Tobiichi Origami's Fate
Origami, demoted and discharged for unauthorized use of combat gear and a secret CR unit against a spirit, was meant to lose access to Realizers forever. Yet, DEM's Isaac Westcott intervened, reducing her punishment to a mere two-month suspension. A foreign company overriding JSDF decisions is unthinkable, but Origami, driven by vengeance for her parents, silently accepts. Westcott's unsettling aura, however, leaves her wary.
A mysterious white-robed girl, voice dripping with cold malice, calls Westcott a "grim reaper" rather than an angel. His involvement in Origami's case, amidst Kurumi's and her own actions, signals trouble. Westcott won't hesitate to target Shidou, sealed spirits or not. The girl, exasperated by interruptions to Shidou and Kurumi's "war date," shifts focus to gathering intel for the next storm.
One Month Later
A month after Shidou and Kurumi's mutual confession and war date declaration, nothing has happened. Nothing. Shidou sighs at Kurumi's empty desk, rumors swirling about his lovesickness. He's frustrated—Kurumi's unsuppressed spirit powers make school attendance impossible, and he realized too late he has no way to contact her. Caught up in the moment, he overlooked this, cursing his carelessness.
Shidou's been swamped: managing spirit conditions, handling household chores, catching up on missed studies, and prepping for exams. His ability to juggle everything is a strength, but it leaves him aching to see Kurumi. Post-exams, he vows to scour the city for her.
"Shidou, sighing makes happiness flee," Tohka says, quoting Kotori. "Worried about Kurumi?"
"Nah, I'm fine," Shidou replies, forcing a smile to ease her concern. He can't slack while Tohka's diligently studying.
Tohka guesses he's thinking of Kurumi. "You're not wrong," he admits, dodging deeper details per Ratatosk's orders. Tohka only knows they reconciled, and Shidou's determined to save Kurumi. Her straightforwardness makes him wonder if she wants to reconnect with Kurumi too, despite their past fallout. He hopes they can be friends again.
Flashback: Fraxinus Fallout
Returning to Fraxinus after the war date declaration, Shidou faces Kotori's wrath. A chair flies at him—her commander's throne, no less. He dodges with reflex, but Kotori leaps, delivering a heroic flying kick to his face. "Pants visible, and weren't you just hospitalized?" he thinks, blown back as the crew claps.
"You idiot!" Kotori screams. "A war date where losing means death? That stubborn Kurumi won't show mercy!"
"I know," Shidou groans, guilty for not consulting her. Unlike past dates, where Camael's healing was calculated to minimize risk, this is uncharted territory.
"You think you won't lose?" Kotori snaps.
"Nope. I'm not losing to Kurumi," he retorts.
She pauses, then smirks, rolling a Chupa Chups. "Your affection for Kurumi? Maxed out. Congrats, first love with a dead-end," she teases.
"Stop airing my private life!" Shidou protests, mortified.
Kotori sighs. "You're both hopeless. Why not just get together?"
Shidou insists he'll win, carrying Kurumi's sins alongside her. Her purpose—needing vast spirit power—intrigues him, but he knows prying won't work. His only plan: make her fall hopelessly for him, driven by impure motives but unwavering resolve.
"Fine," Kotori concedes, grinning. "If you're that determined, we'll play along. Kurumi's got her follower, so Ratatosk will meddle fair and square. No losing, Shidou. Let's start our war date."
"Got it!" he replies, though she adds he mustn't neglect other spirits. Shidou agrees, pushing aside worries about "cheating" since he and Kurumi aren't officially together.
Reine joins, noting Shidou's resolve strengthens their support. He thanks them, ignoring a creepy crew member's misplaced envy. Reine suggests getting close to Kurumi could help unravel the white spirit, Unknown, who fights alongside her. Kotori explains AST barely caught footage of her, labeling her Unknown for her spirit-level combat without spatial quakes. Her white robe blocks detection, her speed is blinding, and her loyalty to Kurumi is absolute. Shidou's certain she's an ally, but her mysteries linger.
Back to Present
"I'm just wondering how Kurumi's doing," Shidou tells Tohka vaguely. She's understanding, given the circumstances. "You made up, right? Go see her," she suggests.
"If only," he mutters, scratching his cheek. Contacting Kurumi is impossible for now.
July's heat signals summer. Three months after their fated meeting, Shidou and Kurumi's bond is close yet distant. A new spirit's arrival looms, pulling them toward inescapable fate.
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