Chapter 34: let's make you stronger

Shido stood motionless, his mind swirling with a whirlwind of emotions. Confusion and astonishment battled with a strange sense of anticipation and curiosity. The lingering taste of Hikaru's kiss danced upon his lips, leaving him bewildered yet strangely invigorated. "Shido, can you hear me?" a voice called out through his earpiece, breaking his trance-like state. Shaking himself out of his stupor, he managed to respond, his voice still tinged with uncertainty. "Yes... What happened to Hikaru all of a sudden?" he inquired. "We're not entirely sure yet, but it appears she has returned from her Inverse form..." Kotori's voice explained. "Inverse form?" "Inverse form occurs when a Spirit is exposed to severe negative emotions. They transform, becoming an Inverse Spirit." Kotori elaborated. "But she didn't exhibit any strong negative emotions except for that brief moment of losing control. And even then, her appearance and behavior remained unchanged. How did she become Inverse?" Shido pondered aloud. "There could be numerous explanations, but we can't pinpoint the exact answer. After all, there's still much we don't know about her, Shido," "..." he was about to say more, but the words did abay to leave his mouth. After all, kotori was right he didn't know anything about her. Silent contemplation enveloped Shido as he realized the extent of his ignorance regarding Hikaru. "I chose not to involve myself too deeply in her affairs because she never seemed to require it. I was wrong," he muttered, his grip tightening, nails digging into his palms. "Damn it!" "Shido, are you alright? What happened?" Tohka stepped forward, concern etched across her face. Taking a deep breath, Shido loosened his grip and offered a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, Tohka," he assured her. "Don't dwell too much on it, Shido," a voice from his earpiece reassured. "You've already sealed her power, so everything should be alright, especially now that she has returned from her Inverse state." Shido nodded, though his mind still swirled with unanswered questions. He had sealed Hikaru's spirit, but it was clear that there was much more to her than he had initially assumed. "Anyway, let's focus on the mission at hand," Kotori's voice snapped him back to reality. "Yes," Shido replied, his gaze shifting to Tohka, who had been uncharacteristically silent throughout the turmoil. "Tohka, are you alright?" Tohka blinked, her expression momentarily confused before she shook her head, "Ah, don't worry, Shido. I am fine," she replied, her gaze meeting his. "I see... anyway see you later, I have something to do now," Shido said, raising his hand in a wave as he prepared to depart. Tohka nodded, returning the gesture with a wave of her own. "Yeah..." As Shido disappeared, Tohka's gaze fell to the ground, her voice barely a whisper as she spoke to herself. "She called me by my name..." Her words hung in the air. (...) "hmmmm~~mmmm~~" A symphony of laughter and chatter filled the air as Hikaru stepped into the bustling festival grounds. With a skip in her step and contagious energy, Hikaru's eyes danced with anticipation, eagerly taking in every vibrant detail that adorned the festival grounds. Tengu Square, the venue for the Tenou Festival, was a large convention center located in the heart of Tengu City. The layout was a central stage in the middle, with large exhibition halls spreading out around it. For the festival, they mainly use halls numbered one through four in the eastern block. "spending all that time in hell made me forget how fun to be here" Her radiant smile illuminated her features as she weaved through the lively crowds, her golden hair catching the sunlight and shimmering like a halo. The vibrant decorations and stalls seemed to dance in harmony with her infectious energy as if responding to her very presence. "Hm?" As Hikaru weaved through the crowd, she couldn't help but be drawn to a vibrant game booth adorned with colorful prizes. A mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes as she approached, eager to test her skills. "Step right up, young lady! Care to try your luck?" called the game booth attendant with an inviting smile. Hikaru's smile widened as she picked up a beanbag, ready to take on the challenge. "Absolutely! I won't back down!" With a quick, calculated motion, she released the beanbag, watching it sail through the air with precision. The bag collided with the first stack of cans, sending them toppling in a satisfying Clatter. The onlookers erupted into applause and cheers, marveling at Hikaru's accuracy. Throw after throw, Hikaru showcased her remarkable hand-eye coordination and unwavering focus. Each precise hit sent cans tumbling down, drawing gasps of awe and admiration from the spectators. Finally, after a flurry of well-aimed throws, Hikaru's last beanbag struck the final stack of cans, causing them to collapse in a glorious cascade. "Congratulations! You've won a plushie of your choice!" the attendant exclaimed, gesturing to the colorful array of prizes. Hikaru's eyes twinkled as she scanned the plush toys, her gaze settling on a fluffy bunny with adorable floppy ears. "That one, please!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with delight. With her newfound companion firmly in hand, Hikaru pressed on, weaving through the bustling festival grounds. "Keh, Keh, if it isn't Hikaru... wait, what happened to your hair and eyes?" a mischievous voice chimed in, capturing Hikaru's attention. "Approaching, greeting Hikaru-san," Turning around, Hikaru found herself face to face with two identical girls, their gazes fixed upon her. "..." Silence enveloped the air as Hikaru observed them, her expression a mask of neutrality. "Ummm, did we find the right girl?" Kaguya turned to her sister. "Indeed, Kaguya, I'm not entirely certain," her sister replied, their gazes locked in a moment of shared hesitation. But then, in an instant, the tension dissipated, replaced by an explosion of unabashed joy. "HOORAY!!" Hikaru's voice echoed through the festival grounds as she raised both hands triumphantly toward the sky. The plush bunny in her grasp tumbled to the ground, momentarily forgotten amidst her infectious energy. An infectious smile adorned her face. "...Uhhh," the twin sisters exchanged perplexed glances, uncertain of how to respond to this sudden burst of enthusiasm. "HOORAY!!!!!!!!!" Hikaru repeated, her arm reaching even higher "Umm, Hooray?" Kaguya's uncertainty dissolved as she found herself swept up at the moment. She raised both hands and joined Hikaru in her exuberant cheer. "..." Yuzuru, observing her sister's actions, followed suit, her palms meeting the sky in a mirrored gesture. "HOORAY!!!" Hikaru closed the gap between them, her hands slapping against theirs in a lively greeting. As their hands connected, Hikaru's radiant smile illuminated the space between them. Lowering her arms, she addressed them with genuine warmth. "It has been decades since our last meeting, Kaguya, Yuzuru. How have you been?" "Decades? We just walked to school together a few hours ago," Kaguya replied, her confusion evident. "Asked, what happened to your hair and eyes, Hikaru?" Yuzuru inquired "Oh, that?" Hikaru reached up to her golden locks, her fingers gently tousling the strands. "I simply wanted to change the ambiance, you know. Do black hair and golden eyes suit me more, I wonder?" she finished, scooping up her fallen bunny companion from the ground. Kaguya and Yuzuru exchanged glances before focusing their attention back on Hikaru. "Well, not really. Everything seems to work for you," Kaguya was the first to speak. Yuzuru nodded, "agreement, you got a beautiful feature, so everything is good in you" "Oh~ that's so sweet of you both! Anyway, do you want to hang out? There are so many fun things to explore at this festival." "Keh, Keh That's why we're here," Kaguya replied, a playful smirk on her face. "agreement, let's have some fun together." "HOORAY!!!!" Hikaru shouted with exhilaration. "HOORAY!!!" This time the two sisters joined in without hesitation, their voices blending in a spirited chorus. (...) In the peaceful confines of his bedroom, Shido found himself lost in a whirlwind of thoughts, his head sinking deeper into the softness of his pillow. The events of the day had played out like a chaotic symphony in his mind, leaving him mentally and physically exhausted. "How did I end up challenging an idol in a singing competition?" he sighed, his voice laced with regret as he buried his face in the pillow. Earlier that day, Shido had impulsively decided to take on Miku Izayoi, the famous idol, in a singing competition held at the Tengu festival. Little did he realize the gravity of the consequences: if he lost, Miku believed him to be a girl and insisted that he, along with the six Spirits whose powers he had sealed, would be at her mercy. "haa~" As the gentle moonlight cast a soothing glow through the window, Shido decided it was time to surrender to the embrace of sleep. The room fell into a tranquil silence, punctuated only by the ticking of the clock. However, the serenity was short-lived as the sound of the door opening broke the stillness. Fate seemed to have other plans for Shido that night, as an unexpected touch roused him from his slumber, teasing a sensitive area. Startled and disoriented, he initially brushed it off as a figment of his dreaming mind. But the undeniable sensation compelled him to pry open his heavy eyelids, curious to unravel the mystery that had invaded his tranquil refuge. With a flicker of confusion, Shido slowly lifted the covers, his heart racing in anticipation of the unexpected visitor. And there she was, right before his bewildered eyes—Hikaru, wearing nothing but a captivating smile on her face. The room suddenly seemed to lose all its air as Shido's mind attempted to comprehend the situation, his face turning as red as a ripe tomato. He frantically attempted to avert his gaze, feeling a mix of embarrassment, excitement, and a pinch of curiosity. Amid his internal chaos, Hikaru pressed a finger to her lips, urging Shido into silence. As the initial shock began to subside, Shido managed to regain a semblance of composure, his breathing gradually steadying. With his pulse finally under control, he dared to break the silence. With a hesitant question, his voice tinged with a mix of confusion and bashfulness. "Hikaru... What on earth are you doing in my room... naked?" he stammered, his eyes darting nervously around the room, avoiding the captivating sight before him. Hikaru, her smile unyielding, leaned in closer, her voice barely a whisper. "Shido, my dear, let's just say it's a surprise visit," she replied, her words laden with mischief. "But don't worry, I have something important to discuss." Shido's mind raced, trying to comprehend the bizarre situation he found himself in. Was this an elaborate prank? Or perhaps a dream turned reality? He couldn't help but steal fleeting glances at Hikaru's enticing form, fighting the urge to let his eyes wander. However, "...!" Shido's entire body jolted, a rush of sensation coursing through him as her hand made contact with that sensitive area, the touch evoking an exquisite response, unlike anything he had experienced before. "Hikaru, what is the meaning of—" "Shhh~" Hikaru silenced him with a gentle touch of her finger against his lips, her gesture urging him into silence. Drawing closer, she pressed a brief kiss upon his lips, momentarily stealing his breath away. "As much as I would love to linger in the comfort of this bed, we have important matters to attend to," she whispered with a teasing smile. "UHhh..??" Shido remained utterly perplexed, the shock still lingering, rendering him at a loss for coherent words. Meanwhile, Hikaru, already standing tall on her feet, bathed in a radiant glow, emanated an aura of captivating allure. She was now adorned in distressed denim jeans paired with a graphic-print t-shirt, Layered over her outfit was a cropped leather jacket. "Come on, Shido put on some clothes. We have somewhere to go," As the haze of confusion began to dissipate, Shido mustered the strength to pull himself together. His mind, still reeling from the unexpected turn of events. Getting out of bed, Shido discreetly averted his gaze, his face still flushed with embarrassment. He hastily reached for his clothes and swiftly dressed. Beginning with a plain white short-sleeved shirt, Over the shirt, he wears a long-sleeved black turtleneck sweater with dark gray pants that are slightly loose "You look good in that outfit, Shido," she complimented, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. Blushing slightly, Shido nodded in gratitude, "So, you planning to go to the convenience store, again?" "Nah, somewhere far away" Together, they made their way to the door, stepping into the night air. The moon's gentle glow illuminated their path, casting a serene ambiance around them. Standing just outside the house, Shido couldn't help but voice his confusion. "Where exactly are we headed at this late hour?" However, Hikaru seemed unfazed by his question, twirling around as if searching for a sense of direction. After a brief moment, she settled on a direction, pointing towards the North. "That way," she murmured, her feet left the ground, defying the constraints of gravity as she began to ascend into the sky. Shido arched an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. " We're gonna fly there? Is it truly that distant?" Hikaru struck a pose, hands on her hips, and flashed a confident grin. "Umu!, we're headed to Antarctica," she proclaimed, clearly proud of her destination choice. Shido couldn't help but let out a laugh, thinking it was some kind of prank. "Come on, you're messing with me, right?" Hikaru's expression turned serious, "Nah, no jokes here," she replied, tapping her cheek. "Antarctica's about 13,000 kilometers (8077 miles) away, and we've gotta get there in an hour. That means we'll have to zoom at a speed of 13,000 kilometers per hour (about 10 MACH or about 10 times the speed of sound). But don't worry, even with my powers sealed, that speed is a piece of cake for me." "You're not messing with me..." Hikaru tilted her head, looking a tad confused. "Why would I mess around with something this important? We've got a job to do, Shido. Time's ticking!" Without uttering another word, Hikaru briskly made her way toward the direction she had indicated, vanishing from sight within moments, already outside the city's confines. "Uhhhh..." Shido was left dumbfounded, unsure of what to make of the situation. "She expects me to fly?" Hikaru's absence proved to be short-lived as she suddenly materialized before him once again. "Why didn't you follow me? Are you making fun of me, Shido? Are you saying I'm slow?" she exclaimed. A tear made its way from her eyes. "I can't fly..." "...Oh yeah, I forgot... In this period of timeline, you were still weak. No wonder you were acting like a virgin earlier. It was kinda cute to see you like that again, though..." "..." "Anyway, it's easy to fly, Shido. Just think about it. Remember when you summoned Sandalphon for the first time, right?" she asked. "Yes, I did. You were there, remember?" "Well, what did you feel at that moment?" Shido pondered for a moment, recalling the sensation he experienced when he summoned Sandalphon. The rush of power surged through his veins, the weightlessness that enveloped his being. It was as if something responded to his call. "I felt... an overwhelming surge of energy," Hikaru nodded, a knowing smile playing upon her lips. "Exactly, Shido. That surge of energy is your key to unlocking the power of flight. You see, the secret lies in tapping into the spirit power you sealed, your spirit power. By harnessing and manipulating it, you can defy gravity and soar through the sky." "So, you're saying I can tap into this sealed mana and learn to fly?" Hikaru nodded once again, her gaze filled with unwavering confidence. "Absolutely! With the right guidance and practice, you can harness your spirit power and soar through the skies." A gust of wind rustled Shido's hair, "Teach me, Hikaru," Shido declared, his eyes fixed unmoved from her face. "Ahhh~ How I miss this look of yours~" (...) Under the moon's watchful gaze, Hikaru led Shido to a hidden grove, shielded from prying eyes. The silver radiance of the stars bathed the clearing, imbuing the atmosphere with an otherworldly aura. "Shido," Hikaru's voice resonated with a hushed intensity, "first, focus on the energy residing within you. Picture the essence that summons your angel, like Sandalphon. But instead of summoning the angel itself, summon the power that lies behind its manifestation." With a gentle gesture, she motioned for Shido to stand beside her. "Close your eyes, Shido," Hikaru instructed, her voice soft and encouraging. " let your mind settle and remember that sensation you felt when the power surged alongside your angel." Shido complied, shutting his eyes and allowing himself to be consumed by the swirling currents of his inner power. Before long, a subtle warmth enveloped Shido's body, accompanied by a soft radiance that emanated from within. "Now, Shido," Hikaru continued in a soothing tone, her voice a comforting melody, "allow the energy to flow freely around you. Imagine it as something weightless, like cotton or feathers, something that evokes a sense of lightness and the ability to soar." As Shido immersed himself in the imagery. His body felt lighter as if being lifted by invisible wings. He could almost taste the crispness of the air at high altitudes, and hear the wind whispering secrets only known to those who dared to take flight. "Open your eyes, Shido," Hikaru urged, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and pride. As Shido obediently parted his eyelids, a breathtaking spectacle unfolded before him. Hikaru, her flowing hair billowing behind her like a vibrant comet's tail, soared through the night sky. "Beautiful," he murmured, his lips parting without conscious thought. The city lights twinkled like distant stars, their brilliance fading in comparison to the celestial tapestry above. The moon, a luminous orb, cast a silvery glow that danced upon the clouds, embracing the night in an otherworldly embrace. "I know right? The view from here is something else," Hikaru remarked. But Shido's gaze was fixed on her the entire time, not paying much attention to the surroundings. "That's not what I meant by my words" "..." Hikaru turned her head away, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks. After a moment, she turned back as if nothing happened, "Anyway, the hard part is over. The rest is easy. If you want to move in any direction, just release the mana from your body to gain momentum, like an airplane. And don't worry, your body is already surrounded by mana, so even if we move at high speed, the air won't cause any friction or trouble to you." Shido nodded, his eyes lingering on Hikaru for a moment longer before he shifted his focus to the vast cityscape before them. It was time to put Hikaru's instructions into action. Releasing the mana contained within his being, Shido felt a surge of energy coursing through his veins, empowering him with a newfound sense of weightlessness. He propelled himself forward, his body effortlessly gliding through the air. The city lights became a blur of vibrant colors as he accelerated, leaving behind streaks of dazzling luminescence in his wake. As their speed increased, they shattered the sound barrier with a resounding boom, creating a shockwave that reverberated through the night. The wind rushed past Shido, its exhilarating howl filling his ears. But they didn't stop there. They raced past clouds that appeared like cotton candy, their fluffy forms parting effortlessly to accommodate their passage. Stars streaked across the sky above, leaving shimmering trails as they were left far behind. The moon, a beacon of silver radiance, seemed to follow their every move, illuminating their path with its ethereal glow. Hikaru's voice reached Shido's ears, barely audible amidst the rush of the wind. "We're approaching Mach 10 now," she called out. Shido couldn't help but marvel at the speed they had achieved. Mach 10, equivalent to roughly 12,870 kilometers per hour, was an incredible feat beyond the reach of conventional transportation. Yet here they were, streaking through the sky like shooting stars. "THAT'S COOL!" Shido's voice resonated through the air, but it quickly vanished into the rushing wind, left far behind as a mere echo.