Chapter 14: Altering Point 2
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.
October 27th, 2021
It has been two days since the disaster that occurred at the World Science Festival. The news has been on it's case for some time during that time frame, and will be for a while until there is clear information about what happened on that day. Unfortunately, there is not much information for what happened since it is possible the authorizes are currently keeping it secret. However, the only known is the explosion was caused by what is believed to be a terrorist group or unknown organization, and that the captured enemy has confessed he is American.
Other than that, the the day is sunny with clear skies, and everyone continuing on there daily routines in Akihabara.
Over at "Mayqueen Nyannyan," Faris and Mayuri prepare for another day at the café. While they are preparing, they briefly speak about what happened two days ago.
"Do you think Kyouma is ok after what happened to him-nyan?" Faris asks.
"I believe so." says Mayuri with a smile. "Okarin is the only I know who can handle anything serious if it ever happened. After all, he is still acting the same as he always has."
Faris smiles. "That's true-nyan. But, after we were told he has a mental condition, do you think this would affect him-nyan?"
Mayuri thinks as she already forgot he in fact has PTSD. However, as his childhood friend, she can only believe in him and keep moving forward. "I believe he will be ok. After all, all the lab members are around to help him get distracted from the things that scare him from the past."
Faris thinks for a moment. "I just hope those bad guys will never appear again-nyan. They could try to target Kyouma after what he did, and I can only get a bad feeling about the future-nyan."
Mayuri is a bit worried about what Faris said, but she still continues to believe everything is alright. "I think everything will be ok. Okarin will take action if something bad ever happens to him or anyone of the lab members."
"You're right. Kyouma cares for the safety of all those precious to him-nyan."
Over at the Future Gadget Laboratory, another day goes on with more work to create new gadgets, and all the Interns work together to mainly try to update an old version of a future gadget. Since the World Science Festival, the presentation of "Future Gadget Number 131: Superior Prosthetic Arm," has many people online requesting for this gadget to be in the market. The idea of having an arm that functions just like a human arm, but with additional crazy components sounds like something out of science fiction.
The one current issue is that the gadget suffered some damage due to the debris after the explosion at the science festival, so without a prototype model ready, they can't begin producing copies of it. Okabe is currently with Maho's group to try and repair it, since they are the one's who invented the future gadget.
"So, the mechanism to release the shield has stopped working, and the main line to operate the whole prosthetic arm has cracked." says Maho.
"A rock fell on to it which caused the back part of it to cave in a bit. But that is just enough for it to fully stop working." says one Intern.
"Hmm." Okabe thinks for a moment, but this is quite an easy solution. "Then, we will need to replace all components that make up the main line of the arm. As for the shield mechanism, we can remove it for the time being and have it operate without it."
"Are you sure?" another Intern asks.
"Yes. We will need to do a test with it from selecting a certain amount of people who need an arm anyways. They will need to give us a report on how they feel and any functions that occur during there use without the additional components for now. They will also need to be under watch of hospitals we select to provide this gadget for any health changes. This is so we can further plunge this world into chaos!"
Everyone else in the rooms is a bit weirded out by Okabe's sudden persona shift, but agree with his choice regardless. "Y-Yea."
Okabe, Maho, and her group begin working on taking apart the prosthetic arm, exposing the main part that holds the arm together. It has been quite damaged and is a bit dusty. Some of the wires have been bent or partially damaged as well, and some of the little mechanisms that allow the arm to transform have been cracked.
Not long after, the main line to the arm is exposed, and they can get the new parts out and rebuild it all together. However, as Okabe looks at the arm, an idea begins to generate. He notices how when the arm transformed, it slightly expanded outward. That specific part gave Okabe a whole new idea to make the arm better.
Okabe speaks up to everyone in the group. "Everyone, stop!"
Everyone immediately stops from Okabe's words.
"The insane mad scientist has a new idea to make this Future Gadget even better!" Okabe explains. "Since the main line to the arm is exposed, what if we can add additional mechanisms to allow the arm to reinforce itself instead of a shield? That way, we have more space to work with."
One Intern responds. "Well, it could work. With the shield out of the equation, it would provide more space in the arm for future improvements."
Maho steps in. "The issue with that current idea is it would require more research to allow the arm to reinforce itself. It would need a lot more components and research to allow it to reinforce it to be hard enough to withstand a lot of force and impact. Not only that, but the arm would become heavier than normal, which can cause pain and stress for the user in the long run."
Okabe smiles. "Don't worry. I know you guys can find a way to make it possible. After all, you are part of the Future Gadget Laboratory! That is because, it is under supervision of the insane mmmaaaddd scientists, the one who can overcome the impossible and turn to it possible! His name is Houou-!"
Okabe's name is then interrupted by Kurisu who suddenly enters the room. "Hououin Kyouma."
This makes Okabe upset. "D-D-Damn you assistant! Why do you have to steal my line?!"
"That is because I already know what you were going to say, so I just finished for you."
Okabe lets out a rough sigh of annoyance, but lets it go and moves on. "So, Kurisutina. What brings you here?"
"You are being called by the receptionist."
Okabe heads over the front entrance of the Future Gadget Laboratory. As he turns the corner, he sees a guest has arrived and is shocked. "P-Professor Leskinen?!"
Leskinen smiled. "Hey! Lintahlo! How are you?!"
"I am fine Professor, and you?
"Doing very well." Professor Leskinen looks around to be amazed by a lab that is owned by Okabe. "I am amazed, Lintahlo. I never would have thought you would be in charge of such a lab like this."
Okabe laughs. "Well, the lab is still growing as it was open only for 5 years."
Leskinen becomes curious about the place. "Say, will you give me a tour of the place? I want to see what this place is all about!"
Okabe smiles and nods in agreement with his persona. "Sure. Be amazed by most important lab being managed under the mad scientist!"
For the next couple of hours, Okabe gives Leskinen a tour of everything around the lab, and how it operates. Nothing out of ordinary, and nothing too crazy. The lab runs just like any other lab in the world, but of course, since this is the Future Gadget Laboratory, it focuses on creating mainly gadgets. Leskinen smiles throughout most of the lab tour, because he feels very proud that Okabe has made it this far in life, and is becoming like what he would mention Okabe becoming at Viktor Chondria University, The next Einstein. The only place Okabe doesn't take him to is the underground floor, because unfortunately, aside from Kurisu who was a part of the Future Gadget Laboratory since many years ago, Leskinen has never been part of it. Therefore, he cannot fully trust him on anything top secret at this time.
As the tour nears it's end, Leskinen remembers back years ago, how Maho loved to always build machines and small robotic components together and how she mentioned at one point a science lab with robots would be a place she would love to work. This gets him curious if she choice to work here for that reason; especially since she knows Okabe.
Soon enough, it is time for lunch. Okabe decides to take Leskinen to the conference room specific for staff members. There we see Daru, Kurisu, and Maho all eating their own lunch. They however stop eating as they are amazed when they see Leskinen enter with Okabe.
"Hey! Kurisu, Maho, and Daru!"
"P-Professor?! What are you doing here?!" Maho asks.
"I came to visit this lab! I saw all of you at the World Science Festival, so I told Lintahlo we should talk next time. And so here I am."
Everyone is shocked. They never expected to see Leskinen in The Future Gadget Laboratory. He sits down with the group and they all together have a conversation.
"So, how have you all been?"
"We all have been doing well. Minding our own lives in Japan and working like usual." says Maho as she responds for Kurisu and Daru as well.
"That's great!" Leskinen thinks for a moment as he becomes very curious. "So tell me, Kurisu and Maho, why did you both decide to move to Japan?"
Maho starts off. "Well, a lot has happened in Japan whenever I visit here. Then one, day I decided maybe it would be great for a change in life, since I wanted to try to experience something new as a scientist. Okabe-san founded his lab, and hired me, Kurisu, and Hashida-san to be a part of it. We all have been friends for a long time so we decided to take the opportunity together."
Leskinen becomes shocked of Maho's response. "I'm surprised Maho. To think you would think like that when I know you as an ambitious scientist. Well, we all are human in the end, so we can always come to change over our life experiences. I also remember you loved working with robotic parts and technology, so it is not a huge surprise to see you working here."
Maho nods. "That's true."
"And how about you, Kurisu? You moved here 2 months ago. Is Maho's reason the same as yours?"
Kurisu nods. "Yes."
Leskinen thinks. It's even more strange for Kurisu who is a world known scientist to decide to move to Japan and work at a lab not mainly focused on the research she would do back in America, which she is known for. He then becomes very curious and begins to tease. "I think something more is happening here. Perhaps Lintahlo is also another reason, hmmmm?"
Kurisu and Okabe blush as they both become embarrassed. "W-W-What are you talking about? I-I-I don't know what you mean..." says Kurisu.
"Oh I think you know what I mean. Besides, it was quite obvious about your relation with Lintahlo while at Viktor Chondria University." Leskinen explains. "When he was a student at the University, you were always paying attention to him wherever he went and what he was doing, that even included to making sure he didn't fail."
Kurisu embarrassment increases. "P-P-Professor!"
"Then, during his third year, he was put into a group with Daru, and along with another male and female student for an upcoming research project. I remember the female student surprisingly started to take a huge liking to Lintahlo despite of his mad scientist roleplay scenario, and she grew more attached to stay around him and work with him more. Because of that, you were so out of focus and had a more aggressive behavior towards everything your were doing in the lab. You could never even complete the work we provided you."
Kurisu is stunned in embarrassment for what Leskinen is saying
"But then, you decided to take action and make sure he never looked at another woman besides you. After all, that was obvious of what you did, because you returned back to normal after you and Lintahlo became a couple." Then it clicked. "That's right! That's why you came to Japan! So you can live with Lintahlo!"
Okabe and Kurisu lash out words of their embarrassment. "W-W-What are you talking about!"
"Let us assess the situation. Right now, in front of us is a prime example of an American Tsundere and a Japanese Tsundere." says Daru.
Leskinen is surprised and observes. "So that is what they would act like."
Okabe and Kurisu say the same thing again. "S-S-Stop it!"
There is a huge heat in the air from both of them trying to hide there relationship from Leskinen. After all, he is someone who will not stop bothering you about it if he finds out and it is part of his interest to know more. Leskinen is happy in the end, to see how OKkabe and Kurisu acted which satisfied his need to see them this way. He was someone who also supported there relationship a lot. After another moment passes, he begins to get serious. "So, now that is over, let's get down to more serious business. I didn't come all the way to just only visits. I also came to speak about something very important, and need your help, Daru, and Lintahlo."
Daru and Okabe pay attention. "I need your help to track the teleportation research." says Leskinen.
Everyone is shocked by what he just said. "You see, when the unknown people from that organization caused a scene at the World Science Festival, they stole some research items and papers from multiple laboratories. One of them was research from my lab on teleportation."
"No way!" says Maho.
"But, how?!" Kurisu asks.
Okabe begins thinking. He is trying to figure out why an organization would try to steal research on teleportation. It was only a theory but yet, was it really possible? This then triggers his PTSD of the same memories of how this occurred with the time machine theory between Kurisu and her father. It caused a huge issue that would lead the world into complete chaos. A simple theory that the world fought for. Okabe concludes his decision as he manages to control his PTSD to not cause panic, and instead suggests something. "Although we found out that the person we captured is American, the organization he is from must be another laboratory in another part of the country. Since the teleportation theory is a big discovery for mankind, any lab would want their hands on such valuable information."
Daru steps in. "It might have been an unknown group who was doing the dirty work for a lab to get their hands on the research."
Leskinen nods. "Supposedly that is the story. So, I wanted to ask you two to help me find the research papers. You're the only people I know who can hack into just about anything without getting into harm's way."
Daru doesn't know what to say. This is a very dangerous task which depends on who the unknown organization is. "Okarin, what do you think?" he asks.
Okabe doesn't think as he already made his decision. "Ok, we will help you."
Leskinen puts on a smile. "Really?! Thank you Lintahlo! You guys will be rewarded for your efforts!"
Okabe is weird out as Leskinen grabs his hand to shake it with a smile of excitement.
"Well, I need to head back. I will contact you about an update for the teleportation research. Also, please don't tell anyone about it, ok?"
Okabe nods. "Got it. Leave to the insane mad scientist! Hououin Kyouma!"
Leskinen laughs. "I can't believe you still act like that. But it's reassuring, so I will trust you. Well, then see ya." Leskinen leaves the lab.
After a moment of silence. Daru asks Okabe about his decision. "Okarin? Are you sure you want to do this for Professor Leskinen?"
"I am worried about what can happen, but-! I am an insane mad scientist! The one who has overcome every challenge thrown at. The one that has even overcome time itself!"
Kurisu sighs about Okabe's persona to hide his worries. "Nice to know you have that much confidence in yourself."
"Yes, yes I do! Anyways, I know we can do it Daru. We have overcome these situations before. Besides, the teleportation theory in the hands of an unknown organization can be very concerning. They could cause malicious intent if it was in the wrong hands.
Daru agrees. "Well you have a point."
"Well Daru. Search as much as you can for the teleportation theory. See if it is already in the data of an organization, and if it is, you can create a copy of it and delete it from their database."
Daru confirms his request. "Got it! Just leave me."
The sun sets over Akihabara. The lab is closed down for the day as everyone has already left home for today, since it has been a long, and hard working day. Okabe begins picking out his belongings and heads home as he is mostly the last one to leave for the day. However as he leaves the lab and locks the doors, he notices Kurisu waiting for him at the front entrance. "Kurisutina? You're still here?"
"Yes. I thought I would wait for you." says Kurisu.
Okabe is surprised about her reason, but he smiles as he feels glad she waited. They both take the train home as the night begins to show. They don't talk much, however they are happy internally to walk together. To make things better, as they walk, Okabe pulls a move by grabbing Kurisu's hand. They both blush with this gesture, but they also in fact enjoy holding each others hands. After all, they want to feel more comfortable around each other and do stuff what normal couples' would do.
Then, the opportunity of walking together and holding hands makes Kurisu then want to ask Okabe something. "H-Hey, Okabe. W-Would you like to stay over tonight? A-At my place?"
Okabe blushes and is surprised. "H-Huh?! A-Are you sure?"
Kurisu blushes as she responds in a soft tone. "D-Don't make me say it twice."
Okabe smiles as she asks him for once to stay at her play. He never expected this, but he is glad she asked. He then takes out his phone and does his usual persona act, but with confidence. "It's me. It seems the agent is trying to capture me again. Yes, this is to be expected, so don't worry for me. Yea, it is the choice of Steins Gate. El Psy Kongroo." Okabe puts his phone away. "Well Kurisutina. You seem to not be able to be alone without Hououin Kyouma!"
Kurisu smiles and follows along. "Perhaps, or maybe you decide to accept my offer since you were lonely yourself."
Okabe blushes. "W-What?! Since when would I, Hououin Kyouma, ever worry about being alone!"
"Maybe ever since I was gone for 5 years."
"I-I-I wasn't! I was totally not feeling lonely at all!"
After an hour, they both have finally reached the apartment. Okabe has brought a change of clothes for the night and a small bag for his necessary belongings. Kurisu apartment is still the same as usual. It is nice and clean, very huge, and luxurious.
Okabe sets down his locket he wears around his neck on the draws by the bed, and decides to go take a shower while Kurisu decides to cook something for both of them. After around thirty minutes. Okabe and Kurisu have finished what they were doing and eat. Kurisu had made some ramen soup which tasted really good.
"Hmm, seems you are getting a lot better at cooking." says Okabe. However-!" He pulls out his phone. "It's me! It seems I am tasting an illusion from what the agent has made! What?! This is reality?! Got it. If it's the choice of Steins Gate, Ely Psy Kongroo." Okabe puts his phone away.
"You really can't come true to your feelings." says Kurisu.
He slightly laughs. "These are my true feelings! They are what represent me, Hououin Kyouma!"
She sighs. "Yea, yea. I already know what you meant anyways. Especially as your girlfriend, I can see through everything on what you do."
"W-W-Wha-! And the same goes you, a/channeler! It was very predictable how you know your memes and use them in certain situations!"
This causes Kurisu to become slightly irritated, but she was too late to counter that.
There is silence for a moment. Their arguments really get them worked up for pointless reasons when they should just say how they feel for each other with whatever they do, but that is still a difficult task. After eating, Okabe and Kurisu mind their own business for an hour to settle their stomachs. Kurisu decides to watch TV while Okabe email's Daru about the progress of finding teleportation research. So far, he has managed to reduce the places on where to look, but yet, he can't find it.
Okabe finishes up his last email for tonight and gets ready to sleep for the night. However, then Kurisu decides to start a conversation. "Hey Okabe. Will it be alright with what you and Hashida are doing for Professor Leskinen?"
Okabe responds. "Well, anything can happen when dealing with an unknown organization. It can succeed and we manage to remain under the radar from them, or they may catch on us and we may be in danger. However, fortunately, nothing like that has happened with much we've been in this situation. So we should be alright."
"I don't know. It weird how those people actually managed to steal the research papers on teleportation. Normally, Professor Leskinen makes sure his papers are guarded by the staff."
That gives Okabe an idea. The idea, that it is possible the World Science Festival was planned with unknown organizations in the first place. "I see, then it is possible some of the staff were part of the organization. That's how they may have unlocked the rooms to the research. But the question is, who were they."
At this point, Okabe may end up focusing on the unknown organization too much so she decides to make him stop. She decides to get in bed and grab Okabe by the arms to get his attention.
This startles Okabe for her sudden actions. "K-Kurisutina?!"
"W-Whatever it is, I'm sure you and Hashida can handle it, right?"
Okabe puts on his persona. "Of Course! I am an insane mad scientist, and Daru is My Favorite Right Arm! We together can overcome the impossible!"
Kurisu smiles. "That's better. Now we should go to sleep! We have another day at the lab tomorrow."
"R-Right." Okabe and Kurisu turn off all the lights and sleep on the bed. However the beginning of a love moment happens. As Okabe looks up at the roof to begin closing his eyes, Kurisu makes him turn her direction. "W-What?"
"Hey, can we do this more often?"
Okabe is surprised to hear her ask that and takes a moment before responding. "I-I wouldn't...mind. B-But why?"
Kurisu looks at him in the eyes. "I-Isn't it better to live together more often. T-That way, we can share more memories. J-Just the two of us."
Okabe is still shocked about what she is trying to do. He never expected Kurisu to suggest something like what she did now. This only makes him want to accept it. After all, he wants to commit as well. "Y-Yea. If that is what you want to do Kurisutina, then we can. It's just, I can't leave all my stuff behind in the old lab. And I have quite a lot of things too."
Kurisu giggles. "Who ever said you were moving?"
Okabe is confused. "Huh? I thought you were trying to have me move here?"
"No. Instead, I wanted to move into your old lab."
Okabe is still for a moment as he processes what Kurisu just said. Then he sits up from the bed and is shocked beyond what he finally heard. "Huh?! Why?! Do you realize what you are saying?!"
"Yea, I do."
"No no no no, why would you try to move in my place? You're a celeb seventeen that has money! You shouldn't be moving to a place like mine that doesn't even have a bed!"
Kurisu suddenly sits up and holds Okabe's cheeks and kisses him in the mouth, as she then falls on him back in bed, with her being on top of him. Okabe is stunned again about what Kurisu is doing. Then, she stops kissing and responds. "I know, but I don't care for that. I just want to live with my boyfriend. The is what matters to me the most. Besides, we can change up some things if we need to."
Everything that has happened tonight has been really unexpected for Okabe. He has been shocked to the core as to what Kurisu is doing to him, but yet, this is making Okabe feel very pleased. He just wants to make sure she is living the way she wants to and getting the best of her life. If she wants to be with him, then he will gladly open her with arms. However, he just hopes he doesn't upset her with his presence since he also wants to make her happy. "W-Well, just don't complain about how small my place is."
"I have already been there so many times. I will be ok as long as you're there."
"Well then, let me then get an actually bed for the place first and then you can move in. You will have to wait a little longer. Is that ok?"
Kurisu puts her forehead on Okabe's forehead and responds. "Yea, that is fine."
Okabe smiles and decides to return the kiss to Kurisu, as they enjoy their last moment of the day together, before settling in bed and sleeping for the night.
Inside Daru's home, he is up very late at night, continuing to find the teleportation research papers. He has been working very hard as he wants to help Leskinen get it back. He goes through a very restricted database from several laboratories and has no luck. He goes through several more, and no luck. As he was beginning to run out of hope, he remembers something that happened with Okabe a year ago with the unknown organization he dealt with. He decides to give it a shot and hack through their database to see if he could find it there.
It takes about 15 minutes before finally gaining access to their database. When he goes through their files, he is stunned. He finds the teleportation papers that Professor Leskinen were looking for. Daru speaks to himself. "Found it! But, why does this organization have the papers. Could they be the same ones who stole it? Well whatever, I'll just do my job and make sure to get a copy into a flashdrive, and remove it."
Daru does just that. He begins making multiple copies of the files and putting them onto a flashdrive. Then he gathers all of their files into one folder, and gets ready to completely delete it from their database. Just before he does, he sees the logo of the organization which only has a letter D revealed, but the rest of the letters are not. Then, Daru presses enter, and the data begins disappearing.
When this happens, back at Kurisu's apartment, Okabe is sleeping soundly with Kurisu right next to him, holding his hand. However, Okabe begins reacting to something. He begins having the glitchy, hazing vision of the foggy place he usually comes to with the little girl he encounters all the time. He begins to see more clearly of the place as it is less hazy this time, but still the same overall. However, something is different. This time, he see the girl who appears ahead of him, but for some reason, she is also reacting just like him, as if they are sensing the same thing.
At the Future Gadget Laboratory. We slowly come to view of the divergence meter that has already two numbers off for only a brief moment. Suddenly, the numbers began flickering very quickly, before shutting off completely, making the divergence meter inoperable. However, the scene then turns black, and the divergence numbers appear once again. They read 4.015869 for only a moment after what happened just over a month ago. Unfortunately, it then happens again. All the numbers except for the first and second one this time, begin to turn wildly, before finally coming to a stop moments later, making the new divergence number read, 4.032617.
The secrets of the unknown will begin to unfold.