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Chapter 9 - Chapter 8: Contradictory Heart

"I move alone, didn't I say?"

The robed girl, returning lightly through the unending rain, speaks with veiled irritation—her face hidden. Arms crossed, she glares at Kurumi, who smiles as if to soothe her effort.

"My, welcome back. Glad you delivered Shidou-san safely."

"Just returned… Think you can dodge this?"

Kurumi's concern feels genuine, but that's beside the point. Sighing, the girl clutches her head. Typical—Kurumi's whims are too free.

"…Second Bullet: Bet. You used it then, didn't you? Even briefly, Mana Takamiya will notice."

"Whatever could you mean? I'm clueless."

Kurumi plays dumb, exasperating the girl. Mana sniffing them out isn't a huge issue—Kurumi can't be killed or let herself be by her. Losing clones is annoying, but it won't derail Kurumi's vow. Arguing won't make her confess—just blamed on whims. The girl knows why Kurumi used her costly Angel.

Kurumi's presence stabilized Hermit too much that day. When that anchor vanished, despair surged, and the Spirit's Sephira overreacted. Without Kurumi's interference, this catastrophe might've been avoided—an if. Kurumi's sharp, yet stubbornly dishonest.

"Such a stubborn girl."

"Oh? Did you say something?"

"Nope, nothing."

The rain stops.

"This…"

The overcast sky clears, sunlight piercing through. A rainbow arcs.

"It's over," Kurumi murmurs, squinting at the light, realizing the oath was fulfilled.

"Truly… a kind, cruel person."

If only it wasn't you.

"No more business here. Let's go."

"Kurumi?"

Kurumi turns, skirt fluttering, back to the light. A breeze sways her hair, mirroring her heart. Brushing it aside, she speaks without turning.

"A vessel with three Spirits' power. I could die from anticipation."

Her mad laughter sounds theatrical to the girl.

The contradiction is obvious. Three Spirits' power won't fulfill Kurumi's vow—she knows it. The girl doesn't press. If it's insufficient, she'll compensate, even at her own cost—for the plan.

Yet, faintly, she wants to bet on Shidou's hope.

"Nice weather, huh?"

Sunlight floods as Shidou opens the door, stretching to savor the warmth. His face beams. Days after saving Yoshino with Tohka and the mystery Spirit's help, he's back to peaceful days at the Itsuka house. His recklessness worried Kotori—she'd deny crying—but it's settled.

"From now on…"

He saved Tohka and Yoshino. Initially dragged into it, his resolve is firm. And—

"Shidou, please. If another Spirit like me or Yoshino appears… save them."

Another promise he can't break. Tohka's complex expression lingers, but recalling her actions, he blushes, touching his lips. The guilt persists.

Breathing deeply, he calms. He must get used to that method, but Kurumi's face makes it impossible. Is she okay? Yoshino, still under Ratatosk's checks, must want to see her. Shidou wants to report finding Yoshinon.

Hoping to meet soon, he heads out for errands—

"You look well, Itsuka Shidou."

"Rabbit!?"

Her voice startles him, heart racing. An odd cry—rabbit, tank?—escapes as he turns, eyes widening.

"You saved Hermit. My compliments."

"You… why are you here?"

The robed girl leans against the fence, arms crossed, owning the space. Her face is hidden, but her theatrical tone praises him. She was there before he noticed—Fraxisnus said she vanished, evading their sensors.

Why's she back? Not a spatial quake—her own will.

"Why? To see you, of course."

"Me…?"

"Yes, I have business with you."

Business? Shidou tenses, gripping his fists. No earpiece, and she knows Fraxisnus. He'll face her alone. A Spirit, unknown or not, doesn't change his duty. Her seeking him out? Bring it—Tohka's promise fuels him.

"Then let me say first… Thank you. I'd be dead without you. Truly grateful."

"Fufu, so proper. I'll accept your thanks."

"And… why save me?"

No time before, he bows sincerely and asks what Ratatosk wants to know. Why him? Simple goodwill seems naive for this enigmatic Spirit. She pauses briefly, then answers.

"Let's call it… a queen's whim."

"Queen?"

Her serious nod at his stunned reply feels like evasion. Too direct? As he wonders, she shifts from the fence, facing him.

"My turn. I helped you, so one request."

"Request…?"

No need for alarm, she says calmly.

"Just answer a question."

"A question? That's it?"

"Yes. You saved Yatogami Tohka and Hermit—both 'good' Spirits, yes?"

He nods, confused. Tohka and Yoshino caused spatial quakes unwillingly, targeted unfairly. Their kindness drove him to save them. That hasn't changed. But—

"What about the opposite? A Spirit deemed 'evil' by all, unstoppable, bound for hell's depths. The worst Spirit. What would you do, Itsuka Shidou?"

"…What's that?"

He wants to call it impossible but can't. Her words feel familiar, his body resisting denial. No immediate answer. He acts to save Spirits from unfair suffering. Her terrifying question leaves him without one.

"No need to answer now. Tell me next time. Until then—I'm counting on you, Itsuka Shidou."

She vanishes before he can reach out. Staring at his sweaty hand, he feels inexplicable unease. Scratching his hair doesn't help. The sunny mood fades, the weather darkening with his emotions.

He doesn't notice—or doesn't want to. The déjà vu in her question was real. He longed to see her, yet now fears it.

Their reunion, driving him mad, is near.

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