Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Date A Live.
Shido's POV:
School just ended, but I cannot help but feel worry. Yoshino is currently resting at Fraxinus' infirmary. According to Reine, she did something that used up all of her Reiryoku, which is why she's in that state.
Damn it. If I was any use at all, I would have helped her. But Reine and Kotori said that it'll be fine and she'll wake up eventually. I'll just have to trust Yoshino that she'll recover and keep focusing on Rinne like she planned.
Currently, Rinne and I are taking a stroll around town. I'm feeling I've reached my peak with this relationship by now. Hopefully, it'll be enough for us to escape, if she's really the key to it all.
But these memories that I try to remember with her... They keep giving me a nasty headache for a short moment, but for some reason, I remember them...
Not just Rinne either... but also Tohka, Kurumi, Kotori and Origami...
Even memories with Yoshino... which keep linking back to the name 'Fuyu Hana' for some reason...
What is the truth behind all these memories? I hope I can figure it out by the end, or ask Yoshino when she wakes up.
For now, Rinne and I decided to stop by the same lake where we met the Tengu Cow. Even now, I still can't believe it actually exists. If not for that, that odd building from the lake would've been the most unnatural thing here. It still is, though, and I realize now how suspicious it looks. Actually, has that been there before?
Back during middle school, I would usually wander off to this lake, either to clear my mind or just to play around, and I don't remember that building being there.
Seriously, it's giving me weird vibes.
Actually, now that I know that this lake is the Tengu Cow's home, it makes that building even more suspicious.
"Shido."
Hearing Rinne's voice makes me break from my thoughts as I look at her. She actually looks troubled, and I could tell because she was sweating bullets like crazy. She was even biting her thumb out of frustration.
I hope I don't screw things up now. We needed this to begin with.
But, even though my feelings for Rinne are just to get us back to the real world, I've really enjoyed her company throughout the week. She's the one person who could match my home-made cooking. The taste is even similar to how my cooking is.
Maybe Rinne Sonogami is actually my ideal housewife.
This ache in my heart...
My gut is telling me to stay with her...
But, the other gut is telling me that I can't and need to return. Plus, Yoshino wouldn't like it if I made it this far just to want to stay here.
I can't betray her trust. I gotta decide here.
"On certain times, when you realized you have been buttoning something up the wrong way... What do you think you should do?" She finally asks after a while.
Huh? The wrong way? What does she mean? The building pressure makes me gulp as I'm unsure on how to respond. "I-I don't get it..."
"Once you've done it, no matter how well you try to line everything else, that part is still left open... And the gap just gets bigger and bigger." Okay, not only does that sound ominous, but also nonsensical.
I try to break down her statement... and the only thing I understand would be something that revolts around the dating simulator's system. You've done it, then the gaps get bigger and bigger or so.
"So... that's why... I'm thinking, Shido..."
I don't like where this is going...
"It might be better to give up on everything... and start from scratch."
...!
Red flag! RED FLAG!
"Uh, R-Rinne?" I stutter. "W-What do you mean start over?"
"Oh, I'm sorry. Please forget about what I just said... It's nothing." She smiles and shrugs off the topic.
How am I supposed to forget that?! I'm getting a feeling of dread, as if I'm in danger right now! It's almost like those games where you made one big mistake and you're about to die for it!
"Hmm, Shido, could you wait for a moment?" Rinne asks.
"W-Where are you going?"
Rinne giggles, putting a finger on her mouth. "It's a secret. You shouldn't ask a girl things like that, Shido."
"Sorry!" I quickly apologize.
"Goodness, you're always apologizing."
"Oh..."
"Sorry. It might be good to try and be a little careful."
"Yeah, I'll do that. I have to watch out..."
As Rinne heads off to another part of the lake, I begin thinking that I should prepare myself. That statement earlier was definitely a red flag, and given that Yoshino is suspicious of her, that's definitely a bad thing.
"Sandalphon!" I reach out my hand to summon Sandalphon...
...and my eyes widen with horror when I realize that I couldn't feel the 'Path' connecting to Tohka. Now I realize it, I can't feel Yoshino's, Kotori's, or Origami's power either.
Did I lose my spirit powers when I was brought to this world?! This is bad! I'm basically defenseless right now!
As if things couldn't get any worse, the sky suddenly turns red, and that one building from the lake began to glow the same crimson red, as if it was seeking blood.
Following that, my eyes widen as someone reveals herself.
"Rinne..."
Rinne Sonogami, my supposed childhood from, is a Spirit, just like Yoshino said.
In her Spirit Form, Rinne's hair length increased to the point where her braids reach a length approaching her legs. Her eyes turn into a more intense pink, almost red. Her Astral Dress takes on the appearance of a purple cloak with gold extensions on her shoulders and hips. The vast majority of her face is covered by a veil, and at the top of her head, there is a decorated headdress with a golden emblem at the center.
She really gives off the vibe of a ruler that has both beauty and power, which is fitting considering Yoshino admits that she's just as powerful as her.
"Yoshino was right." I say, trying to hide my nervousness. "You're a Spirit after all."
"Oh? Yoshino had already warned you about me?" Rinne says with a calm voice, but I could see her eyes narrow with irritation as she clicks her tongue. "That little girl is more troublesome than I thought. I'll have to take serious care of her next time."
"Next time? What are you talking about?!"
"That is not your concern. You will soon forget everything, after all..." She holds out both her hands and forms an energy ball. Wait, is she planning to shhot that at me?!
Damn it! I have no way to defend myself!
"Farewell, Shido Itsuka. Return to those common days. And then, please make sure your next dream is a happy one-!" She's suddenly interrupted by a barrage of lasers coming towards her, forcing her to instead use the gathered energy to shield herself.
Those lasers...
"Itsuka-kun!"
Just as I thought, Origami flies down between me and Rinne to protect me. She's wearing her Combat Realizer, but also has a few of Metatron's pillars aimed at Rinne. "Origami!" I say, very relieved.
"Are you okay, Itsuka-kun?" Origami asks. "Tohka-chan and Kotori-chan are also on their way. I got her first since my light gives me faster movement."
"Shido!" As soon as she says that, I hear Tohka call out to me as she and Kotori land next to Origami, both in their full Astral Dresses. Even Kurumi's with them.
"Looks like Origami made it in time." Kotori says. "Jeez, don't scare me like that."
Kurumi giggles. "You're always getting into danger. I simply can't stand by and watch."
"I've never seen you before, but if you try to hurt Shido, then you and I are enemies!" Tohka declares, glaring at the Spirit who she doesn't realize is Rinne.
"Everyone...!" I'm glad to see them all here, but I also see that Yoshino didn't come with them, which means she must still be unconscious. Which is kinda bad since she's the strongest fighter we have.
"How did you get here...?" Rinne asks, shocked to see them. "There shouldn't be anyone besides me who can interfere with Eden...!"
"That would be incorrect, considering Yoshino was able to destroy two of your power sources." Kurumi points out with a smirk. So that's what Yoshino was up to?
Rinne scowls. "I knew that she was the reason Eden's other power sources were destroyed." Eden? Is that the name of this world? "And yet, she is not present. Perhaps she's finally learned to stop interfering."
"No, she's just unconscious right now." Kotori corrects her. "But she'll be back on her feet soon enough to defeat you." She summons Camael. "In the meantime, you'll be playing with the rest of us!" The others summon their Angels and prepare to fight.
"Wait! Everyone, let me talk to her!" I tell everyone to stop, and they all look at me.
"Huh? Isn't she the one who's trapping us all here? Wouldn't it be easier to defeat her?" Tohka asks.
"It's like Tohka says, Shido. As long as we're under the influence of the barrier, the threat of the Spirits rampaging won't disappear." Kotori tells me, agreeing with Tohka.
"I know that, but... please understand! That's not just any Spirit! That's actually Rinne!"
My reveal shocks Tohka, Origami and Kotori. "What?! You're kidding, right?!" Kotori asks, not believing me. "Don't joke around like that!"
"But wait, wasn't Rinne with Shido before we came here?" Origami asks.
Everyone looks at Rinne, who stares before before giving a light giggle. "I suppose there's no need to hide it anymore." She says, lifting her veil and showing her face.
The three gasp, their eyes widening in shock. "It really is Rinne-chan..." Origami whispers.
"Rinne-onee-chan was a Spirit this whole time...?" Kotori whispers in disbelief. "But when...? And how...?"
I notice Kurumi, unlike the others, is staring at Rinne with a calm smirk. Did she already know Rinne was a Spirit? Did Yoshino tell her?
"So, Rinne's the one who trapping us here?" Tohka asks. "Why would she do this?"
"That's what I want to find out! Please, let me talk to her!" I plead to them.
Seeing how serious the situation really was, everyone lowers their weapons to let me speak. Now that I know that no one will attack right now, I focus back to Rinne. "Rinne... who really are you? What's the real reason for all of this?!" I ask her.
"As you said, I am Rinne Sonogami... But, I am also... the [Ruler]..." Rinne introduces herself. "I am the one who controls Eden... I am a godly existence..."
"G-Godly...?" I tremble hearing that Rinnne is essentially a god.
"Correct. A god. My mission is to protect this world, Eden, and mantain it. I must fulfill that mission now." She frowns. "Unfortunately, this world's number one threat is not here at the moment. I will eliminate her soon enough." Her eyes begin to glow as a show of intimidation as she raises her palm towards me, charging another attack.
"What is this...?" Tohka mutters, looking nervous. "This terrible feeling is getting stronger. Be careful, Shido!"
"Like I said, any more than this is too dangerous!" Kotori warns me.
"W-Wait a second! You said you're the [Ruler], right? Do you know everything?!" I quickly ask. "The memories I have... Did they really happen?! Why are they popping up now? Why put these memories in me specifically?!"
Rinne stops charging her attack and looks at me with confusion. "Are you... denying this?" She asks. "This Eden, your paradise... Are you denying it?"
"Paradise?"
"Yes... Within Eden, you can do whatever you want... You can make a vow to Tohka, walk besides Kotori, spend your days with Origami, promise to stay by Yoshino's side, live with Kurumi. Anything."
I'm so confused. I don't know why I have these memories... but I do have them. And looking at everyone else.
"Wh-What does this mean?! It's true that Shido and I came to understand each other..." Tohka says.
"Shido chose me? This memory is..." Kotori mutters with surprise.
"M-Me... with I-Itsuka-kun..." Origami blushes shyly.
"Ara~, Shido. You gave me... so many things, didn't you?" Kurumi adds.
They also have those memories? But how? There's only one of me. And I haven't sealed Kurumi's powers, so I can't really make clones of myself.
"What you are thinking of isn't unusual within Eden." Rinne explains. "This paradise promises eternal happiness. It can show you any dream; grant you any wish."
"So, these memories... Are they all your doing, too?" I ask.
"You could have done anything here. Everything was allowed. Everything, except to touch the Forbidden Fruit-the truth." Rinne speaks with a hint of anger, no doubt aimed at Yoshino. She then opens her arms, putting everyone on guard. "You have all learned too much. You have gotten too close. And so... I must erase all of you." Multiple pinks orbs form around her as she prepares to attack all of us.
"Why... JUST WHY?!" I shout angrily. "Are you telling me this is what paradise is?! Targeting me, killing me...What would that accomplish?!"
"That is something you needn't know." Rinne refuses to answer. "You need only be within Eden's peace. If you do, I will grant you everything. Any wish, any future, any ending-"
"What are you saying?! That's not-" I try to rebuke, but Rinne interrupts me.
"Here in this paradise, it is not fantasy."
This should all be opaque nonsense, but I feel a strange power to those words. It's as if the more I listen, the more I would believe it... But, no!
"If that paradise you speak of truly existed... Then, both good and bad things would end up unfolding the way I want them to." I speak again. "But... Can you really call that a paradise?! Can you really be satisfied with such a superficial, convenient happiness?!"
"Is there a problem with such a thing? People seek happiness and dislike regrets. Even though I can grant you any wish, you would still deny it?"
"It'd be great to have all my wishes come true... but at the cost of a fake happiness just handed to me on a silver platter? I would rather just throw it away!" I answer without a shred of doubt.
"Well said, Shido."
My eyes widen as a voice rings out across the area. Just then, a mist gathers between us and Rinne, and I smile with relief as it forms into the one person I was hoping to arrive.
It's Yoshino! She's woken up!
"Yoshino!"
"You finally woke up, Yoshino!" Tohka and Origami exclaim happily, sharing my relief.
"Hello, everyone." Yoshino turns her head to greet us with a smile.
"Hope we're not too late!" Yoshinon adds while in her scythe form.
"Not at all." Kotori smirks. "We were expecting you to show up."
"Looks like the party's all here now." Kurumi says, smirking as well.
Yoshino nods in reply... and then slashes her scythe forward to block an energy blast. This makes us all focus back on Rinne... and boy, does she look angry right now...
"Yoshino Himekawa..." Rinne speaks Yoshino's name with so much vemon, it sends chills down my spine. "All of this is your fault. YOU have been against Eden, this paradise, from the very beginning...
"You keep calling this world a paradise, but you clearly don't know the meaning of the word." Yoshino replies. "This world is nothing more than a prison, where the days are stuck in a perpetual loop. And you are serving as its warden, keeping us from being able to move forward with our lives."
"This world is meant to be for Shido alone. It was meant to bring him happiness."
"And that's your first mistake." Yoshino points out. "Real or fake, Shido would never prioritize his happiness over everyone else's. Even if it puts him in danger, he'll do whatever he can to help those who are troubled."
"... I suppose that is the kind of person he is." Rinne speaks softly, as if agreeing with Yoshino. For a moment, I thought Yoshino managed to change her mind before she shook her head and returned to glaring at her. "No. I cannot allow myself to falter. I must do what I must to preserve Eden, which means I must kill you first, to ensure you will never interfere again."
"... You call yourself a god because you can control everything under Eden." Yoshino says as her Reiryoku surges around her, with some Pure Reiryoku mixed into it. I can feel the power being gathered, making me instinctively back up. The others could also feel it and back up as well. "However..."
She raises her free arm into the air, and three geysers erupt around her- one of water, one of ice, and one of steam. Dragon heads form at the ends of those three geysers, which then roar in unison, the display leaving us in both shock and awe. Taking a quick glance at Rinne, I could see the look in her eyes that she was also intimidated.
"Even gods should learn to fear those under them!" Yoshino finishes her statement as she lowers her hand to point at Rinne. The three dragons descend and charge at Rinne as she forms a barrier to block them... only for that barrier to quickly start cracking due to the power of Yoshino's attack.
When it finally broke, Rinne had just enough to look horrified before the three dragons barrel into her and continue towards the building, resulting an a huge explosion of water, ice and steam that completely destroys it.
"Whoa! Awesome!" Tohka shouts with starry-eyed amazement.
"That was amazing, Yoshino!" Origami praises.
"Wow. She really took the spotlight, didn't she?" Kotori asks, once again smirking.
"That's our Strongest Spirit for you." Kurumi giggles. "Even Rinne didn't see it coming."
Even I can't help but be amazed by Yoshino. She just conjured up three dragons to attack Rinne and managed to overpower her AND destroy that odd building! She even sounded cool while doing it!
"Don't let your guard down. It's not ever yet." Yoshino warns, breaking us out of our amazement.
Right as she said that, a surge of pink Reiryoku forcibly clears the steam away as Rinne rises back up from the lake. And if she was angry before, she looks PISSED now! She was soaking wet, her Astral Dress was cut in multiple places, her skin also had a few cuts, and she's holding her left arm, which had some ice stuck to it and I could even see a bit a blood trailing down it. All-in-all, Yoshino's attack really did some damage.
"She had told me about you..." Rinne speaks. "She had said that out of all the Spirits, you had the potential to overthrow me. I did not believe her at first, but I was wary of you, just in case. It's clear now that I have underestimated you." She? Could Rinne be talking about the Spirit of Origin?
"Probably should've taken her warning to heart!" Yoshinon taunts her. Rinne scowls in return.
Suddenly, we all feel a vibration. "What the?! Is it a Spacequake?!" I ask in alarm.
"The paradise, Eden... is crying..." Rinne says sadly.
"What do you mean?"
"This world is desired by no one... meaning Eden no longer fulfills its role..." She explains ominously. "At this rate, this world will soon meet its death."
"WHAT?!" I shout. This world is dying?! But if we're all still stuck inside when it does...!
"The end is approaching... Think carefully, one last time..." Rinne warns, her words aimed at me. "If even then, you deny this world... Then to end it completely... come and kill me. Before Eden meets its death."
As Rinne finishes her warning, she disappears, leaving us all having this aching feeling. The next moment, I suddenly find myself at the base of Neo Tengu Tower, which was now glowing the same crimson red as the building Yoshino destroyed earlier.
"Shido! You made it through!" I hear Kotori and turn to see her and everyone else behind me.
"Kotori! You guys are safe?!" I ask.
"Yeah. Seems like everyone got out. But... There's something up with Tengu City." She looks around the area, her gaze stopping at the tower. "Especially Neo Tengu Tower. It's ominous."
"That "tower" is actually the true source of the barrier." Yoshino speaks up to explain.
"Is that so? Then how come we weren't suspicious of it earlier?"
"That's because Rinne used her powers to manipulate everyone into thinking that it was just Tengu City's newest hot spot." Yoshino replies. "In reality, this is actually Rinne's Angel, Eden."
"THAT'S Eden?!" I shout, looking at the now revealed Angel with wide eyes.
"Yes. This is Eden-a large tree that can create a massive barrier that allows Rinne reality within it." She explains. "It's much like how a Wizard's Territory functions, except on a far greater scale."
"Then, how come you and I weren't effected?"
"Eden was made with you in mind, Shido, so Rinne didn't try to manipulate you." Yoshino replies. "As for myself, I believe that my Pure Reiryoku made me strong enough to resist the influence."
"It all links back to Pure Reiryoku, doesn't it?" Kotori sighs. "Such a convenient power..."
"Well, it is the Spirit of Origin's power, after all." Kurumi butts in.
Kurumi... should I trust her? I'm slightly traumatized by the date we had... The killing... but the way she spoke back with Rinne, it seems like she was helping Yoshino with her investigation.
"Kurumi... can I trust you as an ally?" I ask her seriously.
"Yes. With regards to our situation, and additionally, Yoshino's assistance, I promise to cooperate." The Time Spirit answers. "I refuse to be sucked in. Although, I do not intend on asking you to trust me."
"Don't be. If you ask me to trust you, I will. this temporary truce will do. Thanks for the help."
Kurumi smiles. "Ara ara~ I suppose I have no choice now. Why the sudden change of heart?
Flustered, I give her the best response I could. "Well, I guess... It's for helping Yoshino out."
"Is that so? I appreciate it, but she did most of the work."
"If Shido says so, then I won't object." My little sister sighs. "Well, I think I believe you. So long as we share a common goal, I'll trust you. You don't seem foolish enough to mistake our predicament."
Kurumi smiles, unbothered by Kotori's glare. "I'll take that as a compliment."
"So, the Neo Tengu Tower- no, Eden... Rinne-chan is in there?" Origami asks, looking at the tree-like angel.
"Yes. No doubt Rinne is in there, along with the barrier's core."
"Just a moment, the barrier's core?" I repeat. "If we destroy that, then there wouldn't be a fight against Rinne, right?"
"That could possibly be true." Yoshino replies. "Luckily, entry into Eden is now possible."
"Huh?" I look at Yoshino, wondering what she meant.
"Do you recall the building that I destroyed earlier?" Yoshino asks. I nod. I mean, it's not like I could forget that awesome attack. "That, along with the other two shrines I destroyed earlier, were serving as power sources, not only to help keep Eden's barrier stable, but to prevent us from getting inside."
"However, now that Yoshino has destroyed them all, we'll be able to enter the Angel freely." Kotori finishes.
"You're welcome!" Yoshinon chimes in from the scythe.
Kotori looks at me. "Shido. Normally, we'd leave you behind since you lost your powers. But if Rinne is in fact a Spirit, you may be able to seal her." She gives me a serious look. "You're our only hope, but be carful. Failure could mean your life.
"Yeah, I already know that." I reply with a grin.
"One more thing, Shido." Yoshino chimes in. I turn to her, and she takes out a very familiar crystal.
Tohka, Origami, Kurumi and I look at the crystal with wide eyes. "Yoshino... is that..."
"A Sephira Crystal...?" Tohka finishes my question.
"Yep. Believe it or not, Yoshino was actually able to use her Pure Reiryoku to make a proper Sephira Crystal." Kotori says with a smirk. "She had to use Origin Mode to make it, and the process left her passed out due to mana exhaustion, which is why she was out for all of yesterday." So, that was the reason...
"Ara~ How very surprising." Kurumi hums with interest.
"This is only a vacant Sephira Crystal." Yoshino clarifies. "It doesn't have any Reiryoku stored within it, which is exactly what we need in this situation." She hands the crystal to me. "Shido, this is the key to saving Rinne. Once you reach her, you will know what to do."
I look at the Sephira Crystal in my hand. Rinne... Despite her manipulations, I want her to stay with us. And if this can make it happen, then I'll take that chance!
"Alright." I nod, taking the crystal. "Thank you, Yoshino."
She nods with a smile, before turning to face Eden. "Alright. Let's move, everryone!" She calls.
"YEAH!" We all respond.
The stage is set, and the finale of Rinne Utopia approaches. Will Yoshino's gamble pay off?