"Ufufu--. Hey, darling. Its okay to come closer you know? Here"
"No………. Listen here, Miku."
"What is it--? Ah, oh yeah. I found a delicious Italian shop just recently. Do you have plans this evening? Let's go together if it is okay with you."
"Ah, no, I have to make dinner for Tohka and the rest……….."
"I see---, then let's go together with Tohka-chan and the rest. I am not a narrow-minded woman you know? Of course it is my treat, so do not worry."
"No, That's why, Miku……………"
Looking towards the girl who was pushing her body onto his while making an innocent smile, Itsuka Shidou made a troubled face.
Having bluish-purple glamorous hair like silk threads and smooth skin that had never missed maintenance. She was without a doubt a beautiful girl.
This girl called Izayoi Miku, was one year older than Shidou in terms of school grades but, unlike normal seniors, he was currently looking at a child-like speech pattern.
But even so, her body side was properly growing and since her voluptuous bust were being pushed at Shidou each time she moved, he had no idea what to do. Greasy sweats were popping out around Shidou's face while he had no other choice not to look at her in the eyes.
Nonetheless, Miku's innocent approach wasn't the only thing right now that was making him rigid.
"……………………."
*Stare--* such a sight was entangling Shidou's whole body.
……..Yes. Shidou's sister Itsuka Kotori was, sitting right in front of Shidou and Miku.
She was a characteristic girl with her hair tied into two sides with a black ribbon, round eyes that look like an acorn, and Chupa Chups being held in her mouth. Right now she was having her crimson jacket riding on her shoulders while resting her chin on one hand and gazing at Shidou and Miku's one-sided flirting in a bad mood.
Right now Shidou and the rest were currently inside a room in the airship <Fraxinus>.
It was a dim space as if it was trying to squeeze out the lighting intentionally. The chairs Shidou and Miku were sitting on were placed in the center, and long tables were lined up around their surroundings. It had the aspect of a nerve-wracking interview hall or maybe a courthouse…………. Well, Miku looked like she didn't really mind though.
"……………..is it okay any time now, Miku"
"Eh? What do you mean by any time?"
When Miku said that with a face that showed no bad intentions, Kotori grinded her teeth and slammed the table.
"That. Is. Why!! I am talking about information gathering! Didn't you say [I don't want to if I am not together with darling] so we specially allowed you to sit together with him!"
"Aah, now that you mention it, that's right."
*ahaha* Miku laughed and looked back at Kotori. But, her hand was still entangling Shidou's arm.
*Haa* Kotori made a big sigh before, flipping through the document placed near her hands.
"………………..then, I will be moving to the questions."
"Okay okay, with pleasure---go ahead."
Miku said in a relaxed tone. Kotori spilled out one more sigh before continuing her words.
"Regarding about your ability, your angel, I have a lot of things I want to ask but…………. I'll bring them back later for now. First off, the thing I have to confirm no matter what is-------"
After saying that, Kotori pointed her fingers at Miku.
"-------The existence that made you a Spirit."
"………………..!"
The moment when Kotori said that, Miku's slacken cheeks twitched.
"You aren't a genuine Spirit, but originally a human------there is no mistake there right?"
"……………….."
Hearing Kotori words, Miku raised her eyebrows a little and made a painful expression. And somehow, Shidou felt that her breathing was getting wilder.
For an instant, he thought………. there were various circumstances on why she couldn't answer Kotori's question but, he immediately thought back.
The time when Miku became a Spirit. That was when Miku was disappointed in humans and felt despair to the world. Most likely she might be hesitating to put the events that happened during that time in her mouth.
"Are you okay, Miku? If it is tough for you, you could rest first before-----"
"No, I am okay."
When Shidou said that, Miku swung her head sideways.
"I have darling. Including everything in the past, I decided to move forward."
"Miku………….."
After Shidou made a gentle pat on her back as if to push her, Miku made a nod.
"…………..yes. That is correct. A few months before now……….I was betrayed by everyone. I lost my voice in a psychogenesis-type aphonia and in front of me who had lost all hope to live-------[God] appeared."
After Miku said that, he felt Kotori's sight turned slightly sharper. Shidou also slightly brought his eyebrows together.
But Miku, in a manner of not noticing Kotori and Shidou's state, continued talking.
"[Hey, do you want power? Do you want a power big enough to change the world?]. [God] said that to me, and brought out a shining violet gem-like object to me. And then, when I extended my hands to receive it, that gem entered my body as if it was melting………. And in the next instant, I obtained a devilish [Voice] which can make anyone do as I say—"
"I see."
Kotori groaned in a difficult face, and made the rod of the Chupa Chups stand up in her mouth.
"Please tell me everything as much as possible regarding that [God] or whatever."
"Even if you say, everything…………."
In a bind, Miku made her eyebrows look like a 八 kanji[8A 1].
"I somehow felt it was mysterious. It's true that it was there but, I recognized its image with noises placed on it. It's true I heard the voice, but even though I understood the content, I have completely no idea what kind of voice it was.---------Somehow, I feel its existence itself has a mosaic placed on it…………."
"…………I see."
Kotori made a small sigh while saying that. Nonetheless, she didn't look that much disappointed. Most likely, she probably somewhat predicted Miku's reaction.
"Then, I am changing the question. After gaining the Spirit powers, has there been a time when you get attacked by destructive impulses or have your ego corroded away?"
"Destructive impulse…………..you say. No, there isn't any occasion of that happening that comes to mind………."
"Fuun."
Kotori distorted her eyebrows while writing something in the documents near her hands.
"Kotori, that's……….."
When Shidou said that, Kotori [Yes] showed consent.
"I think, maybe the same case that happened with us occurred with Miku too.---------but, I wonder why. Maybe the nature is different from the type of Reiryoku, or maybe the problem is with the individual's aptitude………… or maybe, <Phantom> got the hang of giving Reiryoku to humans from that time with me? Haah, if by any chance that is the case, it is not something we can stand for, being used as lab rats."
Shrugging her shoulders, she said it in detest. Shidou also grinded his teeth and clenched his fist.
<Phantom>. An existence that gave Miku and Kotori Reiryoku, and turned them into Spirits.
Is it a Spirit, a human, or maybe another species. Why does it have the ability to turn humans into Spirits, on what reason it is doing so-------that [Something] is just like the word phantom and everything about it is wrapped in mystery.
"Mu----"
And, when Shidou was immersing himself in thoughts, his arms were suddenly pulled. When he looked over, Miku *puu* was puffing her cheeks.
"Please stop ignoring me and go pondering with only the two of you in it."
"Aah………. Sorry, sorry."
After Shidou made a wry smile, Kotori made a cough to re-think.
"I am sorry. But don't worry. The information gathering has just begun. I will properly hear detailed explanations from now on. We can't throw away the chances of your memories being manipulated by <Phantom> so, let's attach electrodes on your head to see your brain waves a little okay--?"
Kotori made a smile. In contrast when she did that, Miku made an unpleasant face and let sweat run down her cheeks.
---In the end, it was around when the evening sun dyed the surroundings that Miku was released from Kotori.
Being teleported in front of the Itsuka family house by <Fraxinus>'s teleporter, Miku was staggering in exhaustion and was being supported by Shidou.
"O-oioi, are you okay?"
"Uh, I am tired……….."
Saying that, Miku made a big sigh.
"…………. Somehow, I feel like diving straight into my futon[8A 2] after going back home today………………. Darling, I am sorry but, about that shop, can we leave that for next time?"
"Eh? Aah, I don't mind…………"
After Shidou said that, Miku joined her hands around her chest and *Paaa* her face turned lively.
"Hnn, Mouu, darling is too kind."
Maintaining that posture, she pushed her body tighter to him.
"O-oi, you are an idol so, isn't this kind of stuff bad……………"
When Shidou's face turned red while looking away, Miku made a surprised face for an instant.
Yes. The girl currently innocently hugging Shidou right now, Izayoi Miku is an idol who holds a miracle voice and is a person who is quite famous.
Since she was active as a singer hiding her identity for a long time, her face wasn't quite known but……………thanks to the television appearance ban being lifted a few months ago, right now her face was being shown throughout Japan. If this defenseless state was exposed, a scandalous picture might be taken in an instant.
However Miku *Nii* raised the side of her lips as if she saw through Shidou's thoughts.
"Fufu, that sort of thing is okay. If there is paparazzi hiding, I will give them a peace or sight service. Whether it is Friday or Sunday, bring it on---"
"…………. No, I think Sunday is okay though……………"
When Shidou made a wry smile, Miku [Fufu] showed a smile.
"Darling, you said this right? Even if no one hears my songs, darling will be the only one that will be my fan. That's why…………………it is okay. If darling is beside me, I don't mind if anything happens."
"Aah……..that's right."
After Shidou stared back at Miku, he slightly lowered his head forward.
Maybe from looking at Shidou's reaction, Miku made a satisfied smile, and let go from Shidou's body.
"Well then, it's about time I excuse myself for today. I look forward to meeting again, darling."
"Aah, see you."
"Yes---. Then………….."
Suddenly, Miku wrapped both her hands around Shidou's neck, and [Hnn--] thrust her lips forward.
"Wha…………..!? Wha-wha-wha-what are you doing, Miku…………!?"
"Eeh? What…………it's a good bye kiss though……….."
"N-no, just because you aren't afraid of scandals, isn't this weird?"
"Uun, moou, you are such a shy person. It is okay--. Come now."
"O-oi, wait a sec…………"
Miku inserted strength in both her hands. Shidou's face was brought forward against his will-----
"Ah--! What are the both of you doing!"
From the sudden loud voice coming from the right side, he twitched his shoulders.
Shidou and Miku both faced towards the direction the voice came from at the same time. Over there, there was a girl with her hands trembling while looking at them with her eyes wide open.
She had night color long wavy hair behind her shoulders, and beautiful crystal eyes. Someone might never forget about her once they saw her as she was a peerless beauty.
Yatogami Tohka. Shidou's classmate and neighbor. And also-------just like Miku, a Spirit who had her Reiryoku formerly sealed by Shidou. Since it was about time for dinner, she probably came over to the Itsuka family house.
"To-tohka!"
"Oh my, Tohka-san. Long time no see."
Miku said that in a cheerful tone. When she did that, Tohka walked over heavily and pulled Shidou away from Miku. And then, as if to protect Shidou, she spread both her hands and stood between them.
"Are you okay, Shidou! Damn you Miku. I heard you corrected yourself, but what were you planning!?"
After Tohka made a sharp glare, 3 new footsteps could be heard coming from the direction Tohka came from.
"Fuun, nice guts for you to bear your fangs to Shidou who is my and Yuzuru's shared property. Understood, why don't we carefully teach you the scariness of the Yamai's!"
"Warning. During the occasion of approaching Shidou, please submit an application document with the explanation written down towards Yuzuru and Kaguya who have the rights to his ownership."
After saying that, the identical twins, made a stance towards Miku.
It was Kaguya who had a characteristic unyielding face and hairs tied up, and Yuzuru who had 3 long braided hairs and she gave a blank expression impression. The only ways to differentiate the both of them were their hair style and expression…………..well, if the sight was lowered a little downwards, the hopeless difference of body figure could be recognized.
A soft voice could be heard next coming from behind them.
"So-something like that in the middle of the road…………is bad I think…………"
Saying it like that, the cheeks of the petite girl with a hat covering her eyes--------Yoshino blushed. And at the same time, [Yoshinon] the rabbit puppet equipped on her left hand, *Paku**Paku* opened its mouth and clattered.
"Nee—it's no good you know--. Yoshino has not tried that kind of pattern yet so--. Snatching is a nono—"
"Yo-Yoshinon…………..!"
Yoshino covered [Yoshinon]'s mouth in panic. [Yoshinon] waved both its hands in pain.
Speaking of which, since Yoshino, who was living inside <Fraxinus>'s quarantine space, had gotten used to a normal lifestyle, she was also moved to one room in the mansion a few days ago.
The Yamai sisters and Yoshino. These girls were Spirits the same as Tohka---------and had a slight relation with Miku.
Yes. Last month, they had the experience of having their body and mind controlled by Miku's manifested angel. Maybe because of that, it looked like they still had a slight wariness towards Miku.
However, the Miku in question didn't really mind much and [Well] her eyes were sparkling.
"Long time no see, Yoshino-chan, Kaguya-chan, and Yuzuru-chan. I am sorry about last time. I wanted to apologized to all of you once."
After saying that, she lowered her head. Maybe because they were bewildered from such a reaction, the 3 of them were looking at each other in perplexion.
But, Tohka didn't release her wariness even though she saw Miku's action and continued standing in front of Shidou.
"So, what are your intentions? What were you trying to do to Shidou just now!"
"Eh? It's a good bye kiss though? Doesn't Tohka-san usually do that?"
"Go-goodbye………kiss?"
Tohka raised her eyebrows in a perplexed feeling and turned around to Shidou.
"…………. Is it something done, normally?"
Tohka asked in doubt. He could not stand having it become a misunderstanding. Shidou swung his heads sideways.
"Is-isn't that a lie! Kissing when saying goodbye, that kind of thing is--------"
"Eeh--, isn't it dreamy? How about Tohka-chan try it out?"
"""""Wha…….!?"""""
Shidou, Tohka as well as Yoshino and the Yamai sisters gasped when they heard Miku's words when she was taken back.
But, Miku made a surprised face from their unexpected reactions and immediately *pon* hit her hands together as if she thought of something.
"I know! I thought of something good! I will kiss darling first. From there, I who kissed darling will kiss Tohka-san. How about that? Killing two birds with one stone! Isn't it ground-breaking!?"
"Wh-why do I have to kiss with you!?"
"Eh? That's because, doesn't that mean I will be kissing darling just before you?"
"Mu……..umu"
"Which means, isn't it the same as Tohka-san kissing with darling?"
"Muu………I-I see………."
"No, don't 'I see' me."
After he said that to stop Tohka who was close to being convinced, Tohka immediately shook her shoulders.
"Cu-curse you Miku! You took me as a fool didn't you!"
"I have not thought of such things. ……..ah! Then let's do this. First off I and Tohka-san will kiss, then I will kiss darling--. Tohka-san's hot feelings, I will properly send it to darling."
"Wha…..!?"
"Hnn---"
Miku joined her hands near her chest as if to pray and thrust her lips towards Tohka after closing her eyes. Tohka moved her head left and right flustered, and ran away from that spot.
"Aan, why are you running away. Please wait for me."
"Do-don't follow me!"
After saying that with a screaming-like voice, Tohka ran towards Yoshino and the group's direction.
"Kya………."
"Yo-you idiot! Don't come over here!"
"Shiver. Let's run, Kaguya."
Every mouth said that, and everyone ran away from Miku.
"Aah, Moou, if this is the case, leave everything to me everyone!"
"""Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"""
"Ha-haha………………."
Looking at Miku who looked happy from the bottom of her heart chasing after everyone, Shidou made a powerless smile.
How do you put this------ it felt as if she jumped through the antagonism and ties against her, and smashed into everyone in a relative simple way.
"Fumu………."
After Shidou and Miku returned to the ground. Kotori was touching her chin with her hand while compiling the talk she had with Miku just now inside the <Fraxinus> office.
The screen deployed in front of her was displaying the results from Miku's voice recording data. She was checking it numerous times while compiling it in an entry and was creating a document to submit to the Rounds.
Originally, these types of jobs were tasks left to the other organization members. But, only for the mystery filled <Phantom>, Kotori has to personally work on it since she has met <Phantom> directly.
Miku was the only person aside from Shidou and Kotori that had encountered <Phantom>. As long as every corner of her words had the potential to contain hidden information that can bring them closer to <Phantom>'s identity, she could not leave it to the other organization members.
"The purple sapphire given to Miku…………….., how many sapphires does <Phantom> have………. If it can produce an unlimited amount of them then------"
While chasing after the words with her eyes and tampering with the console, she was mumbling to herself.
And, at that moment.
"Hyaa!?"
Suddenly a cold object touched her cheeks and Kotori let out a high-pitched voice.
"Wha-what is it, seriously………..!"
When she raised her face from surprise, appearing out of nowhere, she saw a girl that was around the same age as Kotori standing there handing a coffee can to her.
Having her hair tied in one part, she was an impressive girl that had a mole under her left eye. She somehow had a similar atmosphere to Shidou.
"Being enthusiastic is good but, don't you think you are going at it too much?"
After saying that, the girl--------Takamiya Mana made a smile.
"…………. I know that even if you don't tell me."
She replied back in a disappointed tone, and received the coffee handed to her. She opened the cold can, and when she poured down the fluids inside it in one go, a bittersweet adult-like flavor expanded through her tongue.
"So, what is wrong? Is there any progress?"
"…………. Sadly none. We only know that <Phantom> that appeared in front of us 5 years ago, and that [Something] that got in contact with Miku, are most likely the same existence---------"
In the middle of her words, Kotori twitched her eyebrows.
"……………anyway, why are you in a place like this?"
"Heh?"
When Kotori said that with half her eyes open, Mana tilted her head in wonder.
"What do you mean by why; I entered from the front entrance like normal. Hoora, if even something like that was unnoticed, that is the proof of you being tired. Take a little rest------"
"Not that! You! I thought I told you to rest! Even under normal circumstances your body is worn-out, you were that reckless………….!"
Kotori slammed the table and shouted.
Yes. Although Takamiya Mana currently was under the protection of <Ratatoskr>, she was a wizard belonging to the DEM industries' 2nd executive group. During that time, her whole body had magic treatment placed in it and in exchange for gaining strong powers, her body was carved with a serious sacrifice.
"I told you before. If you immediately take treatment from the experts in <Ratotoskr>, you might be able to lengthen your lifespan even if it is a little! But even so……………..!"
"N-no well, that's true. A-ahahaha…………. Then, I'll better get going………….."
Mana made a smile as if she was punished and was about to run away. After Kotori stood up from the chair, she pushed her body to stop Mana from advancing.
---Putting it in accurate words, she was burying her face into Mana's back and hugged her tightly.
"Ko-Kotori-san?"
"…………Thank you. If you weren't in <Fraxinus> at that time, I don't know what could have happened."
"…………………"
After Mana quietly looked back, *Pon**Pon* she gently patted Kotori's head.
"That goes to both of us.------even I was saved by you. Paying you back as fast as possible would make me feel relieved."
After saying that, Mana lifted the side of her lips.
Kotori then lightly wiped of the tears oozing out, and *fufu* shrugged her shoulders.
"………………..how should I put this, you really are Shidou's sister. I am a little envious."
"Heh?"
"Nothing. -------------but..."
After Kotori brought her eyebrows together, *Tightly* she added strength in both her arms and tightly hold on to Mana's body.
"I am thankful for your actions. But, this and that is different. I'll have you properly go to the experts and receive treatment."
"N-no but see, I really have to chase after <Nightmare>. There is no one else to be her opponent than me…………….."
"It's true that Kurumi's investigation is an urgent matter but, aren't you in a more problematic matter compared to that…………!"
"E-err, Kotori-san? Your cute face is turning into something very scary though…………."
Mana made a stiff smile while bending her body a little. Kotori inserted more strength in order to not let Mana get away.
And, at that time. When something was displayed out of the display deployed on top of Kotori's office desk, a voice echoed out from the speaker.
"-----Commander Itsuka. There is a transmission coming from headquar---tteers………..!?"
Appearing inside the window, the <Fraxinus> crew Shiizaki twitched her shoulders. It was as if she saw something she should not have seen.
Like that, Kotori [Ah] made that sound. Just as they can see Shiizaki's face, Shiizaki should be able to see the situation here too. And right now, Kotori and Mana were right in the middle of exchanging a passionate hug. If she suddenly saw only this situation, then it was a scene that would cause a lot of misunderstandings.
After Kotori let go of Mana in panic, she looked back at the screen.
"Don't misunderstand! I only did that to catch Mana from running away-----"
Released from Kotori's restraints, Mana ran off in lightning speed. Although Kotori extended her hands to grab the nape of her neck once more------ but it was too late. Mana slipped past Kotori's hands with magnificent body handling and exited the office.
"Ah, you little……….! I will have you take the treatment once you come back!"
"I'll think about it!"
Mana said that while swinging her hands. And at the same time, the sound of the office room's automatic door closing was produced.
"Seriously, that girl…………."
After Kotori scratched her head, she sat down on the chair and looked back at the screen.
"………….so, what is it? From the headquarters?"
"Ah, Ye-yes. There is a transmission sent to commander using the hidden line. Should I connect it?"
"Yes, I am counting on you."
"Roger"
Saying like that, Shiizaki operated the console. When she did that, Shiizaki's face disappeared from the screen and in exchange another person was displayed. She was someone she had met several times already; one of the <Ratatoskr>'s round chairman Elliot Woodman's secretary.
"I am sorry for calling in when you are busy, Commander Itsuka."
"I don't mind. What's the matter, suddenly.."
"Err, actually, sir Woodman is-------"
The secretary made a slightly unpleasant face while continuing.
15th October, Sunday. It was the time when the city's ornaments were filled with Halloween mode. Shidou and Tohka were heading towards the shopping district to buy ingredients for dinner.
"Ooh…….. Shidou, what is that?"
While saying that, Tohka pointed towards the giant pumpkin ghost decorated in front of the general store.
"Aah, that's a Jack O' lantern. It is made from extracting the pumpkin. Well, that isn't a real pumpkin but plastic one though."
"Pumpkin? That ghost is an orange color you know? Isn't a pumpkin green?"
"Aah, Japan's are mostly green in color; there are those types of pumpkins overseas."
"What………………. If it is that big then, it looks like there would be leftovers even after making it into tempura, soup and boiled dishes."
Tohka was opening her eyes wide in admiration while nodding.
Well, he felt that he had heard this type of pumpkin used for the Jack O' lantern was not really used for eating and was normally used for enjoyment but…………. There was no reasons to crush Tohka's dream.
"Hn---, since we are at it, let's buy a pumpkin on our way back for tonight's dinner. There should be minced meat remaining if I remember correctly, so let's make it either minced and boiled or in croquette."
"Oooh!"
Tohka's eyes were sparkling while *Pun**pun she was swinging her hands.
"Umu, I think that is great! However, I understand it minced and boiled but, croquette……..? Isn't croquette made from potato?"
"Normally that is the case. It is sweet and delicious when it is made from pumpkin."
After saying that, Tohka closed her eyes for a few moments as if to imagine the taste and *Gulp* she drank her saliva down.
"……..umu, let's have croquette today! Okay then now that is decided, let's go Shidou!"
With that said Tohka pointed towards the greengrocer and walked in big paces.
"O-oi, it's dangerous if you walk without looking in front-----"
And, around the time Shidou said that, Tohka collided into the human shadow that came out from the side road and fell on her butt just like that.
"Unuu!"
"Ooto……"
"Aaahmou, didn't I say so. Hoora, are you okay?"
"Mu……….umu"
After helping Tohka to stand up, he turned back towards the human shadow that collided with Tohka just now.
Over there was a male around 50 years old sitting on a wheelchair and the one pushing him was a woman wearing glasses who looked like she was in her mid-twenties.
"I am very sorry for not paying attention. Are you injured? Hoora, Tohka too."
"Mu……..sorry. I didn't look in front."
Tohka lowered her head apologetically. When she did that, the man swung his head while making a gentle smile and talked in fluent Japanese that did not match his face.
"No, I am sorry too. Are you okay, Ojou-san[8A 3]?"
"Umu, I am okay."
"That is good. If such a cute lady like you is injured, then I might fall into hell."
The man said that in a humorous tone. To bring out that line so smoothly, he was without doubt a play boy in his younger days. Shidou secretly thought, I should learn from that. ………..well, Tohka in question, her cheeks weren't blushing but rather she was staring blankly.
And, as Shidou was thinking about that, the man hit his hand as if he remembered something.
"Now that I think about it, there is something I wanted to ask. You two, do you know where the public hospital is?"
"Hospital………..? Aah, if that is the case, you should be able to see it after going straight to the shopping district. Once you come out to the road, head left, then turn right after the 3rd traffic light and head straight ahead."
After Shidou said that, the man *umu* wring his head.
"I don't really get it…………sorry but, can you lead me until there?"
Shidou scratched his cheeks. He and Tohka still had stuff to buy but…………... Well, it was not that far away and he didn't mind if it was that much.
"It's okay. It's this way."
With that said, he walked as if to cross through the shopping district.
"Sorry about this. The Japanese really are kind people. I am thankful."
"No, this is not much. Eeer------"
"Aah, call me Baldwin. She is Karen."
While saying that, the man-----Baldwin pointed his thumb towards the woman pushing his wheelchair. Then, the woman called Karen [Nice to meet you] replied with only that and returned back to being silent.
She was a pale Nordic blonde with blue eyes. Wondering why------ this was supposed to be his first time meeting her, but Shidou felt he saw the woman called Karen somewhere before.
"Is something wrong?"
"Ah, no………..I am Itsuka Shidou."
"I am Yatogami Tohka."
When Shidou and Tohka said that, Baldwin nodded in a good mood.
"Umu, I really have to be thankful to God for meeting a wonderful couple in a different country."
"Buu………!"
"Nu………?"
From those words, Shidou unintentionally spurt out. Maybe she did not understand Baldwin's words, or she was feeling suspicious of Shidou's reaction, Tohka tilted her head.
"Is something wrong Shidou-kun?"
"I-it's not like we are a couple……."
"Oyaa, was I mistaken? I am sorry."
Baldwin shrugged his shoulders as Shidou wiped off the sweat oozing out from his forehead.
But, behind Shidou, Tohka poked his back.
"Shidou. What is a couple?"
"Eh…….!? No, that is………"
When Shidou was having trouble, Baldwin faced his sights towards Tohka in interest.
"Tohka-san. How long has it been since you met Shidou-kun?"
"Mu? Let's see…………around half a year."
"I see. Which means it was around April. It was around the enrollment ceremony and opening ceremony in Japan. Did you meet there?"
"No. I met Shidou during the space quake-----"
"Waah!"
Shidou, raised a loud voice to interrupt Tohka's honest words.
Tohka noticed at that moment. She immediately opened her eyes wide and continued her words to trick him.
"Tha-that's wrong. A space quake is a space quake but, that, I wasn't the reason for it but, err………."
"Kuh, during the space quake, we met in the shelter right!"
"U-umu! That's it!"
When Shidou said that, Tohka changed over and consented.
It looked like it was done a little bit on purpose but, well as far as it went the reason should be able to pass through. In fright, Shidou looked towards Baldwin.
Without a suspicious face, Baldwin was staring at both of their conversation with only a smile. It would seem they succeeded in tricking him. Shidou patted his chest.
But, how should this be put, on Baldwin's expression, there was this awkwardness as if he guessed everything regarding this side's situation.
"I see. That's like fate."
After Baldwin slowly took his time, he made an emotive sigh before continuing his words.
"------Tohka-san. Right now, are you happy?"
"Nu?"
From the sudden question, Tohka opened her eyes wide. However, Tohka didn't make a particular doubtful face and made a big nod in front.
"Umu, I am very happy now!"
"Is that so?"
Baldwin said that, and made a gentle smile.
And-----at that moment.
---UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU---------
Suddenly.
Coming from the street speakers installed in named places in the shopping district, an extremely loud alarm rang and echoed.
"Alarm……!"
The same time with Shidou's shout, the evacuation press started broadcasting from the speaker and the people that were buying things nearby hurried towards the nearest shelter.
But, Shidou cannot evacuate to the shelter with everyone.
The space quake alarm ringing would mean--------a spirit would be appearing. He had to immediately contact <Fraxinus>, and have himself retrieved with its teleporter.
"E-err! Baldwin-san! It is dangerous here. Please evacuate quickly!"
"Aah, I plan on doing so. What about you?"
"Eh? I-I, err, I have something to do so……………"
When Shidou became flustered while answering, Baldwin shrugged his shoulders and smiled.
"Well, I suppose that was a malicious question to ask. I pray for the fortune to be able to meet again. --------Do your best. I am leaving the spirit to you."
"Eh…….?"
From Baldwin's words, Shidou raised his eyebrows and squeezed his throat.
However he did not reply back anything and after giving an order to Karen, they went back to the road they came from.
"Shidou, what are you doing?"
"A-aah…….."
Being told by Tohka, after Shidou released his sights from Baldwin and Karen, he took out the Incam hidden in his pocket and equipped it to his right ear to contact <Fraxinus>.
"What would you like to do now.--------it looks like there were several contacts from Commander Itsuka."
Right after separating from Itsuka Shidou and Yatogami Tohka, Karen who was pushing the wheelchair asked Baldwin.
"Haha, I made them worried. But even so the <Fraxinus> will be busy since there is a space quake. Let's quietly evacuate for now. ------aah, and, if I am correct there is a DEM member that was captured during that time with <Berserk>. Since we came to Japan, let's talk with him a little."
"Understood. I will have that arranged."
Karen said that in an indifferent tone. Baldwin made a small nod.
"------So, is there any problems with them?"
"From what I can see, there shouldn't be a problem for now. They are very stable."
"I see. That is good."
After saying that, *Fuu* she sighed.
Last month. The spirit that had [Inverse] and the boy who manifested several angels, Itsuka Shidou.
Naturally, he received the analysis result report, but as expected he had to meet them directly to erase the worries he had.
But, those worries were just needless anxiety. The voice he heard from Tohka a while ago was being remembered as if it was bouncing about and he loosened the side of his lips.
"----I am really glad to have come to Japan. She really looked happy."
Saying it like that, he---------Elliot Baldwin Woodman made a small smile.
"This………how should I put this, it's distasteful………."
Being teleported to the spot the Space quake occurred by the <Fraxinus>, Shidou looked at the surrounding scenery and sweat oozed out from his cheeks on reflex.
A big range coming up to around 1 kilometer in diameter, a round shape was scraped off as if it was a beautiful prepared soil. Space Quake. The name was taken from the earthquake-esque distortion in space and its outbreak nature forming its characteristics.
But, Shidou was looking at that disaster's after-effects right now.
At the south side of the vanished mark of the Space quake. Over there, there were some weird structures lined up.
The jet coaster paused half-way in the middle of the sky and a merry-go-round with horses with no head. There were Coffee Cups with cracks on it and a partially destroyed mirror house.
It was covered with rust from some time ago and it was something that could not be done by the space quake just now.
Yes. The place Shidou was sent to with the teleporter was the demolished amusement park placed outside Tenguu city.
The official name was unknown. Even when the nearby residence was asked, it would only be called [Ghost land]. It seemed it was an established facility that barely escaped the southern Kantou sky disaster 30 years ago, but naturally after the disaster the number of visitors decreased rapidly---------rather, it was close to no-one and it became abandoned in a blink of an eye.
On top of that, since it did not suffer any direct space quakes, subsidiary payments for its redevelopment were not given and it remained here while staring at the insides of Tenguu city being continuously developed; this was such a pitiful place.
Even though there was space quake this time, the damage radius was only piled on top the amusement park ground and the rusted attractions were left there as it was.
It was coupled with the evening time period and it created a very eerie scenery. It was like the amusement park had no more than a minor role and its whole facility was encroached by the ghost house expanding its territory.
"The atmosphere is coming out a little too much……………."
"Don't keep complaining."
And when Shidou was making a bitter face while muttering that, Kotori's voice could be heard coming from the Incam equipped in his right ear.
"The appeared Spirit has moved west from the space quake occurrence point. The AST should be reaching the spot soon. Please get in contact with her before any unnecessary disruption occurs."
"I got it………………."
After Shidou made a small nod, he pointed his toes towards south-------the amusement park that turned into ruins.
Honestly, he wasn't really up for it but now wasn't the time for him to say that. Even though he struck with the first move, the AST------Anti-Spirit Team was probably immediately heading towards this spot. Before that happened, he had to talk with the Spirit as much as possible.
But-------Shidou who was running in the ruins, suddenly stopped his legs.
"…………huh?"
He made a dumbfounded voice and stood rock still.
"Hey? What are you doing? The spirit's reading is further-------------"
Saying suspiciously, Kotori also stopped her words mid-way. Most likely, she probably saw the same scenery Shidou did with the automated camera.
Yes. In a certain fixed point, the amusement park that was turned into a ruin was lined up with distorted gothic structures and cross gravestones that had transformed it into a very disgusting looking place.
"Wha-what is…………this?"
From the strange feeling of getting sucked into a comedy horror movie created from using latest CG effects or a visual type[8A 4] PV, Shidou instinctively pinched his cheeks. Naturally, a sharp pain ran down Shidou's face.
"The amusement park's attraction came back to life………………. There's no way that can be right…………"
"-------Yes. While it's weak, there are reiha[8A 5] readings around. I am not sure about the details, but it is most likely related to the spirit's ability."
Having her calmness regained, Kotori said that. Shidou gazed at the weird scenery expanding nearby and gulped.
-----------and.
"Araan?"
When Shidou was standing rock still in bewilderment, a voice could be heard from upwards.
He sprung his face upwards. When he did that, on top of the church's ceiling rising in front of his eyes, he saw a weird silhouette.
There was a girl sitting on the cross there while facing her back towards the orange evening sun.
He could not see in details because of the back lighting but-------he could clearly see she was wearing a characteristic hat.
The hat had wide visors and a fractured cone on the tip.
Yes. It was like----------the [witch] that appeared inside stories.
"Ufufu, this is rare, to think I would meet another human other than the AST when I am pulled over here."
The spirit giggled and *Pyon* jumped off the cross.
And while lightly floating mid-air, she landed right in front of Shidou.
She was a slender woman covered with an Astral Dress coloured night sky black and sunset orange. From what he could see, her age should be a little past 20 years. She had long and slender limbs and voluptuous breasts. She had perfect proportions, enough to make gravure models run away barefooted.
She looked like a type of man-made beautiful girl------- as if she was a collection of all the woman ideals in the world. Long and glossy hair was spreading out under the wide visors of the hat, and in that interval, her pair of eyes which could be mistaken with emeralds were staring at Shidou filled with interest.
"Fuun…………..?"
The spirit brought her face closer to Shidou to evaluate him. Being suddenly poked at, Shidou twitched his body in reflex.
As if she thought Shidou's reaction was interesting, the spirit once again giggled.
"Fufu, you don't have to be that scared. I won't do something like eating you."
"E-errm, I--------"
When Shidou was about to reply, the Spirit extended her other hand and lifted Shidou's chin.
"Heeh…………………you are quite cute. What's up with you? If I am correct, when I am coming over to this world, shouldn't there be an alarm ringing in this world?"
"Tha-that's…………."
And, when Shidou was about to reply back from completely having the pace taken away, Kotori's voice echoed from his right ear.
"Shidou, the choices!"
On the <Fraxinus> bridge's main monitor showing Shidou and the witch-like spirit, a window was displayed.
The AI equipped on <Fraxinus> had responded to that situation and displayed the choices.
①"There is only one reason. I came to meet you."
②"I-I[8A 6] don't know anything……………..I was late in running away and when I noticed, I was over here………….."
③"For now, is it okay if I fondled your boobs?"
"All members-------your choices!"
When Kotori shouted from the captain seat, the crew lined up in the lower deck started operating the consoles near their hands.
Immediately, the total results were displayed on the screen.
① and ② were struggling and---------there were no votes in ③.
"Well……………. That's about right."
After Kotori said that while moving the Chupa chups rod around, Nakatsugawa from the lower deck snapped his fingers.
"This should be ①. As long as we have no clue to what disposition the opponent has yet, acting oddly should be dangerous."
However, as if to oppose to that, this time Minowa raised her voice.
"No, this has to be ②. Nakatsugawa is a guy so you might not know this, but Shidou-kun is unexpectedly the type that would tickle maternal instincts! From what we can see, the spirit this time is an onee-san! It is time to make best of that weapon to its maximum!"
When Minowa was displaying a speech with great ardor, Shiizaki [Ah--……….] raised a soft voice to show her approval.
"I see, it's not like I don't understand…………..but this is unexpected, for ③ to have not a single vote in it. I thought someone like Kannazuki would be playing a fool again"
Kotori rearranged her legs while turning around and looked behind the captain seat. When she did that, a tall man with a well-featured nose bridge making an extremely serious face standing there could be seen.
"That is impossible. I am always serious."
"The real reason?"
"The bulges of her chest are so supreme, I have no interest in that kind of sloppy boobs."
"………………"
"If the choice was [Please lick the other side of the knee], then I will be troubled a bit."
"………………."
*choi**choi* Kotori silently bent her fingers, and when Kannazuki folded his knees, she shot out the licked finished Chupa chups towards his eyes.
"Nwwwwwwoooooooooooooooo!?"
Kannazuki pressed his eyes and fell behind.
Kotori took out a new Chupa chups from her candy holder while turning on the mic switch connecting to Shidou's incam.
"-------Shidou, it's ②. Moisten your eyes as much as possible while looking at her with upturned eyes."
"………eh,eehhhh…….."
Hearing the instruction heard from his right ear, Shidou reluctantly raised his eyebrows. Shidou was already a high school student.
In whatever circumstances, he did not want to act like a child.
"Did something happen?"
But, maybe she thought it was strange for Shidou to suddenly make a reluctant face, the spirit tilted her head. He wanted to avoid being suspicious but the space in between was opened for too long. Without any choice, he followed Kotori's instruction and opened his mouth while lightly looking at her with upturned eyes.
"E-err………I…………don't know anything. I was late in running away and when I noticed, I was over here……………."
"……………….!"
After Shidou said that with moistened eyes, the Spirit immediately opened her eyes wide.
And while her cheeks were slightly blushed, *Nii* she raised the sides of her lips.
"Fuun………… is that so. What is your name?"
"E-eerrr…… it's Itsuka Shidou."
"Shidou-kun huh. Ufufu, what a cute name."
"E-err, how about you?"
When Shidou said that the Spirit *fufu* made a cute laugh.
"I am Natsumi. Well--------------I seem to be called <Witch> by you people."
"Natsumi........san."
"Fufu, Natsumi is okay. I don't need the honorifics too. I don't really like being formal."
"E-errr………then, Natsumi."
When Shidou scratched his cheeks while saying her name, the Spirit-------Natsumi nodded in satisfaction.
And then, [aah], *pon* she hit her hands together as if she remembered something.
"Oh yeah. Fufufu, I thought of asking them when I meet a human this time."
And when he thought she made a spin on that spot, while *Katsu* making a light sound like that with her heels and making a pose, she once again directed her sights to Shidou.
"Hey, Shidou-kun. I have something I want to ask, but is it okay if I ask one question?"
"Eh? Ha-haa…………go ahead."
Troubled, after Shidou nodded, Natsumi used one hand and erotically stroke her lips while smiling.
"Shidou-kun, do you think…………I am beautiful?"
"Heh?"
Shidou opened his eyes wide in surprise from the unexpected question.
Well, if he was asked on whether she was beautiful or not, he would agree without an instant of hesitation. There was no doubt in that.
But, on why Natsumi asked that question……………..he had no idea. There might be some kind of hidden meaning or intention to it? When he started thinking like that, he easily hesitated on replying.
"Shidou, what are you doing? If you take too much time, Natsumi might get displeased."
Coming from worried Shidou's ears, Kotori's voice flew over.
It was true that what Kotori said was correct. After Shidou strengthened his will, he opened his lips towards Natsumi.
"A-aah……………. I think you are really beautiful."
"As I expected!"
Natsumi's expression immediately turned lively, and happily twisted her body while placing her hands on her cheeks.
"Hey, hey, Shidou-kun. Specifically? Which part of me is beautiful?"
"Eh?,err……your eyes slits are long, and your nose bridge is straight……"
"Un un!"
"And, your height is tall and slender, and your style is good……"
"What next what next!?"
"Also, your hair is glossy and is beautiful too………"
"Yes! You understand! Shidou-kun understands!!"
After Natsumi shouted that she hugged Shidou tightly. He was pushed on his body with the chest filled with volume and his cheeks blushed in reflex.
Natsumi did not notice that and continued hugging Shidou while happily humming.
But--------suddenly, when he thought her happy mood humming stopped, he wondered why Natsumi suddenly made a lonely face, and opened her mouth softly.
"……………as expected, this me………is beautiful………"
"Eh?"
Shidou brought his eyebrows closer. What on earth did that mean?
But, before Shidou was able to ask that question, Natsumi turned back.
"A-raa……………?"
"………………?"
Shidou followed Natsumi's sights and lifted his face--------and immediately noticed the reason.
The red sky dyed with the sunset. Over there, several fuzzy shadows wearing machines could be confirmed.
"AST………….!"
Yes. The JGDSF anti spirit team. Having the aim to defeat Spirits, they were an organization with a totally opposite goal to <<Ratatoskr>>.
But Shidou made a small frown with his eyebrows. The V shape AST formation in the sky. Inside, the vanguard Origami could not be seen.
"Shidou-kun, do you know the AST?"
"! Ah------"
Being asked by Natsumi, Shidou immediately twitched. Maybe, he might have said something unnecessary.
But Natsumi did not bother much and patted on Shidou's head like praising a little child.
"You are a knowledgeable one. Good boy, good boy."
"Ha-haa….. Thank you"
She was a somewhat crazy Spirit. Shidou made a wry smile while replying back.
However, he could not afford taking his time for too long. The AST arriving would mean-------------
"Shidou! Run away!"
"………….!"
At the same time with Kotori's shout shaking his right ear's eardrum, when he thought there was a flash in the sky, a huge amount of missiles were pouring down towards Shidou and Natsumi.
"U-uwah………..!"
Shouting in reflex, he covered his body. But, unlike Shidou, Natsumi was calm and *fufu* made a smile before raising her right hands high and shaking her throat.
"-----Well then, it's time for work, <Haniel>."
The moment Natsumi said that, a broom appeared from the empty space and landed on Natsumi's hands. Although it had the shape of a broom, there was a metal or gem mounted on the tip, making a fantasy-like sparkle.
Most probably------it was an Angel. The absolute weapon the Spirits held.
Natsumi used that broom and made one spin before thrusting its butt to the ground. When she did that, the tip of the broom opened and released a dazzling light that looked like it was reflecting the evening sun.
In the next instant----------
*Pon* such a comical sound was produced and all missiles closing in on Shidou and Natsumi transformed into deformed carrots.
"Huh……….?"
Unable to understand what happened, after Shidou's eyes turned into a dot, the carrot shaped missiles landed on the ground and *BOMB!* A comical explosion sound as if it was like a gag manga was raised.
"J-just now, what just……."
"Wait for a bit, Shidou-kun."
After Natsumi said that, she sat on the broom in front of the dumbfounded Shidou, and while making acrobatic traces, she flew to the sky.
"…………! She's coming! Shoot!"
The AST leader gave out her instruction in response to that. The wizards deployed in the sky all squeezed the trigger at once and a large number of bullets were scattered towards Natsumi.
However, Natsumi wasn't particularly panicking. After flying around as shed, she once again activated the tip of the broom and it released a dazzling sparkle. The radiating light wrapped around the released missiles and AST members.
When she did that, in the next moment-----
"Wha………. What is this……..!?"
This time, not only the missile but also the AST members wrapped in the light were changed into something else completely in one instant. Rabbit, dogs and pandas, they were turned into those cute looking characters.
"Ufufu, everyone is cuter that way right?"
After Natsumi said that while smiling, she made a circle in the sky and flew back to Shidou. The sky still had the AST members in a comical state there, but all of them were confused of the sudden situation and temporarily could not take in commands.
"Okay, now finished. I thought taking the chance of running to a place where these peoples can't get me but…………..Shidou-kun want to come with me?"
"Eh……………. Is that okay?"
"Of course.-------------if you praise Onee-san more though."
After saying that, Natsumi made a cute gesture and winked at him.
But------at that moment. Up from the sky, someone released a carrot shaped missile and as it was heading towards the both of them, a comical impact sound was produced like just now.
"Uwah……………!"
It had firepower that could not compare with the original missile at all. Maybe because it exploded at a close distance, a strong cloud of dust flowed outwards from the impact. The dust entered Shidou's eyes and blinded him momentarily.
And then.
"Fu…………..fu, Fueekushoon!"
Probably inhaling some of the dust from the cloud into her nose, Natsumi produced a large sneeze.
When she did that, Shidou felt a light sparkled in front of him through his closed eye lids. Yes-----it was like, Natsumi was the one emitting the light.
And when he thought the light died down, his sight through his eyelids immediately brightened once more.
"Hn……………."
Shidou rubbed his eyes, and somehow managed to open his eyelids.
At the same time, coming from the Incam in his right ear, the alarm announcing an emergency situation echoed.
"Shidou! Be careful! Natsumi's mood level is rapidly falling!"
"------------eh?"
Shidou raised his eyebrows from Kotori's words. When he did that, the cloud of dust covering the surroundings lit up and Natsumi could be seen once more.
---for some reason, Natsumi's face was blushed red and she was glaring at Shidou with detest.
"………….Did you see?"
Natsumi was sending a sharp glare towards Shidou while saying that as if she was groaning with a low voice, different from anything until now. Towards the sudden change from the previously cheerful Natsumi, Shidou brought his eyebrows closer in bewilderment.
"Se-see, what……….."
"Don't play a fool! Just now my--------my…………!"
After Natsumi grinded her teeth half-way through her words, she straddled the broom she was holding and floated to the sky just like that.
"Now that you have seen it, I cannot afford it to end it like this……………! Remember this. I will end your life………!"
Like that, she pointed her fingers at Shidou------------and Natsumi disappeared to the other side of the sky with tremendous speed.
"! She ran away! Chase after her!"
The AST captain's voice echoed from the sky. When he looked over, the AST members were all turned back into their normal forms from the previous comical ones. They expanded their machine's wings, reforming their formation and chased after Natsumi who disappeared into the sky.
"Wha…………….. What was that…………"
Being left behind alone, Shidou looked up at the sky blankly.
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