Date A Re:Live

S2 Chapter 27: Natsumi Inverse, Part 1

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]

Hey everyone, before we get started... you should know why I didn't get a chapter up for a while despite my usual flow, and why for an unknown period of time I likely won't have my usual flow. You see... my grandmother just passed away, since I don't know when this chapter will officially be up, it was during the early afternoon of May 24th.

I wasn't particularly close to her, but it still hurts... the few days before it were where we expected things, so I simply couldn't focus at the time and I still can't now, but that's only because I can't keep my mind on writing. I kindly request that no asks me what did her in, truth is I don't actually even know and it could have been her clock just finally ran out, all I can say is disease wasn't the killer.

OK... *breathes* now that I have that out of the way, let's resume.

Now for some of you who look at my start and end notes, especially if you like re-reading the story on occasion, you might remember me saying the Yamai arc was going to be the first arc of Season 2, right? Well... *giggles* sorry, but that was a little white lie :3, I wanted to twist everyone's legs a little so the surprise and shock value increased. Natsumi's going to be the first Spirit of Season 2, partially cause she's one of my favorites among the Spirits.

Also as a friendly reminder to everyone, for Season 2 and it alone, Tohka and Shido have switched their Protagonist and Deuteragonist roles with each other. This is even to the point that while Shido still has the big hand in sealing the Spirits and bonding with them, I'd say it's more accurate to claim that Tohka will be responsible for each Spirit being able to truly trust Shido through her actions in this season.

You'll see this decision make sense by the end of the Season, right now the only thing I can confirm about this season is that there will be something replacing the part where Tohka undergoes her Inversion since we already had her do this from the start. It may surprise you, so before I say anything that could give it away... *takes the secret from my mouth and puts it in a vault, locking it up* there, won't give it away now ^^

Now, time for Natsumi's data sheet and then it's time to begin!

A/N - As a friendly reminder, Natsumi will be given her last name by Ratatoskr just like Yoshino's was, so she doesn't have it just yet

-Natsumi Itsuwari, Code Name: [Witch]-

Angel: Haniel, the "Witch of Forgery" - Haniel is a futuristic looking broomstick that's noted by Rio to somewhat resemble the Yggdrafolium realizers on the rear end of the current and original Fraxinus ships, and like an actual Witch's broom can be used by Natsumi to fly instead of using her natural flight. According to data recordings by Maria, using Haniel to fly allows her to fly faster and turn better midair, but has trouble slowing down and stopping.

- Alternate Form: Yata no Kagami - Haniel takes the form of a mirror, one that has the ability to send living and non-living things into a different dimension through a portal embedded into the glass, one that's quite similar to Kurumi's shadow dimension. While in Natsumi's personal dimension, the objects or subjects are put into a stasis field, though time doesn't stop or slow for them like the stasis fields that Rinne or Rio can create.

- Alternate Form: Kaleidoscope, the " Ever-changing Mirror " - Haniel's trump card, by remembering the appearance and abilities of another Angel, Haniel can overlay the mirror properties of its "Yata no Kagami" form to turn itself into a copy of that specific Angel. Similar to Shido's Spirit Ascension, the copied Angel is weaker than the original, but even weaker than Shido's Spirit Ascension copies because they are less powerful and can't use the copied angel's alternate forms.

- Powers: Natsumi's primary element as a Spirit is Metamorphosis with Illusion as a secondary element, being able to alter an entire area's shape or change the appearance of anyone or anything into something else be it something living or non-living within a 1 km radius of her. Natsumi is also able to learn the skills and mannerisms of whatever she can mimic and keep them, making her able to act as someone else without suspicion. Anything she transforms will revert back if she loses concentration or gets knocked unconscious.

Risk Factors: B

Spacequake: C

Spirit's Astral Dress: C

Angel Rank: AA

Strength: 79

Consistency: 65

Spiritual Power: 180

Agility: 82

Intelligence: 174

After a long flight, the Arbitel finally made its return back to England, the main branch of DEM Industries in sight as the ship turned on its Invisible Realizer and teleported Westcott, Ellen, Jessica and Marina's android body into the building. Various staff noticed Westcott's return and saluted him as he walked by.

"Sir Westcott! The board of directors have been awaiting your arrival, and they appear to need you to visit urgently." A nearby DEM Employee stated.

"Oh? Very well, I guess I have been gone for a while now, I'll take care of that then." Westcott replied, soon heading over there with the rest of his group. After a few minutes of walking (and stopping twice due to Ellen's strangely physical condition making her short of breath), they made it to the conference room where all the DEM board of directors were present.

Various faces were present, among these various new and unseen faces, Russel, Simpson and Murdoch were all present. None of the people in the room seemed happy, and when Westcott finally came into sight that didn't improve in the slightest, in fact their moods only got worse.

"It's been a while everyone, I'm sorry repairs kept me away for so long. So, what do I owe the honor of this meeting?" Westcott asked, acting like their looks didn't matter.

"Can it Westcott, you honestly thing we're gonna be playing this game anymore." Simpson replied, having a much more annoyed and angered tone to his voice than he used to because of nearly dying in the Goetia. "Your actions are insane and by now... a complete mockery."

Westcott only stared as Simpson turned, giving a dark glare as he crushed what he held in his hands to pieces.

"We've seen your actions since this April, and in the past half year you've cost us billions of pounds in damages to repair the Arbitel and build replacements for every lost automaton. The Pendragon CR-Unit was completely destroyed, Material A & B are gone, a whole section of research was destroyed and made impossible to replace, one of our own joined Ratatoskr and worst of all... the entire Arubi Island base is gone and one of our top Wizards is dead."

"Your point being?" Westcott asked, acting like it wasn't a big deal.

"Simple Westcott." Murdoch said, his gaze meeting Westcott's who gazed back with equal challenge.

"You've finally made us doubt you, 30 years ago your big plan with the Spirits was something we all sided with? But now? You just seem like some spoiled brat who demanded a toy under any cost to get it. This obsession with the Spirits is worthless... in fact maybe we shouldn't even bother with Ratatoskr trying to gather them all. We can ignore their existence this way."

Murdoch glares darker at Westcott who only lightly chuckles.

"I believe you're forgetting how much I managed to create with the power of the Spirits mere residue, and what I accomplished with control of one. You honestly believe this is a mere-"

Russell quickly throws a ruler past Westcott, and the DEM board of directions all showed him looks clearly stating their patience was finally worn too thin.

"Shut up Westcott, no one wants to hear you babble about your fun self-satisfaction anymore. You leave me no choice..." Murdoch soon turned to the other board of directors. "Russell, pay attention to the hand count you'll be seeing. As the highest representative of the DEM's board of directors, I hereby request Westcott's dismissal as the DEM's MD!"

Westcott's loyal trio all gasped at this, every prepared to raise a hand... only for Ellen and Jessica to rush by, suddenly cutting off everyone's hands as they formed their personal energy blades, Murdoch simply stared as screams and thuds were heard.

"Z-zero hands have been raised, therefore the request for dismissal is rejected..." Russell said angrily.

"Sorry, but it's our duty to break any swords pointed at Ike, even metaphorical ones." Ellen declared, staring at Murdoch. However... the man showed no fear, and simply revealed a switch, causing Ellen and Jessica to gasp as it showed a recording of your act. "You... you bastard, what have you-"

"I wouldn't point your sword at me, do it and I'll make sure these gets\ to witnesses and put all three of you under criminal charges." Murdoch stated, unyielding and coldly. "Oh, and don't bother trying to get into the system to delete it Marina, I used reverse engineered tech of that Cassiopeia machine to create an encryption that'll invade and destroy you otherwise."

Ellen, Jessica and Marina all grow angrily.

"So... it seems we're at a stalemate." Westcott answered, somewhat intrigued at the situation. "What are you up to Murdoch?"

"Since you claim these Spirits are so beneficial despite your failure to do anything to the ones you've let Ratatoskr get their hands on... let's have your dismissal decided without a raise of hands. I'll prove your incompetence myself... by multiple Spirits at once, something even you've failed to accomplish." Murdoch stated.

Suddenly everyone showed shock at that, Westcott on the other hand...

"I admit it, I'm impressed. If I say no to you I'm screwed regardless. The only chance I have to win in any form would be by this. Very well. I'll agree to your little game Murdoch." Westcott replied. "However... I think it's only fair I also get a right to try on the next Spirit, wouldn't killing 6 at once be a bigger point that 5?"

"Fine, I guess since you've already agreed we can allow that. However, only under this condition, you're forbidden from using anyone assigned the Top 3 Adeptus numbers, we're not letting you have access to everyone who's already managed to kill a Spirit." Murdoch reluctantly sighed, making Westcott grit his teeth slightly.

"Now scram, I'm not letting you hear my plans for this. Not to mention everyone here needs a Medical Realizer now." Murdoch demanded, and Westcott nodded before he and his group left the room. As they did, Ellen with an annoyed look, turned to Westcott.

"Ike, are you sure you were wise to let that happen?" Ellen asked, only to feel Jessica put a hand on her shoulder. "Hmm?"

Jessica sighed before looking at Ellen.

"Murdoch knew Westcott too well, for all we know he could have had something that would send that recording out if we actually attacked him. The fact Marina didn't even act just helps prove that." Jessica answered, and Marina grit her teeth sharply as proof.

"You took the words right out of my mouth Jessica, had I said no they'd have gotten me kicked out without resistance, at least this way... we have some chance. How annoying is it that this time we actually hope Ratatoskr aids us?" Westcott sighed playfully, soon hearing a crash in one room. "Oh?"

The group of four soon walk back to see a room used for training, where a girl was seen standing before a Jabberwocky All she had was a steel katana, not a CR-Unit or even a simple Wiring Suit seen on her at all.

"What the... why is she training against Jabberwocky!? They aren't made to be fought as a training opponent, and why's she bare of any kind of wizard gear!?" Ellen gasped, by all means the sight of this girl's choice of combat conditions could be seen as suicide.

"Hmm... hold on a minute, I'm curious about how this will go." Westcott replied, smirking as he stared at the sight.

At that moment, the Jabberwocky rushed forward, its arms and legs pushing against the ground as it charged at the girl, said girl slowly shifted into a stance... before her eyes widened and she shot forward, and suddenly went past the Jabberwocky, her katana gleamed as she turned to face it. The machine shook before a single slash mark cut it down the middle, making it explode! The two elite wizards all stare in shock, while Marina shows some awe.

"Well, well..." Westcott began, smirking heavily. "Let this be a sign of good fortune everyone, we already have something new for us the moment the reins are truly mine again. Now let's cash in on it."

Westcott walks closer to the girl, catching her attention as she turned to look.

"Welcome to the DEM... my new Adeptus 3."

*Trust in You plays*

(*piano melody playing*) Flows of the energy that one made the Spirit Dimension appear across the sky.

[30 years ago, a single man's dark ambitions destroyed an entire world of peaceful beings called the Spirits, and forever damaged and changed the course of history on Earth as the echo of his act. Only a single being from this world survived, but the treasures of her world were soon inherited by Humans who evolved into these same beings. Now they fight to stop this man's goals from destroying everything. This is the story of...

The Fraxinus EX-Celsior flies through the air, soon from an opening on the ship's haul, the sight of Tohka, Origami, an older looking Yoshino, Kotori and Kurumi jumped out before assuming their Astral Dresses and landing.

[...Date A Live!]

(*High pitched guitar wail and piano playing synthesize together*) The five turned forward and gave determined and hopeful looks, smiling brightly as they did. Following them, a green silhouette, two orange silhouettes and an indigo silhouette did the same from the opposing side. The silhouettes soon faded as they revealed Natsumi (in her adult form), the Yamai twins and Miku. Unlike the former five, their looks were a bit more sullen and serious.

(*Same high pitched guitar wail and piano continuing, but with sharp focused points flaring every few seconds*) Rinne, Rio and Mayuri stood by a silver/gray and yellow/gold silhouette, the former giving a peace sign as Rio hugs Mayuri. The entire AST follow up, with Mana flashing a bright smile, soon a smiling Maria appeared with Ratatoskr behind her, and finally behind a darker screen... a frowning Marina with Westcott and the DEM at her side, the new Adeptus 3 mostly hidden behind Westcott.

(*Guitar solo wailing*) Shido stood with his sister and the other Spirits as the words "デート・ア・ライブ - DATE A RE:LIVE" appear on a blackened screen, a brief pause came up before the colors invert showing a white screen with the now blackened text. Shortly after, two vertical orange lines form by the side, followed by a horizontal green line on top and a horizontal indigo line on the bottom, changing the title to "デート・ア・ライブ - DATE A RE:LIVE Ⅱ"as a result.

(Is everything inevitable to chance? Has fate already decided the path before it? No, we write our own destiny! [DESTINY] That's why I keep fighting for my dreams!) Tohka jumped up a bit as [Tohka Yatogami - Spirit No. 10] appeared by her in purple text as she landed. She ran by Origami and Yoshino, making the former nearly trip, as [Origami Tobiichi - Spirit No. 1] and [Yoshino Mizui - Spirit No. 4] briefly flashed by them in white and blue text respectively before they followed her.
(Just like this beating feeling in my chest, I understand my life's own story! [Own Story!]) Kotori saw the three run by in a distance, [Kotori Itsuka - Spirit No. 5] appearing by her in red text with a Chupa Chups lollipop in her mouth, looking at Kurumi who had [Kurumi Tokisaki - Spirit No. 3] appear next to her in black text before they followed them by walking.
(That's why I let things go as who I am!) Soon the sight of Miku dancing and singing on a concert stage in her Astral Dress, indigo text stating [Miku Izayoi - Spirit No. 9] appeared at her side, as she did a twirl and held out her hands making a double "L" pose using them, exciting her fans.
(Now let's... begin! This path ahead, and with it we'll decide, to choose... this thrilling date!) Kaguya and Yuzuru were seen arguing over something as [Kaguya Yamai - Spirit No. 8-A] and [Yuzuru Yamai - Spirit No. 8-B] appeared by their sides in orange text, and Natsumi just walked by with [Natsumi Itsuwari - Spirit No. 7] appearing by her, soon noticing the Fraxinus and Arbitel flying across each other, higher into the sky.

(*Heavy guitar slam*) Rinne stands backwards in Tenguu Park before turning around and posing cutely as [Rinne Sonogami - Spirit No. 0] appears by her in pink text, her Spirit form is seen as an intangible illusion behind her giving the same pose. Unaware that by a nearby tree, someone holding a strange tome smiled, closing it as she walked off.

(When we first talked, when we first touched, when you first made me laugh! I suddenly wondered...) The Ratatoskr allied spirits ran together across a white realm with a partially black stained ground. Natsumi, the Yamai twins and Miku flying at them from another side. The AST flew in from the other two sides while the DEM all dropped down from below.
(This feeling in my heart, I never wanted to give it up! This feeling, was... yes, it was love!) Shido, Mana, Rinne and the and the currently sealed Spirits all rode a subway train, with said sealed Spirits all resting their heads on Shido, making Rinne who smiled at the sight.
(Even if this feeling gives me pain, I won't ever surrender it! The reason why, is because even in the darkest despair, I can feel the light of hope!) The forces all clash, while Shido suddenly screams and a black version of the metal tree Rinne created a while ago formed, a serpentine pink eye forming in the middle before glowing iridescent. The Spirits all suddenly clash with familiar looking dark spirit power before it swallows Tohka inside.
(That's why I want to believe in this story-) Suddenly a flash goes off as Tohka's eyes regained their glow and bright purple light encompassed the area with her inside it. She rushed forward hidden by a silhouette as she reached out for Shido.

DATE A LIVE!

(*Guitar instrumental melody*) Shido and Tohka soon fall into each other's embrace, Tohka in her casual clothes again as all of Ratatoskr, the sealed Spirits and the newly introduced ones gather around them.

(*soft guitar, drum and piano sounds synthesizing*) Soon Rio, Mayuri, Maria join them. Marina, Westcott and the DEM all staring at them from afar at the DEM's main branch with a dark look, a pair of various flashing eyes hiding behind them in the darkness.

Tohka ends the intro song by kissing Shido who gave a surprised look at how sudden it was, making the image into a freeze frame and giving it a picture like quality as the "デート・ア・ライブ - DATE A RE:LIVE Ⅱ" logo appears again and overlaps it.

Inside the secret base of Ratatoskr's Tenguu City branch, Reine Murasame stood before the base's main computer system and began a call to a certain individual, and soon on the screen she saw the face of Elliot and Karen appear. The latter's appearance had become closer to her older sister's secretary cover in appearance before her encounter with Tohka.

"Ah, good to see you Reine. It seems you've been doing incredibly well. You don't even have your dark spots anymore." Elliot replied, making Reine blush a bit as she scratched her cheek. Karen cleared her throat. "Oh, forgive me Karen. I'm guessing you have a reason behind this call?"

"I do, by now I think you've become aware that Ratatoskr has saved half of the Spirits, and with recent events on the First Spirit's official return, the sights that Westcott has seen with Shido, and most of all the AST's destruction of their Arubi Island base... Westcott will start getting more serious." Reine stated, taking a sip of her usual coffee.

"With all due respect Elliot, I think it's time we have you relocate here to the Tenguu City branch and have you operate here as Ratatoskr's main HQ. As much as Westcott would want to avoid dealing with us here, the other Spirits have likely noticed the oddities, not to mention Rio and Mayuri, the Phantom and Watcher respectively, have been going around and will likely be leading the remaining Spirits here."

Rinne soon slides into view.

"Hey sis, is that Ratatoskr's big shot on the phone? Let me see!" Rinne asked, trying to fit into the screen as Reine holds her hand up to slightly hold her back.

"And I think it'd be easier if you could talk to Rinne in person, you've probably got questions anyway- Rinne, there's pudding in the fridge, go and have it and let me talk for a while!" Reine stated, making Rinne's eyes sparkle as she goes to grab it. "So, what do you think?"

Elliot thought for a moment before nodding.

"I believe that's best, you've focused his attention to a single place and where the current HQ is stationed, we've barely seen any activity. That could be dangerous if something major happens in your area again." Elliot replied, and Karen soon lowers her head into closer view.

"I agree, plus I've recently heard the news of Artemisia's return, she was always like a child to me during her time in the SSS. I'd like to be there to aid in her recover. There's a good chance that I may need to aid my own services as a Wizard again in the future." Karen replied, making Reine smile.

"Thank you both, I'll make the announcement to everyone here soon. Until then, Commander Reine out." Reine stated before disconnecting the call and standing up, breathing as she walked of the room and through the base.

Things were normal, until... a sudden scream came out, nearly making Reine trip, she took a moment to realize that had been Mana.

"What the? Why is Mana screaming, what happened!?" Reine asked, rushing ahead. Soon once she arrived, she suddenly blinks before giving a dull stare, and face palming as she suddenly realizes what the problem was. "Of course... I should have known."

Mana was shedding tears as she grabbed onto Yoshino's current shirt and stared at the nervous Water Spirit, it had taken a day to fully kick in, but due to Yoshinon having been fully absorbed back into her, she had regained her true age and now looked to be as physically old as the other Spirits.

Yoshino's face didn't get any older, but her already long hair had extended from past her elbows to her waistline. What Mana was currently freaking out about however? Simple... her usual reaction to her small bust line. Upon regaining her true age and body, Yoshino, who had originally been the only Spirit who was smaller than Mana had suddenly out-sized her.

"My god... really Mana!?" Reine complained, annoyed by her niece's reaction. Mana turned at her with an angry look.

"You'd get it was a big deal if you were my size Miss 95cm!" Mana declared, making Reine blush and cover her chest as she heard her niece accurate declare her size.

'How did she know that!? I hope she's psychic, otherwise I'm gonna kill Kannazuki later!' Reine thought.

"U-Uh... Mana, it's not that bad." Yoshino said gently in an attempt to calm her, and surprisingly Yoshino's voice didn't change with her age. Mana looked at her again and making her shake. "I-I'm sorry!"

Mana sobs.

"Seriously, you were supposed to have my back! You understood me when you were just a 73cm... but now you're a freaking 85cm!" Mana cried out, making Reine sweat drop at the sight.

"It was bad enough hearing Kurumi's an 87cm when came here, then my own mom's 92cm in both her human and spirit forms, and Tohka somehow just had another growth spurt and actually hit the triple digits to become 101cm! Why is every Spirit busty but me!?"

Yoshino and Reine watch as Mana slumped onto the floor.

"Wait, that's it?" Reine asked, soon blinking a bit. "Although that suddenly says a lot to why she doesn't seem to care about everyone else's size. I'm probably only normal she bothers to consider since I'm her biological aunt."

Soon Rinne comes back, making Reine groan as she saw her mouth stained with pudding.

"Hey you two, what's up?" Rinne asked, and soon noticed her sobbing daughter on the ground. "Uh... anyone wanna tell my why Mana's on the ground and suddenly a blubbering mess?"

"First off, please wipe your face clean. Can't believe I'm the responsible one." Reine said, wiping the First Spirit's face with a handkerchief. "Second, your daughter's having an identity crisis about now being the only Spirit with small boobs, happened ever since that one time with Kotori getting her body aged up."

"Ooh! I remember Tohka mentioning that, but since I was in Shido's head at the time, I didn't get to see it cause he's a boy." Reine answered, soon looking at her daughter.

"Hmm... although I think she has a reason to be worried. Back when the Spirit Dimension still existed, every Spirit was pretty busty, that old... World of Buxom trope on that internet thing I still can't figure out. Anyways, unless she's a late bloomer... there's a possible chance being Half Spirit means she's stuck at that size for good."

Reine and Yoshino's eyes get shadowed in shock as Mana looked at her mother before outright crying a waterfall of tears.

"Did you have to be blunt about it!?" Reine exclaimed angrily.

"Depends, what does 'being blunt' mean?" Rinne asked, making Reine groan and face palm multiple times. "What? What did I say?"

Yoshino grabs Rinne's shirt sleeve, getting her attention.

"Um... how about we see how Tohka's training is going?" Yoshino replied.

"Oh, that's right, she's been doing that since the day I almost died. Alright, let's see how things are going then." Rinne smiled, picking up Mana's sobbing form before they headed over. Reine soon following.

At the training field, Tohka was seen in her Astral Dress as she fought with Kurumi and Origami simultaneously, she dodged Kurumi's shadow bullets before slashing Sandalphon at her, Kurumi actually struggling to dodge her swings.

'Holy! She's only been training for a short time, but she's improving at an incredible fast rate!' Kurumi thought, soon dodging another slash. "Carnwennan!"

Kurumi holds up Zafkiel as they take a dagger like form to block the attack, though Tohka has her right hand release its hold on Sandalphon as she charged a mana shot towards her, making Kurumi pale.

"Aw crap..." Kurumi replied, soon being blasted out of the training field boundaries with her eyes becoming swirls. Ryouko blew a whistle at that.

"Kurumi out of bounds!"

"OK, that was unexpected, I don't tend to let you win that easily though Tohka!" Origami stated, aiming Metatron's pillars at her. Tohka got ready and rushed forward, slashing Sandalphon at the right points when the beams fired. "No way!"

Tohka swung her sword, and Metatron teleported Origami away... only for Tohka to turn and fire an energy blast at her, knocking Origami out of the field boundaries as her eyes became swirls too. Ryouko blew the whistle again.

"I learned from some of the best after all." Tohka replied, giving a big cheerful smile before jumping up and dispelling her Astral Dress. "I did it, I beat them!"

"It's amazing, I thought what I heard about how quickly Mana got as far as she did was impressive, but Tohka seems to have really striven in a short time to get stronger." Artemisia commented, currently using crutches due to slight muscle atrophy.

"Makes sense, she began this training because she wants to protect her boyfriend, she's determined to get results." Ryouko replied, smiling a bit. "They do say to improve you need an enemy bigger than one's self. Even if that enemy is just one's own doubt or feelings of inferiority."

At that moment, everyone hears Rinne and the others come in. The sniffling Mana still hung over her mom's left shoulder.

"Wait, let me guess... saw Yoshino's got a bigger rack then her now?" Kotori asked, making Rinne nod. "Yeesh, how annoying. I don't let the fact Yoshino's an inch bigger bother me. Tohka herself doesn't even seem to care she's hit the triple digits now."

"I'm not sure why breast size is that important anyways." Tohka asked, Mana glaring at her breasts slightly bouncing as a result. "Then again I'm not sure on a lot of stuff nowadays due to my mental age."

Everyone chuckles a bit at that, and a sudden flash goes off as Rio and Mayuri suddenly appear in the base, after regaining their bearings, Rio turns to see Rinne and smiles.

"Mama!" Rio cheered, running up to her and giving her a hug. Rinne giggles and hugs back. "Rio finally gets to hug Mama, Rio's so happy!"

"Hope you don't mind, we needed a break from our search for Zodiac and since Rio helped save Rinne a few days back, she really wanted to come back and see her." Mayuri told Reine, the commander smiled and shook her head.

"Of course not, Rio's my niece after all. Nothing wrong with wanting to see her mother. Especially when you add the circumstances, she's had to work hard just for the chance to reunite with her." Reine answered, making Mayuri smile in agreement.

"You know, when this is over, I wouldn't mind letting you stay with me. It's probably time I try raising a daughter."

"W-what? Really, you mean it? You'd..." Mayuri asked, making Reine nod before Mayuri blushed and smiled. "Thank you so much, that's really nice of you!"

After a bit, Rinne puts Rio and Mana back on the ground.

"So, how's my little ball of sunshine doing with her search?" Rinne asked.

"Rio an Mayuri are having bad luck, Rio can't find Zodiac anywhere on Earth. Mayuri and Rio are confused, and now Rio thinks she should have asked Sister." Rio pouted a bit, slightly irritated Zodiac kept hiding from them. Soon she sees Tohka's training and gets confused. "Tohka, Rio's confused. What's Tohka doing?"

Tohka blushed slightly embarrassed.

"Well... I've been feeling I haven't been able to help Shido as much of the others, so I'm having the others all train me." Tohka explained, Rio gives an 'oh' expression and nods happily. Tohka soon blinks as she thought of something. "Hey Rio, you've seen everyone's predecessors, right? Maybe you could tell me how mine used their powers to help me?"

Rio blinked at that.

"Uh... Rio doesn't know what you mean? Tohka's the only possessor of Sandalphon, Tohka has no predecessors." Rio answered, suddenly making everyone stare at her silently. Even Rinne gave a surprised look. After a few moments of silence, the room was suddenly deafened by a simultaneous-

"WHAAAAT!?" Everyone minus Rinne shouted, Tohka herself having gone white eyed as she blinked at Rio.

"Uh... I'm sorry sweetie, but you've had to give people the Sephira Crystals for three decades. How could Tohka be the only one you ever gave Sandalphon to?" Rinne asked, just as confused as the others.

"Well Rio couldn't give Sandalphon to anyone else." Rio explained, making everyone tilt their heads.

"Rio didn't just ask everyone she offered a Sephira Crystal just to see if they were sure if taking it, Rio also needed them to say it so the Sephira Crystal could undo its lock on a candidate and switch to a new one. When Rio saved Tohka, Rio saw Sandalphon's crystal consider her worthy, and Rio then learned Sandalphon wouldn't accept anyone else until Tohka said no. As Tohka was in stasis healing, Rio couldn't ask her until she woke up, but Rio never could and had to save her with Sandalphon's crystal."

Shido gasped.

"Of course! That's why Purple Spacequakes didn't exist until January of this year, the power to make them wasn't in anyone's possession until then. Though wait, if that's the case how'd you have all the info you did about her Spirit abilities?" Shido asked, making Reine pull out some notes. "What are these?"

"They're notes your father made about the Spirit Dimension, truth is most of our info came from what he learned. Not to mention with past hosts dying and being everywhere, getting information was already tricky that we didn't even notice the absence of Sandalphon's powers." Reine revealed, letting Shido and Mana look at the notes.

"OK... but what does that have to do with my powers?" Tohka asked confused.

Rio soon piggy backs on Tohka's back, lowing her head to look at her upside down.

"Remember how Saya's consciousness lived in Camael? Well, Rio believes it's an extension Camael created from the Sephira Crystal's shared ability to transfer the past user's combat experience." Rio revealed, making Tohka's eyes widen a bit. "Aside from Tohka, each Spirit's had at least one predecessor before Rio gave you all your powers."

Rio soon falls backwards and lands on her feet before running in front of Tohka.

"Rio even recalls some alternate forms were made by past possessors, Rio remembers seeing Kurumi create her Carnwennan trick herself." Rio giggled, making the Shadow Spirit blush bashfully at the compliment.

"So Rio believes Tohka's not weak because she's not strong, Tohka just doesn't have past experiences to aid her. Still, that means Tohka made all of Sandalphon's current potential on Tohka's own. Rio thinks Tohka should be proud of her achievements."

Tohka blushed slightly.

"Uh... Kurumi, is she telling the truth? Did you really make one of Zafkiel's alternate forms?" Tohka asked.

"Yeah, I noticed how the others were all meant for long-range, so I was worried about what would happen if an opponent came too close for my shots to be effective. Ryouko's story showed me how right I was when I learned that's what got my predecessor dead when faced with a close combat fighter." Kurumi confirmed, nodding her head.

"So your lack of battle experience is pretty much because you have a past possessor to transfer their skills over like us, I'd probably fumble just as much if that was the case. Though with how easily you made Halvanhelev and Chrysaor I think you'll catch up fast."

Tohka smiled.

"Oh wait, Rio remembered that Mama was born in the Sandalphon region, maybe Mama can help Tohka with her powers?" Rio wondered, but Rinne chuckled as she sweat dropped.

"Sorry Rio, but mama can't help there. It is true I was born there but... as Seigo's notes state, some Spirits were born with other powers outside the Sephira Crystal regions and kinda like an 'other' category." Rinne answered, rubbing her head in embarrassment. "It's been 30 years too, so I don't remember much about what my region's spirits could do."

Rinne thinks for a moment, trying to recall anything.

"Although... I do think Tohka's seismic waves and creating Sandalphon's throne from the ground are both clues to parts of her powers she might not be using. That's the best I can remember though. I mean I can still help train you Tohka, but for specifics on certain Spirit powers, that's not where my mentor and advisory role works best."

Before the rest of the group could say anything though, they suddenly heard a familiar alarm go off.

[WARNING! THERE HAVE BEEN PRECURSORY SIGNS OF AN IMPENDING SPACEQUAKE!]

"A Spacequake, we've got another Spirit coming!" Mayuri gasped.

"Confirming location and getting visuals now!" Maria responded, her data processing as the screens revealed the area of focus as an old abandoned amusement park. "This is that old amusement park on the outskirts of the crater walls that everyone calls Ghost Land nowadays, right?"

"It is, the quakes barely hit it when Tenguu Crater was formed, and since Spacequakes rarely hit there there's little need to repair it, especially as less people came and places like Ocean Park were created. Deconstruction hasn't begun simply due to the Spacequakes requiring more attention." Reine answered, looking at the video feed.

"It's a bit surprising that this is where the next Spirit will appear."

Soon the dimensional ripple began to near the ground.

"The Spacequake will go off in 3, 2, 1... now!" Maria announced.

Once the ripple hit the ground, the dimension flux rises back up into a spot midair, causing a green colored Spacequake to go off and destroy a majority of the park. One Rinne and Rio saw it, it was clear which Spirit had just appeared.

"Green... that's definitely the power of the Haniel Crystal." Rinne confirmed, looking at everyone. "The elemental power associated to the Haniel region back in the Spirit Dimension was the ability to shape things, transform something that was almost nothing into something more. Rio, what do you know about the past possessors?"

"From Rio's experience, Haniel's form in this world takes after a witch's broom, Rio thinks it kinda looks like the old and new Fraxinus ship at the one end. Rio doesn't remember Haniel's current possessor though, Rio hasn't seen her for a while." Rio revealed. "Rio wishes she could remember."

Katie blinks and gasps.

"Wait, I remember seeing her. It's how I ended up joining the AST. Did she have green hair by chance and the code name [Witch]?" Katie asked, making Rio nod.

"Yes, Haniel possessors have the code name Witch! Thanks for helping Rio remember." Rio smiled, making Katie blush a bit. After a while, the Spacequake faded away, but for some reason, no one could see the Spirit in the crater left behind. "Ooh? Rio doesn't remember the current Haniel user being a good hider, where'd she go?"

Rinne tries to think about the situation, and soon Reine turns to Shido.

"Shido, for now it might be best you go visit the Spirit alone. It's been a while since we've been in a situation we might be able to help one without any conflict." Reine reasoned, making Shido nod. "Tohka, Origami, Yoshino, Kotori, Kurumi... be ready to be beamed over if things get bad. Rio and Mayuri, same to you."

Reine then looked at Rinne.

"What about you Rinne, think you can aid them too?"

"I'm afraid not, my powers are all offense based and since a weakened a lack of defense with a Limited Astral Dress might be..." Rinne answered, making Reine nod. Rinne would probably be unable to help in a direct fight. "Sorry about that, until we seal every Spirit I'm kinda just present for now."

"Its fine, it's better for you to be alive in the end.." Reine smiled, making Rinne relieved. "Shido, are you ready?"

"Yeah." Shido replied.

In the area that was the remains of the abandoned amusement park, Shido soon found himself standing at the wreckage as he landed from being beamed over. He looked around, seeing nothing but damaged attractions and rides covered in rust and age.

"Alright, now the question is where do I start looking?" Shido wondered, starting to walk around.

After a bit, he felt something off... and suddenly saw part of the Amusement park had turned into something out of Halloween, making the "Ghost Land" name that had since been given to it over the years more accurate. Shido sweated a bit.

'Holy crap, so this is the power to shape things that mom mentioned. Could this be why we didn't see the Spirit? Yeah, maybe she moved towards this spot when the Spacequake went off, we were too focused on the crater after all.' Shido thought, and suddenly out of nowhere...

"Ooh? How intriguing, to see a Human like you here." A young sounding voice came, attracting Shido's attention. He looked around and soon saw a face staring at him as he jumped back in surprise. "What? You need to use the bathroom or something?"

Before him was the Spirit he was looking for, and compared to the Spirits before, she was quite different. She had jade green colored hair and eyes, and for her Astral Dress, she wears a purple semi-transparent suit with star patterns all over it. A belt was hung at her waist, and some articles of cloth were attached to it.

She wore a cape and a witch hat that had a pair of bat wings with a belt with a gemstone wrapped and locked onto its front. Overall, her appearance resembles that of a flashy witch... and boy did that flashy part fit. Why was that? Because unlike the other Spirits before her who were teenagers, the exception being Rio and the original appearances of Kotori and Yoshino, this spirit clearly looked like an adult.

She was a slender woman whose age should at least be a little past 20 years old. She had long slender limbs and voluptuous bust, making Shido glad Mana wasn't present. She has perfect proportions, enough to make gravure models run away barefooted. Long and glossy hair that was spreading out under the wide visors of the hat, and in that interval, her pair of eyes which could be mistaken with emeralds were staring at Shido filled with interest.

In fact, if it wasn't for the fact she was a Spirit, Shido would have thought she was a man-made girl who looked as beautiful as she did because she was made from a collection of all the best traits and DNA from all of the ideal women in the world.

"You're pretty cute." The girl giggled, and soon got closer to Shido who was blushing nervously due to how close she was, both through her face and figure. "What's your name little boy?"

"Uh... I'm Shido Takamiya, and yours?" Shido asked. The green haired Spirit giggled as she winked at Shido.

"My name is Natsumi."

And with that, Natsumi's made her appearance! Now get it together quickly or you'll make your harem jealous of all those stares you're giving the lady just cause of her body. *snickers* In case anyone asks, the reason I chose Itsuwari for Natsumi's last name is because the definitions for it include "False", "Fiction", and "Fabrication". All of those fit the nature of Natsumi being the Mimicry spirit.

Poor Mana, she's really sensitive about her chest size, and now she's at rock bottom due to Yoshino's age up. Also... seems Tohka grew again. *giggles* I swear that's as far as Tohka's gonna grow, this isn't my DxD fanfic so I can't exaggerate the size here as much as I can with Vali. Not to mention that would just make the running gag with Mana's whole A-Cup Angst transform from a small joke into a cruel one instead ^^;

So tell me... how surprised were you all for me to drop the reveal that Tohka actually didn't have a predecessor? I actually gave you some clues last season, aside from moments where Phantom only had one crystal out, the Sandalphon crystal was always one of the crystals she held out when trying to see if a person was a potential candidate. I'd say that's the theme of secrets for Season 2, we'll be learning more about the secrets related to the powers of the Spirits.

Now we have the DEM preparing to try and kick off Westcott, met the new Adeptus 3 while still being unaware of who she is, and now Elliot and Karen are going to be transferring over to the Tenguu City branch of Ratatoskr due to expecting Westcott's about to get more serious... all while Tohka learns there's possibly more to her powers than she's actually been able to use magically and physically. Man, what a great way for me to start Season 2 :3

Well, with all of that cleared out of the way, I guess there's only one thing left to say... welcome to Season 2 everyone, and stay awesome!

-Spirit Bond Levels-

Tohka - 86%

Origami - 80%

Yoshino - 78%

Kotori - 79%

Kurumi - 72%