Hey, thanks for reading a Certain Scientific Counter. Sorry for the delay, but I had Finals to finish and I'm happy to say I'm done with them. I'd also like to thank my Beta-Reader Graeskog for helping me edit this chapter. And now without further ado Q&A.
Awardedall- Thank you
Chris- I did not know that, thanks for telling me.
Fortitude501- Thank you I always wanted to write that fight, also Heaven Canceller doesn't have that ability someone just told him he was coming.
Anti-Mage 29- Yes I did, That's why I love comments you guys always have good ideas to help me improve the story, Also for the time, it's because Accelerator claimed he needed only a second to beat her so I started the clock at a microsecond and let it move forward to a tenth of a second.
Schwarzer- Your right I was going to explain how the spell worked in more detail but I thought it would take away from the story if I went in depth about it. The requirements for using the spell "Prometheus's Curse" is that the card has to have gold film that came from Greece, also the spell takes three days to create and the caster can only make one at a time, this represents how it Took Prometheus three days and three night to steal just one piece of fire. And to top it all off the spell has a 25% chance of misfiring. By the way, Touma could totally beat up Stiyl even when he had a broken arm, got gut punched and got sent fly 30ft back, and got vector launched in the air with a ground pound, it still took Stiyl to use a cheap move to take him down.
BlueJack22- Thank you. And yeah.
Rajarshi Sarkar- Thank you, and they weren't watching a simulation tree diagram is a hell of a thing. And I doubt they'd talk since he's in a coma.
MarkGib-Thank you, I have been upgrading my writing skills.
Savior555- Thank you, and I know reading back to some of my earlier chapters showed me just how much I improved, and now for the WORLD BOSS!
The Rupture- Thank you The Rupture, welcome to fellowship.
Aminadab Brulle- Thank you I always pictured Accelerator fighting the norms of Anime logic by not letting them power up, I mean seriously why do characters just stand there and watch their opponents get stronger, Anime Logic.
Guest- Thank you, here's the chapter.
Chris- Thank you, The best fights are the ones where both opponents not only use their strength to fight but also their brains, I planned on redeeming Touma with this fight since he's the one who came up with the plan in the first place.
Chris- Yeah I can see that, though pre-amnesia Touma was always a savage, I mean he told some girl he just met that she was flat chested and should just give up.
Guest- Looks like Touma is gonna have to find a way to counter this...Who am I kidding?
Redith- Were all free to our own opinions I guess.
Savior555- Thank you for keeping the peace.
Touman- She wasn't but then I read the new chapter of A Certain Scientific Railgun Sidestory: Astral Buddy and got an idea.
Redith- Its all good man.
Nguyen Thanh Long- This time on ACSC!
R&R Reality and Recovery
July 25
Part 1
Judgment office branch 177
Due to recent events surrounding the way the Level Upper case was resolved, Kuroko along with every other agent from that Judgement branch were asked to come in today to fill out the necessary paperwork required due to a certain misfortunate boy's actions, much to the dismay of Kuroko who was looking forward to helping out Mikoto with 'cleaning the pool', but alas she accepted that this world was a cold place even in the summer and left her poor Onee-sama to finish cleaning the school's Olympic sized swimming pool by herself. Before going, however, she asked her to take Index along with her, while this was odd to Kuroko she still agreed and brought Index with her to the Judgement office.
"Hey, do you think Touma's gonna be okay?" The silvery haired nun asked.
While sitting at her desk Kuroko looked up from the mountain of paperwork in front of her.
"Hmm, I don't know, I mean he did break his arm, why do you ask?"
"Because he wasn't at the hospital when we came back. I went to go look for him and everything. I even asked the Gekota doctor if he'd seen him."
Kuroko slightly twitched, "For the last time Index-sama, that was just a doctor, not a Gekota."
'Honestly, Onee-sama I think you're rubbing off too much'
"I wouldn't worry about it too much Index-sama, I mean he was the one who stopped the AIM Burst after all." Uiharu chimed in leaning back on her chair finished with all her work.
"Huh?! How'd you finish so quickly I'm still not even halfway done yet!" Kuroko protested as she still hadn't even made a dent on her paperwork.
Uiharu nervously looked away. "Oh, you know." In truth, Konori-senpai had always given Kuroko the lion's share of the paperwork, due to her always getting into trouble. "I'm just a fast writer."
Trying to avoid talking about the subject anymore Uiharu quickly got up from her chair and went to sit with Index on the couch, "Anyways, hey Index-sama, how do you know Kamijou-san?"
"Oh, Touma and Mikoto both saved me when I was in trouble." Index clarified.
This caused her to get looks from both of the young Judgement agents.
"So you're saying that Kamijou-san always helps people in need," Uiharu asked.
Index nodded. "Ever since I met Touma he'd always helped everyone around him. This one time I saw him help a kid get his kite out of a tree only to fall back down from a cat that was already up there scratching him. Don't worry though he got the kite back and it turned out that the cat that scratched him was lost, and we found his owner that same day. I wish I had a cat."
Uiharu started to grow a devious grin on her face, "So he likes to help people."
"Don't even think about it Uiharu," Kuroko warned.
Index tilted her head in confusion, "Think about what?"
"Say Index, do you think-"
She was abruptly cut off by Kuroko, "It wouldn't work Uiharu."
"Huh? What are you talking about Shirai?"
Kuroko put down the document she was working on and looked directly at Uiharu, "Do you even know what the requirements to join Judgement are?"
Uiharu puffed her cheeks, "Of course I do! Anyone can join as long as they do 4 months of basic training and sign 7 release forms."
"Well you're half right, anyone can join no matter who they are, however they need to have an OAS of at least a 75% to qualify."
"What's an OAS?" Index asked as she had no idea where this conversation was going.
"OAS stands for Overall Academic Score, it combines both a student academic abilities and their SYSTEM score." Kuroko clarified.
"Huh, but I thought Kamijou-san was a Gemstone, so shouldn't he be more than qualified to join?"
Kuroko shook her head, "I already checked when I first found out he was a Gemstone, his OAS is 70%"
"What!? How is that possible!? That's almost the same grade that Saten has!"
Index eyes suddenly widened as she gasped. "So Touma is dumb!"
Kuroko sighed. "He's not dumb, he's just …talentless."
"Huh? What are you talking about?"
Kuroko then opened a secret drawer in her desk and pulled out a folder labeled: 'Onee-sama's friends'."I always do a background search on everyone who gets close to Onee-sama and what I found was-" Suddenly Kuroko felt a dark aura behind her.
"You wouldn't happen to be misusing Judgement resources?" Konori-senpai then fixed her glasses showing off her Scary Shining Glasses abilities. "Would you Shirai?"
Trembling Kuroko slowly turned around. "N-No, never that would be a terrible-," Her whole world seemed to fall apart as documents fell out of the folder that read, For Official use only.
"I think we need to have a word in private Shirai."
Kuroko with a defeated look on her face complied, "This world is a cold, cold place" She mumbled.
Once Kuroko was escorted out Uiharu went over and scooped up the folder that she left behind. Most of it was filled with useless stuff but the part that interested her the most were the most recent entries, Kamijou Touma and Index Unknown.
"Hmm, it seemed as though Shirai wasn't able to find any information about you, Index," Flipping through more pages she eventually found Touma's entry. "Wow, so he really does have a 70%,"
"Isn't that bad?"
Uiharu only half paying attention answered Index. "In most cases, yes, but in Kamijou-san's case not so much. He has an Academic score of 90% and a SYSTEM Score of 50%."
Index only having limited knowledge of the science side was unsure what to make of this.
"But that doesn't make any sense. Why would he have the same grade as a Level 0?" Uiharu mumbled to herself.
"What are you talking about?"
Uiharu now finished reading the file looked up at Index, "Well Index the way grading works in Academy City is, just going through the Power Curriculum Program alone gets you a 50% but as your esper ability increase show does your grade and your Level."
"So, does that mean Touma's on the same level as a Level 0?"
Uiharu nodded, "He must really have some bad luck."
Index nodded in agreement. "Tell me about it."
A Certain Hospital
Fighting the urge to sneeze Touma awaited a reply from Misaki.
"..." Not saying a word Misaki simply looked at Touma.
"..."
It was at this moment Touma envied Accelerator for being in a coma right now.
"Ahh… Misaki?"
Misaki took a deep breath, "First are you okay?"
"Uh...yeah…." 'If don't count how I almost suffocated to death I'm peachy.'
"Good" Misaki then started to approach Touma.
"EEEK" Touma extended his right hand and braced it with his left.
Misaki stood there bewildered and embarrassed for a moment at what just happened. "Uh, what are you doing?"
Touma stood there frozen in place for a bit realizing what he just did, "S-Sorry, Force of habit".
"Did you think I was gonna hit you?"
"Uhhhh" In his defense, his reflexes were honed for danger
Misaki slowly went for Touma's right hand and gently set it down and hugged his chest gently. He could feel her ample chest press against his and could smell the sweet smell of honey from her hair.
Now blushing and confused at the sudden turn of events, Touma asked for clarification as to what exactly was going on, "S-So your not mad at me?" Touma meekly questioned.
Looking up Misaki answered, "Am I mad that you lack the ability to use a phone yes. But I'll never be mad when you're being you, my prince. You saved over 10,000 people."
"Huh? How'd you know that?" Touma asked.
Misaki simply grinned at him, "Do you still doubt my information gathering ability, I was informed by one of the members in my clique that a Gemstone resolved the incident in question and that the sound of Glass shattering was heard when the Beast disappeared."
'I completely forgot about that.'
"Well yeah I did do that but-"
He quickly silenced by Misaki kissing him on the lips silencing any protest he had. After what seemed like an eternity of bliss she finally let go, "I knew you were the one who did. See I knew my Prince did it"
Touma slowly coming back to reality didn't notice the fire in Misaki's eyes before it was too late.
With a beautiful smile that was accompanied by a malicious dark aura, she asked, "Now my Prince, which one of them did this to you."
Touma was stunned by the sudden turn of events, not just a few moments ago he thought he was the one going on the chopping block but now he was the one doing the sentencing.
"Was it that Moronic boy or was it…" She couldn't even finish that sentence since if it was the latter, there would be hell to pay.
Touma blinked as he processed her question, "Well you see-"
Touma not being one to sentence an innocent person to death was going with the former. Since it was Sogiita's fault that he broke his arm, so technically it wouldn't be lying.
His words seemed to die in his throat as he looked at Misaki's face.
"Um...well." Touma then began rehearsing what he was going to say in his head.
It was Sogiita, he threw me and… well, this. It's not lying, right? I mean he did do some damage, right!?
Touma once again looked at Misaki's innocent face.
"Is something wrong my Prince?" Misaki worryingly asked.
The look she gave Touma told him that she would've believed anything he told her no matter what it was. She had absolute faith in him, and what was he about to do.
Touma clenched his fists and looked down in shame, "I-I'm sorry."
"Touma?"
"I-I didn't get these injuries from either of them or from fighting the AIM Burst."
"What're you talking about?"
"You shouldn't blame them, they both told me to go away and that they had it covered, the only injury I got from there was a simple fracture."
"B-But if it wasn't from there, where did you get your injuries?"
"I-I got attacked by the same person who set my dorm on fire."
Misaki covered her mouth with her hands in shock.
"But don't worry I-" Touma was abruptly cut off by Misaki
"Don't worry!?, what do you mean don't worry!"
"Umm well you see...it turned out that they only tried to attack me because-"
"They!? Who are they, Touma!?"
"Well him and his friend, they only wanted to help their friend though." Touma weakly replied.
Misaki took a deep breath. "How would attacking you help their friend?"
"Uhh, well you see they were gonna try to…" Touma had no idea how to defend Stiyl's and Kanzaki's actions without making them sound like psychopaths, so he told the truth, "...put me in a coma."
"WHAT!?"
"B-But don't worry, my friend and I, we stopped them, so they won't be hurting anyone anymore" Touma tried his best to reassure her but it did little except make her worry even more.
"How do you know that!? How do you know that they won't just come back and finish what they started? And who is this friend you're talking about?"
Touma knew if he explained everything fully to Misaki then there would be no turning back. "Look Misaki, I know what they did to me was wrong, but they had a good reason. They were just trying to save their friend. While misguided, they were only trying to help. And like I said, I managed to talk one of them down, so I'm pretty sure they won't try anything like that again."
Misaki bit her lip and looked at him. "Why do I feel like there's something you're not telling me?"
Touma turned his head unable to face her. "Touma…."
"L-Look Misaki... I'm trying to-"
"To what!? Protect me? Well, I'm sorry, but the more you leave me out, the more you're hurting me, Touma." He winced at this, "I thought we were a team. So, why won't you tell me?"
"It's just that-" 'I don't want to see you hurt, I know you would do anything to help me but I never want to see you in the same position I'm in right now.' "I'm selfish"
Misaki was momentarily stunned. "What?"
"I'm selfish, I... I could've helped that person but I hesitated. It was just for a second and yet... I cared more about what I could've lost than them…. that's not me. That's not the person I ever wanted to be. That's why I wanted to do this by myself and I wanted to help them because… I messed up."
'Will you follow me to the depths of hell?'
Touma then felt her hand on his shoulder. "Everyone makes mistakes Touma."
"I-I know but its just…. I really messed up, because of me they got hurt badly. I dragged my friend into this whole mess and now there the one in the coma instead of me. I just didn't want to keep dragging people down with me."
Misaki then gently put her forehead on Touma's, "You're not dragging anyone down Touma, you care about people too much to ever do that. I know you think you made a big mistake but in reality, you just acted as anyone else would... No, you acted better than most people, you tried to make it right. You saw you made a mistake and did everything you could to fix it."
"Then why do I still feel like garbage?"
"Because you always kick yourself whenever make a mistake. You have to accept that there are gonna be times that you will mess up, but you have the ability to change yourself and not make the same mistakes again."
Touma smiled softly, "I guess, so are you mad?"
Misaki then sat on Touma's bed, "That depends, are you gonna tell me what really happened?"
"Y-Yes, but I need a little time to fix everything."
Misaki narrowed her eyes, "How much time?"
Touma flinched a little, "J-Just 3 days, after that I'll tell you everything, it's just that the person I'm helping is kinda poisonous to you?"
Misaki raised her eyebrow at this, "What are you talking about?"
"Well, you see if you ever accidentally read their mind or anything you would probably die."
"I'm not even gonna pretend to know what you're talking about, but I won't let you do this by yourself, Touma."
Touma nodded, "I know. That's why I'm not doing it alone, my friend is helping me with this."
Misaki looked confused, "Touma didn't you mention your friend was in the hospital?"
"M-My other friend."
"Are these new friends or are they-" Misaki had to force herself not to gag from remembering his current friends, "The perverts."
Touma quickly reassured her, "They're new, don't worry." 'Besides I doubt any of them are gonna talk to me until I move back into my dorm'.
Misaki sighed in relief, not only because Touma made new friends but because now she'll be able to worry less about Touma being influenced by those perverts. "So Touma, who are these new friends?"
"Oh let me show you."
Accelerator's Hospital Room
When Misaki entered the room, she saw an albino student laying down on the hospital bed. What surprised her the most, was that there were no electrodes attached to him at all. Normally in cases of coma patients, they would be hooked up to a plethora of devices all trying to detect some sort of change in their brainwave activity.
Misaki then turned to Touma, "Who is this?"
Touma smiled back at her, "He's my friend Accelerator, though I don't think that's his real name."
Misaki nodded, "Okay…." Misaki's face then turned into one of shock, "J-Just to clarify, is he the Accelerator who's the number one esper in all of Academy City?"
Touma nodded, "Yeah".
"..."
"..."
"Uhh, Misaki are you o-"
JUST HOW POWERFUL IS YOUR FRIENDSHIP ABILITY TOUMA!?"
Touma jumped back after hearing Misaki scream but then grinned after seeing Misaki do her little tick again.
"H-How!?"
Touma rubbed the back of his head, "Well you see Accelerator was the guy who was stealing all my coffee."
Misaki turned pale, "S-So he's the person who demolished that convenience store?"
Touma nodded, "Yep, but in his defense… I got nothing."
Misaki then started shaking. "T-Touma you do realize that Accelerator is the most powerful esper in all of Academy city right. He could probably take on the entire world's Military if he wanted to."
Touma tilted his head, "Really? I don't see it, I mean when I first met him I knocked him on the ground."
Misaki's jaw almost hit the floor. After the initial shock of seeing the most powerful esper in Academy wore off she then began to wonder, how did he end up in a coma?
"Touma, how did this happen?"
Touma grimaced remembering how this all happened, "He saved me, but he got hurt in the process doing it."
Misaki then scanned Accelerator for any injuries, "What's wrong with him?"
"Well, the doc said that he blocked some neural impulses from reaching his brain, and because of that he's in a coma." Touma then rubbed the back of his head nervously, "I was wondering if there was anything you could do for him."
Misaki looked unsure. "I don't know if I can. If it was that easy, then he wouldn't be number 1. From what I hear he can reflect basically anything that includes my Mental Out."
"Is there really nothing you could do?"
Misaki then took a remote out of her bag and without missing a beat, threw it at Accelerator's head.
*Ding*
The remote came flying back towards Misaki. If it wasn't for Touma catching it at the last second, she would've gotten pegged in the face for sure.
"What was that for?" Touma asked.
Misaki took a moment to analyze the situation.
'If his reflection is still up, there's nothing I could do. Even if Touma can get past his reflection with his hand that doesn't mean… wait'
"Touma do me a favor and touch Accelerators head with both your hands."
"Huh? Why do you want me to do that.?"
Misaki turned to him as she was taking off her gloves, "If you used both of your hands I think it would create enough of an opening for me to use Mental Out. Whenever you use your powers it either gets erased or absorbed, so right now I need you to do them both on just a small section of his head. But the second I say to let go of his head you have to let him go with both of your hands, so I can use Mental Out. The opening would just be for a second but even so that'll be more than enough for me."
Touma looked nervous, "Are you sure? I mean if what you're saying is true, wouldn't that mean if you touch him for even one second longer, your finger would snap?"
Misaki nodded, "Probably, but even, so I don't like to leave a debt unpaid".
"Alright then, just be careful."
Misaki simply looked at him and smile, "Don't worry, I am more than capable of doing something like this with my ability."
Touma nodded and proceed to put his hands on the top of Accelerator's head, Misaki told him that's where his Central Sulcus was.
*SHATTER* *REVERB*
With a look of concentration painted on her face Misaki inched her bare finger between Touma's hands, she wasn't insane enough to actually risk her whole hand when all she really needed was a point of contact to establish a connection.
"Now!"
In less than a fraction of a second, she made a connection to Accelerator's brain.
The moment Touma let go he also pushed Misaki's finger out of the way.
Touma then turned to Misaki who looked pale, "Are you okay?"
It took her a moment to regain her composure. "Y-Yeah, I'm a little nauseous though."
Touma then lead her to a chair that was nearby and helped her sit down, "Are you sure you're okay?"
Misaki slowly nodded as she held Touma's hand, "Yes I'm sure my Prince, and about your friend, I'm sorry but there wasn't anything I could do."
"Really?"
Misaki nodded, "My Mental Out allows me to control the moisture in someone's brain, I make the connection by sending out a small current of bioelectricity, but whatever he did was just on another level, he was able to manipulate his own neurons making it, so he didn't feel any pain."
"Is that bad?"
"Very, even if he was able to stop the neurons from reaching his brain, all it would do is just stall the inevitable."
Touma grimaced. "And that is?"
"The reason he's in a coma right now is that his brain is being overflown with neurons all carrying the same message, Pain."
Touma walked away from Misaki clenching his fist, realizing what Accelerator was currently feeling.
"Dammit!" Touma punched himself in the arm frustrated at what he put his friend through.
*SHATTER*
"T-Touma."
Touma quickly turned around to reassure her, "I-I'm sorry and not mad at you, I'm just mad at myself for letting him do that" Touma then reflexively touched his left hand with his right.
*SHATTER*
"I'm really sorry if I scared you it's just…... I'm sorry." Touma then lowered his head in shame.
Misaki then hugged Touma, "I know, but if it makes you feel any better I was able to take away some of his pain".
"Really?"
Misaki nodded. "By the way, I have a surprise for you."
"What is it?"
Misaki then grew a devious smile on her face, "Your dorm is finally fixed, you know what that means."
Touma's Dorm
The moment Touma walked through the door he could hardly recognize his dorm, not only was everything refurbished but everything was new. His once modest kitchen was turned into what you would find in a restaurant, he had a new stove and every other kitchen appliance he could think of. And the new fridge was twice the size of the old one.
"H-How did I afford this?" Touma worryingly questioned.
Misaki simply smiled. "Well, you know how we filed that reimbursement case at Judgement."
Touma slowly answered. "Y-Yeah?"
"Well, it turns out they paid for two dorms instead of one, and since you only had one dorm's worth of equipment, I upgraded."
Touma turned pale. "W-Wait did we commit insurance fraud."
Misaki pouted. "No, you really do have two dorms."
"But-" Touma looked around at all the new stuff in his dorm, how much longer was all of this going to stay in one piece?"My luck"
Misaki quickly shushed him by placing her finger on his lips, "Shhh, you know what time it is."
Touma sighed in defeat and hoped that whatever his luck was going to hit him with would wait until after he was finished saving Index. "Did you restock the fridge?"
Misaki grinned beautifully like a child. "Of course."
He then went to the kitchen. "What do you want?"
Misaki tilted her head. "I'm feeling Italian."
Touma then went into the fridge and started pulling out ingredients. "Is an Apple Risotto okay?"
Misaki gleefully nodded, "What about dessert?"
"Hmm, since we're going Italian why not go all the way, do you want cannoli?"
Misaki could feel her mouth begin to water, "Yes."
He then started to peel an apple and dice it into small cubes. "By the way Misaki, you never told me how your day went."
Sitting on the chair next to the counter to get a better look at Touma's cooking ability Misaki answered. "Nothing much, all I did was go to that research lab I told you about, the only interesting thing that happened that day was me getting a call from Junko telling me that everyone who was in a coma woke up."
"Okay," Touma then started to heat the butter that was in the pan and began to sauté the onions. He then pulled out a second pan and cooked 2 slices of bacon.
"By the way, Touma do you really think you can trust your new friend, Accelerator?" Misaki asked.
"Yeah of course," Touma answered as he added rice to the pan.
"It's just that, you know he's violent right. I mean he was the one who destroyed a convenience store over a pack of coffee."
Touma then added 2 tablespoons of white wine. "I know he might be a little rough around the edges, but he means well."
Misaki looked unconvinced, "Touma are you sure you can trust him?"
Touma then added a cup of water and apple juice to the blend as well as 1 teaspoon of Granulated Consommé and left it on the stove to simmer and went over to Misaki. "Misaki, I'd rather trust him and regret it than doubt him and live to regret it. He saved my life after all and I know he's a good guy".
Misaki pouted, "I know it's just I worry that's all. I don't want to see you getting hurt." She then felt his hand pat her on the head.
"Don't worry, I promise you no matter what happens I'll come back alive."
Misaki smiled, "I'll hold you to that you know."
Touma then gently kissed her, "I know."
Touma then went back to the pan and saw that all the liquid was absorbed and proceed to add the apple cubes and teaspoon of lemon juice on the risotto before putting it on a plate.
After that, he put the bacon on the plate and put just enough salt and pepper to give it the seasoning it needed.
"Misaki do you want cheese?"
"Yes please!"
Touma then brought the plate over to Misaki and started to grate the organic cheese in front of her, the second the cheese hit the Risotto it was melted and covering the risotto in its golden nectar.
Misaki had to force herself not to drool.
"Bon appétit Golden girl"
Misaki clapped her hands together, "Thank you for the meal." Then she proceeded to gracefully take a bite of the Risotto.
"MMMMHHH It's so good."
Touma smiled at the compliment, "Thanks."
"The texture it's sweet but savory too, I can feel the crunchiness of the apple as it explodes with flavor after every bite" She then gave Touma a thumbs up, "Five out of Five my Prince!"
"Thanks, but I'd hardly call it-"Touma then saw Misaki staring him down.
Misaki then stood up "I the great Shokuhou Misaki have given my judgment".
"Okay," Touma deadpanned.
Once Misaki finished eating the Risotto, Touma handed her the plate of freshly made cannolis
Touma could see her eyes sparkle as he arrived with the plate, "I missed this,"
Before taking a bite Misaki looked at Touma, "You know this doesn't get you off the hook for lying to me, right?"
"B-But I never actually lied to you."
Misaki narrowed her eyes at him, "Omission is a type of lie to my Prince."
Touma went to go say something but stopped after he realized that she was right. "You're right I shouldn't have lied to you, I'm sorry."
Misaki smiled, "You're forgiven also I'll give you your 3 days to try to fix this since it means so much to you, but after that I want you to tell me everything. No more omitting details, okay?"
Touma nodded, "I got it".
"Good." Misaki then looked down at her plate, the cannolis were all lightly drizzled in chocolate sauce and on the side the plate was the design of a star made with the sauce. The reason she had to say this before was that she would've been in too good of mood after tasting them to admonish him.
The moment she took the first bite one thought came to mind.
I need to marry him!
Part 2
Judgement Office Branch 177
After being scolded by Konori-senpai for misusing Judgement Resources, Kuroko was stuck with even more paperwork as punishment.
Once Kuroko went back into the main office she saw Uiharu and Index huddled together at the couch reading her Folder.
"What do you two think you're doing?" Kuroko demanded.
"EEEEKKKK!" Both Index and Uiharu screeched after being found out.
Before either of them could make a break for it, Kuroko teleported in front of them and put her hands on both of their shoulders.
Kuroko then turned to Index and gave her a twisted smile, "If you lie to me, we're going on a wild ride Index."
Having gained a phobia for teleported Index folded. "We were just reading up on Touma I swear! Please don't teleport me! I don't want to lose my limbs!" This was a legitimate concern in teleportation magic.
Kuroko then turned to Uiharu and released a vicious dark aura, "Is that all, you wouldn't happen to have been snooping around my desk, would you!?"
Trembling in fear Uiharu answered, "N-No! I swear Shirai we would never snoop around in your desk."
Kuroko released her grip on both the girls and released an aura of pleasantness, "Good then we won't have any problems," She then proceeded to take the folder and documents out of the traumatized girls' hands and calmly strutted over to her desk.
After finally regaining her composure Uiharu turned to Kuroko, "Shirai, do you know why Kamijou-san has such a low SYSTEM grade?"
Kuroko looked up for a moment before answering, "As I told you before, it's because he's talentless."
Index then stood up and flailed her arms protesting what Kuroko said, "Nuh-uh! Touma has plenty of talent, he's the one who stopped the monster after all".
Uiharu nodded in agreement, "Yeah, why do you keep saying that about Kamijou-san! He has plenty of talent!"
Kuroko then pinched the bridge of her nose, "I don't mean it like that, I mean in the eyes of Academy City he's talentless."
"What'd you mean?"
Kuroko sighed, "Tell me Uiharu do you believe in Power Theory" {A theory that says any esper can obtain Level 5 if they train hard enough}
"Of course, I do"
"Well Kamijou isn't that lucky, he's an Amethyst"
Both Uiharu and Index tilted their heads, "Amethyst?"
Kuroko then sat straight and cupped her hands together, "That's the system Academy City uses to grade Gemstones, Diamonds are the highest while amethyst is the lowest."
"W-Well that doesn't mean that Kamijou-san can't be a Diamond one day." Uiharu rebutted.
Kuroko shook her head, "No Uiharu, it means he can never become a Diamond or anything above that what he currently is."
Uiharu looked visibly shocked, "W-What are you talking about Shirai?"
Kuroko sighed knowing the fate of Touma. "It means Kamijou can never become more than he already is. Gemstones are born with their powers, so they're stuck with them for their entire lives no matter what they are, whether they be weak or strong, and no matter how much Gemstones trains they'll never be any stronger. It's like their name says, they're set in stone."
Uiharu covered her mouth in pure shock. "So, no matter how much he trains, it's pointless."
Kuroko nodded, "I don't envy him that's for sure, I mean people come to Academy city to try to get powers, but being born with them and then being called worthless no matter how much you try, is something even I can sympathize with."
Index eyes widen in surprise, "Wait is Touma one of the Talented ones!?"
Uiharu and Kuroko both turned to her, "I guess you could call him that, yeah".
Index then smiled, "Oh wow! I never saw one of the Talented ones before! Touma is so special!"
"Index what are you talking about?"
Index was bursting with excitement, "The talented ones were the precursors of all Magic and Science in the world, it's because of them that we exist today".
Uiharu tilted her head confused, "Magic?"
Index gleefully nodded. "I can't believe Touma's one of them, imagine being one of the rare people in the world being talented. I mean anyone can learn magic, but it's only by chance that you can become one of the Talented ones. I think you have a better chance of being born a Saint."
"Uhhhh?"
The door to the Judgement Office then flew open and in walked no other than their resident Electromaster.
"Hey, guys what's up."
Seeing Mikoto walk-in Kuroko leaped at her from her desk at her, "Onee-sama!"
*ZAP*
Now finished barbecuing Kuroko to the floor, Mikoto turned to Index. "How was your day Index?"
Index then tugged on Mikoto's arm, "Mikoto did you know that Touma was one of the Talented ones!"
"Huh? Do you mean Gemstone? Yeah, why?"
Still convulsing on the floor Kuroko looked up at Mikoto, "Onee-sama, how are you here? I thought the Dorm Manager made you clean the entire pool by yourself."
Mikoto smiled at her, "Your classmates Awatsuki and Wannai helped me" Mikoto the reached into her school bag and pulled out a gift bag and handed it to Kuroko. "Happy one-month anniversary roommate."
Kuroko still simmering on the ground cried tears of joy, "I knew there was some good left in this cold world."
"Anyways, Index I was thinking we could do your audition today before we go visit the idiot in the hospital."
"Okay, but how do you know Touma's in the hospital?"
Mikoto blushed for a moment, "I mean I called this morning to make sure he actually went, I mean knowing him he'd probably just try to avoid the hospital because of the bill." Mikoto then turned to Uiharu, "If your free Uiharu you can join us, I'll buy us desserts at 326 Ice cream when we're all done"!
With sparkles in her eyes, Uiharu nodded. "Yes!"
Slowly getting up from the ground Kuroko began to protest, "Wait, what about me?"
As all of them began walking out of the Judgement Office, Uiharu turned to her a gave a slight grin. "I think you still have some paperwork to do Shirai." She then pointed at the mountain of papers that were on her desk.
Once she closed the door, Kuroko went into the depths of despair,
"What did Kamijou call it again, that's right SUCH MISFORTUNE!"
Part 3
Touma's Dorm
"Achoo!"
"Bless you, my Prince."
"Thanks, so did you like it?" Touma asked, but he already knew the answer since she was pretty vocal about how much she liked it.
Misaki grinned like a child, "No... I Loved it! You really have leveled up your cooking ability haven't you Touma."
Touma rubbed the back of his head embarrassed. "Yeah, I mean my teacher even said if I really wanted to, I could probably make it into the finals at the cooking contest their hosting in District 9"
Misaki nodded. "I think you could win Touma you should enter."
"I don't know, I mean what if something goes wrong."
Misaki waved her finger disapprovingly at Touma, "You'll never know if you don't try, besides the worst thing to happen you lose and gain more experience from it."
"I guess you're right."
"I know I am"
As Touma began washing the dishes he felt Misaki rub up next to him, "Here let me help you with that."
"What's this? The Golden girl actually helping me clean-up for once?"
Misaki pouted, "I've helped you clean up plenty of times before, it's just you just came back from the hospital and I don't want to strain you any more than I already have."
"Hehe, no it's fine I'm just messing with you, Thanks though."
Once they finished cleaning up their mess Touma and Misaki sat on his bed and started to talk.
"Touma I want you to promise me that you really have everything handled"
Touma looked up and sighed, "I can't because I really don't, in reality, it's only because of my friends that I was able to make it this far, but I can promise you that if I ever do need help that I'll come to you first."
Misaki then leaned her head on Touma's shoulder, "That's all I ask." After staying like that for a few minutes Misaki finally got up. "Well my Prince I must be off, as much as I would love to spend every minute of the day with you, I have to help plan the Tokiwadai Midsummer Festival."
Touma smiled. It wasn't that long ago that Misaki wouldn't leave his side ever, but Touma knew the real reason she always so close to him. She was scared that something was going to happen to him like it did last year. It was only recently that Touma got her to smile again and not worry about him constantly, so he was happy that she was doing her own thing.
Misaki then kissed Touma and headed towards the exit, "Bye my Prince …oh before I forget I left a new phone for you by your bed. I couldn't find any of the cheap brands you usually buy, so I just got a regular one, is that alright?"
Touma nodded, "Yeah it's fine, I'll call you later."
Now alone in his dorm Touma had to make a call to Mikoto and tell her about Index's incoming sickness. He didn't know how she would take it and would've rather told her face to face but the faster she knew the better.
*RING RING*
Park
"Okay action."
"Hey…." Index started to inch her way out of the camera's sight.
"Cut!" Uiharu yelled.
"Index you have to stay inside the camera's sights if you want this to work," Mikoto advised.
Index then looked down at the ground, "I know it's just I really don't like camera's they-"
"Steal your lifespan I know, but do you honestly think I'm unlucky enough to actually buy that camera, I mean I'm not Kamijou you know."
Index giggled, "I know."
Uiharu now wearing a baseball cap that was adorned with flowers approached Index, "Come on stardom awaits for no woman'" she then pointed her at her with her clipboard, "Not even a Sister."
Mikoto then chuckled nervously, "Uiharu don't you think you're taking this a little too serious,"
With fire burning in her eyes she turned to Mikoto, "Nonsense, were in it to win it" She then grabbed Index by the shoulders, "I'm gonna do everything within my power to make you a star Index we'll show everybody that dreams do come true."
Index then started sweating nervously, "O-Okay." She then turned to Mikoto and mouthed 'help'
*Ring Ring*
Before any other action could be taken Mikoto got a call on her Cellphone. "Sorry gotta take this, have fun!" She then scampered away leaving Index alone with the crazed Flower Girl.
"Phew, thanks for calling you got me out of a really tight spot, what's up?"
"Hey, I was just calling to check up on you guys."
"We're fine unless you count Uiharu projecting her dreams of being a star onto Index a problem."
"... I'm not even gonna pretend I understand what you're talking about, but there's something important I gotta tell you."
"What is it?"
Touma then recounted the events of what happened last night and what Kanzaki told him about Index and her History and her upcoming illness.
Mikoto had to sit down after hearing the part about where Index was gonna die.
"Mikoto are you still there?"
It took a while for Mikoto to finally work up the nerve to respond. "...Yeah, it's just…."
Touma sighed, "I know I couldn't believe when I heard it too, have you noticed Index acting strange recently?"
"No! Although yesterday she was complaining about having a headache, I thought that she was just making it up because she wanted me to buy her more food."
"Hehe, yeah that does sound like something she would do, so what are we gonna do?"
" I don't know, We could always try using your hand, I mean it worked on the AIM burst so maybe it'll work on this."
"I don't think it's that simple, I mean I'm not a hundred percent sure but I know I touched Index with my right hand before."
"S-Should we tell Index?"
"... No".
"Kamijou."
"Look It won't do us any good if we put any more stress on Index as it is. Besides I'm pretty sure Stiyl or Kanzaki would've fixed Index by now if it was that simple"
"But lying to her, that just feels wrong."
"I know, and we'll tell her but can't we just give her one more day before we do. I mean is that so wrong?"
Mikoto leaned back on the bench, "I guess you're right, but after today we both tell her she has a right to know."
"Totally"
"From what it sounds like, I think Index has a brain fever or whatever magical equivalent they have to that."
"So, what? We just give her a bunch of antivirals and hope one of them works?"
"No of course not! Though I'm thinking we should take her to a hospital, I think I know a doctor who can help us out".
"Really, who?"
Mikoto then scratched her head, "I don't remember his name but I know he looks like a Gekota."
"Wait are you talking about Heaven Canceler?"
"You know him?"
"Yeah he's my doctor, yeah I think he might help us out, good idea Mikoto."
"Yeah well, we're not out of the woods yet."
"I know, by the way, they fixed my dorm."
"That's good, I was wondering when you'd stop squatting with your Teacher."
"Yeah but I think I'm gonna stay at Komoe-sensei place until we figure all this out. I don't want my neighbors seeing me lead a stray nun into my house."
"Haha, but that's how all the best rumors start, I mean there's one about me where I have an army of clones based on my DNA, known as the sisters that were all created in some secret laboratory."
"Wow that sounds really rough, but how about we talk about reality here for a second."
"Tch, don't blow off everything I say!"
"I'm not Jeez, look all I want to do now is figure out a way to help Index that's all, we can deal with your clones some other time."
"Fine, by the way, Index has been asking for you saying something about you being one of the Talented ones."
"Talented ones?"
"I don't know, I think she means Gemstone, but either way she seems pretty excited to meet you again."
"Well come drop her off at Komoe-sensei's apartment when you're done I'm headed there right now anyway."
"Okay we'll head over there once we're done, I gotta go I think Uiharu's taking this whole audition thing a bit to serious, gotta go bye."
"Audition?"
Part 4
Gemstone Research Facility
"For the last time Sogiita, you're not allowed to just punch holes in the building just because you want to test your 'Guts'. Please tell me you understand" Kumokawa asked knowing full well that all she was doing was wasting her own breath.
"Got it," Sogiita said as he nodded not absorbing a single word she was saying.
"Good enough for me," Kumokawa sighed out giving up all hope she ever had of having an easy day at work.
"By the way, I've been meaning to ask you if you know anything Kamijou-sama?"
Kumokawa raised her eyebrow slightly, "You want to know more about, Kamijou?"
"Yeah! I mean the guy beat that monster in one hit! He's got to be overflowing with Guts. I didn't get to spar against him the last time I met him because that weird judgment lady took me away."
Kumokawa started to twitch, "That judgment lady took you away because you got arrested."
"Nuh-uh! She only led me to a building then got a phone call and let me right go."
"That's because I…...Nevermind, in any case, I'm not allowed to give you any personal information about a fellow Gemstone, it could cause a big problem."
Sogiita tilted his head confused, "Problem? What kind of problem?"
Kumokawa sighed, "Not all Gemstones are created equally, I'm able to publicly share that you're a Gemstone because you're more than capable of defending yourself from people who don't like the fact that Gemstones never had to go through the Power Curriculum Program."
"But Kamijou-san has more than enough guts to beat up these petty thugs!"
"No." Besides the biggest danger to him right now is you, moron.
"Oh, come on!"
"Ugh, for the last time n-" Wait a minute this might actually be beneficial for Kamijou, having someone as powerful as this moron stay by his side should keep him out of trouble, or at least help him get out of any. "You know what fine."
"Really! I knew you would see the-"
Kumokawa then raised a finger to stop him, "On one condition."
"What's that?"
She then narrowed her eyes at the boy, "No fighting, if you want to test out your skills that's fine but do it in a controlled environment like here. Having you pick a fight on him on the streets would just cause unnecessary complications, such as you hurting Kamijou."
"Okay! But wait I've never actually seen Kamijou-sama come here before."
Kumokawa nodded, "Yep if wanna test your abilities you're gonna have convince Kamijou to come here," She then narrowed her eyes at him while releasing a powerful dark aura, "And no fighting."
Ignoring that display of her true colors, Sogiita was excited to finally get the chance to spar with Touma, "Got it! You can count on me to get Kamijou-sama here in no time." he then moved at nearly the speed of sound towards the exit before coming to a screeching halt.
"You forgot that I didn't actually tell you anything about Kamijou didn't you."
With a childlike smile he turned around, "Yeah, I guess I got a little too excited."
She then pinched the bridge of her nose, "Give me a second to pull up Kamijou's records," Kumokawa then started to log into her computer and quickly pulled up Touma's file.
Reading down the file she saw a recent report of him being admitted to the hospital, it wasn't that surprising to her until she read that he wasn't just admitted for a broken arm.
"Give me a second" Kumokawa then got up from her chair and started to pull out her phone.
"Uhh, is there a problem?"
"No, but there's about to be one."
Komoe-sensei's apartment
"I can't believe you didn't tell me you were one of the talented ones Touma!" Index said in an attempt to scold her inept caretaker.
"For the last time Index, this first time I've ever actually heard that term used!"
Index then noticed all the bandages on Touma, "Why do have so many bandages for just a broken arm?"
Both Mikoto and Touma gulped, "W-Well you see, because of my luck I got hurt on the way back to the hospital."
Index then narrowed her eyes at him, "Touma! You have to be more careful than that you could've got hurt badly."
Touma gave off a small chuckle, "Don't worry, I already got the lecture, by the way, Index I heard you were doing an audition?"
Index's eyes then started to sparkle with elation, "Yeah! Mikoto and Flower hair both helped me I think I'm gonna win. Can you picture it, Touma? Me in the next Magical Powered Kanamin Movie".
Touma then turned to Mikoto who just shrugged.
"Well don't let stardom get to your head I guess," Touma said sarcastically, "You already have enough of an ego as it is."
"What! Touma I'll have you know that I'm very humble! Everyone says so!"
"Yeah because that's what humble people do, brag about how humble they are, sorry for the misunderstanding…... Index what are you doing? No no no, please…...SUCH MISFORTUNE!"
One Mauling later.
"Wow, I think she got you like 5 times there," Mikoto said while bandaging up Touma.
"Yeah, thanks a lot for helping! It was super helpful how you just stood there and watched."
Mikoto shrugged. "It's not my fault you don't know when to watch your mouth, and I'm not about to go anywhere near her when she opens up her mouth. I've seen her wolf down burgers like they were tic tacs before."
"Fine," He then turned to the now sleeping Index, "So what's the plan for tomorrow?"
"Hmm, I guess for now I'll research as much as I can about this mysterious magical brain fever, it might be a more advanced version of Encephalitis."
"Okay I'll guess I'll stay here and watch Index in case she gets sick"
Right before Mikoto left she turned to Touma, "Are you sure you're okay, I mean from the way you described that fight…"
Touma nodded, "Yeah I'm good, at least now we don't have to constantly look over our shoulders in case of any incoming magicians."
"Didn't that Saint tell you that she'd come back if we couldn't find a way to save Index?"
Touma then clenched his fist, "We'll find a way, I'm sure of it, for now, let's get some rest, Tomorrow's problems are Tomorrow's Kamijou's problem after all."
"Hehe, alright I'll see you Tomorrow don't tell Index until I get here"
"Got it, Bye."
After Touma closed the door he made his way to his futon and laid there looking at the ceiling for hours until he could fall asleep, tomorrow they would work on finding Index a cure to her Illness.
Author's Notes
The Rankings for Gemstones is as follows
Diamond= Level 5
Emerald=Level 4
Sapphire=Level 3
Rubies=Level 2
Amethyst= Level 1
There are no level 0 equivalents to Gemstones since you're either born one or not, however, you can have a low enough ranking as a Level 1 Gemstone to match a Level 0.
The reason why Misaki was able to use Mental Out on Accelerator was that Touma erased a section on his reflection and then used absorbed enough of his AIM field to disrupt it for a short amount of time. It's similar to what Takitsubo did to Kakine except for a lot less effective.
Fun Facts
Touma's cooking skills are at the Level of Sōma Yukihira at the end of season 3
Touma has never actually cooked a proper meal for Index or Mikoto
Touma offered to cook for them when he was staying at Komoe-sensei's apartment but Komoe-sensei refused, knowing that once Touma left she would be stuck with her old bland food.