Date A Re:Live
Chapter 50: Movie Chapter: Rio Reincarnation
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 everyone, the Rio Reincarnation movie arc... or rather chapter because unlike the other movies this one's gonna start and wrap up in one go (the third game is shorter), and the final leg of Season 2. This movie will most likely be the most different from the source content since Rio Reincarnation is the only of the three games to lack a part of the story where there's no battle. Good news though? There is a translation for Rio Reincarnation because it's the shortest of the games, so I can actually deliver the full emotional potential of the adapted scenes I'm using.
Also, I'll say this now because due to Rio and Mayuri's circumstances in this fanfic, I'm not gonna make a recurring theme for every movie arc where I pull a "I died... oh wait, no I didn't" scenario in them. Even if I wanted to, I'm pretty sure anything I tried in order to do it would be easily considered an ass pull, not to mention it'd come off as cruel with Rio considering she's only a child. That and I already revealed back when Mayuri officially appeared she wasn't gonna die, and that isn't changing no matter what, especially because I like Mayuri.
OK, this time I actually remembered to state it during the first chapter of the arc instead of later when it might be too late, so time to reveal this arc's emotion. This time it's "Love", a fitting emotion considering this game's main theme is about feelings and family, and ultimately if Shido's feelings to Rinne are worth allowing a future made by Eden or not. I'd say the family aspect of the game matters most in story, and you'll see why as this movie goes on, though I will say you should still ready your tissues because there's a lot of tearjerker moments.
Now, let's get this arc started, but before you start reading... time for an updated pair of data sheets!
A/N: During one moment in the arc, everyone will be wearing their Mayuri Judgment outfits, with Natsumi wearing the outfit she wore during Volume 10 because she lacks one. Figured I should tell you than try describing their outfits down to the last detail. Oh, and like Tohka said in the Choronzon arc, she doesn't wear heels in this story, so her shoes lack them here.
-Marina Arusu, Code Name: [Matrix]-
Angel: Sarufiel - Sarufiel is an artificial Angel that was born from Marina's original Astral Dress when her virtual body was converted into a flesh and blood Spirit, it takes the form of a single gauntlet on her right hand that was made from the various threads and wires of her old Astral Dress combined with some of the distorted cloth of its waist section and the red gem that was part of its color.
It allows Marina to manipulate all forms of poisons and convert them into a semi-solid sludge, liquid or a gas. It also can create a special mist that renders those sprayed by it immune to possible friendly fire. If Marina can detect the right traces and find the places they're present, she can remove toxins and other harmful substances from living and non-living things, curing people of even the most fatal poisons without any side effects.
- Powers: Marina's primary element as a Spirit is Poison, when she was originally an AI based off a spirit, her powers were created based on the android body she made and the poisons she used as her powers' basis material in an attempt to kill the current possessor of Metatron at the time she made it. The intensity of her venom can rot most substances.
However, the true trump card of her powers and abilities is she can remove the toxins in a poisoned victim to the point their bodies can heal like they never were poisoned, including poisons without an antidote. The one downside is while a living thing will fully recover regardless of the poison damage inflicted onto it when removed, depending on the poison applied to something non-living, there may be some parts of the object that are permanently eaten away by the time she removes it.
Risk Factors: AA
Spacequake: A
Spirit's Astral Dress: AA
Angel Rank: A
Strength: 139
Consistency: 98
Spiritual Power: 165
Agility: 187
Intelligence: 135
-Maria Arusu, Code Name: [Synthesis]-
Angel: Opheniel - Opheniel is an artificial Angel that was born from Maria's original Astral Dress when her virtual body was converted into a flesh and blood Spirit, it takes the form of a single gauntlet on her left hand that was made from the two extensions on the ring of her old Astral Dress combined with one of her wire crystals broken into pieces.
It allows Maria to manipulate all forms of plants, vegetation and more which can let her influence their growth causing it to halt or accelerate, restore life to dying/dead/withering plants or vegetation. If Maria has enough power, she can even turn a desolate wasteland into a verdant garden paradise. However, it can't alter them into a different kind of plant/vegetation.
- Powers: Maria's primary element as a Spirit is Plants/Wood, or better described as Nature. When she was originally an AI based off a spirit, her powers were created based on her originally being a self-defense program on the original Fraxinus, which is named after a type of plant. She can manipulate, accelerate the growth of and create plant life, while also have some power over wood that's part of plants like trees, but her trump card ability is being able to terraform a lifeless area and fill it full of lush greenery.
Risk Factors: C
Spacequake: B
Spirit's Astral Dress: AA
Angel Rank: AA
Strength: 99
Consistency: 102
Spiritual Power: 178
Agility: 107
Intelligence: 121
The wind blows across the night sky as Marina stares at her reflection in the lake water, trying to figure a bit about her new flesh and blood body, something that was much more foreign to her than her younger sister who had paid more attention to learning about it due to the environment she had grown up in. The only things she noticed as different about her body physically was the white of her hair had now permanently gone yellow like in her Astral Dress state, not to mention her assets weren't exactly small anymore.
Maria took a closer look at the outfit she was currently wearing, it was an opened black jacket with two pockets in the front, white buttons that had two layers of sleeves, and the ends of the jacket's bottoms and sleeves had a pattern of cut outs. Underneath it was a yellow tank top with black frills at the top and bottom and a dark yellow zigzag pattern around the chest area, and a pair of jean shorts that barely peaked out underneath it, Marina had almost not noticed it which had horrified her over the thought she might have been going commando in her new outfit.
Also adorned on her new attire was a necklace with black and silver beads, some larger than others, though the two odd ones out were a silver ring and a black charm with a silver outline that looked like a... well Marina wasn't sure what it was, it was either a flower or a butterfly based on its shape. A silver ring bracelet and black bead bracelet was wrapped around her right wrist and a white hairband and white ribbon with three black beads glued onto it in place of her old nun headband.
"OK, recap on what I've figured out so far. Somehow me and Maria are still alive and somehow, we changed from synthetic life to organic life. Based on my eyes, I'm still a Spirit... though I guess that isn't too surprising consider I was an AI based on one. Does that mean I still have the same powers or..." Marina wondered aloud, tapping her chin.
As wondered on that, she suddenly saw a gauntlet form on her right hand and freak her out. After blinking for a while, she notices it was made from the various threads and wires of her old Astral Dress combined with some of the distorted cloth of its waist section and the red gem that was part of its color. The sight of her caused a single word to rush through her mind.
"Sarufiel? What is... wait, that Mayuri chick has that Kerubiel angel and that does sound like Cherubim, and this name sounds like... Seraphim? Wait, then this is an Angel? I have an Angel now? Then let's see."
Maria looked around for something that if her powers were the same, wouldn't cause too much damage, and noticed some cardboard trash. She aimed at it and released some poison at it, confirming she still had access to her poison powers as the purple sludge she shot out coated it.
However, something told her that wasn't it, so she got near it... and suddenly drew the poison back inside her, the cardboard had some of it rotted away by the sludge's venom, but it didn't look like it had ever been touched by poison once she removed it. She motioned her eyes and tried the same to a nearby tree, splashing it with some acid however when she removed the poison from it, the tree didn't keep the same damage.
"I don't just make poisons anymore, I can even get rid of them. Though it seems like if the object isn't alive then the damage can be permanent if I use a certain poison. I wonder if it's the Angel? Hey, Sarufiel, is this your work?"
The Angel didn't reply.
Marina blinked in confusion, while she couldn't hear it due to Angels only being able to speak with their respective hosts, she knew they could communicate due to the brief tie Westcott had been controlling Kurumi's body.
"...That's weird. Can Sarufiel not talk, or... hey wait, if this body was just born then maybe it's still a... baby... and-Ah!" Maria screamed.
The image of her holding Sarufiel in a baby blanket while it had a pacifier went into her mind, causing her to slap herself in the face to stop thinking about it. She eventually dispels it, making her pant.
"My god! I can't believe I actually thought of that, it was so creepy!" Maria breathed.
"OK, I think I've cleared up everything, but now the big question is this... I swear this lake area is where I saw Maria in that brief vision I got. So, where is my sister? That can't have been her telling me she gave up herself to live... it can't be." Marina wondered, showing slight worry.
"Marina!"
Marina's eyes widened and searched around for the location of the voice, one she knew only one person could have.
"Marina!"
"Maria... where are you, I'm here!" Marina called out.
"The lake... look at the lake, close your eyes!"
"Huh? The lake, what does that mean?" Marina asked herself confused.
Seeing as she couldn't trace her sister's voice, she walked over to the lake and stared at her reflection before closing her eyes, and the moment she did, she felt a ripple as he reflection appeared in her mind. The image of her reflection soon rippled faster as the sound of a droplet hitting the water reached her ears, soon morphing into Maria who looked at Marina with a smile, her hair now having the blue tints of her Astral Dress state permanently and the same increased size of her assets.
Maria was wearing a pink jacket with frills on the chest area and the area of the sleeves that were near them, as well as the bottom. It also possessed longer sleeves and had the same pockets as Marina's jacket, but they looked a bit closer since hers was buttoned up, the buttons also being white. Underneath it was a black long-sleeved T-Shirt, and a white skirt with the same frills as her jacket, which had almost looked like part of the jacket and nearly implying the same going commando fear Marina had with her own outfit.
Her attire also possessed a necklace like hers, only with gold and white beads, it even had the same charms, but she had two gold rings which if one removed the beads, would make the necklace symmetrical, she had another smaller necklace of white beads above it. Topping it all off was the same headband and ribbon as Marina's, but aside from the ribbon being on the opposite side, had the black and white of the ribbon, hairband and beads switched.
"Marina, I finally found you." Maria smiled.
"Maria! Wait, but... where are you?" Marina asked confused.
"Closer than you think, because I'm..." Marina answered.
*Date A Live: Ars Install - Key of Truth plays*
(*long electric piano*) Rio looks at the sunset out on the horizon, her back turned to the viewers.
[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...]
Rio turned around, giving a smile before the silhouettes of Maria and Marina briefly appearing and disappearing as fast as they came ended up flashing before her.
[...Date A Live!]
(You have a big future, found memories, grand dreams and difficult challenges worldwide!) Rinne looks at the sunrise, her hair blowing from the light breeze as pink hexagons with white text saying [Rinne Sonogami - Spirit No. 0] appeared besides her, she turns giving a somber smile.
(All that's left is for you to complete the pieces as one! [Pieces]) The day sky shines a brilliant blue as Maria spins by happily with an open mouth smile, the sight of [Maria Arusu - Spirit No. 13] appeared over magenta hexagons, her name was in silvery-white text and her spirit number in blue. After spinning close to the screen, the night sky is seen as Marina takes her place giving a smile with her mouth closed as [Marina Arusu - Spirit No. 12] formed besides her in the same way as her sister with the same magenta hexagons, only her name's text was in black and her spirit number in golden-yellow.
(*heavy electric piano plays for a long period of time*) Rio appears on the screen as cherry blossom petals fall around a field she was standing in, pink text showing [Rio Sonogami - Spirit No. 11] as she danced around the field in her Astral Dress as day quickly became afternoon and then night.
(*same heavy electric piano plays louder briefly before resuming its former pitch*) The cycle of day to night continues as Rio continues dancing, giggling as she closes her eyes and spins, causing the cherry blossom petals to spin around with her and soon form into the words "デート・ア・ライブ - DATE A RE:LIVE - Rio Reincarnation" before the sunlight causes them to appear as an illusion of actual letters floating in the sky.
(Why is everyone always hurrying to make the correct choice?) Shido was seen walking with Tohka, handing her a large hamburger from a McDonalds bag he was holding. She grabbed it quickly, making him accidentally turn into Shiori as she bit half of it in one bite. The sight of text stating [Shido/Shiori Takamiya] & [Tohka Yatogami - Spirit No. 10] appeared by them, with cyan and purple hexagons behind them respectively.
(Do you believe if you pause or hesitate, you'll end up discarding and throwing the whole thing away?) Mana was in a karaoke room with Origami, the Light Spirit smiled before she began singing the opening theme in question. The sight of text [Mana Takamiya] & [Origami Tobiichi - Spirit No. 1] appeared to the sides of each of them, cyan and white hexagons appearing behind each and Origami's text being black due to the later.
(Please let go of that fear and regret so you want fall into the darkness.) Yoshino was seen holding a flute as she began playing the music for the opening theme, with Kotori, Kurumi and Natsumi all watching her play. Right after, each corner of the screen had text showing [Yoshino Mizui - Spirit No. 4], [Kotori Itsuka - Spirit No. 5], [Kurumi Tokisaki - Spirit No. 3] & [Natsumi Itsuwari - Spirit No. 7] and having blue, red, black and green hexagons behind them.
(One you finally do that, I will fill you with color to bring you to a paradise we call [Eden]!) The Yamai twins were having a swim race against Miku, who easily beats both of them while Mayuri times how fast she won using a stop watch. Follow that, text stating [Kaguya & Yuzuru Yamai - Spirit No. 8-A and 8-B], [Miku Izayoi - Spirit No. 9] & [Mayuri Seraphina - Spirit No. 14] appears in the corners of screen, their hexagons being orange, indigo and brown.
(*loud musical burst!*) Rinne looks at Rio who gave an unhappy look, the latter turns and suddenly disappears at the former tries in vain reach out to her in time. Rinne tears up as her eyes shake, and images of Seigo's disappearance flash in her whitened pupils.
(So walk ahead without the fear of making mistakes!) The Takamiya siblings break through a wall of spirit power, grabbing Rinne before she runs alongside them, a hidden illusion of Seigo appearing behind them and running as well before he vanished. They soon see Rio come into sight.
(Extend your hand and invite me the path of your new future with you!) Each of the other Spirits all begin to dance in the same field with petals fall around them, changing colors to match the Spirit that was in focus on the screen as they rotated between the 10 of them in the afternoon. As they did this, a flash went of showing the night sky with Marina dancing around black/yellow gradient petals, then spinning as the day sky came and Maria danced around petals of white/blue gradient.
(Let us cherish the compassion, love, tears, scars, smiles and sweat as we find the [Key of Truth]!) The Takamiya siblings looked at Maria and the sun quickly fell to be replaced with the moon as they say her and Marina swap spots. Marina smiled, and astral projection of Maria appeared besides her, giving the same smile as they looked at the two staring at them.
(So come, and please touch the "Truth"-) Rinne reached out, and Rio did the same, causing the two to grab each other's hands as a flash went off as a wall of Spirit power broke, and Rio fell into Rinne's arms, making the two smile happily.
DATE A LIVE!
(*continuous electrical piano sounds playing and then... an abrupt stop to it and the music*) Soon Rinne, Shido and Mana join the dancing in the field of color changing cherry blossom petals, taking a pink and cyan color to match them as they danced. Rinne held up her hands, causing a flash as a rainbow of petals forms, and the others all joined her before they got into positions for a group photo.
A camera flash went off as they did, everyone smiling as they failed to notice a certain silvery-gray and golden-yellow Spirit behind the trees with only some of their hair giving away they were even present.
~One Month Later
The sight of Tenguu City came into view as the month of November had rolled around, leaves were starting to go from green to either yellow, orange or red as the season of Autumn prepared for the incoming snowfall when Winter began next month. It was currently November 20, and Thanksgiving was only three days away, everyone was busy getting ready for the Holiday.
Japan originally didn't celebrate Thanksgiving, but around a certain time after the Spacequakes ravaged the world, the holiday had become more global as a way to honor Humanity surviving such a dangerous time, just as Halloween had adopted honoring those who died during the original waves of quakes from Mexico's Day of the Dead.
The Takamiya household was one of the households that was really being serious about getting ready, with Shido and Tohka both working fast to make the food in advance while the others were helping to decorate the house, make sure they had enough room and space for everyone, and got all the materials they needed.
"Oh no, where'd I drop that fake gourd?" Kurumi panicked as she looked for the dropped decoration.
"Meow!" Macaron meowed, walking by with said decor in his mouth.
Kurumi turned to look at him right as it dropped it before her, making her gasp happily.
"Oh, thank you Macaron, such a good kitty." Kurumi cooed, spoiling her kitten with a chin rub.
Macaron purred at that before walking to his bed and curling for a nap.
Kaguya stuck her tongue out as she reached to the ceiling, Yuzuru holding a ladder for her as Kaguya managed to wrap some yellow and brown streamers around some of the higher shelves of the kitchen in a nest like shape.
"Got it!" Kaguya cheered.
"The Yamai sisters' twin power wings again." Yuzuru replied, her eyes sparkling briefly as she gave a thumb's up.
Miku took a look at the checklist as she crossed off some completed tasks while looking at the table supplies.
"50 of each utensil, 80 plates in case spares are needed, 100 napkins..." Miku noted as she checked off more.
"Here's the paprika you needed Tohka." Mana said, handing it to her as she passed by.
"Thank you!" Tohka smiled.
Reine soon walked into the room bringing in some folding chairs before laying them against a wall with a few others, wiping her forehead as she took a moment to rest against the wall.
"So how are we with setting up right now?"
"Not sure of the best word, but it's at least workable. Especially thanks to Natsumi using her powers to shrink the furniture so we could move it easier." Kotori answered as she grabbed some table clothes.
The green haired spirit flash a smiled and peace sign as Kotori said this.
A knocking sound was heard on the door, and soon it opened as a familiar pink haired duo popped into view.
"Hey everyone, we're back!" Rinne smiled.
"Mama and Rio have returned." Rio giggled.
"Yes, you made it! We were worried you'd be too late in coming back for Thanksgiving." Mana cheered, running to give her mom and little sister a hug.
"Are you kidding? I said we'd make it back in time, did you actually doubt me Mana?" Rinne joked.
The two soon laughed, with Rinne ruffling daughter's hair.
"And the good news is not a single Qlipha Crystal was found, so no there should be no worries about a Choronzon 2.0 being born. Though I should give the info I found to Maria so she can double check and remove any lingering doubts."
Upon hearing Rinne say that, everyone suddenly stopped moving and went silent, confusing Rio while Rinne looked and suddenly recalled the bad feeling she got a month ago... her eyes widened before looking at Reine.
"Reine, why's everyone going silent... what happened to Maria?" Rinne asked.
"...I'm sorry Rinne, but Maria is dead." Reine answered.
Rinne's eyes widened in horror at that revelation. Maria was dead? Then the bad feeling she got last month, it must have been her sensing Maria's spirit power vanished, in other words... sensing the moment she had died.
Rio looked at her mother worriedly, grabbing one of her hands with both of hers, causing Rinne to regain her focus.
"No, that... that can't... what happened?" Rinne asked.
"Tohka and Kotori's parents made a virtual realm as a new training arena for us. However, we found out Westcott did survive as Marina got in and tried to kill us in it, things got hectic and Westcott tried to sacrifice her to take us all out. In the end... Maria saved us, but she decided to kick Westcott out of Ratatoskr's systems for good and died alongside Marina so she wouldn't disappear alone. We checked everywhere, but Maria's data was completely purged... we lost her... and she's not coming back." Mayuri answered, tearing up slightly.
"Maria... I'm sorry, if I hadn't left when I did..." Rinne whispered, too quietly for anyone to hear.
Anyone but Rio, who gave a scared look as she saw Rinne's sad face.
"Mama?" Rio asked.
"Huh? Oh, it's nothing Rio, I just feel guilty... I know you can't change what happened but that doesn't mean you won't feel like you could have done something different. Don't worry, mama's OK, we'll get through this somehow." Rinne replied.
Rio still looked a bit sad, but nodding lightly as Rinne kissed her forehead.
"Hey everyone, I've got something great to put out on the tables!" Sakura exclaimed as she walked in, though soon she noticed everyone's looks.
"Oh... uh, is this a bad time? I'll just come back later then." Sakura chuckled nervously before slowly closing the door.
The hours flew by, and before anyone realized it, the night sky had replaced the day. Everyone sat down and took a break from all the work they had done for the day as Tohka brought tea over to the couch table.
"So, what's the holiday of Thanksgiving about exactly?" Rinne asked.
"Dad never told you?" Mana said in surprise.
"No, he never really mentioned about any of Earth's Holidays because he felt I should see it first. Not to mention with the Spacequakes... well, anything he told me I'm guessing isn't really the same now, right?" Rinne explained.
"Yeah, you're right about that. How it generally started still confuses most of us in Japan, but... I think Thanksgiving's most accepted origin comes from America where it was started by the Pilgrims and their events in meeting the Indians in the area of Plymouth. Ever since it was to celebrate family and blessings, and the harvests we make every year. However, after the Spacequakes came and it became more global, it became a celebration of Humanity's survival over what nearly brought us extinct and for everyone still alive." Shido explained.
Rinne soon blushed a bit and chuckled.
"So... I basically made the current version of Thanksgiving? Kinda... sorta... maybe?" Rinne laughed in embarrassment.
"And Halloween." Natsumi smirked.
Rinne hung her head down and sighed, Miku rubbing her back.
"We really need to stop referencing that or she's gonna end up in therapy." Kurumi said with a sweat drop.
"No, don't worry Kurumi. I'm fine... plus I'm basically a god by your world's standards so I'd like make the therapist need a therapist." Rinne replied.
Everyone laughs at that joke.
"You know, Thanksgiving is special to me for another reason, my birthday's coming up." Mana noted.
"Really? You're about to turn 15 soon?" Natsumi asked.
Mana nods.
"Yeah, December 5th to be exact, and for the first time I get to spend it with my mom." Mana smiled.
Rinne blushes and smiles at that, and soon notices the time on the nearby clock.
"OK everyone, I think it's time for bed. Goodnight." Rinne said as she stretched, soon teleporting into her room.
"I'll see you all tomorrow, bye everyone." Reine waved as she walked outside to head home.
Soon everyone else went to their rooms, soon falling asleep. While Rio was with Rinne hugging her, the young Spirit unable fall asleep as she kept thinking... thinking about the face she had made, and emotions hidden under it. She shook a bit, remembering what happened to her mother, and what they had learned happened to Maria and Marina, all three Spirits who weren't Sephira Spirits, and what could happen to Mayuri... and herself.
"Rio... could disappear?" Rio said to herself.
At that moment, Rio suddenly felt her face get flushed as her pink spirit power appeared, shaking like a TV's screen static, and she noticed this herself. After seeing it, Rio soon slipped out of her mother's embrace, soon walking near the window. She turned to her mother with a sad look, noticing her happy face as she slept, and soon she manifested her Astral Dress as she opened the window.
She crawled up to it before jumping out and closing the windows quietly, teleporting away after she had finished. All of this happened without Rinne even noticing her youngest daughter had disappeared, having simply shifted to grab a pillow unconsciously.
"Rio doesn't want to disappear, but if Rio does... then Rio won't disappear in front of... mama... Rio will try to find a way to... not disappear..." Rio said sadly.
The following morning, Tohka and Shido were already awake and working, Mana was too, but... she looked to be in a bad mood because she had seen a certain image of a certain Spirit and saw a certain feature of hers.
"Uh... Mana?" Tohka asked nervously.
"NOT! FAAAAAIR!" Mana screamed loudly, waking up most of the others.
Tohka hugged Shido close as she shook in fear.
"Damn it! Why... a Spirit at 98cm... that's almost as bad as Tohka being in the triple digits! Even worse, two of the only three who were smaller than me are dead! It isn't fair, either I get compensation or I'm gonna use my birthday wish to wish bad luck on every Spirit's next dates!" Mana roared, crying slightly.
Mana soon cried into a pillow, Shido came over and patted her back. After a while... everyone heard Rinne scream in a way worse than Mana. That got everyone's attentions as they peaked out of their rooms. Rinne panicked as she came out, looking around and panting in fear as she tried to find something.
"Mom? What's wrong, why are you freaking out?" Shido asked worriedly.
"She's gone... RIO'S GONE!" Rinne cried out.
Tohka dropped the plate she was holding, making it land on her feet before it bounced and clattered to the floor.
"...WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!?" Everyone screamed in a panic.
"She's gone!?" Mana asked worriedly, wondering if her words jinxed something.
"Rio always sleeps with me, but she wasn't there when I woke up! I don't even see any signs of how she left! My baby girl... please tell me someone saw her in the house, please!" Rinne asked.
Everyone looked at each other and shook her head, and soon Mayuri's eyes widened as she pale.
"Wait... doesn't Rio have teleportation that fools every scanner? What if she teleported out of the house!?" Mayuri suggested.
"What!? No, that... Rio, what's going on? I don't understand this! I... I... I..." Rinne stuttered.
The stress finally became too much for Rinne, and she promptly fainted onto the ground.
"Quick, someone call Reine! We have to find Rio before she gets hurt!" Shido exclaimed.
"Right!" Everyone exclaimed, quickly heading back in their rooms to get dressed.
Tohka soon started dialing Reine's number Mana was seen fanning Rinne while poking her cheek, hoping to wake her so she could join the search.
"Please Rio... please be OK, I don't any of us could take it if something happened to you." Mana breathed.
Tohka was seen running across the streets of the shopping district.
"Rio? Rio, where are you!?" Tohka called out.
Soon the smell of food wafted by Tohka's nose, distracting her a bit. She soon noticed a McDonalds.
"Ooh, I want a Hamburger!" Tohka stated as she rushed over to buy one.
Origami looked left and right near part of town where a lot of restaurants were present.
"Rio? Oh man, I'm too nervous to shout... wait, I have an idea!" Origami gasped.
Origami turned, and soon did backflips across the area, surprising some people who were watching as Origami used her flips to look from the sky, she didn't even realize Mildred and Mikie saw it as she landed.
Origami soon sighed, having not seen any sight of her.
"She isn't here." Origami said worriedly before running off.
"...Do you think we should tell her that was odd to do in public?" Mikie asked Mildred.
"I doubt we'd match a Spirit's running speed." Mildred replied, giving a nervous sweat drop.
Yoshino was looking around the shrine she and Tohka first encountered each other, trying to see if Rio hid in a secluded spot where her small size may be an advantage.
"No signs yet, though maybe she's hiding because she noticed me?" Yoshino wondered.
Yoshino looked around, having no luck. Soon she found the prayer box, and thinking she might get some luck, went to it and rung the bell before clapping twice.
"Please, give me even a small bit of luck of finding Rio. So he and his family won't be sad." Yoshino prayed, bowing a bit.
Yoshino soon resumed her search.
Kotori exited the shopping center, a Chupa Chups lollipop in her mouth as she started looking around the area.
"Where could one little kid go?" Kotori wondered.
As Kotori began walking down the street area looking for signs, she suddenly stopped as she went fully white, just realizing a thought.
"Wait... is she even in Tenguu City anymore." Kotori realized in worry.
"...Crap!"
Kurumi walked through the park area, looking through the forest of trees for any sign of Rio. She heard a meow as she saw Macaron come back from looking through another area of the forest.
"Any sign of her Macaron?" Kurumi asked.
Macaron shook his head, causing Kurumi to sigh and make a sad face. The young kitten purred and rubbed against Kurumi's leg to try and cheer her up, making her smile lightly as she picked Macaron up.
"Come on, we're not giving up on finding her. She's gotta be out here somewhere." Kurumi smiled.
Natsumi popped up inside the amusement park area.
"Rio? Where are you Rio!?" Natsumi called out.
Natsumi sighed, soon walking into view as tried to search the ground.
"This is annoying. Why is it that searching for someone is as hard in real life as it is anime?" Natsumi asked herself.
[I know, you'd think anime would exaggerate the real-life level of the issue, but this time they got it right.]
Natsumi groaned as she walked to an ice cream stand.
"Give me a chocolate mint please" Natsumi requested.
Kaguya was looking at notes she wrote as she tried to search for Rio, the problem however?
"...I don't know where I am! How'd I get so lost!?" Kaguya exclaimed.
Kaguya slumped to her feet, soon fidgeting a bit.
"And why'd they convince me to separate from Yuzuru, I need Yuzuru. Yuzuru?" Kaguya called out meekly.
Yuzuru was soon shown equally lost in another area of town.
"I'm lost, and now I'm uneasy." Yuzuru said a little fidgety.
Yuzuru shook a bit, looking around.
"...Kaguya, are you nearby?" Yuzuru asked nearly tearing up.
Miku was on the phone with the manager of the agency she worked under.
"Sorry Miku, none of us have seen any signs of her. We'll keep looking but no luck for now." Miku's manager replied.
"OK, I understand." Miku answered.
Miku hung up, sighing as she looked around a bit.
"Poor Rio, where did you go? Actually... now that I think about it, why did you even leave?" Miku wondered.
Mayuri was walking around the neighborhood.
"Maybe she didn't get too far." Mayuri thought aloud.
Soon enough, Mayuri went white eyed as she saw herself in front of the Takamiya household.
"Huh!? What the... how'd I get back here!?" Mayuri panicked.
Mayuri hung her head down in defeat.
Hours passed until afternoon started to roll in, and near the edge of the city, the sight of a panicky Rinne breathing into a paper bag was seen as Shido and Mana were walking around with her trying to keep her calm the best they could. Shido was on the phone with the others.
"No luck from you either?" Shido replied to Tohka.
"No, sorry Shido..." Tohka answered sadly.
"It's alright, maybe we didn't have any luck today, but we're not giving up. We'll meet you back home later." Shido replied, soon hanging up the phone.
Shido sighed.
"I don't get it, why would Rio run off like that? There wasn't even any warning." Mana wondered.
"I know, nothing showed any signs of her running off! Wait... mom, did you see anything?" Shido asked.
"...Shido, if I knew I would have said that when I realized she ran away." Rinne said, briefly stopping her paper bag breathing.
"...Good point." Shido nodded.
The Takamiya siblings and Rinne all sighed, wondering what they should do. Then suddenly a shift is heard nearby the bushes.
"Shido, Mana, Rinne. Why are you all giving such sad faces right now?"
The three suddenly shot up as the sound of a voice they had last heard a month ago reached their ears, making them all gasp.
"No way..." Shido breathed.
"...It can't be!" Mana exclaimed.
In moments, they all turned and saw the face of none other than... Maria Arusu! Well and alive, making Shido stare in shock.
"M-Maria... is that... is that really you?" Shido asked, unsure if this was real.
"Your eyes are working fine Shido, I'm really here. I'm alive." Maria smiled, Shido was about to tear up and cry... but it didn't happen because a certain sister of his had an expected reaction that caused him and Rinne to move away.
"NO! Not you too, my god! Why universe... why did you revive her AND make her breasts grow to 89cm! Why won't you give me boobs too!?" Mana screamed before she cried loudly, sobbing on her knees.
Maria sweat dropped and then chuckled.
"S-Sorry Mana, if it helps I didn't ask for it. I don't exactly get what-" Maria replied.
"Oh, just shut up, yeah it's upsetting but I'm just happy you're alive!" Mana cried loudly, soon wrapping her in a hug.
However, the moment she did... the moment Mana noticed her skin wasn't cold.
"Wait, you don't feel cold... no way, Maria... are you-" Mana gasped, making her brother and mother go wide eyed as Maria smiled.
"Yep, I'm the genuine article now. So is Marina." Maria smiled.
"Wait, Marina's alive too? Where is she?" Shido asked.
Maria giggled to their confusion, soon looking to see the sun fully set over the horizon.
"Why don't you ask her yourself?" Maria smirked as she started to glow magenta.
In moments, a magenta flash went off as Maria was replaced by Marina, surprising the trio as Marina gave a toothy smirk at them.
"Hey there, what's with those dumb faces? Don't remember what I look like? Oh wait, guess you're upset you failed to get rid of one of your pesky enemies?" Marina said bluntly, not dropping her smirk... until Shido suddenly gave her a surprise hug.
"Don't say that! After we heard what Maria told you, it hurt us to lose you too! Thank goodness you're-" Shido replied.
Marina hit Shido in the stomach, making him cough a bit as he let go.
"Stop that! That part of you pisses me off! Sheesh, just cause I'm a good guy now doesn't mean I like your mushy touchy feelings crap! My god!" Marina exclaimed.
"Sorry... but you know, it wouldn't be you otherwise." Shido replied, smiling a bit despite the pain of the blow.
Marina blushed at that slightly.
"S-Shut up you stupid gigolo!" Marina replied, surprising Shido slightly.
"Wait... I'm confused, Maria was and then you and her... wait, are you guys stuck in a single body now?" Rinne asked surprised.
"Well... yes and no, I was heavily damaged when the virtual realm rebooted. We're not sure, but our electrical signals and spirit power reacted with something outside, and that lead to us being reborn. Though due to said damage, I needed to recover, so I got stuck to Maria's body to regenerate in a sense. It's been that way for a month, but we notice our spirit powers splitting off, any day now we should separate from each other permanently. Looks like mother nature seems to love us Spirits." Marina joked.
Shido and Mana stare at her in shock.
"The rotation between our bodies isn't controlled though. After the sun sets, I come out, but when the sun rises, Maria takes over. How odd our hair represents when we're awake and asleep, it's quite the laugh." Marina chuckled.
"Uh... right." Mana replied with a sweat drop.
"So why are you all out here, you don't seem all chipper happy zoned like usual, I noticed it even before Maria and I switched places." Marina asked.
"Oh, uh... you remember Rio, or I guess you'd known her better as [Phantom], she... she ran away and we don't know why." Shido answered.
"The kid high tailed? Damn, just what did you do for that to happen? Well whatever, I doubt you'll get much results if you pass out on the streets now." Marina bluntly replied.
The trio all sweat dropped at Marina's extreme bluntness.
"Yeah, I hate to say it but we need to call it a night. Why don't you come back with us? Maybe everyone seeing you guys are alive will give us some good luck?" Shido offered.
"Where do you think Maria and I have been trying to get the last month? If I have to walk for almost an entire day even one more time I'm gonna to break or kill something!" Marina exclaimed, and looking serious about it.
"...Don't worry, that'll end quickly. Let's go guys." Mana said, sweating in fear.
"Y-yeah, agreed!" Shido and Rinne both nod.
Tohka and the others were all waiting at home tiredly, and soon heard the door unlock as Shido and the others returned.
"Hey Shido, welcome..." Tohka greeted, soon trailing off as the fourth member of the group came into view.
"Oh..." Origami began.
"...My..." Kotori continued.
"...God!" Kurumi finished.
"MARINA!?" Everyone exclaimed loudly.
Marina chuckled a bit.
"Surprised to see me?" Marina replied.
"It isn't just here, she and Maria are sharing a body right now! She's alive too... and they're not even machines anymore, they're actual Spirits!" Mana added.
"Really?" Yoshino gasped.
"Yeah, yeah. I'm flesh and blood, not metal and wires, blah and blah. Yeesh, don't get so sentimental on me." Marina replied.
Marina soon went silent, giving a worried look.
"...I guess I shouldn't expect you to accept me like my sister does though. After all, you clearly didn't trust me, and all I've done is put you all in danger as a member of DEM only to be treated like garbage by Westclot the same way he treats you as such. Feel free to hate me if you want." Marina stated.
"...Marina, what are you talking about us? You're one of us." Kurumi answered,
Marina showed surprise at that.
"Huh?" Marina blinked.
"Well yeah, you were our enemy, but... Maria trusted you and in the end Westcott used you too. Something I'm all too familiar with. In the end, Maria was right, she knew you more than you realized you knew yourself. Deep down, you were good, you just started off on the wrong foot." Kurumi smiled.
"...S-Shut up! I'm not all sentimental and mushy, don't give me that kind of crap and expect me to... to..." Marina replied, literally forcing her eyes not to shed tears. She was only barely succeeding.
Everyone soon smiled and giggled a bit.
"Hey, stop laughing!" Marina demanded.
"You try to act tough, but you're a softy deep down in there." Rinne smiled.
Marina however simply glared at Rinne, almost like something about her made her feel angry. Rinne noticed this and sweat slightly.
"Uh... Marina, is something wrong?" Rinne asked worriedly.
"Don't just say whatever comes to your mind, do you think you can get away with anything just by putting on that face?" Marina stated, giving off a light scowl as she glared at Rinne directly.
"W-what? What are you talking? I never intend to-" Rinne said in shock.
"Hey Marina, what are you-" Shido asked.
"Shut up!" Marina quickly replied.
Shido went silent at that, Marina's eyes scaring him too much to say anymore.
"Then again, it's probably the best thing for you to do. Just keeping up that face, saying a couple of thoughtful words, and avoiding offending anyone at all costs!" Marina exclaimed bluntly, almost as if trying to tear into Rinne.
"B-but I... I'm not... I'm not doing that." Rinne replied, looking a bit scared.
"Hey, Marina, why are being-" Tohka asked.
"Wait, Tohka... look at Rinne's expression." Origami interjected, pointing at her.
That's when everyone noticed... a single trickle of sweat, Rinne was nervous... no, afraid. Though not for the reasons one would think, it was as if Rinne was saying something and she was trying to deny it not because it was wrong, but the opposite.
"...Origami, are you saying we should let Marina keep going?" Tohka asked.
"It might seem cruel, but yeah. I get the feeling Marina's seen something we've all been blind to. Considering what happened today, maybe we need to learn just what it is. I hate myself for it, but..." Origami answered.
Tohka looked at Origami, and soon silenced her words, as did the others.
"You're thinking 'I don't mind things are like this.', 'I just got to agree with what I see around me.', and 'I just need to be kind to everyone.' right now, aren't you? Just how much do you intend to look down on other people and everyone here!? Or is it your way of repentance, maybe even how you keep doing the worst face you could and have hidden it from even your own children?" Marina asked, not letting her blunt words getting any less sharp.
Rinne's eyes widened slightly, and everyone showed surprise to that reaction.
'Mom?' Shido wondered, now confused to what Marina was verbally striking her about. Whatever it was, it was clear... Rinne had been hiding something.
"N-No... you're wrong." Rinne denied.
"I'm wrong? Then why even say I am, simple... because I'm not. You're afraid, mortified, terrified and outright horrified... all over the same thing. You're afraid of disappearing again, form this world and even more, it happened to you in two forms, and even now you don't believe you're here to stay. Not just that, you're afraid and worried how your children and everyone close to you will be, the despair you'll bring them if that happens. In fact, you were scared the moment you learned me and Maria apparently 'died' the month prior." Marina continued, every word hammering harder onto Rinne's psyche.
Rinne couldn't even find words this time, and everyone stared in shock at that. The fact Rinne didn't deny it... that meant it had to be the truth.
"That's why you've done your best every day to turn a blind eye to anything you find suspicious, and hoping to stay in this everyday life, not even getting close to your own children who spent years without you and a father that's deader than dead and may never come back and have only you left! You're so convinced you will vanish again, you don't have the heart to actually be their mother like you should! That's just stupid, twisted and crooked! You call yourself their mother? You should be ashamed you bastard, right now the only thing that makes you their mom is your blood because you sure don't damn act like one!" Marina shouted angrily.
"You're wrong... you're wrong..." Rinne denied over and over.
"Worst of all, you don't even get it... I thought it didn't make sense that little Spirit ran away, but now it's perfectly clear. That girl's powers, I've been around long enough to know her element is Heart, meaning she can read it. Now who's heart would she read most? The one who created her, the one she's most often around... that's you. You don't get it, you were so insistent that you would disappear you convinced her that it was inevitable unless you were a Sephira Spirit! The reason she ran away was you, and deep down you know it because you refused to consider the consequences of your thoughts and actions! Just. Ad-mit. It." Marina exclaimed furious.
"Shut up... Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! I never had those kinds of thoughts, you're wrong... everything you're saying is wrong! You don't know me, heck you weren't even on our side last time I saw you! I don't have anything to worry about!" Rinne screamed.
Shido and Mana stared in horror, Rinne's words didn't do anything but confirm what they were hearing.
Guilt flooded into them, all because they felt horrified how they didn't notice their mother hiding all these feelings.
"You do. All of what I said is what you worry about, having Rio call you mama... getting along with everyone in Ratatoskr... having your existence deemed as 'normal'... you only thought that you were perfectly fine having things stay like this!" Marina countered.
"Stop it... stop it... stop it, stop it, stop it!" Rinne begged.
"All those thoughts are flooding your mind right now, crossing over and over like looping lyrics to a song. You can't stop thinking about it and you don't try to stop the words either. How do I know this? It's simple... because I disappeared from the world for a how week, by all means I truly did see what it was like to die, just like you. That's where things get different... I felt that way, but Maria comforted me, and I accepted my fate, I took my death as a way of redemption, and when I came back, I intended to keep atoning and redeeming myself. I didn't get stuck to the past like you!" Marina continued.
Rinne finally had enough, and screamed as she slapped Marina in the face to everyone's surprise.
"Don't talk like you know all the answers! What makes you think you do!?" Rinne exclaimed angrily.
"...I never said I did, so why are you claiming I know?" Marina asked.
Rinne's eyes widen, gasping slightly at Marina's reply.
"I... you... everyone... this is... no one... you can't... the world... Rio-" Rinne stuttered.
"Mother, stop hurting yourself! Stop lying to yourself! Stop... stop taking everything on by yourself alright, OK!?" Mana cried out, finally having enough.
"M-Mana?" Rinne gasped.
Marina gives a silent stare, though now her eyes looked sad,
"Don't you get it mom... Marina's crying just as much as you are! She's changed, all she did, the person she used to be... she cares about it now, and every moment of her sins hurt her because she can't change the past!" Mana sniffled.
Rinne gasped again, and soon looked into Marina's eyes, it was clear now... as much as it seemed like she was enjoying what she said to Rinne, she hated every second.
The only reason she even had the guts to push so deep into Rinne's psyche was because she knew the only one who could say what needed to be said was her, the only one who could be blunt without any restraint. However, unlike the her that worked with the DEM... she had morality, and the guilt that came from having to say it.
"I was so horrible, and now I feel every moment of it... I have a new chance of life now, but I've also been burdened with realizing everything I did in the life I had before. I've forgiven myself, but do you think that means I can just forget it all and push it aside? If I can't face the past, I can't move forward, so... I can't ever forget it, that pain is something that must remind me every moment of my life to not change back into the horrible person I was." Marina said, finally shedding tears.
Shido sniffled a bit before rubbing your eyes.
"It's hard to admit or accept you're weak, isn't it?" Shido replied.
"Damn it Shido, you always make something sound mushy and sappy somehow." Marina chuckled, even if it was faked to lighten the mood.
Rinne stared at everyone, and soon she broke down in tears as the walls of her strong facade finally crumbled apart.
"I'm so sorry everyone... Marina, she's completely right." Rinne cried.
"Mom..." Shido whispered.
"I was too naive, I was trying not to think about it, keep it all in... figured if I brushed it aside I'd be going against it. Rio knew it all along, she knew me better than anyone, and... I kept letting my feelings be sensed by her, never considering she'd take it seriously. I forgot she's spent 30 years alone, just to have the chance to see me again, she grew so wise without me realizing it." Rinne continued, sniffling more.
"Now I get it... this is no way to live, if I don't reach out, nothing's going to change. I can't leave it all to others anymore, I have to pick up the key of truth again and see what lies behind the door I've refused to open all this time. I just... I just hope you can all forgive me for how stupid I've been!" Rinne sobbed.
Shido and Mana hug Rinne as she kept sobbing, and soon the others all smile at the sight.
"I'm confused, what did you do Marina?" Kaguya asked.
"Something I learned from Maria after she beat me to the ground in the virtual realm, sometimes to be kind, you must be cruel. There are some words that won't sound kind when spoken... and that's cause what someone wants to hear and need to hear can be different things." Marina answered, smiling a bit.
Origami smiled a bit, remembering when Shido and Tohka saved her.
'Yeah, sometimes you need to let people know how stupid they've been for them to finally move forward again.' Origami thought as she held a hand near her heart.
"You know what... I think I know where to find Rio, but we need the sun to rise before I can find her. For now, let's get our rest, it's... been a long day for all of us."
"Alright, let's get some rest then." Shido nodded.
Rinne got into bed by herself, prepared to go to sleep alone when...
"Hey mom." Mana called out.
Rinne looked to see Shido and Mana at the door.
"Shido? Mana? Why are you two here?" Rinne asked.
"Well, we talked it over, and we figured after what Marina told you... that for just one night we should stay together. Just like when we were younger." Shido explained.
"B-But you two were kids back then! The two of you are teenagers now, heck I look like one, isn't that weird!? Rinne asked surprised, sweating a bit.
Shido chuckled at that.
"Not when the girls occasionally crawl into my bed, especially Tohka." Shido replied embarrassingly.
He recalled when Tohka first did it, he didn't know she was there and accidentally squeezed her breast while trying to reach for his alarm clock, the two screamed in surprise when they had realized what had happened.
Rinne blinked as she saw Shido sweat drop.
"...Well, I guess one night is fine?" Rinne shrugged slightly.
"Yes!" Mana cheered.
Soon the three were all in bed together, and they all blinked.
"OK, I guess this feels a little weird." Mana chuckled.
"Yeah, but... I feel at ease, I think you made the right call Mana. It's like I finally see how little I had to worry, sorry your mom's such an idiot." Rinne smiled.
"Hey, don't say that, you're not an idiot. You're just a little... jumpy?" Shido replied.
"Shido, you are a terrible liar, you know that?" Rinne giggled.
Shido scratched his head and sweat dropped a bit.
"Hey... Shido, Mana, you remember Rio's Angel, right? Eden?" Rinne suddenly asked.
"Yeah, it's what let her masquerade as Phantom, right?" Mana replied.
"Yeah, well... I guess you could say that was once my Angel, back before I had Uriel and things changed for the Spirits that remain now. The aura was only meant for creating illusions I tried using it to try and bring smiles to the people of my homeland, and your father helped me learn how to truly make it magical, just by a single question." Rinne continued.
"Really, what was it?" Shido asked.
Rinne smiled.
"He asked me 'Rinne, who is that happiness for?', I didn't get it at first. I just thought happiness was happiness. However, I learned from Seigo that real happiness is something you work for, I tried making myself as happy as the people I tried to bring smiles to... and that made my efforts not only better, but made me feel happy to. That's when I understood, to give happiness, you need give it back. I think that's what made me realize I fell in love with him. I nearly forgot that, and I scared Rio because of it." Rinne explained.
"Don't worry, we'll find her... I promise." Mana said, taking her hand as she finally drifted off.
"Yeah... don't worry." Shido replied, drifting off himself.
Rinne smiles and rubbed Shido's hand while taking Mana's hand closer, soon drifting off herself.
Soon, an alarm went off as sunrise started to near, and Rinne woke up as she heard it go off. She looked to see Shido and Mana weren't in the bed any longer, having probably gotten up in advance for some reason, she stretched and stood up.
"Rio, hang on... mama's coming." Rinne said with determination
Rinne walked outside, noticing everyone else was awake as well, or attempting to stay awake as most of them were still in their pajamas and a bit tired. Shido and Mana were a bit more awake, Shido make breakfast while Mana helped to a degree, as they were just making sandwiches to carry around so they could find Rio quickly. Marina was wide awake compared to everyone though.
"Marina, did you not sleep?" Rinne asked surprise.
"I sleep when Maria swaps places with me, which should begin right about... now." Marina replied as the sun finally peaked from the horizon.
A magenta flash went off, waking everyone up as they saw Maria appear in her older sister's place.
"Hey everyone, I hope Marina didn't cause too much trouble." Maria smiled.
"Maria!" Kotori exclaimed, diving to hug her.
"Oof! T-thanks Kotori, but a little warning next time? And maybe less jumping too?" Maria chuckled.
Everyone laughs a bit, and soon Shido and Mana give everyone a sandwich.
"So, we ready to find Rio?" Shido asked.
"Yep, and you might be surprised where I'm sure she'll be." Rinne replied.
Soon Rinne focuses her powers, teleporting everyone somewhere.
After a while, everyone appears at the spot that had pretty much become the signature for all of them, the viewpoint. Rinne looked around and saw to her joy, Rio was indeed here, the young spirit showed surprised at seeing them.
"Mama... everyone?" Rio said surprised.
"Rio... thank goodness, I was so scared." Rinne stated, sniffling a bit as tears flooded her eyes.
"...Mama, don't come close. Rio doesn't want you to get sad."
Rinne however didn't listen, and soon hugged Rio close.
"Mama?" Rio replied confused.
"Oh Rio, can you ever forgive your mama for being so stupid?" Rinne asked.
"Mama... stupid? What does mama mean?" Rio inquired.
- (*Date A Live - Maria*) -
"Rio, your mama worried so much about possibly disappearing, never considering that worry was unfounded. I forgot how much you understood, and how much you read my heart with your powers... I ended up making you feel the same fear as me. I caused you to run away, I'm your mother but I wasn't acting like it as I should have. I'm so sorry, I hope you can forgive me." Rinne apologized, hugging Rio closer.
"...But Rio is disappearing!" Rio cried out, surprising Rinne slightly.
"Rio noticed it when Mama and Rio came how, Rio's powers... they've been getting funny! Rio feels it getting worse, Rio doesn't wanna go... but Rio doesn't want everyone to cry if they see Rio disappear... Mama... Rio is scared!" Rio cried.
Rinne stares at Rio, and soon suddenly starts laughing, her eyes watering a bit as everyone stares at her confused.
Shido and Mana stare at each other, the two giving confused reactions.
"Rio, is that funny thing of your powers your aura getting all wiggly?" Rinne asked.
"Yes, that's what Rio's powers are mama, they're-" Rio answered.
"-the sight you're finally growing up." Rinne finished.
Rio blinks surprised.
"Huh?" Rio wondered.
"Rio, you aren't disappearing. For all these years you've taken the form of a child, never aging, maybe my absence had a hand, but now... you're finally about to grow, it's been making your powers unstable. When a Spirit reaches a certain age, they need their parent to help them stabilize and regulate that power so they can enter their next stage. You never had anything to worry about, you'll be OK Rio." Rinne explained.
"Then... Rio gets to stay with mama? With Shido? With Mana? With... everyone?" Rio asked, crying a bit.
"Yes Rio, you're not leaving us." Rinne smiled.
Rio sniffles a bit, and soon hugs Rinne, a huge relief finally washing over her fears and melting them away. Soon Rio's body glows a bright pink.
"Rio?" Shido asked surprised.
"Mama, Rio feels sleepy. Can Rio rest with mama for a while?" Rio asked.
"Yes, I'll wake up only when you're ready. Just tell me all the good dreams you had once you do.
Rio's power fades into Rinne, surprising everyone.
"Don't worry everyone, Rio's still here. She's just sleeping inside of me. When she wakes up, you'll see a big surprise. Until then... know it's all OK, she's finally home." Rinne smiled, crying happy tears as she eased everyone's worries.
"So... it's all over?" Shido asked.
Rinne nodded, making Shido and Mana smile.
- (*insert song end*) -
Maria sighs, almost as if giving it in Maria's place.
"Looks like everything turned out OK in the end, I'm glad." Maria smiled.
"Now come on everyone, we have a Thanksgiving Feast to prepare for." Rinne stated.
"Right!" Everyone agreed.
~The Next Day
"Shido, come on! Hurry up!"
"Yeah, we'll be late for the assembly at this rate!"
Shido sweat drops a bit, soon chuckling as he finished tying his shoes.
[After that messiness with Rio running away finally got cleared up, a lot happened and everything's fairly back to normal now. It isn't the same anymore, but... well considering my life since I reunited with Tohka, when does it ever stay the same? So, what are the changes this time? How should I start things off here... I guess the first would be this.]
"Coming!" Shido called out.
Shido soon walked outside, with Maria and Marina were seen waiting for him in Raizen High uniforms, Maria with a smile and Marina with a partially annoyed look.
[The following afternoon after finding Rio, Maria and Marina's shared body status finally ended, with Marina not swapping places with Maria but ejecting out of her... Marina claims it was painful, not sure how but considering it may have been like cell division and she was inside her little sister, that could be why. Either way, they were assigned to the Ratatoskr Classroom, and they still seem to have connections to the machines they had while AIs. Regardless of why or how, everyone was happy Maria was back and welcomed Marina into Ratatoskr, each of them got their own Spirit code names too.]
"Alright you two, let's go." Shido stated, the two both nod.
Soon at the Ratatoskr Classroom, everyone got seated as Tamae cleared her throat.
"Everyone, I've got an announcement to make. We have a new member to the Ratatoskr Classroom, or more accurately, an old member who due to recent events has a new role as a student." Tamae explained.
"Come on in and say hi to everyone." Rinne smiled.
Soon the door opened, and the sight of what looked to be Rinne's human form came in, surprising some of the students. Mana slammed her head down, commenting about her being 84cm and 'I give up' after seeing her. However, because Rinne in her Spirit form was already present, that meant this was...
"Hello everyone, I'm Rio Sonogami. Glad to meet all of you." Rio smiled.
[When mom said Rio was growing up, she wasn't kidding. My adorable little sister's gone from a biologically 5 year old to a biologically 13-14 year old, at least Mana still can say she's older when her birthday makes her 15. I don't know why she took my mom's human form as her older form, and either my mom's playing a small prank on me and mana, or she honestly has no idea. Mana still thinks it was on purpose for... well the usual reasons, she can't catch a break.]
Rio giggled, Hiroto faint from the cuteness.
"...Is he still alive?" Ai asked.
As the day went buy, everyone was soon gathered in the Takamiya household for Thanksgiving dinner, once everyone was gathered, Shido tapped a glass as he prepared to make a toast to everyone, getting their attention.
"Everyone, it's been only a little more than half a year since we began this adventure together, and it's still far from other. Nia and the final Spirit are still out there, and Westcott's up to something wherever he is... you can tell us about that part tomorrow Marina." Shido announced.
Marina points at Shido while nodding.
"Regardless of what comes next, know we're all in this together. To family." Shido finished.
"To family." Everyone repeated.
And soon they spent the rest of the day enjoying the Thanksgiving feast, knowing tomorrow things would resume, but for today they had this moment. Everyone gave a smile of laughter as cherry blossom petals blew outside.
Walking near, Nia looked at the Takamiya Household and smiled, resuming her stroll and knowing she was the next Spirit Shido would try to seal, and Mukuro up in space looked down on Earth for no reason other than a subconscious respect to the holiday.
"We'll protect this world from Westcott, so these days never end."
Well, there you go, the Rio Reincarnation movie in one go. Maria and Marina have finally gotten back to the others, Rio's gotten a bit older and the DEM wasn't involved in any manner, unless you count Marina being this indirectly until she actually officially joins Ratatoskr around the last few scenes. I'd have added more, but Rio Reincarnation didn't have a real antagonist, so this movie arc is mainly a breather before we start Season 3.
Now the reason I had a focus on Thanksgiving? Aside from it fitting the family theme I had here, it's because Season 3's first arc starts early in December, I think that can give you a clue what I may start it with because there's two arcs that happen during that month. *giggles* Aside from that, Season 2 has officially ended with this movie's ending.
Also, hooray for Kurumi's cat Macaron getting some more screen time finally ^^ *giggles* Finally, I'll say this now, the running gag with Mana and her A-Cup angst is finally over, there's no more Spirits that could induce it on her at this point. *chuckles* Sorry for tormenting you for a while Mana, but what I do with you in Season 3 will probably make you happier.
For those who thought Marina was a bit harsh and haven't seen the game, know this... she was exactly as harsh there as she was here. I did make her more admitting to why she called out Rinne. Also, in regards to Rinne's reaction, there have been hints she's been masking excitement and joy to hide her hidden feelings, especially in regards to her possibly disappearing again, after all... Rio and Mayuri working together was the only reason she cheated death back in her movie arc.
Well then, that's all for now, see you all in the first leg of Season 3. Until next time everyone... and stay awesome! ^^
-Rio Sonogami, Code Name: [Phantom]-
Angel: Eden - Eden is an Angel that takes the form of a shield based version of Uriel that lacks the gems representing the Sephira, originally being Rinne's in the form of a special aura she used before passing it to Rio after obtaining Uriel. Due to being a shield, Eden's effects don't possess any offensive nature unless she's being attacked, but the spiritual power and defense it has is incredibly near-impregnable as a result.
- Powers: Rio's element as a Spirit is Heart, making her very emphatic. Her powers are like her mother's, but weaker and mostly defensive based, having only little offense due to the brief period she and her mom fought a copy of her together during the Choronzon incident. Her abilities are also mostly support and disruption based to aid allies and harm enemies.
Risk Factors: AA
Spacequake: AA
Spirit's Astral Dress: B
Angel Rank: S
Strength: 86
Consistency: 70
Spiritual Power: 230
Agility: 102
Intelligence: 93
-Spirit Bond Levels & Passive Abilities-
Tohka - 100%, MAX (Form a mana barrier automatically)
Origami - 99% (Teleport Dodging)
Yoshino - 99% (Dampen enemy territories)
Kotori - 97% (Healing from fatal wounds minus losing his head, doesn't work on wounds caused by blunt force)
Kurumi - 96% (Hide in his shadow, and only his)
Rinne - (Summon a weakened copy of Uriel)
Natsumi - 95% (Transform into Shiori)
Kaguya - 93% (Flight)
Yuzuru - 93% (Weight Manipulation)
Miku - 85% (Pain Reliever)
Maria - (Restore dying/withered/dead vegetation and plant life)
Marina - (Remove toxins or other harmful substances, either from a living creature or an object)
Rio - (Creates a soothing aura of spirit power to reduce a sealed Spirit's anger)