Author Notes: I am glad that my side story for "Of Science and Magics" has been well-received so far. Hopefully, I will continue to please you, and there is plenty more to come after I complete "Birth of the Devil." I look forward to seeing more reviews and opinions from you.

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Of Science and Magics – The Side Stories

Story One: Birth of the Devil – Part II

Paradise

/

You two are my friends

The times that we had all shared

Will remain with me

/

Story Focus – Kamijou Touma

Age: 10

Location: Academy City – Child Error Institute

It has been about nine months since I first arrived at Academy City. I can't believe I have been here this long. However, this certainly has been the most fun I can ever remember having. Yes, I always did have fun playing with Mikoto, but we couldn't see each other every day, but here in this facility, I am living near all of the friends I made here. Every day I have spent here has helped create many new memories for me.

In fact, my birthday this year was one of the happiest ones I have ever had. Having more than four people wishing me a happy birthday was more than enough to make me feel special. I was able to meet my parents and Mikoto during the day, and we spent the day going to different areas of the city. After I returned to the Child Error facility, my friends also threw me a little party. I never received so many gifts before. I have heard that receiving a certain number of gifts is bad luck, but it appears I dodged that bullet that time. However, there is so much more to say about the time I have spent here.

Academy City is definitely a city of adventure. Ai, Yuudai, and I have probably spent the greatest amount of time outside the Child Error facility than any of the others. We have been to several shopping centers, parks, and libraries. Unfortunately, we didn't have a lot of money, so most of the time we were only able to do things that were either free or cheap. However, that didn't really bother us.

One time we met this albino boy who was close to our age at the park. He seemed to be extremely thin. It seemed like he hadn't eaten in days, so I decided to give him some of my lunch, which he was somewhat hesitant to accept. I introduced myself to him, but for some reason he didn't feel like telling me his name. Based on his attitude, I wouldn't be surprised if he told me his life was also filled with misfortune. When I touched his should with my right hand to comfort him, he was shocked for some reason. Maybe, he just wasn't use to the idea of someone touching him. Anyway, I did manage to convince him to play with us, but he left us to go his own way after a while. I could tell he was having fun, but it seemed like he was having a hard time trying to enjoy himself.

Anyway, it was around this time, about seven months ago, we bumped into that nice Lifeline-san, and she asked us about what we were doing. After we told her, she actually decided to give each of us some money as a gift, and she said we didn't need to pay her back. All she told us was to not spend it all in one place. We certainly haven't, and we have made a lot of great memories thanks to her.

A couple of weeks after receiving the gift, we all bought our own Yukatas. I bought one that was dragon-styled, Ai purchased a dog styled one, and Yuudai bought a sheep styled one. Having those Yukatas certainly made the Summer festival we attended memorable. We would have stuck out like a sore thumb if we wore regular clothing. As I would have guessed, I did not have any luck winning the games I participated in. Ai and Yuudai on the other hand seemed to fair pretty well. In fact, they even joked that I must have absorbed the misfortune for all three of us. They were probably right about that. Anyway, they shared a couple of their prizes with me as a reward for being a "misfortune sponge." It may not have been the best way to get a prize, but I was grateful for getting something.

A few weeks after that festival, we actually got to see a real-live Anti-Skill in action. One time we got lost on our way back to the Child Error facility, and there were these jerks that surrounded us and wanted us to "pay up for walking in their turf." However, this lady with long blue hair that went down to her thighs and wore a green track suit apparently noticed our situation and intervened. Her name was Yomikawa Aiho.

When they saw her they just laughed at her and said something about playing around with her later. I wonder what they meant by that. Anyway, in less than a minute, Yomikawa-san had punched all their lights out. I was impressed by how fast her reflexes were and how strong she was. Those nobodies never stood a chance against her.

Other Anti-Skill arrived within a few minutes of this event and arrested all of them. Yomikawa was kind enough to escort us back to the Child Error facility. On the way back, I asked Yomikawa about those jerks, and she told me they were simply a bunch of punks that were desperate for money. Apparently, they had been abandoned by their families as well. When I heard that, I felt like Ai, Yuudai, and the others would probably be able to understand those people. It makes me wonder if being under the care of the Child Error facility along with kind caretakers, such as Lifeline-san, is the only thing preventing people, such as Ai and Yuudai, from becoming like them.

On the way back, Yomikawa warned us of another group to stay away from. Apparently, they are known as the "Skill-Out." According to Yomikawa, most of them are Level-0's like myself who turned to a life of crime due to being alienated by Academy City. Upon hearing the word "alienate," I felt like I could somewhat understand them as well. If I had not met Mikoto, Ai, Yuudai, or any of my other friends at the Child Error Facility, who knows what my life would be like now. Perhaps these friendships are the only things that are stopping me from going down that road.

When we finally arrived back at the Child Error facility, I lowered by head and thanked Yomikawa-san. She just laughed and told me that it was part of her job. Yomikawa-san also told me there was a decent chance we might meet again in the future. Apparently, she works as a teacher in one of the high schools. We decided not to say goodbye. Instead, we decided to say "See ya later." I certainly hope to meet her again.

While I may not care too much about Esper abilities, and I am sure I will not be gaining one, I have to admit having one would be convenient. This whole situation reminded me of when I first met Mikoto. She was able to shock my attacker with her powers. However, when Ai, Yuudai, and I were surrounded by those people, I was completely helpless. I appreciate Yomikawa-san for saving us, but I know that I need to be able do something eventually. I do not care whether it is having a useful ability or simply having fighting skills, I need to be able to do something when either myself or my friends are in danger. Yomikawa-san is definitely my inspiration for this. She is my proof that with the proper skills, even I can accomplish something.

Before we went our separate ways, I told Yomikawa-san that I might want to become an Anti-Skill when I am older, so I could help people as well. She chuckled a little and patted me on the head. Yomikawa-san simply told me that it is a worthy goal, but she told me not to put too much thought into it right now. When I asked her why, she simply told me to enjoy my childhood while I still had one. She said that this is supposed to be an extremely precious time for me now, and I should not waste it. I think I will take her advice for now. I have a feeling my parents would probably feel the same way as well.

Speaking of whom, I have remained in contact with them as well as with Misuzu-san. I keep sending letters once every few weeks. Thanks to Misuzu-san, I was finally able to send a letter directly to Mikoto. It appears things have been going well for her. After all that hard work she had put in, she had reached Level-3, and she will be eligible to attend Tokiwadai Middle School in a few years since being at least a Level-3 is a requirement.

That does make me feel very happy for her, but I am also concerned for her. This has left me wondering about the possibility that Mikoto might not be able to experience enough fun of her own for her childhood. However, Misuzu-san has told me that she sees to it that Mikoto is still able to enjoy her childhood despite all the tests and experiments. When I read Misuzu-san's letter I was relieved. Now I can feel less guilty about all of fun I have been having in the Child Error facility while Mikoto's going through all that training.

This night in particular is going to be especially fun, and I am really excited about it. There is going to be a massive meteor shower. Ordinarily, you would have a hard time seeing the night sky due to light pollution. However, a majority of the city is apparently going to have their lights turned off for the event. It does seem somewhat odd that this place would do that since it could give robbers a fine opportunity. However, I guess since Japan generally has a relatively low crime rate and the fact the alarm systems would still go off, they probably do not mind too much and are not too worried about thieves.

/

Touma then heard a knock on his door. He closed his book and responded, "Come in. The door is unlocked."

After hearing that, the door opened and Yuudai entered the room. He spoke to Touma in an excited voice, "Touma it's almost time! Are you coming?"

"Yeah let's get going." Touma got up from his desk, put on his jacket and followed Yuudai up to the roof.

/

When Touma and Yuudai arrived at the roof, they saw Ai was already waiting for them along with some of the other Child Errors. Almost all of them were wearing scarves, winter hats, and thick jackets. Everyone was spread out and so involved in their own conversations that they would fail to notice the exchange between these three friends.

"Writing in your journal again Touma?" Ai asked curiously.

"More or less." Touma said with a chuckle. "So tonight's really the night huh?"

"Yep. Its suppose to be absolutely beautiful," Ai said with such excitement in her voice.

"I can't believe they literally turned off almost all of the lights in the city," Touma said as he looked around the surrounding area.

Yuudai said in a matter of fact tone, "That is true. It is almost as if someone heard our conversation a few weeks ago about needing all the lights off in the icy to see the meteor show. Although, I suppose astrology is part of science too."

Ai looked at Touma's expression and asked, "Are you feeling okay Touma?"

"I'm fine. Why do you ask?"

"You seem distracted by something."

Touma remained silent for a moment and sighed. "I guess I just wanted Biribiri to be here as well."

Ai got a little jealous when she heard that. "She's that friend of yours you have mentioned before right?"

"Yeah. In fact, I recently got a letter regarding her progress. Her Esper development has been going very well. All that hard work she puts into those experiments and training has been paying off. Apparently, she donated some of her DNA to help some scientists with a medical experiment."

After hearing this, Ai was becoming visibly upset, and she began forming a fist that did not go unnoticed by Touma or Yuudai.

"So glad to hear she is so needed, loved, and successful in Academy City," she said in a clearly sarcastic tone.

"Ai," Touma said in a concerned voice.

"She is on top of everyone's lists: the funders, the researchers, the trainers, and yours. That girl will always be the one in the limelight. Who gets to make all that progress and become someone of importance while people like me remain a Level-0? She does! Who has loved ones that will support her every single step while there is practically no one for us? She will! Who is the person you bring up at almost every single opportunity? She is!" Ai said with an increasingly bitter tone.

Touma did not really know what to say, "Ai I don't . . ."

Ai cut Touma off, "No you do not, and you never will." She then turned to walk away only for Yuudai to stop her by grabbing her hand."

Ai was caught off-guard by this notion, "Yuudai."

"Don't go Ai. Touma has his reasons for not understanding."

"What do you mean?" Touma asked with a puzzled expression.

"As you know, we do not have parents. We were abandoned in Academy City for one reason or another. The friends we have here are the only things we have that are even close to qualifying as family."

"Let me go, I don't want to hear anymore," Ai said while struggling to keep her voice in check to avoid any unwanted attention.

"No you need to hear this too. You need to understand Touma as much as he needs to understand you." Yuudai turned back around to continue speaking with Touma. "You see, whenever you talk about your friend Mikoto or your parents, it is a constant reminder of how you have had the things we never had the chance to have which are loved ones beyond this facility."

The words began to sink in for Touma. "I see. I suppose that would make someone angry. Well I suppose I like talking about them because they gave me some of the best memories I could have hoped for before I met you two."

After hearing this, Ai seemed to come to an understanding of her own, "Oh," she said softly. Upon seeing this, Yuudai let go of her hand without worrying whether she would walk away or not.

Before I met Mikoto, my parents were my only source of comfort. I never had any friends before I met her, and I had been constantly bullied. I came to Academy City to have a fresh start, and to make some friends. When I befriended you guys, I just knew that coming to Academy City was the right thing for me. I will admit that I wish I could spend some more time with Mikoto. However, I would never want to erase the time I have spent with you two. I hope we will always remain friends."

Ai's expression softened a bit upon hearing this.

"Whenever, I would hear good thing from my parents or Mikoto, I just feel so happy I need to tell someone else, and you guys come to mind immediately. I never thought I was being insensitive."

Yuudai said with a smile, "It's okay Touma."

Ai also smiled, "I understand. I guess I might have been a little overly sensitive."

"It's okay Ai. I understand where you are coming from. I probably would have reacted in the same manner. However, if I do mention Mikoto or my parents in the future, there won't be any problems will there?" Touma asked somewhat timidly.

Ai and Yuudai both shook their heads.

"Do not worry about not becoming someone important either. If we work together, we can definitely become people of value in Academy City regardless of what our Esper Levels ultimately end up to be. I promise to uphold this. Will you two as well?"

Both Ai and Yuudai said at the same time, "Promise," and the promise was made.

No sooner had the trio cleared the air, the most beautiful meteor shower had begun. It was like seeing hundreds of streaks of pure white light moving across the sky.

"It's so pretty," Ai said in amazement.

"It sure is," Yuudai stated. "We should probably make a wish. With that both Ai and Yuudai closed their eyes for a few seconds and made their wishes."

They both turned around and asked Touma, "Did you make a wish yet?"

Touma said, "No. Something like this isn't for me. I doubt my luck would allow any wish to come true."

Yuudai shrugged his shoulders, "Touma this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The very fact you are watching this must mean your life is filled with more than misfortune. Maybe this is the break that you have been hoping for."

Touma reluctantly agreed with those words. Just before the meteor show came to a close, Touma made his wish, "I want us to remain friends like this forever. I want to keep experiencing new things with my friends, and I want to make more in the future. Please make this wish come true."

With that the wish was made, and the trio has taken another step forward in their friendship which would remain for another year. During that time, Touma's wish was coming true. His friendships with Ai, Yuudai, and the other Child Errors continued to grow, and the trio continued having many outings to different locations in Academy City. Of course, Touma would occasionally still face the misfortune of his face becoming acquainted with a ball (either a football or a snowball), slipping on wet floors, or tripping on a crack in the sidewalk. Aside from that, Touma believed he was living in paradise. Besides, he didn't mind being the "butt monkey" among his friends because now he actually had more than one.

/

More than One Year Later

Yuudai was acting more enthusiastic than usual. He asked Touma and Ai if they wanted to practice some football with him again. While they didn't share his enthusiasm, they did want to play. Luckily for the trio, even though it was winter, the Child Error facility had a dome over the football field, so they did not have to worry about the cold weather. While they were on their way to the football field, they noticed that they were passing Therestina Kihara Lifeline. All three of them called out to her and said with a smile, "Good morning Lifeline-san."

Therestina returned the smile and said, "Good morning."

With that the three continued their way to the football field. After the trio left her sight, Therestina's smile once again transformed into visible disgust. She thought to herself, "I can hardly stand putting up with those brats anymore. The only reason why I have given any comforts to them whatsoever is for the sake of this project. I would never have given them one yen if it wasn't necessary. It has been nearly two years since I was told to practically be their caretaker. I don't know how much I can bear to even look at them. All they do is smile and have fun without a single care in the world. They are supposed to be our test subjects. If I do not hear anything from the higher-ups soon, I will take action on my own and damn the consequences. I do not care if any of them die at all as long as I am satisfied."

Almost as if someone had read her mind, her phone rang. After she opened it, she heard a familiar voice, "Thank you for your patience granddaughter. The time has finally come to proceed."

Therestina was shocked to finally hear this, but it filled her with joy at the same time. "I can finally put an end to this whole façade."

The voice stated, "Correct," in a manner of fact tone.

A smile formed on Therestina's face that no one could possibly describe, except that it might even make the Joker feel uncomfortable, "Oh that is what I have been waiting to hear. The next phase will continue tomorrow night."

"Excellent. I trust that you do not need me to remind you of the objective."

"Of course not," Therestina replied with the upmost confidence. "The paradise these brats have been enjoying shall finally come to an end."

/

Omake

Mikoto: Well that was an interesting way to end the chapter.

Touma: The writer was partly inspired to end it that way based on a scene from one of his favorite video games.

Mikoto: Which one was that?

Touma: Kingdom Hearts 2. It involved one of the major antagonists asking his boss, Xemnas, if he could end his charade before engaging the hero, Sora, and his friends in combat to which Xemnas approved of.

Mikoto: Well that is interesting.

Touma: Don't act too surprised. After all, a number of known manga authors have more or less claimed they were inspired by Dragon Ball. I am willing to bet ten or twenty years down the line, manga authors will be claiming they were influenced by these current day manga authors instead. Inspiration can really be triggered by many things after all.

Mikoto: Wait a minute!

Touma: What is it?

Mikoto: Why are you the one who knows all this stuff and not me?

Touma: The author of this side story decided to let me know these things instead of you.

Mikoto: DAMN YOU AUTHOR!

Touma: Don't take it out too much on the author. Since the story is currently focused on me, it is only natural he would tell me these things.

Mikoto: I guess that's true.

Touma: You should probably apologize. If you act too cruelly to the author, you might not get any screen time despite you being his second favorite character.

Mikoto: (Panicked) I AM SORRY AUTHOR! PLEASE DON'T WRITE ME OFF FOR THAT OUTBURST!

Touma: (his phone rings and he hears someone on the other line) Don't worry. The author heard you and accepts your apology. He did not take any offense to your comment, and this story will continue as planned.

Mikoto: (relieved) That's good.

Touma: Unfortunately, that means you will not be getting any screen time anytime soon.

Mikoto: Even though I am listed as one of the main characters?

Touma: I am sorry. (Looks out to the audience) Please bear with us.

Omake End

Disclaimer: Needless to say, I am not the owner of "Toaru Majutsu no Index" or "A Certain Scientific Railgun." Those are the properties of Kamachi Kazuma, J.C. Staff, Seven Seas Entertainment, and Funimation.

Author Notes: Well that brings us the end of part two of the story. Originally, when I started out writing this, the story was originally going to be only three parts, but after I got into it, the story really began to expand. Even after I am done with this particular story, I can see myself going back to it in the future. After all, the purpose of the story is meant to explain why Touma became the "Devil of Academy City" as well as to draw a contrast between what he is now to what he shall become.

Personally, I find myself wanting to further explore Touma's relationship with his friends. The relationships we form do shape the people we become after all, and this chapter seemed to be a good opportunity to explain why Touma is somewhat more genre-savvy in the main story. By having friends like Ai and Yuudai, he was able to be more sensitive and understand people with greater ease. I tried to make their confrontation as realistic as possible. It may not be completely realistic, but I did keep in mind that they are still children who have been through a lot. The things they go through could easily have an interesting affect on the rate of their maturity.

If you are wondering why no one else got involved, as I stated in the story all of the other Child Errors were involved in their own conversations and there are a great deal of them. Since all the talking was pretty loud, it was easy for this conflict to go unnoticed. Additionally, Ai may have sounded bitter, but she did not shout out loud. She may want people to notice her, but she has standards to what kind of attention she brings to herself.

The next chapter has been difficult for me to complete, but I hope you will be satisfied with it after I post it up.