It was a good morning. The sun shined and the birds sang. Nothing out of the ordinary. Nothing would suggest that tomorrow an evil company and their military might would descend on Tenguu City to attack a group of 11 young, super powered women and their collective amazing sweetheart.

Yes, this morning was supposed to be of calm, but suddenly, something happened. While everyone was on the table of the spirit mansion, eating a normal breakfast, someone entered through the window, smashing the glass and putting a familiar weapon to the temple of the only man in the house.

He was badly bruised, altered, breathing rapidly, and to summarize all of his emotions in one word, desperate.

Kotori, a young girl with fiery red hair and eyes of 14 years of age, was the first to recognize and accept who was in front of her. After all, she had lived with that blue haired man for over a decade.

It was her adoptive brother, Itsuka Shido, holding a flintlock to the temple of Itsuka Shido, who was sitting right beside her.

I don't have much time left, get up NOW! - Said the Shido holding the flintlock. All the Spirits around the Shidos stood up and jumped back a step, took out their weapons of choice and pointed them at the intruder, except for Kotori.

Girls, calm down. As he said, he doesn't have much time. Whatever he's gonna do, it's for all of us- Kotori calmly looked at the sitting Shido, nodded, stood up and got away slowly. Her adoptive brother also stood up, with the flintlock still firmly embedded in his temple.

What now? - Asked the Shido closest to the table

Zafkiel. Yud- An antique, mechanical clock appeared behind the bruised and jaded Shido, and from the number 10 a black and red mist formed, condensing into a bullet inside the barrel of the flintlock. Then, this same Shido put his head between his doppelganger's and the gun, and fired.

In an instant, all the memories of the Future Shido came rushing into this Shido. He started to hyperventilate, to panic, and fell to his knees grabbing his throat and head; he watched the people in front of him and had no other wish than to hug them tight and run away. His double let him go and gave him some space.

The Spirits in front of him began to get close to attend to their fallen sweetheart, and while they got close to him, he just walked to the living room, sat down on his sofa and used the angel of darkness and time once again

Zafkiel. Tet. - From here on out, it seemed like a heated discussion was taking place. But the 9th bullet of Zafkiel allows the sharing of thoughts to people from another time mentally, thus, the spirits didn't knew what was being said, nor with whom he was talking.

I see… So this is your answer to him, huh- Said Kotori, quickly catching on his ingenious brother's plan.

Turns out, everything that happened this morning was being seen and heard by the omniscient demon "Beelzebub". But it's just like that, seen and heard. Beelzebub is barred from prying into the minds and hearts of others, thus, its wielder, the Tyrannical Leader of Deus ex Machina Industries, Isaac Westcott, is unable to see the information that his enemy from the future gave to his past self, or the one that he was now sharing with someone he also didn't knew.

Once the present Shido stabilized, the future Shido went to see him.

You know what to do, me-

Yes, I know now. I hope that, after we're done, we can change the future, me-

You're already talking like Kurumi-san! - Said Tohka, a tall and athletic type of girl with long purple hair.

Ara, someone is talking about me? – said a voice in the shadows. Everyone, except the Shidos, went into alert as someone appeared from the shadows of the Spirit Mansion, materializing into a girl with long and loose hair, a black Lolita dress with red roses and an eye patch – Nice to see you again, Shidou-san, and you too, Shidou-san

Why are you here, Tokisaki Kurumi? – Said a girl pretty as a doll with short white hair and eyes as blue as the sky, her name is Tobiichi Origami

Ara Ara, Shidou-san said that he was inviting me on a trip, but that I unfortunately couldn't invite the original one to it, it's a shame really- Answered the clone

Question. The original one? – Said one of the twins present there, Yuzuru.

The body you're seeing in front of you is a clone of Tokisaki Kurumi, formed by using the eighth bullet Het. I come from 5 years in the past- Said the girl – That's why I'm using these clothes, as these are the clothes she was wearing that time

Oh yeah, I was wondering why you were using that dress. Good choice by the way- Said the other twin, Kaguya, twirling her orange hair, just like Yuzuru.

Anyway, it's about time. I'll explain everything once we regroup- Said Present Shido

Wait, regroup? – Asked Izayoi Miku, a girl with long soft lavender hair and an enviable figure

Yes, I can't explain here, but this is the conclusion me and I reached after some time- said Future Shido, before nodding towards Present Shido

Saldalphon! Shover Olam! – Just as he said that, a Greatsword appeared on his hands, decorated with gold and blue energy. Tohka was about to stop him, but Future Shido stopped her, while his present self charged energy into the blade of the weapon.

This is necessary- He said

But… but Shover Olam is way too dangerous! He shouldn't use it! I've never used it! – Said the Spirit, with a mix between worry and panic

W-w-w-what is Sho-Shover Olam? – Asked one of the youngest looking in the group, Yoshino, while cowering behind her white rabbit puppet, Yoshinon, even though her wavy and pretty ice blue hair was totally visible

I can't say right now. The other me will do so in due time. For now, follow the instructions- He said, before taking something from his jacket. The moment everyone saw it, they were horrified, except Kurumi, of course.

Shido… Why… Why do you have that? – Said Natsumi, a girl about the same age and size as Yoshino, but with green hair and eyes

This was a compromise. She took it herself… - Said Shido, before turning to the Kurumi clone and extending his hand, grasping a canister with the Binah Sephira Crystal inside- …to offer it to you

I'll gladly take it- Said the Kurumi clone, the moment her hand touched the crystal inside the canister, the gem went inside her and her power rose highly- Now, it's time to do your part, Shido-san

Nushi-sama's part? - Asked Mukuro, a short but voluptuous Rapunzel look-a-like

I must stay behind to take care of a few things. This is our adieu. This is also the only way this Kurumi clone can complete herself and allow you guys to survive- Responded Shido

Kid, you don't need to go that far! We can just…- Said the oldest among the spirits, Nia, a silver haired mangaka

We CAN'T! – Both Shidos said at the same time- We explicitly can't, we have done this to ensure we can survive

Shido? – The worry in Kotori's voice was evident.

I… I can't lose you all again. Don't worry. You'll still gave present me going with you. Kurumi will go last, don't worry, this time, everything will go fine… everything will be fine…- Future Shido was crying. He was clearly way too affected by whatever happened to him, but he was smiling while doing so- Is just I who will disappear, just as others me have done before.

Me, I'm ready! – Said Present Shido, looking back while having Sandalphon perfectly straight, blazing with golden energy

Then, it's time, everyone, get ready to enter! You'll be dizzy and lost on the other side, but you have to find each other and stick together! – Said the time traveler in a commanding voice, as his alter ego slashed the air with Sandalphon, opening a rift in space.

This isn't like Michael… What is this, Nushi-sama? - Asked Mukuro

When you guys regroup, present me will explain. Follow his lead and y'all will come out of this alive- Responded Future Shido, stern and firm. It was clear to all spirits that whatever he was going to do in the present, he wasn't coming out of it alive.

Adieu, Future Shido- Murmured Tohka, as she entered the portal, aware of its true nature, but unaware of its destination.

Sayonara Shido! - Said Kaguya, trying to hide her pain with a fake excitement for the journey, as she jumped into the portal backwards while doing a pose

Departure. Goodbye, Shido- With a calm and warm face, Yuzuru walked backwards into the portal, with her fingers intertwined and her hands firmly clasped together.

Shido, I trust in your judgement- Said Kotori with a firm voice, before getting close to him and whispering in his ear- Don't do anything stupid, Onii-chan- Before Future Shido could react, she bolted to the portal. The only thing the Shidos could see was her red ears.

Nushi-sama, I'll wait for you on the other side- This time, this was dedicated to the Present Shido. Mukuro looked sadly at the future one, as if she knew what happened to his Muku, before walking normally into the portal.

This is a rare moment. Someone wants to talk to you…- Said Origami, before breathing deeply. Immediately her aura changed and her eyes were softer- Itsuka-kun… This is not the first time you change the future. I know you'll succeed- This Origami personality was created when, in a previous adventure, they changed the timeline. She hugged Future Shido. She hugged him tightly. Shido hugged her back. It was nice feeling her warmth when in uncountable instances he had to embrace her cold corpse. While they were hugging, Natsumi went to see Present Shido

You saw everything, right? – She asked.

'Till the end. It wasn't pretty- He responded. Contrary to his other self, the emotions from his memories were duller, as if they happened a long time ago, a benefit of Yud, probably.

Can't you tell me anything? No details, nothing? –

Himekawa – He said

What? – The simple surname took her by surprise.

It's a detail. One I can tell you now. You won't get it unless I explain it, but it's something you can look forward to. It's still not much, but it's something- Said Shido, a bit smug

Then it's a promise. You have to tell me on the other side- Afterwards; she jumped and kissed him in the cheek before running to the portal

Hehehe, you're such a teaser Shido-kun, can't you tell me a detail too? – Said the puppet Yoshinon, looking at him. Yoshino was also trying to change the mood by going with Yoshinon's request

Kyouno – Responded Shido – Same deal with Natsumi, you wouldn't get it unless I explain it to you, but it's something you can look forwards on the other side-

Yes… Thank you, Shido-san- Said with barely any voice the small blue-haired girl, before calmly walking to the portal, with Origami trailing behind

Darling, Darling, you promise to find me on the other side? – Asked Miku to Present Shido-

Yes. Don't you worry Miku- Shido was smiling, with a warm and caring smile. Sure, it was his warrior smile in the face of adversity, his steeled resolve and his ferrous ideals what captivated her heart in the first place, but it was that sweet, innocent smile what made every day with him worth it

I'll wait for you. No matter where she is, Izayoi Miku will always be the brightest star! – Just as she said that, she jumped into the portal

Now that is just us 4, I can make the question, right? – Said the oldest Spirit of the bunch, Nia

Yes. It's as you imagine. I'll be devoured by this Kurumi so she can complete herself and assist past me- Said Future Shido.

And how do you know she won't betray you? Kurumin's objective is to defeat Miocchi, isn't it? How do we know she ain't gonna run to the past to kill her now? - Asked Nia

Because I was shown the future by Shidou-san. It's impossible to defeat Takamiya Mio without a power equal to hers- Responded Kurumi

Of us 12, only I can wield such power, but even then, that wouldn't mean anything. My activations are more limited and slower than those of Mio, and she's incredibly intelligent, so even if I was able to trick her once, she would quickly adapt and come out unscathed. So, we're retreating- Said Future Shido, looking down- I tried.

I see… I hope you can explain me this in more detail on the other side, Kid- Said Nia, while turning and looking at Present Shido

I will- He said, before Nia went and hugged him.

Don't you dare break this promise…- In the bottom of her heart, Nia was the one that worried the most, in part because she was still unable to put all of her trust into Shido, on the other part because she feared the unknown almost as much as the absolute truth, both extremes that she experienced in her long life.

When the spirit of Chokmah finally separated from her loved one, she rushed to the portal, escaping the confines of her world.

The following was a haunting and silent procession.

Present Shido stepped on the left of the portal.

Kurumi stepped in front of the portal.

Future Shido stepped in front of Kurumi.

And when her shadow touched his, it darkened and a myriad of white hands with red auras enveloped the time traveller, dragging him to the belly of the "Worst Spirit". Just as countless he have died to Kurumi's stomach, so was his turn. And Present Shido's turn will be next, if things don't go as planned this time too.

Goodbye, and good luck, me- He said. He probably didn't intended to, but his face at that precise moment, the moment of his death, was exactly the same as a certain clone of Kurumi's, in a festival last year.

I pray for us not to meet again, me- Responded Present Shido, as the head of his possible Future disappeared from this mortal coil.

So, this is what it feels like… Tohka-san was right- Said the gun wielder

It's time to go, my honey- As countless other he have done, he extended his arm to her, aiming for crossing them. A slight blush came to the face of the last spirit, as she crossed her arm with Shido and walked with him into the portal.

-o-

Chapter 1.5 [Intermission]: Under the eye of an Unknown Goddess

So, now that we're out of the eyes of those two, can you tell me more details Shidou-san?-

Yes but don't worry from this information. I've gambled a lot to you because in the next world it will be necessary-

The next world? –

Shover Olam is a secret technique that isn't readily available to all users of Sandalphon or Nahemah, as it's considered too dangerous, even by Tohka. It allows the user to break or cut any boundary. You basically need to see it being used to use it yourself-

Then how did you get this absurd knowledge if Tohka herself never did use it?-

Another me found a Shido without a Tohka. He lost the battle against Takamiya Mio and all of his powers, but right before his Tohka was killed, she used Shover Olam and pushed him inside. This Shido then told everything to the first one and then we started a chain, with us going back in time when we lose to then try again-

So…-

Yes. You've died a ton of times. I've explained the plan to you a ton of times. We have committed suicide to give the past us a chance a ton of times. The sheer amount of information in my head right now is killing me, so I can't give you a number-

This is similar to… me…-

Well, I'm abusing your power to do this, don't sweat it-

Still… Thank you- The last part sounded so soft and genuine that it made you wonder if the sadistic woman that killed criminals in cold blood was the same as the tender girl who pronounced those words

You're welcome- After a tired and soft smile towards her; he kept looking forwards- Continuing: All the girls have been sent to different parts around the world. They'll be fine-

I guessed as much when you said we needed to "regroup"-

You're gonna lose your angel-

WHAT!?- Kurumi was really shocked. Her angel was her lifeline, the only thing that kept her alive for so long when she was a spirit fugitive, losing it suddenly it's a low blow

You'll be able to recover it sooner than you think, and you'll keep your other abilities not directly tied to the Flintlock and Musket. I can't give you a timeframe, since we'll be there for a long time, but the moment you think all hope it's lost, the weakest will rise to be the strongest and return Zafkiel to you-

I see…- The wording was a bit cryptic, but that was maybe because they were being wat...- Wait… how can we be watched when we're between worlds?!

I was going to that. The world we'll be arriving at is vast, magical… and full of people that could face a Spirit and come out on top 7 times outta 10.
We're about to face the biggest obstacle, someone who is on absolutely equal footing with Takamiya Mio… an Unknown Goddess.
The moment we step inside Teyvat, she's gonna attack us. She's weak from supressing another otherworlder, and I'll take the brunt of the assault and still come out relatively okay, but we'll be separated.
You'll arrive at a place called Inazuma. You need to find the angel on the sealed chamber and give it to Kaguya and Yuzuru. If you do that, we'll be okay. I'll meet all 3 of you once I prepare something.
The key to everyone's survival is confronting all of our pasts. That includes me-

Do I have to atone for my sins so early?-

Yes and no. It's the root cause. You need to face the cause, effect and your own actions in the past to be able to gain the key to your survival. If all of us manage to do that, then, no matter how bleak the future seems, we will survive-

What are you…-

It's here… See ya' later, Kurumi- He said, before kissing her tenderly on the lips and pushing her away from him and towards the world. A giant eye opened at his right and fixed its gaze on the Spirit Sealer, Orange like the evening sky with 3 spikes going from pupil to iris.

Otherworlder…