Chapter 3: The Final Rest
“............”
The girl remained speechless while keeping her attention turning the pages of the book in her hand.
Then, in the blink of an eye, she instantaneously memorized the characters written on the text and turned to the next page a few seconds later.
The book currently in her possession was a scholarly tome, which roughly summarized the history that lead to formation of the present world.
It seems that the commodity was originally complied together for studious purposes. Since the style of the writings were recorded in an approachable format, it was very easy to understand. However, due to its habit of abridging the characters with simpler phrases, it may take longer to explore the hidden meanings behind the text.
However, that was a mere subtlety brought about by a so-called human nature. The girl narrowed her gaze while sensing the vibrations pulsating within her eardrum.
Right now, there were several electronic devices such as television sets, radio and cassette recorders lined up around the girl, each conveying its own voice. Reports. Drama. Live commentary. Rakugo. Music. Sounds of various forms overlapped into the girl’s brain. “..Fuu.”
How many times has this been repeated? The girl snapped the book closed and let out a gentle sigh.
“..So that’s it. I can roughly grasp the language system.”
The girl spoke while turning the power off the TV and radio, which was dispersing background noise throughout the vicinity.
“....”
Afterwards, his little sister who sitting adjacent from the girl──whom was surely called Mana──gave a stunned look to the girl.
“..? What happened?”
“No, even if you ask what happened.”
“Of course, until yesterday that child could only say “ah..” “guu..”, but now it’s amazing that she can speak so fluently.”
As Mana lashed out, the boy felt a faint drop of sweat fall down his back as he narrowed his brow.
“If there is sufficient information on characters and vocal sounds, it is possible to infer the language system from these common elements. Of course, due to many speculative components, I cannot deny that there will probably also include differences in detail.” “No, from what you’re saying, it sounds perfectly fluent.” “Um, why does it sound more authentic Japanese than Mana’s?” “Since Nii-sama could only say “ah..” or “gu..” for a while, it is at least at higher level than Nii-sama.” Mana exposed a kind smile while moving to pick up her bamboo sword bag, the boy hurriedly moved to stop her.
“Wait, calm down. I like your speech personally as well.” “It’s good that you seem to understand.”
As Mana let out a sigh while crossing her arms together, the boy gently brushed his hand against his chest to provide some comfort. “──That’s right, we can ask now that you can speak.” “..? What?”
“Who are you? Your power is obviously not normal. According to what Nii-sama said, you were found at the site of that explosion. That wouldn’t have been caused by your deed, right?”
Mana questioned while sharpening her gaze.
Nevertheless, that was not spoken without reason. There had been extensive news coverage about the catastrophic attacks that ravaged the Kanto region yesterday. It was impossible to not take heed of that when there was a person in front of you that was found at that scene.
However, after hesitating for a moment, the girl shook her head.
“..Sorry. I don’t know.”
She had replied back honestly.
In fact, she did not know anything about herself. Both who she was and why she was there.
“Hmm..I don’t think she is lying.”
“Then can you talk about what you understand? That, what, your circumstances──I want to understand.”
The boy gently asked. While shooting a sideward glance at the boy, Mana could only helplessly shrug her shoulders.
“Things to understand..”
The girl lowered her eyes as she searched deep within her memory. While using the language she just learned, a fragmented scene began to resurface in her mind.
“I remember..on the surface of ground level....three people. Two young men and one girl. Although I didn’t know what they were talking about at that moment──but I think now it was probably that language called English.”
“Three people..?”
“On the surface at ground level..if it is related to that explosion, could it perhaps that large calamity that struck the skies of Eurasia? No, if that was the case, there shouldn’t be any people....”
“I don’t know. Collecting, producing....creating? I feel like it was something like that. And then..──” The girl placed her hand against her forehead as if suffering from a painful headache. Seeing this, the boy gave an anxious look of concern. “A-are you alright? Don’t push yourself.” “I’m okay. It felt just a little painful.”
After the girl said that, the boy let out a sigh of relief.
Overlooking this scene, Mana could only scratch her head in a perplexed manner.
“Well..it can’t be helped if you can’t remember right now. In that regard, try thinking more slowly.”
After trying to raise her bangs upward, Mana casted an even sharper gaze onto the girl.
“──Now then, since there is now already no issue communicating anymore, I would like to inform you of my frank impression about yourself.”
“Impression..?”
“Yes, to be honest, you are too suspicious. I think it is best to contact the police immediately to protect you.” “Mana....”
The boy turned around and stared at Mana with a troubled expression. However, Mana continued to speak after exhaling in another sigh.
“..That being said, I actually don’t want to do this. Creating clothes from thin air, mastering an unknown language immediately; anyway, no ordinary person could ever do that. If we let you go, there is the possibility of you being treated the same as mice from a research institute. Thinking about that gives me the creeps.”
Mana continued speaking while shrugging her shoulders.
“For the time being, would it be okay for us to look after you? Either fortunately or unfortunately, mother and father are not home right now, so there is a spare room available.”
As Mana crossed her arms against each other, the boy’s expression soon brightened up.
“....”
It took a moment for the girl to comprehend the information that she had heard.
To be precise, although the meaning behind the words was understood immediately, there still needed to be some time in order to comprehend the intentions of the speaker.
It seemed that they were intending to take care of her at this place.
“Why..me?”
“Yes....did you understand what I said? This is not just following the flow and promising okay, alright? In any case, in this situation it’s not like you have a place to go anyway.”
“Although that is true.”
Then, Mana scratched her cheek again in a troubled manner.
“Then it should be all set. You..umm.” “Come to think of it, I still don’t know your name yet. Do you know your name?”
“Name..”
Name. A given name. A symbol that distinguishes something. To be said, it was something that she did not have for herself.
While the girl remained silent, Mana shrugged as if wordlessly saying “it’s fine”.
“That’s not very easy to handle. We can’t keep using you forever. What about ──”
“─Mio.” At that moment.
Just as Mana was in the middle of speaking, the boy spoke out in turn.
“Huh?”
“....?”
As Mana and the girl stared intently at him, the boy, who did not expect such a reaction, awkwardly scratched his cheek.
“Ah, does it sound strange. I thought it was a good name..”
“No, it’s not strange. Rather, I think it is an unexpected good name from Nii-sama, whose naming sense usually lacks common sense.” “Well..” The boy felt a drop of sweat fall down after hearing Mana’s harsh critique.
However, Mana continued on without concerning that.
“So where did that name come from? Is it the name of a heroine from a manga, or the name of imaginary lover that came blurting out from your thoughts?”
“No, no I wouldn’t do such a thing. But you see, didn’t we meet on the thirtieth? So it should be named after 30 (Mio)..that’s why.”
“..U-uh──..”
Mana furrowed her eyebrow in a conflicted expression. To be said, although it might have been a little bit too simple, it was difficult to deny that the name itself wasn’t bad.
“W-well, we have to ask the person herself. ──Hey, how is it?”
“Eh──?”
As the boy was speaking, the girl stared intently with wide open eyes.
At that moment, the boy finally had the feeling that he had decided upon a proper name for the girl.
“Well, concerning external matters, since you’ll be spending time here, it wouldn’t be much trouble at all to call you our relative. So then, the full name will be called Takamiya Mio.”
“Takamiya, Mio..”
As the girl spoke out──her own name, her lip subconsciously began to tremble. With only three characters. And pronounced with six syllables.
It was only just a string of characters tied together. But why? When those words leaked out from her throat, the girl felt warmth coming from her heart slowly spreading out.
And at the same time──she felt something slowly descending down her cheek.
“Wa!”
“Eh..!?”
Both the boy and Mana let out a startled look.
“..?”
As the girl titled her head, she soon discovered the reason.
From the corner of her eyes, there were drips of liquid flooding down to the ground.
If properly expressed through the language she had just learned, this liquid would be called tears.
“Eh..how strange. Why is it like, this..”
The girl tried to use her hands to hold down her eyes in order to prevent more excess tears from flowing out, but the tears could still not be stopped.
“U, ah, ahh.”
Follow this, her body swayed forward after feeling a sensation of her heart being struck.
“Nii-sama.”
“..Aaah.”
Then, while watching that scene unfold, the boy let out a faint smile as he sat down beside the girl and gently stroking her back.
With that comfortable feeling on her back, the girl──Takamiya Mio, cried during that brief time.
Two days had passed after the strategy meeting was conducted onboard <Fraxinus>.
Origami and Mana had arrived at a military base belonging to the Japanese Self Defense Force that was located on the outskirts of Tenguu City.
“Yeah──..it’s been a long time since last coming here.”
While looking up at the elongated fence together, Mana spoke with a wistful expression. Origami nodded in response and slowly walked in while using her smartphone to confirm the time.
Origami and Mana used to belong to the Tenguu garrison, with the ranks of first class master sergeant and third lieutenant respectively.
Of course, speaking from an age perspective, two people who looked to be around junior high and high school status should not belong to the SDF. However, the situation was different if the condition of Wizard was factored in.
──The confidential anti-Spirit unit, also known as AST.
The combat unit was organized to overcome the existence said to be a disaster that was killing the world── Spirits. All members of the unit were all individuals who had undergone surgery embed electronic components onto the brain in order to manually operate the Realizer Manifestation device── Wizards to be more precise.
Although, no matter how strenuous the training, those who do not have the aptitude cannot handle the Realizer Manifestation device no matter how much high quality machinery is used.
Due to the lack of talented Wizards and the number of people willing to engage in harsh missions, the SDF had no choice but to accept the enlistment of young people like Origami into the Japanese self-defense force.
Well, to be accurate, Mana was not a member of AST, but rather a transfer from DEM industries.
Then, while walking along the fence, Mana let out an unexpected voice.
“But Origami-san.”
“I don’t mind you calling me sister-in-law.”
“..Origami-san has already been discharged from the military and I fled from DEM in the same manner would have been viewed as betrayal. Can we really enter from the front entrance?”
When responding to Origami, Mana continued to speak to her while emphasizing with a formal designation. While slightly disappointing, Origami felt it was at least better than the previous Tobiichi-san.
“That shouldn’t be an issue. ──They should be coming soon at the agreed upon location.”
“Agreed upon?”
Mana tilted her head in bafflement after hearing Origami’s words. Then, as if on cue with Origami’s timing, a faint voice was heard from behind the fence.
“──Origami-san, Mana-san. Over here.”
“Huh?”
The sudden sound caused Mana to turn around. As if in synchronized rhythm, Origami also moved towards the direction of the voice.
Over there, two girls, whom were hiding behind a nearby bush, stuck out their faces against the fence.
One of them was a kitten-like girl with her hair tied in two braids at opposing ends. The other was a half Japanese girl who was characterized by her blond hair and glasses.
AST member, 2nd class private Mikie Okamine and AST mechanic Mildred F. Fujimura, both of them were colleagues of Origami. This type of entrance was supposed to be locked on both sides.
“Okamine-san and Fujimura-san? Why are the two of you here..?”
After Mana finished asking, Mikie made a slight nod before gently pointing to the nearby side entrance. ──
“Millie-san has already opened the lock, so please come in before you can be seen.”
“Fufu, dealing with this cylindrical lock while equipped with a Cr-Unit is as easier as breaking a baby’s arm──”
“..There must be a heavy sense of guilt at that level of difficulty.”
Mana stared with half-open eyes at Millie who seemed rather prideful.
However, after this situation, Mana finally understood the meaning behind what Origami had said beforehand.
“Indeed..in this manner we can smoothly go both in and out.” “It’s just like that.”
After giving back a short reply, Origami quickly surveyed the surroundings to confirm there were no onlookers and opened the door to the minimum extent necessary for sliding her body though. Whistling at those nimble movements, Mana imitated Origami’s actions.
However, there still wasn’t any time left spent being negligent. While observing the situation inside the base, they quickly hide in the shadows before finally arriving at the AST barracks.
Here, there was little concern over being spotted by ordinary members of the JSDF. Origami and the others finally loosened out a faint sigh of relief.
“Long time no see, Origami-san. Certainty, it’s been since that manga colosseum at the end of the last year.”
“It’s been a while. You were at great help at that time.”
“....” After Origami gave a brief reply, a glimmer of sweat feel down Mikie’s cheek as she made a conflicted expression.
“What?”
“No..though sure enough, it feels that Origami-san has changed..”
After saying that, Mikie let out a bitter smile. Well, that ought to be so.
The world had been redone by Shidou. It is not unreasonable that the Origami in Mikie’s memory and the current Origami had integrated, with both of them creating together a distinctively new impression.
“After all..that, you’ve changed after getting a boyfriend.”
“Yes. Both my body and heart have been dyed by him.”
As Origami gave an immediately reply, Mikie unknowingly let out a startled expression.
Incidentally, at that moment, Mana, who was right beside her, was staring at Origami with an unhappy glint in her eyes. Although the meaning behind it was not clear to Origami.. she thought perhaps it was throwing a tantrum in front of her sister-in law?
“More importantly.”
“R-right..over here.”
Upon Origami urging, Mikie shook her head to rekindle her composure before going on to lead both Origami and Mana.
Following Mikie while walking through the nostalgic barracks, they eventually approached a door. Mikie cleared her throat with a slight cough before knocking against the door.
“Captain, its Okamine.”
“Come in.”
There was an immediate voice responding back to Mikie’s words. Mikie shoot a small glance at Origami as she gently opened the door.
“──Long time no see, Origami. I didn’t except to meet you here.”
Just as Origami and Mana entered the room, they were greeted by the voice of a woman sitting in front of a chair.
While appearing to be in her late 20s, the resilient muscles around her arms and neck were conspicuous noticeable even in her JDGSF work clothes. ── First Lieutenant Ryouko Kusakabe. The field captain of AST and former supervisor of both Origami and Mana.
Ryouko wasn’t the only one in the room. There were several familiar faces in the back, left, and right corners of the room. They were all former colleagues of Origami, fellow AST’s Wizards whom accompanied each other onto the battlefield together.
Nonetheless, neither Origami nor Mana was too surprised at this. After all, it would be impossible for Origami to converse without gathering up everyone together first.
“Now then, what is your purpose for coming here? And to bring a wanted person along as well.”
“Eh? Wanted?”
As she heard what said, Mana stared out blankly. Ryouko titled her head slightly as if saying, “you didn’t know?”
“Although it wasn’t disclosed to the public, DEM has issued out a notice saying that former Adeptus number Mana Takamiya escaped during battle and is interfering with DEM’s activates. People who catch her will be rewarded with 1 million dollars.”
“Hiyaa, so they finally placed a spiteful bounty on Mana? ──So, are you all going to catch me?”
After Mana said that, Ryouko replied back with a snort from her nose.
“Unfortunately, I want to minimize the damage to both equipment and men for work as much as possible.”
“Ahaha, I don’t dislike that side of you, captain.”
As Mana laughed, Ryouko let out a sigh before turning her attention back to Origami.
“We also don’t have much time to idle around, so let’s get straight to the topic. Although there is a past comradery between us, please don’t say that you’ve come here to discuss something unpleasant?”
“My apologizes, but please listen what I have to say.”
As Origami said that, all of the AST members, including Ryouko, let out a sigh in unison.
“..Well, whatever. So what’s the matter?”
As Ryouko gave a shrug as if resigning on the matter, Origami made a small nod before continuing,
“Has AST received a request from DEM to mobilize?” “Ha? What did you suddenly say? From DEM..?”
Ryouko spoke out while turning to her subordinates. In turn, her subordinates all shook their heads as if having no recollection either.
It seemed that the order had not been sent out yet. Origami looked straight at Ryouko’s face while continuing.
“──On February 20th, a large scale battle will probably ensue around Tenguu city. At that time, there is the possibility that a request from DEM might be issued to AST. However, I hope everyone will ignore it.”
That’s right.
That was the reason why Origami and Mana were using their valuable time before the decisive battle to visit this place.
DEM intended to mobilize all of the Wizard’s combat power, the <Bandersnatch>, and the <Nibelcol> in order to take Shidou’s life. In that case, it was easy to guess that they might also request cooperation from AST as well.
Of course, in a direct battle the Spirits would not lose to them. However, unlike DEM’s automatic dolls, they are only people who are fighting to defend their country and protect civilians. If they oppose each other, the Spirits might end up hesitating fighting them and DEM will certainly aim to treat them as shields. If possible, it would be best to eliminate this share of the worry ahead of time.
“..Ha?”
Ryouko, if speaking more exactly, alongside all of the AST members sitting there, gazed at Origami with widened eyes.
“Battle? Who exactly is fighting whom?”
“DEM and <Ratatoskr>. And perhaps <Nightmare>, Tokisaki Kurumi will join as well.”
“W-wait. What are you talking──”
“Listen.”
After Origami interrupted Ryouko’s words, she began to explain an outline of the current situation.
DEM’s purpose. The existence called Spirits. And even the organization of <Ratatoskr> related to that matter.
Of course, they had already received permission from Kotori to disclose the existence of <Ratatoskr>. Even though they would still have to choice whether or not to accept this new information, Origami continued to explain without any lies.
Since no matter how much more reasonable it would make the story, falsehood breeds feelings of mistrust and would obscure the true value of the truth.
Even if it was only one out of hundred things being told was false, it would cause the other party to begin to doubt everything else as well. It may turn out that honesty could be a fatal mistake, but as of now, it was their best hope in trying to convince the other side.
“In simple terms, that’s about it.”
“....”
After Origami finished explaining, Ryouko, Mikie and the others all responded back with different reactions.
There were those whose eyes jumped open in astonishment, others who placed their hands against their foreheads in a contemplative gesture. There were people frowning with unease..although the reactions were various, they all shared a shared confusion over hearing what Origami had just said. But that was to be expected. If Origami had also heard such a thing while still in AST, she would likely have the same reaction.
“..........What the hell is this?”
Despite not knowing how long it took, Ryouko finally opened her mouth with a heavy tone.
“A secret organization protecting Spirits? That’s already beyond absurd. Anyway, you expect me to believe that and withstand DEM’s help request?”
“Ah, captain, so you do believe that there will be a help request from DEM.”
“..Don’t twist my words.”
As Ryouko angrily glared at Mana, Mana responded back by shrugging her shoulders and gave off a demeanor that suggested her ambivalence at being disrespectful.
“Although you probably already understand it, dismissing DEM’s request is synonymous with ignoring instructions from above. For us, why would we willingly court martial ourselves and forfeit our jobs?”
“It doesn’t matter if you all resign beforehand. Like I said, <Ratatoskr will handle re-employment.”
“You..”
Ryouko let out another heavy sigh while scratching her messy hair.
“Obeying orders aside..what do you mean to not attack the Spirits. Aren’t they the natural enemy of humanity that’s been causing spacequakes? We have always been order to protect everyone from those walking disasters..”
“The information that Spirits are organisms that only intend to destroy should be regarded as part of DEM’s propaganda. From the very beginning, we’ve been dancing at the palm of DEM’s hands.
“....”
Ryouko remained silent while staring at Origami, as if trying to discern the intentions from its very depths.
Then, as if not being able to handle such a silence, Mikie let out a trembling voice while alternating between looking at Origami and Ryouko.
“I-I don’t think Origami-san is lying..”
“Ahaha──Although I can’t enter the battlefield at all, was that organization called <Ratatoskr>? Right? So how do the units look over there──If so, and then let me work there. Millie-san is very talented. Can help──.”
“..Sorry, but please be quiet for a second.”
Ryouko replied back to Mikie in a low voice for speaking out of turn. As Mikie’s shoulders began shaking, Millie let out an unexpected laugh.
Then, after returning to silence for a while, Ryouko eventually let out a long sigh.
“....I can’t do that.” “Captain..!”
Mikie took a step forward to Ryouko as if trying to make an appeal. However, Origami reached out her hand in order to stop her. “O-Origami-san..” “That’s unfortunate, but I can’t blame the captain’s choice.”
Origami closed her eyelids for a moment to concentrate before opening them up again.
She did not feel that they would have simply believed in her words. ──No, to be more precise, even with their trust, they would not be obliged to act in accordance to her instructions.
Origami turned over to Mana, who let out a disappointed sigh while following behind her.
“....”
Then, Origami unexpectedly stopped on her foot while leaving the room.
“If you obey the request to enter the battlefield, try to hide behind the <Bandersnatch> as a shield.” “Huh..?” “If possible, I don’t want to kill you.”
After Origami finished, Ryouko let out an angry huff while an audible clicking sound was heard from her standing up from the chair.
“..What. Aren’t you completely overlooking us? Certainty you are skilled Wizard, but if we were all fighting together──”
At that moment, with a slight cry from her throat, Ryouko’s voice came to a complete stop.
However, that was a matter of course. If an inorganic feather with light radiating from its tip appeared suddenly in the air, everyone would have made the same reaction. The ray of light swept past Ryouko’s cheek and exploded against the wall in a fury of smoke.
“Please.”
“....”
While listening to all of the team members breathlessly gasping in shock behind them, Origami and Mana left the room.
“..Um?”
At the Spirit mansion besides the Itsuka residence, Natsumi, who was walking in the hallway, abruptly stopped after a small sound was caught by her eardrum.
“? What’s wrong, Natsumi-san.”
“Is your shoelace untied? How ominous!”
As Yoshino walked towards her while slightly tilting her head, the rabbit puppet “Yoshinon” on her left hand was using the forepaw to cover its face.
However, Natsumi shook her head after casting a glance at her own shoe just in case.
“That’s not it..did you hear some noise just now?” “Noise..?” “Yeah, from that direction..”
After saying that, Natsumi shyly tiptoed forward.
No, there shouldn’t be any chance of a burglary in a residence that boasted a security to an excessive degree now..however, perhaps due to her innate disposition, the thought still remained in Natsumi’s mind as she walked towards the source of the sound.
“That is..” “Is that the kitchen? Maybe someone is cooking?” While follow being Natsumi, “Yoshinon” spoked out in turn while nodding her head.
Just as “Yoshinon” had said, there is a large kitchen at the ground level of the mansion. According to Kotori, it was supposed to be a facility for the Spirits to cook together. Just before Valentine’s Day, it was the memorable site of where everyone was making chocolate together.
“Who is there?” “Who knows..”
Although Natsumi was terribly frightened, she still mustered the strength to lower her head in order to peek inside Following that.
“Hmm, tis difficult, does this suffice?” “Umu. Well done Mukuro. That should be pretty good!” “..Mun, Tohka, thou portions seem quite large.” “Mu? That’s right? Shouldn’t it be the size of my palm?” “.If Muku’s memory is certain, the palm size refers to a measurement that fits at the palm of one’s hand. I think it not refer to a hand with a palm that is stretched out fully.”
From behind, they were peeking at a conversation between the two of them.
“Tohka and..Mukuro?”
As Natsumi spoke out in a stunned manner, Tohka and Mukuro turned around to the source of the voice that they heard.
“Oh, isn’t it Natsumi, Yoshino, and Yoshino!” “Mu, what’s the matter, why are you in this place.” “No, it’s because we heard something happening...it’s better to ask what you’re doing..”
Natsumi spoke out while raising her brow a few times in curiosity. As Tohka and Mukuro both turned around, the objects held within their hands were also reflected onto Natsumi’s eyes. Steamed rice crafted by hand into a triangular shape. That’s right, they were rice balls.
“Eh, what, didn’t we just eat a while ago? Are you still hungry? Leaving Tohka aside, to think Mukuro as well..”
After saying that, Natsumi felt her gaze unconsciously towards the chest of both of them. Tohka was needless to say, but even Mukuro boasted a proud chest compared to her slender body. ..Sure enough, were there impressible people who can convert all of that nutrition for that part?
While Natsumi was immersed in such thoughts, Tohka and Mukuro’s chests suddenly swayed. No, the swaying of the chest was a natural by-product from two people moving their heads sideways.
“It’s not the same thing. ..No, although I also want to eat, but that’s not all.” “..What do you mean?”
“Mun. Presently, Nushi-sama and sister-in law are preparing for the upcoming war. A conscious mind would naturally incur an empty stomach.”
Hearing what the two of them had said, Yoshino struck her head with a hand with a comical “pon” sound. To be precise, it was with the same hand holding “Yoshinon” though.
“Ah..could this be providing refreshments?”
“Umu!”
“Indeed.”
After finishing speaking, Tohka and Mukuro raised the rice balls in their hands. Natsumi nodded her head as if saying “....I see, I see”
“..Well, that does this sound good. Shidou and the others will certainly be happy.”
“Oh, Natsumi you also think so as well?”
“Eh, aahh, well.”
Natsumi diverted her eyes as Tohka made a delightful smile. ..Incidentally, Natsumi did not look away because of the inclusions of any lies or of the sort in her words. It was simply because Tohka’s glimmering eyes were simply too dazzling. It was to the extent that Natsumi began to wonder if she had a vampire for an ancestor somewhere down the line.
At that moment, Tohka looked as if she had come up with something before calling out to Natsumi and Yoshino.
“Yes, if you’re free right now, Natsumi how about you make some as well? It’s fun!” “Eh..? N-no, I’ll....” Natsumi drew out a shaky voice in response to Tohka’s sudden proposal.
However, right beside her, Yoshino and Yoshinon had glimmering eyes fill with anticipation that spoke out like they were saying “we’re waiting for you to say that..!”
“Can we..? Then, please let us join. We also want to help in everyone’s efforts..!”
“Nifufu, Yoshinon’s paws already have an intolerable thirst! ..Eh? You’re saying that rabbits don’t have foot pads? Ufufu, brats that are too quick witted won’t be well received.
Looking at the two of them becoming completely enthusiastic, Natsumi could not help shed a few drops of cold sweat. “I, forgot about what I have to say..after all──” “Natsumi-san..let’s do this. If we do this together, I’m sure it will be fun.”
“Eh, no, t-that.” Hearing what Yoshino just said, Natsumi speech fell to an incoherent level. Slimy sweat gushed from her entire body as her heart rate plumbed straight up.
This reaction didn’t mean a lack of skills in cooking rice balls, nor an allergy to rice in general. Of course, the reason did not stem from an unwillingness to show appreciation to Shidou, Kotori, and the others.
It was a simpler and easier reason. If imagined simply, rice ball, as their names would suggest, are dishes made by kneading cooked rice with one’s hands.
──That’s right, a chef, with both hands, directly.
Even ordinary handmade dishes would make people hesitate. If replaced by food that has been directly touched by Natsumi’s hands, then no one would want to eat that..!
Natsumi’s rice balls, give them to fully loaded bombers to scatter against an enemy nation, or to captives that have not eaten for a few days.
“If you don’t want to starve, then eat this, but hey it’s a rice ball that Natsumi has grasped, hahahahahaha!”
It would only serve the purpose of giving that sort of feeling of hopelessness. Presumably, the captives would insist on not eating due to their own dignity as human beings. However, in the end, unable to resisting the pain from fasting, they would endure against the rice balls with hellish anguish until their dying breath. ..Despite this being a little too severe, there was also the sense it could be effectively seen within in her expectations.
However, no matter how wrong those absurd thoughts were, it was absolutely something she could not give to her fellow comrades. Natsumi let out a bitter sigh while trying to shake those thoughts out of her head.
“No, no..giving everyone rice balls that I personally touch would be already considered a poisoning incident. It would be breaking the law.”
After saying that, Natsumi took a step back.
“That kind of thing..”
Then, after Yoshino muttered that out, she looked onto Natsumi with gaze filled with resolve.
“Natsumi-san, please show me your hand.”
“Huh..? L-like this?
Although not knowing what Yoshino was intending, Natsumi still did as she was told and extended out her hand.
Then, Yoshino nervously focused her gaze onto Natsumi’s fingers.
“Argh.”
Following that sound, Yoshino gently bit against Natsumi’s fingers. “Uhiya!? Y-Yoshino?” The unexpected affair caused Natsumi to reflexively cry out. Then, Yoshinon, who was perched on Yoshino’s left hand, began clattering in order to speak.
“Eh──Since Yoshino is busy right now. Yoshinon will speak on her behalf. Natsumi-san’s hands are not poison. Yoshino wants to say this! How cool! How lovely!”
“Hi-Hieee..”
For a second time, there was fear and trepidation. Sinful and sacred admiration, various emotions were blended against each other in her mind.
Natsumi’s face seeped out various bodily fluids as her expression completely shut down. However, it was not over yet. Watching this scene unfold, Tohka gasped out an “Oh!” sound while striking her fist against the palm of her hand. Then, while mimicking Yoshino, she chewed on Natsumi’s fingers on her left hand. “Gya ────!?” With both hands held down, Natsumi had her eyes turn into blank dots.
“Hmm?”
Having taken notice to these actions from afar, Mukuro took a great leap forward.
However, since both hands were being occupied by Yoshino and Tohka, Mukuro seemed to hesitate for a brief moment──
“Mun.”
Having seemingly thought of an idea, Mukuro pressed both of her hands against Natsumi’s face, slowly drawer closer and closer to her mouth.
“..!? I-I get it! I get it! I’ll also do it together with everyone, so please stop..!”
As Natsumi made her desperate appeal, everyone’s facial expression brightened as they went back to their original positions.
“Umu, then let’s get started!” “Mun, it is good to wash our hands over there first.” “T-that..I’m sorry Natsumi-san, but I just wanted to worker together with Natsumi-san no matter what..” “..Ah, that, um. Thank you.”
Yoshino lightened her facial expression with a cheerful smile as Natsumi replied back with reddish cheeks.
..Well, it seemed to be unavoidable. While thinking of the poor victim who would have to eat her rice ball, Natsumi drew a cross over her chest and prayed for that person’s peace.
Then, after they washed their hands, they gave a deluxe cooking cover to <Yoshinon> before returning back to Tohka and the others.
“Well then..let’s get started. Tohka, how many have you guys already done?” “Me and Mukuro have only made one each! After all, we’ve just started!” “Mun.”
After saying that, the two of them proudly presented the rice balls in front of their hands to Natsumi. While Mukuro’s could be passed as part of the norm, Tohka’s rice ball was overstepping the usual size proportions.
“How about it? Isn’t it well-made?”
“Eh, well..the shape is alright. But Tohka, don’t you think the size is a little too big?”
“Mu, is that right. Then this one will be for personal use, I’ll make another one to give to Shidou.”
As she said so, Tohka laid down the oversized rice ball onto a plate and began to drill a hole in the center with her fingertips. “Tohka-san?”
‘What are you doing?” “Umu, grasping the filling inside. Actually, I want to add some of the ingredients inside into Shidou’s meal. But this is really difficult. Since it can’t be helped, I’ve decided to put the contents in after the shape is made.”
“Ah, so that’s it.”
Natsumi nodded after recognizing it as well. If the fillings were simply stuffed into the rice, it would surely be harder to fix the shape by pinching the rice afterwards.
At first glance, one can find various arrangements lying on the kitchen table. Finely chopped soy sauce mixed bonito flakes, tsukudani made from Kombu, a large chunks of cod roe, as well as tuna mayo prepared in large quantities for some inexplicit reason. On the more unusual side, there was pre-fried chicken and sliced pork that stewed just to the right extent, and so on. It was a collection of all-star rice ball ingredients.
“Fufu, fuufuu──.”
Tohka was humming cheerfully while sorting out the ingredients.
But, along the way, her shoulder gave a small shiver as her humming song stopped abruptly.
“..Alright.”
Then, as Tohka gave a slight nod to display her affirmation in her decision, she grabbed a plate with her hand. When looking at the contents of the plate, both Natsumi and Yoshino stared in wide-eyed astonishment.
“Wait, are those umeboshi?” “Tohka-san, weren’t you not good with those..?” After hearing what the two of them had said, Tohka nodded her head as if saying “I know” with determined look.
“Umu..it really was sour, so I was weak to it. However, that is why I have to overcome it. If I can’t conquer umeboshi, how can I hope to beat DEM!?” After saying that, Tohka clenched her fist. Looking on that power scene, Natsumi couldn’t help but applaud.
“I-I see..un, although the theory isn’t quite understood, I can apprehend your readiness.” “Tohka-san, how amazing..!” “Hmmm..how admirable, Tohka. If that is the case, Muku will also decide on preparations.”
After finishing, Mukuro slowly paced herself to the countertop beside the cooking station to pick up a plate.
“Wasabi-zuke. At this moment, thou and Muku will stop to spin and endless string of fate.”
“Eh, Mukuro, do you dislike Wasabi-zuke?”
“Munu. Pickles themselves are favorable as a whole, but this variety is too spicy, so I have long since avoided its consumption. ──However, Tohka’s boldness truly deserves to be admired. As she said, one cannot be afraid of such things when heading off to battle.”
As if infected by Tohka’s passion, Mukuro declared in a firm tone. Upon seeing this, Tohka gave her an affirmative thumbs up. Not falling behind, Yoshino nodded her head before speaking.
“I-I also..I’ll also do my best! In my words..that, raw celery I am weak against.”
“Oh! Then come join us!”
“Celery. There seems to be some in the refrigerator.”
“..No, no, if you add celery to rice balls, then even those who like celery would be in conflict.”
Cold sweat fell down Natsumi’s cheeks in response to what three of them all had said.
“That’s right! As expected of Natsumi!”..While looking down, to be honest being boasted in that regard made her feel uncomfortable.”
“By the way Natsumi, do you also have something weak against?”
“Eh? Something weak against..what would that be?”
As Natsumi was pondering that over, <Yoshinon> began chattering her mouth open.
“Ah, if I remember correctly Natsumi-chan, didn’t you say that it’s difficult for you to look directly at other people?”
“Hmmm, how can that be added?”
"No, no, these two meanings are not the same...! And let's not talk about this; the idea itself is very weird!"
“That’s right Mukuro. We can’t just dig someone’s eyes out. Let’s use the eyes of the tuna as a substitute here. It’s rich in DNA, so when eaten it would light up the brain.”
“Mun. Tis not a bad idea.”
“Hold on──ahhhhh!”
Seeing these two people hold a serious discussion about DHA without thinking, Natsumi couldn’t help but let out a shout of frustration.
Whether it was expected or good, the preparations for refreshments seemed to be going through a rough passage.
“..Eh──Ancient east and west game. Even if isn’t erotic, it sounds erotic. Chinsuko.”
Note: The first syllable of the first word in Japanese sounds similar to the male sex organ (Chinko). Chinsuko itself is a Japanese pastry.
Nia’s voice suddenly echoed in the living room inside the Itsuka residence.
Immediately, to respond to that voice, another one subsequently followed afterwards.
“Eh──let me think for a moment. Ippai.”
Note: The word full (いっぱい, ippai) is only one syllable off from oppai (おっぱい) or breasts.
“Answer. Saxophone.”
Note: The pun here is saxophone (サックス) and sex (セックス).
Just like Nia and Miku, Yuzuru replied back with rhythmic precision. Then everyone turned their eyes towards the next respondent, Kaguya. “Eh..!? U-uh..that..well, Machupicchu...?”
Note: Machupicchu is one of seven districts of the Urubamba Province in Peru. The pun is that it sounds similar to chu (チュッ), sound effect for kissing.
“..!”
As Kaguya replied with redden cheeks, everyone who was lying on the sofa suddenly stood up.
“Eh, can you explain in detail Kaguyan. Why is the word Machupicchu erotic? Nia is too pure to understand nyaa.”
“Please explain to me! Please don’t hesitate to teach me! Please ☆Kaguya-sensei!”
“Request. Seeking explanation. When did Kaguya feel sexually excited by the ruins of the Inca Empire?”
“Why are all of you ganging up on me!?”
Kaguya cried out in irritation, but the three of them did not relent. All of them stood up together to seek an explanation from Kaguya.
“U-Uhh..” Not being able to stand against that abnormal pressure, Kaguya eventually gave up and continued to speak.
“..T-that sound..it does not look like, something like that.” “Eh──? What kind of sound──?” “I don’t understand──”
“Petition. Please elaborate further.”
However, the momentum of their three-pronged attack did not diminish in the slightest as they continued questioning with even more excitement. Having been completed defeated, Kaguya replied back with a face bright red her voice resembled a mosquito flying around.
“..W-when kissing..” “....”
Immediately at the next moment, the three of them after a moment silence all let out a “Ha──!” sigh without exception.
“Well, I see, I see.”
“Yaaah! Kaguya-san is too cute!”
“Mercy. Well, it does seem to be serious, so we’ll leave it be.”
“What a horrible feeling to make me bother explaining! Then you guys also clarify. Hey Nia, how is Chinsuko erotic?”
“Eh? Of course it refers to pen──”
“It’s fine if you don’t explain it!?”
Faced against Nia’s unambiguous interpretation, Kaguya let out a scream to interrupt her.
“Ehh──but you told me to explain──”
After saying that, Nia shrugged her shoulders before returning back to her original position with everyone else before speaking aloud once again.
“Well, let’s continue then. Chinchilla.”
Note: Chinchilla (チンチラ) sounds similar to panchira (パンチラ), which pretty much means panty shot.
“Err, shippai.”
Note: The word shippai (しっぱい) can mean a social faux pas, but Miku is trying to make another pun on oppai again.
“Answer. Six.”
Note: Same as before with saxophone. Six (シックス), pronounced as shikkusu, sounds the same as sex (セックス).
In the blink of an eye, the order had once again returned to Kaguya. With the red glow still flushing her cheeks, she whispered out in a trembling voice.”
“...Chu-Chupa Chups.”
Note: Same lollipops Kotori likes. Again, Kaguya is choosing a word that contains the syllable for the Japanese sound effect of kissing.
“..!”
After Kaguya said that, the three of them rustled together in unison once again.
“Hey, hey, Kaguyan, why is that erotic?” “Please tell me──!” “Puzzled. Has Kaguya always been looking at Kotori in an erotic manner?” “Waah, that’s really enough you guys ahhh!”
Having been once again bothered by those three, Kaguya let out a frustrated cry.
“What is going on in the first place? Even though I participated in order to cooperate with everyone, why did you guys wanted to play this ancient east and west game anyway!?”
Note: Also known as the Yamanote line game, Players go around in a circle (like the titular train line) and name any stations they can think of that are on the Yamanote sen. Even though it’s called the Yamanote Line game, you can play the game with any category, not just station names.
“Eh──because it’s not busy right now.”
Nia replied back to the question while swaying her leg to the other side. Even though Miku and Yuzuru did not specifically clarify, they also shrugged to show consent to Nia’s words.
“Ku..”
Kaguya clenched her teeth grudgingly.
However, it was difficult to deny. After all, Kaguya also maintained a similar impression.
Even though there were four Spirits at the Itsuka residence right now, they were all sitting on the sofa doing nothing special.
Looking at this scene, it would be very daring to believe that an all-out war will be waged in a few more days. How stable──no, rather what a time to be lazy.
Actually, they were originally preparing for battle, but the main assignments were already taken care of by <Ratatoskr>. More than anything else, they were not told the details of the plan due to being worried that it would be leaked due to <Beelzebub>, which explains their current predicament of being at a loss of what to do. Actually, Kotori’s instructions amidst the ambiguity were to rest their bodies so that they would be mentally prepared for no matter what strategy was announced on the day of the decisive battle.
Yet in this manner, when all is said and done, with the decisive battle imminent, nobody was interested reading or playing video games. Indeed, this resulted in the creation of a strange space of paradoxically wanting to do something, yet also not knowing what should be done.
"I thought there would be something to do if I got here, but......"
“Consent. Truly unexpected. If Shidou is not at home, then he must be onboard <Fraxinus>.”
“I would suppose so? After all Imouto-chan isn’t here as well. Also, didn’t Oririn and Manati went to the JGSDF base? At that time, I should have tagged along with them to collect data──”
“....”
“....”
“....”
Just as everyone was thinking over various hypothetical scenarios that didn’t take place, silence once again filled the room.
Immediately afterwards, perhaps feeling that the atmosphere was getting awkward, Nia raised her voice.
“..Eh──ancient east and west game, boy’s handsome moments.”
“Huh?”
Hearing the unexpected theme, Kaguya narrowed her eyes in surprise.
“For me to say──uh──, sure enough, it was the kiss he gave to me and not willing to give up while I was dying. That sort of tight feeling pulled on the heartstrings.”
After saying, Nia took the nearby cushion and pressed against her face while making a sound in between a chirp and groan. Kaguya couldn’t help but reflexively blush at the sight.
“Let’s see, for me it was in the DEM Japanese branch when he stepped forward to protect me from Inverse Tohka’s attack..! At that time, he said, “I..promised”! Yaah! Just remembering makes me recall how cool he was!”
Next, Miku spoke out while fidgeting her legs in excitement.
Following, this Yuzuru replied back with one finger against her chin.
“Thinking. For Yuzuru it was when he stopped the fight between Kaguya and Yuzuru with a single swing from <Sandalphon>.”
“Ah..n-no fair! That’s what I wanted to say!”
“Denial. That’s just the order. It’s beyond reproach.”
“I don’t remember, when we did we decided to answer in order in the first place!?”
“Careless. These sorts of matters always come at a first-come first serve basis. Alright, now it is Kaguya’s turn. Or does that mean Kaguya can only think of only one handsome scene with Shidou?”
“Ku..”
Although she was less than impressed by Yuzuru’s words, it was impossible to remain silent when told something like that. Kaguya stuttered out while her face was still flushed with a red hue.
“..For me, it was when Shidou took the two of us out for bowling..I was crying when he stroke my head silently..” “Kyupin! Maiden sense detected!” “Please give the details of this story!”
“Prying. When was this story? Even Yuzuru does not know about this.” “How did we end up in this development again? That’s the reason I was unwilling before!”
Hearing Kaguya cry out with tears in her eyes, the three of them let out a laugh before returning back to the couch.
Then, after a moment of silence, Nia suddenly let out her voice.
“..I really don’t want boy to die.”
Then, as if responding to that, the other Spirits joined in a quiet, yet powerful tone.
“Yes, of course. If there was no darling, perhaps I still wouldn’t have been able to trust others.”
“Affirmation. If it wasn’t for Shidou, Yuzuru and Kaguya would still be fighting to determine who would be the one left remaining in this world.”
“That’s right. Me as well, if it wasn’t for boy, I would already be dead. Ahahaha.”
Although the context of what was said was no laughing manner, Nia still spoke out in a cheerful tone. Looking at that, Kaguya couldn’t help but make a wry smile.
“..Well, that’s right. Me too, I feel like I haven’t fully repaid him yet.”
After she finished speaking, Kaguya lightly got up from the sofa. Then, while placing her hand in front of her face to make a stylish pose.
“Not only that, I will turn into a guardian of darkness to protect others. People who dare touch the fangs of purgatory, notice that the death god’s invitation is waiting in front of you!”
Having made such a grandiose declaration, Nia and the others let out an “Oh ──” sound while giving sparsely round of applause.
“You’re as cool as ever. ..So, what does that mean?”
“Translation. I can’t bear to live if someone as beloved as Shidou dies! Kaguya will do her best to protect Shidou. However, as a reward, she wants a kiss from Shidou. That is what Kaguya meant just now.”
“Kya──! How bold!”
“That translation is full of malice!”
Just as Kaguya raised her voice to protest, a brisk ringing noise was heard coming from the smart phone.
Moreover, it wasn’t just one. All of the Spirits’ phones began going off at the same time.
“Un..What, ah, Tohka?”
After taking a quick glance at the screen to confirm the name of the caller, Kaguya clicked on the call icon. Then, a lively voice was heard coming from the over end.
“Kaguya! I’m preparing rice balls right now for Shidou and the others at the apartment. How about coming over to join us!?”
At the same time, Kaguya vaguely heard that the other calls all contained a similar topic.
“A-ah..it’s Yoshino. Kaguya-san, we are providing refreshments for Shidou-san, if it’s convenient──”
“Nia. It’s Muku. Beseeching you to lend a hand.”
“Ahhh! Natsumi-san, why did you send a text message instead of calling! Let me hearing your lovely voice! Ahhhhhhh!”
Apparently, despite Spirits in the apartment contacted Kaguya and the others at the same time, Miku was the only one to not be contacted via phone call, causing her stand up and sob spasmodically in sorrow.
As Kaguya made a faint smile seeing this, she quickly replied back to the voice on the phone.
“Kuku, excellent, my kin. I will respond to your summons. Wait just a while.” “Oh! I will be waiting!”
After waiting until Tohka was finished, Kaguya hanged up the phone.
It seemed that both Nia and Yuzuru had also ended their calls at the same time. When looking at each other, one can notice that everyone was smiling. Incidentally, the only one left out was Miku, who was replying back to her mail at a frightening speed.
“What exquisite timing.”
“Comment. To be truthful, even small things can be appreciated as use to Shidou and the others. Let’s go.”
“Hey, it sounds like it will be fun making rice balls with everyone!”
“Alright, to pass the time until we arrive at the apartment, this will be the last ancient west and east game. The theme is most erotic experienced so far..”
“Like I said earlier, I’ll never play that game again!!”
Faced against what Nia had said in a deemphasized manner, Kaguya let out a fierce scream.
Onboard the bridge of the aerial warship <Fraxinus>, floating 15 thousand meters above Tenguu City, the crew members were busy fulfilling out their various tasks.
“──Shiizaki, are you asking for support from each branch?"
"Already issued, I will report immediately after receiving the reply."
“Very good. Kawagoe, what about the inspection of facilities on the ground?”
"There are no problems present. If you are interested, it can be used now."
“Alright. Maria, have you finished aircraft maintenance? If you have any requests, please say something.”
“There are no basic problems. But if I may be greedy, a Wizard should perform a manual inspection of the Realizer manifestation device. ──I’d also like to ask for washing and waxing the exterior.”
“The former is approved, but the latter is denied. Anyway, it will become huge mess regardless the day after tomorrow anyway.”
“Muu, as they say, a women’s mind will begin to wilt away without proper care, Kotori.”
“What did you say?”
Kotori struck the console with a “Bang!” noise while continuing to issue commands without any stagnation. Looking at this scene unfold on the bridge, Shidou couldn’t help but make a small wry smile.
“Well, trying calming down a bit. Why don’t you take a break for a while? Here.”
After saying that gently, Shidou handed a body over. In response, Kotori muttered out “..that’s true” while scratching her head to suppress her anger. “Thank you. Then there’s no need for me to be polite.”
Shortly after saying that, Kotori added a straw before chugging down the sports drink. Afterwards, she breathed out a sigh of relief.
Although she didn’t say it, it was clear from her appearance how exhausted she was. Looking at her usually energetic sister be reduced to such a weary state, Shidou gently clenched his fist.
“..I’m sorry. I wish there was something I can do to help.”
Hearing what Shidou had just said, Kotori narrowed her eyes in surprise before shrugging her shoulders.
“What are you talking about? Your job is the hardest; I can’t overwork you now by letting you help other people’s work.”
“The hardest..?”
“Yeah. ──Whatever you do, survive.”
Kotori took another gulp of the sports drink while staring directly into Shidou’s eyes.
“The opponent is the largest Wizard organization, DEM Industries. It’s not clear what will happen at that time. You need to adjust your condition as much as possible. On that day, I don’t want to hear you apologizing from catching a cold, being nervous, or lacking sleep.”
“I see..that’s right.”
Impressed both self-reflection and justification, Shidou slightly raised his hand as an indication of surrender to Kotori’s argument.
Although the phrase “rest is also a part of work” was familiar, Shidou had only known the phrase without understanding the depth of the meaning.
Although, this feeling was not just limited to Shidou, as the Japanese people always tend to feel a little guilty in situations where they are the only ones absent while everyone else is diligently working.
However, if one utilizes the time of rest to make wasteful movements that squanders physical energy or raise mental exhaustion from unnecessary worrying, it would on the contrary only add to the burden of one’s companions.
Furthermore, the upcoming battle in two more days could be said to be a clash that would determine the fate of all of the Spirits. Since the key factor was Shidou’s life, he couldn’t afford even the slightest moment’s worth of negligence then.
Besides──that wasn’t the only concern.
“..Kurumi, I wonder if she’ll be coming as well.”
After hearing what Shidou had said, Kotori set down the bottle and turned her chair to face Shidou again.
“She’ll definitely come; we heard at least that much for Kurumi’s clone. Rather, from that wording, it would be an exaggeration to say that we’re caught in fight between Kurumi and Westcott. ──Well, since the goal is Shidou’s life, it’ll naturally develop into that.”
“..That’s true.”
“....”
Perhaps sensing a feeling of unease coming from Shidou, Kotori faintly knitted her brow up.
“I think you also understand, but this time you absolutely cannot attempt something inexplicable on your own again. Sealing the reiryoku of Spirits is our goal, but that is meaningless if you don’t survive. ──Your most important task now is to survive. With all things consider, you mustn’t go off wandering searching for Kurumi on the battlefield. What kind of person would try to chase after two rabbits down the rabbit hole at once?”
“I-I know.”
Shidou replied back with a degree of nervousness trapped in his voice. Although it hadn’t reached the level of a clear plan yet, he couldn’t deny that the idea was floating in his head. ..Was it that easy to understand from his mere expression alone?
“..Take it easy, Shin.”
Just as Shidou and Kotori were conversing, a voice was suddenly heard coming from the left side. ──It was Reine.
“..Kotori isn’t telling you to ignore Kurumi. Rather, it would be better to say that we’re planning on helping her to the best of our ability.”
“Eh?”
Seeing Shidou look at her in surprise, Kotori could only shrug her shoulders in response.
“Yeah well, even for Kurumi, it would be unfavorable to wage an all-out war against DEM. Of course, focusing on the idea of Shidou surviving first, it would be best to try and seal Kurumi after this war. Until then, it’s not a question of whether we should help or not.”
“Kotori..”
Kotori muttered out an “after all”, while keeping her gaze at the ground.
“──Whatever the reason, it would be impossible for us devastate the person who saved Shidou from the fate of death numerous times, even I can’t do that.”
“..Yeah, you’re right.”
While listening to Kotori’s words, Shidou nodded with both relief and determination.
Then, Maria’s voice began to echo from the bridge’s speakers.
“Well, since Kurumi’s goal is Shidou’s reiryoku, even if he survives that battle, he still has to work hard.”
“Haha..definitely, that’s also true.”
Seeing that was indeed the case, Shidou smiled weakly.
During such an interaction between Shidou and Maria, Kotori suddenly made a difficult expression.
“..? Kotori. What’s wrong?” “Goal..” “Eh?”
As Shidou slightly slanted his head, Kotori replied back while holding one hand against her chin.
“It’s the goal. Basically, everyone is acting in accordance to their own objective. Our goal is to save the Spirits. DEM’s purpose is to invert the Sephira Spirit Crystal. Kurumi’s goal is to use Shidou’s reiryoku in order to travel back to the past. ──At least three different motives have been incorporated in this battle.”
“..? A-ah, is there anything wrong with that?”
Kotori raised a finger one by one as she listed each goal. Shidou, not understanding the intention behind this, caressed the back of his neck. So then, Kotori raised the fourth finger while staring directly at Shidou.
“──One is missing, isn’t it? What is <Phantom>’s goal.”
“Ah..”
After hearing what Kotori said, Shidou opened his eyes wide in alarm. <Phantom>. The mysterious Spirit that had turned Kotori and the others into Spirits by handing the Sephira Spirit Crystals.
If there was no <Phantom> in the first place, the current situation would not be possible. Even so, that Spirit had not revealed her appearance either.
“Why would <Phantom> give us the Sephira Spirit Crystals? For what kind of purpose would she want to increase the number of disaster level Spirits in the world?”
“..Just as we are about to fight the enemy, that one person, whether it’s her existence or purpose, has no trace. That’s really terrifying to think about.”
“That..”
Hearing what Kotori had said, Shidou took in a deep gulp.
It seemed that Shidou wasn’t the only one listening on. The crew members performing tasks on the lower level of the bridge also displayed a nervous look while moving about their hands.
Moreover ──just as these circumstances were occurring.
“The goal..of <Phantom>.” Almost like a sigh, those brief words were muttered out from Reine’s mouth.
Although this is only a trifling phrase, for some reason those words continued to linger inside Shidou’s ear.
“..Maybe it’s an unexpected, very small and boring goal.”
“Eh..?”
Shidou furrowed her brow while looking towards Reine’s direction.
However, Reine didn’t not reply back. She merely continued to stroke the head of the stuffed bear protruding out of her pocket.
“What does that mean──”
However, just as Shidou was about to ask.
“──Coming through!”
The door suddenly flung open as the Spirits led by Tohka came onto the bridge with large plates at hand.
“Tohka? Everyone is here as well. What’s the matter? ..Is this a challenge to other group?”
“We are here to show appreciation to everyone! Everyone should be hungry right about now!”
“W-we..have made rice balls for everyone.”
“Mun. Please do not hesitate to eat.”
Seeing Kotori gesture with her head to the others, everyone responded back energetically while distributing plates filled with rice balls.
Looking around again, there was numerous rice balls all wrapped in aluminum foil.
It seemed that these were specially made for Shidou, Kotori, and the others.
“Ohhh..this is amazing. Does everyone have a share?” “Umu! Everyone, please refuel after eating this!”
After saying that, Tohka made a bright and sunny smile. Looking at that cheerful appearance, Shidou felt the tension leave his body. Even, Kotori and the other crew members who were there also made wry smiles as if seemingly forgetting the sense of nervousness floating in the air.
“It looks like you guys work hard to make these. ──Well then, let’s enjoy being spoiled just a little by those efforts. Everyone, let’s take a break.”
“Understood.”
“Wow──just as I was feeling a little bit hungry.”
While such words of gratitude were uttered out from the crew members, they each stood up from their seats to walk towards the dishes displayed in front of them.
“Well then..I will probably choose this one..” “Mu! Wait Kotori, you’re rice balls are over there.”
Just as Kotori was about to reach for a rice ball on a plate, Tohka spoke out and turned her over towards another tray.
On a closer inspection, there was a note with a name on the top of each foil wrapped in the rice balls. It seems that everyone has an exclusive rice ball.
“Oh, does that mean the filling is different for each one? Mine is..this?”
After saying that, Kotori reached out for the rice ball with her own name attached on.
Following this, Shidou, Reine, and the other Fraxinus crew members all took their own rice balls in turn.
After that was finished, Tohka and the others picked up rice balls with their own names written on them──however, for some reason, there was the feeling that they were being subtly nervous with stiffened facial expressions.
“Tohka? What’s wrong?”
“Mu..n-no, it’s nothing.”
“? Alright, then I’m starting.”
Kotori then tore off the aluminum foil to take a bite. Immediately, at the very next second.
“......!?”
Kotori’s eyes suddenly sharpened as large beads of perspiration floated down her face.
“..! ..!”
Kotori, who was moving bizarrely with the hand holding the rice ball, seemed to reluctantly swallow what was in her mouth. Then, with trembling shoulders, she let out a large exhale.
“Kotori..? What’s wrong?”
“T-that’s what’s wrong..”
When questioned by Shidou, Kotori looked at the cross section of the rice ball with a groan before bitterly slamming it down.
Curious, Shidou picked up the rice ball that Kotori had just thrown for a closer inspection──then, he pursed his brow up.
“Cor-coriander..?”
That’s right, inside Kotori’s rice ball was crammed full of parsley and other herbs that she abhorred to eat.
“..Eh, what is this, are you trying to bully me?”
Having almost been brought to tears, Kotori glared at the direction of Tohka and the others. However, Tohka shook her head no in response.
“You’re wrong. In order to defeat DEM, we’ve decided to overcome foods that we’re not good at. So for our rice balls..we also added food we don’t like.”
While trying to but on a brave front, it was clear that there a degree of somberness in her expression. Still, Tohka gulped down the rice ball in her hand. Following that lead, the other Spirits also took a bite of the rice ball in their hands as well.
“..! Ugh...”
“Uhh..smells awful..”
“M-Mun, Muku will not yield..”
With tears in their eyes, their bodies contorted in pain. From beginning to end, only Origami was eating with a constant facial expression.
“Well, now...Sh-Shidou too, will overcome this challenge.”
“Eh..?”
From what Tohka had told, Shidou looked again to the rice ball in his hand. It looked just like an ordinary delicious rice ball. But after seeing that scene unfold just now, it honestly seemed like a dangerous weapon.
“..Uhh, I want to hear just in case, what did you guys put in my rice ball?”
With cold sweat peering out as he inquired, Tohka muttered back while struggling to raise one arm above the ground.
“I felt troubled by Shidou’s rice balls, since there’s nothing that Shidou won’t eat.”
“Consent. We’ve been carefully considering everything about Shidou up until the very end.”
“Ufufu...darling, I can help you eat it if it’s too hard?”
With these words, Spirits moved to block the path of retreat from Shidou. As soon as he heard that, Shidou let out a
“Huh!” sound under his breath.
“S-so, what did you put in this..!? Ah, it is something that you can eat right!?”
“....”
“....”
“....”
“Please at least say something!?”
As the Spirits were still smiling, Shidou let out a loud scream.
It is often said that plants sleep around midnight──the same time that people do. But nowadays, there were not many streets in the city where lights faded away even during 2 AM in the morning.
Through the windows of private homes were light shines sparsely, to street lights drawing moths to a flame, to convince store where light shines brightly constantly. If it was an office town, there would be a light source that would ignore the typical labor hours upheld by the law.
Under each light, there would shine under an ordinary human being minding his own business. Just like a gentle cycle rotation, this never ceases.
Well, after humans create such a society, it would mean that restful grasslands are rarely seen in such urban areas. Yet, in this sense, there will also not be any mistakes just made in darkness.
With the street lights lit, even if you don’t confirm the situation underneath one’s feet, one can still safety progress.
Nonetheless──right now the town looked quite different.
Even so, there was almost no sign of human activity here.
To be more accurate, from the windows of office buildings, apartments, or other business facilities, one can see the silhouette of people.
However, all of them were either collapsed onto the floor or their desks, as if fallen into a coma or some other state of lethargy.
The entire street had fallen asleep, a truly abnormal phenomena. From this lack of realism, people would start to wonder if there was a poison gas leak spreading throughout the city or if they were shooting for a large thriller movie.
However, this city had neither been disrupted by terrorists transferring chemical weapons, nor favored as a scenic spot by an investor promoting strong support for a film producer.
All of this was because of──a dark shadow lurking on the ground.
That’s right; it was because of the shadow.
Even in the dark streets. Even on the walls of large buildings. Even inside a room illuminated by light. Underneath all the sleeping people, the black color was crawling without exception.
“────”
In the center of that place, a single voice was heard.
Tokisaki Kurumi pressed both her hands together and looked down to concentrate.
<City of Devouring Time>, an extension of Kurumi’s shadow which absorbs the time of anyone that came in contact──the power to steal the very lives of others.
For Kurumi, having the angel of time <Zafkiel> boasted a great deal of power.
However, as a price, every time a bullet is used, it would cost a bit of the user’s time.
Of course, even for a Spirit, Kurumi’s own time alone was not enough for the immense amount needed for her goal.
Inevitably, it was necessary for her to supplement her time from outside as she anticipated a large-scale battle or sustained serious injury.
However, this was the first time that Kurumi had implemented such a large scale replenishment. Usually, the people in a single building were enough. The more time she absorbed the more conspicuous her actions will appear to other’s radar.
However, right now, it was no longer possible to keep worrying about such matters.
Tomorrow, DEM Industries was intending to aim for Shidou’s head with all of their might. In order to defeat them and defend Shidou, she needed to acquire even more power. To achieve this──it was necessary to absorb the time of an entire town.
Of course, she was targeting a town far away from Tenguu city. Although the goal was replenishing time, if smelled out by either <Ratatoskr> or DEM, it would likely end up costing all of her consumed extra time.
“──Me.”
As Kurumi spoke out, the same voice resonated from within the darkness. Then, Kurumi calmly opened her eyes.
She had strategically placed numerous clones at multiple points surrounding herself. Alongside them, they were all using < City of Devouring Time> to encompass the entire city.
“It’s about time soon.”
“Yes──”
After Kurumi whispered softly, she slowly raised one hand. Then, an archaic pistol flew out from the shadow and into the elevated hand.
“<Zafkiel> ── the Eight Bullet <Het>.”
After Kurumi muttered that out, the shadows sucked into the pistol’s muzzle, loading it with the desired bullet.
Kurumi then aligned the muzzle against her own temple and pulled the switch without any hesitation.
“Bang”, accompanied by that dry sound, Kurumi’s head slightly flickered from the recoil.
At the next moment, Kurumi’s swaying body had split into two.
The Eight Bullet <Het>. The bullet within <Zafkiel>’s arsenal that allowed her to recreate Kurumi’s past in the form of a temporal clone.
Kurumi glimpsed at the newly born clone before moving her lips again──
“────The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, <The Eight Bullet Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>, The Eight Bullet <Het>.”
Countless shots fired.
Countless and countless shots fired.
Countless, countless, countless shots fired.
Continuing to load shadows into the pistol and firing against her temple. With every shot fired, the number of clones gradually increased. Like the cries of a newborn baby, they dipped into the shadow.
“──Fu.”
Working continuously for a long period of time, after increasing her number of clones by about a thousand, Kurumi finally let out a sigh of exhaustion.
“Are you alright, me.”
“I’m fine──compared to that, hurry back into the shadow and head to the next place.”
After Kurumi said that, she closed her eyes once again.
Although there was assistance from clones, for her to expand her shadow to such a large scale required a considerable amount of concentration. By this point, her shadow had already withdrawn back to its normal size under her feet.
An entire town. Although Kurumi did not know the exact number, the <City of Devouring Tine> had absorbed the time of tens of thousands of people concentrated underneath Kurumi’s feet.
Although she wanted to keep the replenishment to a level where people won’t die, she couldn’t make fine adjustments for everyone. As a result, the elderly and ill with not much life remaining might have already gone to heaven. Perhaps, Kurumi may have robbed them of their last moments which they could have spent with family, lovers, friends──the people that they love.
“....”
However. No──it was precisely because of that Kurumi couldn’t stop now. Returning back to 30 years ago and return everything back to nothing. That way, everything that Kurumi had done in both the present and past will have never happened.
Before that purpose, everything else is trivial.
Kurumi continued to withdraw into her shadow.
Her posture resembled a nun praying to God. A prayer for forgiveness──an unspoken utterance lost in the silence.
“..........”
Nighttime inside <Fraxinus>’s rest area, Shidou was drinking a cup of milk tea while looking up at the starry sky.
Although one often says that it is impossible to see a starry sky within a city, from the aerial warship floating 15,000 meters above the ground, it was able to overlook the sky full of stars.
..Well, it won’t be a metaphor to say that Shidou had already swum through the sea of stars before.
“..Haha.”
Shidou inadvertently laughed in self-deprecation.
Thinking about it again, it was absurd. It was something that would be unbelievable when heard by someone else. Not just the story of swimming in the stars. For the past year──no, since 5 years ago, there were a number of events that occurred to himself that went beyond the realm of common sense. As he was musing this over ──
“──Shidou?”
Suddenly, a voice from behind interrupted his though process. Looking over, it was Tohka standing to the entrance of the lounge area in her pajamas. Like himself, the Spirits were temporarily living in the residential area of <Fraxinus>.
“Oh, Tohka, what’s wrong? Can’t sleep?”
“Umu..Miku’s sleeping habits are terrible.”
“Really?”
“Well, it’s like crawling on the floor and trying to get into someone else’s bed.”
“..Is that really a sleeping habit?”
Shidou bitterly smiled with sweat dropping from his cheeks. Even at such a time, they were acting like usual.
Then, Tohka asked a question while tilting her head.
“Shidou, what are you doing here?”
“Ah, just here thinking for a bit.”
Hearing what Shidou had said, Tohka groaned out a small “muu” sound as if recognizing what was going on.
It can’t be helped. After all the day after tomorrow..no, the date was changed, so tomorrow is the decisive battle against DEM. Being tense should be taken for granted.
“Uh..ah, well, that’s true.”
“Muu?” Tohka tilted her head slightly in confusion to Shidou’s words.
“It’s about the matter with Kurumi..”
Certainty, Shidou must win the battle against DEM and survive.
However, for the true goal beyond that──in order to seal Kurumi, Shidou had yet to come up with a complete answer.
“I..have to save Kurumi. It’s my responsibility after being saved by Kurumi countless times. However, what I think as salvation can it really be consider the same for Kurumi? ..Honestly, I don’t really know.”
Yes, the momentary glimpse he saw of Kurumi’s life through the Tenth Bullet <Yud>.
Grievances, fury, and coupled with a duty to avenge──a miserable resume that longed for a tremendous wish. Learning of that, Shidou had been thinking.
Kurumi’s idea of salvation alongside his own idea of salvation. A method to make them both coexist.
However, no matter how much thought went in, Shidou still could not arrive at an answer.
“....”
Hearing what was said, Tohka took in a sigh while keeping the same wonderful expression.
With the sound of slippers moving across the floor, Tohka moved closer to Shidou.
“Can I sit next to you?” “Oh, of course.”
After being given a reply, Tohka nodded slightly while taking a seat right beside him.
Then, Tohka bent her knees forwards.
“Come.” “Eh?” “Alright, come here.”
Then, as she finished speaking in an indifferent tone, she seized his shoulders forcefully and dragged him towards her. It was just like──the posture for a lap pillow.
“T-Tohka?” While Shidou was surprised by the sudden situation, Tohka took the time to gently stroke his forehead.
“How is it? I saw before on “Together with Oka-sama”. It seems to be a way to relax people.” “..Haha.”
After hearing that, Shidou involuntarily laughed.
Then, he remembered.
Last June, when Kurumi had first appeared and he was mentally crushed by her acts of brutality, it was Tohka who had come forth to give him the courage to continue forward.
“..Thank you, Tohka. I’ve always been helped by you.”
After Shidou had said that, Tohka’s fingertips trembled for a moment before they fell into mutual silence. A few seconds later, Tohka finally opened her lips to speak.
“..There’s no such thing. I’m the one who must apologize to Shidou.”
“Eh?”
Hearing these sudden words, Shidou interjected curiously. But then, Tohka continued on quietly.
“..If it wasn’t for Kurumi, Shidou would have died. After hearing about that incident, there was a feeling pinching my chest. Then..I had the idea that if Shidou had never met me, Shidou would have never suffered from such a thing.”
After Tohka finished speaking, she silently clenched her lip as Shidou felt faint shivering conveyed to the back of his head.
“Tohka..” Shidou responded back softly while grabbing back Tohka’s hand. “What are you saying? I──have always felt that it was wonderful that I got to meet you at that time.
“But..” Hearing that almost faded reply, Shidou tightly grasped Tohka’s hands as if to cover her voice.
"I did encounter a lot of danger. Whenever a new Spirit emerged, they would also be involved in some sort of serious matter. But compared to that, everyone also gave me many, many irreplaceable things which are enough to cover all the bad things. All this made it impossible for me to imagine not having you in my life."
──It was the same for each encounter so far. The inevitable chance encounter with Tohka. The meeting the gentle Spirit, Yoshino. The encounter with Kurumi, who was called the worst Spirit. Re-sealing Kotori and remembering that fateful day from five years ago. Presenting a third option to the Yamai sisters, who wanted to continue living without killing each other. The battle with Miku over the Spirits, and their subsequent collaboration. The clash of wits with Natsumi, who had an angel that allowed her to freely transform. Reconciliation with Origami after rewriting the world. The strategy for Nia, who could not trust others. And finally, the meeting with Mukuro within the vast cosmos.
And now, DEM was aiming for Shidou’s life.
No, Shidou had already been killed by them over 200 times. Even when trapped in this vigorous wave of arduous hardship, he still couldn’t blame anyone.
However──
“I’ve never regret it. Even if I had all my memories up until today, and returned to my past before meeting Tohka──I would still reach my hand out to Tohka.”
“Shidou..”
With tears in her eyes, Tohka held onto Shidou’s hand. Forcing a bitter smile, it wasn’t until now that Shidou felt ashamed of his own words.
“..Ah, no, that wasn’t it. If he returned back to the past with his present memories, the things that he wouldn’t do would be practicing sure-kill techniques, creating random character scenarios, and writing mysterious poems..well, without Kurumi’s angel, that sort of matter──”
Halfway through that statement, Shidou slightly furrowed his brow. It was a faint light. However, a single possibility caught his attention.
“..Mu? Shidou, what’s the matter?”
“It’s nothing..more than that, Tohka.”
“What’s wrong?” “..Can we continue this for a little bit longer?”
After Shidou said that, Tohka replied back with a gentle “yes”.
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