Origami POV:
A total defeat.
No, saying defeat is an understatement.
We can't reach her, not even once.
She is just toying with us, with a wide grin on her face.
Despite never using her Angel, the number alone is enough to overwhelm us all.
"Kihihihi ~ What a joy ~"
That laugh… again…
She's mocking us… and she's enjoying every second of it.
Damn it, why… Why was I—too weak?
I joined the AST for power, yet I can't even touch her…
… Then—what's the point?
As I slowly lifted my eyes up to leer at her, I saw a bunch of identical red-dress twin tails beside every one of my unconscious teammates, looking eager to kill them off right now.
And standing before me is that same girl, leaning down looking straight at my eyes with her… unique gaze.
"O ~ ri ~ ga ~ mi ~ san ~"
She called my name with a melody tone, her gaze intensified with a bloodlusted feeling, one that made me unconsciously tremble with fear.
"You're in luck, for it to care for you ~"
What? What did she mean by that?
"Me. She's back."
Another one of her suddenly appeared from the ground beside her and formally announced that, as the one in front of me slightly waver in response.
"Ah ~ Looks like playtime is over, my dear ~"
The girl stood up stretching with a hint of disappointed voice, earning a giggle from others.
And, one by one, all of them sink back into the ground… into their shadow.
"Now then ~ Time for you to pay it a visit, Origami-san ~"
… What?
As I was still unable to process
Ellen POV:
I—lost to a mere machine.
Not a Spirit, not
And the worst of all—is that it spares me.
Me, the strongest Wizard, being at mercy?!
… I won't accept this! Ever!
[!!]
Subconsciously, I ram my hand on the handle as everyone else startles and looks back at me with fear in their eyes.
Thanks for the precaution earlier from Ike, none here have ever seen my beatdown just now. But their gaze, one filled with curiosity and fear… it really annoying!
"What are you looking at?!"
I let out my anger at them, earning me immediate reaction from them all… Not that I care a bit about them.
Tch, if only Ike didn't request me this—I would've gone out on my own, and not on this lousy
But, as much as I hated him for that… I'd have walked back on my own, one that was vastly worse than being tormented by the earlier failure.
"Kuh!"
A faint pain swept through my arm, making me slightly flinch from it. This pain… it's from earlier, when it threw me on the ground…
I've never been through such pain before. And that thing—being the first!
I'll have my revenge! You have my word,
"Captain! The AST…"
One of the crewmen called out with a panicked voice, as the screen before me flashing an image of the AST base…
… Showing everyone fainted on the ground, with the whole facility in ruins.
"Useless… Descend there and check on everyone!"
With a sigh of defeat, I commanded the crew to land the ship at the base and prepare for emergency procedures on them.
Not that I have even a shred of care for those defectors, not even able to take on a
What a bother…
Origami POV:
… How long has it been?
The last thing I remember… is the shadow over my eyes—captured by
With my consciousness slowly re-surfaced, I slowly open my ey—
"Hello there, miss Tobiichi."
A metallic voice hit my ears, as my eyelid opened. The first thing I realized is that my limbs were restrained, tied behind me with a cuff.
The second thing I realized is that I'm in a confined room, which looks akin to that of a luxury lounge without a window.
The last thing in this room with me… is a not-so-familiar figure standing in front of me. The same machine from back then, when I confronted
And the same thing… claiming to know who killed my parents…
"You are… back then?"
"Indeed I am. I'm honored that you still remembered me, miss Tobiichi."
The thing let out a fakeful repeating manner with my question, as its crimson eyes narrowed down.
"Sorry for such an inappropriate welcome, miss Tobichii. But I expected efficiency, and that unfortunately involved raiding the base."
With an even more mocking apologetic manner, the thing confirmed my suspicions as I first saw the situation, involving the reason why the built-in Spirit detection system at the base didn't pick her up…
… And its connection with the most dangerous Spirit, one that only spells disaster.
"If you're concerned about your companions then don't, I assure you they're all safe and sound."
And, for some reasons, this thing confirms the others' safety, one that—really didn't cross my mind as of now.
"… And who are you?"
I asked it with a rather intimidating voice, but it didn't even seem to pick up my implications as it slowly let out a smirk.
An imitation at best, one that clearly tried to be humane but failed to be. A disfigured grin, per say.
"Call me what fits you, miss Tobiichi."
"…"
With a soothing voice, at least for its screeching voice, it speaks up with a flicker of crimson eyes. At that moment, after much consideration for the past minute, I decided to ask the crucial question.
"… What did you mean back then?"
The thing narrows its gaze with the question, leaning back with a rather comforting manner… or at least trying to be.
"Indeed I am, for I have understood that
The thing responds with a dramatic voice, which kinda annoys me a bit with how carefree this thing is…
"
As I begin to frown with its ridicule, it murmurs something akin to a codename… one that earns back a leer from me.
"Was that… a Spirit?"
An uncertain feeling slowly surges up from deep within my heart, as I asked it once more.
"Indeed. A Spirit, bathing with glorious light, with an identity that shrouded in darkness. The only known appearance of her… is only once."
It halted right at the crucial moment, its gaze lingering on me as if awaiting my response… And at that moment, a weird feeling surging inside me, urges me to finish the word.
"It was 5 years ago, during the Tengu fire."
I continue with a slightly trembling voice, my mind slowly clouded with memories, one that I long forgotten…
"Correct."
And its response confirmed it all, one that strangely convinced me… all due to what slipped off my mind back then.
The shining blaze engulfed them all, leaving nothing behind but a crater. And in that shining light, hovering above with an angelic yet almighty gesture… is the true culprit.
I—remember it now.
It was her, the mysterious
I…
"… I will kill her."
Unbeknown to me, I silently murmur my intention out loud with it, my gaze filled with resentment, my body trembling with unimagined anger—
"And you will have that chance, miss Tobiichi."
Its words immediately brought me back to reality before I crossed the lane of no return, as I silently took a deep sigh…
"… What is your intention?"
After a long while regaining my composure, I asked it with a hint of doubt. Dropping a bombshell like this… it must've some other motive behind.
"Nothing actually. Just a chance."
That thing clicked its finger, and the cuff behind me immediately released. It then stands up and walks up to a simple iron door behind me, not before leaving an invitation.
"Although we started with a bad note, I hope you can join me for a meal."
With that, it finally leaves the room completely, leaving me alone in this lounge to reconsider its invitation…
… From the look of it, denial will surely result in disposition.
Taking a deep breath to ready myself, I walk up to the iron and open it. The first thing I see outside… is 2 robots, with much simpler design than the earlier thing, standing at either side of the doorframe.
So it did plan to imprison me here… not a surprise thought.
[Miss Tobiichi, what's your answer?]
One of the "guards" asked me with a clearly artificial voice, as I pondered for a moment before giving out the response.
"I'll join him."
[Perfect. I'll prepare your clothes right away.]
Hm? Clothes?
As its words suddenly remind me of something, I look down at my clothes consisting of only a single piece of the Combat Wiring Suit, and slightly frown.
I secretly tried to call forth a simple
So it did take away everything from me in precaution…
[Here's the clothes, miss Tobiichi.]
The guard then calls out while handing a basket, I then take it and return to the room to check on it.
After careful inspection to make sure that it's safe, I open the lid… and narrow my eyes down.
This is…
Kurumi POV:
"Pleasure doing business with you, miss Tokisaki."
The machine gave her a file, along with a word of gratitude.
"Fufufu, same here, Fu-kun ~"
The gothic dress girl gracefully takes the file, her smile also glinting a hint of gratitude in return.
She then hands it to another her, with both then sink into the shadow beneath.
"If you need me to do anything for a valuable info, I'd gladly partake in ~"
Leaving a seduction line behind, she too sank back into the shadow… just to reemerge at a rooftop watching over the city.
"Me."
Called the girl, her eyes glinting a hint of anticipation. Then, from the shadow beneath, appeared the same girl holding the file.
She gleefully takes the file, rip away the seal and read all the content in it… as her eyes narrow down dangerously.
"This is…"
Ultron POV:
"Hm… She's more eager than I thought…"
Seeing Tokisaki, the
"Although, considering your whole stitch, it would be odd if she's any calmer than this…"
I turned around mid-sentence, a grin appearing on my metallic face.
As expected—she takes the bait.
"Isn't that right—miss Takamiya?"
And there it is, standing right behind me, is the one coated in a layer of mosaic all to disguise herself from others…
Or at least that's what she tried to do. I can see her clearly, even her confusion deep in her blue eyes.
"I take that you have wholeheartedly taken my invitation, miss Takamiya."
I narrow my eyes and greet her with a "friendly" face, one that seems to… fright her?
Hmph, so this is still not the case… oh well, time to improve it further then.
{You…}
The glitching figure, or at least what she wanted others to see as, slightly stuttered with the namesake I just blatantly mentioned. But her uneasiness quickly disappeared, replaced by a hint of hostility yet curiosity.
{… How?}
"I'm glad you asked that, 'cause I wanted to take this time to explain in detail…"
My grin slowly faded away.
"… But you don't actually believe I would, right?"
{…}
The glitching figure fell silent with my question, possibly thinking about her options… Unbeknown that the very act unintentionally proved her identity.
Interesting…
"What about a deal, miss Takamiya? Or you prefer the
{… Whatever fits you.}
"Well then, miss
"A… deal?"
The glitching figure let out a hint of confusion yet surprise, which made me narrow down my gaze.
"In exchange for not exposing your identity, and even fortifying it… why don't you give me the power source of the Spirits? I won't let anyone else know about this deal even."
{…}
After a long while of silence, the figure spread her hand to me. And from her palm, bathed in lights, appeared a delicate colorless crystal.
"So this is what makes them Spirits…"
I carefully pick up the crystal, looking at all of the angles. Although this thing doesn't seem that special, the faintly emitting Reiryoku from this thing proved it legitimately.
And, from this act alone, I get 2 valuable pieces of information, beside the obvious one earlier.
First is the fact that she wanted the whole thing as a secret, to the point of willing to compromise such a valuable piece to me as a compensation.
Second is that the DEM record of her power is the real deal, proven by the fact that she casually handed me the crystal.
In fact, I'm even certain that she can end my existence right here… but she can't afford to risk her plan at this moment, not after what I intentionally showed her beforehand.
And even if she dares to… she just can't. Not before exposing at least part of her power, and warning every faction… warning him, in the process.
Well, time for the final nail.
{If this is all you wanted, then I shall take my lea—}
"
The figure halted her movement with my call out, and looked back at me with a hint of doubt yet surprise.
"The Spirit behind miss Tobiichi tragedy… [she] wields that Angel, isn't she?"
Origami POV:
Who… is that? Why can't I see it clearly? What's with this dreadful feeling seeing it…?
What did it mean by the source of all Spirit? Was the crystal thing… truly the source of all Spirit?
Hiding just behind the wall, I carefully dissect the information I accidentally overheard just now.
But, if what it said is true, then… that figure… maybe, just maybe… behind the whole thing?
"
Just as I was still pondering, it suddenly called forth a name, one that seemed to affect that thing.
"The Spirit behind miss Tobiichi tragedy… [she] wields that Angel, isn't she?"
And that line truly captured my whole attention.
{You truly surprised me there. How did you know?}
"Cross-checking. All the Angels I read are all based on the Archangel in the Tree of Life. Among all the known Angels, only
{…}
"So in short, the Angel name is
{… I really should kill you now.}
"And we both knew you can't."
That glitchy thing let out a threat with a hint of compliment, one that confirmed its deduction… and enlightens me.
And at the same time, my rage for it surges up, even more against
Combine the fact that she can give Spirit their power back then, the fact she confirms the name can only mean one thing—
—She's the one behind
{Are you satisfied with the result?}
"For now."
{…}
And then, the glitchy figure disappeared into thin air, as if it never was there to begin with, and the whole room fell into deep silence for a while…
"Satisfied with the result, miss Tobiichi?"
Finally, after a long time, it turns to the hallway and calls out for me.
"Yes."
And I, finally stepping up to it, finally made up my mind…
Shido POV:
A lot has happened in the span of 1 night.
The sudden arrival of Nia for a temporary stay, the "test" involving me saw her in her most exposed state, Kotori mocking and Reine attitude… It's just too much to bear.
And all of that led me to this.
Standing in front of the school—or at least what was left of it, I let out a sigh.
The school is in ruins now, resulting from yesterday 's Spacequake. And I—somehow forgot it.
Probably due to what happened yesterday, and the fact that my head is all about her…
Tome…
If only I can fix the mistake and make up for my—rudeness back then—
"Shidou!"
But still, that's just my wishful thinking… How can such a thing happen?
"Shidou!!"
But still, I need to make a proper apology letter for he—
"SHIDOU!!!!!!"
???
What the… Wait, that voice…
I turned to the source, and my eyes widened in awe. Because standing there, right on the rail, is the same girl from yesterday, one that I wished to meet back the most.
Tome.
"What's wrong with you? Why did you ignore my call?"
And she's pissed, like real pissed.
"Eh, uh, I–I'm sorry…"
And I, in the midst of her boiling anger, can only apologize and hope for the best.
"Hm… I'll let that slide."
With a small huff, she jumped down and walked by my side, still looking a bit angry from earlier.
At that moment, countless questions pop-up in my head with her being here…
"Wh—Why are you here?"
And, although I was confused by lots of things, that's the only thing that got out of my mouth.
"Why? Of course—it's because of you."
… Eh?
"Why…?"
"… The thing you said earlier…"
Hearing that, I subconsciously lowered my eyes, feeling guilt for what happened yesterday…
"Take me."
"Wha—?"
"A date. Take me on a date."
… What? Why? How?!
Why did she—being so casual about that?! Did she not know what a date is?!
But—if she really wanted that… I still need to resolve this first.
"Before that… I'm sorry!"
I bowed deeply against her, paying my deepest apology.
"I—I shouldn't have told you such a thing.. I shouldn't have told you its act, and yours essentially, is evil!!"
"No one will, or can, blame you for such acts given your situation!! I—I'm sorry!!!"
After letting out my deepest thoughts, I just keep the gesture for a while longer, eager to hear her response…
"… It's fine, I don't mind it."
I slowly lifted up my face, facing Tome's tired yet intrigued expression.
"In fact, that's the reason I came here in the first place."
She then looked straight into my eyes, all her doubts and uneasiness vanished, safe for only determination.
"I need to know… Whether I can finally stop being alone—or not."
Nia POV:
"Hmph?"
Sitting in the guest room at Shido household, indulging myself with snacks and comics, I suddenly feel a bit—out of place.
Despite the fact that my power is all—hinder, I can still feel it. A faint amount of Reiryoku.
Which can only mean one thing… a Spirit's here. And she's just around the corner.
"… Nah."
But just as quickly as I felt the scent, I quickly dismissed it already. There's no Spacequake alarm, and this amount of Reiryoku, means the one appeared there—are no threat.
And since it poses no threat, it has no concerns of mine. Besides, what can I do with my current pathetic state?
But the most important part—is that I hated them.
Protect my ass!!! They literally just personally violated every known personal rule for the sake of training.
Seriously, if not for Fu-kun's advice back there, I'd have already sneaked away already…
… Hmph ~