Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Date A Live.
Third POV:
Inside the tallest building sitting around in Tengu City are two individuals, Isaac Wescott and Ellen Mathers. The two were reviewing a report of a certain Spirit living in Tengu City, which caught the CEO of DEM Industries' attention.
"Oh, you detected a signal from [Princess]?" Wescott asks. "The individual which disappeared for the whole three months?"
"Yes." Ellen answers. "Here is more information we have on the situation." She hands him a tablet with all of the information that has been gathered.
"So, the [Princess] is attending high school?"
"Correct. She goes by the name of "Tohka Yatogami". She is a student of Raizen High School. She enrolled three days after the moment we lost track of [Princess]. Coincidentally, the girl that we let escape four years ago, Origami Tobiichi, is also a student at this school."
"Which means that our dear [Hermit] is also in this city." Wescott smirks. He has always been fascinated by [Hermit] ever since she showed her true power. Even now, he's excited to see just how powerful she would be as an Inverse.
Ellen, meanwhile, frowns in irritation at the mention of the Spirit that humiliated her four years ago. "Yes." She answers with gritted teeth.
Wescott immediately catches her tone of voice. "Don't worry, Ellen. You will get the chance to regain your honor as the Strongest Wizard soon enough." He assures her. "For now, let us focus on [Princess]. Perhaps by capturing her, we could make [Hermit] reveal herself again. If you want, you can re-capture Origami Tobiichi for good measure."
"Very well." Ellen nods calmly.
"And when [Hermit] does reveal herself..." Wescott adds with a cruel smirk, "it will be a great chance to test our new project."
Within another room, a mature woman with blue hair sleeps within a test tube, with multiple cables attached to her body, and an indigo glow coming from her chest.
Shido's POV:
I cautiously walk through the mist obscuring vision, gripping Soul Steel (the samurai's sword) in my left hand. I couldn't see anything with how thick the mist is, and danger could strike at any moment.
Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes, instead trying to sense if anything is coming... and quickly sense an energy signature approaching from my right!
Reacting quick, I unsheathe Soul Steel and swing to my right, blocking a sword slash from Tohka. We lock eyes for a moment before breaking the clash as she retreats back into the mist. The moment I lose sight of her, I sense an attack from behind me, and quickly move to dodge a pink energy blast.
"Soul Surge: Sandalphon!" I call on Sandalphon's power and infuse it with Soul Steel, the orb turning purple as the blade is imbued in a purple aura. I was told that Soul Steel has the ability to connect to its wielder's soul and bring out its power, with the aura depending on the soul's elemental affinity. In my hands, however, I can actually change the active element based on the Angel I infuse it with, making it a very flexible weapon.
With the blade now infused with Sandalphon's power, I slash at the other two energy blasts, easily dispelling them, but then my senses warn me of an attack from above and I quickly raise my blade to block the flaming battle axe, Camael, wielded by my sister. She swung down with enough force that I had to buckle my knees slightly, but I manage to hold strong and push her back as she, too, disappears into the mist.
I'm given little reprieve before I sense incoming attacks from both my sides. A pincer attack! Gritting my teeth, I quickly use Zadkiel to create a wall of ice to block the light beams from my left, and then slash to my right to block an energy slash, but that slash is followed up by a barrage of ethereal blades, forcing me to dodge instead.
As the energy slashes collide with the ice wall and inevitably the light beams, my senses tell me that I dodged to a dangerous spot, and then the floor below me suddenly glows pink and vines start coming out of it to restrain me. Bound by the vines, I sense a powerful attack being charged, and I knew I had to escape quick. Taking a gamble, I focus Zadkiel's mist powers on my entire body...
A beam of fire comes from the mist, but before it reaches me, I manage to turn my entire body into mist, escaping the vines before moving out of the way of the beam. This is it! Yoshino's Mist Dash!
Reforming a few feet away from where I got trapped, I smirk, proud that I managed to pull it off, but I quickly refocus when I feel two energies rushing towards me and raise Soul Steel to block both Tohka's Sandalphon and Origami's [Einharjar].
"That's enough!" We hear Yoshino's voice ring out, and then the mist starts to clear.
Well, looks like that's the end of this training session.
Yoshino's POV:
After seeing Shido successfully use Mist Dash to escape Rinne's trap and dodge Megiddo's blast, I decided that this was enough for today and called everyone to stop. Clearing the mist, Tohka and Origami break away from Shido as I walk up to him. "I guess that's it for today." He says as he sheathes Soul Steel.
"Yes." I nod. "I was prepared to block Kotori's attack when you got caught, but you've managed to learn to use my Mist Dash and escaped. Well done, Shido." Shido smiles at the praise.
"Shido's definitely getting the hang of using his powers." Kotori says in agreement as she and Rinne walk up to us, the latter in her Spirit Form.
"Indeed. Our training has made him quite formidable." Rinne adds.
The day after I revealed the truth about Tohka, Reine gave us an update on Shido's growth. Due to sealing a second Spirit capable of Pure Reiryoku in Rinne, his own Pure Reiryoku reserves grew. While it's not enough for Shido to use Origin Mode, it's still enough that he can now actively use it in battle, which is big news. Once we heard that, Rinne and I quickly begin instructing Shido on how to utilize Pure Reiryoku in combat, teaching him how to form a Pseudo-Territory as well as disrupt and destroy mana constructs.
During this, he also learned how to better wield the samurai's sword, which has become bound to him since we saved Rinne. Given it's abilities, he decided to call it "Soul Steel", and it's ability to switch between the Angel's power became known as "Soul Surge". He's also practiced how to wield it alongside Sandalphon, but this also led to a surprising discovery about Tohka's Angel.
Apparently, Sandalphon's weapon form can actually be changed based on the user's preferences. For example, when Shido mentioned the possibility of it taking a shape similar to Soul Steel, Sandalphon actually changed into a katana, making it much easier to dual wield. Tohka explained that if one has a strong desire, they will gain full control of Sandalphon, and those words are certainly proving true.
Seeing this, a certain swordsman comes to mind, and I test Sandalphon's abilities by asking Shido if he could make blades of pure energy circle around him, which ended up being a success.
I'm gonna turn Shido into Virgil at this rate, minus the whole power-hungry mindset.
Tohka was amazed by this new technique and tried it herself, and to our surprise, she actually succeeding on her second attempt after encouragement from Shido.
Reine theorizes that while Shido was able to do it thanks to his Pure Reiryoku enhancing his own Sandalphon, Tohka was able to pull it off thanks to improved seal on her powers. This was news to me, and when asked about it, Reine shows that mine and Tohka's seals have both grown more stable. Tohka's is now at 75% stability, while mine has increased to 90%, almost reaching peak stability. This is due to Shido's increased Pure Reiryoku enhancing his sealing ability. If he feels true mutual love towards a Spirit, like he has with me and Tohka, the Pure Reiryoku will make the seal stronger, allowing them to use more of their power without risk of the seal breaking.
This actually encourages Shido to improve his relationships with the Spirits, as this enhancement benefits all parties.
So, for the time being until the field trip, we would alternate training Shido in either offense or defense, to help make him a better fighter.
He's gotten much better. At this rate, it's only DEM's top Wizards that he'll have to worry about. Which is good, considering now is around the time when they'll start making moves.
"By the way, you're going on a school trip to Okinawa this summer, correct?" I ask.
"Yep." Shido nods. "We're supposed to head out tomorrow."
"We already have all of our stuff packed for the trip." Origami says.
"I can't wait!" Tohka exclaims with excitement, making Rinne giggle.
Everyone seems excited for the summer trip, which makes me smile sadly, because I know that it won't be that easy.
Shido's POV:
"Everyone, I apologize, but it seems our trip to Okinawa will be cancelled."
Okamine-sensei suddenly drops news that our school trip was cancelled. The entire class is in uproar. Clearly no one liked the news.
"Calm down, everyone! Luckily, our school trip will still continue, but we'll be going to Arubi Island instead!" She then gives us some good news, which does calm the class down, but something about this change gives me a bad feeling. "Our flight for the school has already been paid! Oh, and we'll also be joined by a photographer from the travel agency who also sponsors the trip!"
A photographer from the agency sponsoring the trip? This is raising a few flags, and I don't know why.
Okamine-sensei calls someone into the room, presumably the photographer, and in comes a woman who seems to be in her early thirties. I hear a gasp from Origami the moment the woman comes in and look at her. She has an expression on her face that looks to be a mix of shock, horror and anger. Does she know this woman?
I get my answer when the photographer introduces herself.
"I am Ellen Mira Mather, and I'm a photographer for the travel agency. I'll be joining your class for the ride."
My eyes widen in great alarm at her name.
Ellen Mira Mathers...! This is her! She's the world's Strongest Wizard and Wescott's right hand! The same one who killed Origami's parents!
I take a glance at Tohka and Rinne, and they were both just as shocked as I am to see Ellen, but I could also see the anger in Tohka's eyes. This is bad. If DEM's Adeptus 1 is here, disguised as a photographer, then that means they must've learned about Tohka being a Spirit! The change in location is them hijacking our school trip so they could capture, and also Origami and Rinne once they learn that they're also Spirits!
I have to call Kotori and Yoshino! This school trip just became a trap!
Yoshino's POV:
"So, DEM's stating to make moves again, huh?" I say with narrowed eyes as Reine reports the change in plans for the school trip.
"That's right. Shin told me about it. They were originally going to Okinawa, but it was changed at the last-minute to Arubi Island. Furthermore, the travel agency said that they'd cover all expenses in order to get publicity shots." Reine remarks. "He said that it all raised some flags for him, which were only confirmed when Ellen Mathers walked into the room, disguised as the photographer for the trip."
"So, they're sending their strongest." Kotori says, eyes narrowing as well. "That could be a problem."
"Shin has definitely grown strong, but he's not at the level that he could fight Ellen Mathers. He may have three Spirits as backup, including Rinne, who's on par with Yoshino, but who knows what reinforcements Ellen will have with her." We both nod in agreement with Reine.
"Unfortunately, I have a meeting at HQ around the time they go on the school trip." Kotori tells us. "Not the best timing, but it's a rare chance for the Rounds to meet up in person, so as Commander of Ratatoskr, I'm expected to make an appearance."
"Oh? Does that mean partner should go to the meeting as well?" Yoshinon asks.
Kotori shakes her head. "No, you don't have to go, Yoshino. Preferably, I need you to stay here and command Fraxinus in my place. That way, when DEM makes their move, you'll be able to go down there and help fight Ellen."
I smile. "That's exactly what I was hoping you'd say."
"Yeah! It'll be fun to remind Ellen just where she stands on the power scaling!" Yoshinon laughs, excited at the thought of fighting Ellen again.
DEM better be ready, because capturing Tohka won't be as easy as they thought.
However, there's also a certain pair of twin Spirits to look out for.
Shido's POV:
"Wow... Is that the ocean?" Tohka asks, looking out at the ocean in amazement. Oh yeah, I guess this would be her first time seeing the ocean.
Origami giggles. "I guess this is your first time seeing the ocean, huh Tohka?"
Tohka nods with an excited smile. "Uh-huh! The water park we went to with Yoshino and Kotori was amazing, but this place is even better!"
"More than you know." I state with a nod. Tohka looks back at the ocean, while I look at my childhood friend, who looks around the area in amazement. "How about you, Rinne? How does it feel to be here, out of Tengu City?" I ask, eager to hear from her about this new experience.
Rinne turns to me with a soft smile. "Shido... Words honestly can't describe how I'm feeling right now. This place is beautiful, unlike anything I've ever seen before." She replies, turning to look out across the ocean and out in the distance. "For as long as I can remember, I've been in Tengu City. Now though, seeing this beautiful place with my own eyes makes me realize that the world truly is a big place, and that there's so much to see." She looks at me with a smile full of gratitude. "It's all thanks to you and Yoshino saving me that I can experience this with you all. Thank you so much."
I smile back. "Your welcome, Rinne." It makes me happy watching Rinne see the wonders of the world, something that would never have been possible if they stayed in Eden.
Suddenly, I feel a sense of alert, my trained senses telling me that someone dangerous is watching us. I could see that Rinne shares the same alert expression I have, and so do Tohka and Origami. Turning around, we see Ellen Mathers from behind the plane station's entrance building. She walks out of hiding to take a photo, but thankfully, Ai, Mai and Mii come from behind and gather around her, taking her attention off us.
"As much as I want us to relax, we have to stay on guard. We're basically in enemy territory right now." I tell the girls, who nod seriously.
Third POV:
Unknown to the group of four, Ellen wasn't the only one to look out for. High in the sky above the island was a cloaked ship, as if hiding in the clouds. This was the Arbatel, one of DEM's airships. "Incoming from Adeptus 1. They've reached Arubi Island." A nameless soldier informs the commander. "Target confirmed. Akaru Airport, North District, camera number 6."
"It's [Princess], sir. We've found her." Another subordinate reports to the commander, the monitor showing Shido, Tohka, Rinne and Origami, before zooming on Tohka's face.
Paddington, the Commander of the Arbatel, gently takes hold of his chin. "That was anti-climatic. The girl doesn't look like a Spirit." He says, finding nothing out of the ordinary from Tohka.
"You must not let your guard down. Intelligence indicates she is a Spirit. That alone is reason enough to be level 1 alert." Ellen tells Paddington through an earpiece in her left ear.
"Roger that. Set alert to level 1."
"Alright Class 4, gather around!" Tamae calls out to her students as they gather in front of her and Reine, the homeroom teacher waving a flag to get their attention. "Right, come on! Eyes forward, Class 4! Since this is a school trip, we'll start the learning now! We're heading to the Arubi Island Museum! How exciting!"
Some students didn't share their teacher's excitement, notably a certain Talkative Trio. "Seriously?" Ai questions.
"It sounds, like, super boring." Mai remarks.
"That's so lame." Mii finishes with her usual catchphrase.
"Hey, get it out of the way now, have fun later." Tonomachi says, standing next to Mii with a grin. "Am I right, sexy?" He asks his digital girlfriend with a wink, getting the bespectacled girl to look at him with comical disgust.
"Okay gang, everyone follow the flag!" Tamae leads everyone down the left street at the crossroad.
Shido's POV:
Seeing our class going on ahead, I urge the girls to head off after them, but...
"Huh?"
I suddenly feel something from the opposite direction of where our class went, making me stop and look in that direction. Looking up, I could see swirling dark clouds forming in the sky.
"Look at those clouds." Tohka says as the girls also see them. "Is a storm coming?"
"The weather forecast didn't say anything about any storms, though." Origami says, making those clouds suspicious.
"Could it be... a Spirit?" Rinne guesses.
"Yeah. One powerful enough to affect the weather." I add. Yoshino isn't here, which means this must be a new Spirit. "Let's go!"
The four of us ran the opposite direction of our class, heading towards the dark clouds. The moment we're directly under them, though, we're greeted by some seriously strong winds. We cry out in surprise and brace ourselves, our hairs blowing wildly from how powerful they were.
"These winds are strong!" You can say that again, Rinne!
"Shido, look out!" Tohka shouts loud enough to warn me. I look to see a trash can coming at me, having been lifted off the ground by the powerful winds, and my reflexes kick in as I quickly duck down and let it fly over me.
"Another one!" Origami warns me, and I see the second trash can coming at me. Gritting my teeth, I decide to use my powers instead. Raising my hand in front of me, I use my power to create a barrier around us that not only blocked the second (and third) trash can, but also protected us from the strong us.
"That's better." I sigh with relief, getting reprieve from the strong winds.
"Yeah! Take that, trash cans!" Tohka cheers victory over the trash cans. I can't help but grin at my wife. What, did they knock you out in another timeline?
"Seriosuly, though, this storm is not normal." Origami comments on the wind blowing around us. It's strong enough that we could see it blowing around my barrier.
"There's no possible way that humans could control weather like this." Rinne observes the storm with a frown. "This is definitely a Spirit's work."
Just then, we see something pass by our left, making us look up at the sky. Two bright bluish white lights can be seen at the heart of the storm, flying towards and clashing against each other. We watch with stunned looks as they clash again and again, before eventually, their clash releases a strong gust of wind, making me close my eyes and grunt as the force made impact with my barrier.
"Are you alright, Shido?!" Rinne asks with worry.
"I'm fine." I reply. That was unexpected, but I've honestly suffered worse from training.
Opening my eyes to look ahead, my eyes widen when I see two girls facing off ahead of us. They look almost identical, as if they were twins. They both have orange hair and blue eyes, and even look like they're the same height. However, what stood them apart were their hairstyles and Astral Dresses.
The right girl's Astral Dress is mainly purple and has chains on her right hand and foot, with a piece of cloth around her waist looked like a half-skirt, which drops to her knees and opens around her thighs. The left girl's Astral Dress, in comparison, is a more bluish-purple, has chains on her opposite hand and foot, and has an identical piece of cloth, but instead wears it like a cape.
The girls gasp when they see the two Spirits as well. "There's two of them?" Tohka points out, surprised to see two Spirits.
"They look like twins." Origami adds.
Well, this school trip just got a lot more interesting.
I think I'm gonna call the chapter here!
We move on to the Yamai Arc, and DEM's is starting to make moves again! However, Shido's a lot stronger this time, not to mention he and Tohka are already aware of who Ellen is. Plus, with Rinne being with them, and her being on par with Yoshino, it won't be as easy as they think to capture Tohka.
But it seems they also a have a secret weapon of their own. Who is that woman in the tube?
Anyway, the Yamai twins have made their appearance! Next chapter will be the group's first interaction with them!