"—!?"
The lavish bedroom, unmistakably Miku's, snapped back into view. Shidou instinctively knew they'd returned. A glance at the clock showed only a moment had passed. Fragments of Miku's past lingered in his mind.
"Kurumi… what was that…?"
Confused, Shidou turned to Kurumi. Her Zafkiel should only affect the target it struck. He'd seen her shoot only herself, so Yud's retrospection should've been hers alone. Yet, he'd witnessed it too. Did Yud have unknown powers? Kurumi's shaken expression widened his eyes.
"Kurumi…?"
"Shidou… you saw the same thing, correct?" she asked gravely.
He nodded. It felt like a confirmation. Even in that dreamlike vision, Kurumi had been by his side.
"Again, huh…" she muttered, staring at Zafkiel. The towering clock stood silent, offering no answers.
A second anomaly, after He. Despite using Yud multiple times, why did it now affect Shidou? Was it tied to the faded Dalet and Vav numerals? No answers came. Zafkiel didn't speak, and time didn't wait—a deafening sound shook the windows.
"That's Miku's—!" Shidou gasped.
The music, a miraculous blend of majestic organ and Miku's sultry voice, was otherworldly. Its effect was undeniable. Even Shidou, with Spirit protection, had to resist being "taken." The neighborhood was likely under her control, moving at her command.
Unlike Shidou, Kurumi, immune to the music, frowned in displeasure, contrasting her reaction to the CD earlier. "She's making a spectacle. No time to gather more cards—let's go to Miku."
"Right, let's hurry," Shidou agreed.
"I can only provide leverage and set the stage. The rest—"
"Is my role, I know," Shidou said.
Without Ratatosk's support, Kurumi's aid was invaluable. The situation was precarious, but her absence would've been catastrophic. She fought and cleared paths; he talked and saved Spirits. An impromptu duo, bound deeply yet unable to fully connect.
"You wear a good face, Shidou," Kurumi said.
"Flattered by your praise," he replied, grinning. "How do we reach Miku?"
"From the front, of course."
"…Seriously?"
Kurumi smirked, brimming with confidence.
"You meant actually from the front?" Shidou asked, incredulous.
"Didn't believe me? I'm hurt, I might cry," Kurumi teased.
"Trusting you and being stunned are different things!"
"Heh, you've gotten sharp-tongued," she laughed.
"Thanks. Still not sharp enough to woo you," Shidou shot back.
To an outsider, their banter seemed casual, but Shidou was sweating, barely keeping calm. Over ten thousand people surrounded them, eyes filled with murderous intent. Only a battle-hardened warrior or someone with absolute confidence could stay composed. Kurumi, standing poised beside him, might qualify, but Shidou didn't.
Tenguu Square, epicenter of the festival riot and Miku's stronghold, buzzed with helicopters. No sane person would walk into this as a target. Shidou knew this, yet trusted Kurumi's choice, forcing his trembling legs forward.
"Don't worry, I'll get you to Miku," Kurumi assured.
"Never doubted you," Shidou said.
"You're too smooth," she said, half-exasperated, half-amused. His unwavering trust in this chaos sparked a strange warmth in her, stirring unfamiliar emotions.
"Returning to my castle? How bold, Shiori—no, Shidou Itsuka!" Miku's icy voice boomed through speakers. "I don't know your game, but you can't escape now. Everyone, seize him! Rough him up a bit, but handle with care—I want my share of the fun!"
The ground shook with roars as her command ended.
Kurumi gripped Shidou's hand.
"Kurumi…?"
"Don't let go," she said.
"Got it."
Her slender, warm hand calmed his heart, dissolving his fear in an instant. Kurumi closed her eyes, exuding a divine grace that captivated Shidou. Her crimson and gold eyes opened, spiritual power swirling, lifting her black hair—time froze.
"—City of Devouring Time…"
The black shadow, her "castle," engulfed everything. It wasn't the world that stopped, but people. City of Devouring Time stole the consciousness of those within its reach, spreading vast enough to defy Shidou's sight. None stood except him, linked to Kurumi by their clasped hands.
"This is the safest way to deliver you," she said.
"To deliver me," he echoed.
"Yes, you. A rare large-scale use, but it worked."
It ensured his safety, but not others'. Though Kurumi wouldn't kill, Shidou felt guilt for forcing her to harm innocents. He gripped her hand tighter. "Sorry for making you do this."
"I'm used to it. Don't worry," she said.
"Pathetic. I said I'd save you, yet—"
"Enough," she cut in, pressing a finger to his lips. "I won't let even you badmouth someone I love. And you'll bear this with me, right?"
Her smile reignited his resolve. His weakness had forced her hand, but regret wouldn't honor his vow. "Yeah, I'll bear it with you. No matter what sins you commit, I won't break my promise."
"Heh, can you shoulder this villain's sins? If you beat me, that is," she teased.
"Count on it. I'll save you," he vowed.
Kurumi smiled and walked forward, her expression's meaning unclear. Shidou hoped to learn it someday, holding her hand as they crossed a sea of fallen bodies. The surreal sight weighed on him, but he endured, reaching the Central Stage's entrance. At Kurumi's nod, he pushed open the door.
Inside mirrored outside: girls collapsed under City of Devouring Time filled the seats. Onstage stood Miku, in full Spirit regalia, backed by her organ-like Angel. Yoshino and the Yamai sisters, in maid outfits and partial regalia, flanked her.
"Miku!" Shidou shouted.
"Ugh, that voice! Don't sully our ears with your filthy sound! You're beyond worthless—a plague. Even as dust, you'd curse the earth forever. Shut up, you walking filth!" Miku spat.
Shidou winced, but Kurumi quipped, "No foothold for negotiation, huh?"
Her venomous words cut deep, like a shotgun blast. Shidou readied a retort when he noticed Miku's gaze fixed on Kurumi.
"Nice. Very nice," Miku purred.
"Me?" Kurumi asked.
"Yes, perfect! I called you worthless, but bringing such a cute girl proves you have some value," Miku said.
"Miku, you—!" Shidou snapped, not angered by her insults but by her objectifying Kurumi as a "tool" for amusement. Her beauty was undeniable, but Shidou couldn't let this slide. Miku ignored him, addressing Kurumi.
"I don't know why my voice doesn't work on you, but how about it? Serve me loyally, and I'll slightly listen to that vermin's pleas."
"Don't mess around!" Shidou roared.
Kurumi raised a hand to silence him, stepping forward. "A tempting offer. I'm practically in tears."
"Smart girls are my type," Miku began.
"But, alas, no," Kurumi said.
The queen, Kurumi Tokisaki, bows to no one. She commands. Her only master is the burning impulse of her lifelong "resolve," an unyielding oath. Yet, another faint possibility exists—a blazing passion consuming her.
"I've sworn my heart to one man alone. And his seat is already taken," Kurumi declared.
Her love burned for one. Her devotion, her all, for one man alone.
Pressing a hand to her racing heart, Kurumi's bold confession left Shidou flustered, scratching his flushed cheek. It was about him, he knew, and despite the setting, it thrilled and embarrassed him.
"—Pathetic," Miku muttered, her voice rising with rejection. "Pathetic, pathetic, PATHETIC! That makes my skin crawl!"
Her fingers slammed the floating keyboard, music erupting.
"Gabriel—March!"
The rousing melody broke City of Devouring Time. Girls rose like marionettes, driven by Miku's Angel, despite Kurumi's power remaining active.
"No more 'capture.' I don't need disobedient girls! My darlings, kill them both!" Miku commanded.
"Both, you say?" Kurumi replied, as black shadows surged, engulfing everything—the clash of Spirits beginning.
Author's Note:
Q: Does holding hands negate City of Devouring Time?
A: Kurumi can choose targets, so it's unnecessary—just my preference! (Grins)
The activation scene would be cinematic: glowing eyes, hair billowing like a tokusatsu hero. I love when eyes glow red in awakening scenes! (Pure indulgence)
This move feels cruel to a trust-averse Spirit, but they charge in boldly. Next, the battle begins. Feedback welcome! Stay tuned!
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