Chapter 11: Event Horizon: Ceremony Part 1

Note: I don't not own Steins;Gate. Only this fanfiction story.

This story follows the events that happened after the following Steins;Gate titles. Steins;Gate, Steins;Gate OVA, and Steins;Gate 0. Also, there are situations from other Steins;Gate titles that inspired multiple events in this story.

Check out my profile for upcoming dates for new chapters on Steins Gate: Epsilon. Also, check out my forums for more information towards this story and others future stories I will write in relations to the timeline of Steins Gate: Epsilon.

September 25th, 2021

Another sunny day, another day of work. Everyone in Akihabara is doing their usual routine. However, signs are being posted up in parts of buildings, and on sign boards about an upcoming event. At the Future Gadget Laboratory, everyone is gathered around in a huge theatre like conference room, where currently all 45 Interns are sitting and paying attention to a presentation from Okabe and his supervisors.

Okabe begins to explain what is happening with his persona. "My fellow allies of the Future Gadget Laboratory! I have gathered you all here today for a special announcement! We will be participating in the upcoming World Science Festival!" Everyone in the audience is shocked about the news.

"I will pass it to my supervisors to explain the situation!" Okabe moves aside with his wheelchair.

Maho first steps up. "So, for the upcoming event, we will be working to create a future gadget that will be suitable to present our laboratory. However, you will all work in separate groups based on how we supervised you. So group one is my group. Group 2 is Kurisu's group, and Group 3 is Hashida-san's group."

Maho steps away and allows Kurisu to speak. "You all will create either a new gadget from ground zero, or update an old gadget that has been created in the past. If you ever go with the second option, we recommend using any gadget below number 30 since those are the oldest in our creations."

Kurisu steps back and Daru steps up. "The event will take place one month from now, on October 25th. So you have almost one month to create one. We will compete against other science labs from around our area, and from other parts of the world. They may also be more experienced than us, but even if the slightest chance shows, we as scientists must take the opportunity."

Daru steps back and Okabe speaks. "There you have it, my allies! This is an event we must focus on no matter what so we can promote our lab even further! Also, we have one last announcement! To help us with this upcoming event, someone I know has agreed to help us! I will let the last of the Elite Four present herself!"

Okabe gestures for the person to come forth, and who comes forth is a familiar young face in her early twenties. It is Nae Tennouji. "Hello everyone. My name is Nae Tennouji. I am an engineer who works for the JAXA Space Center in Tanegashima. I have been invited by your Professor to help you with this upcoming event and on your future gadgets. I hope we will be able to succeed."

The audience is amazed to have invited someone from an important space center. Okabe speaks his last words for the meeting. "I'm sure you all will work hard for the sake of the Future Gadget Laboratory, and hope to help spread our name across the world with this event! That is all!"

After the meeting, Okabe and his group head back to the conference room specific for staff of the Future Gadget Laboratory. The day comes to an end as the lab begins to close for today and all day tomorrow. Okabe and the others discuss about the meeting that occurred

Okabe puts on his mad scientist persona. "Tchh. Why do I have to be in a wheelchair when presenting an important announcement! This wheelchair destroys my title of mad scientist!"

"Calm down." says Maho. "That is not the important thing here."

Okabe didn't like what Maho said. "Not important?! And after what I did to make you a supervisor of this lab? You should be one of the people that should always acknowledge me as a mad scientist, Hiyajo-Safina!"

"Don't call me that!" says Maho with anger.

Daru speaks up. "Calm down you two. The more important thing is how are we going to go from ground zero, to having a future gadget ready in a month."

Okabe speaks of his plan. "Well, we are going to help our groups decide on a gadget to either create or update. Updating a future gadget might be easier, but we should instead trying to introduce something new if we can. Nae will help with each of the groups as well to provide ideas to further advance their creations. Then, if we can have everyone finish creating their gadgets a couple of days before the event, we and the original lab members will test and vote on what is the best decision of gadget to present."

"That is rather an interesting idea," says Kurisu. "In this current situation, it would be the best option right now."

Everyone nods and the decision is made. "Alright! We will go with the plan. Starting Monday, we will commence Operation Mjolner!"

Okabe's words just make everyone in the room stare at him. "Really? Norse Mythology?" Kurisu implies.

"Well that is just like Mr. Okarin." says Nae.

There is a pause. Now that everything for the upcoming science festival is set, Daru wants to move on to more important stuff. "Well I don't mind coming to work on Monday, but, I also want to leave work early if possible, and that is because….."

Okabe smiles and already knew what he wanted to say. "It's because Suzuha's birthday is also on Monday, right?

At the old lab. Mayuri, Yuki, Faris, and Luka are all there having a group conversation like usual while watching over little Suzuha. Mayuri is also sewing up a new cosplay outfit for Luka to try on. However as time goes on, Faris decides to speak about an important topic. "So, are we going to do something special for Suzu-nyan?"

"That's right! Daru mentioned her birthday is on the 27th." says Mayuri.

"If that is the case, we should have a birthday party for her!" says Luka.

Yuki is surprised. "You sure? Me and my husband don't want to ruin your plans."

Mayuri nods. "It's ok! Since every lab member now lives here, It would be nice for everyone to be present! The more people, the more lively it should be!"

Suddenly, a voice comes out from behind where Faris stands. "I think so, too."

Faris jumps instantly from being scared and goes to Mayuri and turns to see who the voice is. It is Moeka Kiryu, as usual with her faint presence. Mayuri greets Moeka. "Moeka-san! Tuturru!"

"Hello." she replies.

Faris calms down. "A-Anyways, what should we do for Suzu-nyan?"

Everyone thinks for a moment. They each had a few ideas but it would only cause more ideas and it would get overwhelming. Then, Yuki suggests something. "I think just a party like what we did in July is alright. I don't want to bother you all."

"It's ok. The lab members always love getting together for a party! Making more memories is great so we will never forget each other."

Moeka then types very quickly and emails it to the group chat they all are in, explaining what to prepare for the party. Luka decides to read it out. "An email? Let's see. "We should get decorations and a huge cake that we will never forget the taste of. After all, this is the first time we will be having a birthday party with everyone present."

"I know!" says Mayuri. "We will make a cake that is very unique based on what Suzuha likes!"

Everyone thinks that is a great idea. "Good idea-nyan! I will be in charge of how the cake will look like-nyan! You all will also be helping Faris-nyan to make it-nyan!"

Yuki calls over Suzuha and she goes running straight to her. Yuki then asks her daughter a question. "So, Suzuha. What kind of cake would you like this year?"

Little Suzuha thinks. "Umm, I don't, know. Chocolate! And Vanilla!"

Yuki laughs. "Well we know what flavors you mainly want. But how do you want the cake to look?"

Little Suzuha thinks for a minute. It was a difficult decision since it was a cake that is going to be very special. However, she gets an idea from seeing the pin badge on Mayuri. She then whispers to Yuki to say what she wanted to say. After a moment. Yuki becomes surprised about her choice. "Eh? Are you sure Suzuha?"

She nods with a cute voice. "I'm surprised. Well if it means that much to you as your special cake then we will try to create it." Yuki turns to the rest of the lab members. "Everyone, the cake this year will be very special indeed. We will get started on planning it out."

September 26th, 2021

Another sunny day rises as it is a day of fun. The lab members have gathered at Faris's apartment for a whole day of preparations for Suzuha's birthday that is tomorrow. Today is also the day Faris decides it will be an all girls days.

Faris speaks on the phone with Kurisu as she is the only one who has not yet arrived. "So, today will be an all girls day-nyan! Unfortunately for you Kunnyan, Kyouma cannot be allowed to stay with you today-nyan."

Kurisu's voice turns to concern. "I would like to join you all, but who will take care of Okabe? He is in a wheelchair and can't be alone like this."

"Don't worry-nyan! Daru-nyan will take care of him since he can't be with his wife-nyan. He will be also taking care of Suzu-nyan, so maybe Kyouma and him will be busy anyways-nyan."

Kurisu speaks some last words before ending the call with Faris. At the front entrance of the apartment building, Kurisu and Okabe wait for a ride from Daru. He will be dropping off Kurisu at Faris's place and take Okabe to his home for most of the day.

Okabe speaks. "So, you will hang out with all the female lab members and with Rukako today. That should be great for you."

"Yea. But, will you be okay without me?" Kurisu asks.

"Do not fear the assistant. Daru is My Favorite Right Arm and Super Hacka! I trust him with everything that I need him to complete in my name!"

Kurisu sighs. "Seriously, that is not what I wanted to hear but whatever."

Time goes on, as Daru drops off Kurisu at Faris's place, and takes Okabe and his daughter to his home. Once they reach inside, Okabe gets amazed how Daru has a nice, clean home. "Wow Daru. Your home is much more clean than expected!"

"Right? This is because of my hard dedication as a good husband and father to my family."

Okabe doesn't believe exactly what he said. "Yuki probably makes you clean half the time right?"

"W-W-W-Wha… No! I am definitely a dedicated member of the family, thank you very much!"

Okabe sighs. "I'm sure you are." Okabe moves the wheelchair himself to the living room. "Well, I hope you don't mind if I watch something on your TV."

"Go ahead. I will be watching Suzuha for a while."

Time goes on again. Daru plays with Suzuha and also teaches her how to speak more. Okabe switches channels once and a while because he gets bored quickly of what he watches. Nothing seems to get this interest. This goes on for a couple of hours. Then, late afternoon approaches. It's time to grab some lunch. However, because Okabe doesn't feel like going outside at all right now, decides to ask Daru about lunch. "Hey, Daru? How are your skills in the kitchen?" He says with a mad scientist persona.

"Don't ask me about making you lunch! I am very bad at trying to keep time on heating anything even for me!"

Okabe gets upset. "How disappointing! You are My Favorite Right Arm that must be expected to serve the needs of the mad scientist whenever he needs it!"

"Shut up! I don't cook for myself because I have a wife who always cares for my well-being when I want to eat! Unlike you who can't even get to move on with your relationship with Makise-shi so she can feel more confident to cook for you!"

Okabe gets angry. "S-S-Shut up!"

There is heat in the air. However, Okabe remembers Kurisu did cook for him for the past two days, so he decides to not argue any further. The heat in the air then stops when they hear Suzuha's stomach grumbling. This calms Daru to actually think about lunch. He then sighs and has an idea. "Look, I will go grab some lunch at a store. How about that?"

Suzuha speaks. "Yes! I want some Juice Chicken Tenders Number 1!"

"Well, Suzuha has decided on lunch for us. I will also go by some drinks as well while at it. In the meantime, I trust you Okarin, to watch over my daughter."

Okabe sighs. "If you say so."

"Well, see you in a bit." Daru grabs the car keys and leaves the home for a temporary time.

Okabe must now watch Suzuha while Daru is gone. Although, he is not exactly good with children which is the concerning part. "Suzuha! Come to the living room with your book and sit on the couch."

"Okay!" Suzuha grabs a book and sits on the couch just like what Okabe said. She is fortunately a very good listener so that makes Okabe's life easier.

At Faris's apartment, all the girls with one guy have gathered around to begin cooking a cake unlike any other. They get the necessary ingredients in order to make a large cake. They take their time working together, making the batter, preparing frosting, and mixing other needed ingredients. They all also have a good time chatting together about anything to keep the place alive.

However out of everyone, the only one who is out of focus at times is Kurisu. She has been more worried about not being with Okabe, especially because he is in a wheelchair. When it was time to mix the cake batter, Kurisu was deep in her worries for him, she accidentally didn't realize she turned on the machine to stir the cake batter so high that it caused a huge mess of cake batter all over the kitchen.

"I-I'm so sorry everyone!" says Kurisu as she feels upset about herself for running the cake batter.

Everyone laughs as it is ok. "It's ok, Kuris-chan. We can just make more." says Mayuri.

"But, what is wrong with you Kurisu? You seem distracted today." says Maho.

Kurisu gets shy because they have noticed her behavior. Then Faris asks. "Could it be because you left Kyouma today-nyan?" Faris begins staring into Kurisus's eyes.

Her embarrassment intensifies. "N-No! T-That is not the reason!"

"This taste I got is the taste of a liar-nyan!"

"This is what Hashida-san would call Faris's secret weapon, The Cheshire Breaku, right?" asks Maho.

"Right!" says Mayuri. "It is a technique when looking into Faris's eyes, and she can find out if a person is lying or not."

Kurisu becomes even more embarrassed. "H-H-Hey Faris! D-Don't expose me!"

"So you admit that she has exposed you huh?"

"N-N-No! T-T-That... T-That is not the reason at all!"

She turns away as it is now pointless to hide her reason for being distracted today. Not only that, but of course she is still embarrassed to show her true feelings for Okabe in front of all her friends. This situation fortunately, is the moment where Yuki decides to finally speak to her about a very important topic. "No worries Kurisu. Settle down and why don't we have a private chat on the balcony. Just the two of us." she says with a kind smile.

Over at the balcony. Kurisu stares at the view of the city with the sun shining down, still wondering about Okabe. Not long after, Yuki arrives with 2 cups of tea with her and hands Kurisu one. "Thanks." says Kurisu as she begins to drink the tea.

Not long after, Yuki begins the conversation. "So, Kurisu. You are quite distracted today which is very unusual for you. What wrong?"

"I don't know." she responds.

"I don't know? I believe we know what is wrong alright and it is quite obvious. You are concerned for Okabe, right?"

Kurisu gets very shy. "N-N-No! That is ummm…. That's not what I'm concerned about!"

Yuki giggles. "Kurisu, just be honest. You are in fact concerned for Okabe. Everyone here can see that. After all, since you're the one taking care of him while he is in a wheelchair, you were being yourself. But now that you're not around him, you are concerned for his well being."

Kurisu looks down in embarrassment as Yuki is right. "Y-Yea."

Yuki smiles. "See? And it's reasonable too, because you are in love with Okabe."

"W-W-Wha- Please don't say that!"

"It's ok. Besides, I understand how you feel completely. That is just like me whenever I see my husband hurt or sick in anyway. I always will worry for the man I love whenever something wrong happens to him. And, he always does the same for me too!"

Kurisu realizes the person who she is speaking to she the woman who married and had a child with Daru. They had gone far in there relationship and they live with happiness. With that in mind, she then looks at Yuki. "How do you do it, Yuki-san?"

Yuki is confused by her question. "What do you mean?"

"How did your relationship reach up to this point? You and Hasihda are married and have a child of your own, and you both feel like you were meant to be together from the start, even though Daru still had his pervert side long ago."

Yuki thinks for a moment and looks at the view of the city. She wonders what would be the best way to explain her relationship with Daru to Kurisu. Then, she turns to Kurisu and answers. "Two things are what bonded me and Daru together. Being yourself, and being bold."

Kurisu looks at Yuki confused. She knew about the first part already in a certain way, but being bold is the thing she is not exactly familiar with, so Yuki explains. "Me and Itaru were always being ourselves like how we are in our everyday life. We always had conversations about literally anything, and we didn't hide any part of personalities and our interests to each other. However what bonded us even more, was boldness." Yuki looks back to the city view. "We both struggled with expressing our love for each other because we would be afraid as to how we would respond. Itaru was more of that person, since he put his fear of being overweight over thinking about what I would think, and it was understandable. But, I wanted to get his attention since I wanted him to feel more confident that I didn't care for his weight, because I loved him for who he was as a person. So I start to express some romantic gestures to grab his attention more, and it fortunately worked. It took some time for him to understand, but it overtime made him feel more confident. From there, our relationship only grew more, and reached up to where we are now."

Kurisu thinks. Although it was a bit strange at first as to what Yuki was trying to say, she finally understood. Don't be afraid to express your love for the person you love. But that is easier said than being able to do so. "I wish I could be like you, Yuki, but how can I when I am always afraid for Okabe's reaction? Things may only get very awkward between us to the point he may want to not be around me anymore."

Yuki giggles. "I can understand, especially since you both are clearly tsunderes."

Kuris becomes embarrassed. "H-H-Hey! I-I'm not!"

"You are not even doing well to hide it."

Kurisu puts her head down to hide her embarrassment as it is already pointless to argue about it. Then Yuki helps her out with some additional advice. "I know how you are afraid to be bold to Okabe-san, especially since I was just like you. However you shouldn't worry about him. He loves you as much as you do. He just is like you when it comes to expressing his love.

Kurisu lifts her head up and looks at Yuki. "No matter how much I see it, I know you guys could never live without each other. He will always love you no matter how much you think he may leave you. I can probably even guess he thinks the same way as you do too. You both just need to find the right moment to bond even more since you guys aren't bold enough. right?"

"Y-Yea." Kurisu smiles as she feels more assured about Yuki's advice "Thank you, Yuki-san. I will take in your words to hopefully help with my relationship."

Yuki smiles. "Your welcome. Now, don't be worried for Okabe right now in his current condition. I know he will be fine with Daru. After all, he says Daru is his Favorite Right Arm."

Kurisu giggles. "Indeed."

Back at Daru's place, Okabe is on his phone viewing some articles on social media. Little Suzuha is currently still reading books and flips the pages. As time goes on Okabe eventually shuts his phone off and decides to quickly check to see how Suzuha is doing. However, as he looks in her direction, he notices the book she is reading. A book that has a title, "Mad Scientist Adventures." This makes Okabe very curious.

"Uhh. Suzuha? What are you reading?"

"Eh, this is book of Mad Scientist. Evil man who pushes the world to chaos!"

Okabe is surprised and follows along. "Hmmm? A book about a mad scientist and the world into chaos? Prepare a book about my glorious achievements!"

"This book makes me think of Uncle Okarin! They are the same!"

"It's a book that is inspired by me! That's right. It is a book, about a mmmaaaddd scientist, who plunges the world into chaos, the one who holds the world in his very hands. That is me! My name is, Hououin Kyouma!"

Suzuha gets excited. "Wow! Tell me more!" She then sits next to Okabe.

Okabe smiles. "Very well. I will share with you my legacy, of the greatest mad scientist to ever exist!"

Okabe begins telling his delusional tales of his achievements as a mad scientist. He tells Suzuha about things such as the day Hououin Kyouma was born, how Future Gadget Laboratory was first formed, how he is the one who can go head to head against a genius known to the world, how he has invented future gadgets that show fearful power, and many more. This also takes up all the time needed for Daru to eventually return home with lunch like he said. As Daru enters the front door, he hears some crazy speaking, but already knows who it was.

Daru enters the kitchen to put down everything he bought and heads to the living room. He sees Okabe and Suzuha like he expected. "I'm home guys."

"Papa!" Suzuha runs to Daru and hugs him. "Hey Papa, Uncle Okarin is cool mad scientist!"

Daru looks at Okabe strangely. "Okarin? What have you been telling my daughter?"

Okabe puts on a smile. "I have been telling your daughter my legacy as the greatest mad scientist that has ever lived! After all, she has been reading a book inspired by me!"

Suzuha runs over to get the book and shows it to Daru. Daru looks at the front cover that reads Mad Scientist Adventures. He then opens the book to glimpse through the pages. It is strange to see how this is technically a child's book, but also how it does represent mostly what Okabe is. "Strange how Suzuha has a book like this. Take it Okarin."

"Huh?" Okabe questions.

"I don't want my daughter getting the same delusional persona as you! I already heard enough from you and don't want my daughter acting like that!"

Suzuha feels sad. "Eh? But why?"

"Your father doesn't want to get any delusional ideas like your Uncle." says Daru.

Okabe gets upset by his opinion. "How dare you! My personality is the most unique thing to ever be witnessed by mankind!"

"More like uniquely stupid!" However, Suzuha feels very sad as that book was her favorite thing to read. Daru notices her face and now feels guilty. But then, he suggests something else to make her happy. "Look Suzuha, in replace of that book. I will get you something far better, or anything you want. How about that?"

Suzuha becomes excited. "Really! Then, here you go Uncle Okarin!" Suzuha hands Okabe the book.

Although Okabe doesn't feel great about what just happened, he takes the book as a gift and thanks Suzuha.

The sun begins to set. Another day starting to come to an end. At Faris's apartment, everyone is gathered around to view the finished result of what they made.

"This turned out really nice!" says Mayuri.

"Indeed. Much better than what I thought it would." says Maho.

"Alright, we must make sure nothing happens to this cake-nyan! I will keep it in the fridge for tomorrow-nyan!"

However, for the time being, nothing is revealed as to what the cake really is. The only thing shown is the cake has a lot of vanilla frosting on it. As the day comes to an end, and as night begins to make its appearance, Okabe, Daru and Suzuha are also at Faris's apartment for the announcement Faris makes. "Alright, Faris declares a sleepover for all the girls-nyan! We will be having lots of fun tonight so no one will go to sleep till I say so-nyan!"

Most of the girls are happy that they will continue to party together. Daru then asks something to his wife. "Hey Yuki, will you join them too?"

"Well since it's Faris the one hosting, then yes. I will also have Suzuha stay with me."

"I see." Daru responds. "Then I will bring the stuff you need for the sleepover and then I'll head home for the night."

However, out of everyone, the only one not trying to join the sleepover is Kurisu, and it's obvious she wants to be with Okabe since she is still concerned for his well being. Then Faris suddenly comes up to her and speaks. "Kunnyan, you will be joining us especially! We want to make you explode."

Kurisu becomes extremely shy for Faris's comment. "W-W-W-What?!"

But then, Yuki steps in. "No, I don't think that is a good idea. After all, she is responsible for Okabe's well being since he is in a wheelchair."

Okabe hides his shock with his persona. "Don't worry. I am one who has been through countless setbacks, and one who has recovered from many severe wounds! That's right! I am the insane mad scientist, Hououin Kyouma!" he says while striking his pose with only his arms.

Kurisu then teases him. "Oh? Then why don't you head back home yourself in that condition, Hououin Kyouma!"

Okabe is determined. "Fffwaaaahhahahahaaha! Watch me assistant. I can overcome anything!"

Just like what Okabe said in Faris's place, he tries to move himself with the wheelchair back to his home. However, after only reaching halfway home, he is already feeling very exhausted, and sweating for how much energy this is taking a toll upon him. He speaks to himself. "Damn it! This is so much harder than expected! The organization is getting to me!" Suddenly, Okabe realizes something. "Huh. I forgot. How am I going to get up the stairs of the building!" He sighs. "Man, this sucks."

Then, the sound of heels clicking occurs from behind him and words speak out to him while doing so. "Seriously, you are already tired after reaching this far?"

Okabe turns around to see who it is, and it's Kurisu. He is surprised she found him. "Oh it you assistant. What are you doing? I thought you were going to stay at Faris's place."

Kurisu gets a bit sad for that Okabe actually left on his own in his current condition. "Okabe you idiot. Did you forget you cannot exactly take care of yourself in this condition and that I am responsible for your current well being?!"

"H-Hey you told me to head back home by myself, so I was doing just that!"

"I-I didn't think you would be serious!" Kurisu implies.

There is pause. It's unusual for Okabe to hear Kurisu joke about something, especially when it's something between them. However, he feels like he is being a burden to her. Making her take care of him in this current situation when she could be having a fun time with the lab members. It's what makes him feel like he shouldn't have her around him. "Don't worry, Kurisutina. I can manage on my own just fine, because I am a mad scientist. You should go have fun with the lab members in that sleepover Faris is doing. After all, they don't normally get to do stuff like that in this time of year."

After Okabe finishes his sentence, Kurisu becomes very upset internally as he maybe be trying to avoid her at all costs. However, she then remembers the advice Yuki said earlier in the day about the things between her and Okabe and what Yuki told her about bonding with your partner. Thinking about the advice then strengthens her will to try and get his attention, and become bold, even though she is nervous.

Kurisu walks to Okabe and grabs his wheelchair. This startles him. "Kurisutina? What's wrong?" he asks.

Kurisu replies. "I-I am heading back to my apartment, and I am taking you. That's final!"

"H-Huh?!" says Okabe with absolute shock.