Chapter 1: You're finally awake [1]

[A/N: Heavy Spoilers? Bah. As if you guys would even care anyways but still, a warning I say for those who don't want to be spoiled.

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I probably sound like a broken machine repeating this warning knowing that you guys have read this far lmao.

With that said, here's the chap]

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As Rei was trying to knock his memories to remember and choose the 'Inverse's name, the 'Inverse' herself did something that Rei had never expected even if he was never in the state of exhaustion.

"Ah, it's Ten—mmph!?"

Much as he would like to relay his thoughts upon remembering what 'name' she was supposed to be addressed on, he was abruptly halted.

The reason? Simply put, the girl in question pulled the collar of his shirt and dragged him towards her and to his surprise, the girl turned her head slightly and caught his lips.

Their positions were then swapped forcefully, he was literally dragged on the corner of the bed making him lean on the wall with her positioning herself quickly on top of him.

However, the kiss then broke.

"...."

"...."

The two stared at each other quietly for a while, the former looking with surprise while the latter was in utter annoyance—or rather, restlessness.

"Hmph, after all that? Are you backing off now?" She asked as she raised a brow, 'annoyed'.

"What are you...? No, I don't know what you are thinking off nor your goal is but..."

Oh well, he was not going to let this kind of chance slip by, other than pleasure, there is also this fact of him wanting to know the reason behind of her actions.

It was as if she desperately needs it—the kiss. And furthermore, he could just ask her about it later on, not that she would answer definitely, but he could 'make' her do it though.

Rei then leaned forward and paused just an inch away so she could push him off if she didn't want it. He was still her enemy who nearly killed her and it is for the same for his, so it would make total sense if she didn't want to engage in any intimate acts with him.

But the girl didn't refuse nor back off. Even with that stern and cold expression she was showing, the blush on her face was so red he could literally feel the heat emitting from her skin contrast to her usual demeanor, yet she didn't respond with her usual violence. Her eyes fluttered shut as she crashed her lips against his in her hurry, pushing him with one hand on his chest and one clawing on his back.

Rei's mind then slowly lurched to a halt.

—0.1—

Wait. What?

—0.2s—

This is strange! Is she that eager on kissing me?!

—0.5s—

Pull yourself together, Rei. Why would you act as if you're a maiden in a flustered mess?! You've kissed several women already, be it back on your first life or this current one! A kiss or two is nothing to you.

—1s—

Rei then composed himself internally.

Once the initial shock died down, Rei allowed himself to relax against the bed and focus on her soft lips that brushed against his slowly like they were dancing a waltz, swaying with the music. This was even better than what he had expected. Her taste, her scent, her touch, all too overwhelming but he wasn't stopping, and neither did she have any intention of breaking off.

To recount, the emotion he felt was surprise above the most. However, instead of trying to guess as for why she did—no, needs it right now, his thoughts wandered elsewhere.

There was this weird sensation while their lips are intact. It wasn't a normal kiss for all he could swear, it wasn't that it was the feeling of when he had sealed a Spirit as well.

To put it simply, it was like she was sucking something out of him, and there is also this thing like a 'connection' different from those of a sealed Spirit which is the case for Tohka, but he can't clearly point it out too well.

'I see, so this is an entirely unknown case,' Rei concluded internally as he pushed the thought off as he focused on the girl in front of him.

Their lips were still locked, for all he knows, this kiss was ongoing for quite a while already, and from what he could see, it wasn't going to end anytime soon.

They started out slow, testing the waters. Smiling into the kiss, he ran his fingers through her hair which was tied in a ponytail and adeptly tugged her hairband loose, letting her long dark purple tresses cascade down her back.

It was a clumsy kiss at the start, showing how inexperienced the girl was in the subject, but as time passed, she gradually got adjusted to it. Then much to his surprise, he felt her use her tongue through their lips in their kiss, and of course, Rei, accepted the matter and did the same as well.

Their bodies' current positioning could be described as none other than suitable for such situation. If someone were to see it, the girl was on top sitting onwards Rei's body with him leaning on the wall in bed.

Many would point out that they were making out or probably doing something 'indecent' if they were to see them like this.

Rei unconsciously moved his hand down as he grabbed and tightening his hold on her waist, drawing a moan out of her that had him shortly surrender to his urges. The long lashes of her closed eyes fluttered against his cheek as she welcomed his tongue into her warm mouth, her hands sliding down his back.

The exchange...became more fiercer and immersive as time passed. Rei, who was conscious upon the whole ordeal noticed the strange shift, however, it soon ended as the girl slowly pushed his body away as both of them moaned and gasped for breath.

As they parted, for the briefest moment, he swore that he saw something glimmer in her eyes, something like 'unquenched thirst'? No, craving should be the more appropriate term to describe what he saw in her eyes.

'She wanted more...?' Rei thought silently in his mind, and he wasn't going to voice it out for the sake of the said girl who was slowly realizing how long it has been since she initiated that kiss.

And to be honest, the two enjoyed themselves when they did it, and there's no way any of the two would admit that for the sake of their own egos and reasons.

It was somewhat ridiculous that none of them would've thought of happening.

"...So? Care to explain what was that about?" Rei asked as he stared at the girl.

The girl in question rolled her eyes as she grimaced ever so slightly at the question.

'It wasn't supposed to be that long...' She complained in her mind as she unconsciously licked her lips.

Oh really, if only she would notice the slight tint of red on her face be it due to embarrassment or irritation, she was not going to like it. So in the end, she did not answer the bastard's inquiry.

After all, her goal to 'refill' some energy back into her body was that of a success. Nonetheless, that kiss she did with him was something that the girl shamed herself upon, to think that she would somehow lose herself while doing it. How excruciating it is!

"...."

"...."

The two remained still and silent as they locked their eyes with each other. One waiting for another to speak out, and the other being adamant on not answering.

A second became ten, then it turned to a minute. No one was relenting their own position of silence, to speak is to lose if one would describe this joke of a situation.

It was then, it happened.

*Grrrrrrr—*

Much to her dismay, the girl's stomach growled. Her look of disbelief as she eyed her body for betraying her made Rei abruptly chuckle in response. If there was anything very similar between the Inverse and the Original, that it would be their body's honest urges for food.

"Well, maybe I'll cook something up after this, it seems that you specially need it at the moment," Rei pointed out as he covered an amused smile with his hands.

He then continued. "But, you need to answer my question first in order for me to do that? What do you say? A fair exchange if I may conclude, right?"

"...."

The girl's face uncharacteristically flushed in embarrassment, her cold and stern expression that she would've normally have was melted into this... flustered mess. Well, that was the case even back then with their 'kiss' but nobody's going to point it out.

In conclusion, it was his victory.

'What is it again? Ah, yes. I have lost the battle but won the war, right?' Rei thought as he waited for the girl to start speaking.

The girl then reluctantly opened her mouth and slowly relayed her reasons. For once, she thought that this deal really wasn't so bad at all...only if she completely disregarded her pride in the first place, and that wasn't going to happen even if the blazing hell freezes or the world ends tomorrow.

——

And so, as Rei listened to the girl's explanation, who was really reluctant on it, began to ponder as he noticed how foreign this situation is compared to what he had encountered through these past few months.

Sitting on the side of the bed while facing her, he then began to make a summary of what she just said.

"...So you are saying that you need to replenish your...'Energy' or Reiryoku in order to sustain your body to continue existing in this plane," Rei repeated what she explained just a while ago. "And the reason for that is that there seems to be a problem with your body producing which would normally refill as time passes just like that of a Spirit"

Just like stamina or energy, a living being's body would normally 'recharge' or 'regenerate' it within its body, but hers was an unusual case. Hers doesn't, and by all means, that wasn't normal at all.

"...."

Maintaining her silence, Rei took this as a sign to continue on.

"Furthermore, this roots back to your unusual...split of 'physical' bodies, because basically, you and Tohka are one same entity in the first place, or as you insisted a while ago, you are the 'original' and Tohka is the 'Alter Ego' of yours that was resulted by the continuous purifying 'Sephira Crystals' done by that 'woman'"

Rei specifically put more tone on the last part. She just looked at him, it was as if she was waiting if Rei would ask her more about the 'woman', not that she would even tell him more in the first place.

However, Rei didn't delve on that topic any further.

Either he just doesn't care—which would be unlikely, or he already knows something about what—or who that 'woman' is.

"...."

"That split more or less had caused the story of your body to turn into this," Rei paused as he let out a wry smile. "...And going back to the point of recharging Reiryoku, you need a battery of sort in order to sustain yourself—in short, myself, and the first method you that came in mind was a kiss," he then paused before showing a faint smile. "Is the experience worth your time?" Rei asked in an amused tone.

"Tch"

An audible expression of annoyance was then heard coming from none other from the girl who then glared at the boy. For all she wanted right now, it was probably punching the bastard's face.

Yet, she couldn't. She doesn't have the necessary strength to deal 'suitable' damage anyways so why waste her strength. In short, she was currently weak and recovering, not that she would admit it though.

"So? Did I get everything right?"

"Hmph. More or less, that's the main picture of it," she finally answered while suppressing her urge to smack the bastard.

On the other hand, Rei smiled faintly at her actions. It was clear that she feels humiliated by admitting that fact, but even so, there is no possible option available at that time so she needs to deal with it.

But never mind that, the sensation that he felt earlier...

'It felt like she was 'sucking' something inside of me out...which was my Reiryoku all along and I don't feel anything that could be described as bad other than that strange sensation'

Fatigue? Weakening? Negative effects? No, none of these is what he felt, or rather, he felt nothing that could be described as harmful.

As Rei pondered to himself, the Inverse's brow twitch in annoyance.

"Oi, you bastard," she called out.

"Hm?"

Though Rei didn't exactly wanted to get called 'bastard' all the time, he let it slide for now, it seems that what she was going to say was a matter of importance.

"Where is it? I fulfilled the end of our deal, now it's your turn," she demanded.

"Ah," Rei then nodded at her words realizing what those words meant.

"Mm," He nodded again as he stood up. "Okay, just stay put and I'll whip something up"

"Be sure it's edible or I'll trash it on your face," she commented ironically.

On the other hand, Rei surprisingly took offense on the comment as he raised a brow. "...My cooking is not bad and I know you know that through Tohka, right?"

If what Rei had surmised in his mind is true, where she, the 'dormant' side on their personality could still see through the 'active' sight through there senses.

However, that idea was promptly denied as the girl spoke in a serious tone, "As if that was the case. I only feel her 'emotions', not everything, and it is such 'trivial' base of just knowing Tohka's feelings when she eats your cooking is an entirely different matter compared if I am directly assessing it"

"...Ho? Is that a challenge?"

Seeing that Rei was quite worked up in the matter, the girl smirked as she commented back. "Hmph. Think whatever you wish—"

However that smirk wasn't long lived...

*Grrrrrrr—*

...as her body deemed that a conversation was needless for it already called once again for what it needs.

Her smirk vanished as it she opened her mouth in disbelief, it was the second time it happened! SECOND time!

"Well well, it seems that you are really famished, so I'll get moving," Rei commented while the girl only glared at him in response.

Rei then stood up and turned his back on her as he stretched his arms. It seems that the fatigue that was wearing him off ceased all of a sudden, but that is not what he should focus on right now.

Before reaching and opening the door, he suddenly stopped. He seemingly forgot that he should've said earlier if there were no interruptions, so he is going to do it now.

"Ah, before I forget. Tenka"

The girl whose gaze was locked on his leaving figure surprisingly widened.

"Ten...ka?" She repeated in a confused and also slightly startled manner.

"Yeah, Tohka is...well, Tohka. And surely, I can't call you 'you' or something else every single time right. So I thought that you should have one only belonging to yours," Rei said as he cracked a smile. "...Do you like it?"

"...."

"Hey, at least say something would—" Before he could finish his words, the girl threw a pillow right on his face which he caught on time. "—you? Hey, throwing that was unneeded, you know?"

"Hmph. Tenka, alright. I'll settle with that, so scram and fulfill your job rather than spouting unnecessary words," she huffed in the end as she seemingly showed a faint smile on her face.

Seeing that, Rei felt something akin to satisfaction. And so, Rei did what she said and walked to the door, and before closing it, he first said his parting words audible enough for the girl to hear it.

"My my... you're quite a handful woman aren't you...Princess"

Rei said as he closed the door, and he heard her shout as she had seemingly thrown something on the door due to the sudden noise from it.

Fortunately, he was already outside when that happened. He then let out a chuckle as he thought what he was going to do next.

But first, he touched his chest. There was this seemingly unknown essence deep inside him which he presumed to be his 'own' Sephira Crystal, but he wasn't so sure. Besides that, he could feel the path that connects him to the Spirit—or Spirits that he sealed.

It was as if it was a string made to connect themselves to each other. It was a funny thought but he soon disregarded it for later on as he mulled over something else.

"A light meal would be appropriate for a patient at rest but...." Rei pondered as his brows slightly twitched. He was definitely going to make this meal as best as possible with his current abilities for Tenka while also taking note that Tohka would soon wake up as well.

He prided himself somewhat in cooking, what she said was not an insult...yes, it was an insult if you think about it in a different angle, and that very pride took a small blow.

"Heh, I think making a little more than necessary would be suitable"

Ending with those words, Rei then quickly strode as he hummed through the corridors as he headed to his next destination.

After all, what man would keep his woman—no, women waiting for long anyways?

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[A/N: For some odd reason, my schedule somewhat opened up. So I thought what about I start writing this chap already, and boom after a few days and hours here I am presenting this chap to you guys.

And hey, an Early Update with 3.3k words! I totally planned to release this on Monday but meh, here it is.

Anyways, this chap as you have just read was just filled the interaction between the two.

Building some platform to the start of Tenka and Rei's relationship was quite a work honestly.

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[Spoiler Warning]

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As far as I remember, Tenka's character was never portrayed much in the novel except for Vol. 7, Vol. 15, some scenes in Vol. 18 and Vol. 19, and lastly in Vol. 20 where Tenka took the role of being officially Tohka's sister and also the novel where she finally got her name.

There are only a handful of information in regards about her which that define her overall character. Some examples as such as being stern, cold, and pragmatic. This however, was extremely lessened when Tohka comes into the picture. Those traits were lessened, and she just acts like the best 'Onee-sama' Tohka could ever ask for!

And lastly...

Damn, rereading Vol. 20 did have this emotional aspect that really did reach many hearts of the readers due to its content and is the last novel where we could see Tenka again. There portrayed were her final moments in the novel.

And hell nah guyz. I won't let that happen here.

It was kinda sad to see her parting without seeing much more. There was this also thing of mine unsatisfied that the author didn't reveal all the Inverse of all Spirits, but he did give the names of the Demon Kings of their Angels in the DAL wiki, but not the alternative names of the abilities of its counterparts except for those of the [Nahemah] of Tenka and [Lucifugus] of White Queen.

Oh, before I forget guyz, point out some errors if ya find some.

With that said, ciao~]