Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Date a Live.
Shido's POV:
I never knew Natsumi had suffered so much in her past.
Yoshino did hint that it was easily the worst out of all the Converted Spirits, but still... No one should have to suffer as much as Natsumi has. I'm glad that Nagisa-san has decided to adopt Natsumi after all this. She really deserves a true loving family.
I return to my house for a bit of a break, but as I reach out my hand to the doorknob, I pause, feeling a sense of danger. Someone's in my house, and it's not one of the girls.
Steeling myself for trouble, I open the door, and sure enough, Ellen Mathers is waiting inside. "Good afternoon, Shido Itsuka." She greets me with a not-so-friendly smile.
I narrow my eyes at the Strongest Wizard. "You know, it's impolite to just waltz into someone else's house without their permission."
She chuckles. "It seems you are capable of telling jokes despite the situation you are in." She points her sword at me.
"I'm not gonna let you take any of the girls." I say without wavering. I'm still kinda pissed from hearing Natsumi's backstory, so I don't mind letting out some steam against Ellen.
"Fool. Do you think you can take me on with Yoshino or Rinne assisting you?"
"Well, I'll just have to fuck around and find out."
The moment I say that, I use Metatron to teleport behind Ellen and fire a concentrated light beam at her. She barely reacts fast enough to block it with her Territory, but the attack still achieves the desired result of pushing her out of my house. I charge after her, summoning Soul Steel as the two of us clash blades.
Back then, I was barely a match for her with Rinne's help, but now, I have the power of two Complete Seals in Yoshino and Miku, as well as a nearly complete seal in Rinne and Rio. That, along with using Gabriel's March to buff myself along with my Pure Reiryoku to interfere with Ellen's Territory, means that I'm now able to hold my own.
"Soul Surge: Raphael!" I infuse my sword with Raphael's power, the orb turning orange as the blade is imbued with wind. I sent slash waves of wind at Ellen, but she dodges them and come straight for me. I block her attack with Soul Steel, and while having her in a blade lock, I take my right hand off my blade and summon Sandalphon.
"What?" Ellen is caught by surprise by this, and I quickly take advantage of the opening.
"Rising Cyclone!" Increasing my power output while also calling on my Pure Reiryoku, I manage to overpower Ellen and hit her with a rising spin slash with both swords, the wind from my attack carrying her into the air. I wasn't done, though. "Soul Surge: Metatron! Mirage Edge!" I quickly change the Soul Surge to Metatron, the orb turning while and the blade becoming imbued with light, and I attack Ellen with a barrage of slashes so fast that I leave afterimages before slashing her away with both blade.
Even after that, Ellen manages to recover and land on both feet, skidding to a stop as she gives me a regarding look. "I see. No wonder Ike is interested in you." She says. "It's not that you are weak without the Spirits helping you, but rather, you were holding back those times. No. You didn't have [Berserk]'s or [Diva]'s powers back then. It's more accurate to say that you are growing stronger with each Spirit you meet." Guess she's pretty figured it out.
"This is the power of the bonds I share with the Spirits... with my girlfriends!" I declare, pointing Soul Steel at Ellen. "They entrusted me with their power, giving me the strength to protect them!"
"Is that so? But what good is that power if you can't even protect yourself?"
"That's exactly why I've been training to remedy that." I recall Sandalphon and grip Soul Steel with both hands as I fix my stance.
Ellen takes a stance as well, but just as we're about to continue fighting, she looks like she receives a call.
"Shido, do you read me?" Reine also calls me at that moment.
"Yeah, but I'm kinda in the middle of fighting Ellen right now." I reply.
"You're fighting Ellen? By yourself? Well, I'm glad you're holding your own, but we've actually got a bigger problem. Not only is Natsumi missing, but we've confirmed multiple satellites on a crash course for Tengu City."
"WHAT?!" I shout. Natsumi going missing is already bad enough, but falling satellites as well?! I focus back on Ellen. "Don't tell me you guys are responsible!"
"If you're talking about the satellites, then this is not our doing." Ellen denies. "Most likely, this is Murdoch's plan."
"Murdoch?" I've never heard of someone like that before.
"He's one of the board members of DEM's Japanese branch. He tried to impeach Ike as CEO, but I put a stop to that. However, it seems he's now taking drastic measures to eliminate him." Is everyone in DEM insane?! "We'll have to hold off our fight for another time."
I watch Ellen leave, gritting my teeth at the current situation. This is the result of an infighting within DEM, and we're all being pulled into the crossfire!
I turn the other way and start running. First things first, I need to find Natsumi!
Kotori's POV:
As I descend into an enclosed space, I think about the current situation.
(Flashback)
"Commander! Natsumi is no longer in the guest room!" Kannazuki alerts me.
"She escaped?!" I shout. "When did this happen?!"
"It was after she came back from the date." Yoshino answers. "She regained enough of her powers at that point that she was able to transform into one of us and sneak out."
"Eh? So then, when I met Commander Itsuka earlier... that was actually Natsumi?" Shiizaki asks.
"More than likely!" Damn it, Shiizaki!
I sigh in frustration. "Great. Now we have to find Natsumi again."
"Unfortunately, we have more pressing matters than finding Natsumi." Yoshino says ominously.
"Like what?"
"How about a trio of satellite bombs on a crash course for Tengu City?"
"WHAT?!" My entire crew and I scream when we hear that, staring at Yoshino with wide eyes.
"Are you serious?! Is Wescott that crazy that he's willing to drop satellites on our heads?!" I shout.
"Actually, Wescott is the target of this attack." Yoshino replies. This confuses all of us, so she begins to explain. "After we saved Tohka, Origami, Kaguya and Yuzuru on the night of the Tenou Festival, one of DEM's board members, a man named Murdoch, tried to force Wescott to resign from his position as DEM's CEO. However, even though he got more than the majority to agree with him, he ultimately failed due to Ellen slicing off every hand that was raised." Wow. Of course Wescott's willing to play dirty to stay in power.
"I get it." I frown, understanding the situation. "Since Murdoch couldn't take down Wescott through political means, he's now taking extreme measures to eliminate him. Even if it means the city goes down with him."
"Pretty much." Yoshinon replies. And here I thought Wescott was the only insane one in DEM.
"And Murdoch's dropping three of those satellites?"
"He'll only drop one right now." Yoshino confirms. "But once we destroy that one, he'll drop the second bomb, and then the third one after that one's destroyed."
I grit my teeth. "I know a way to destroy the first satellite, but I'll be too exhausted to help with the other two afterward."
"That's fine." Yoshino assures me. "Just focus on using the Spirit Cannon to destroy the first one. I'll rally the others to destroy the remaining two."
"Alright." I nod with Yoshino's plan.
"And make sure to inform Shido. Knowing him, he'll prioritize finding Natsumi." She tells us before disappearing through her mist.
When we called Shido to warn him about everything, we found that he was in the middle of fighting Ellen Mather by himself of all things. It's impressive that he was able to hold his own against her, but that was still pretty reckless. Though, thinking about it, maybe Ellen was waiting to ambush him at home and he decided to fight back.
Shaking my head to focus back on destroying the first satellite, I begin concentrating my power. "Camael." My Limited Astral Dress forms around me as I summon my Angel. "Megiddo!" I transform it into its cannon form and thrust it forward, priming up Fraxinus' trump card, Gungnir.
Ratatoskr created the Spirit Cannon, Gungnir, through an incredible amount of time and effort to combine the power of Reiryoku and the fine control of Maryoku. Normally, such a thing is extremely difficult to do as it requires a Spirit to generate enough Reiryoku, while simultaneously generating enough Maryoku to control it. This bad boy can tear through practically anything with ease, requiring massive amounts of energy to deflect it. Energy that almost every Realizer on the planet failed to generate.
Of course, this was before we learned about Pure Reiryoku and how much of a cheat power it is. Yoshino, Rinne, and heck, even Shido and Rio could do as much damage as Gungnir, if not more, thanks to their Pure Reiryoku.
Regardless, this cannon is practically unstoppable, making it an easy task to destroy the bomb.
"Fire!"
I fire the Spirit Cannon, and immediately, a massive pillar of light approaches the satellite, completely swallowing it in a flood of Reiryoku. I did manage to catch a Territory appearing to try to stop it, but it shattered instantly upon contact. Heh, as if that was gonna stop Gungnir.
The light continues further, seemingly striking something invisible in the sky, the sound of metal groaning reaching our ears as a DEM's ariship, probably Murdoch's, flickers into view.
"That... if we had used Mistilteinn, it would have been deflected. That was an amazing call, Commander!"
I only manage a small smile at Kannazuki's praise. Gungnir is extremely powerful, but controlling my powers so precisely is exhausting.
Of course, I don't get any time to rest before another alarm starts going off.
"Commander! We've detected the second satellite!" Just like Yoshino said.
Well, I've done my part. The rest is up to you.
Yoshino's POV:
The moment we saw the second satellite falling after Kotori destroyed the first one, that was our cue to take over.
I begin issuing commands to the other Spirits. "Kaguya, Yuzuru, help me push this satellite back! We need it far enough above the city so that the explosion won't damage anything! Miku, boost us with March! Rinne, Rio, be prepared to shield us when that airship attacks to try and disrupt us! Tohka, Origami, you two will destroy the satellite once we push it back enough!"
"Aye aye, Commander!" Rio cutely salutes.
"Kuku, it's time for us to show of our divine might!"
"Agreement: We'll stop this satellite!"
The Yamai twins combine their wind powers into an incredibly strong gale, and I combine it with a chilly aura. This not only stops the satellite in its tracks, but also reduces the bomb's kinetic energy. The Bandersnatch try to use its Territory to hinder our efforts, but that's exactly why I'm mixing Pure Reiryoku into the attack, controlling it in a way so that it enhances the twin's attack instead of breaking it apart, allowing it to break through the Territory.
"Gabriel, March!"
Miku starts playing March, the song enhancing our abilities even further, allowing us to slowly but surely push the satellite back.
Of course, it was at that moment that Murdoch's airship tries to stop us, but Rinne and Rio were prepared to counter it, the mother-daughter duo forming a barrier that completely blocks the blast.
"Nice work, you two!" Tohka cheers for her sister and niece.
"Keep it up, everyone!" Kotori encourages us. "Just a little higher!"
"No problem!" Kaguya responds smugly.
Unfortunately, she appears to have jinxed us as the satellite abruptly stops... and then starts moving back down?!
"What's going on?" Origami asks in alarm. "Why is the satellite coming back down?"
"Murdoch's changing tactics. He's using the blast to instead push the satellite down." Reine informs us.
I grit my teeth at the unexpected turn of the situation. At this rate, I'll have to use Origin Mode-
"Haniel!"
A dazzling flash of light suddenly springs up, engulfing the satellite completely. Shido's arrived with Natsumi!
Just as quickly as it came, the flash recedes, leaving behind... Is that a Wescott body pillow?
I barely had enough time to see it as it gets sandwiched by mine and the twins' combined attack as well as Murdoch's blast, ending up completely destroyed due to it suddenly becoming a much weaker material, though the suddenness of it does catch me, Kaguya and Yuzuru off-guard.
"Well, that works." I say, before turning to Shido and Natsumi. "Thanks for the helping hand, you two."
"Well, it was Natsumi that helped out." Shido replies. "I just convinced her."
"The fact that you were able to convince her was still a big help." I tell him, earning a chuckle from him.
"How were you able to find Natsumi, Shido?" Kotori asks.
"Mana Detection." Shido answers simply.
"... Of course."
I glance over at Natsumi, who is standing a distance away from us, no doubt wary of us after what she tried to pull. "Natsumi! Over here!" I wave at her, gesturing her to join us. She still looks at us warily, but slowly walks over.
"You... You're not mad at me?" She asks nervously.
"If it's about the whole kidnapping thing, it's water under the bridge." I say in dismissal. "We've already forgiven you." Everyone nods in agreement with me, much to Natsumi's shock.
"You..." She starts tearing up. "What is wrong with all of you?!"
"Natsumi?!" Shido catches her when she starts sinking to the ground, holding her in his arms.
"I did so many things to hurt you! I tried to impersonate you, I tried to kidnap your friends, I straight up tried to ruin your life..." She sobs. "But you're still asking to be friends?" She grips Shido's shirt. "When you gave me that makeover, I was happy. When you brought me on that date, I was happy. When you talked to me today, I was happy. But still, all I did was behave horribly..."
Shido pats Natsumi on the back. "It's fine. None of us hold it against you."
"But still, is it really okay for me? It doesn't change the fact that I... that I... what are you..." Her voice trails off as she notices Shido's face moving closer to hers, before ultimately kissing her on the lips. This surprises Natsumi as she struggles a little at first, but slowly relaxes into the kiss. When they separate, the sealing takes effect, Natsumi's Astral Dress disintegrating into Reiryoku, which flows into Shido. "What! Is! This?!" Natsumi quickly notices her state of undress and covers herself with her arms while blushing a deep crimson.
As Shido covers Natsumi with his jacket, I walk up to the Transformation Spirit. "Natsumi, we understand why you did what you did." I begin speaking. "You were acting on past trauma. Your past before you became a Spirit is easily the worst out of all of us." I gently hug her, feeling her flinch in my embrace. "What we wanted, more than anything, was for you to feel genuine happiness, to know that there are people who will love you regardless of anything."
Natsumi begins to relax. "... You said that... you wouldn't mind me being your little sister." She says. "Did you really mean that?"
"Every word." I say, looking at her with a kind smile. "I would love to have you as my little sister." My words break the dam in Natsumi's heart as she hugs me tightly, crying into my shoulder. I simply smile and let in happen, gently patting her back like an older sibling.
"Hey, as much as I don't want to ruin the moment," Kotori butts in, "isn't there one more satellite we have to deal with?"
... Oh yeah. I nearly forgot about that.
"What should we do?" Tohka asks. "Same plan as before?"
Before anyone could respond, Shido walks in front of us, summoning Soul Steel. "You girls have done your part." He says. "Now it's my turn."
"By yourself?" Rinne asks with a bit of worry.
"Don't worry. I'll destroy that satellite." He assures us, looking back at us with a smile. "After all, it's you girls that give me strength." With those words, he summons Raphael and flies up to the satellite.
Third POV:
Flying up into the air, Shido stops the moment he sees the final satellite making its descent. Closing his eyes, he takes a deep breath to steel himself as he takes on a stance, his Reiryoku surging around him as he calls upon his Spirit Power, gained from his love with his girls, as the orb on his blade glows with a deep blue light. Snapping his eyes open, he lets out a mighty shout.
"ROARING SOUL SWORD FLASH!" He draws his blade in a single, powerful slash, sending a powerful wave of Reiryoku at the satellite. The Bandersnatch form its Territory in an attempt to stop the attack, but it just cuts through as it if didn't even exist, easily slicing through the satellite.
Knowing his attack struck true, Shido turns around and swipes his blade, a slash line flashing on the satellite as its top half slides off. Then, as Shido sheathes Soul Steel, the satellite explodes behind him, the [Sealer] floating in the air unbothered.
The Fraxinus crew all that their jaws hanging open at the epic shot of Shido destroying the satellite, including Kotori, who's lollipop falls out of her mouth. "Since when did Onii-chan become such a badass?" She asks out loud with a clear blush on her face.
"It's amazing that he's already become this powerful." Reine says with a smile. 'At this rate, he may become strong enough to grant my wish.'
Down below, the Spirits all look up at Shido with amazement, with Yoshino giving a proud smile, seeing all of their time training Shido bear fruit.
Natsumi, on the other hand, is downright shocked that Shido just one-shot a satellite.
Shido flies back down to the Spirits. "That's the last of the satellites." He says with a smile, then the next moment, he gets showered with praise by the other Spirits.
"Shido! That was amazing!"
"You destroyed that satellite like it was nothing!"
"I always knew you would succeed! A measly satellite is no match for your divine might!"
"Rejoice: You're so strong and cool!"
"Darling's the coolest!"
"I'm amazed that you gotten so strong, Shido!"
"Papa's the strongest!"
Shido chuckles. "Thank you for believing in me, everyone."
"... What the hell is he?" Natsumi asks, still in shock.
"Our shared boyfriend." Yoshino answers with a proud smile.
"Ellen, did you see that?" Wescott asks, having witnessed Ratatoskr foil Murdoch plan to kill him from atop a building.
"I did. That was undoubtedly Shido Itsuka." Ellen says, having seen the [Sealer]'s attack. "I had only just realized how powerful Shido Itsuka is when I briefly fought him when he was by himself. But, it seems I've still underestimated him. He may yet prove to be a worthy foe."
Wescott smirks. "Yes. That boy has exceeded my expectations. I wonder if he's also exceeded hers." He laughs lightly. "I almost want to see his power after gaining the powers of all the other Spirits." He looks at Ellen with a smirk. "Of course, we won't make it easy for him."
Cool guys don't look at explosions~
Well, that's the Natsumi arc done! Normally it ends with Origami using [Mordred] to blast the satellite, but since she's on Ratatoskr's side this time, I decided to use this moment to make Shido look like a badass.
Now, normally, next would be Origami's arc, but she's already been made into a Spirit and sealed, I think it's time we go back to the two arcs that were skipped.
In other words, next up is Arusu Install! How will these changes lead to a different outcome for the two AI Spirits?