Shutaura swiftly walked in the streets like a panther hunting for her prey. Of all times, this happens! Even if the personality of Arisa had fused with her, this does not mean that she is in a good mood after all. In fact, she is in a bad mood right now as her old personality is right now dominating especially when something as astonishing as switching bodies happens. And her damn boobs are too heavy!
She also ponders upon the possibility of wearing her cat suit while in Fukiyose's body. That would be quite inconvenient. She doesn't want to even think about it as she continues to walk stealthily in the pavement. She can see thugs and street peddlers suddenly looking at her everywhere she walks and began to cat call and whistle in a malicious way. One man even tried to touch her by saying that she'll have a good time with her. After a few seconds, the thug was seen sprawled on the floor, bruises and cuts in his face very apparent as his ribs are fractured.
After a few more minutes, she reaches a train station where she catches a ride towards School District 23, where the Endymion tower once stood. Although the main headquarters of the Black Crows had been relocated somewhere near the Windowless Building in District 7, where Fukiyose and a certain spiky haired boy's dormitory and school is located. Feeling tired, she actually took a power nap as the train began to thread slowly towards its destination.
After almost thirty minutes, the train stopped in the station of District 23, prompting her to immediately stand up and proceed to her apartment complex straight away. After a few minutes, she finally reached her apartment. The building, while officially labelled as an apartment, looked more like a glamorous condominium in design, albeit smaller. It is a 20-story building with twenty rooms in each floor. It has a swimming pool in its proximity as well as a gymnasium in the first floor of the building. Quite a residence for someone who held high position in one of Academy City's hidden organization (or what's left of it).
Another thing that is bothering her as she walks into the building is the fact that she feels taller in the body she's currently occupying. Originally standing at 155 cm (that's around five feet flat to around five feet and two inches), she deduces that the original owner of the body is quite tall. It doesn't mean that she sees herself as too short but seeing things from a different height gives her new literal perspective.
Once she was inside, she immediately proceeds to the elevator where she presses the button "15" and patiently waited as she was being carried above. When she finally reached the fifteenth floor, she then quickly proceeds to room 5 and in an instant, she was immediately greeted by an unexpected (or expected) sight.
"Eh!?" Shutaura can only stare as she finally sees herself in. It's like seeing your other twin.
"Hey there," Fukiyose only greeted back, her arms (technically Shutaura's) crossing as she sits rather comfortably in the bed, "Well…I guess we really had to take this out of the building to talk out."
After a moment of silence descended those two, Shutaura sighed as she then walks inside and sits beside her twin-like body, "Well, you're right. Being in the open in someone's else body is pretty much creeping me out. So let me clarify, you are Fukiyose Seiri?"
"Yes. That's my name," the former busty girl said in an expression that Shutaura never expected it would carve in her original face, "Wait, can I ask you something?"
"Well, make it quick."
"What are those cat suits for?" Fukiyose can't help but feel curious as she had already peeked into the cabinet a while back and not surprisingly, she found those. Feeling a little embarrassed (another sign of Arisa's personality clashing with hers), Shutaura only bit her lip as she then explains, "I'm the captain of the Black Crows. We're mandated to maintain peace and security here in Academy City."
"I haven't heard of that organization," Fukiyose replied, quite skeptic, "And isn't that the job of Anti-Skill and Judgement?"
Acting as if she was expecting such an answer, Shutaura huffed and replied, "It's something you shouldn't ask anymore. Besides, aren't we supposed to solve how the hell did we even exchanged bodies." After that, they again kept quiet as they just share glances in an awkward silence. The truth is, none of them knows why this thing happened in their lives. Until Shutaura can no longer endure the serene environment and quickly screamed, "Can't we just talk it over!?"
The frightened Fukiyose now felt what is like when she gets angry, as she sees her own original body in an angry mood. I didn't know I can be that imposing. "We-Well, of course, we should talk it out. My guess is that this must be some kind of an Esper's work."
"I don't know about that," Shutaura replied as she then thinks deeper, "And even if we give it a benefit of the doubt and say this was really caused by an ESP power, then I don't know the motives of such act. First and foremost, we don't even know each other personally and second, we came from different backgrounds. But that's not my main problem right now. The thing is we should find out how we can…"
Suddenly, an idea popped out of the Black Crow's head like an apple hitting Isaac Newton's head. Wait! I think he can help me!
Suddenly, she felt very nostalgic and conflicted at the same time. She was reminded of the time where due to her blind anger and cynicism, she found herself at odds with the boy whom she had mixed relations with but who had a special place in her other half's heart. Damn, this is painful. Due to Arisa being able to meet and stay with him personally, Shutaura eventually inherited the memories of her alter ego and as such, she was able to receive information about a certain spiky haired boy's dormitory and other things about him the moment Arisa's body fused back with hers, the original one. His smile…his idealistic personality…his right hand…
For some reason, she was brought back into memories of instances where she witnessed (as well as from Arisa's point of view) how the boy fought. She witnessed how he was able to cancel out a certain red headed priest's flames, how he managed to destroy one of the automaton's hand in their underground battle and how he managed…to knock her down.
"I know where we should go then," the now busty Shutaura said as she looks towards Fukiyose, "But first and foremost, do you know of a boy named…Kamijou Touma?"
At the mention of that name, Fukiyose almost sputtered while she widens her eyes, "Eh!? How the hell did you know that name!?"
"It's a very long story," Shutaura said in a rough voice, "But I believe he can help us. I've been in his dormitory once." Arisa's the one who is in his dormitory so technically, that makes the Black Crow leader a marked visitor there as well.
Fukiyose was aghast at what she heard. Impossible! How can a lazy, unproductive, and irresponsible guy like him who bemoans his miserable life and blames it on misfortune be able to help us!? And how the hell does this Shutaura girl knows him!? Wait, she could be possible one of those girls whom that stupid Kamijou had flirted! Though by the looks of it, Fukiyose can tell that by the looks of the other lady, she isn't the type to go around and tolerating a perverted boy.
"Well," Shutaura glanced at Fukiyose as she stands up and fixes herself, "Are you coming or not?"
#
It was another hot sunny Saturday and right now, a certain Kamijou Touma is busy cooking fried rice and sunny side-up eggs. It was just another typical Saturday for him. After getting injured in a certain battle in the tower of Endymion, which has been taken up to heavens by miracles, he had to recuperate in a hospital though he was able to go out the same day. After that, he and his walking library and mystical nun who goes by the name Index Librorum Prohibitorum had a short walk yesterday afternoon where the silver-haired girl once asked if Arisa Meigo was just an illusion, to which Kamijou replied that she wasn't an illusion since his power, the mysterious Imagine Breaker residing in his right hand, didn't cancel out her in person. I wonder how she is now in her true self. And speaking of Index…
"Touma! Touma!" The nun was basically starving now, evident in her repeatedly slamming the table with her enclosed fists, "What's taking you so long!? I'm hungry!"
"Just a minute, Index!" Kamijou replied as he flips the pan. Can't she even wait for a second!? And one thing more, she does nothing but to eat, sleep, and watch that stupid anime show! He inwardly complained to himself as he continues to cook. After a while, he manages to prepare the food as he then lays the rice in a large plate while he puts the eggs a smaller plate. He then brings the two food to the table.
In an instant, Index then quickly decreases the rice by one-fourth its original size and gobbles up three of the four eggs, leaving the boy with no choice but to content himself with what's left of what he cooked as well as what some toasted bread and butter left in the refrigerator. While they were peacefully eating, Kamijou suddenly heard a knock from the door. A very hard one.
"Yeah! I'm coming! Just a minute!" the spiky haired boy shouted as he stands up from the dining table. But as soon as he opened the door, he was completely baffle as he met something unexpected.
"Shutaura!? What are you doing here? And with Fukiyose of all people!?" Kamijou didn't know what to say as suddenly, he found himself facing two people who actually looked very similar to one another as if they are twins. "Eh!? You know what? I thought for a second that you are twins. You almost look the same." Save for the eye color and the hair of Fukiyose, which has a tinge of either brown or grey.
The two seemed to ponder upon his words and looking at each other for the moment, they realized that what the boy said is actually true. But letting it slide in a split second, Fukiyose (in Shutaura's body) just stepped forward and quickly head butted him, causing the boy to stumble backwards slightly before being able to recover from shock. What was that? For some reason, not only Fukiyose does that to me but also, the impact is exactly how I feel when I feel her head butt. But more importantly…
"The hell! What was that for, Shutaura!?" Kamijou yelled at the raging "Shutaura" as "Fukiyose" can only sigh in irritation as she massages her forehead, which is basically smaller.
"I'll get straight to the point!" the real Shutaura, in Fukiyose's body, finally spoke as she gains attention from the two, "Early in the morning, we found ourselves in a strange circumstances. We have exchanged bodies so I'm the real Shutaura Sequenzia you should be speaking to."
For ten seconds, Kamijou Touma processed everything he had heard. Eh? They…exchanged…bodies? So this girl in front of me is not Shutaura but it's really our acting class representative Fukiyose? And the one with the larger boobs, large forehead, and pretty face is actually not Fukiyose but Shutaura? He then looks at Fukiyose and then at Shutaura and he did that back and fourth for at least five more seconds until…
"Eeehhhhh!?"
Yep, this morning of his would definitely be another long day.
#
After letting the two girls in, Kamijou served them two cans of cold soda and a plate full of cookies, which he managed to save from the monster called Index, who was still eating her breakfast. Okay, this is damn crazy! Kamijou said in his mind as he served his two guests. How the hell can such a thing happen!? He had witnessed other crazy events from his past fight but this was rather new…and quite abnormal. I just can't visualize Fukiyose in a smaller chest!
"I know you are quite confused at what happened. I can't blame you for that," Shutaura spoke as she munches her cookies, "But that's what really happened. We have switched bodies and I felt so stunned out by it." Her voice is thorough yet not as rough as her old self, something that Kamijou noticed.
"I…I see," the spiky haired boy nodded awkwardly as he then sat beside the Black Crow leader with Fukiyose's pretty face, "Well…so why did you all want to see me again?"
"Based from what I have seen in the past, you might be able to help us get back to our normal selves," Shutaura didn't skipped a beat as she finished chewing the snack served to them, "I would appreciate if we would be able to come back to our own bodies." She then looked at the boy with a sense of sincerity in pleading for help. Kamijou only sweat dropped as he knew it was actually Fukiyose's eyes that he was looking into despite talking to Shutaura. Damn it! This is the first time seeing Fukiyose's real eyes go like that.
"Well…I'll see what I can do," the boy said as he looks over her shoulders to see Fukiyose frowning and huffing as she sways her now-jet black hair. What a strange circumstance.
"So…" Fukiyose, annoyed at how her classmate is actually giving the Block Crow leader more time to speak with, decided to make her presence known as she began to talk, "Before anything else, how the hell did you two exactly know each other?" She had an angry glint in her eye as she notices the two suddenly fidget and froze in what look like they weren't prepared for her question. Until…
"Can we set that aside for a moment?" Shutaura replied in obvious irritation, "We needed to come back to our own bodies first before anything else that's irrelevant." Fukiyose was about to reply back when suddenly, she heard a voice.
"Touma, what's going on?" Index can be heard asking as she then enters the living room and join the people out there, "And who are these people, Touma!?" Her expression changed from slight curiosity to tranquil fury as she then bares out her fangs. Seeing this, Kamijou then immediately stood up and shouted, "This is not what it looks like, Index! We're facing a problem here and it is better if you just keep it down Index!"
The silver-haired nun blinked her eyes and then looked at the two women. Eh, Touma? Aare they twins? They almost look exactly the same. "Well, what's the problem, Touma? And I'm hungry so bring me in the restaurant later."
Kamijou rolled her eyes at the request but he ignore it for the moment and said, "Well…this might sound weird but these two girls just switched bodies early in the morning and now, they are asking help on how they can get their bodies back."
For the moment, Index blinked again as she processed what she just heard. After a few more minutes, she then replied, "Touma, how can that be possible? I tried to find a possible explanation in the 103, 000 grimoires but even I can't find any reason for that to happen. Unless if it is a miracle."
Kamijou only sighed at Index's explanation as Shutaura flinched at hearing the very word she used to hate very much from the bottom of her heart. Miracles. She used to loathe it after the death of her father but ever since meeting the very boy who is now standing in front of them, her cynicism had changed and she had looked forward to a better life that is free from negativity. Thank you, Touma-kun.
"Hey, Touma. Why don't you use your right hand, then? It can cancel out any magical or supernatural ability, right?" she heard Index suddenly point out something as the nun glances at the boy's right hand.
"Oh yeah," Kamijou suddenly acts as if he was a fool for not realizing it earlier, "My Imagine Breaker. Well…" He was about to hold Shutaura in her shoulders but stopped when he realized something. I'm pretty sure Fukiyose would be freaked out with this and another thing, Index said it could be a the work of a miracle. What if it's like the case of Arisa!? Nevertheless, he knew it's better to do something right now as he then grasps the shoulders of Shutaura, who didn't react as she knew the power of the boy's right hand from Arisa's memories. She then waited…and waited…and waited…
Until nothing happened. The two didn't even return to their own bodies.
"Okay?" Kamijou felt like he was getting embarrassed as he slowly let's go of the shoulder, which is technically Fukiyose's, "I know I should expect this but still…"
"I think I shouldn't blame you on this," Shutaura said, disguising her words in a way that was still in her own repertoire but had the manner of Arisa's tone, "Maybe it is something that is beyond our human understanding. I understand if you want to help, though."
"What do you mean "beyond human understanding?" Fukiyose, hearing our Shutaura, asked, now quite curious at her wordings, "Only ESP powers are out there…"
"Well…that's where you are wrong…" Shutaura narrowed her eyes towards Fukiyose (and sadly, her own original body), "There really are powers that exist beyond our understanding and even surpass my Esper ability. Right, Touma-kun?"
Hearing her speak about something that shouldn't even be revealed, Kamijou can only stare in confusion as he knew he should say something. What the hell am I supposed to say at a situation like this!? He was about to open his mouth when Index decided to add something as well.
"Yeah, that's right! Magic exists so are sorcerers!" Index pointed out, "Look, Touma even saved me from a bunch of sorcerers. He's a hero who unfortunately keeps butting into the problems of…mmmph!" She was cut off by Kamijou, who rushed in to cover her mouth from spilling out more secrets of his. Dammit, keep quiet! But it was actually too late.
Fukiyose had heard everything unthinkable and judging by how Kamijou acts, it looks all to suspicious to her.
"Wait a minute…" she said in a tone that was quickly darkening, "So let me get this straight, you are doing things outside there that is deemed unsafe and you are keeping this from us? From me?"
"Well…you shouldn't put it like that," Kamijou was forced to defend herself, "As you see, there is no reason for me to help others like what this talkative nun friend of mine said. In fact, I'll be gladly in service to anyone who needs help, even in life and death situations."
For some reason, that answer alone should satisfy the Iron Wall Girl but it just wasn't right for Fukiyose. She processed what he exactly meant by that and as she does, there was one phrase that stood out for her.
Life and death.
She couldn't help but feel fear upon what he really meant. It also somewhat shed light on why the boy whom she judged as a lazy bum and oblivious especially to his harem.
"So…what are you saying…"
The fear she felt began to change into another emotion…rage.
"The reason your school attendance is very low is that…you can play the role of a vigilante…" She can feel her hands clenching and shaking.
"Well…" Kamijou said in a tone that would either confirm or deny her accusations, "I don't get by what you are saying as vigilante. I'm simply…"
Bam!
Fukiyose attempted to lunge forward towards the surprised boy if it wasn't for Shutaura, who managed to react quickly and hold her original hips as she quickly locks Fukiyose on a tight grip. The latter tried to get out of her bondage she failed miserable.
"You idiot!"
"Eh!? Fukiyose!?" Kamijou was somewhat fearing for his life as he watches the girl deranged in fury, "What the hell is wrong with you?"
"Me? I should be the one asking you that!" Fukiyose yelled as she was still struggling to get out of Shutaura's grip, "What do you think Anti-Skill and Judgment are for, huh!? Unlike someone like you, people in those organizations are trained to deal with violations of law and order!"
'I've handled myself just fine," For once, Kamijou didn't waver as she turns to face Fukiyose in Shutaura's face, "And just because they are the proper authorities don't mean they won't miss out any occasions of disturbance in this city. I know it because I have faced such situations before."
"Did you know how dangerous that is, huh!? Engaging in brawls like that can cost your life!" the girl retorted back.
"So what?" Kamijou replied, his posture unwavering, "That doesn't mean I should turn my back on someone who needs help, no matter how dangerous it can be. Call me an idiot or moron or anything you want but you won't stop me from doing anything I can to see people smile at the end of the day."
At once, something hit Fukiyose as the boy's words actually stopped her from struggling so much. Why is he so goddamn stubborn!? Is he even thinking about the consequences of his actions? Then on second thought, she then pondered something else.
Would it actually be better if Kamijou is like the other males in our class: careless jocks and sluggish guys who actually wanted nothing more than having a girlfriend. She was then reminded of a certain reckless pair of blue and yellow who always dragged their friends onto meaningless discussions where he will always end up getting beaten, courtesy of her fists.
Due to Fukiyose suddenly calming down, Shuratura felt that it was safe to let go of the girl. Slowly, she loosens her grip and she lets her slide slowly on the floor. The latter then proceeds to sit down in seiza (a formal sitting term in Japan) on the floor, mumbling something to herself. Once that was done, Shutaura sighs as she faces Kamijou, "Well, I can't believe she's that emotional. But aside from her, now that your right hand can't solve the problem, it looks like we would get stuck like this for the time being."
"Well, you are right," Kamijou said in a loud whisper and suddenly, his voice changed into a hint of joy, "But if something good came out of this, it's the fact that I would be able to experience a far more peaceful life in my school." Shutaura only sighed at this. He can be untactful sometimes.
"What the hell did you say!?" Fukiyose, hearing what Kamijou said, threatened to stand up and beat him but she was held down on the grip. The boy, meanwhile, gulped as he realized the error in his words.
"But Touma-kun does have a point," Shutaura said, being serious, "If we are going to stay like this for a longer period of time, that means we have to learn how to learn how to live each other's lives. For example, Fukiyose here would have to act like me and lead my men into combat while I learn how to be your class' acting representative."
"Eh? Would that be easy?" Kamijou said in a skeptical look, "I mean, you use variety of weapons such as guns and that special mobile you ride in your operations. I can see you might be able to imitate Fukiyose but vice versa…" He decided to trail off, in fear of provoking the Iron Wall Girl into another fit of rage.
"Well…" Fukiyose, having calmed herself down, spoke in a confident voice, "If we are going to imitate one another, we should teach one another then…wait, there's a problem!"
"And what could that be?"
"Next week would be the start of the Daihaseisai Festivel! I'm part of the High School Committee of Coordination!" She was then worried that this festival which she was looking forward to would be ruined by this current event that happened to her.
"Well…shit…" Shutaura can only shake her head in annoyance, "Well…if that's the case, I think we can have the whole afternoon later as well as tomorrow whole day. I'll be crash coursing you in the basics of self-defense and weapons handling, Fukiyose."
"Huh!?" The former busty girl asked on surprise.
"I'm basically teaching you how to become me," Shutaura repeated in annoyance.
"Well, then good luck," Kamijou said as he felt it's not anymore his business and wanted to back out of this when suddenly, she felt the tight grip of his classmate suddenly preventing him from even moving an inch.
"Who said I'll let you off the hook?" Fukiyose said as she tightens her hold on the boy, "It's best them if you would be coming with us. I need your help then in teaching her how to become me as well!"
"Eh? Me?" Kamijou asked incredulously as he points to himself.
"Yes, baka," the girl hissed, "Better keep moving on."
Seeing that he had no choice but to follow, Kamijou groaned as eventually, he goes to his room to change into a different set of clothes.
