Date A Re:Live
S2 Chapter 40: Choronzon Havoc, Part 5
By : Tohka_Yatogami
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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]
It's time for the Season 2 finale to begin here, the final arc has begun! The battle to defeat the ultimate Demon King: Choronzon has started, and it begins with the surprise visit of Inverse Tohka manifesting outside of Tohka's form. That's bad for many reasons, mainly cause if Tohka were to have Inverted naturally, due to what happened in her arc, she'd at least know not to attack her friends if still a little unstable... this Inverse Tohka has no morals or ties to influence her judgment, just like the canon one.
Speaking of which, Vol 15 and 16 have made me come to believe that the Inverse Form isn't the Spirits' evil side as originally believed, for one we had Westcott claim it was their true form in Vol 7 and then Inverse Tohka herself confirmed it in Vol 15 while also confirming the First Spirit created the Sephira Crystals. However, the First Spirit's morality seems to be... strange at best, but non-existent at worse. If it's the latter, I think that might be why the Inverse Forms hold nothing back, because the First Spirit's power that's manifested in them has removed all their morality.
Getting a bit off track there ^^; *chuckles*, anyways... Tohka now has to face her greatest enemy. She has to face and defeat herself! No, worse than that actually, she has to face her own darkness, one that's truly greater and above her in every way and somehow win when her powers are already limited. Luckily, she has one advantage, while Inverse Tohka's also had her limitations removed, she lacks the knowledge on how to use her Earth powers, so Tohka's got a bit more to work with.
Oh, and you might recall me saying in last chapter's end notes that the arc was gonna be called Choronzon Mayhem, well... the reason its Choronzon Havoc now is because I had to change it at the last minute. I don't know how many parts this will end up, and should the total number of parts reach double digits, I'm gonna need an extra character to actually type those double-digit numbers because the former name used all of them with how I normally name each chapter. Luckily, I think havoc's meaning is similar enough to work in the arc's name.
Well, let's get started now as Tohka tries to kick her own butt and finally get through to Miku. Before we start, here's an updated Inverse Tohka data sheet.
A/N: The stats in the parenthesis are how much of Inverse Tohka's full power was used when she last appeared, and just to avoid confusion, Inverse Tohka's number stats are the same.
-Inverse Tohka (At Full Power), Code Name: [Sovereign]-
Demon King: Nahemah, the "Tyrant Ruler" - Sandalphon's Demon King counterpart, unlike most Demon Kings, Nahemah isn't that different from its Angel counterpart other than looking nothing like it and having a lot more mana inside to cause more devastating energy flashes. Nahemah's throne is silver in color unlike Sandalphon's golden throne. Shido has commented that Nahemah is inferior in power if Tohka can properly focus her will and emotions, however this is inaccurate as Nahemah's full power also manifests through will power, making the crystalline edge of the blade glow.
- Alternate Form: Paverschlev, the "Sword of Demise" - The Inverse counterpart of Sandalphon's Halvanhelev technique, and like Nahemah compared to Sandalphon, Paverschlev is a much more enhanced Halvanhelev with a completely different design. The power it puts Halvanhelev to shame in comparison, being strong enough to gouge an entire section of a city. Unlike Halvanhelev however, Paverschlev is a one-shot attack, and will revert to Nahemah as it basically converts Halvanhelev's possible overload into a single concentrated strike. If Nahemah's true power is achieved, strike will spread and actually detonate across the area of ground zero.
- Alternate Form: Durandal - The Inverse counterpart of Chrysaor, b y willing her throne to shift into a flying vehicle form, Inverse Tohka can drive it using her willpower. Similar to how Sandalphon being sheathed allows Chrysaor to use its slash waves and a piercing attack, Durandal can also use Inverse Tohka's energy blasts and the piercing attack is almost guaranteed to shatter any defense against it. When Nahemah's true power is achieved, it can even be wielded remotely by Inverse Tohka's will if she needs to.
- Powers: Despite what her Astral Dress might imply, Inverse Tohka's powers are all higher with the inclusion of her defense, enough that she can stop a sword with her bare hand and not be cut by it. Her amount of mana is now so incredibly high that her previous abilities become explosive and have more use to them, such as her energy blasts can now fire multiple shots in waves instead of only rapid fire. In regards to her Earth abilities, Tohka no longer needs to shift her body, able to create her sands and stone without moving, while her crystals are now as strong as titanium. Inverse Tohka doesn't gain any additional abilities, but due to overwhelming power... she doesn't really need any.
Risk Factors: SSS (SS)
Spacequake: AA (A)
Spirit's Astral Dress: AAA
Angel Rank: AAA
Strength: 248 (189)
Consistency: 204 (142)
Spiritual Power: 222 (170)
Agility: 175 (133)
Intelligence: 125 (100)
Suddenly the two felt the realm shake, and suddenly both were forced out. When Tohka came to, she gasped as everyone kneeling or laying across the ground, having just been hit by something.
"What... what just happened!?" Tohka breathed.
"Nahemah."
Tohka was suddenly hit by a dark purple wave of energy, only barely managing to defend against it by pulling out Sandalphon at the last moment. She pants a bit before looking and her eyes widening in horror at what she saw.
"No... that's impossible! Tohka gasped.
The others soon got up, but aside from Rinne, Kotori and Origami, the sight before them wasn't as familiar. Floating towards the ground stood a teenage girl the same age as Tohka with very long, dark purple-to-white gradient hair tied back with a ribbon that looked like an evil dark violet butterfly with point edges, but a large portion of her hair remained untied as well.
Her eyes were a soft pink color with white irises, and she wore a dark violet dress attached with black laces and a set of grayish magenta-and-dark pink plated armor which adorned her shoulders and waist. The dress was open at the back and the front, in which exposed most of her skin and a two-layered, knee-length skirt.
"Sandalphon? Nahemah, why does this person have that Angel?" The girl asked her Demon King.
[I am unsure, but the fact she possesses my other side at all is insulting to me. We should eliminate her now to cleanse us of this mockery.]
Tohka shook, recognizing the person before her all too well? Because this person before her was...
"No way... why? You and I are supposed to share the same form, how are you here!?" Tohka stuttered, soon holding Sandalphon out defensively. "Why are you here... Inverse Tohka!?"
Everyone gasped at that.
"T-that's Tohka's Inverse Form, oh my god..." Natsumi breathed, surprised but how the majestic appearance of Tohka's normal form changed from an Inversion. Inverse Tohka soon raised an eye at their claim.
"Tohka? Are you talking to me?" Inverse Tohka asked, making Tohka gasp more.
"No... please don't tell me, are my Nightmares becoming real?" Tohka gasped, Rinne heard this and prepared to ask... but the chance was lost as when Inverse Tohka swung down Nahemah and forced Tohka to move. "Everyone, look out!"
Tohka raised her hand, causing a wall of stone to form out of the ground, taking the attack before shattering, Inverse Tohka showed surprise at that.
[Odd, it seems she possesses the same powers as we do, but ones we seem to lack. That woman is an irregularity. Must be one of those filthy Humans, deal with her and seize her Sephira Crystal.]
"Don't worry, I will not forgive this insult. For the sake of the Kingdom and the Spirits." Inverse Tohka declared, rushing at Tohka and swinging Nahemah rapidly with only her left hand, forcing Tohka to counter with her own swings using both of hers.
It was clear Tohka was at a huge disadvantage, not only were Spirits weaker than their Inverse Forms, but Choronzon's presence had every sealed Spirit unable to assume more than a Limited Astral Dress meaning Tohka couldn't even draw her full power to face her!
"Come on, we've gotta help her!" Kotori shouted, the others went to go help, only for Tohka to fire energy blasts in front of them.
"No, I have to do this on my own!" Tohka shouted.
"What, you're crazy! You can't-" Kotori began, only for Nia to stop her. "What are you doing!?"
Nia gives her a stern look, making Kotori slightly wimp out.
"Use your head, we're about to face an Inversion that's able to possibly destroy the world. Inverse Tohka's a SSS-Rank Spirit and already a very dangerous one. What happens if it takes all of you just to beat her?" Nia asked, making the others' eyes widen. "Not just that either. What if the other Inverse Forms have manifested as separate beings?"
"I hate to say it, but Nia's right... if Tohka can't win alone then we won't have a chance to stop Choronzon. As much as I don't want to, she has to try and win on her own!"
"Durandal."
Suddenly Nahemah's throne formed from the ground before shifting into a monstrous version of Sandalphon's vehicle form, its 'eyes' glowing before it rammed into Tohka. The Energy Spirit was shot back, right as Inverse Tohka swung Nahemah down again and formed a vertical slash wave.
"No you... don't!" Tohka screamed, cutting Sandalphon through it.
"I'll admit it, you're not just all talk. Though you are a fool to believe you can defeat me." Inverse Tohka stated, swinging Nahemah again, but this time sideways to create a horizontal slash wave. Tohka panted, having barely cut the last one down, however Miku sings and creates a protective barrier.
"Miku?" Tohka asked.
"Don't get the wrong idea! Nothing infuriates me more than people who are all talk, I just can't help but pity you for being way over your head. Plus, Nia said we can't help, not we can't shield you" Miku stated, turning her head and making Tohka sweat drop. "You said you'd put your life on the line, do you really mean that or is it all talk?"
Tohka's eyes widen slightly, and she focuses her grip on Sandalphon again.
[Tohka, I don't know if we can win... but I'll still try if you will!]
"I will Sandalphon, I have to!" Tohka shouted, rushing at Inverse Tohka who simply fires a wave of energy blasts at her. Causing her to tumble near Miku. "Dang it! If only I could get close to her somehow!"
"So, you just need to get close to her? Very well then, just this once... Gabriel, Rondo!" Miku shouted, twirling as many golden pipes appear around the area to Inverse Tohka's surprise. Tohka looked at Miku confused. "I'll trap her with my vocal shield, use that moment to take her down!"
Miku begins singing and Inverse Tohka's arms were held in place, but Nia grimaces at the sight.
'Bad idea, and that's the only reason I'm not intervening for trying to aid Tohka... let's just hope Tohka uses this chance the right way.' Nia thought, seeing Tohka rush over while she has the chance.
"My, what a fool you are." Inverse Tohka stated, her dark spirit power simply flared and Gabriel's Rondo form shattered. Miku suddenly felt the recoil from it make her voice vanish, the side effect from a disruption of her spirit power, or wasting it all. "And now... you shall pay for your meddling, die weakling!"
Everyone stares in horror as Inverse Tohka swung down Nahemah, causing a slash wave to shoot towards Miku's way, the Sound Spirit was in so much shock she didn't even move away as it neared her. Tohka, who had a chance to attack her Inverse counterpart instead turned and rushed at her.
'This is it... my punishment for what I've done, isn't it?' Miku thought.
Miku was seen standing on stage singing, with the crowd cheering for her.
"I never had anything but my songs... my music."
The sight of Miku's blog with the comments of fans who believed in the scandal, the reaction of some of her fans in person, the sight of one of her album CDs being broken and her sight on the stage the moment her voice vanished. Eventually coming to her standing in a black realm, a single spotlight shining as people disappeared from view one by one, leaving a sad and along Miku in the middle of it.
"I had nothing, I always believed that if I didn't have my voice... I was just worthless. That nobody, and nothing would protect me anymore. Of course, that's how I went down that path... by the time I regained it, I had already fallen into that illusion."
The sight of Miku throughout her year as a Spirit, making a face that while looking sweet, had eyes showing that it was just a mask to lie to herself. To not face what she had been doing, or to simply shield herself from realizing the pain she had received she was giving to others.
Then came the moment she sung her song at the Ten-Oh Festival, and how happy she had looked, no... how much she had let her true self show for even a brief moment. Then the same expressions Tohka and the others showed when playing their own song.
"It's been so long, I had forgotten... the wish I made that day she gave me the Gabriel Crystal. My wish, it was simple, I'm shocked how easily I had forgotten it. To see it was real, to see it was true just once! That there was a person in this world who truly loved someone from the bottom of their heart."
The sight of Phantom giving Miku her Sephira Crystal flashed by, and then Tohka glomping Shido in his form of Shiori after singing their song at the Ten-Oh Festival... and how much that smile radiated.
"And I did... but the pain I felt, drowning in the power I had, I drifted so far away from that wish. Now I get why it doesn't get to deserve to come true, why I'm being punished. Shido Takamiya... Tohka Yatogami... if only I met you two sooner, things would have been so different."
The spotlight in the black realm soon fades.
Miku closes her eyes, almost as if accepting her fate, and then...
"MIIIIIKUUUU!"
Suddenly a strange sound went off, causing Miku to open her eyes as the sight of Tohka slamming Sandalphon into the ground, forming a field of purple crystals to negate Inverse Tohka's attack. Her dark counterpart stared in surprise at her attack being stopped so easily.
"You... OK?" Tohka asked, panting a bit as she looked at Miku. Who only stared because she still didn't have enough mana to regain her voice just yet. "I told you didn't I... that if you ended up in a situation like this, I'd save you without hesitation!"
'No way... she had the chance to take down her Inverse Form, but she didn't take it... just to keep her promise? To save me?' Miku thought. Inverse Tohka glared at Tohka, looking very pissed off.
"Why do you protect them? Why... why do you protect Humans like them!?" Inverse Tohka demanded, and Tohka panted as she looked at her.
"Let me ask you something, why do you hate Humans so much? Just spouting things isn't going to tell me... the you from my nightmares made that clear when she refused to answer." Tohka countered, making Inverse Tohka glare. "If you're gonna kill me anyways I think I deserve that answer, don't I?"
Inverse Tohka's right hand tightened in a fist with so much force, she drew a little blood.
"Are you trying to trick me, are you!? If that's how you want to do this... I'll kill you right now!" Inverse Tohka stated, flying up into the air before gathering a flood of dark spirit power into Nahemah, the Demon King's glowing red crystal edge flashing as it devours it. "To you who's shed her Humanity and yet refuses to side with your true kind... die!"
"Shed my humanity? Shows what you know, even if I'm not just a mere Human anymore... I'll never lose my Humanity!" Tohka declared, jumping up as she looked at Sandalphon. "Please... lend me all your strength, for my sake, for your sake, for Shido's sake... for everyone!
[Of course Tohka, no matter what... you and I are partners! Go for it!]
Tohka raised Sandalphon and did the same as normal spirit power flowed into Sandalphon, and in that moment the two clashed in midair, everyone on the ground holding a hand in front of their eyes as the recoil from their blows shoots out as a strong wind towards them all.
Soon Durandal forms overhead of Inverse Tohka, and Tohka manages to call Sandalphon's throne from the ground before using the ground to raise it up. Both of them smash their respective thrones apart, forming their Angels' secondary forms.
"HALVANHELEV!"
"PAVERSCHELV!"
Everyone stared as they began charging up.
"Everyone heads up, this isn't gonna end well! Get under Rio's shield!" Rinne warned, and everyone did so as Rio put up a barrier, while Miku was still within the crystal walls. The two halves of the Energy Spirit shout as they prepared their attacks.
"Smash them apart!" Tohka shouted, swinging down.
"It's time to die!" Inverse Tohka roared, doing the same.
The two giant swords smash into each other, causing a wall of Tohka's normal purple spirit power, and Inverse Tohka's and inverted dark purple spirit power, to clash in midair and cause a mini-tremor to shake the earth.
Eventually in the epicenter, a burst goes off! Inverse Tohka was knocked back slightly, while Tohka was flung towards the ground by Miku, Tohka slowly got up, panting heavily with an intact but shaky Sandalphon. Inverse Tohka lowered herself closer to the ground, Nahemah in her hand and still as fresh as ever.
"Just give up." Inverse Tohka declared.
"Never!" Tohka exclaimed, surprising the Inverse Spirit as at how she could still fight. "As long as I'm still standing I will not give up!"
"Just stop this!"
Tohka turned, looking to see Miku crying, having finally regained enough of her mana to at least speak.
"After all I've done you saved me, and you're still fighting to protect everyone include me... just stop! I don't deserve this! I'm the one who let this all happen, all because I couldn't trust anyone!" Miku cried, making Tohka stare at her.
"Just leave me... let someone else take my powers! I tried to end everything long ago, and I probably just should have, maybe then this could have been avoided! Please... just stop this, let it all end!"
Tohka went silent for a moment, and then...
- (*Date A Live - Season 1 opening*) -
"I refuse!" Tohka stated, making Miku look at her in shock.
"We all make mistakes, we all lose ourselves at least once, and we'll all do things we regret. However, what defines us is learning from those mistakes, and knowing what's good and bad. It doesn't matter what you've done Miku, those tears prove you're a good person. That's why I know in my heart you can start over, because... I know you haven't given up on yourself!"
Miku gasped at that, tears shed out as if a dam had burst in her heart.
"Tohka..." Miku cried, unable to comprehend and yet happy that Tohka said that.
"Enough... enough of this nonsense, enough of this talk! I'll crush you right now!" Inverse Tohka screamed, preparing to swing Nahemah, only to see Tohka appear right in front of her before she could even realize it. "No you don't!"
Inverse Tohka forms the signature mana barrier Tohka was known for, and Tohka swings down at it. The barrier completely pushed against Tohka's attack, and Tohka grunted as she tried to break through it.
"Strike against it all you'd like. There's nothing you can do... you'll always be beneath me. Now die, die acting like some kind of Hero! You who fights like a human, has no chance against a true Spirit!" Inverse Tohka declared, preparing to swing against Tohka... only for Tohka to shout and push harder. "What?"
"Never, I'll never fall to someone like you! You think Humanity is a weakness, think being Human makes you weak? Well, then let me show you what being Human means right here!" Tohka exclaimed, pushing ever harder, causing Inverse Tohka to force out both hands to defend against Tohka's attack.
"I may not have my full power, but... if even 10% of my power isn't enough then I'll just push to 50% more! If that's not enough then I'll push it to 100% more! Even then, if that's not enough..."
Tohka's spirit power began flaring out more to everyone's surprise, and Inverse Tohka noticed her barrier starting to crack, causing the Inverse Spirit's eyes to widen in horror as her normal half began to break through it.
"No... no, this can't be!" Inverse Tohka gasped, finally showing an expression that made her seem vulnerable as worry and panic plastered on her face.
"I'll go beyond that and my limits, even if it means I need to somehow reach infinity! I'll never give up, for the sake of my parents who gave up everything for me... for Shido who's given me everything! For the friends who supported me, for Rinne who's believed in me, for all their sakes... I will find a way!" Tohka exclaimed loudly.
At that moment, Inverse Tohka's face widened in horror, and the light in her eyes vanished as her barrier was completely shattered.
"No... how can this be? How can I have been overpowered!?" Inverse Tohka asked, almost begging for some kind of answers to flash into her mind as Tohka rushed at her, swinging back with Sandalphon held in both her hands.
"Take her down Tohka!" Kotori shouted.
"You can do it!" Origami exclaimed.
"Win this now, or we'll never forgive you!" Kaguya screamed.
"TOHKA!" Everyone else yelled.
Tohka smiled, rushing down at her Inverse Form who could only watch in horror as she came in too fast to defend herself.
"Because, while you power may be born of negativity and despair... it will never be enough against someone who refuses to give up!" Tohka declared, soon zooming by and cutting through Inverse Tohka's body. A purple energy slash forming over her abdomen as her eyes went blank. "And that mistake... was your greatest!"
Inverse Tohka shakily turned her head at the real deal, before screaming as her body shattered apart into purple spirit power that vanished into the air. Tohka looked at where she had stood moments before, and panted a bit before she collapsed to her knees... soon smiling at her victory.
- (*insert song end*) -
"I... I did it..." Tohka smiled, realizing she did what she failed to in her nightmare. Claim victory against Inverse Tohka. She chuckled a bit before cheering loudly as they others all ran at her. "I actually beat my Inverse Form, I won!"
"You did it Tohka, that was amazing!" Yoshino smiled, hugging her tightly.
"Could you claim victory faster next time? Seriously, I nearly had a heart attack at the end!" Natsumi said playfully, soon laughing. "Then again, I guess it wouldn't be you if the way you fought was different."
Nia soon noticed Rinne walk by her, and she smiled a bit.
"So, what do you think? On a stand point of stats, it was clear Tohka had no chance... but Tohka won because she realized something greater than that. You can't give up." Nia explained, making Rinne sigh.
"Did you know Tohka was struggling because she wasn't able to believe in yourself? Good grief, teaching her this way, you are such a troublemaker Nia Honjou!" Rinne answered, playfully punching Nia's arm. "Though I guess now everyone can believe in our chances, and... so can I."
Nia closes her eyes and nods.
"I'm clever like that, sometimes what seems like nothing or likely do more harm can be the greatest support and growth you can give." Nia added, soon opening Raziel. "Now I think you wanted to ask Tohka about those nightmares she mentioned? How about you take care of that and full cementing Miku's aid in while I get our final Spirit to aid us."
"Oh right, thank you for reminding me." Rinne said, walking over to Tohka while Nia wrote {Get into contact with Spirit No. 6} in Raziel.
Deep in Space, Mukuro was floating around as usual when an illusion of Nia's consciousness appeared before her. Sensing her present, the Dimensional Spirit opened her eyes and looked at her with the same lack of emotion she always had.
"...Why have you bothered me, you better have good reason for it." Mukuro asked, her emotionless face making Nia sighed.
"Wow, as boring as always I see." Nia replied, Mukuro simply staring at her comment before her illusion resumed. "Thought you might want to know that on Earth right now, we're facing what's basically the apocalypse at the moment."
Mukuro took a moment before turning away.
"That doesn't concern me, I do not have any concerns over that planet. Leave before I consider blocking your-"
"Ah, ah, ah! Let me finish because it concerns you for a different reason." Nia cut in, making Mukuro turn around again and let her continue. "Remember the First Spirit, the pinkette who's why we have our powers? Someone else has them and the powers of others, and those powers? They've allowed this someone to Inverse."
Mukuro while not reaction was clearly paying attention now.
"Exactly, eventually it'll come after us for our powers to complete itself. I doubt by that point you'll be able to resist it should it try stealing your powers, you won't be floating here in solitude after that. So, I'd like you to help us stop it, and you don't need to come directly. A few portals dropping some beams and debris meteors will be plenty."
Mukuro stared for a moment before closing her eyes and uncurling.
"Michael."
A large key that was somewhat reminiscent of a Keyblade from Kingdom Hearts due to its size and shape formed in Mukuro's hands, and that made Nia smirk since that confirmed her answer was a yes.
"...Show me where to attack, and let me know when. That is all I'll agree to." Mukuro stated.
"Fair enough, how exciting that all the Spirits are going to be working together. Oh, might wanna lock the destruction in place or it'll be hard to do anything." Nia smiled, soon having her illusion fade as Mukuro felt the information form in her head. She aimed Michael at an area of space.
"Raitabu - Unlock."
A portal shows the area where Choronzon's tree body was currently at, Mukuro holding out Michael again as she focuses it at the elements formed from the power of the seven sealed Spirits that were rampaging around.
"Segva - Lock."
Through the portal Choronzon noticed the locking elements in confusion, and Mukuro pulled Michael back, now playing the waiting game until she received the signal from Nia to begin her attack against the ultimate Demon King.
Nia closed Raziel, smirking at her success as she went over right at the moment Rinne began asking her question.
"-Tell me Tohka, what exactly did you mean by your nightmares being real? Not to mention you stating that Inverse Tohka was in them?" Rinne asked, tapping her foot as everyone looked at her.
"Well... around the time since we sealed Natsumi, I've had nightmares where I kept seeing my Inverse Form." Tohka answered, making Rinne's eyes widen slightly, recalling Tohka's sudden wake up on the couch a few days back. "She kept saying... Humanity must pay, for destroying their home and all of them."
Rinne suddenly flinched at that.
"...Is that it?" Rinne asked, her voice crackling as if a begging tone seeped into it.
"No, the last time was worst of it. She kept mentioning me being the messenger of their rage, not sure who though, but it was like a warning she'd take over. I was too scared to talk about it. Not to mention before that, I was somewhere where... where I saw Ellen kill Shido." Tohka continued, making everyone pale and realize why she hid it.
"However, the first part was the strangest... I was in some world that suddenly ruptured apart. The people in it being vaporized the moment the energy ripping it apart struck them and I couldn't block out the sight or sound. Then... it was all gone."
Rinne shook.
"...That last part, that was the Spirit Dimension's annihilation." Rinne gasp, making Tohka's eyes widen. "I'm sure of it. That was the Sandalphon region you saw being destroyed, damn it! I should have known!"
"Known... what?" Nia asked, somewhat worried.
The one thing she lacked info on was anything specifically tied to Spirits. Raziel could give her the info, but in a language she didn't understand to translate it, she assumed it was the language that Spirits used and that Rinne was the only one who spoke it. Rinne sighed as she looked at everyone.
"It's time you know, I always intended to share it, but I just wasn't sure how to or when the time would be right. I think at this point with the danger and 9 of you all present this is the best chance." Rinne answered, beginning her explanation.
"When Westcott destroyed the Spirit Dimension 30 years ago, did any of you wonder how magic suddenly entered your world? How people began being born with the organs you'd eventually know as Mana cores? Think hard... where would all of that come from, in fact what made me cause the First Spacequake when I arrived on Earth?"
Everyone suddenly gasped at that.
"No way, are you saying the Spirit Dimension's entire destruction flooded the world with all of that?" Origami asked, only for Rinne to shake her head to her surprise. "Wait... no, what do you mean? What else could have-"
"It's not that different from what happened when Yoshinon faded away. She didn't technically die because she was still a part of Yoshino, she had just had her own individually and existence until it merged back into her." Rinne answered, and soon knelt to the ground and rubbed her finger on it.
The sight of a brush of grass being revealed for a brief moment caught everyone's eyes, one from the Spirit dimension, one Tohka herself had seen firsthand.
"The void where the Spirit Dimension is still exists, but... I've realized for a while now that the Spirit Dimension didn't become outright destroyed. Westcott likely doesn't know... that the way he tried to destroy the Spirit Dimension simply resulted in it merging with Earth itself. That's the whole reason why Spirits look so much like Humans... I think it was just a different plane of Earth."
"No! Freaking! Way!" Kaguya screamed in surprise.
"...Then is the reason Shido's Inversion could destroy the world because-" Yuzuru asked, pausing as if she couldn't finish that answer. "A-are you saying..."
Rinne nods.
"Yeah, it's because its driving the essence of the Spirit Dimension that's seeped into Earth wild. Even worse than I did when my power went crazy. That's not the worst of it though, because Tohka's nightmares have finally made me realize how the Inverse Form formed." Rinne replied, soon getting everyone confused.
"When Westcott and I fought 30 years ago, his essence tainted the Sephira Crystals... but now that I think about it that was odd. Why would his touch alone do that? If that was the case then when Rio gave you all your crystals something more should have happened. Now I get it, it wasn't just his touch."
Everyone saw Rinne begin to sweat, a shadow forming over her eye area from the worry.
"Despair as an activation, negative emotions as a key to powering it... only one thing could have culminated so much yet have it separately among each crystal. If Earth ended absorbing the Spirit Dimension, then what about the Spirits who died?" Rinne explained, making everyone pale.
"That's right, I can tell what you realized and let me add to show you why that's not good. Each Sephira Crystal was a treasure for a region in the Spirit Dimension, and each had a guardian. Since the Crystals bonded with you, and Saya's conscious was able to survive in the Camael Crystal... the only explanation that I can think of is that all of their souls are within the Crystals. The Inverse Form is the manifestation of all their negative emotions. Their sadness, fear, rage and despair... and Westcott, because he was recognized as their killer, was the one who activated it."
Nia's eyes widened.
"Of course, Westcott's influence was his evil, and their souls reacting. The taint was that evil and their focused emotional flux amplifying into that taint. The Inverse Form is basically their rage against Westcott... no, based on Inverse Tohka's words, the hatred against feeling Humanity itself betrayed them." Nia realized, sweating a bit.
"No wonder, some humans had been trapped there and they were all good people Westcott had land there. Such a betrayal would stain people heavily... the released power you sent off from dispersing the crystals likely made Westcott the bleached and soulless eyed looking man we know now because that power tried to kill him."
Everyone stood there for a moment, and soon Rio grabbed her mother's hand, surprising Rinne.
"Rio doesn't get it, but... Rio thinks it's not wrong to be mad. If people do bad, then others should do good, and show the good isn't like the bad." Rio smiled, making everyone blink and smile. "Rio thinks everyone can bring back their smiles, and Rio will try too."
"You know, for someone's biologically 5, you definitely have 30 years of wisdom." Nia smirked, petting her head. "So, let's stop Choronzon and start working to walk that very road and save this world not just temporarily, but for good. Let's get to England."
Before anyone could respond to that...
"Don't worry Shido, I'm coming!" Tohka declared, flying off there and leaving the others to blink.
"She just... flew off without us." Kurumi stated, sighing a bit. "Guess that naivete of hers will never change, we better go follow her guys."
The others prepared to fly off, but before they could, they heard Miku clear her throat to get their attention.
"...I have a question of you don't mind, and I want an honest answer." Miku asked, making them all look at her. "What do you know about Tohka and Shido's relationship? Is he really that precious to her? That precious... to all of you?"
Rinne blinked before smirking, and Nia did the same. Looks like they finally reached that moment... now the question was would Miku actually fight with them to save him or not? Everyone's answers were what depended on that.
"To be perfectly honest, I haven't really known Tohka and Shido long enough to define their relationship to a focal point, but to generalize it? You can't just say they're dating, it's almost like... they're each one half of a bigger whole." Natsumi answered, soon smiling. "Actually, that's kinda what he is to me. He gives the answers to all my doubts."
"I've seen them spend a lot of time together, more than most. When they're together they're always so happy." Origami smiled, soon holding a hand to her heart. "I nearly wanted to die once, Shido's the reason I live now. So much... as I am right now, I'd probably want to die if Shido left my life."
"They were childhood friends, and the kind that knew before most should they felt genuine love for each other." Kotori grinned, showing her teeth as she crossed her arms behind her head. "I first saw him like a brother, but... he did things beyond what I brother would do. Eventually I found myself seeing him as something greater."
"I don't think any words I say would do justice to explain their bond. I do know this... hurting each of is the last thing they want." Kurumi smiled, blushing a bit as she held a hand to her chest. "I was so lost in the darkness, a lie I didn't even know. Shido gave me light when I thought there was none."
Miku was surprised by what she heard so far.
"Then... what if the situation got desperate, and one of them had to sacrifice themselves to save the other?" Miku asked again.
"Neither would hesitate for a moment. They'd never give up on saving one another, no matter how hopeless it seemed." Yoshino replied, showing a rare serious face from her.
"Yoshino's right, and they'd find a way to pull it off too. Those idiots stare death in the eye and spit on it, turn 0% into 100% if they have to. They saved me and Yuzuru when we were sure one of us had to die for the other to live." Kaguya added.
"To some people, they may thing there's something wrong with them, but we know they'd do anything not just for each other... but the people they care for and those in suffering. No matter what they'd have to sacrifice." Yuzuru finished.
Miku stared at them all, they didn't even need a moment to answer, all of them knew what to say as if it was second nature. Then she took a look at what both had said to her... even if they had gotten angry at her, it wasn't malice that it was born of, it was concern.
Not just that, it was clear to her that they all shared the same feeling towards him as Tohka... they loved him, one man had touched all of them so much. All the Spirits he sealed, all the Spirits he saved, they had only good things to say about him.
"You all go ahead real quick, I'll have Raziel send you so Tohka doesn't arrive and get overwhelmed for being alone. I'm gonna talk to Miku real quick before I follow." Nia answered, Rinne nodded.
"OK, good luck." Rinne replied, soon walking with everyone as Nia wrote {Send everyone but me and Miku to London} in Raziel's pages as they were all teleported over to the sight of their biggest battle yet. She turned to Miku.
[I think I know what you want me to show, you got it Master.]
Nia walked to Miku and held out Raziel to her, surprising her a bit.
"That producer, something about him you'll wanna know is written here. As a lot more. Read it while you hear me out." Nia stated, Miku taking Raziel as she read it... her eyes shook as she did, some tears forming as a lot of what she thought was suddenly so different.
"I get how you feel, how you changed, what you gained and lost. I think I carry some blame for not leaving you with something to make you walk down a better road. Tohka's right though... the old you isn't dead. She's always been there with you, she still sings through you. That's what Shido was going for when he mentioned he could seal your powers."
Miku only stared as tears shed down her face, a new closed Raziel in her hands as Nia teleported the Angel back into her grasp.
"Know this, what Shido never got the chance to say is that the only way to seal you was for you to allow him to. It's the same reason the others all feel how they do, think about it... why didn't he just seal you from the start?" Nia continued, making Miku's widen as she realized that. Why didn't he?
"Simple, he couldn't, or rather couldn't seal you yet. To seal a Spirit, it's a give and take, you have to truly genuinely feel for him and have a bond between each other. Do you know what that bond is? It's quite simple... its love. They love him, and he loves them, that's all it is. That's why they're not alone. The question now is this... do you still want to be alone?"
Miku gasped at that.
'All that time, all he was doing was...' Miku thought, recalling the moments Shido and her spent together while she was Shiori.
She starting to think... why didn't she say anything when she had realized she was the boy she had met before then? Why did she listen, not try to cheat in their contest? After a while, she finally understood it.
'Looks like I really was blind to myself... he won before our contest even started, looks like I'm no different than the rest of those girls.' Miku thought, shedding a tear as Nia smirked at her.
"So, you gonna save him or just stand here waiting?" Nia asked, and soon Miku's face looked up, but this time as the one from back then.
"Tohka said it herself... what defines us is learning from our mistakes. So, it's time I start over, and what better place to start." Miku smiled, and Nia smirked as she began writing in Raziel again.
"Alright, let's go then. Time to save one Shido Takamiya!" Nia smirked, and the two soon teleported over.
Tohka soon found herself in England, and as she flew into view she saw everyone fleeing at the sight of Choronzon in the distance.
While currently locked from expanding any further than they already had... the rampaging of energy, fire, water, ice, wind, stone, temporal distortions, illusions, morphing structures, light and shadow were all at their worse here as they still rampaged throughout England.
"Oh my god... seeing where it spread out to was nothing compared to this." Tohka noted, soon she gasped and flew down to hide as Choronzon looked in her direction, just narrowly missing being caught. "...OK, now that I'm in this position, I realize maybe flying ahead wasn't the best idea!"
Soon at that moment, the others arrive from Nia's teleportation.
"Wait, what the? How'd you... aw man, I took the long way, didn't it?" Tohka groaned.
"Yeah, but on the plus side you can tell us what we haven't seen-Oh my goodness!" Origami exclaimed, noticing the rampaging elements. "OK, that's bad... like really bad!"
The others didn't even need to voice their concerns, their shaking was enough.
"And I saw Choronzon already... it's basically the Rinne Tree but painted Evil with snake eyes on the gems. I'm not sure how we're gonna deal with it. Much less get close. More than that, there's still innocent people trapped in all of this chaos." Tohka replied, biting her nails a bit.
At that moment, everyone saw Nia and Miku appear besides them.
"Miku? Wait, then does that mean..." Rinne asked, and Miku nods with a blush before Rinne gives a silent fist pump and jump. "Yes!"
"As for how we're gonna start? Remember how I got the last Spirit to aid us, well... let's just say she's about to give us a show." Nia answered, soon looking up. "Go ahead and start us off Spirit No. 6!"
From her position in space, Mukuro noticed Nia's location and the signal. Next thing anyone knew... meteorites and a beam firing off every few seconds suddenly struck Choronzon.
"So, someone dares to challenge me? Hah! You'll learn quickly you are a fool, reveal yourself!" Choronzon demanded.
"Whoa! What the, where is she and what is she doing!?" Tohka asked.
"Spirit No. 6 is the Dimensional Spirit, she's attacking from somewhere else I'm not allowed to say. If I did she'd stop helping. I can say this is only some of her power. How strong is she?" Nia explained, soon making a playful thinking face. "If she had fought Inverse Tohka and not been serious, she'd have still won and destroyed her."
Kotori whistles at that.
"That's strong, I'm guessing that means she's the strongest of the Spirits?" Kotori asked, making Nia nod. "Oh boy... glad she's on our side today at least."
"Alright everyone, now the fight begins. Let's go!" Nia shouted.
With that, all of the Spirits fly out into view with Tohka leading the charge, the fight to save Choronzon had finally begun.
Oh yeah, now that was a great battle! And the winner is Tohka in a surprise turn around, nicely done Tohka! Not to mention Miku's now on the Spirits' side, and... wait a second, Nia asked Mukuro to help them and succeeded? Whoa! Now how's that for a surprise? Even if Mukuro isn't there physically, all the spirits except for Marina (for obvious reasons) are fighting together against a single threat, woo!
And we now have some reveals, an extension on the brief one made by Elliot... that's right, the Spirit Dimension is likely just another plane of Earth and after it was apparently "destroyed", most of its remnant energy fused into Earth and basically fused the worlds together, hence magic and people born with the mana cores they have now... though does Westcott really not know? Maybe, but maybe he does, or does he? :3
The Inverse Tohka within the nightmares may have already made a few of you realize it, or something similar, with her choice of words... but yes, they're the reason why Westcott was truly able to create the taint that created the Inverse Form. That's why the Spirits get unstable when they enter it, it's only because they used to be Human, in this fanfic at least, that they don't fully lose themselves when they enter it.
And now it's begun... Earth's future, Shido himself, and so much more are all going to be decided by this one fight. Though what exactly are they going to be facing? Not to mention Nia made a good point, is Tohka's Inverse Form the only one that got manifested as its own being? For all we know, there's still another 7 out there waiting to fight as Choronzon's elite minions... that's gonna get messy 0_0 *gulps*
This fight's only just begun! So until next time everyone, and stay awesome ^^
-Spirit Bond Levels & Passive Abilities-
Tohka - 99% ( Form a mana barrier automatically )
Origami - 95% ( Teleport Dodging )
Yoshino - 90% ( Dampen enemy territories )
Kotori - 92% ( Healing from fatal wounds minus losing his head, doesn't work on wounds caused by blunt force )
Kurumi - 87% ( Hide in his shadow, and only his )
Rinne - (Summon a weakened copy of Uriel)
Natsumi - 84% ( Transform into Shiori )
Kaguya - 78% ( Flight )
Yuzuru - 78% ( Weight Manipulation )