(FN) was shocked to see Mana in front of him. She potentially saved his life. And referred to him as family. The teenaged boy sat there on the ground motionless. His body felt fear. His mind felt shock. "Mana? This is, your job?"

"That was close bro. Just clam yourself. I won't be long." Using high caliber technology it seemed that Mana could control high powered lasers with only needing to use her fingers. Kurumi tried to dodge them. She went side to side, up and down, and forward and back. Any mixed direction she tried was no good. It eventually pierced her. Shot straight through Kurumi's center. Not the first time either has seen her die, though it didn't change the fact. 

"Kurumi!" He shouted. But it was no use. "Mana... Why..."

"This is nothing new to me. You don't know who Nightmare truly is." Mana turned around away from the bloodbath. "I've done this every day for some time now. She arrives. Everyday. I kill her. Everyday. There is nothing that stops the cycle. She's killed over ten thousand people just by her habits alone. Add the space quakes and you might double it."

"Holy-"

"I can't believe she let you out like this." She was referring to Kotori on how she sent him on this day out with no reinforcements.

"Mana, how much do you know about Kurumi? You killed her just now?"

"Here's the thing (FN). She doesn't stay dead. You'll likely see her tomorrow. And because of her constantly taking lives, I have no choice."

"But Mana, why? Why does it have to be this way?" (FN) felt sad. Knowing his step-sister held this persona of a heartless soldier that reminded him a little of Origami. But it was different because Origami had a cold personality. Mana was upbeat just the other day. What a drastic change in such a short time. 

"I'm sorry." She used her suit to jet off. Leaving poor (FN) there in that tragic bloodbath area. 

"No," He looked at his hand. The same one Kurumi held all afternoon up until now. "I'm sorry."

(FN) walked slowly away from the park. Back into the city portion. There was nothing left for his day. It was ruined by blood, murder, and the girl he really liked being a dangerous spirit that was a living nightmare. Just like her spirit code name. He heard Reine back in his ear. She felt rather sympathetic. 

< Hey. Are you alright? > A poor answer...

"I just want to go home, shower, and hop in bed."

< You can go right ahead. You've had enough. If you see Yoshino and Yoshinon when you get in just greet her and try to smile. If she asks anything just say you're tired and do your thing. >

"Sure thing I guess."

It was a slow day after all of that. Shido was somehow conducting a time out with Tohka and Origami which were oil and water because of their romantic rivalry and (FN) felt his heart sink over what to do next. He really liked going on these dates with Kurumi. Knowing that everything was in front of him and knowing he was just a target really hurt him. He went home while Yoshino and Yoshinon were watching their shows and got himself cleaned up. Showered, grabbed a snack, and just laid down in his bedroom. 

As time went by there was a knock on his door. He didn't say anything at first. But after the second knock that means this person was going to go in regardless. "Come in." He said with a low tone. 

"Hey." Kotori said softly as she walked in and gently closed the door behind her. 

"Hey. What's up?" (FN) turned away. 

"Would you stop that. I get it." Kotori joined him on the side of his bed. 

"I was stupid to think that way."

"Bro, stop it. I can't see you like this." Kotori turned to her side and squeezed him with a hug. 

"Kotori? Can you-"

"No. You're in bad shape right now and your accepting a hug from your little sister. I'm not letting go until you're better. I mean it." She didn't say it in a sassy tone. Kotori was much more sympathetic. "I'm sorry. We will do what we can to make things right. I'm not giving up for you."

"Kurumi is different Kotori."

"She's like everyone else. All you have to do is get around the rough edges. She's a spirit. I'm doing anything in my power to make this work for you. I know you care about her. But right now let's just calm everything down. I was nervous out there for you. I'm sorry you feel hurt from her and what you saw. I am." Kotori felt guilty is all. She was regretting her decision to a point. 

"Hey." He smiled and hugged Kotori. "Thanks. I just needed some time. I don't know when, how, or what, but I will try. All we can do. Though I wonder what tomorrow will be like. So much we don't know. But hey, I'm done moping." (FN) released the hug and say Kotori smile. "Thanks."

"Sure thing. Onii-chan."

You know Kotori, I don't know how you believe in us tackling these worldly disasters, but its worked out so far. And hopefully this is the biggest challenge. But I had a feeling not every spirit is like Tohka or Yoshino. Figures as much. 

~~~~~

The next day (FN) swapped his shoes at his locker. He was a little out of it, but he was going to make the best out of today. As Mana predicted, he received a surprised good morning."

"Hey you. Good morning (FN)." It was Kurumi. All that talk from Mana. She was right. As if yesterday's tragedy didn't happen, she's here." "How are you today?"

He went over and just gave her a big hug. "Better." He exhaled. "Better. I'm fine now."

Sure enough the three girls were standing right there. They seemed to have a little bit to say. The trio was highly annoyed at (FN) for being lewd, crass, and showing affection to the new girl. 

"How dare you dude?" Glared Ai.

"How can you show your face here?" Huffed Mai.

"That's, I don't know, lame!" Pouted Mii.

"Girls can you leave him alone. He's fine." Tohka looked over and winked at you as she and Shido were going to keep them occupied. They knew Kurumi showed up again for a reason. 

"I thought you'd take today off because of yesterday." Said Kurumi.

"I didn't think you would come in. To be honest with you I wish I could help you. As other things. Not sure how much but I can surely try. Right?"

"What do you have in mind? Another shopping trip? I did pick up my bag by the way. It's at home. Don't worry." She smiled. Maybe that was going to lead to something. 

"Kurumi." (FN) separated the hug. "I want to save you."

She smiled. "Ara-ara. And how?"

"I'll do my best to figure that out. But I have to at least try. No more killings from you or Mana. Let's just live. Live throughout. Let's do our best, give it our all, and I'll bend over backwards if I have to." (FN) had no guarantee, though he was firm. 

"We shall see about that." She giggled.

"Alright then." He watched her walk away as classes were soon to begin. 

The hours went by and as uneasy it was from Tohka, Shido, and Origami as well, the day went by smoothly. The three of them, (FN), and Kurumi even had lunch together. A bit awkward but it wasn't all that bad. School went by just fine. It felt normal for them. All considering that yesterday there was a double date and blood bath. (FN) needed to wait for school to be over before he can make his next move. 

"So, she leave yet?" He asked waiting for the earpiece to pick it up. 

< Not yet. > 

"Reine?"

< Me again. Something came up. Are you ready for phase three? > Seems that Reine was a good choice to be on board right now. 

"Gah!" Everyone screamed and hit the deck. The area around turned red. 

There was a massive barrier covering the whole school. This could only mean one thing. With all the recent events it seemed logical for this all to be caused by only one person. Though (FN) seemed fatigued but still standing. 

"What's going on?" He cried seeing this sight and feeling a flashback from yesterday. 

< We're analyzing. Hang in there. > Reine seemed calm through all of this. It just seemed interesting of what she actually knew this whole time. 

"Am I the only one unharmed?"

< It's a wide area barrier. I'm sure you know that in its range that not many are going to be unharmed by this. I'm going to monitor Shido, Tohka, and even Origami if I have to. This is from Kurumi. >

< How come I feel okay? What about the other three? >

< Reine what's going on? I'm fine but what's going on? > Asked Shido. 

< Well Shin, since you sealed Tohka and Yoshino you absorbed some of their power and that's why you feel okay. (FN) and Tohka feel heavy because (FN) maybe unharmed due to something Kurumi did and Tohka has some spirit power left inside of her. >

"This is crazy." (FN) sighed. 

The intercom came on. { (FN) Darling. Can you hear me? If you need anything I'll be on the roof. Hurry now. } She giggled. 

"Alright then. That says it all. Shido, you and Tohka get by the top of the steps and be on standby if that's possible. I'm going up because this is my battle. I must do this."

< Shido where do we go? > Everyone could hear Tohka through Shido's earpiece. That innocent voice. She was worried too. 

It took (FN) a little time to get all the way up the steps. Shido a little less time. Tohka's mental state caused for her magic to come back. The astral dress started to appear. The skirt at least. This was bizarre. Tohka and Yoshino caused accidents. This was implying great harm. What a world. What differences. But really, why would Kurumi go through all of this? For what purpose? What was her game? 

The three of them got there and looked at the gunshot that went through the lock to the roof. Kurumi was there alright. (FN) nodded to Shido and Tohka and opened the door. Not long after the door was Kurumi. Waiting ever so patiently. 

"Hello. Glad your here to see my castle realm." She cooed. 

"So what is all of this?"

"It's simple. Anyone in this barrier is having their time sucked away."

"Time?" He pondered. Then he saw Kurumi life up her hair. First time she did so. (FN) saw the golden eye she had before, but he noticed a small and big hand move counter clockwise. "Wait, your eye is a clock. So what's behind this?"

"My time. I guess you can say that this is my lifespan. My Angel has a wonderful power. But to use it, it consumes so much time. So with that said, I use other people's time to rejuvenate. They're my pray." Kurumi stepped towards him. 

"Pray?" (FN) flinched. 

Her eyes glowed. "I came all the way here to see your face when its my time to eat and devour you."

"So I'm the one you want? Then why involve everyone else? Isn't this between just me and you?"

"And don't you want to take back what you said because I'm downright awful? Don't you want a cuter or sweeter girl with better intentions. Maybe another girl to wear the lingerie for you? You tell me. Am I worth it? The pain? Seeing the suffering?" She smirked. "I don't deserve mercy. Say you hate me. I will devour you. But I'll give you a chance to take your words back. Darling." She put a hand on his face. He closed his eyes for a second as she licked his cheek. "Don't worry, I'll take down the barrier."

"Take it down." He hugged her. "Do it. But I didn't come all of this way to just give up on you."

She gasped. "But why?"

"What if I die then? You're after me for a reason. I'll tell you what. I won't put myself at risk. But I have terms for you."

"You're making yourself a liable hostage. But why?" There was a certain look in her eyes. Behind that clock and smirk was a sad stare. "Why for me?"

"Kurumi, you had fun on our date. You didn't have to. Why keep the lingerie? Why go through all of this. Why use your powers when you can live normally? Kurumi, I have an idea. I can help you."

She shook her head. "What would that be? It's too late for me." 

"Allow me to love you." (FN) looked at her firmly. It wasn't a look a girl would want from a guy asking her out by any means. Usually there isn't supposed to be force behind it. 

"You're mad. What?"

"Allow me to love. I'll protect you. I swear."

~~~~~

Predictions. Make them. Happy Friday.

-Rel