Prologue: Unexpected Changes

[A/N: Yo guys I'm back with the third arc. Sorry for the late update. Ideas are still being formed in my head as for how I will write and execute this arc without so much problems.

I reread this work of mine a few times, and I can really see many things that could be described as undesirable on the past arc. One of that things or factors was my overemphasizing of the 'Drama' aspect which undoubtedly was unsavory for the minds of other readers.

As in, well. That's just how it happened when I am writing the chapters in real time before releasing it.

I plan to improve my writing style as much as possible as time goes by. Speaking of time, it's been nearly 6 months since I've started writing this fic eh (12/13/21). To think this would last longer than I expected.

But oh well, let's get this chap rollin' shall we?]

——

[3rd PoV]

It's been 3 days.

Yes, 3 days had passed since that day Rei had that confrontation with 'Tohka'.

Many things happened ever since then. To summarize, after their battle, the fact that Tohka became had been split in two—but first don't misunderstand, what he meant by that is that the Tohka he knows became 'two', or just as pointed earlier, split into two different individuals.

That fact was so brazen that Rei couldn't even analyze properly on how that happened, thus bringing his state of mind back there at a halt. Nevertheless, his mind still has enough sense at that time to consider priorities, so rather than mulling over with complicated thoughts, Rei quickly brought 'them' to the best place to tend their needs.

Much as he would not like to admit it, in terms of medical matters or providing sufficient medical care, he doesn't have the necessary means and skills to do the deed so he chose the best option and brought them under the care of Kotori and her crew immediately.

And of course, she and her crew accepted his call of help with open hands.

Though their secret underground base could be still considered usable, the purpose of the word 'secret' was already on the verge of losing its meaning. That's because of the obvious damages that Tohka did when she 'blasted out' from it.

And what's done is done. No need to mull over such past thoughts for they should prioritize the present matter at hand.

Doing so, Kotori promptly requested his assistance upon the matter. They know that his abilities encompasses those of creating barriers that would prove helpful to manage to hide what activities they were about to do.

What activities? Well, it was the quick reconstruction of the base in order to utilize it as much as possible given the current situation.

Without further ado, Rei agreed as he set up some barriers to make the reconstruction of the base as fast as possible at that time after he handed Tohka...and the 'Inverse Tohka' to their care.

What he did mostly was just 'conceal' the ongoing progress or repairs—which was conducted by the way by none other than their Vice Commander, Kannazuki Kyouhei alongside some members with their [Realizers].

As far as Rei could remember, this guy was no joke. Despite his unusual and... eccentric behavior, the man has proven himself to be very capable and Rei already experienced it back then on his first encounter with Kotori.

Just like that, things had gone smoothly as expected. With Rei's help, this base's lifeline was extended for a few days before the crew of Ratatoskr moves out in order to maintain their organization's existence out of sights from prying eyes of other people, or to be more specific, DEM.

However, in Rei's analysis. It wouldn't be long before their cover as an organization that saves Spirits reaches as news in DEM.

Who knows, maybe DEM was already aware of their existence and was just biding time to prepare some kind of assault?

Right?

...

And so after all of that happened, it brought Rei now to his situation, him sitting blankly as he 'waited'. Both girls were still down in sleep. For Rei, he was only 'slightly' worried about them since he believes that they are just practically tired.

Both physically and mentally.

In truth, there's no way that they can just drop that easily.

Nevertheless, it was really worth the worry if the people we are talking about here was still in sleep for more than a day already.

Rei just waited and waited not even noticing how much time had passed. His eyes still immersed in his thoughts, despite the fact of saying that he is only 'slightly' worried about the matter at first, even though he isn't. Very contradictory as some might say and slap it on his face.

Hmph. As if he would've cared about others opinion over this matter anyways. In fact, its something that you can't entirely fault him for being like that.

In the room he was staying, Rei could be described as 'tired'. A Spirit's constitution is very far more advanced than those of a normal human, however, not getting a wink of sleep and rest throughout this three days was something practically absurd for the norm.

No, that wasn't really absurd for Spirits really if they were to push it. It was just a matter of habit shock. What would you feel if you, a person who sleeps at least 6 to 8 hours a day haven't slept straight for 3 days? Surely, your body would feel uncomfortable at least due to the sudden change of action which your body normally takes.

Rei should get used to this apparently. He could imagine many situations in mind that this kind of thing might prove handy at that time.

'Talk about being worried huh...' He thought to himself as he stared right at the ceiling. He then turned his gaze on the nearby table which was filled out with some food brought by some crew member a while ago.

He then walk towards it and stares at it for a while. Humming to himself, Rei then sat on a nearby chair as he let out a yawn while his stomach grumbled at the same time.

To sleep or to eat?

Rei pondered as he decided the obvious. He can't sleep until he secures their condition.

"Might as well eat this for now," Rei uttered as he took a spoonful of his meal. The taste was good really, but it's not up to his preferred tastes.

As he munched over his food, some thoughts formed in his mind.

"Now that I think about it, what should I cook for 'them' when they are finally discharged?" Rei said before contemplating. This matter was important.

For all he knows, this would be the best way to initiate some kind of 'peaceful' conversation with Tohka and explaining many, many, many things about the previous matter. Yes, food is the key. Food could be treated as one of the best options that someone could utilize depending on the situation.

As they say, 'An empty stomach knows no morality'.

And one of those situations would most likely come in the future.

It was then, the door of the room opened. Glancing upon who came in, Rei finished what's left on his plate as he drank a glass of water.

"Ainsworth-san, Yatogami-san...and her 'sister' are already in good condition. They should be waking up anytime soon and Commander told me to relay the news to you immediately"

Rei then widened his eyes in delight learning the good news.

"Ah. Thanks, I'll get moving now," Rei said as he tapped the crew members shoulders as he immediately passed through him.

As soon as the news about them relaying about their condition whereas they are already good enough to be discharged, Rei quickly took action and entered the room where they are staying in.

Along the hallways, he met Kotori walking alongside Reine. In fact, they have been just recently on the rooms to confirm the two girls' condition.

"Ah, Rei, good timing. You already know this, but let me say it again," Kotori said as she took her Chupa Chups out from her mouth. "We already finished our treatment and examination towards Tohka...and the Inverse one. They are ready to be discharged anytime soon, would you require any assistance on that?"

"No, that wouldn't be needed, but still, thanks for the offer," Rei replied as he cracked a smile. "Were the two already awake?"

Instead of Kotori, Reine was the one who answered his question after taking a sip of her coffee.

"No. They still aren't awake as far as we have observed, but their conditions as stated is already stable. They should wake up at anytime now"

"I see..." Rei nodded. "Then you won't mind if I continue on my way now"

He then proceeded to walk away, however...

"Ah, before I forget," Kotori promptly called Rei out halting him from his advance as he turned his head back to her.

"Though we had examined their conditions and treated their wounds already, there might be some complications to come. That's why be sure to bring them back here—no, we will surely relocate somewhere else. Hm, so most likely, we'll just try to contact you back...?" Her voice then slowly turned quite as if her next words had been clogged by some problem.

"No problem, I will do, but you don't have means to contact me, right?"

"...."

Silence was the only answer he got.

"I'll take that as a yes so..." Rei then let out a small grin which got Kotori. "Want to have my number?"

"...."

Kotori deadpanned at his choice of wordings. And the way he said it couldn't be more or less described as cheeky. Surely, many would misunderstand him if he were to say that to just any girl out there, but not for Kotori though.

Noticing the continuing silence, Rei tilted his head slightly to the side as he asked.

"....what? Did I say anything wrong?"

"No. It's nothing, just write your number down and just send it to me or to someone here later..." Kotori sighed before narrowing her eyes towards Rei. She then asked him with a hint of concern. "You... Have you been sleeping for these past few days?"

As Kotori could see, he has visible droopy eyes and his appearance was disheveled, not that it had affected his overall charming appearance though. Ehem, to add, his complexion was also pale.

She had the feeling of worry for sure, after all, Reine who she could consider one of the closest people she has in her life was the same. She could be described as insomniac in one glace, having another one such as a Spirit under her watch being of the same condition was enough to boggle her.

Not that she would openly admit it though. Hmph. In fact, hell should freeze first before that happens.

'...Wait, are Spirits even capable of having insomnia despite their more advanced constitutions compared to humans?'

Kotori thought for a brief moment before accepting it with an internal nod for she has one before her who shows progress on having one.

"Hm? What, worried?" Rei answered while sporting a cheeky grin neither affirming nor denying Kotori's claim. He then took a step towards her as he patted her head startling the redhead from the sudden action.

"Oh my? How cute"

"H-Ha!? I'm not—!" Kotori then tried to deny until she paused before removing Rei's hands on the top of her head. She turned her head away with a huff as she knows she is only playing the losing side if she continued in this kind of argument.

"Tsk. Nevermind, let's go Reine," she continued as she then walked away with Rie not seeing the expression on her face.

Seeing her like that, Reine who should've followed along her stayed as she inquired Rei who was acting like he had seen his amusement for the day.

"...Do you really have to do that?" Reine asked as she took her last sip on her mug. "Mm, she's just...concerned in a way and she is not the type to ever admit it. But I think you know that so...why bother infuriating her?" she asked.

"Infuriate? No, I swear I didn't mean anything like that. I'm just teasing her, nothing more," Rei said with a shrug as he smiled.

"...I see," was Reine's quick reply as she soon followed the huffing Kotori.

And just like that, their conversation ended. Seeing the two figures walking away, Rei scratched his head.

"Ha...." Rei sighed. "....what am I doing really?"

Rather than immediately checking on the two, he instead prolonged the conversation—no, he didn't prolong it actually. It just happened, what he should've done is to immediately end it and proceed on his way.

"What's done is done. Now where is the room again...? Ah, it's there"

Rei then strode through the hallways until he ends up with his destination. As soon as he entered the room, Rei widened his eyes in surprise.

There was someone who had awaken already.

His eyes then landed on the figure who was located in the left bed. The first one who woke up was the 'Inverse'. Her eyes still filled with confusion and hazyness caught Rei's who was filled with joy and relief.

"I'm...glad, you two are alright," Rei uttered with a smile.

He then shifted his gaze on the other bed. There lies Tohka...who sleeps while sporting a gentle and joyful smile on her face, it was as if she was having a good dream.

He then turned his gaze back at the 'Inverse', "So...Tohka? No, that wouldn't be right. You should have your own name...."

His smile then faltered.

A name—no, her name. Of course. It is which ordinarily is taken to uniquely identify someone's existence in the world. Though many would have the same ones, it is in the end, the 'words' that define an individual's identity in their life.

Rei quickly pondered at that time as

he held his chin. During those several span of hours, he didn't get a wink of sleep, thus, making him 'exhausted' in a sense. That also means that he was not in top condition to notice subtle changes within the room.

Meanwhile, 'Inverse' Tohka rubbed her temples with as she tried to sober herself. And when it was at the time that she had finally sobered. Her eyes widened in realization—but it wasn't because of the man before her but the state of 'Her' body.

Yes, her body was incredibly weak right now, mainly due to exhaustion—and something else. Rather than simple exhaustion, what she feels is the dread of disappearing—no, 'dying' at this very moment.

To put it in more simple words, she felt that her life force—or the energy sustaining her was nearly depleted.

And at this very moment, she can clearly say that her Reiryoku was constantly dropping just by moving slightly.

'...but isn't this the best possible scenario?' she thought as she blinked her eyes.

It was her wish to disappear back then, nonetheless, this bastard before her didn't allow her to. Thus, bringing her into this kind of predicament.

Now she looked at the girl who was a bed away from her, sleeping soundly like an innocent child. The mere sight of this caused her to hesitate whether she should really let this situation be or not.

Did she already know about her existence? By guess, she would say yes. What would her other self feel? Would she feel happy that someone that exactly looks like her would be gone or would she feel sad about it?

...

...

Maybe it's better to disappear and it should be better if she was just watching her 'other' self rather than interfering in her own life. Still, she hesitated.

'Is this really the best option?' she internally asked.

Maybe, however, she can't be too hasty nor be complacent about handling this matter. She needs to be sure and check the well-being of her other self and to assist her on times in need.

...And in order to that she needs to be there to watch it first hand and once she confirms that everything is okay and her other self deems to not need her interference on her life anymore, she'll gladly disappear.

'Yes, this is good...and now comes this depletion problem of mine...'

In short, she needs to refill. This can't be continued. She feels that her body would most likely 'disappear' if Reiryoku wasn't immediately transferred in her body.

But how and where?

Normally, Reiryoku would be absorbed from her surroundings or be slowly regenerated in her body, but neither of these two was happening right now.

Surely, unexpected changes occur in one way or another. Whether someone likes it or not.

Instantly, she turned her head towards the bastard—Rei's direction.

The said person was seemingly busy immersing on his thoughts.

Not caring about any other details anymore as long as the other her—or her sister, remains as 'happy' as possible, she moved.

——

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——

[A/N: WRYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

Yay, I'm back guys and my schedule is still hectic as hell. I mean, who gives several projects within short notice after an exam with a deadline of 3 days? Also, the time here is just passed 12:00 AM a few minutes ago so I thought what about I wrap this chap up after managing this all nighter projects of mine?

...Okay, I'm just rambling... so yeah, ignore the first parts of this AN.

.

Ehem, anyways. It's been quite a while since I uploaded. Also, what do you think guys of the latest eps of DAL S4? I didn't really expect them to cover up to Vol. 16 which is Kurumi's arc and it surely surprised me.

But it was a pleasant surprise, don't get me wrong. But I hope they won't rush her arc and push it so far just like that of the 3rd Season where they compressed Vol. 12 in one frickin episode.

Kurumi's final arcs to be exact is that of Vol. 16 and Vol. 17. I hope they make out a movie of the Vol. 17. This is where many details are revealed about Kurumi's past and big chunks about the lore!

There is also this fact about our Kotori here taking 'Onee-san~' mode in the latest episode! As in, yep, that made ma day, phew, she's THICC as fck.

[\UmU/] [\UmU/]

If you haven't watched the episode yet, be sure to check it out.

Lastly, point out some errors if ya find some guys, I'll appreciate it.

With that said guys, ciao~]