did I hurt you that badly from the crash?)"

Kotori sniffles a bit and wipes more of the tears she was still shedding.

"No... I'm just a weak cry baby, I embarrassed myself in front of my big brother." Kotori replied, hiccupping a bit from her crying. "I... I want to be strong! Strong enough that I can tell him something, but... I'm not! I'll never be."

"(You have a wish? What is it, what do you want him to know?)" Phantom wondered, Kotori sniffled and soon got closer to whisper it. Phantom listened and soon her eyes widened. "(W-what!? He's your brother though, isn't that-)"

"We're... not actually siblings." Kotori quickly replied, making Phantom sigh in relief.

"(Oh, so you're adoptive siblings then?)" Phantom stated, but Kotori shook her head again. "(Eh? But then how are... Ooh, I get it. You just call him big brother because he's like a brother to you. I guess that really makes sense.)"

Phantom saw her continue her sniffling, and she thought for a bit. This sweet little girl was crying and she had a way to help her. Yet... was it worth the risk? She couldn't bear the thought of sending a young girl to her death.

"Big brother Shido..." Kotori sniffled, suddenly causing Phantom's eyes to widen. Did she just say Shido? After hearing that, she made her decision and hoped her faith would be right this time.

"(Tell me, what if I told you that I could help you become strong?)" Phantom asked, making Kotori stop crying at look at her. Soon she pulls out the three Sephira Crystals she currently had, showing a purple, red and white gem before her.

"(These are Sephira Crystals, for the past 30 years I've been keeping them safe from a dangerous person. I've asked many to protect them since the power responds to their will, desires and wishes. If you can bond to one of these crystals, your wish may come true.)"

"R-really?" Kotori sniffled, and Phantom nodded. Kotori nodded but Phantom quickly pulled the crystals away.

"(Whoa! Slow down, there is a downside you need to know.)" Phantom continued, soon getting a somber tone to her voice. "(Once you accept, I can't change you back. You won't be a normal human ever again, and there will be people who'll come after you.)"

"What?" Kotori gasped, suddenly afraid.

"(You'll be hunted for the power you were given, but... I think your brother might already be a target despite he doesn't have this same power. So maybe you'll already be a target.)" Phantom continued, putting a hand on her shoulder.

"(When I heard you say his name, I thought to myself that maybe our meeting was more than just coincidence. If your brother is targeted, then I feel it's only right I give you the power to protect him. The choice is yours, do you accept or not?)"

Kotori looked at Phantom, and then thought what she said... and soon held out her hand.

"(So, you're sure? Alright, let's see if you bond with any of the crystals.)" Phantom held them near and saw Camael react to her. "(Really? This passion of yours is strong, reminds me of your predecessor Saya Yamada, I think she'll be happy knowing you'll inherit her will. Touch the red crystal and accept the power of a Spirit.)"

Kotori touches the crystal, and her pupils widen as she feels a powerful fire ignite inside her heart.

Phantom looked around after locking away Origami's powers while carrying the unconscious girl in her arms, disguising herself as a police officer as she walked into the rescue zone for the survivors. When she did, she went near the medics.

"I found her near a fire, she was with two bodies I didn't recognize that I think were her parents. She's suffering some minor burns but get her checked for possible smoke inhalation immediately!" Phantom said while using a male voice.

"Understood!" The medic said, whistling for some aid as began checking Origami's health. Phantom looked around and noticed Shido and Mana in the rescue zone and gasped.

'(Shido, Mana! It really is them!)' Phantom thought, as much as she wanted to say what she wanted most, she couldn't and had to remember her current task. "Hey you two, are your parents anywhere? You seem alone."

"Our guardians are out of town, but our friend, our sister... she's still out in the fire! Please, she's a red-haired girl about my age named Kotori! Save her." Mana cried, gripping Phantom's leg tightly.

"Don't worry, I'll go find her. Just stay here." Phantom nodded, Mana sniffled and nodded as Phantom rushed back out. Once she did she entered an ally and resumed her mosaic cover before she went back to Kotori's location. "(Kotori!)"

Kotori turned to look as Phantom appeared inside the building.

"(I found them, they're at the rescue zone.)" Phantom replied, soon rubbing her head to calm her. "(I'll get you over there now, so don't-)"

Suddenly Phantom saw Kotori scream as her eyes flashed blue, and she looked to be in pain. She suddenly gasped.

'(Blue eyes? The last Camael wielder had those... no way, is that Saya!?)' Phantom thought, sweating. '(This has never happened before, but if she takes over then Kotori might... no, I won't let it. It's better she doesn't have her powers for now anyways.)'

Phantom tapped Kotori's head, and suddenly her Astral Dress disappears as her eyes revert to what they were before the fire spread. Kotori looked at herself as Phantom shielded them and walked out of the fire.

"(Kotori, there's some other personality in you right now. I don't know how it happened but... for the sake of keeping your powers in check for now and holding that personality back I've locked your powers away.)" Phantom explained, holding her close as Kotori watches and listens. Phantom shifts into a male fire fighter to remove suspicion.

"It won't last forever, and one day your powers and that personality will return. I just hope when it does, the person I believe can save you will be there, so... be strong Kotori, don't let that personality take your life away from you. Become strong like this, because... being strong doesn't always mean to be powerful."

Kotori teared up slightly, and soon they reach the rescue center.

"Hey! A police officer told me this girl has a brother and sister here, anyone recognize her!?" Phantom called out, Shido and Mana both turned to look and began running at her. "There you two are. Here you go, there they are."

Kotori was placed on the ground, a medic handed her a blanket as she began crying, Shido and Mana both hugged her before Phantom soon walked away and taking her noise form again, soon used her powers to dispel the fire.

Kotori gasped as she regained her focus after seeing her memories flash before her eyes. Minerva cackles as the Hydra launches at the group, Yoshinon jumps ahead and motions her fingers.

"Hraesvelgrs, defend us!" Yoshinon shouted, the puppets all gathering to make a shield before most of them shattered from the Hydra's nine heads chomping down on them.

"Maria, this thing's gotta be like the beast it's based on. Search up what it can do!"

"Oh, right!" Maria said, about to link to Fraxinus' computer.

"I don't think so." Minerva smirked.

The Hydra's tail drill spins before it rattles it, right as Maria was about to get the info. She suddenly found herself disconnected as she's given a no connection signal.

"What!? Oh no, that damn machine just created a jamming field! I can't connect to Fraxinus' computers, I can't even search the internet via Shido's phone now!" Maria panicked, making everyone gasp while Minerva cackled.

"...Wait, I've read about the Hydra before! I think I know how it was beaten. I just need some time, can you guys buy me some?" Origami declared, surprising Minerva.

"All you need, let's go everyone!" Shido exclaimed, Mana and all the Spirits nodded. Kotori stared at herself, and soon tightened her fist.

"I... I'll fight too!" Kotori shouted, soon raising her hand. "Elohim Gibor!"

Kotori manages to call her Astral Dress, standing alongside the others. Shido stares before smiling and nods.

"Then allow me to return the favor. Time for a new Ascent." Shido smiled, soon breathing as he focused. "I call to the power welling deep beyond my heart, now break the dimensional bonds before me... and let the spiritual force sleeping within be seen! Now come, Camael!"

Shido's hair and eyes turned red, and he felt a strong flare burn out as he throws his hand up to grab a flame that becomes a copy of Camael. He swings it in midair before swinging its pole end to the ground.

"Let's go!" Tohka yelled, rushing ahead at the Hydra and dodging through its heads. "If we don't strike the heads, then we don't have to worry about making it grow anymore! Take this!"

Tohka slashed her sword at the Hydra's tail, but one of the heads simply moves in the way and gets cut to her surprise. Soon the Hydra's total head count grew to 11.

"OK, maybe we should avoid attacks that can actually amputate the heads!" Tohka panicked, dodging as the heads all swarm at her. "Worst time to have a sword!"

Tohka held out a finger and charged a few mana shots, striking the heads but avoiding cutting anymore off.

"Yoshinon!" Tohka called out.

"You got it, freeze that meany snake Astaroth!" Yoshino ordered, making Astaroth blast out a stream of ice. The Hydra curl their heads again, freezing all but one, the one that didn't then shattered the rest and soon the Hydra had a total of 31 heads.

"Hah! Try any attack, even if you don't, I can make the Hydra amputate itself!" Minerva cackled, the heads all fly out at the group and everyone dodges. Shido growls and soon slashes at the heads that tried to attack him.

"Don't care about if it grows any more heads! If we don't try something it'll cream us before we can beat it!" Shido shouted, the others looked and soon all agreed and got ready.

'Come on, think Origami! Think!' Origami thought as she floated high and had Metatron just blast at the heads, hoping they could cut off more heads faster than they grew back or at least that a head couldn't keep growing more until fully restored.

'Wait... I think I remember! The one who fought a Hydra in Greek myth was Hercules, the way that he beat it was... yeah, something that stopped the heads from re-growing. What was it though?'

Tohka rushed forward and spun, dodging all of Origami's light beams while cutting off many of the heads. Minerva cackled at their futile efforts.

"Try all you want! There'll be so many heads after your done that there'll be no way to attack anything but the heads after you're all finished!" Minerva cackled, the heads that were present all began to spew out poison mist at the group.

"MEGIDDO! Kotori shouted, blasting out the beam of fire. The fire hits the poison and explodes afterwards, the Hydra is hit hard by it.

"MEGIDDO!" Shido screamed, blasting out another fire beam and striking the remaining poison and makes another explosion. Minerva scowls as while the Hydra survived, it's head regeneration was slowed down by the result.

"Origami, please tell us you've figured it out!" Mana called out, soon getting constricted by a few heads. "GET OFF ME!"

Mana screams as she used her blasters to loosen cut off neck of the constricting head, slashing at the others that grew out with her swords as they launched at her. Yoshinon aims Astaroth and blasts out an ice beam to let her escape.

"Thanks for the save!" Tohka smiled, making Yoshinon chuckle happily.

"Time for some chopped serpent!" Kotori yelled, spinning and cutting through some of the heads. The heads that grew back did so much slower than usual making Origami gasp as she noticed it.

"Kotori, you genius!" Origami shouted, getting the others' and even Minerva's attention. "In Greek myth, the hero Heracles defeated the Hydra by burn the stumps of the cut off heads to they couldn't regenerate it. Another depiction had one head immortal, the most important head. So..."

Minerva's eyes widened, hoping Origami didn't say what she expected to next.

"The way to beat this Hydra is to cut off the main head and then burn the stump directly at its core center! That head is the one with a crest on it!" Origami declared, making Minerva's eyes widen. She found the beast's weakness.

"...So what? You already created too many heads for you to beat! It's over!" Minerva exclaimed, the Hydra's now 250+ heads all stretched out and showed themselves to the group. The main head was so while hidden in the mess that none of group saw it.

"Where the hell is it? I can't see the main head!" Kotori exclaimed, panicking a bit.

"We don't need to see it, we just need to cut our way through!" Shido shouted loudly, rushing forward. He began slashing and cutting every head in his way as he tried to reach the main head. Even more heads grew as he did.

"Come on guys, we gotta try it! Follow Shido's lead!" Mana ordered, everyone soon rushed at the heads and began attacking.

Tohka created slash waves from afar, with Origami swerving around a few as she moved and motioned Metatron's pillars to fire at the heads. Kotori rushed forward and shot through the heads like burning spears while Yoshinon had the remaining Hraesvelgrs all hit it with kamikaze attacks.

"Yeah! Give it hell guys, we're taking this thing down!" Mana screamed excitedly, as she went to slice another head, one suddenly chomped its mouth on her and constricting her, making her scream as the others saw.

"MANA!" Tohka cried out, soon getting caught herself.

"Oh no, Tohk-Ah!"

Origami was caught next before the other heads swarmed and captured Yoshinon and Kotori, the former reverting back from her Inverse Form.

"Yoshino, I'm sorry..." Yoshinon said before passing out, her puppet body limping forward.

"Everyone!" Shido shouted, he screamed as he cut through even faster, soon finding the main head. "There it is, I can do this! I can save- Guah!"

Soon multiple heads wrapped around Shido and constricted him.

[Oh no, Shido!]

Minerva cackled again as each head and the necks around Shido bit down or constricted even stronger, making them all shout in pain.

"It's over you stupid boy, this is what you get for pretending to be the hero! While I squeeze the life out of you, I'll make you see each of your girlfriends and your sisters die by being chomped in two and every second of them being chewed up!" Minerva declared before laughing madly. "And it's all your fault!"

"I'm... sorry everyone, I wasn't... strong enough!" Shido choked out, feeling his lungs would pop any second.

"You're wrong!" Origami shouted, making Shido and Minerva look at her. "Don't scold Shido like you know anything about him. If you think this is all he has you're wrong!"

"How the hell are you even talking right now?" Minerva growled annoyed, making the Hydra bite down on her more. She screamed slightly but kept a strong face despite she was starting to cry.

"B-because... I know!" Origami choked out, gasping a bit. "Shido's fighting to save us and this world, even though he's... been hurt in the worst way possible. Even if he learns a horrid truth or... that what he fought for isn't here anymore. He doesn't take it out on the world, he believes... he can make a difference!"

"Ori...gami!" Shido choked out.

"Shido! Don't fight for me, or for us! Right now... fight for the sake of your own wish! Because... because..." Origami choked, almost out of air. "...Because the man I fell in love with won't lose to such an enemy!"

"Origami... you still believe, even now. Thank you!" Shido choked out, soon making a determined face. Suddenly he feels something within him well up. "Wait, this is..."

[Shido! I felt it too, your bond with Origami... it finally hit 50%!]

"Then... let's try her power with my Spirit Ascension-"

[No! Don't Shido, I finally got it, new memories from you sealing Kotori's! Don't dispel Kotori's power from your body, keep it then summon Origami's spirit powers! Have them... have them overlay!]

"What? Overlay a Spirit Ascension... on top of another Spirit Ascension!?" Origami wheezed out, about to pass out. "Can... it really... work?"

"Yeah Shido, go for it!" Tohka shouted before coughing, starting to lose some air too. "Go for it, do a... yeah, let's call it a Double Spirit Ascension! Kick this tin can's sorry ass!"

"Origami, Tohka... everyone..." Shido choked out, soon making a determined face. "I will save you... I promise! So, here it goes!"

Minerva feels the hydra shake as Shido's aura begins to shake strongly.

"What the hell!?" Minerva exclaimed loudly, and soon Shido began to shout in response. His eyes shrinking as his stare became focused.

"This is for you everyone!" Shido shouted, gritting his teeth as he concentrated. "I call to a second power sleeping deep within my darkness, now break the dimensional limits before me... and form a new power beyond the horizon!"

Shido's aura began to heat the necks that held him.

"METATRON, CAMAEL... UNITE!"

Suddenly a red and white sphere of spirit mana forms around him and burst apart, the force shattering the nearby heads, and freeing the others as they tumbled out and soon all turned to see Shido. He was still with red hair, but now the bottom part was white while his eyes were both Kotori's red and Origami's blue.

"That's the Double Spirit Ascension? It's... Beautiful!" Tohka breathed.

[Yes, it worked! You're even stronger now Shido! Now show this Hydra it's no better in scaled flesh or stained metal!]

Shido nodded.

"I feel like I'm burning up inside right now, but I will stop this evil machine!" Shido declared, turning to the main head.

"No... I won't let you, this changes nothing!" Minerva screamed with rage, smashing her hands against her side of the screen and cracking it slightly. "KILL HIM NOW HYDRA!"

The Hydra has all of its heads except the main one rush at Shido.

"Come to me, Camael! Metatron!" Shido ordered, Metatron's crown and pillars appear before Camael forms in his hands. He screams as he rushes forward, cutting through all the heads he could with newfound speed while the pillars shot every head nearby, nearing, or about to attack him.

"You're all alone Minerva, but this is the power we achieved together! Something a person like you who looks down and uses everyone lake disposable trash would never understand as long as you lived!"

Shido slams Camael down, and soon all but the main head was left. Shido rushed forward and cut into it, as the other heads rushed to attack Shido... Tohka and the others begin attacking them again.

"Go Shido!" Tohka exclaimed, and Shido did as he readied for the final blow.

"Angel... FUSION!" Shido screamed loudly, yelling at the top of his throat. Metatron's pillars all floated down and even the crown shifted its spot. "Now... combine with the Megiddo!"

Camael shifted into its Megiddo form, and soon the pillars attached to the sides and locked themselves in while the crown attached to the main part of the cannon. The others suddenly felt that as their cue to leave.

"Here it comes!" Maria stated from Mana's phone as they all flew off the Hydra's body.

"CORONA... BLASTER!" Shido shouted.

Shido smashed Metatron-Megiddo into the stump area of the main head, and soon bright white flames began to form and push the other heads away and halt the main head's regeneration as the pillars of Metatron do this as well.

"What? No, no! You can't do this to me!" Minerva screamed, drool flying out of her mouth from her range.

"Fire!" Shido yelled, unleashing the white flames into the nape of the Hydra's main neck, and everyone stared as suddenly the entire machine heated up and began a bright orange-yellow color as it finally began to overload.

"NOOOOO!" Minerva screamed before the Hydra exploded, and the explosion had another two stack on it from the force of Metatron and Camael's combined power, causing everyone to see the unique marvel before them. Shido was seen on the machine's remains, he panted before he collapsed to his knees as the Double Spirit Ascension was undone, and he panted heavily.

[Shido, are you alright!? That didn't do any damage to your body, did it?]

"No, I'm... just exhausted." Shido panted, catching his breath. "Holding two Spirit powers strained me a bit, but not physically. I just burned off a lot more energy than I had expected. I'm wiped now."

[Oh, thank goodness, overlaying two powers gave you more strength but used more power as compensation. Best we don't use it again unless we honestly need it.]

"Yeah... good idea." Shido panted, smiling a bit. Soon the others all ran to him. "Everyone... we did it."

Soon Tohka tackle hugged him before the others all joined and hugged him normally.

"Shido, that was amazing! You always pull through for us! I love you!" Tohka exclaimed, soon kissing Shido on the cheek to his pleasant surprise. Maria smiles at this and soon sees her connection re-established, so she takes the chance to connect.

"This is Maria, we've saved Kotori and stopped the attacking wizard." Maria answered, soon smiling widely. "And also... Shido just unlocked a new level of potential."

Back on Arubi Island, while still unaware of Minerva's hidden agenda to betray him for her own gain, Edgar yelled and smashed the table he was near, knocking everything on the floor and shattering a few breakables in the process.

"Damn it! Damn it all, success was within our grasp and it all failed do to a stupid brat!" Edgar growled, soon lifting his fist off the table and walking off. "I'll just have to think of something else to take over. I still have Westcott in the dark after all."

"Do you really?"

Edgar turned as he saw Westcott look at him with his usual smirk, making him sweat in fear.

"D-Director Westcott, I didn't see you there!" Edgar sweated, now feeling a sense of dread fill him as he stared in the man's lifeless eyes. "Uh... I can explain, it's just that-"

"Oh, don't bother, I've known you would try this for longer than you realize. Truth is I let it happen on purpose." Westcott chuckled, making Edgar panic as he stepped backwards and fell onto his butt.

"Thanks to you, I managed to get some good data I can use for [Material A]. Not to mention I got to see a weapon that nearly pushed them to the brink, now I just need to improve on that concept. Not to mention I have to consider [Efreet]'s presence now."

"I... I'm sorry! I beg of you, I'll do anything, I'll even tell you all the secret projects me and Minerva had. You can have everything!" Edgar stuttered, on his knees begging for his life. "Trust me, you won't regret it!

"Oh, I won't." Westcott smirked, and Edgar smiled thinking he was safe. "After all, Marina was kind enough to show me it already."

Edgar's eyes widened as he looked up at him in fear, the AI walking by in her android body, showing the disc drive that held all the data inside. His one bargaining card, which he didn't even know would have still failed, was already in Westcott's hands.

"Stole everything and more, did I do good father?" Marina asked, getting a pet on the head.

"You did. I still find it ironic I cared for you when I made you, yet you truly ended up being the daughter I could be proud of." Westcott cackled, Marina joining it as Edgar tried to back away, only for him to be stabbed in the back by Jessica.

"I'm so glad I've gotten another chance to do some torture again, the old job is never able to leave me." Jessica giggled darkly, licking the blood off her sword as Edgar stares in horror. "Now, how about a few more before we end this."

The halls were filled with Edgar's screams as Jessica cackled, striking the DEM traitor more and more until he was left on the ground, un-moving as he was littered with injuries. The ex-torturer gives her sword to Westcott.

"I've had my fun, you can end it now." Jessica smirked, walking off while Edgar stared as Westcott walked closer and Marina watched with a menacing and terrifying smirk. The fact only an extreme sadist would make.

"Now, time to say goodnight. Just don't expect to wake up." Westcott said, raising the sword high as it suddenly became dark colored.

Edgar screamed as it came down, and an explosion went off. The part of the hall shattered open before a Realizer restored it as Westcott looking at the smoking crater that used to have Edgar's body before said crater was repaired as well.

"Now that was brutal father, I kinda wish he survived the first strike just so we could have seen his agony longer!" Marina cackled, holding a hand to her face in a similar manner to Westcott did on occasion. "Oh, and you should know Artemisia is finally back, and Ellen got the data we needed."

"Oh? Alright then, let's take a look, shall we? I think I have a worthy mission for Artemisia as well." Westcott chuckled, Marina grabbing his arm and giggling as they walked into a room where Ellen awaited them. "Ellen, have you discovered who these two are?"

"Yes Ike, their names are Shido and Mana Takamiya, blood siblings with no identified parents. They live under guardians in Tenguu City who we can't get any information on. However..." Ellen explained, showing younger pictures of them matching something in the DEM databases. "It seems that they were once imprisoned by us."

"Takamiya?" Westcott blinked, and soon he began laughing, getting the attention of Ellen and Marina. "This is simply amazing! How incredibly funny, to think that boy who's been such a pain to us so far is a Takamiya! I didn't think it was possible, but apparently, I was wrong."

Ellen' eyes widened slightly, the surname Takamiya finally ringing a bell to her. Marina blinked.

"OK, what was I not born yet to know?" Marina inquired.

"Oh, please forgive us Marina, it's just incredibly funny. To think that woman still had family out there." Westcott chuckled, laughing a bit. "Let's just say this relates to how our dream began, how we managed to contact the Spirits for the first time."

"Ooh, I still don't get it, but I'm all tingly now." Marina chuckled.

"Uh... I'm sorry, is this a bad moment?" The trio turns to the other door to see a girl with long blonde hair that she wore in a semi-braid, light skin and blue eyes, walked into the room wearing a suit similar to Ellen and Jessica's.

This woman was the fabled Artemisia B. Ashcroft, DEM's Adeptus 2, a position she gained for her unique territory even though she had killed only a single spirit, and even then, it was somewhat questionable due to the Spirit in question's abilities.

"Ah, not at all Artemisia. I just got a little carried away." Westcott answered, fixing his collar after his laughing fit messed it up a bit. "Artemisia, I apologize since you just got back, but I need you to head out on another mission."

"...Understood, what is it?" Artemisia questioned, sounding somewhat solemn. Westcott smirked at that tone.

"I need you to go to Tenguu City, it seems your old rival will be appearing again soon. She's after someone... peculiar, and that's reason enough to be alert." Westcott replied, making Artemisia sigh.

"I'll depart at once sir." Artemisia replied before saluting and heading off, Westcott smirking more as she did.

Soon everyone was back at home, Kotori looked at herself in the mirror, staring at her new older figure. Sighing a bit as she holds her only surviving ribbon... a birthday gift she had received from Shido, now only half of what it once was.

"It's been 5 years, I'm not older looking, have my powers back fully, have a somber second personality who'll disappear against her choice and... now I only have half of what made me try to become stronger." Kotori cried, remembering what she told Phantom.

"I want to confess how I feel to my brother." Kotori's voice echoed.

Kotori looks down and heads outside, as she did, she noticed the others walking by as they came from some grocery shopping, right before that however... a truck drives by and suddenly a bunch of mud flings at her, covering her with it. Kotori gasped as the others finally noticed her.

'Oh no! This is terrible, it's just like back then!' Kotori thought, mentally beginning to break down and nearing being brought to tears. As that happened, Shido walked closer and used some paper towels they just bought to wipe the mud on her face, surprising her.

"You got a little messy there, didn't you?" Shido said, making Kotori stare at him surprised. He was... he didn't even care she was all muddied right now? The sun began to set around then, coloring the sky orange as the wind blows and moves her hair around in it.

"Oh yeah, Kotori? You were really brave today. Not just today, but for all these years. You faced all of that on your own, and now I feel like I see your sunny has come back. You're shining just like you used to all those years ago."

Kotori's eyes shine as she hears that.

'I was... brave?' Kotori mentally asked herself, soon gasping. 'Being strong doesn't always mean to be powerful, Phantom... this is what you meant! I never gave up, I didn't give in to the fight even to the end.'

Kotori's fist tightens.

'I was afraid, but I still kept going. I get it now, what I needed to be strong was... courage! To be brave enough to stand up even when I'm scared.' Kotori thought, and soon she takes her remaining ribbon and wrapped it around her right wrist. "...Big bro?"

"Hmm? What is it?" Shido asked, Kotori breathes and decides there was no going back now.

"I want you to stop calling me your little sister." Kotori stated, surprising everyone. Especially Shido.

"What? B-but why?" Shido asked confused.

"Because Shido..." Kotori replied, closing her eyes as she feels Saya's soul put her hand on her shoulder, encouraging her to finally say. "I want to be more than that. For the last 5 years, even before the Tenguu Fire. I remember when you rushed through the snow just to get me home from school. So, that's why I just want you to know..."

Kotori opens her eyes and smiles, the sunset's light radiating off her as the wind blew her hair again.

"...That I love you!"

Shido stared at the in shock, his eyes widening and his mouth opened up. Tohka, Origami and Yoshino all stare with similar surprise. Mana gasped silently and then suddenly smiles with tears, finally realizing what had Kotori change, and now... what would bring back the Kotori she remembered.

"Kotori..." Shido breathed, Kotori's eyes teared up as she kept smiling.

"I said it, so... I don't have any regrets left." Kotori said, preparing to walk back in the house, only to suddenly feel Shido hug her. "...Shido."

Kotori sheds more tears, still smiling as she realized what Shido had said without speaking a word to her. The others all smile at the sight as well.

"And that makes Kotori harem girl number 4, congrats!" Yoshinon replied, giving the best thumbs up she could with her fingerless hands. "So, when are they gonna-"

Yoshino covered Yoshinon's mouth.

"Don't ruin the moment, OK?" Yoshino smiled. Everyone just stood there for a while, letting the scene happen. From the rooftop of their house, Phantom watches and smiles.

"(And another wish came true.)" Phantom smiled, wiping her unseen tears.

"(Tohka Yatogami, who wished to find the missing piece of her heart. Origami Tobiichi, who wished to protect everything she held dear to her. Yoshino Mizui, who wished to dispel her loneliness. And as of today, Kotori Itsuka, who wished to gain the courage to confess her feelings. Keep on moving forward Shido, there are still more Spirits out there waiting for you to save, and you'll save them... just like you'll save her.)"

The sight of a girl with long pink hair wearing an empress dress flashed through her mind, her bright smile being the most prominent thing Phantom recalled.

"(And I have my own part in fulfilling that, until that day comes and we can finally meet. So until then... wait for me, Shido, Mana.)" Phantom softly told herself, soon flying into the air before vanishing from view.

Back at Ratatoskr, Reine was standing by a landing bay while Kannazuki moved some lights to help signal where a helicopter would land. Once it got into position, Kannazuki moved back as the hopper landed and soon stopped. It's propeller blades stopped moving as the door opens.

"So, who are these three exactly?" Kannazuki inquired.

"Truthfully, I don't know, Westcott didn't even tell me. I get the feeling these three were sent here for a specific reason though." Reine answered, soon seeing them come off.

The first to come was a 17-year old girl in a wheelchair, being pushed by one of the other two, who had her eyes closed due to being blind and her ginger colored hair in twin braids. Her name was Cecile O'Brien, she lost the use of her legs at some point and was a Spacequake victim that resulted in her current blindness, despite this she could regain both while using a CR-Unit and was a powerful wizard for this incredible territory control.

The second to come out, and the one pushing Cecile's wheelchair, was a 19-year old black haired girl with a tired yet tough look and sport in black hair in a bob cut. Her name was Leonora Sears, and she was a master of in manipulation of long range weapons such as guns, snipers, cannons and missile launchers. While she tried looking tough, she was actually a real cry baby.

The third and final to come out of the helicopter was also the youngest of the three, a 15-year old petite girl around Mikie's height with long whitish blonde hair and a punker style outfit. Her name was Ashley Sinclair, and she excelled in melee attacks that favors hand-to-hand combat and laser blades. She was a bit of a loner and kinda cocky at times, but she did have a soft spot and just didn't wanna ruin her image.

"Hello there all of you, I'm Commander Reine Murasame. The leader of Tenguu City's branch of Ratatoskr." Reine introduced, soon the three all turned face her. She noticed their serious looks. "Is there something I can help you with?"

"Woodman told us something, you know some info on our friend." Ashley stated.

"I see, who is your friend by chance? I don't know you well know to guess."

"...Her name's Artemisia." Leonora answered.

Later at night, in Aichi Prefecture, a lone girl stood on top of a rooftop building. She looked quite elegant and had long, currently tied in long twin tails and red eyes, with her bangs covering her left eye... and said eyes had whitened pupils, meaning she was a Spirit.

Her Astral Dress was made out of orange and black frills, giving her the appearance of an elegant Gothic Lolita with uneven twin tails. On her head, she wore a big crimson net bow to hold her hair. She also had a red and black collar on her neck, and black boots on her feet. Soon she notices something near her.

"Ah, I was worried you ran into some trouble." The girl said, and soon dark shadows swarmed into own shadow, merging into it as she in took the information and mana they collected. "Hmm... well that's not going to be nearly enough for today's quota."

As the shades kept going in, Kurumi suddenly heard something from one and turned to it.

"You, stop for a moment. I heard something interesting from you." The girl said, kneeling down to it so she could hear the details in full. As she listened, she suddenly smirked and then giggled. The giggle soon became a bit disturbing with her tone of voice and Phantom, who suddenly appeared behind her stopped and gave an unseen disturbed look, Kurumi turned to notice her.

"Oh, hello Phantom. Glad you made it." The girl answered.

"(Kurumi, I thought the deal about scheduled meetings was so I didn't run into you when you were doing that?)" Phantom sighed, sweat dropping a bit. Kurumi giggled. "(Yeah, yeah. I'm a bit late so I deserved it. I see your shadows just gave you some news, something good?)"

"Oh yes, it was just wonderful. She found someone unlike anything I've ever seen before. Who knew someone like that existed?" Kurumi answered, soon getting Phantom a bit uneasy on who that someone was. She was lucky Kurumi couldn't see her face.

"I've been running and hiding so long to achieve the power I need for my goal while running from that Adeptus 2 wizard, and now I have a clear shot to achieve my goal in one swoop. A boy with the power of four Spirits within him."

Phantom flinched at that.

'(Oh no, red flag raised!)' Phantom sweated, carefully thinking on how she should reply next without making Kurumi realize she knew who she was talking about. "(What? Are you saying more Spirits were killed again? That can't be, when a Spirit dies I know so I can take back the Crystal before the DEM does.)"

"Oh no, those Spirits are still alive. That's what's most wonderful about it. If I can take all that power... I can finally do it." Kurumi smirked, making Phantom worry.

"(...I doubt you'll tell me, but what is this goal you keep mentioning? Why do you need so much power when right now you're the strongest of the active Spirits?)" Phantom questioned, and with a worry she'd be getting an answer she didn't want to hear.

"Oh? Well we've been partners for the last decade, I guess it's fair I tell you." Kurumi said, holding up a pair of guns. They were her Angel, Zafkiel.

"In order to use Zafkiel's final attack. Yud Bet. Once I have the power, I'll go back 30 years ago... and kill either Isaac Westcott, or the First Spirit. I'll change history for the better with my own two hands. I will never... ever give up."

Phantom's eyes widened.

'(Kurumi... what happened to you!?)' Phantom mentally gasped, taking a few steps back. '(If I don't do something now, everything in this world will be put at risk. Should I risk it now? Should I... should I take the gamble and hope Shido?)'

Phantom quietly sighed.

'(...I have to take it, because Kurumi's words ring like a bell of death. One I can't let ring twice.)' Phantom mentally sighed, soon walking a bit closer. "(So, does that mean you know where this special someone is?)"

"Unfortunately no, the saddest part. Where to look first?" Kurumi wondered.

"(I've recently seen strong Spirit activity in Tenguu City, perhaps it's not a coincidence?)" Phantom wondered aloud, getting Kurumi's attention. She turned at Phantom with a smile.

"Thank you for your thoughts Phantom, I think I know where to check first. So tell me..." Kurumi smirked.

"Know any good high schools?"

TO BE CONTINUED...

Yep! From now on, Shido can now use the power of Two spirits during his Spirit Ascension technique! It's a bit more taxing, but he'll need it for what's about to come next. With this, the Kotori arc is officially over! Get ready because the longest arc of this season, and possibly overall depending on how things go in Season 2's arcs and beyond, is coming next! The great... Kurumi arc!

Also, congrats Kotori, you finally achieved what you've been waiting years to do. With this, Kotori's been upgraded from little sister to harem member. Not to mention we've finally met the three new AST members, and to those who don't know? They're all from Date AST Strike, namely they're Artemisia's friends. Where Kotori's arc introduced Minerva, Kurumi's arc will introduce Artemisia more and help prepare things for when I begin Date A Re:Strike.

I think you'll already begin to notice that Artemisia's role has shifted as she's taking Mana's spot as the DEM's original Adeptus 2, only with Mana's life span reduction replaced with her canon brain washing. Date AST Re:Strike is going to be the resolution to her arc in the story, rather than her just waking up in the Miku arc. Especially since that arc has a very big twist to it.

I do think I briefly brought this up during Tohka's arc, but as you can see compared to canon, Westcott actually views Marina as his child. Unlike the canon Marina, this one is a clone of him personality wise, and that's exactly why they have that father-daughter bond. Westcott created something that went better than he expected, he never thought he'd make something as vile as him, and that's why he acknowledges this story's Marina. For that same reason, this Marina will stay a villain.

Best part of this chapter? Finally got to show Westcott actually being Westcott for once as he prepares a big plan, and he takes Edgar's life to give the bald betrayer his canon fate. What's this plan? Well... I'll tell you this much, this chapter has clues, they're subtle so you'll have to really think hard to piece together what he's intending.

Either way... get ready everyone, because Kurumi's about to make her move and Phantom's had to put her faith in Shido being able to seal her. So see you next time when the Kurumi arc finally begins!

Now time to reveal the change to Shido's stats when he undergoes two Spirit Ascensions, so here's a second stat sheet for him.

-Shido Takamiya, Double Spirit Ascension State-

Angel: None

- New Powers: Shido has the same benefits and drawbacks as previously, but now there's an added drawback in that while not fatal or dangerous, the stress and strain of using two Spirits' powers together causes Shido to become tired and exhausted much faster. Like the original form of this technique, Tohka named this one because she didn't like the "Overlay Spirit Ascension" name that Mio and Origami nearly gave it when they described it.

- Angel Fusion Attack: By linking the two Angels together, Shido can combine them into a super powerful attack. The downside is that in doing so, both Angels will be unable to use their elemental powers for a 5-minute period to recharge. Shido can however swap to different Spirit powers while the recharge period is in process, but this isn't recommended since it can deplete his energy much faster, especially if he uses another Angel combination before the 5-minute period of the previous combo attack.

Risk Factors: S

Spacequake: None

Spirit's Astral Dress: None

Angel Rank: Varies on the stronger of the two Angels

Strength: 130

Consistency: 190

Spiritual Power: 235

Agility: 121

Intelligence: 180

-Spirit Bond Levels-

Tohka - 72%

Origami - 51%

Yoshino - 30%

Kotori - 64%