DAL 11 Summary

Chapter 6: The One Who Struggle

- In Tenguu City 5 years ago, Shidou was standing in front of Okamine Tamae — Tama-chan sensei — with his eyes fixed to the date on her notebook she shown to him. When Tama-chan sensei asked if Shidou is done, he apologized for staring at her for long. Tama-chan sensei inclined her head a little in wonder and left.

"…Five years ago? Are you kidding me?"

- Even though Shidou wanted to laugh as if it was a joke, the evidence disallow him for doing so. He thought of a single possibility; the fact that he met a certain girl before he came to the past.

"Kuru… mi"

- Shidou called her name with his dried throat. Kurumi's angel <Zafkiel> was to control time. Every single number in the dial plate of her angel contains a different ability. Even though there the wound is nowhere to be found, Kurumi shot Shidou with two bullets of her ability before he came to the past. Considering her ability, it might be possible that —

'—Ki, hihihi, hihi'
"!? W-who!?"
'Ara, ara. How sad, you have already forgot about me?'
"Don't tell me… Kurumi!?"
'Yes, yes. Ufufu, I'm glad you noticed.'

- Even though Shidou looked around to his left and right, there is nobody around. The voice Shidou heard is as if an invisible person is whispering to his ears, or a miniature person living inside his head is talking something to him.

'Ufufu, it's no use finding me. — Because I'm currently living in the different "time" than Shidou-san.'
"What…!?"

- Shidou choked at Kurumi words. Even though Shidou noticed the possibility, when it is spoken directly to him like this, it is still shocking. Shidou feels anxiety as if he is slipped into the world he don't know.

"So — This is Tenguu City 5 years ago… is it?"
'Ara, ara. So you've noticed "when" is it? Ufufu, as expected.'
"I'm just lucky. Before than — can you explain me everything?"-

- Kurumi then started explaining that she used the 12th bullet of <Zafkiel> to send Shidou back to Tenguu City 5 years ago. In addition to the 12th bullet, Kurumi also shot him with the 9th bullet — a bullet that allows her to share her sense with someone from different time dimension — that is why Kurumi is able to talk with Shidou as well hear and see everything he do.
- Heard the explanation, Shidou grumbled that it doesn't feel really good knowing someone is observing him. Shidou looked down his body then repeatedly clenched and unclenched his fist and thought as if he just became a remote-controlled robot.

'Ufufu, so, please don't do something that you shouldn't do in front of people. I don't really mind it though.'
"Who's going to do that!"

- Shidou shouted. The woman who passed by looked at him with a suspicious looks. Shidou gripped his fist tight and shouted to Kurumi,

"A-anyway, let me back to the time I was in! I shouldn't be doing this right now! Even now, Tohka and others are still fighting…!"
'Well — that's right. It is so horrible over here. Everything is burned to the ground, even Hades probably don't looks as horrible as this.'
"…! That's right! Then quickly —"

- Kurumi sighed and continued.

'Is it really okay? For you to come back here without doing anything? I even used my secret of secrets <Yud Bet> to send you back in time.'
"…!? What… do you mean?"
'It's exactly as I said. — If you want to do something with that desperate situation, don't you better do something with Origami from five years ago at Tenguu City?'
"Origami…? W, wait, I don't understand what you're trying to say. Well, Origami was here five years ago too, but she was still an elementary school student. What do you want me to —"
'No, that's incorrect. Origami that you should meet is the Spirit Origami — the one that I used this <Yud Bet> to sent back in time 5 years ago.'
"W… what!? Origami is here!?"
'That's right. But since I gave you a little bit of allowance when I sent you back, she shouldn't be there right now, but she should be appearing very soon.'
"Why is that? Why is Origami coming back to the past?"
'In order to revenge for her parents. Or more accurately — to kill her enemy before she become her vengeance.'

- Shidou felt as if his heart is squeezed tight. All the information in his head started coming together into a single piece. Origami's parents that were killed five years ago by a spirit, the power that Origami gained, Kurumi's <Yud Bet>, and the presence of the other spirit in the scene of fire five years ago. Shidou concluded that,

"Origami is… coming back 5 years ago to defeat <Phantom>? But why did she turned Inversed after she came here!? What happened in this era!?"
'That is something I don't know. In order to know that and in order to overturn that — that's why I shot you my <Yud Bet>.'
"…I see."

- Shidou thought that if what Kurumi said is true, there is no way to resolve this except by searching for the cause Origami turned Inverse and prevent her from becoming so. However, there is still one thing Shidou could not understand. Shidou stared into the girl that is not here and asked,

"…Kurumi, even if you said is true, there is one thing I still do not understand. Why are you doing this? Not only to me, you sent Origami back here because she asked you for it, isn't that right?"

- Shidou couldn't believed that Kurumi used her angel for someone else. Even though Kurumi used to help Shidou back few months ago, that was because they shared a mutual interest. Kurumi kept silent for a while before she answered,

'It's not that I don't gain anything from it. There's not much chance to try <Yud Bet> using someone else's spirit power. But let's see… if I had to give you a reason, it is because I want a proof.'
"A proof? For what?"
'— The proof that the past could be changed by humanity's reach.'

- Kurumi said with a voice that is different from her usual tone.
- Kurumi said with a voice that is different from her usual tone.

"The history…"
'Yes. Please show it to me. That you can undone this remediable destruction, that you can make this hopeless tragedy never happened.'
"Can I… do that? I heard the history could correct itself…"

- Even though Shidou is not that well-informed about science fiction, Shidou heard about these theory from the time travel movie he saw in the past. In summary, when someone travelled back in time and caused something that might change the history, the history will try to correct itself by causing something similar to the original event to occur in order for everything to be as close as possible to the original timeline.
- Heard Shidou's question, Kurumi only laughed. Shidou heard Kurumi's sigh in his head. Kurumi then continued as if she is provoking Shidou.

'You said something odd, Shidou-san. Who is the one who said that? Did that person ever travelled back in time to proof it?'
"T, that is…"
'No matter how broad this world is, the only one that could interfere with the past is only this Tokisaki Kurumi. Only this <Zafkiel>. You don't need to listen to those silly words of scientist or a writer. Only everything that you, everything that Shidou-san see are the truth.'

- Kurumi continued the explanation as if she is saying those words to herself.

"Kurumi…?"
'…We talked too much. Even though I make some allowance, it's not that we could stand over there and talk forever. Let's begin our actions.'

- Shidou grind his teeth and nodded back to Kurumi. Even though there are a lot of things he do not understand, there is no other way to stop Origami from turning Inversed and save the town from turning into a purgatory other than this.
- Origami's target is to defeat the spirit that killed her parents, and that spirit is probably <Phantom>. Then she will appear at the Tenguu City at Nankou Town. Shidou gripped his fist tight and started running to his destination.

- Shidou don't know how long he had run, nor he know what time is it, but the sun is already settling. The mid-summer sunlight is still scorching his skin, but he couldn't stop. When he started to recognize his surroundings, he said "Nankou… town" and starting to slow down.
- The scenery before him is the Tenguu City Nankou Town before it was in flames. Shidou felt nostalgia at the town he used to live. However, that moment —

"Ah…"

- Shidou, who found something, stopped and stood still. Kurumi asked him what happened but Shidou couldn't answered. In front of Shidou, there is a two story house with dark red-colored roof. Even though there is nothing that could attract attention, Shidou could no longer moved the moment he captured it in his sight.
- It was his house from 5 years ago. However, the reason he could not move is not because of the house itself, but because of a thought that came up into his mind. Five years ago. Shidou is in Tenguu City 5 years ago. In the day when Origami lose her parents and vowed to defeat all spirits.
- However, what happened in that date is not only that. When Origami's parents are killed, the town was in flames — with Shidou's sister, Itsuka Kotori's flames. Kurumi said to Shidou to undone Origami's Inverse. Shidou then thought, then shouldn't he able to prevent <Phantom> from turning Kotori into a spirit as well?
- If Kotori is still at home, he could say to her to never go to the nearby park. He could prevent Kotori from meeting with <Phantom>. When such a thought came to Shidou's mind, he started walking toward his house. On that date, Shidou was out to buy Kotori's present in the town. There's no possibility of meeting with himself from the past. Shidou opened the front gate, walked pass the garden to the back of his house.
☆

"— Ara?"

- When Suzumoto Naoko entered Itsuka house, she noticed a boy about elementary school age standing in the back yard, he is the eldest son of this house, Itsuka Shidou.

"Itsuka-kun, you were home? I'm sorry, I did rang the bell but nobody's home."
"…I, it's okay. I'm sorry, I may have missed it…"

- For some reason, Itsuka Shidou smiled awkwardly. Naoko inclined her head in wonder and hand over the plastic bag to Shidou.

"My house in countryside just sent me this thing. Please take it if it's okay for you."
"T-thank you very much."

- Shidou accepted the plastic bag and bowed to Naoko.

"…Ara?"
"Um, what is it?"
"Ah, not much. For some reason Shidou-kun's atmosphere is a bit different today."
"Eh!? Um, I-I don't think so…"
"Is it? Hmm? Maybe it's just me. Anyway, please say hello to your mother."
"Sure. Thank you very much."

- Naoko then leaved the yard of Itsuka's house.

☆
"…Phew."
'Ufufu, that was nice, Shidou-san.'
"…Thankfully that turned out well."

- Shidou sighed after he saw Naoko leave the backyard and wiped the sweat floating on his head with his hand that is smaller than that in his memories. Not only his hand, his body, his feet and even the clothes are smaller.
- What came up to Shidou's mind when he was about to be found out by his neighbor is when Natsumi used her <Haniel> to turn other spirits into a child. It's not strange if elementary school Shidou was here.
- Shidou already sealed Natsumi's power within his body. It might be possible that he could use Natsumi's power. However, unlike Tohka's <Sandalphon> or Yoshino's <Zadkiel>, Natsumi's power is something he never tried even once. Thankfully it went well.

"Sorry, I just wasted my time. Let's go."

- Shidou placed the plastic bag he got from earlier in front of the door and stirred himself up. However —

"…Uh?"
'What is it?'
"Well… how do I come back to normal?"
'Ah, that's too bad, and we have to meet with Origami-san from now.'
"Hm, I should find a way to go back…"

- While Shidou lowered his eyes and groaned, Kurumi laughed.

'Shidou-san, before you go back to normal, can you stand in front of a mirror for a bit?'
"Huh? Why?"
'Even though you have become so cute, I couldn't see you from here.'
"…You."

- Shidou half-open his eyes and sighed. However, that moment —

"…!?"

- Suddenly the sky brighten up in red. Shidou quickly turned to the direction of the light and saw a pillar of fire rise up to the sky. The next moment, the pillar crackled up and a wave of blazing flames is scattering everywhere.
- Not before long, the whole town is covered in flame. House, three, everything started burning up. Screams could be heard from everywhere, everyone is trying to take a refuge.

"This is Kotori's…?"
'It seems like so.'

- Shidou grind his teeth after hearing Kurumi's words. Kotori is already at the park, and now, <Phantom> just turned her into the spirit <Efreet>. Shidou could not stand still, he started running from where he is with his small body.
- The fact that Kotori has turned into a spirit means <Phantom> is there, and Origami will be here very soon. Shidou hurried, but the building that collapsed from the fire and people trying to evacuate blocked the way. Shidou rely on his memories from 5 years ago and make a detour.

"…! That is –"

- When Shidou finally arrived at the park, he noticed three person already there. First one is Kotori who is crying, Shidou from five years ago who is laying down on the ground and "something" that looks like a noise.

"<Phantom>…!"

- After Shidou shouted the name, that moment, a ray of light came from the sky and <Phantom> disappeared. Something suddenly sparked up in Shidou's head. Shidou already knew this scene. Shidou looked up to the sky trying to find the source of that light and saw a person-shaped silhouette in the sky.
- A beautiful girl in white dress is floating in the sky accompanying by a "Feather". However, her expression is full of hatred and fury.

"Origami…!"

- Shidou shouted her name. The spirit Origami from the future is here. Shidou don't know how she turned into a spirit. However, Origami right now still have not turned Inversed. Shidou is sure something will happen from now. Something that will make that strong-minded girl deeply despaired.
- In the sky, apart from Origami, <Phantom> who disappeared earlier also appeared over there. When Origami wave her hand, the "Feathers" that are surrounding her started releasing a ray of light into <Phantom>. With that as signal light, the two started chasing around in the sky.

'Shidou-san, let's chase. Otherwise we'll lose sight of them.'
"Right!"

- Heard Kurumi's words, Shidou started running around in the town that was covered in flames. Origami repeatedly use the ray of light to attack <Phantom>, but <Phantom> only evaded those attack without fighting back.

"Origami! Origami! It's me! Listen to me! Everything will not turned out well if it goes on like this."

- Shidou shouted while chasing the two. However, there's no response. It's not surprising, since the distance between them is too far and even if it is Origami, to have her years long enemy before her, it's not surprising if she could not pay attention to the surroundings. However, Shidou could not give up. Shidou continued shouting while running.

"Origami! Origami!"
"Origami!"

- Suddenly.

"Eh?"

- Shidou stopped at the voice calling Origami's name apart from himself and moved his eyes back to the ground. Over there, there is a married couple. They probably just ran away from the burning house. Their clothes is full of dirts and wounds could be found everywhere.
- Shidou thought for a second why they are calling for Origami then realized it in the next moment. There is a girl about elementary school age in front of them. A smart-looking girl with her hair cut to her shoulder. She is Origami from five years ago.

"Dad! Mom — !"

- Origami called for her parents with tears in the corner of her eyes as if she is happy to see her parents are safe. However, the next moment.

"…!?"

- For a slight second, Shidou's view turned white, then followed by a shock wave covering the surroundings. Shidou's small body is blown into a brick wall. Shidou groan in pain.

'Are you okay, Shidou-san?'
"I-I am, but before that —"

- Shidou raised up and looked into where Origami and the married couple who seems to be her parents were at. However —

"What —"

- Shidou lost his words at what he saw. A large crater is created at where the married couple were, and several "parts" that used to be human are scattered around.

- Even though it is a dreadful scene that will one vomited out, however Shidou could not do anything except kept his eyes open. Because he saw it. He saw Origami from five years ago — who saw that scene closer than Shidou.

"A, Aa, Aaaaaa —"

- Origami shouted in a hoarse voice while crawling the ground to the parts that used to be her parents. Origami's chattered her teeth and looked up to the sky — to where that ray of light came from. And then —

"An—gel…"

- Origami mumbled in small voice. Being urged by Origami's voice, Shidou also looked up to the sky — and mumbled.

"…! Don't tell me —"

- Shidou said in a shivering voice with goosebumps running through his body. Over there, there is spirit Origami in white Astral Dress. Even though her face could not be seen, Origami from five years ago could probably recognized her as a human-shaped silhouette. It's not strange if someone who don't know about spirits to call that an "angel".

"Y-you are…"

- Hatred and rage started filling Origami's innocent eyes. She shouted while still sunk down the the ground,

"I won't… forgive you. I will… kill you. I will definitely kill you…!"

- There's no way her voice could be heard from up in the sky, however Origami in white Astral Dress started twisting her body as those words are being said. For someone who don't know anything could have seen that as a laughing. However, Shidou fully know that she can't be laughing.

"What… what the hell… what is this…!"

- Even though it was only few seconds, but everything happened and ended in that split moments. — And Shidou could understand all of it. Origami who tried to undone the event that killed her parents by coming to that scene of 5 years ago. That Origami then knew it — knew about the real culprit.

'I see…'

- Kurumi who is sharing her sight with Shidou said,

'For someone such as Origami-san to became like that, I thought something horrible might have happened, but this is…'

- While Kurumi is saying those words, the spirit Origami that were floating in the sky disappeared.

"…!? She's gone…?"
'Probably the time limit of <Yud Bet>. I'm sure she just came back to the present.'
"…! That can't be! Then what should I…!"

- Shidou screamed. Shidou's and Kurumi's mission was to found out why Origami turned Inverse, and prevent it from happening. The cause was found out, but the way to prevent it from happening is also gone at the same time. There is no way they could change the past like this.

"W-what should I —"

- Shidou who were at loss suddenly lose his words at the happening before him. Part of the house is collapsing into Origami from five years ago who is still sunk to the ground. Shidou shouted her name and jumped into her. The two threw themselves to the ground. The next moment, part of the building collapsed to where Origami were.
- Shidou grasped Origami's hand and started running, thought it's too dangerous to stay here. When they reached a safe place, Shidou stopped running and Origami collapsed down to her knee.

"Ha… hah… A-are you okay, Origami?"

- Shidou then realized his mistake. Even though Shidou took the action out of sudden, but this Origami still do not know Shidou. It might be a bad idea to call her name like this. However, Origami did not noticed that, only looked up to the sky, shivering with hatred, rage, loss, sorrow — all kind of negative emotions in her eyes.

"Dad… Mom…"

- Origami mumbled in a small voice. Shidou distorted his face unable to resist such a painful scene. Shidou don't know what to do to her, however he thought he couldn't leave her like this,

"I am —"
"…Origami!"

- Shidou hugged her, unconsciously, with both of his hands, as if he is trying to push down her rampaging emotions, while still shivering, as strong as possible.

"You… you are…"

- Origami noticed Shidou for the first time.

"It's okay! It's okay, so —"

- Shidou said it while still hugging her, with a voice as if he is sobbing or moaning. Even though he realized these words are irresponsible, he can't help but to say it. The world is too harsh and too cruel for a girl that could be embraced by Shidou's small hands to confront with, for all the harshness she is going to went through, and the "truth" that she going to found out. Shidou can't help but to shout it out.

"Origami… one day, you will notice. About everything… about the truth…! But — please don't forget! You're not alone…!"
"What… are you saying…"

- Origami asked back with a perplexed voice.

"I'm going to take all your sorrow…! I'm going to take all your hatred…! If you were lost, remember to rely on me! If you're encounter the situation where nothing could be done, remember to use me! I don't mind if you just throw everything at me! So… so —"

- Shidou continued while still strongly hugging Origami.

"Please — don't despair!"
"…!"

- Origami who is stupefiedly listening to Shidou's voice started shivering. She grabbed Shidou's clothes and put her face on his chest then started crying in a stifled voice.

"—A… uu… uwaa… waaaa…"

- Shidou could not know if this is because she relaxed her tension; or because the loss of her parents are coming to her, but this is the first time Origami finally looks like a girl of her age.

"Da-d… mo-m…"
"Origami…"

- Shidou then patted Origami on her back with his shivering hand.

☆

"Thank you… very much."

- Few moments has passed. Origami who stopped crying released herself from Shidou and stood up. After she wiped her tears with a cuff of her clothes, she looked to Shidou with her bloodshot eyes.

"So… may I ask who are you?"
"A, er, um…"

- Even though the answer is to be expected; Shidou is puzzled as the question was asked out of sudden. He didn't thought of the answer. However, there is no use trying to cover it up, so Shidou looked back at Origami's eyes.

"I'm… Itsuka Shidou. I live nearby."
"Itsuka… Shidou."

- Origami repeatedly calling his name in her mouth and turned back as if she is trying to hide her expression from Shidou.

"…What you said just now, is that true?"
"Eh…?"
"That you are going to accept everything from me?"
"A, ah…! Surely!"

- Shidou nodded, even though those words came out inconsciously, they were not a lie.

"Is that so, then —"

- Origami, still turned her back at Shidou, continued,

"I'm going to give you my tears. I'm going to give you my smile. My joy, my happiness, everything, please take them."
"Eh—?"

- Shidou widen his eyes at those unexpected words.

"—This is the last time I will cry. This is also the last time I will laugh."

- Origami turned back at Shidou for a moment before she turned back again. Shidou could not say anything at her smile full of tears she just shown to him just now.

"But this hatred is mine. This negative emotion is mine alone. — I will kill. That — angel. No matter how long it will take. No matter how I'm going to do it."
"——"

- Shidou shivered at the word 'angel'. However, he could not say it that the angel is Origami in the future. There is no way he could say such things to such a small girl.

"So, please take it all with you — until I killed that angel."

- Origami said without turning to Shidou.

"Ori—gami"

- Shidou could only say her name, stupefiedly.
- Origami then ran away, leaving Shidou alone.

☆

- Kurumi melancholy sighed in the midst of the night.

"So that's what happened…"

- Kurumi who is sharing her sense with Shidou is seeing two scenery. When she opened her eyes, a scene of a town that was destroyed by the Inversed Origami. When she closed her eyes, the back of Origami from five years ago is going far and far away. Kurumi now knows the reason why Origami come back to the present as Inversed.

"How irony this is."

- Kurumi looked at spirit Origami who is floating in the sky. She no longer have anything that resembles the Origami that Kurumi knows. The spirit in mourning dress is floating as if she is a baby in a womb with [Feathers] surrounding her destroying the surroundings.

"So — what should I do now."

- Kurumi mumbled while stroking her chin. Even though she sent Shidou to the past, what they could do is only found out why Origami became Inverse. If it is like this —

"Ara?"

- Suddenly, Kurumi heard a small footsteps from her back. Kurumi moved her brows a little before turned to that direction.

"Who are you? And what do you want from me?"

- Kurumi said to stop the visitor. A short moment later, the visitor then walked to Kurumi.

"…! You are—"

- Kurumi widen her eyes at the unexpected visitor.

☆

"I…"

- Shidou, who could not do anything but to look at Origami's back going far and far away, kneel down to the floor at his powerlessness. In the end, Shidou could not do anything.
- The next moment, he noticed his view is getting further away from the ground. At first he thought his body moved against his will, but when he looked down at his body, he noticed that his body is turning back to normal, either due to a time limit or he ran out of spirit power or maybe other reasons.

'…I don't like this.' Kurumi said annoyingly in his head.
"…I'm sorry. Even though you used <Yud Bet> for me…"
'That's not what I meant.'

- Kurumi sighed and continued,

'—Origami-san's vengeance is herself? I see, that's enough to make her despair. However, that is something that could never happened without my <Zafkiel>…'

- Kurumi grind her teeth. Shidou thought it is unusual for her to do such a thing.

'Shidou-san, let me ask you something. When was the first time you met with Origami-san?'
"Eh…? When we switched classes after moved up to second year in high school, that time—"
'Is it that even though it was the first time you met her, Origami-san already knew about you?'

- Shidou then remembered. Origami already knew Shidou back then.

"Ah…"

- Shidou then realized, it's not strange that Origami already knows Shidou. "5 years ago" at "that moment," Origami already met Shidou. Kurumi became displeased after hearing Shidou's answer.

'This is not funny. This is so unpleasant. Very — unpleasant.'
"Kurumi…?"
'The reason Origami-san hated spirits. The meeting of Shidou-san and Origami-san — the elements that make up the original world has my power involved in them. If I haven't sent Origami-san and Shidou-san to the past, then the original world would never happened at all…'

- Kurumi spoke in monologue. It might be as she said. If there is no spirit named Kurumi, and there is no angel named <Zafkiel>, the world Shidou were in might have been different.

"B-but Kurumi didn't used <Zafiel> to have this conclusion, do you…?"
'Yes, of course. But 'the act to change the history' is already what originally shaped up this world. How matter how hard we tried, in the end we're simply dancing on the palm of the absolute existence that is 'this world'. —That's why I'm so irritated.'
"…"

- Shidou gulped down his saliva at the words Kurumi spitted out. However, that make Shidou realized one thing, he decided to ask,

"Kurumi… do you also have something you want to redo?"
'…Ara, ara.'

- Kurumi turned silent for a second and reply him with her usual tone.

'If I could do it, then maybe redoing our meeting might be fun. — Ufufu, I would have 'eaten' you back then with the current me.'

- Shidou kept silent at Kurumi's answer. Not because he scared at her words, but he realized she was trying to evade the answer. Shidou don't want to force someone to speak something she don't want to, and there is something else he should take care about right now.

"…Either way, everything has ended."

- Shidou don't know how long could he stay here for longer. Since Origami already gone back to the present, there is no way to prevent her from turning Inverse. Origami from 5 years ago also have seen her parents killed, there is no way to take away her revenge. Shidou simply dancing on the palm of the world.

'That's… right. It's as you said. Shidou-san couldn't stopped Origami-san. Shidou-san couldn't changed the world. — Apparently, that is the 'future' that has been determined in 'this world'.'
"…Kurumi?"

- Shidou knitted his eyebrows. He thought what Kurumi said is somehow strange. Kurumi laughed at Shidou's suspicion and continued.

'Apparently that's what already determined in this world. — I heard about it just now.'
"Heard it…? From who?"
'—From you in 10 minutes from now.'

"What…?"

- Shidou don't know what Kurumi was trying to say and asked her back.

"What do you mean by that…?"
'It's exactly as I said. 10 minutes from 'now', from 'Shidou-san who went back 5 years ago who could not accomplished anything and came back to present'. Me from that world used [Yud Bet] to sent Shidou-san back in time to meet me. I don't know if it was to save the spirit power, I only talked with you for about a minute.'
"…!? Kurumi in the future from that present!?"

- Shidou widen his eyes in surprise. — If he thought about it, that is not something impossible. Both Shidou and Origami were sent back five years ago by Kurumi. Since there is Kurumi in the future as well, it is not strange if she could sent someone to the present. However, that raise up a question,

"Why did the future me come to you?"

- Shidou thought it was strange if Kurumi from the future used the precious <Yud Bet> and wasted the ever precious time just to tell Kurumi about the despair waiting for her in the future. Kurumi then answered,

'That's right. Shidou-san who could not stopped Origami-san could not do anything until <Yud Bet> ran out of time and back to the present. — However, after that, you came up with an idea.'
"Idea…?"
'Yes. However, Shidou-san who is already back at the present could no longer accomplished that.'
"…! I see!"

- Shidou suddenly realized, that's why Shidou from the future asked Kurumi to sent him back few minutes to Kurumi — Kurumi when 'Shidou was still in the past' — to tell her about his plans. In order to change the history. In order to change the already determined future. — To entrust the hope to the past self.

"Kurumi!"
'That's right. It seems like everything has not ended. — Let's do it, Shidou-san. Let's broke this _shitty_ world.'

- Shidou breath a sigh at Kurumi's unusual choice of word. Shidou then lift up the corner of his mouth.

"Surely. I will do everything. If that could save Origami and everyone."
'Ufufu. As expected from you.'

- Hearing Shidou's rouse up himself, Kurumi laughed with pleasure.

"So then… what's the idea?"
'That's right. — It's really an obvious thing. But Shidou-san who is sullen in disappointment may not able to come up with such idea.'
"Ugh… A-anyway, we don't have time, let's tell me what to do."
'Right, right. Time is more valuable than money.'

- Kurumi joke, then continue.

'The reason why Shidou-san can't stopped Origami-san. That was because you 'didn't know what happened in the past.' That's the reason.'
"Yeah… that might be right."

- Since the moment Shidou found Origami, the battle between she and <Phantom> has already started and ended in split seconds. If only Shidou knew about it beforehand, he may have been able to do something.
- Kurumi melancholy breath out a sigh then continued,

'To tell you the truth, I'm not really feel like doing it… but it's not like there is no way.'
"Eh…? What are you going to do?"
'It's very simple. — Let's do it again.'
"…Huh?"

- Shidou spitted out a shrill voice, then asked back,

"That's true, but you mean when I'm back to the present, you're going sending me with [Yud Bet] back five years ago again, is it?"
'That way is not very realistic. The first time I used [Yud Bet] to you, you have already used up much spirit power for it. It may not be impossible, but if that's the case, then the spirit power I can take from you afterward is going to be only a little. That would be unfortunate.'
"…You. Before that, you used the spirit power that was sealed within me for this?"
'Ufufu, of course, I'm not that simple enough to do this using my own spirit power, even if I did it on a whim? However, in the past Shidou-san is currently in, you only need to travel back a little bit to redo.'
"…! I see—!"
'Repeated casting of [Yud Bet]. I see, surely is an interesting idea. However, I think if you don't do everything while the first bullet is still in effect, you will be forcibly pulled back to the present.'
"Then we shouldn't be waiting! Kurumi, please shot me [Yud Bet]!"

- However, Kurumi only puzzled at Shidou's words.

'I only share my sense with you. I can't interfere with the past from here. Let alone shooting <Zafkiel> to you.'
"T-then what should I do!"

- Shidou shouted, Kurumi then sighed and continued,

'—Isn't there is a way? That one way.'
"Eh…?"

- Hearing Kurumi's words, Shidou could only knitted his eyebrows.

☆

"Hah… hah…"

- Few minutes later, Shidou is running up the fire escape on a building near the scene of fire. Shidou's body is already at its limit from all the actions he has done from earlier, the scorching sunlight of mid-summer, and the heat from the fire.
- However, Shidou could not complain. There's not much time left that he could stay in the past. Few moments later, Shidou reached the rooftop of the building and looked around.

"Is this… the place?"
'Yes. I think this is the place.'
"…What's that 'I think'."

- Shidou make a half-open eyes at Kurumi who answered him vaguely. Shidou tried to steady his breathing while moved to the edge of the rooftop to look around. From the rooftop, a burning Nankou Town could still be seen. The siren of ambulance and fire fighters could be heard echoing around.
- Shidou looked away from the town and looked around the rooftop of the building once again, to confirm that he had not overlooked anything. However, nothing could be found.

"Hey, nobody's here."
'That's strange, it should be —'

- That moment, before Kurumi could finished her words, Shidou felt a cold object on his back and could do nothing but stood still. There's someone on his back.

"…Ah."
"—Ara, ara."

- The voice that he recognized.

"……"

- Shidou raise up his hands and slowly turned around, not to stimulate the predator on his back. —

"Now, now. I wasn't expecting a guest here. How unusual."

- Tokisaki Kurumi with a bewitching smile is standing over there.


Chapter 7: Phantom

"Kurumi — of five years ago!?"

- Few minutes before Shidou went up to the rooftop of the building. Shidou was astonished at the words Kurumi said.

'Yes. As I said earlier, I'm the only person in the world that could control time. — And in the past you are in, the person who have <Zafkiel> in possession is also me, of five years ago.'
"But I have a time limit, don't I? Even if I search for you from now…"
'Please do not worry about it. I'm sure I visited nearby back five years ago.'
"Nearby…?"

- Shidou knitted his brows at such convenient coincidence, but he then realized something.

"Ah… could it be that Kurumi also met me back five years ago? You're not going to say that, right?"
'No, if my memory serves me right, I never have met you. The reason I was in this town was to observe the fire that happened out of sudden.'
"You came here to see the fire?"
'Because for such a large fire, spirit-san might be involved.'
"……"

- Shidou sweated at Kurumi's words. If Shidou didn't sealed Kotori's power back then, he and Kotori might have been found by Kurumi and may got eaten by her. Kurumi laughed at Shidou's silence,

'Please don't think like that. I'm not that prideless to take such actions.'
"…O-okay."

- Shidou answered Kurumi vaguely then clear his throat to change his mood. Kurumi then continued,

'I was nearby back five years ago, however, I didn't met you. …I could guarantee you about this. But — no, that's why this action have a meaning.'
"What do you mean?"
'Please think about it. If Shidou-san could met me from five years ago who never met Shidou-san — that fact alone would means we could change the past?'
"You're right… that should be the case."
'Anyway, let's hurry. As you said earlier, we don't have much time.'
"Okay — I understood."

- Shidou gripped his fist tight.

"Kurumi, tell me. Where should I go?"

- Shidou make a determination and asked Kurumi in his head.

☆

- And then fast forward to few minutes later. Shidou took a deep breath tried to calm down his heart that is beating fast while staring at the other girl on this rooftop. Over there, there is Kurumi who no different than Kurumi in his memories.
- Or more accurately, the only thing that doesn't looks different is her age, there are few appearance in her looks. Kurumi is wearing a blouse full of frills and laces; her hair is not tied up, but instead she wear a hairband decorated with a rose on it.
- The most particular feature of her is her face, she wear an medical eyepatch on her left eye, as if she is trying to hide the clock dial under it. Shidou knitted his eyebrows at her looks and asked Kurumi in his head with a low voice.

"…Kurumi? Why were you wearing an eyepatch?"
'Please do not mind it.'
"Were you wounded or something?"
"Please do not mind it.'
"But…"
'Please. Do. Not. Mind. It.'

- Kurumi said to him with a strong tone. Shidou can't help but to keep quiet. After that, the Kurumi of five years ago who stood before him made a reaction.

"Ara, ara, ara." Kurumi inclined her head. "Why are you talking with yourself? What are you doing here?"

- Kurumi said in a friendly tone while still being cautious. Since Shidou doesn't have much time, he put up his courage and asked,

"Kurumi! I have a favor!"
"…Ara?"

- Kurumi knitted her brows when Shidou called her name.

"You knew my name… who could you be?"

- Kurumi summoned a gun from her shadow and pointed her gun at Shidou. Shidou wave his hand trying to calm her down and make an excuse,

"Wait, wait, I didn't meant to offense you —"

- Kurumi shot her gun to the floor under his foot.

"Uwa!"
"Please do not move without my permission. — I have a question. If you do not answer them honestly, I won't be able to guarantee about your life."

- If Shidou didn't answered her honestly, her bullet will surely pierce through Shidou's heart. Shidou raise up his hand and opened his mouth,

"I-I'm Itsuka Shidou. I came from 5 years from now! Kurumi, please lend me your power!"
"What did you just said?"

- Kurumi changed her expression after she heard Shidou's answer.

"You can't say you were joking afterward?"
"No way I could stand in front of you joking…! Please, listen to me."

- However, Kurumi only stared back at him. Kurumi in Shidou's head then suggested,

'Ara, ara. The past me seems very cautious. — I don't want to waste too much time, Shidou-san, please try to touch myself of the past.'
"Trying to touch you… how absurd."
"…What are you saying?"

- Kurumi who pointed her gun to Shidou knitted her eyebrows. It's not surprising, from her, it should looks as if Shidou talked to himself out of sudden. Shidou braced himself that he might get shot and reached out his hand to Kurumi.

"Please. Still pointing your gun to me like that is fine, but please grip my hand."
"Do you think I'm such a pure girl who is going to follow an instruction from some unknown person?"
"'Kurumi' — want to talk with you."
"…!?"

- Kurumi raise up the tip of her eyebrows. The fact that Kurumi is able to share her sense with Shidou is also Kurumi's own power, it is not strange if Kurumi of the past also have some idea about it.

"Hmp… so that's the case."

- Kurumi stared at Shidou then walked to him and touch his hand. The next moment Kurumi shivered a little as if a little electric current just went through her body.

'Long time no see… is that the right word? Myself.'
"…I see. This is indeed my voice. — What happened in five years from now?"

- Kurumi could hear the voice of Kurumi in Shidou's head. Kurumi from the original world then started explaining about the situation in summary, about how Shidou and Kurumi tried to change the past and failed — and about how they want Kurumi of the past to cooperate in order to redo it once again.

"…So you're saying I should shoot <Yud Bet> to this person, myself?"
'That's right, can I asked you to do it, myself?'

- Kurumi of the past kept quiet of few moments before make a sigh.

"…Fine then. Even though it may be only a little, please let me help you."
"! R-really!?"
"However — I'm going to take the necessary spirit power from you."

- Kurumi said that and danced few steps down while holding her right hand up high and summoned <Zafkiel>. Hearing Kurumi's voice, <Zafkiel> — the same angel the sent Shidou back five years in time — appeared from the shadow.
- The shadow under Kurumi's feet then started expanding to Shidou's feet. Shidou felt a fatigue all over his body. He could remembered this feeling. Kurumi of the present also did this to him before she sent him back five years to now.

"<Zafkiel> — [Yud Bet]"

- Kurumi rise up the gun in her hand. A dense shadow then poured down from <Zafkiel>'s XII number into the gun muzzle.

"Well then, let's go."

- Kurumi pointed her gun at Shidou. Even though Shidou knew that he won't feel any pain from getting shot with [Yud Bet], he still tighten his body, reflexively. Kurumi saw that and lift up the corner of her mouth.

"Shidou-san… was it? — I wish you a good luck."
"…Ah, thank you. — Also, Kurumi."
"? What is it?"
"That eyepatch, it looks good on you."
'…gh!'
"Ara?"

- Kurumi in Shidou's head choked up at Shidou's words while Kurumi in front of Shidou broke into a smile.

"— It is such a honor to received such a compliment. Let's meet again five years later."

- Kurumi said that and pulled the trigger of her gun that was brimmed and shaking with spirit power. The bullet from gun muzzle created a straight black line into Shidou's body. Shidou felt his body is becoming screw-shaped with the rotation of the bullet. As if he got caught up a swirl — Shidou vision then became completely dark.



'—dou-san, Shidou-san.'
"…!"

- Shidou opened his eyes after getting called by the voice in his head. A moment later, he then realized he is laying down on the rooftop of the same building as before. However, there is no Kurumi to be found, and Nankou Town has not yet turned into a sea of flames.

"It — was a success?"
'It seems like so.'

- Kurumi answered to Shidou's monologue. Even though Shidou don't know the exact time of it, he has now travelled back in the time once again to the past, to before the fire started, to before Kotori turned into a spirit. — To before Origami killed her parents.

'It's not a time to be filled with such a deep emotion, Shidou-san.'
"Yes, I understand."

- Shidou stood up then look around the scenery of Nankou Town once again. Shidou gripped tight his fist, then mumbled as if he is calling to Kurumi's voice.

"— Let's go, to change the world."

- Kurumi caught her breath for a moment before she replied with simple "yes". Shidou heard her answer and ran down the fire escape.

"But even though I'm success in going back to before the fire started — what should I do from now?"
'You looked really cool earlier, and now you've ruined it.'
"Ugh… it's not I could do anything about that! …Also don't you get really cold to me since earlier?"
'No, I'm not.'

- Kurumi said in a sulking tone. Shidou wondered if he said something that displeased her.

"Kurumi, could it be that eyepatch"
'Anyway.'

- Kurumi raise up her voice interrupting Shidou's voice.

'We won't do anything good by just running around. The result will be the same. — The only difference between us earlier and us right now is that we already knew what will happen from now. So let's sort out the situation while keeping that in mind.'
"R, right."
'First, what is that we must accomplish?'

- Kurumi said as if she is a teacher. Shidou thought about the answer while continued running downstairs.

"Well — to make Origami not killing her parents."
'Yes, that's correct. In order to accomplish that, what can Shidou-san do?'
"…Stop Origami anyhow?"
'Even though that sounds like the most simple way, I don't think it is very realistic.'
"Ugh… you're right…"

- Shidou frown and groaned. Origami who thought <Phantom> is the one who killed her parents is completely a revenger, even if Shidou called her, it's doubtful that she will noticed. Not only that, spirit Origami is also very powerful. Shidou could barely caught up with her when she were fighting with <Phantom>.
- Even though the possibility is not zero, Origami may be able to notice Shidou and talk to him, however, Shidou's time limit is only until the first bullet Kurumi shot to him is still in effect. He can't took such an optimistic actions.

"Then, how about letting Origami's parents escape somewhere?"
'I see. That sounds much more possible than dealing with Origami-san.'
"I-isn't it, then —"
'However, if some unknown boy appear at their house telling them to escape because it is dangerous, do you think they will believe it?'
"I-I'll just explain them the situation —"
'That I came from the future, and you two will be killed by your daughter from the future, so please believe me — are you going to say that?'
"Ugh…"

- Shidou sweated at those shady words. Kurumi of five years ago could believe Shidou because she had the ability to control time, and because of Kurumi's voice in Shidou's head. However, if Shidou were to explain it to Origami's parents who knew nothing about spirits, the fire would probably started before he could finished explaining.

'And… even if the explanation went well, there's no guarantee that everything will settled nicely.'
"Eh…? What do you mean?"
'If the world tried to correct itself for integrity with the original world — then it could even be possible that Origami-san's ray of light will be shot to where they refuged to.'
"…!"

- The fact that Shidou is sent back in time once again by Kurumi of five years ago already make the current world different from the original world. It's too dangerous to assume everything will went according to Shidou's and Kurumi's knowledge. However, Shidou is not very convinced —

"Kurumi. Didn't you said you don't believe that the history could correct itself?"
'Ara, I never deny it. I only asked whether it has been proven.'
"……"

- Shidou feel Kurumi evaded the answer. But it's not a time to do chatting, Shidou shake his head and changed his mood.

"So what should I do."
'Let's see…'

- Kurumi thought for few seconds, then continued,

'— What about making Origami-san not noticed that she is the one who killed her parents?'
"What…? What are you trying to say?"
'Ara, it do make sense, don't it? The reason Origami-san turned Inversed was because she realized that her long enemy was herself and became despair.'
"I-it's true that's the case, but that doesn't changed the fact that Origami killed her own parents, does it?!"

- Shidou can't resist and shouted. Even though the way Kurumi suggested may able to prevent Origami from turning Inversed, that still doesn't change the fact that Origami killed her own parents.
- And if Origami's parents are killed, her flame of revenge will still be headed to someone. Let it be Kotori who caused the flame, or the person who gave Kotori that power, <Phantom> —

"Ah…"

- Thought up to there, Shidou then realized something.

'? What is it? You've stopped running.'

- Kurumi said, Shidou then noticed for the first time that he had stopped moving. However, before he could move his feet, Shidou said those words that popped up to his head to Kurumi.

"Hey, Kurumi."
'What is it?'
"— So if the 'enemy' wasn't there when Origami shown up, that should do it, right?"

☆

- Five minutes later, Shidou is hiding himself in a thicket in the park staring at the swing. A girl about 8 years old with her hair tied with ribbons, kept on swinging the swing looking bored. She is Kotori from five years ago.
- Shidou can't help but felt the pain in his chest when he saw the listless expression on her face. Today is Kotori's birthday, Shidou from the past went to the next town to buy a present to surprise her. He never thought Kotori would become this lonely.
- While Shidou felt the pain in his chest looking at Kotori, Kurumi's laughing voice is heard from inside his head, telling him that he looks like a pervert doing this. Shidou groaned at her for pointing out something he tried to not think about.
- Even though for a scene of high school student kept staring at elementary school student in secret is no doubt something of an incident, it's not that Shidou want to record the young Kotori's shining moment in his retina forever — Shidou is currently waiting. Wiating for <Phantom> to appear.

'Anyhow, you did suggested something quite extreme.'

- Kurumi said to Shidou in a tone that making fun of him.

"…There's no other choice. You even agreed with it."
'Well, that's right. — It's true that if you could drive <Phantom> away before Origami-san make her appearance, she would lose her target to attack.'
"But really, if possible, I'd like to have a talk."
'A talk? With <Phantom>?'

- Kurumi surprised and asked back.

'That's surprising. I thought Shidou-san treat <Phantom> as your enemy.'
"…Well, that might be true. After all, <Phantom> is the one who turned Kotori into a spirit. It's not that I don't have problem with it. …But before that, I don't know anything about <Phantom>. If I were to judge it before I could get to know, then I won't be any different from those that treat Tohka and Yoshino as a disaster."

- Kurumi kept quiet for few seconds in amazement and then,

'Fu–fufu. Ahahaha'

- She started laughing.

"W… what is it."
'No, just that I thought as expected from Shidou-san.'

- Kurumi laughed, then continued,

'However, I don't recommend you to do it. It's quite pointless to talk to that person. That person would just easily evaded question from someone as simple as Shidou-san.'
"Eh…? Kurumi, you knew about <Phantom>…"

- However, Shidou have to cut his words before he could finished it. In his line of sight, "something" is visiting Kotori who is playing alone in the park. "Something" that is covered with a noise that blocked out any possible recognition of it.
- <Phantom>, the being that turned Kotori, Miku and Origami into a spirit, just now appeared in front of Kotori. When Shidou saw the it, he felt itching on his skin. It reminded him of Kotori's painful expression after she turned into <Efreet>.

'Shidou-san, you shouldn't act rashly.'
"…. I understand."

- Shidou breath out to calm down then hug himself with both of his arms to stop his shivering. Enough for his fingernail to eat into his upper arm.
- Shidou can't stop Kotori from becoming a spirit. That's what Kurumi warned him from earlier. — After Kotori and <Phantom> exchanged some words, <Phantom> hand over Kotori a red gem. The moment Kotori touched on that gem, her body started to lighten up.

"Ahhhhhhhhhh…"

- Kotori screamed in pain. The same moment, a heat wave started whirling around Kotori, and a pillar of fire rose up to the sky. Shidou lowered his posture to get through the heat wave. Few moments later, after Shidou opened his eyes, over there, there is Kotori in traditional Japanese cloth-styled Astral Dress. Kotori just became the flame spirit <Efreet>.

"Kotori, I'm sorry."

- Shidou said in pain and stared at the noise in front of Kotori, then jumped to <Phantom> back with firm determination.

"Hey!"

- Shidou shouted,

[…Hm—?]

- <Phantom> response with a voice that could not be distinguish whether it is a male voice or female voice. That moment, the mosaic also moved a little. <Phantom> turned its head to look at Shidou.

"I always want to meet you — <Phantom>"

- Shidou called the name of the noise with calm voice. His words is not a sarcasm nor a lie. Ever since Shidou could recalled his memory after he sealed Kotori, Shidou always wanted to meet with <Phantom> once again.
- The monster that could "turn humans into a spirit". The very cause that turned Kotori, Miku and Origami into a spirit and turned the world into chaos.
- Shidou even feel some kind of fate and destiny with this "something" that changed his life forever. However, what <Phantom> said back to Shidou is not something he expected.

[——Eh?]

- <Phantom> said in a small voice. Shidou saw the noise moved a little. Even though it appeared as if a mosaic space just moved a little, for some reason, Shidou felt that the reason behind that was because of a confusion and unrest.
- Even though it's not surprising for something to be surprised since Shidou called it out from behind, but <Phantom>'s reaction is a different kind of surprise from that.

[…It can't be— Why, why are you…]
"What…?"

- Shidou make a dubious looks,

"You… know about me…?"
[——]

- When Shidou asked, <Phantom> only kept silent. However, it's not that <Phantom> is ignoring Shidou or don't want to answer — Shidou thought as if <Phantom> is stupefied and couldn't spit out a word.
- Shidou could not understand and knitted his eyebrows. The <Phantom> before him is too different from the <Phantom> in his memory always looked on everything with detachment. It is as if someone on the other side of the noise is a completely different being.

[…, …]

- The noise covering <Phantom> moved a little before <Phantom> started running away.

'Shidou-san!'
"I know!"

- Shidou then started chasing <Phantom>. He saw Kotori who just got an unknown power sunk down to the ground kept repeating "onii-chan, onii-chan." Shidou felt his heart is being squeeze tight, but decided to continue chasing <Phantom>.
- In Shidou's memory, Shidou from the past will arrive here in few moments, and in no way Shidou would met with himself from the past.
- More importantly, Shidou can't let <Phantom> escaped. Shidou kept chasing the noise that could disappeared at anytime if he did not pay attention.
- Even though Shidou's success in driving <Phantom> away from the park, however for Shidou and Kurumi's objective, this is not enough. Their objective is to make Origami unable to found <Phantom> — and in order to do that, having <Phantom> lost to Rinkai is the best way.

'—That was really unexpected.'

- While chasing <Phantom>, Kurumi said to Shidou.

'Shidou-san, are you an acquaintance of that person?'
"…, at very least, I don't have an acquaintance, that covered up whole body with a mosaic…!"
'Hmp… is that so.'

- While running in the burning town, Kurumi respond to him with a flat voice. Shidou wasn't lying to her. The only time where Shidou met <Phantom> was five years ago. And that "five years ago" is now.
- However, <Phantom> definitely know about Shidou. And Shidou know a person who made the same reaction the moment he saw Shidou's face. — DEM Industry's managing director, Isaac Westcott.
- When Shidou evaded into DEM Japan to save Tohka, that man laughed manically when he first saw Shidou. Before he left, he called Shidou with a different name. "Takamiya."
- Shidou's heart is beating fast, not because he is running, but because of other reason. "Takamiya" is the same name as the girl who claimed to be Shidou's sister — Takamiya Mana. And Shidou — who is an adopted son of Itsuka family — don't have any memories from before he was adopted.

"What… do you know about me, <Phantom>…!"

- Shidou shouted while chasing <Phantom> in the burning town. Shidou don't know what he did before he was adopted into Itsuka family. He don't know why Westcott know him. Before that, he don't even know what his sealing ability actually is. Even though he sealed 7 spirits and live with them, he still don't know anything.

"Ugh…"

- Shidou grind his teeth and stepped forward. That moment — <Phantom> who is running in front of Shidou suddenly stopped. Shidou also make a sudden stop in following it.

"…, <Phantom>!"
[……]

- When Shidou called the name, <Phantom> moved its body that is covered with noise. Seems like <Phantom> has turned toward Shidou.

[…<Phantom>…, huh. So I have been named like that.]

- <Phantom> mumbled the name, as if <Phantom> is ruminating over it then breath a small sigh.

[…I'm sorry for running away. — I thought it would be better if we are not in front of her.]

- <Phantom> continued, "her" in this case probably means Kotori. Even though Shidou still don't know <Phantom>'s true intention, what <Phantom> said is true. If they stayed over there, the past Shidou and Origami will eventually appear.

[……]

- <Phantom> kept quiet and stood still. Seems like <Phantom> is carefully looking at Shidou's appearance.

[…Ah, I see. You are as I thought.]

- <Phantom> nodded in conviction. The next moment, the noise surrounding <Phantom> disappeared as if it was a mist.

"Wh…"

- Shidou widen his eyes at the girl who appeared from the noise. A girl with interweaving hair with a gentle looks. Shidou felt his head is turning around. Shidou felt as if he had saw this face somewhere before, or maybe not — the girl gave such a strange feeling.

"That looks of you…"
"…I still can't show you 'myself' so please excuse me with this temporary looks. — Since I could finally talk with you, it's uncanny to do so with the barrier."

- When Shidou said that, <Phantom> responded with a clear voice of a girl. <Phantom> said this is her temporary looks, so this means this girl is not actually <Phantom>. However, why should <Phantom> do something in such roundabout way —
- Shidou thought of it in a split moment. However, <Phantom> smiled as if she see through Shidou's thought and opened her pink-colored mouth,

"…So, 'when' did you came from? Judging from your appearance, maybe from about 5 or 6 years later?"
"! …Wha!?"

- Shidou shocked at <Phantom>'s words. Shidou didn't thought that not only she did know about Shidou, she also know about the time travel.

'……'

- However, in contrast to Shidou, Kurumi still stay calm, as if she knew beforehand that <Phantom> could have correctly guessed it. <Phantom> then continued with a calm voice.

"…So, what do you want from me? You don't use the time traveling bullet back here just to sightseeing, do you?"
"……"

- Shidou glanced behind for a moment to confirm that the spirit in white Astral Dress still haven't appeared at the park <Phantom> were in. Have confirmed that, Shidou then opened his mouth,

"You… do you know about me?"
"…Yes. I know about you, very well."

- <Phantom> answered Shidou's question. Shidou fingertips is shivering with a tension.

"Tell me. Who… I am? What is this power?"
"……"

- <Phantom> remained silent for few seconds and shook her head before she answered,

"…Even though I wanted to tell you, I still can't say it without knowing about which condition you are in in the future. — And there's that girl listening."
"Eh…?"

- Shidou widen his eyes. <Phantom> the continued as if she could see through everything.

"Hey… Tokisaki Kurumi, you're listening, isn't you?"
'Ara, ara.'

- Kurumi calmly answered <Phantom>'s words in Shidou's head.

"…So is this it? Then this is some very luxury use of 'time'."
"…, no."

- Shidou looked down and shook his head.

"……"

- While Shidou is still thinking about what to do, <Phantom> breath out a sigh in impatient.

"…Well, I don't mind if you don't answer. — I'm sorry, but the answer is no. I still have something left to do."
"What…!"

- Shidou panic at <Phantom>'s answer.

"Wait a minute! From now on, to this era —"

- Shidou opened his mouth trying to tell her about Origami. However — that moment, Shidou couldn't move his body, he felt as if his body is being put down by an invisible hands. It feels similar to when he is being pushed down by AST or DEM wizards's Territory. Shidou couldn't moved his finger, nor he could open his mouth.

'Shidou-san, what happened?'

- Kurumi asked in doubt, however Shidou can't answer. <Phantom> then walked up to Shidou and touch his cheek. — That moment.

"……!?"

- A strange feeling runs through Shidou's body.

"Ah—"

- Shidou don't know why, but he is sure in an instant. Shidou knew this feeling. — Shidou knew about this "being" in a form a girl.

"…For today, I guess I have to thank spirit of time."

- <Phantom> said while still touching Shidou's cheek and said in a small voice,

"When the time comes, let's meet again. For that time —"

- <Phantom> whispered her words into Shidou's ears.

"—I won't leave you again. I definitely won't make a mistake again."

- Those words.

"——!?"

- Shidou caught his breath. He can't remembered where he heard it. However, Shidou is sure that he heard these words somewhere before.

"…, …"

- Shidou tried to ask "Who are you" but the voice do not come out from his mouth. <Phantom> remove her hand from Shidou's cheek and covered herself up with a noise, then jumped up to the sky.

- Few seconds later, when <Phantom> is up high to the sky to where Shidou cannot reach her anymore, the invisible power that is binding up his body is finally loosen.
- Shidou collapsed on his knee in a forward posture then coughed up few times. However, Shidou thought he shouldn't be doing this and looked up to the sky.

"What is she trying to…"

- That moment a ray of light came from eastern sky to <Phantom>.

"…! That is—!"

- Shidou shook his shoulders and looked to the direction where the ray of light came from. Over there, there is a girl in pure white Astral Dress who is releasing a ray of light from her [Feathers] into her enemy — Tobiichi Origami.

"Origami…!"

- Shidou screamed her name, however her voice could not reach her in any way. When Origami saw <Phantom>, she poured down a rain of ray of light into her but <Phantom> only lightly evaded it while running around in the sky. Origami didn't gave up, continued chasing her while releasing the ray of light into her.
- The scene before Shidou's eyes is the same one as before Shidou asked Kurumi of five years ago to sent him back in time. Kurumi's words from earlier flashed up in Shidou's mind — that the world may try to correct itself for integrity with the original world.

"Dammit…! I won't let that happen…!"

- Shidou shook his head to throw away his resignation and started chasing them. The scene he saw from earlier flashed up in his head. The ray of light pouring down from the sky, the remains that was once human's parts. And a girl whose eyes is brimmed with hatred and revenge.
- Origami only tried to protect her parents, only tried to overturn her destiny. For such a genuine emotion to ended up with such tragic —

"I will… definitely change it!"

- Shidou shouted and put even more strength into his legs. Shidou could not precisely chase Origami and <Phantom> who is fighting in the sky, however — Shidou's objective is not to pursuit them.

- Shidou ran in the town that is covering in flames without any hesitation to his destination. To where Origami parents are killed in the "previous world."
- What Shidou must do is not to stop Origami and <Phantom>'s fight, what he must do is to stop Origami from mistakenly killing her own parents.

"…! I found them…!"

- Shidou widen his eyes while running in the street that is covered with flames. At the end of his sight, there is Origami from five years ago — and a little far away from her, Origami's parents is turning their back to him.
- Shidou could not waste any time for any tedious talk. Since he already failed at preventing Origami and <Phantom> to met, there is no other way to change the history except to bring Origami's parents to somewhere safe.
- Since now is the time of emergency, it should not be strange for someone to urge someone else to take a refuge. It might even be possible for Origami's parents to simply follow his instruction.
- However — Shidou's body stiffen up the moment he widen his eyes. Before he knew it, Spirit Origami and <Phantom> are already at the sky above Origami's parents.
- While Shidou is grinding his teeth, Origami is releasing multiple rays of light to block <Phantom>'s escape path. At very same moment, Origami also concentrate her [Feathers] and point the gunport downward to the ground.
- Shidou turned pale at the same scenery "as before".

"No, Origami!"

- Shidou shouted, but his voice couldn't reached her. There is not even an allowance to urge Origami's parents to escape anymore. A moment later, that deadly attack will pour down from the sky. The two probably won't be able to feel anything before they are drawn up to the heaven.

"Dammit!"

- Shidou put even more strength to his legs and kicked the floor.

'Shidou-san!?'

- Kurumi's surprising voice is heard from inside his head, she probably didn't thought that Shidou was going to take this action. However, since the situation got to this point, Shidou could not come up with any other ways. — The utmost attack is then released from Origami's angel up in the sky.

"Uohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh———!!"

- At the same moment, Shidou shouted and jumped into Origami's parents to pushed them away.

"Wha…!?"
"Gya—"

- Origami's parents let out their voice. Shidou pushed them with all of his strength, so they might get hurt a little. Maybe even some graze on the skin. Shidou thought that for that little wound, it should be forgivable.
- Shidou then realized he just made a really dumb decision. With his sight being filled with light, Shidou twisted his lift with a self-derision smile.

"——!"

- That time, someone's voice reached Shidou's ear. Shidou thought that was Kurumi at first, but no, the voice is from the outside. Before his sight is fully filled with the light, Shidou then noticed. The voice is from the Origami of five years ago in front of him.
- Shidou and Origami's eyes met for a spit moments. In her eyes, there is no burning flames of revenge. It is still not filled with hatred or rage.

"Ah… thanks goodness."

- Shidou mumbled in small voice before he lose conscious inside the light.