What is this Dimensional Chat???

It had been nearly one month, and the original Kurumi was nowhere to be found.

Where was she now?

What secret was she hiding?

And what about our mission—our goal? You, of all people, seemed like you didn't care anymore. You were... different.

Something was wrong.

She had to find out the truth.

"Ara~ how vexing the original is…"

The voice belonged to one of Kurumi's clones, her crimson eye gleaming under the dim city lights. She tilted her head playfully before glancing at the approaching figure.

"Ah, hello, Shidou-san. To think you were stalking me… how bold. But wait a moment, okay? Let me finish my business first, then we can have some fun—just the two of us."

The clone pointed her revolver at the trembling man before her—the same one who, just moments ago, had been tormenting a helpless kitten with his friends.

"No! Stop! Please, don't kill me!" The thug pleaded, his face drenched in sweat.

Shidou's stomach twisted. "Kurumi-san, what are you doing?! This isn't right—he's not your target!"

BANG!

The sound echoed through the alley. The man collapsed.

Shidou's breath hitched as blood pooled beneath the lifeless body.

"Ara~ my hand slipped." The clone giggled, twirling her gun before pointing it directly at him. "Now then, Shidou-san… it's your turn."

His legs froze in place. The cold air felt suffocating.

{Hold yourself together, Onii-chan! Take a deep breath and RUN!}

A familiar voice rang inside his mind.

Shidou inhaled sharply. Then—he bolted.

The sound of gunfire rang behind him.

A bullet barely missed him, striking the concrete beside a small, injured kitten. A flicker of golden light enveloped the creature, healing its wounds before it scampered away.

Kurumi chuckled. "Goodbye, little kitten~ And as for you, Shidou-san… you're quite the sly one, aren't you? The hunt just got more fun."

She chased him effortlessly, her speed inhuman. Something felt different.

Stronger.

Faster.

Kurumi's clone felt it too. Ever since the original went missing, her strength had increased. It thrilled her. Hunting down an ordinary human like Shidou was far too easy.

Within moments, she tackled him to the ground.

"Got you~"

Shidou gasped for air as she straddled him, pinning him down. Her fingers trailed his cheek before her tongue followed, licking a slow, deliberate path across his skin.

"As expected, you look delicious, Shidou-san." She purred. "Don't worry. Instead of pain, you'll experience something much… sweeter when you meet your end tonight."

Shidou struggled. "Kurumi-san, stop! This isn't the real you—I know it!"

She tilted her head. "Oh? And what makes you think that?"

"Because… you're not a monster!" he pleaded. "You have kindness in you—I've seen it!"

Her smile widened, but there was no amusement in her eyes.

"Unfortunately, Shidou-san, what you see now is the real me." She pressed the revolver against his forehead. "Accept reality and become part of—"

A shadow loomed over them.

"Ara~ Ara~ That's enough, don't you think?"

A new voice echoed through the alley.

The clone stiffened. Slowly, she turned her head—only to see her own reflection staring back at her.

The original Kurumi Tokisaki stood there, clad in her usual high school uniform, a knowing smile on her lips.

Shidou's breath hitched. "A-Another Kurumi-san?!"

The clone's grip on the gun tightened. "...Why are you stopping me?"

The original giggled. "Because~ there's no need for this anymore. Revenge leads nowhere, you know? I learned that from someone with blonde hair, and I refuse to end up like his emo friend."

The clone's expression darkened. "You're insane. Who is this man you mentioning now? Don't tell me you've lost your mind—"

"Ah~ ah~ is that disobedience I hear?" The original's voice dropped into something darker—something sinister.

Shadows coiled around her like living creatures. The air grew thick with an unnatural presence.

A black mist slithered at her feet, taking shape.

A massive black dog emerged from her shadow, its crimson eyes glowing with a hunger far more terrifying than any gun.

The clone staggered backward. "W-What—?! Where did you get this power—?!"

The beast lunged.

Before she could finish her sentence, the shadowy jaws consumed her whole.

Silence.

Shidou's eyes widened in horror.

"Kurumi-san!!!" he cried out, eyes wide in horror. His gaze snapped to the original Kurumi, who stood unfazed amidst the fading darkness. "You… What are you?! You're not her! Bring back Kurumi-san to me!"

The real Kurumi only chuckled, tilting her head playfully. "Ara~? Didn't you hear what she said, Shidou-san?" She placed a delicate hand over her chest. "She was just a clone. I am the original."

Shidou clenched his fists, his breath ragged. "That doesn't make it right!"

Kurumi sighed. "You truly are naive, Shidou-san." A blood-red portal swirled into existence behind her. "Well, this was fun, but I'd rather not create any more misunderstandings… like the ones I've seen before." Her golden eye glowed ominously. "So, let's part ways here."

She turned, ready to leave.

"Wait!"

Shidou surged forward, desperation in his voice.

Kurumi stopped mid-step. "Yes?"

"I know she was a clone… but that doesn't justify your actions! She had emotions, just like you!" His voice was firm, unwavering. "I know you're not beyond saving, Kurumi-san. Deep down, you're not a monster!"

For the first time, Kurumi's expression shifted—if only slightly.

Shidou took a deep breath and pressed on. "I swear, I will save you and the other Spirits too! I'll create a world where you all can live in happiness and peace."

Silence.

Then—

"Ahahaha!"

Kurumi erupted into laughter, covering her mouth as if he had just told the most adorable joke.

"My, my, Shidou-san… even made me shed a tear." She dramatically wiped the corner of her eye. "Such a sweet dream you have~ But tell me, how exactly do you plan to accomplish that?" Her smirk grew. "Please, humor me."

Shidou's gaze didn't waver. "I'll steal your kiss and make sure you have a normal life in this world." His voice was resolute. "I don't know your past, but I want to. And once I do, I'll help you, Kurumi."

Kurumi blinked.

Then—she grinned.

"You really are a good boy, aren't you?" Her crimson eye gleamed with amusement. "But unfortunately, Shidou-san… you're too late."

She turned away, stepping toward the portal—but then, as if remembering something, she glanced over her shoulder.

"Ah, one more thing~" She giggled. "If you ever meet a tall man with white hair and sharp eyes, my advice is simple…"

Her gaze darkened.

"Run."

Shidou stiffened. "...Who is he?"

Kurumi only chuckled. "Who knows~? But if that silly guy were listening right now, I bet he'd love to challenge you to a duel… and send you straight to the hospital for a few days."

With that, she disappeared into the portal.

Shidou exhaled, realizing he'd been holding his breath.

His fists clenched.

"Kurumi-san… I swear, next time, I'll make you fall for me."

Side End...