Vol 9 Chapter 5 (1/2)

Chapter 10: Fall downDespair Is Falling

Part 1

“Tsk-----“

After Ellen clicked her tongue in conteround with crazy speed After Ellen cut across the road, all the pedestrians opened their eyes in shock but, she had no tile-et spot

Her course was east---------the direction of the hotel Westcott was lodging at

With this speed, the time needed to reach was------around 30 minutes She does not know exactly what tiuu city after that, was definitely so

“-----I have no choice”

Ellen sharpens her sights beforean order in her brain

In an instant, Ellen’s body low and her whole body was equipped with the platinuon> in an instant Coo, an even thicker maryoku compiled Territory was deployed

Ellen kicked the ground and activated the thrusters attached to her back before flying high up into the sky She then eted location just like that

At that moment, a call came from the in-cam internally equipped in the unit

“Ex-executive chief Mathers! Just what is happening!?”

It was the subordinate she made to stand-by outside when Ellen entered the Itsuka house She was probably surprised because Ellen ran out of the house suddenly Ellenher speed and replied back

“It’s an eency Currently, the artificial satellite <dsa-iv> which was planned to be disposed is now falling directed at Tenguu city What’sfrom -------“

After hearing the continuous explanation, her subordinate let out a astonished voice

“Wha…………even if it is to defeat the Spirits, ould they do that………! And what’s more, for the executive chief to not be informed about that plan is-------“

“No, the aim isn't the spirits, it’s Ike”

“Huh………!? Wes-Westcott MD…………!? What does that mean!?”

The subordinate said that in a shocked manner Well, it was only nor, is now directed at its top

“There was contact froht out the dis wild”

After she said that, Ellen clicked her tongue ------like I thought, I should have chopped off their heads instead of their arm at that time

In the end, just moments before the execution of the plan, it seeot scared of Westcott and leaked out the information to the 2nd executive team It’s not like that decision cannot be called smart but--------if he wanted to sell-out the plan, it would be better if he done it sooner Ellen felt like cursing

Nonetheless, noasn't the ti like that She has to secure Westcott as fast as possible and get far away as possible from here

“------I a towards Ike Every one of you, please evacuate so that you all won’t get dragged into the blast After that, look out for Reiha readings in the surroundings and if you find a spirit dragged in the explosion then, retrieve the saphira crystal from her”

“Ro-roger……………!”

Leaving that reply, her subordinate cut the line

Nonetheless, she isn’t really expecting anything related to the spirits As long as they are involved with <ratatoskr>, the <dsa-iv> would be detected before it reach the danger air zone anyway, and if that happens, all they have to do is to secure the Spirits with the airshi+p before running to a safe zone Most likely, Itsuka shi+dou’s phone that rang just noas also probably to inform him about this too

“……………”

And, flying halfway in a straight line in the sky Ellen twitched her eyebrows

The reason was si from everywhere, Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu-------the sound of the siren started to ring in her ears

“spacequake alarm……don’t tell me, a spirit?”

She mumbled that but however, she noticed another possibility

---no matter how much a bother Westcott is, if they drop an artificial satellite on japan's city then no et off easily If that is the case then, the board of directors would not achieve the goal of taking over the company

The case is that, the boardto blame this disaster all onto the spacequake I see, it was a logical thought

“I won’t let them”

After Ellen grinded her teeth, she headed to Westcott at her maximum speed

Part 2

No time at all after Ellen left the house, the space quake alarhout the city and the sound of the residence nearby evacuating could be heard

“spacequake alarm!? At a time like this!?”

“No, you’re wrong”

When shi+dou looked out thein shock, Kotori said that through the phone

“We did not detect any shaking in the space nearby………………It is a false infor-------it’s the work of so to put the bla artificial satellite”

“Bla the spacequake………wait, ould do that!?”

“………It’s most likely DEM company”

Kotori say that as if she was grinding her teeth However, shi+dou raised his eyebrows

“Wai-wait a second DEM…………? Isn’t that impossible?”

“You sure say weird things An organization that could do sos done and in terms of a health problem with a few screws loose in their heads, there is no one I can think of”

“Iyaa, it’s true but…………”

shi+dou explained everything that happened just now

About the fact that Ellen was there when he got home And also-------the fact that Ellen ran out of the house, panicked

“Ellen Mathers did that? It’s true that it’s weird……………if this action is a plan to round up all the spirits then, there is no way she would not know about it………no, even before that…………”

Kotori groaned difficultly However, she immediately noticed that noasn't the tiained her composure and continue her words

“Anyway! There is no erous if you stay there We will pick you up with <fraxinus> immediately so, please come outside”

“A-aah……… how about Tohka and the rest?”

“No need to worry The preparations to escape froot ready We will immediately head there after we pick up shi+dou”

“I get it Then------“

shi+dou then wrung back his neck when he was about to reply

“Escape froround? Doesn’t that facility have the endurance equal to that of the shelters?”

When shi+dou said that, Kotori took a breather as if she was leaving a beat before replying

“------Yes, that’s right If the spacequake is until rank B then it will almost unmistakably withstand it”

“………wait a second That means-----“

“Thinking nor bothering me”

“So you………………?”

“Yes ------we detected slight Maryoku readings co from the concerned artificial satellite”

shi+dou raised his eyebrows at Kotori’s words

“Wha-what does that mean?”

“We still don’t know the details But-------it is hard to think that DEM is just going to let the artificial satellite’s wreckage fall We think that they are going tosome kind of method You should prepare for the worst scenario”

“The worst………scenario”

“…………yes The shelters that have started to be deployed in the world since 30 years ago, was soes from the spacequake Basically, since it is observed that spacequakes often occurs, above ground, above sea, and the sky, the possibility to escape the dah”

But, Kotori continued

“The case this time is a different story”

“If that artificial satellite falls straight onto the shelter then…………are you saying the people inside won’t be saved!?”

“………like I said, we still don’t know the details But, please understand the fact that this possibility exist”

“…………! Wha-what the hell! Just because they are ai for the Spirits, isn’t this just overboard…………!”

After shi+dou shouted while clenching his fist, Kotori once again groaned difficultly

“I still don’t get-----that point”

“…………eh?”

“The DEM too should know that we have an airshi+p If they were to aim for the spirits then, I don’t think they would take this method which has no certainty”

“The-then, what does this mean………”

“I can’t say anything at this stage Maybe there is an idiot in the higher ups that could not get to that decision or, they straight off lost their oal”

“Goal……………”

shi+dou gulped Just what on earth is that [Goal] they have to achieve even if thousands of victims are produced?

“-----I understand your feelings but, please hurry now We are losing ti this”

Kotori said that impatiently However, shi+dou stayed still

“Wa-wait a second Is there any way!? If this keeps up, even if we are saved, the people in the city will-----“

“Please listen to the end”

Kotori flat out said that as if to interrupt shi+dou’s words

“Even I don’t feel like seeing everyone in the city die I have a way”

“! Re-really!?”

“Yes ------it’s simple Just before the artificial satellite crashes, ill shoot it doith <fraxinus> main cannon If we do that, even if by any chance the explosion arts activates, and the blast or fraground, the shelter below should be safe………well, the surfacenasty but, it is the sarateful that they got saved even though it is only their life We will let the JGSDF’s restoration tea the rest”

“I see………if that’s the case!”

“Satisfied? Now hurry up”

“Aah!”

shi+dou strongly nodded before cutting the phone call and headed to the front entrance and putting back on his shoes

And------at thattu over to wear his shoes

“Hn………?”

When he looked over to it, he found out that it was a chupa chups wrapped with a red wrapper-----it was so herself as Kotori in the underground facility

“Ah------“

The ht He froze on the spot for a few moments and became dumbfounded

That’s right shi+dou has forgotten sohbourhood has evacuated to the shelter because of the spacequake Everyone would be safe if <fraxinus> succeeds in shooting down the artificial satellite

But-------there is one person Still escaped froht still be left on the surface

When shi+dou stopped at the front entrance, the sound of a rhythain After he pressed the call button, he could hear Kotori’s voice which has irritation mixed in

“Hey, what are you doing shi+dou I told you there is no time…………”

“Kotori”

Kotori said it in i was up with shi+dou, Kotori continued her words in doubt

“What is it, what happened?”

“Aah There is so I want to ask you to do…………could you retrieve Tohka and the rest first?”

“Huh? Why again-------aah, are you perhaps referring to take everyone else to a safer place first before me? You don’t really have to worry about that, since ill properly retrieve everyone”

“No………there is still so on the surface I have to do no matter what”

When shi+dou said that, Kotori [Haaa!?] echoed a voice filled with anger

“I told you this is an ee!? I don’t knohat you have to do but, its not worth risking your life for! First and foremost-----“

“It’s Natsumi”

“……uh”

Kotori gasped at shi+dou’s words

“You all still haven’t find Natsuht…………?”

Yes It would be a big problem if she is still on the surface

A normal person would run to the shelter when the spacequake alars That is only normal But for Natsumi who is a spirit, he has no idea whether or not she would obey that alarround facility in the first place, so he doesn't think that Natsuain, with her oill because it's underground

“That’s…………but, even Natsumi isn’t stupid! Even if she does not enter the shelter, there is a possibility that she has already run far away---------and even if the blast and fragments of the artificial satellite falls down, she is a spirit you know!? She can protect herself fro like that!”

“That ot froht be chance”

“……………………uh”

Kotori groaned softly before, falling silent As If he wasa supplication, shi+dou let out his voice to Kotori as on the other side of the phone

“I beg you…………………Can you let ht be running with no reason No………………that possibility is probably high But, as long as Natsuer, I can’t just………………keep quiet”

When shi+dou said that while clenching his fist, Kotori continued being silent for a while before-----

“……………haaa”

Like that, she iven up

“……………I understand Rather, you won’t listen any”

“Kotori……!”

“However, the ti our intercept attack I won’t allow any longer than that Also, you have to put on your Incam so we can contact you anytime”

“Aah, I get it”

“Then, hurry up and go We will try to use the re automatic cameras to find Natsumi’s whereabouts too Well, it’ll be a probleh”

“Roger…………! Kotori!”

“What”

“Thanks”

When shi+dou said that, Kotori fuun snorted through the phone

“…………That isi on you, shi+dou”

After shi+dou tilted his head forward, he put the chupa chups that fell in the corridor into his pocket and went outside the house

Maybe the evacuation of the residence in the neighbourhood was alht of anyone could be seen on the road The only thing left was a hint of the presence of o; it was such a miraculous silence shi+dou has walked in the city with no one in it many times to have a conversation with the spirits but, no matter howhi

But, noas not the ti wry s deep breaths, he then raise his voice as if to s

“--------Natsumi!!!”

shi+dou’s voice echoed throughout the unnaturally quiet residential area of the city But of course-------there was no reply

However, that ithin his predictions shi+dou did not bother about that and continued shaking his throat

“If you are nearby, listen to erous to stay on the surface! You have to hurry up and evacuate! That’s why, even if it is just for a little time! Please co ends, you can go anywhere you like! That’s why!”

shi+dou’s shout echoed in the city street of the residential area, and vanished nearby There was no reply as expected

But, shi+dou did not think this was a useless action

He has no idea where Natsuht already run away to another place, or she round already

However, if she is still up on the surface---------and what’s uu city then, he stue for being confined underground, shesomewhere

Betting on that s

“I don’t mind if you don’t have to like me! Please hide in the shelter with the citizens or run away to another city as fast as possible! Worst comes to worst------you can run to the other world! Anyway, it’s dangerous to stay in this city! I beg you! Get away from here!”

Shouting while running has forced a huge burden on his lungs Even though he did not advance that far off, his lungs hurt and it was hard for him to breath

But, shi+dou did not stop his legs Maybe, Natsu around these parts

In order for shi+dou’s voice to reach Natsuain took a deep breath

Part 3

“------Natsu you! Reply back if you can hear me!”

shi+dou was shouting for the unknown nu in the empty city

“…………………”

Natsumi silently heard that voice

Mostly likely, shi+dou still thinks that the escapee Natsumi is still nearby and what’s more in a place which she can observe hiht is correct

“Natsumi! Natsumi! Are you here!? Natsumi!”

shi+dou’s i voice echoed in the city

His voice was dried out and his breathing was faint He looked very pathetic

However, shi+dou did not stop shouting When he tripped over a stone, he would i Natsuain

---Why would you go that far

Just moments before Natsumi was about to spill those words, she stopped

It’s not like she thought shi+dou would find out her position if she let out her voice It’s just si out those words

---why?

It’s obviously to save Natsumi

Fragments of an artificial satellite will fall in this area What shi+dou was saying wasat the residence in the surroundings evacuating, there is no mistake there is some kind of disaster predicted

Of course if that is the case then, it is possible to think that the organization backing shi+dou and the rest, rang the alarht sounds co from shi+dou and Kotori phone just now, that possibility is denied

shi+dou did not consider about the danger towards hiht still be left behind; he remained alone in a city with no one in it

“Uu…………”

When she thought about that, a weird feeling once again expanded inside Natsumi’s chest

It was fluffy, whirly, and irregular, and it felt disgusting

---The first time Natsumi came over to this world silently No one in this world would look at Natsumi

Natsumi hated that very much She wanted to be talked to; she wanted to be bothered and wished to be acknowledged by someone That’s why------she used <haniel>’s power to remake her own appearance

When Natsuentle to her Everyone would fawn over Natsumi and would listen to her words But-------no matter how many times it repeated, Natsumi’s heart was not satisfied

In the end, no one would look at Natsu only gets stronger, the ets pampered

But right now, the one shi+dou was looking for was the [Real Natsued

---He tried to find the Natsunored by everyone

“……………”

Events that occurred one after another floated in her head

The fact shi+dou protected her when Ellen attacked her

The fact everyone transformed Natsumi

The fact he made me think I was cute

---And the fact he acknowledged someone like me

“…………don’t tell me, I”

She didn’t have to think about it anymore

Natsumi-----does not want shi+dou to die

Without her noticing, she didn’t really bother anymore about the fact that he saw her secret More importantly, she was very happy that someone would look properly at her real self

“------Natsumi!”

“…………, ……………”

At that moment her name was just called, and she almost let out her voice in an instant

She did not really mind if her voice comes out If that happens, shi+dou will definitely find Natsumi It would be better if they both ran to a safer place

However, now that Natsumi is aware of that, she has no idea what she should do with the new emotions she now holds

“I-it will be alright………alright”

She mumbled that in a soft voice so that she won’t be detected by shi+dou

Even shi+dou would evacuate once the frag to fall Worst case, there is noabout it like when they saved Natsumi

Natsuht] in her heart as if to let herself hear it while, praying for shi+dou to give up looking for Natsumi as fast as possible and evacuate to a safer place

Part 4

“Coround facility, Tohka-chan and the rest have been retrieved!”

“Retrieval of the 13 accoanization members is complete!”

“The wall of the facility is closed with the remote control!”

After sing shi+dou’s suggestion, it has been al him out to the e the report of the crew echoing in the bridge

“Okay------How about shi+dou’s current position?”

“Yes, shi+dou-kun is currently running towards the northerntowards the school”

“How about Natsumi from the automatic camera?”

“Sadly, we have not found her”

“I see”

Kotori made a short reply She did not think it would be that easy to find Natsumi who holds the power of transformation in the first place

And,

“! Co!”

Norradually fall off orbit and while turning around the earth’s surroundings, it would slowly lower its altitude fro up when it breaks through the great atmosphere

But in the icon shown in thestraight towards earth as if there was so it in a vertical line------it’s was clearly abnormal

“------It’s here huh”

After Kotori licked her lips, she brought forward her hand and made an order to the crew

“Calculate the fall prediction point immediately! Parallel activate the Ar-008, and machine no3 to no5, also please make it so that <mystletainn> could be fired! After we retrieve shi+dou, ill then et!”

Nor point of the artificial satellite precisely is very difficult But, if they use the calculative power of the AI installed in the <fraxinus> then it is possible to calculate the falling point with a few kilometers error

“Roger! Ar-008, no3, no4, no5, has started generating Maryoku!”

“The predicted point of the fall is out! It is aiuu city!”

After she heard Mikiue

“Tsk, shi+dou’s position is unexpectedly near”

The only time when they are able to use the <fraxinus> teleporter device, is when the target is right underneath without any obstructions Which et if they want to retrieve soround

But nonetheless, as long as there is a fear of the explosion arts activating at the saood plan for the <fraxinus> to be too close to the target After retrieving shi+dou at the area near the impact predicted point, there caain to prepare for interception

“What’s the limit of the time after we move to shi+dou’s retrieval point?”

“Estimated to be…………5 minutes 30 seconds!”

“It’s a little off, thinking its preparations for an interception attack Please pick up the pace”

“Roger!”

At the sae rapped with a low tonestill in the air started

After recognizing that, she made more orders

“Connect a line to shi+dou”

“Roger”

Nakatsugawa operated the console And then, at the edge of thearound the city while finding Natsumi was shown out

She pulled the mike closer to her mouth and sends her voice to shi+dou’s Incam

“shi+dou, can you hear me?”

shi+dou in the screen then s

“………a-ahh………I can, hear you………”

Pressing the inca heavily His voice was raspy just like when so the whole ti out to Natsumi

She hesitated to say the next hen she looked at shi+dou like that But, she could not allow hi her head a little to regain her co out her voice at the mike

“Sadly, it is time limit We will head there to pick you up so, don’t move from that spot”

“Wha……………Ti you, a little more-----“

“No you promised”

“Bu-but”

shi+dou implored back Kotori crack bit her chupa chups

“Don’t ain……………inside the lives you want to protect, please properly add yours in it too”

When Kotori said that, shi+dou kept quiet for a while before h

“………………, ……………I understand Sorry, for being so selfish”

“Not really I am used to it”

After Kotori fluttered her hands while saying that, she then looked back at the monitor

At that ency started echoing froe

“Uh, what happened!?”

“Thi-this is…………The falling speed of the artificial satellite is suddenly rising!”

“What did you say……………!?”

The sa her eyebrows, the fore said artificial satellite was showed out in the monitor It's square frame type with solar panels attached to both its sides In a fashi+on of cra the upper part, there was so onto it It see as a thruster It is clearly not a normal artificial satellite

“Kuh……what’s that………!?”

Kotori opened her eyes wide and let sweat flon her cheeks It seee when it falls Or uu city, and was cautious of an interception

No matter which one is correct, there is no ood for Kotori and the group She hit the co up and bounced her voice at the lower bridge

“Hurry with the correction of the predicted arrival time! What’s the time!?”

“………, ……………, the predictions are out! Jud-judging by these values, on’t make it if don’t enter interception now!”

“Kuh……………!”

Kotori distorted her face painfully But, she ihts and

“………shi+dou, sorry but there’s a problem with the plan”