It's the holidays and you know what that means, debt for all. We buy stuff for others and don't pay off bills until the mid-summer. We see people we don't like and pretend to be interested in their stories. Nah, just kidding. I hope everyone has a good holiday, regardless what you celebrate. Stay safe, have fun, and I hope you all get a break from work, school, or whatever else takes up your valuable time. It's time for my first shot of an Omake. For those of you who may not be familiar with one, it's an extra story that does not go with the plot and has no discernable purpose except for fun. I hope you all laugh, cry, and enjoy this fun little Christmas-y short. Oh one other thing. Mr? and his really popular story had been recently updating a lot recently. I wonder if that is because I'm catching up to him with length AND chapters. It could be a coincidence, but I bet he updates a couple more real soon.

general ironox: Sogiita Gunha won using a common technique called hacking. He broke the laws of the world to win.

Jujudude: I love how you call Australia, Satan's Armpit. I have a friend who lives there and he tries to tell me it's nice there, but at the same time he's planning to move somewhere else.

Brosephg: Noukan is definitely the best Kihara. It was obvious he needed to show up and hit Eve with some humble pie. The next installment will have to wait as you read a festive tale of holiday cheer.

ultron emperor: I didn't cry. I was just raining in my room and a single large drop fell under my eye.

Somerandumguy: You cried, didn't you?

MarkJ: Eve is complicated, so her words may not mean what you think, but based on what she said, that's not a bad guess. Hmm, maybe the scene might feel completed for you after the fight concludes and Accelerator can talk to his harem girls. Get some final closure without the threat of dying. Normal Christmas? What's that? Fight to death, kidnapping, and harem antics?

Whwsms: Eve said some interesting things some people glossed over. Glad you picked up on that. Harem is the plot though, everything else is just filler. Kaori Kanzaki does need one of those puppets to snuggle with. It's like a large teddy bear.

GameCguru: I'm not sure how far in the light novels you might be, or the manga, but the villains are actually pretty weak compared to what has been shown in the NT. Alcohol is always funny, but there's other comedic things that can happen without.

Guest: Aww, but if I fix everything, you wouldn't be able to review it for me. I should probably put some more in there. Touma does seem to take all the girls. If Touma takes Hanabi, he needs Hibiki too to complete the set. Unless there's a double date with the twins, Accelerator, and Kami… I'll come back to this. AH NO! I forgot Krampus. Dang, I should have added him. Oh well, he doesn't fit in this Omake easily and if I add him now, it would be obvious I put him in for the sake of putting him in.

Yakutsu Zaishiro: AH you know those guys, nothing is ever simple.

Handsomistic1: Feels bro, dem feels. Touma's on vacation and Mikoto's about to unleash a can of whoop ass on Juliet.

Salishious: Why does everyone hate on Oda? He's a pretty chill guy and has honor, maybe not Arthur level honor, but he's not crazy evil. We know Misaki would cheat if it meant being with a certain guy, so a certain tsundere must take precautions. Maybe at some point in the future, we could have Yuna and Motoharu do the commentary on the below chapter.

Generation Zero: Huh, I don't know if vampires actually worship gods. Cain definitely won't, but others might. Kakine is reforming his entire body with superior dark matter material, it's not something that happens instantly. He will return and in greater numbers, I mean power. Sorry, was getting all Star Wars there. These fights are pretty fun to write as each one is different enough to make them interesting.

wildarms13: What happens when two unstoppable forces collide? We will find out.

: I was told I write Accelerator the best out of the other guy heroes. I don't know why. I just find him so easy to write, but it's a lot of mental descriptions rather than physical.

FrodoFighter: Remember, take everything Eve says with a grain of salt. She could be lying or trolling. I could be trolling too, but it's not a bad guess on your part. If you remember Index explaining magic, people turned to magic because their prayers weren't answered by god. It was a way for people without to challenge those with natural gifts. Gurren Laggan was such a great anime. I wanted to focus more on Accelerator's mental state over the physical state, so I used the novels description. If you are biased, that means we definitely can't do that.

321jaz: Good to see you still keeping up.

Meaningless Us3rname: I was watching your trial of comments and was debating when you would reach the end. Glad you are enjoying it. I hope to keep you entertained in the future too.

naruhinasakufan1: That sounds like something they would do if they could watch, but couldn't interfere.

Disclaimer: Random people do not own Toaru Majutsu no Index or any of the characters. Reading this story may cause you to burst out in laughter or start yelling at fictional characters. This may cause nearby people to assume you have gone crazy. Please read responsibly. Magic Gods own all so they can do what they want.

"Why am I the only one alone for the holidays?" Pierce moaned and slumped onto the couch in Jason's apartment.

"Because Kami-yan and Accelerator take all the girls," Motoharu laughed. He sat down on a chair in front of a large table and leaned back. "You only got a glimpse of what I saw in England. Kami-yan Disease is much more potent than we believed. I, on the other hand, have the perfect little sister."

"Then we simply have to benefit from his presence. In a way, he owes it to us for all our suffering."

"You brought them?"

"Tons of Christmas outfits," Pierce grinned deviously and pointed to a large box in the corner of the room. "I'm sure we can trick… persuade Kami-yan and some of his bolder harem members to join in." His grinned widened. "I mean, they won't want to lose to each other after all."

"It only takes one to get the ball rolling," Motoharu agreed and then looked over his shoulder. "Hey nee-chin, you should finish and change into something more festive before Kami-yan gets here. You can greet him as soon as the door opens."

"If you ever suggest I wear one of those costumes again," Kaori answered coldly. "I'm going to throw you out the window."

"At least you are planning to keep the mess out of my apartment," Jason laughed from the kitchen area. "I just cleaned up too and blood stains are a pain to remove."

"We know what you mean by cleaning up," Motoharu said and pointed to the closet.

Jason's apartment had undergone a pretty extensive transformation. Normally messy with countless boxes, clothes, and junk thrown in piles, the apartment was now cluttered in a much more festive way. A large table surrounded by chairs was set up in the middle of the room, which was normally occupied by the couch, sofa chairs, and the TV. Everything else was pushed up against the wall to make room. The table had a red and green Christmas cloth thrown over it and each seat had dishes and silverware set up. Motoharu and Pierce had done their job, after having a fake fight with the silverware, and were sitting down in the chairs. It wasn't like they were purposely goofing off, it's just no one wanted to assign them anything important to do. The closet Motoharu had referred to was what happened to all the junk normally in the apartment. The door was bulging slightly and it was obvious to everyone what Jason had done.

Kaori was busy finishing up decorating the Christmas tree in the corner of the room. Jason had bought one, but never got around to decorating it. Kaori volunteered and managed to complete the task in record time. The tree was well balanced with ornaments, candy canes, and tinsel along with a bright star on top. She was doing one last inspection to make sure the job was complete to the best of her abilities, when Motoharu had spoken up. She had been surprised they waited this long to actually set up for the party, until she found out Motoharu and his friend decided to suggest the party at the last minute. They bullied Jason into using his apartment and they had rushed to set everything up. They probably wouldn't have succeeded, even with her help, if it wasn't for one person.

Itsuwa had saved the day.

She had been with Kaori when Motoharu contacted them. As they were both stationed in Academy City, Itsuwa join them for the party. When she and Kaori arrived, they found Jason trying to get everything set up with limited help from Motoharu and Pierce. While Kaori handled the decorations, Itsuwa handled one of the most important tasks, cooking. With the skills of a chef far beyond her years, she worked like a professional to get all the dishes ready. It was obvious to her Jason had never witness a Japanese Christmas because all the food he had brought was more common in western cultures. It didn't bother her too much and she went to work. The main course was a ham, pretty common dish to her, and she was watching it closely while it was in the oven. Simultaneously, she was preparing candied sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, vegetables, biscuits, and other accessories.

"Kagere-san," Itsuwa said. "I need the gravy stirred so the bottom doesn't burn." She was wearing an apron over her pink tank top and skirt.

"On it," Jason replied and dropped the frosting bag he was holding. He had been currently decorating a large chocolate cake. Itsuwa was much more experienced than he was in cooking large meals, so he was just following her orders.

"Who do you think is going to be first?" Motoharu asked, as he turned back to Pierce. "Misaka-san's group or Lessar's group?"

"I think Shokuhou-san is going to try to beat the others," Pierce said. He crossed his arms and nodded his head. "She would want to be first, but she's smart. There's a possibility she went directly to his dorm to pick him up."

"That sounds like her," Motoharu agreed. "But I bet when she shows up Kami-yan already left to pick up someone else we don't know about."

"More like accidently picking up a dozen girls," Pierce laughed bitterly. "Want to place bets on how many girls he brings?" There was a bang from the kitchen and also the tinkle of a breaking ornament, something none of the guys missed and they all grinned deviously. "I'm still going with a dozen. That bastard has way too much luck with girls. He needs to learn to share."

"If he was by himself, maybe," Motoharu replied and crossed his arms. "Index is there, so he might only have half a dozen. The question is, will he arrive first or will the other girls…?" The bell rang. "Speak of the devil."

"One of you two slackers get it," Jason ordered. "The rest of us are busy."

"Right away boss," Motoharu said and gave a snappy salute while he stood up. Pierce laughed.

"I'm only the owner," Jason corrected him. "Itsuwa-san's the boss."

"When did that happen?" Itsuwa asked confused.

"When you made our dream of a Christmas party come to fruition," Pierce explained. Motoharu and Jason laughed, even Kaori smiled slightly, and then Motoharu answered the door.

"Looks like it's not him," Motoharu called over his shoulder as he swung the door open. "Hello ladies, come on it."

"Thanks Tsuchimikado-san," Mikoto said and entered. She was followed by Kuroko, Kazari, Ruiko, and Misaki. "Are we the first to arrive?" She looked around as she removed her scarf, coat, earmuffs, and gloves. Everyone else was bundled up in similar fashions. Once their winter layers were removed, they revealed their casual clothes. None of them wore their school uniforms today. Mikoto was wearing a blue shirt with a purple skirt and, most likely, her usual shorts underneath. Kuroko was wearing a black skirt and a white long sleeve shirt. Kazari was wearing a pink long sleeve shirt and a yellow skirt. Ruiko clothes looked more in line with the weather, as she was wearing form fitting jeans and a long sleeve black shirt. Misaki was wearing an expensive looking full length black dress and it was probably intended to impress a certain unlucky boy, depending on what someone would consider luck to be.

"Hey guys," Ruiko greeted them. "Something smells good." She closed her eyes and sniffed the air. "Itsuwa-san, I didn't know you were going to be here."

"I was invited along with Kanzaki-san," Itsuwa answered and smiled at them. Kaori had asked her to call her Kanzaki during the party to make it less formal instead of the usual Priestess. "I was a little lonely away from the rest of my group, so this party should be fun." She neglected to mention Saiji Tatemiya had overheard Motoharu's call to her and Kaori and wanted to interfere. He was knocked unconscious, tied up, and locked in a basement before the two girls left for the party.

"But you're working in the kitchen," Kuroko pointed out. "Did those guys make you help out?"

"Oh no," Itsuwa replied and shook her head. "I volunteered when I saw they needed help."

"And she was a lifesaver," Jason added. "Those two were useless." He pointed to Motoharu and Pierce.

"We volunteered to help decorate," Pierce protested.

"But we didn't want mistletoe to decorate every inch of the roof," Kaori added as she stepped out from behind the tree. "Good evening everyone."

"Nice to see you Kanzaki-san," Mikoto, Kazari, Ruiko, and Kuroko replied. Misaki, on the other hand, looked around and there was a look of disappointment on her face.

"Is Touma not here yet?" she asked.

"You know him," Motoharu answered and waved his hand dismissively. "He probably got sidetracked helping someone." Mikoto, Misaki, and Ruiko giggled softly. "He should be here soon enough, along with everyone else." Kuroko rolled her eyes and Kazari walked over to the kitchen area where Jason was finishing up the cake.

"The cake looks good," she commented.

"Thanks," Jason said and beamed at her. "I hope it tastes as good as it looks." He raised an eyebrow and stared at her seriously. "You know you can't have any until after the meal, right?"

"W-what?" stuttered Kazari. "I know that!"

"We all knew what you were thinking Uiharu," Ruiko laughed and so did everyone within ear shot.

"Why are you wearing skirts in this weather?" Jason asked Kazari. "It's below freezing out and there's snow everywhere." Before Kazari could answer, Ruiko interrupted.

"So I can do this!" Ruiko flicked her finger and a gust of air blew Kazari's skirt upwards and revealed red underwear with snowmen on it.

"AHH!" Kazari cried in surprise, before she turned and rounded on Ruiko. "SATEN-SAN! Why do you keep doing that?!"

"I wanted to make sure you were wearing your festive underwear," Ruiko responded like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"That's not your job to check!"

"Who's job is it?" Ruiko asked and her eyes darted to Jason. He grinned, but was determinedly avoiding direct eye contact.

"I-it's n-no one's j-job," Kazari stuttered and her face grew red when she realized who Ruiko was looking at. "What I wear is my business." Kuroko rolled her eyes at their antics and leaned up against the table with the cake.

"Can you even cook?" Kuroko asked Jason. "We don't want to wake up sick on Christmas."

"When have I ever let you down?" Jason asked with a smirk.

"All the time," Kuroko said jokingly. Jason may have annoyed her a lot, but he had always come through when they were in trouble.

"Just for that, no cake for you." Jason stood up straight and stretched. "I'm giving your piece to Kazari." Kuroko's eyes widened and she turned to Kazari who choose that moment to speak up.

"Yay…," her voice trailed off at the look Kuroko gave her. "I mean, sorry Shirai-san." Kuroko reached up and grabbed her cheeks and pulled. "Owe, that hwerts!" Ruiko only laughed. Everyone there understood the importance of cake. While they were talking by the kitchen, Mikoto and Misaki moved toward Kaori, Motoharu, and Pierce.

"Hi Kanzaki-san," Mikoto greeted her. "How have you been?"

"No complaints," Kaori replied and smiled. "How are you Misaka-san, Shokuhou-san?"

"Exhausted," Mikoto answered and slumped down on the couch. "Our school kept our nose to the grindstone with all the tests before break."

"I normally don't have trouble with them," Misaki added. "But even I was feeling a lot of mental fatigue in keeping up with the curriculum. Tokiwadai really doesn't want to waste even a second."

"Heh," Kaori replied. "I can't say I envy your trouble. Sometimes a straightforward solution is better than studying. I understand your frustration. We study on the other side too." She purposely kept her words a little vague since Pierce was in earshot and he was the only one who didn't know about magic.

"It's nice to have a break and relax again," Mikoto said.

"Thanks for inviting me," Misaki said. "It was a little difficult shuffling around my schedule, but I wouldn't miss a party with everyone. I don't get to see Kanzaki-san or her companions often and they have done a lot for us."

"That was partially our fault," Pierce spoke up. "We decided to organize everything at the last minute."

"A few people couldn't make it sadly," Motoharu added and leaned back in his chair. "Ishikawa-san said she and the Nakano twins couldn't come. She sounded really disappointed too, something about wanting to see Kami-yan." He smirked. "Not Kami."

"Shame," Misaki said slightly coldly. She was obviously annoyed she had another rival going after Touma, but was glad Yuna could not attend.

"There are going to be a lot of people coming though," Pierce said. "Lessar and her friends, plus-..." He stopped suddenly when the doorbell rang. "Who's it going to be this time?"

"I got it," Ruiko called out and she opened the door. "Hi," she told the newcomers and moved out of the way to let Last Order and Accelerator in. Accelerator gave her a brief nod but Last Order bounded into the room and addressed everyone.

"We have arrived MISAKA declares as MISAKA announces their presence. MISAKA can't wait to party." Last Order looked around. "Has index not arrived yet? Misaka asks."

"Not yet," Motoharu answered. "She and Kami-yan are running late. Lessar and her friends are coming too, so they should be here any minute." Last Order nodded and took of her coat. She was wearing her favorite blue and white polka dotted dress. Accelerator was wearing his normal clothes, which consisted of a black and white striped t-shirt and black pants.

"Lessar is coming?" Mikoto asked. "Well, that means this party is sure to be entertaining. Maybe too much."

"There's no alcohol this time," Kaori reassured her. "So we shouldn't have a repeat of the events in England. Again, I'm sorry about that."

"It wasn't a big deal," Misaki replied and waved her hand. "It's not like it was on purpose."

"I do have some Christmas outfits if you want to reenact that situation," Pierce volunteered and then he shared a high five with Motoharu. Kaori had reached down to her hip for her sword, before she remembered she left it in the corner of the room. This wasn't a situation that required it, but she was used to having to hit Motoharu. It turned out Kaori didn't have to do anything. There was a crackle of electricity and Pierce fell down to the ground, smoking slightly. Mikoto had accidently shocked him out of embarrassment and surprise.

"I'm so sorry!" Mikoto gasped. "It just slipped out." Pierce wasn't someone like Kuroko, who was use to electrical shocks. He was a normal person.

"Misaka," Misaki reprimanded. "Control yourself. The party hasn't even started and you are hurting people. What's going to happen once you get into the swing of things?"

"Heh," Accelerator snickered and sat down. "Looks like the third rate took some lessons from Fukiyose." He and Motoharu laughed, but there were others who weren't so accommodating. Kazari and Ruiko turned in worry, as they wondered if Pierce was okay. Itsuwa and Jason barely looked up.

"Onee-sama!" Kuroko cried. "You can't go shocking people like that!"

"It was an accident!" Mikoto called back.

"Hang on," Jason said reasonably. "Did he deserve it?"

"Yes," Accelerator spoke up before anyone else could.

"No harm then. Try to keep the shocks to a minimum Misaka-san or you might knock out the power to my apartment."

"Okay Kagere-san," Mikoto said and she turned to Accelerator. "I'm surprised you showed up, but where's Worst?"

"I was going to skip it," Accelerator admitted. "But the brat wanted to go."

"MISAKA made him go because Accelerator shouldn't be a neet MISAKA adds as MISAKA glows with the thought of doing a good deed." Mikoto tried to hide the smirk as Accelerator glared at her. He was trying to break Last Order of the habit of calling him a neet, but it had not been working.

"Worst is off doing something else," Accelerator continued nonchalantly. "Probably to annoy last minute shoppers. She's going to spend Christmas with us, so we can at least eat one meal without everything flying all over the place."

"It's always interesting to see how laid back the guys are about everything," Kazari whispered to Ruiko.

"It's why they were so popular when they invaded the high school," Ruiko whispered back. "You can tell Kanzaki-san is used to their antics too. She must know them from way back." The doorbell rang again and Ruiko opened it. "Come on in," Ruiko said politely and moved out of the way.

"Thanks," Bayloupe told her and she was followed by Lancis, Floris, and Lessar. Lessar, for some reason, was carrying a big box. After they removed their winter gear, they revealed their normal red and white uniforms with blue skirts. "Sorry if we are late. Lessar refused to leave until she finished packing."

"What do you have there Lessar-san?" Kazari asked.

"Holiday outfits," Lessar answered happily. "It would be a great chance for a group picture. I don't think I have enough for everyone though."

"HAH!" Pierce yelled triumphantly, which caused everyone to jump. He was able to stand up on his feet. "I knew someone else would understand the importance of outfits during the holidays!"

"How is he up already?" Misaki asked Mikoto, who could only shrug.

"I brought some too," Pierce continued and pointed to a box in the corner of the room.

"Awesome," Lessar exclaimed and rushed over. She set her box down and opened Pierce's to see what he brought. Pierce grinned and walked over to examine what Lessar brought. Bayloupe sighed and sat down at the table, across from Accelerator.

"Who's that?" Bayloupe asked Accelerator and pointed to Pierce.

"The male version of Lessar," Accelerator sighed.

"Hi Bayloupe, MISAKA greets as MISAKA announces her presence." Last Order sat down in the seat next to Accelerator.

"Hey Last Order," Bayloupe greeted her. At least she's not glaring at me anymore. They had been on much better terms lately.

"A male version of Lessar?" Floris repeated and slumped down into the chair next to Bayloupe. "This is going to be fun," she added sarcastically.

"It's a party," Lancis said and sat down next to her. "Try to enjoy yourself."

"Hi," Kazari said, as she and Ruiko walked up to greet them.

"Hey Uiharu-san," Floris said and looked over. "At least there are a few sane people here."

"We kind of got sidelined," Ruiko added and pointed over to where Kuroko and Jason were arguing about something. "I told Uiharu she should have intervened, but she didn't want to."

"It's not like they are really fighting," Kazari sighed. "Besides, we haven't seen Floris and Lancis in ages. It will be great to catch up."

"If someone told us before the events in England we would have friends from the science side," Floris said. "I would have sworn they would be insane." Floris was a little direct sometimes, but she was a pretty normal girl.

"I would like to catch up," Lancis added. "There are a couple things I would like to know about some items I saw at one of the malls here." She caught the unsure looks in their eyes and shook her head. "It's not like that. There are a few beauty products I wasn't sure what they were for or how well they worked."

"Oh," Ruiko said and sat down. "Sure, I'll tell you what I know, but Shokuhou-san might be a better choice." Before they could say anything else, Pierce stood up and shouted loudly enough for everyone to turn toward him.

"I've never seen such a high class outfit before!" Pierce cried. "This design, this texture, it's perfect in every way. It reveals the right amount of skin, yet highlights all the important aspects of the body. Then it stills generates the response needed for such an outfit. Plus, you even got it in Christmas colors without losing any of the dominance you expect to see with this kind of play." Lessar looked over and beamed at him.

"I know, right?" Lessar agreed. "I'm really picky about my stuff, but I knew Lover Boy wouldn't be able to resist it. Seriously, the lengths I have to go to excite him are insane."

"What are you talking about?" Mikoto demanded, but her question was answered when Pierce held up the outfit.

It was a leather dominatrix outfit, but instead of black, it was a festive green and red.

Everyone stared at it for a moment, speechless, before they all, except Mikoto and Misaki, face palmed.

"W-what...?!" spluttered Mikoto, unable to finish her sentence.

"How do you know he's into that kind of play?" Misaki demanded angrily. The bigger question was, why didn't she know?

"It's obvious he's into this," Lessar replied snootily. "He may think he's into older girls, but it's obvious he wants a strong girl to boss him around. I bet a lot of you know he will do anything if you push him into it."

"Good point," Motoharu laughed and looked at the faces of the other girls. He knew how easy it was to get Touma to participate in their antics. Mikoto had opened her mouth to protest, but she had to admit they had a point. She had bullied Touma into doing countless things with her in the past. Misaki had gone quiet as she processed this new information. Touma had always been laid back, but he would always take charge if someone was in trouble. The issue was that tendency didn't have to translate into a relationship. Lessar might actually have a point. Misaki briefly saw a picture of her sitting on a bed with him kneeling at her feet while she poked him with her foot. Her heart started beating faster and her face burned slightly. Kaori frowned, but it was clear she was having similar thoughts. "He will do anything if you are forceful. Well, as long as no one gets hurt."

"Speaking of which," Ruiko spoke up. Her face was red, so she had similar thoughts as the others, but she tried to change the topic. "Where is Touma anyways, and are we only waiting for him and Index?"

"I think so," Motoharu said and glanced over at Peirce, who nodded. "We might be waiting for a while then."

"What do you mean?" Misaki asked. "You didn't do anything to him, right?" Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. "I have ways of making you talk."

"There's no need for that," Motoharu said quickly to protect himself. "You should know by now what kind of events befall our good friend Kami-yan."

"Do you think he's been attacked?" Mikoto asked.

"That's a possibility," Pierce acknowledged. "He could bump into a gang leader or something and get chased across the city." Mikoto and Misaki shared a look. Both of them were worried about something much greater than a simple brute getting mad at Touma for no reason.

"He will arrive with Index fashionably late along with a group of girls," Jason volunteered the information from the kitchen. He was washing his hands and it looked like he finished with his tasks. "I'll see what he's up to." He pulled out his phone and started messaging.

"Don't I have enough competition already?" Lessar complained.

"Knowing the hero," Accelerator laughed to himself. "He's going to bring someone none of us expect."

"What do you mean?" Bayloupe asked. "I know he's rather, unpredictable, but who do you think." Floris, Lancis, Kazari, and Ruiko all leaned forward to listen.

"No idea," Accelerator shook his head. "But if we were in England, I would have bet it would be the princess." He laughed at their shocked looks. While it was obvious none of the guys looked worried, most of the girls did. Mikoto, Misaki, Kaori, Itsuwa, and Ruiko were the ones who actually looked nervous. Lessar was more upset she didn't go to Touma's apartment first instead of meeting with the rest of New Light. Bayloupe wasn't so much interested in Touma, but she was curious about what would be happening to him to make Accelerator laugh. Floris and Lancis didn't seem to care too much and were just enjoying the warmth of the building. Kazari and Kuroko shared a look. Neither of them had feelings for Touma, but they were slightly worried about why the guys thought he would be in some kind of trouble. Last Order was only impatient because she was waiting for her friend.

One thought did go through most of their minds though.

Where is he?

"Hurry up! We are going to be late!"

Touma was standing by the door, fully dressed for the winter weather outside. Even though they were running late, everything was going well for him. He had actually managed to get all his Christmas presents wrapped up and sent out already. It took most of the month to find all his friends a gift that was personal and affordable on his income, but he was happy with the outcome. When Motoharu told him they were having a small Christmas party that night and food would be provided, Touma was relieved. His food budget was at the breaking point and any free meal to keep Index happy was a welcome reprieve. Touma only encountered two misfortunate things today and neither involved his heater.

The first was Index took forever to bundle up.

The second was their unexpected visitor.

"What's taking so long?" Leivinia asked impatiently from next to Touma. She was also bundled up against the cold outside. Her white coat looked brand new and expensive, compared to Touma's worn out and torn brown coat.

"I want to make sure I have this scarf on right," Index replied and stepped out into the open. Last Order had been so excited to give her friend a gift, she had given Index a scarf yesterday without wrapping it. "It's warm and I know she will be looking forward to seeing me wear it."

"Whatever," Leivinia said and rolled her eyes, before she glanced out the window. "Well the snow stopped at least, but it's still several inches high. Where is Mark when I need him? I would make him shovel all of it out of my way, but he's off visiting a relative."

"Let's get going," Touma said, before the two girls could argue. He opened the door and they stepped outside. "I'm glad you could come Birdway. You helped us out quite a bit these last few months."

"I was only doing my job," Leivinia huffed, but she turned away so Touma couldn't see the pink tinge on her cheeks. "Besides, I didn't have anything else to do today."

"We are going to have a feast when we get there, right Touma?" Index asked.

"Jason said he brought enough food to make sure everyone is happy," Touma replied and laughed at Index's happy expression. She hadn't been complaining too much about their small meals, but it was obvious she was always hungry. They had used most of their money on gifts for Christmas. Index understood the importance of the holiday and that was probably the primary reason for her silence. It was thanks to Birdway visiting them often and paying for food that they actually survived without Touma having to go to his friends for help. It was why he invited her, but he wasn't entirely sure why she was so willing to help him. It must be because I helped her organization. The wind died down and the walk was pretty pleasant. "Let's cut through the park," Touma suggested. "We should get there faster."

"Why don't we just take a taxi or at least call a bus?" Leivinia asked. "It would be faster and more pleasant."

"Because that costs money," Touma said and continued before Leivinia could respond. "I know you are wealthy, but it feels weird to keep accepting money from friends." Leivinia's eyes widened slightly but he didn't notice. "The weather improved and the walk isn't that long, so it's not a big deal."

"I can't wait to see the park covered in fresh snow," Index said excitedly.

"We can't stop and play though," Touma reminded her.

"I know," Index sighed. "But tomorrow you have to take me sledding."

"I promise," Touma replied and Index started skipping along the path. It had been shoveled at least once, but there was fresh snow on the path. Leivinia scowled slightly and walked grudgingly behind them. Index turned around and noticed her expression.

"Would you like to come with us?" Index asked.

"Huh?" Leivinia asked confused.

"Sledding is always more fun with friends," Index explained. "You don't know anyone in the city, right? No one should be alone on Christmas, so you should come and spend the day with us."

"I don't know if I'll have the time," Leivinia responded and looked away. "I'll have to check my schedule, but I think I'm free." She actually felt happy to be invited. Index was one of the few people who acted normally around her and didn't wet herself if Leivinia glared at her.

"Hehe," Index giggled and walked next to her.

Touma grinned and was glad Leivinia couldn't see his face or she might have hit him. Touma was actually happy right now. He was going to a party with all his friends, Index was making friends with more people, and Leivinia wouldn't be alone for the holidays. He wasn't starving to death and he didn't have to rush to find a gift for anyone. Things were going well and as soon as he realized that, the grin slipped from his face. Things are going too well. This wasn't paranoia. When he started to have fortunate things happen to him, it was a sign the universe was about to deliver a powerful kick in between his legs. He wasn't sure what exactly was going to happen, only that something would. There were a lot of kids playing in the park and Index was looking wistfully at them sliding down the hills. A couple kids ran by them and were holding something that caught Index's full attention.

"Where did you get those candy canes?" Index asked, as she eyed the candy about three times larger than the ones she normally saw at the stores. They were really designed for someone like Index.

"There's a girl over there building a snowman with a box of them," one of the boys informed her and pointed in the distance. The kids were maybe eight or nine years old. "We asked and she gave them to us."

"Thank you," Index said politely while the kids ran off laughing. Index's eyes flashed and she grabbed Touma's and Leivinia's hand. With strength far surpassing her age, she pulled them after her.

"Wait!" Leivinia ordered, but Index ignored her.

"There's no use arguing with her," Touma sighed. "Just go along with it. I bet you want one too," he added slyly.

"That attitude is going to get you punished," Leivinia replied curtly and Touma gulped. "But you're right. I wouldn't say no to anyone." Touma grinned and they hustled to keep up with Index. They eventually saw who the boy had been pointing to. The girl had just gotten the head up on a three layer snowman and was stretching with her back to them. She was wearing a light purple coat, with matching snow pants, and a festive red and white Christmas hat. On the bench near her was a half full box of those extra-large candy canes, something Index noticed immediately. She let go of Touma and Leivinia and rushed over, even though it meant she had to trudge through the snow.

"Hello," Index greeted the girl. "I heard you were giving away candy canes. Can I have one?"

"Sure," the girl replied and reached up to put pieces of coal in for the snowman's eyes. "Please just take one per person." Index cheered and ran over to the box. Touma frowned and glanced over at Leivinia, who also wore a look of suspicion. The voice was familiar, but it was hard to tell. The girl was young and probably around Index's age.

"Excuse me," Touma said cautiously. "Have we met before? You sound familiar."

"We have," the girl confirmed and her voice turned cheerful. "I'm so happy you remembered me." She turned around and Touma's mouth fell open in shock. He and Leivinia both jumped backwards as the girl removed her hat to reveal bright yellow curls. Leivinia pulled out her wand from an inside coat pocket and Touma raised his right hand. The hairstyle was different, but they recognized the girl who was beaming at them with bright blue eyes.

"Eve!" they both gasped.

"You can put that thing away," Eve said to Leivinia. "I'm not doing anything bad today."

"Bullshit," Leivinia snapped. "Everything you do is bad on some level. What's your plan this time? Poison candy?"

"Oh crap," Touma gasped and turned. "Index, stop! Don't eat the candy!"

"Hmm?" Index asked with her mouth full. She was over halfway through her candy cane. She swallowed and tilted her head in confusion. "Why would someone poison candy?"

"Exactly," Eve agreed. "I can assure you I am doing nothing except having fun for the holidays."

"Really?" Touma asked skeptically, but he dropped his hand. Leivinia didn't look convinced, but she lowered her wand half an inch.

"I love the holidays," Eve continued and gestured all around her. "Every since commercialism trumped the religious reason, Christmas has been great. The lights, snow, songs, food, gifts, and friends are what the holidays are all about. I love the decorations." A couple pieces of paper flew from her hand and created a carrot, which she stuck on the snowman. "Heh, I think it needs a top hat and then I shall call him Frosty." She conjured a hat and put it on the snowman. For a brief moment, Touma thought the snowman would come alive, but nothing happened.

"Are you alone?" Index asked. She knew Eve was a dangerous individual, but Index didn't feel Eve was going to try anything today. In the spirit of Christmas, Index even overlooked Eve's blasphemy against religion.

"Sadly," Eve answered and her eyes dropped slightly. "Adam hates the holidays and the rest of my group are off doing their own thing. I can't leave the city, so I'm celebrating by myself."

"We shouldn't let her go," Leivinia whispered to Touma. "This is the perfect chance to take her down. If she's telling the truth, she won't have any backup."

"I don't think the three of us could take her," Touma admitted honestly. "You know the types of things she can do." Leivinia grunted, but had to admit Touma had a point.

"That's horrible," Index said to Eve. "We are on our way to a party. You should join us."

"Hang on!" Leivinia said loudly. "Don't get carried away!"

"Are you sure Index?" Touma asked. He knew this wasn't a good idea, but he wasn't sure why Index offered.

"Christmas is about the birth of the Son of God," Index explained to Touma and he saw Eve roll her eyes, but Index couldn't see. "He would help anyone, saint or sinner. The holidays are about helping those less fortunate. We should help her by giving the gift of companionship."

"Are you crazy?!" Leivinia demanded. "Don't you remember everything she has done?!" Touma put his hand on her shoulder and looked at Eve.

"Index has a point," Touma admitted. "I want to trust you, but you have shown us you don't always return the favor. However, every deal you made, it has always been fulfilled, so I'm going to make this offer. If you tell us what you were actually planning by passing out the candy and promise not to do anything that would hurt my friends, I'll go along with Index's idea." Leivinia stomped on his foot and he flinched, but kept his eyes steady.

"You are so stupid," Leivinia hissed.

"Thanks," Index said after walking over to Touma. "I don't think she's a bad person at heart, just misguided."

"I think so too," Touma agreed. If half of the things in the Bible were true about Eve, and this girl had all the memories of Eve, then he did not doubt she would stumble down the wrong path. He glanced at Eve, who appeared lost in thought, like she was considering Touma's offer.

"Okay," Eve finally said. "I'll accept your terms. I really wasn't looking forward to spending the holidays alone. I promise not to do anything to hurt your friends tonight, or set anything up tonight that would allow me to hurt any of them in the future." Touma raised an eyebrow at her specific response.

She actually wants to go, doesn't she?

"The candy there," Even continued, "was just something I made to celebrate the holidays. Candy canes are pretty easy to make and I knew kids would like them. Regardless of what you think, I like people. Kids are so much fun with their wide-eyed curiosity about the world. I was only giving them a treat. It's not like I made candy that would mind control people. That's just silly and sounds like the plot of a badly written story." She picked up two sticks are stuck them in the side of the snowman.

"Do you think she's lying?" Touma whispered to Leivinia.

"If she is, I can't tell," she admitted. "She sounds sincere though."

"Okay," Touma relented. "You can come with us, but when we get there, please let me explain the situation before you barge in."

"Okay!" Eve replied happily. She put her Santa hat back on her head and smiled broadly.

"This is what Christmas is all about," Index said smugly to Leivinia.

"If anything happens," Leivinia mumbled back. "It's on your head. I'm only going along with this because I lack immediate backup and I'm a guest."

"Let's hurry," Touma told the girls. "We are already late." He started back on the park path, with Index and Leivinia hot on his heels. Eve started to skip off next to them when she stopped. She turned around and faced the snowman she had made.

"Okay Frosty," she said. "Go and make some kids have a magical Christmas." The snowman turned its head toward her and then saluted, before sliding off into the distance. Eve turned and caught up with the others, before they left the park. Touma and the girls were walking down the street, passed last minute shoppers and people dressed up to go to parties, when Touma heard another familiar voice.

"Oi, Kamijou!"

"Frenda?" Touma called out, as he turned to face the direction her voice came from. He saw her, Saiai, Rikou, and Shiage crossing the street towards him. "Hey," he said and waved to them. "How's your holiday going?" He looked around. "Is Mugino not with you?"

"She gets super testy around the holidays," Saiai explained. "So we snuck out."

"We figured no one would get hurt if we aren't there," Shiage added. "So we were going to find something to do for a couple hours until she was sure to be gone."

"He and Takitsubo were planning to spend the holidays together," Frenda added with a grin. "Basically, he thinks he is all that now."

"I do not," Shiage protested.

"…they are only trying to get a rise out of you," Rikou pointed out to him.

"And she always sticks up for him," Saiai added and crossed her hands behind her head. Wish I could spend this time with Accelerator. I barely see him anymore. "What are you up to Kamijou?"

"We were going to a Christmas party with our friends at Jason's house," Touma said and gestured to the others. The girls' eyes fell on each one in turn, Shiage gave Touma a thumbs up about taking three girls to a party, when Saiai and Frenda both saw the unexpected visitor.

"Why is Eve with you?!" they demanded and Rikou's eyes went wide. Shiage looked confused for a moment before he made the connection. He had actually never seen her in person.

"I was invited," Eve explained.

"Eve?" Shiage muttered and then his eyes went wide. "You mean the one who's in charge of the group causing us all those problems?" Rikou nodded.

"Hold on!" Touma said and raised his hands because Frenda was reaching under her coat and Saiai looked ready to lunge. "It's a long story, but she's not here to cause trouble. Index invited her to the party too."

"Are you both stupid?!" Frenda and Saiai demanded.

"That's what I asked," Leivinia sighed.

"It's all part of the spirit of the holidays," Index protested. "Besides, she gave me candy. I owe her."

"It could have been poisoned," Frenda told her.

"But it wasn't," Index retorted.

"Fighting right now is not going to get us anywhere," Touma interrupted and stepped between them. "She promised not to cause trouble and," he lowered his voice to the others, "we might be able to make her change her mind about attacking us if it turns out she like us. If you want, you all could come with us to the party. A few more people won't make a difference."

"Super making friends out of enemies?" Saiai asked quietly. "It reminds me of what you did with Mugino." Touma's ears burned when he remember their first fight. "I'll go, but mostly to super see how this plays out."

"I want to go," Frenda said eagerly, before correcting her posture and trying to act nonchalantly. "Basically, it would be rude to refuse an invitation." Saiai and Shiage grinned at her attempt to hide her happiness about being invited by Touma.

"Do you want to go?" Shiage asked Rikou. Rikou nodded and Shiage turned back to Touma. "We are up for it."

"I'll let Jason know we have a few more people," Touma said and pulled out his phone. "When we get there, please let me explain to the others about Eve before you point her out."

"Okay," Saiai, Frenda, and Shiage reluctantly agreed.

"So you are saying we shouldn't barge into the party riding small pinked winged elephants?" Eve asked. Everyone turned and stared at her for a moment and she only gave them all a wide-eyed, innocent look.

The doorbell rang in Jason's apartment.

"About time," Mikoto said and stood up immediately. "I was beginning to think we would have to go look for him."

"Don't worry Misaka," Misaki said sweetly. "You can stay seated. I'll greet our guests."

"That's not happening," Mikoto mumbled. "I don't trust your intentions."

"I'll get it," Lessar volunteered, as she bounded out of her seat. She raced toward the door and, in an unusual display of teamwork, Mikoto and Misaki stopped arguing and simultaneously grabbed the back of Lessar's shirt.

"No," Mikoto said. "We know your intentions."

"Besides," Misaki added. "He wouldn't want to be assaulted as soon as he steps in through the door."

"So I can assault him if I wait?"

"No!" Misaki and Mikoto said in unison.

"I wanted to hang mistletoe over the doorway," Pierce called out and added fuel to the fire.

"And the rest of the ceiling," Motoharu added.

"Is it always like this?" Bayloupe asked Accelerator.

"Ever since the third rate managed to turn off her tsundere like tendencies…" Accelerator started to explain.

"I'm not a tsundere!"

"…and then she got into a rival with the fifth well fourth rate, ranks keep changing, I stopped keeping track. You should see the fourth rate when she's putting on her front. She's much less active than she is around him. It's not like she can even use her powers on most of us."

"Sounds like that Kamijou guy is the cause," Floris commented and Accelerator laughed.

"You have no idea," he said.

"Nee-chin," Motoharu nudged Kaori. "Go ahead and answer the door. I'm sure he would love to be greeted by you. You could welcome him in with 'welcome home master' or something like that."

"W-what?!" stuttered Kaori. "It's bad enough you make those jokes in private, but don't do it in front of others." Her eyes darted over to Kazari, who was trying to stifle a giggle. Kuroko, who was next to Kazari, didn't look so amused.

"Onee-sama," she sighed. "I wished you would act like that for me, but you shouldn't put on such shameful behavior."

"Relax Shirai-san," Ruiko told her, also trying to stifle a laugh. "It's a party. Let everyone cut loose."

"I agree," Jason said as he set down a couple bowls on the table in front of the girls. "Though," he turned to Misaki, Lessar, and Mikoto when the doorbell rang again. "If SOMEONE doesn't answer the door and I'm forced to, no desert for any of you."

"It's okay," Itsuwa reassured him. "I can get it." She wiped her hands on a towel. "The cooking is done, so he arrived at the perfect time."

"Huh," Ruiko said. "Is it wrong that I think it's not him? I mean, he doesn't have the best luck in the world."

"Saten-san," Kazari reprimanded, but then grinned. "Okay, that may be true, but you shouldn't say stuff like that out loud."

"It's bad luck to think that way," Kaori added. "We know his hand negates his luck, but he has the tendency to keep his promises."

"It's best to not keep him and Index-san waiting at least," Itsuwa said. She started to make her way to the door, around the three, still arguing, unofficial leaders of the Touma Kamijou fan club, when a little girl bumped against her as she ran through the room.

"MISAKA wants to answer it MISAKA declares as MISAKA rushes to be the first to greet the savior and her friend." Mikoto, Misaki, and Lessar noticed too late and Last Order opened the door. "Welcome MISAKA tells you happily." She stepped back and allowed them to answer.

"Good to see you too Last Order," Touma said and walked in.

"Something smells great," Index added, as she followed him closely. Her nose was sniffing the air. "Are we eating soon?"

"As soon as we place everything on the table," Itsuwa called over to her. Itsuwa and Kaori were perhaps the most familiar with Index's appetite besides Touma.

"Touma," Mikoto called out. "What kept you?"

"We were worried you might have wandered into trouble," Misaki added.

"The bedrooms open when you find the urge to get frisky," Lessar added.

"I ran into… huh?" Touma shook his head at Lessar's comment and decided to ignore it. "I ran into a few people we know and, er… not sure how to explain this…"

"Just tell them," Leivinia said when she walked into the room. "They are going to find out anyways. For the record, I was against it." She pulled off her coat, revealing her white chic dress, and sat down at the table and looked irritated. Everyone noticed, but no one could say anything before the others entered.

"You won't believe who else is here," Frenda added. She hung up her coat to reveal her red shirt with a black skirt.

"HI Frenda," Ruiko smiled. "Glad you could make it." Frenda returned the wave halfheartedly, her mind on other things.

"If it was anyone else," Saiai continued and pulled off her coat. "I wouldn't believe it. But Kamijou super has a way of doing the most outlandish things possible." She was wearing one of her sweater dresses, though this one was a light shade of blue and white.

"What are you all talking about?" Misaki asked. The next two people who entered the room wouldn't cause that kind of reaction among the others. Shiage and Rikou walked in and Rikou waved before removing her jacket to reveal a basic white t-shirt and the sweat pants she was wearing.

"Don't look at me," Shiage told everyone and raised his hands up. "I barely learned what was happening and don't have the details." He pulled off his tan jacket to reveal a basic black shirt and jeans.

"What did you do?" Lessar asked Touma. She leaned forward and gazed up into his face. "You are obviously nervous." She grinned. "What, did you bring a girl back we would all be jealous of?" She laughed and a couple others did too, the guys mostly, but Mikoto, Misaki, Ruiko, and Kaori stood stoned faced and waited for his response.

"Jealousy wasn't what came to mind," he said slowly. This was a mistake as pretty much every one in the room, besides the people he came with, was staring at him with their mouths slightly open.

"You can't mean…," Mikoto said. "You brought…" Her voice trailed off and her face turned red.

"I'm not enough for you?" Misaki asked and jumped into Touma's arms. "If you want to mess around with Misaka, I can overlook that, but do you have to pick up random girls like that?"

"Nice one Kami-yan!" Motoharu called out while Pierce wolf whistled.

"It's not like that," Touma protested while Mikoto pulled Misaki off him. "It's complicated."

"Explain it then," Mikoto demanded.

"Heh," Accelerator mumbled. "Now's the time to see some fireworks."

"Well," Bayloupe said. She was aware Saiai's eyes were focused on her for some reason, but she tried to ignore it. "I suppose all parties should at least have some entertainment."

"Did you try to make a joke?" Lancis asked. "That's unusual."

"I have a sense of humor," Bayloupe scoffed. Floris rolled her eyes and Accelerator smirked.

"Who do you think it is?" Ruiko whispered.

"No idea," Jason said and Kazari shrugged.

"When do you not know something is happening?" Kuroko asked Jason. "I thought you liked to stay on top of things."

"I was preparing for this party so my time to mess with you and Touma was limited." Kuroko hit him in the arm and he laughed.

"I'm sure it's just someone who he helped and was planning to spend Christmas alone," Kazari reassured Ruiko.

"That sounds like him," Ruiko agreed.

"You're half right," Leivinia told them.

"What do you mean?" Kaori asked. She too was interested in what was causing Touma's nervousness.

"Index was the one who brought her," Leivinia explained. "As of who," she paused. "Be glad you aren't carrying your sword right now Saint."

"What?" Kaori was confused, but Leivinia turned toward Touma and didn't elaborate.

"We sort of ran into-…" Touma started to explain, but he was cut off when Eve stuck her head out into plain sight from the doorway.

"Can I come in yet?" she asked innocently.

The silence in the room was deafening.

Whoever they were expecting, it wasn't Eve. Eve stood there and smiled kindly at them. She obviously had no qualms about revealing herself and expected the shock looks from everyone. Touma face palmed and figured everyone was about to start shouting at once. He lowered his hand, briefly thought he was off the hook, when two hands grabbed him. It turned out it was going to be worse than a shouting match as he gazed at the angry face of Mikoto and the determinedly calm, but wanting to explode on the inside, Misaki. They pulled him away from the door and were accompanied by Kaori, Lessar, Itsuwa, and Leivinia. The rest of New Light and Accelerator watch them without getting up, but kept glancing at Eve, who was still standing at the doorway. Last Order was talking to Index and they kept glancing around at how serious the others had become. Everyone else was standing back, not sure how to proceed. Motoharu was the only one who actually had a smirk on his face. Pierce on the other hand had frozen and his hand curled up into a fist.

"What's the meaning of this?" Mikoto hissed. "How could you bring her here after everything she's done?"

"It was…-" Touma tried to explain.

"You know what she's capable of," Misaki interrupted. "I know you are willing to help anyone, but think about who she is."

"If Stiyl was here," Kaori said. "He would have attacked immediately. You are lucky he was busy."

"It was actually Index who invited her," Touma explained quickly, before he was interrupted again. "We accidently ran into her while she was playing in the snow and Index found out Eve was planning to spend Christmas alone. Index doesn't believe anyone should be alone during the holidays."

"And that kindness is going to get us all killed," Leivinia muttered.

"I don't really care as long as you pay more attention to me than her," Lessar said, which caused the others girls to roll her eyes. "But I have a feeling others want to say some stuff first."

"I can understand Index's feelings in this," Kaori admitted. "But why did you agree?"

"She was really persuasive," Touma muttered and rubbed the back of his head. It was hard to tell Index no when she was actively trying to cheer someone up. Misaki and Mikoto sighed. They both knew what happened.

"So what are we going to do?" Itsuwa asked.

"What do you mean?" Touma responded.

"She means are we going to do anything about Eve," Leivinia huffed. "I could understand your hesitancy about just us fighting her, but right now is probably the best shot we have at taking her out. We have numbers and power on our side, she's alone, and she had no time to set up countermeasures. If you are worried about some of your noncombat oriented friends, have one person evacuate them." She glanced over her shoulder. "We should decide fast. I bet she is getting suspicious."

"She has a point," Kaori admitted.

"I don't know," Mikoto said hesitantly. "I know she did a lot of things to us, but doing this after Touma and Index invited her to a party sounds… wrong. We would be lowering ourselves to her level."

"If we don't Sparky," Lessar told her. She seemed to be hopping on the defeat Eve bandwagon because of a small grudge she held when Eve attacked England. "You are saying you are willing to let Eve go and cause countless trouble for not only your city, but the world. Can you accept that?" Mikoto looked away and Lessar shrugged. "You have to look at the big picture."

"We can evacuate the noncombatants first," Leivinia repeated and looked at Touma. "I know you would never agree to this unless they were safe."

"I could do that," Itsuwa volunteered. "Give me five minutes to pass on the message to them. I didn't bring my spear with me, but that doesn't mean I don't have a few tricks I can use with the stuff around us." Being part of the Amakusa, Itsuwa could use pretty much any normal household goods to cast magic.

"I can't believe we are even discussing this," Touma said, slightly angrily. This caused all the girls to look at him. "We can't just gang up on someone like that. It's one thing if we are protecting ourselves or others, but after Index invited her and I agreed, we can't attack her. She promised she wouldn't do anything to us during the party and my experiences with her have shown she keeps her promises with regards to her deals, but you have to watch the wording."

"Are you going to risk your friends' lives over something so inconsequential?" Leivinia demanded, but Kaori and Itsuwa looked slightly ashamed.

"I'm going to agree with him," Misaki said. She had been relatively quiet. "I knew he wouldn't go along with something so sneaky. You are much too refined for that." She grabbed his arm and pressed herself up against him. His face flushed when she felt her softness.

"I'm going to side with him too," Lessar added. "I'm not in the mood to fight, plus Bayloupe finally moved forward with Accelerator and I want to see where it goes."

"Yea…- Wait what?" Mikoto turned to Lessar. "Never mind, I don't want to know." She looked at Touma and caught his eye, as he pried Lessar off him. She understood he wouldn't stand for a surprise attack against Eve in this kind of setting. He would stand against them, if they tried, to allow Eve to escape. "I'm not going to do anything to her tonight, unless she tries something."

"You brats don't understand how this world works," Leivinia hissed angrily. "Letting her go now will guarantee to cause you all more trouble later."

"Who are you calling a brat?" Mikoto demanded. "You're younger than us."

"But I have more experience!"

"If you are sure about this," Itsuwa told Touma, who nodded. "This is your home and I will respect your wishes."

"We will however be monitoring her," Kaori stated firmly. "If she attempts anything even remotely suspicious, we will take appropriate action and expect full cooperation, not only for our safety, but yours. Is this acceptable?" Touma nodded. It wasn't the optimal solution, but it was better than a fight breaking out in an apartment building.

"Thanks," he told them sincerely. "It means a lot to me and Index. Who knows? Maybe we can get her to start changing her ways tonight. It would be a lot better for everyone than an all-out fight." Leivinia rolled her eyes, but the rest of the girls looked away. They could tell he was sincere, but they didn't want to say anything about what might happen or the odds it could happen. Many of them personally saw how Touma could truly change the fate of his enemies, but Eve was kind of a unique existence, even among their standards. Before Touma could say anything else, he felt someone drape their arm over his shoulder. He thought it was Lessar at first, but the arm was larger than hers and it started choking him.

"Curse you Kami-yan!" Pierce yelled through the tears while choking Touma. He pulled him away from the other girls, who could only stare in shock. Everyone else's head turned toward them too. "You already have so many girls, yet now you have a Santa one for the holidays too? I might be able to overlook that because it's you, but then you ignore her and leave her in the doorway!"

"You…gack… don't… understand," Touma gasped as he tried to free himself from the hold.

"Come on Aogami," Motoharu said, as he walked up to help. Help being loosely defined and the target of his help had not been identified. "You know what Kami-yan is like. He doesn't try to pick up girls, they come naturally."

"You two are going to get me killed with those lies!" Touma roared and finally threw Pierce off him. Motoharu laughed and stuck out his foot. Touma tripped and fell to the ground with a thud.

"It seems to be getting violent," Kazari said worriedly. "We should get involved."

"Nah," Kuroko said. "It's stupid male bonding. Let the apes have fun."

"Come now," Ruiko said and turned to Jason. "I know his friends make fun of him a lot, but does it turn into this?"

"All the time," Jason laughed. "Accelerator and I participate sometimes too. Without Fukiyose-sama to intervene, it's best to just let them tire out. It only escalates otherwise." Kazari, Ruiko, and Kuroko looked at each other in surprise and their respect for Seiri only grew. They turned their attention back to Pierce, who had gotten up and turned away from Touma.

"I know Eve's an enemy," Shiage said to Frenda, Saiai, and Rikou. "But why are most of these guys acting so calm?"

"Most of them are super laid back," Saiai explained. "You can tell the church members are more concerned about it. Seems like Frenda's main competition is worried too, so she should go and jump into the fight to claim her man."

"I don't have to worry about anything," Frenda huffed, red-faced. "There's no way Eve would be dating him. Basically, the one who should be worried is you."

"Huh?"

"Basically, look at how chummy Accelerator is with the older girl."

"Pssh," Saiai replied unconvincingly. "He's not into older girls with terrible proportions. We should be focused more on Eve's motives. Hamazura, go and flirt with her to get information."

"W-what?!" spluttered Shiage. "If she's as dangerous as you say, I don't want to die."

"…I would prefer he doesn't either," Rikou added. A dark aura appeared around her for a brief moment and then all four of them turned their attention to Pierce, who was approaching Eve.

"It seems like those two have more animosity against Kamijou than they have against Eve," Floris commented to Accelerator.

"Probably," he replied with a snicker. "Aogami doesn't know about magic, so he doesn't know anything about her."

"He seems to be approaching Eve now," Bayloupe said and turned her attention toward Pierce.

"Oh, I have got to see this." Accelerator said and turned his attention toward Eve and Pierce. Eve had been patiently waiting for everyone to finish their conversations. Having lived for so long, a couple minutes was nothing for her. She tilted her head slightly to the side when Peirce approached her.

"Beautiful santa loli!" Pierce exclaimed to Eve. "Please say a majestic creature such as yourself still remains untouched and you have not been affected by the perils of Kami-yan Disease. His harem has already grown to unprecedented size. Please say you are still free from his grasp."

He's going to get himself killed, nearly everyone thought.

He's going to get me killed, a lone person thought. Everyone held their breath as Pierce's words sunk in. None of them would ever have thought to talk to Eve like that. The tension in the air was palpable as even breathing seemed to stop. Eve stared at him for a moment, tilted her head to the side, and then gave the most unexpected response.

Eve giggled.

"You're funny," she said. "And no, I'm not seeing anyone. I like to tease him a bit is all. What's your name? I am called Eve."

"A beautiful name for a beautiful being such as yourself," Pierce told her and held out his hand. "My name is Pierce Aogami. I would be honored to take the coat of such a refine and beautiful person. Your very presence brings the festive joy of Christmas into my heart."

"Aren't you an interesting person," Eve said and then gave him a broad smile. She removed her coat and handed it to him. Underneath it she was wearing a red long sleeve shirt with a snowman on it and then red and white striped pants. "Do be careful with it. It's very special to me."

"I would never dream of being careless with it," Pierce replied and hung it up reverently. "If there is anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask. This humble servant is at your beck and call."

"Oh?" Eve asked and raised an eyebrow. "I was merely under the impression you were being polite. Do you truly wish to serve me?"

"Any person would be honored to serve the epitome of Christmas beauty wrapped up in the reverent form of a young girl!" Pierce cried. "You only have to command I will obey."

"Okay," Eve smirked. "Get on your hands and knees and beg me to let you be my servant."

"Right away," Pierce answered and fell to the ground instantly. "Please Lady Eve. Let this lowly trash tend to your every need. Whether it be a cook, a patsy, or even a floor mat, merely being in your presence is reward enough. This peon would live only for your praise and any reward you feel is appropriate." The mouths of every girl in that room besides Eve's fell open. None of them imagined the scene before them would take place and, thus, none of them were prepared to stop it. Motoharu and Jason were trying to hold back their laughter and Accelerator was only snickering. They were surprised too, but they knew Pierce longer than any of the girls. Many girls would find this creepy and slap Pierce for saying those things, but Eve could not be compared to a normal girl. Eve's eyes darted to everyone else's surprise looks and she smirked at them too.

Then she proceeded to step on Pierce's head.

"Servants do not have the right to call me by my name," Eve said coldly. Her tone of voice changed, but the grin on her face never faltered. Touma could tell she wasn't angry, she just enjoyed doing this. "You shall only address me as mistress. Do I make myself clear?"

"I'm sorry mistress," Pierce apologized. "This lonely servant of yours will accept any punishment you deem necessary. If you need to use me to clean the bottom of your shoes, go ahead."

"You seem to think you are worthy to even clean them," Eve uttered. "But we will see. One thing before I make my final decision. What would you consider to be the best reward I could bestow upon you for service?"

"Anything you give would be a blessing," Pierce answered without looking up. "However, the greatest reward I could imagine is if you would model some of the outfit I have painstakingly acquired over the years. I would be honored if someone as captivating as you would wear them. Outfits were meant to be worn, but only by those that can bring out their true beauty." There was silence as Eve raised an eyebrow.

"Heh," Eve said and then she burst out laughing. "I don't think I've met anyone quite like you. You have a lot of balls. Okay, you can serve me." She increased the pressure on his head with her foot.

"Oh thank you mistress!"

"Now that we have settled that," Eve said and looked at everyone. She gave them all an innocent look. "Wasn't this supposed to be a party? Why is everyone so serious?" She sniffed the air. "I think something is burning."

"Oh no!" Itsuwa cried and rushed into the kitchen. The biscuits were the last thing cooking to make sure they were warm when served. Touma and the others watched her, but Touma realized what Eve did.

She showed us how easily she could make a minion out of anyone.

Little did he know, she only did it for fun.

The Christmas Eve meal started off tense, but eventually dissolved into what one would expect at a party.

Everyone who knew Eve didn't trust her intentions, but none of them could find anything suspicious about her behavior. Itsuwa and Jason finished placing down the last plate of food, so everything made their way to the table. Index was the first person at the table and there was a little drool coming from the side of her mouth as she stared at all the food. The only issues with the seating were around the two most obvious people, Touma and Eve. Pierce actually sat down next to Eve and, after some debating, Ruiko volunteered herself to sit on Eve's other side. The biggest issue was Touma. He had sat down automatically next to Index, which caused many other girls to start arguing over who got to occupy the other seat. It was mainly Mikoto, Misaki, and Frenda, but they had to stop Itsuwa from sneaking in. Leivinia waited until they were distracted and sat down next to him, and then gave them a smug victory look. When everyone finally settled down, Kaori stood up.

"Before we dig in," she said. "I would like to make a quick prayer." Touma saw all the members of the magic side bow their head and most of his friends from Academy City bowed too. He dipped his head too, as a gesture of respect, but his eyes darted around the others. Eve was just looking at her reflection in the back of her spoon, not caring at all about the prayer. Accelerator seemed to have closed his eyes and was sleeping until it finished and, surprisingly, Jason was looking up at the ceiling with a slight smirk on his face. The prayer didn't last long, it was focused on thanking they could all be there and thanks for the food, and then Index pounced. Touma was faster and pushed the ham out of the way before she grabbed it. He reminded her this was for everyone and she pouted.

When everyone else had been served, Index was given a very large serving of everything and her unhappiness vanished. Conversation broke out and everyone seemed to be having a good time. Kazari and Ruiko were actually talking to Eve and she was responded to them passionately. Those two are some of the friendliest people I know. They can get along with just about anyone. Touma glanced around the table. Frenda and Saiai were getting into a lengthy conversation with Floris and Lancis about some type of clothing. Last Order was alternating between talking to Accelerator and Bayloupe and watching Index eat several times her body weight. Leivinia was arguing with Mikoto and Misaki about something. Motoharu and Jason were discussing something in low voices and Kuroko was rolling her eyes at them. Rikou and Shiage were the most quiet, but Shiage did occasionally participate in others conversation. He was fitting in with the others. Kaori and Itsuwa tried to talk with Index, but only got short responses between bites. Touma spent some time talking to everyone. After about an hour, the plates were cleaned and Touma leaned back in his seat. This was one of the most pleasant afternoons he could imagine doing during a holiday. He was spending time with his friends and nothing misfortunate happened.

The universe would not allow him to be complacent though.

"That was good," Ruiko sighed. "Itsuwa-san, you're an amazing cook."

"Thank you," Itsuwa replied. "It wasn't much, but I'm glad you enjoyed it."

"It was like eating at a fancy restaurant," Frenda added. "Basically, whoever taught you did a great job."

"It was nothing really," Itsuwa replied and turned slightly red in embarrassment.

"Nonsense," Touma said. "We all saw how much work you put into this. You are going to make some guy really happy." Itsuwa's face flushed deeply and she looked away. Touma regretted his words when he felt dark auras appear all around him. Thankfully, he was saved.

"It's snowing again!" Kazari cried as she looked out the window. It was only late afternoon so the sun was still out, though setting, but it was covered by grey clouds and a lot of snow was falling onto Academy City. Light was quickly fading. "It's so pretty."

"That means there will be fresh snow tomorrow for sledding," Index said happily.

"MISAKA can't wait to go MISAKA adds as MISAKA can barely contain her excitement." Both of the girls were staring out the window too.

"Great," Accelerator sighed. "I'm going to be forced to accompany them into the cold."

"You're such a caring guardian," Bayloupe laughed and nudged him in the side. Accelerator huffed, but didn't respond.

"This party was full of surprises," Mikoto said to Touma. "But it was a lot less tame than I thought it would be with your friends."

"Well if you think the party is over," Misaki said sweetly. "Feel free to leave. I'm planning to stay here until the sun goes down." She winked at Mikoto.

"That's not what I meant," Mikoto snapped.

"If you want to leave onee-sama," Kuroko said. "I'll go with you and we can do something else privately." She teleported into Mikoto's arm and received a small shock. Her smoking body fell to the ground.

"We can't end it like this," Lessar declared. "We haven't even played party games yet."

"Oh this should be good," Saiai spoke up. "What game do you super have planned for this many people?"

"I don't like the way she's grinning," Shiage muttered to Rikou.

"…we should probably leave," Rikou agreed. Neither of them could escape though. There were too many people between them and the door.

"I know several games," Eve volunteered. "Would you like to hear them?"

"No," Leivinia snapped. "You go sit in a corner and be quiet."

"Don't talk to her that way," Pierce called out in defense. Eve shrugged and slumped over to the kitchen where there was a large bowl of apple cider. She tilted her head and looked around. Everyone was discussing the game or paying attention to something else. A small bottle magically appeared in her hand and she tipped it into the bowl.

This should cause everyone to lighten up, Eve thought. Just enough to help them relax. Hmm, this shouldn't be affected by his hand if I do this. The bottle disappeared and she sat down in a chair to avoid attention. Only Motoharu saw her do something and he grinned.

If that's not poison, this party is going to be a blast. I'll have to take a look.

"I want to play a game!" Index cried.

"MISAKA does too!"

"Are we going to participate?" Lancis asked Floris.

"I don't see why not," Floris shrugged. "Bayloupe and Lessar aren't planning to leave anytime soon."

"Who has an idea then?" Touma asked. "We have twenty… four people here. So whatever party game we decide has to be able to include everyone."

"I don't want to participate," Accelerator said grumpily.

"MISAKA wants you to MISAKA pleads as MISAKA expresses her desire."

"Don't be a Grinch and join us," Bayloupe snickered and nudged him.

"Tsk, fine."

"How about the King Game?" Ruiko asked. "Easy game to set up and everyone can participate."

"That sounds ominous," Eve commented.

"Which version?" Frenda asked. "Basically, there are a lot of varieties."

"What's that?" Index asked. "I never heard of that game, but I mostly play Othello against Last Order."

"MISAKA never heard of it either MISAKA says as MISAKA shakes her head."

"The Kings Game is like Truth or Dare," Kazari told Last Order, Index, and Eve. A few others listened to make sure they were clear on the rules. "Everyone draws lots randomly each turn. One person is the King and everyone else gets a number. The King calls out something and says usually one to three numbers. They carry out the order. Depending on the rules, the king can include themselves in it, but most recent ones I know about usually don't allow the king to participate in their own commands."

"This should be fun," Pierce declared and fist punched the air. "I'm in."

"I'm not necessarily opposed," Kuroko said. She actually had some interesting thoughts about this game.

"This could be fun," Misaki agreed.

"Sounds like what we did at the beach retreat," Mikoto added and then her eyes widened. There were two key differences between then and now. One, this party was a mix of boys and girls. The second, there was some people who didn't understand the definition of restraint. "But we need to put down some ground rules. Some of us have shown they don't hold back." At her words, everyone turned to face a single person, and it wasn't Eve.

"What?" Lessar asked. "Why is everyone looking at me?"

"Because the very first thing you would say is everyone strips," Floris pointed out and the guys laughed while many girls flushed.

"No I wouldn't," Lessar protested. "That's not fun enough. You have to work up to that."

"There lies the problem," Touma sighed and Motoharu smacked him on the back.

"Come on Kami-yan," Motoharu said with a laugh. "It will be fun for everyone. This is the only time we are all going to be together like this. Let's make it worth remembering. They can always refuse if it gets out of hand."

"And it will," Accelerator muttered. Bayloupe chuckled slightly.

"We want to play," Index and Last Order said together.

"I feel if we try to refuse someone is going to force us," Shiage whispered to Rikou and she nodded. They both had their eyes on Saiai.

"I think we are going to regret this," Kaori whispered to Itsuwa. "Kamijou's friends don't like to hold back."

"It will be fun," Itsuwa replied evenly. "It might get a little out of hand, but we all, including you, need to relax a bit. Eve's not trying anything so I don't think we have to be ready to pounce." Kaori reluctantly agreed and fidgeted. She was worried about what happened if someone gave an order that involved her and Touma. Funny enough, that same thought was in a lot of their minds.

"This is stupid," Leivinia muttered. "I'm going to leave before I get dragged into this mess." Motoharu and Jason looked at each other and nodded.

"I'll grab you coat," Jason offered. "It's probably for the best for the younger girls to avoid being part of this. You might not be able to handle it."

"I can handle it," Leivinia sniffed. "I just don't want to."

"He's right," Motoharu agreed. "You probably wouldn't be able to handle our orders and your command would be too easy for us. It's understandable to be scared."

"How dare you," she fumed. "Not only will I be able to do anything your tiny mind could come up with, I'll make sure you regret everything you just said when it's my turn." She joined the others while the guys grinned. Kazari and Ruiko were giggling softly as they watched them. They had seen this strategy used against Accelerator to get him to do something he didn't want to. Strong individuals hated being told they couldn't do something.

"Looks like it's unanimous," Jason said. "I think I have some playing cards we can mark. While I find them, can someone move the table out of the way? It will give us more room to spread out."

"On it," Saiai volunteered eagerly. It wasn't like she enjoyed moving furniture, she only wanted to play. She grabbed the corner of the table and lifted it up before she propped it up against the wall. Everyone else either sat on chairs or the couch, except for Eve. She was going to sit in a chair, but then smiled. She snapped her fingers and Pierce appeared next to her. She kicked him in the back of his leg and forced him to his hands and knees. Eve then proceeded to sit on his back and cross her legs.

"What?" she asked innocently, aware everyone was staring at her.

"You can't just hit him to make him serve you," Kuroko told her.

"He probably enjoyed it," Accelerator said and leaned back in his chair. "Just ignore them. They only want attention." Pierce looked up and winked at them, so they figured he was fine. He opened his mouth to say something but Eve kicked him in the side.

"No talking unless it's your turn or I allow you to speak." Kuroko and Lessar were taking mental notes while everyone else tried to ignore her.

"All done," Jason announced, as he shuffled the cards. "Twenty four people, so one king card and 23 numbers." He sat down in the circle next to Kazari. The final order was Misaki, Touma, Mikoto, Kuroko, Kazari, Jason, Ruiko, Index, Last Order, Bayloupe, Accelerator, Saiai, Frenda, Rikou, Shiage, Motoharu, Pierce, Eve, Kaori, Itsuwa, Leivinia, Floris, Lancis, and Lessar. Misaki, Touma, and Mikoto were on the couch. Motoharu started passing out hot apple cider to everyone and many girls sipped it happily. Jason brought over a smaller table to place in between them all to make it easier to deal. "Who wants to go first?" he asked and put the cards on the table.

"MISAKA does MISAKA yells out excitedly as MISAKA grabs the cards." She grinned broadly, shuffled the deck, and passed them out to everyone. Everyone simultaneously glanced at their cards to see who the first king was.

"I have it," Misaki said happily and revealed her card. While everyone was looking at it, she used her other hand to reach for the remote she hid behind her. Misaki was planning to read everyone's mind to figure out what numbers she should call, but she couldn't find it. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the remote leaning up against the wall and she turned her head to Mikoto, who was grinning. Mikoto used magnetism to remove Misaki's remote and prevent her from cheating. Misaka has been around me too long. She knows all my tricks. It's time to start taking her seriously. She briefly thought about what to say and decided on something harmless, but funny. The guys would approve of her choice. "Number 7 needs to pretend they are confessing to 15 and then ask them out on a date." This got several people snickering.

"I'm 7," Saiai announced.

"I'm 15," Itsuwa said, slightly red, and held up her card.

"Hah this is great," Frenda laughed and everyone else was snickering. Saiai didn't look nervous and stood up.

"I would prefer it being one of the guys," she said and stretched. "But here it goes." She walked over to Itsuwa and grabbed her hand. "I know we haven't talked much, but I super fell in love with you the first time I laid eyes on you. How about you and I go out this weekend sometime?" Jason whistled and Frenda cheered Saiai on. Mikoto and her friends were laughing, while Touma tried to keep a straight face. Misaki caught his eye and winked.

"Well... I…," Itsuwa said, slightly flustered. She knew this was fake, but it was still embarrassing. "I appreciate it, but I like someone else."

"Oh well," Saiai shrugged and went back to her seat. She looked over at Misaki. "For some reason, I expected more from you."

"This was only the first round," Misaki remaindered her. "We can't get to crazy right off the bat."

"If this is the first round," Kazari whispered to Kuroko. "What is the rest going to be like?"

"It's going to get crazy," Kuroko answered and sipped her drink. "Heh, I have a couple ideas in mind myself." Kazari gulped at the look in her eyes. Saiai shuffled the deck of cards and dealt them to everyone else for round two. This time, Floris was chosen as the king.

"Huh," she said. "Let's see. This shouldn't be too crazy, I'm not Lessar…"

"Hey!"

"… so how about 18 sits in the lap of 3 for three rounds."

"I'm 18," Index informed them.

"I'm 3," Lancis said. Index stood up, grinned at Last Order, and sat down on Lancis's lap. "I'm lucky," she sighed. "If it was one of the guys, this would have been bad."

"I'm not heavy either," Index told her and puffed out her chest. There was a lot of snickering, but no one burst out laughing. Floris shuffled the cards and dealt our round three. The winner this time was the one they most dreaded.

"I'm the king!" Lessar yelled happily and revealed the card.

"Oh no," Mikoto, Floris, Bayloupe, Misaki, Touma, and Leivinia sighed. None of them had expected it to be this soon. However, the other guys and Eve found it hilarious. They cheered and were constantly egging her on. Saiai and Frenda looked slightly torn between Lessar's possible antics and seeing something really funny. Kazari, Kaori, and Itsuwa looked really nervous, while the others were a little more passive.

"Keep it clean," Kaori told her. "Don't go overboard."

"When I have ever gone overboard?" Lessar asked innocently. Everyone who knew her rolled her eyes. "I said I was going to hold back and I am. How about 2, 10, and 23 have to change into one of the festive Christmas outfit Aogami and I brought." She beamed at them all as they stared in shock.

"Yes!" Pierce cheered. "Go Lessar!"

"Quiet slave," Eve said and conjured a small wooden stick in her hand. Pierce couldn't see it, but Kaori started to move, before she realized what it was for. Eve swatted Pierce on his butt. "You only talk when I give permission or you will be punished."

"I'm sorry mistress!" Pierce cried happily. It seemed like they were going to keep up the act all night. Touma looked down at his number and sighed in relief, He wasn't one of the called numbers. The unfortunate souls were Frenda, Shiage, and Ruiko.

"You can use my bedroom or the bathroom to change," Jason pointed out.

"Unless you super want to do it out here," Saiai suggested. "Frenda, go for the bondage outfit!"

"Bite me," Frenda replied as she, Ruiko, and Shiage started rummaging.

"Why are all these revealing?" Ruiko asked.

"Because of the two people who brought them," Shiage answered. "At least there is one outfit for a guy." He pulled out a reindeer outfit. "It would have been horrible if I had to wear one of the others."

"Shut up and go change in the bathroom," Frenda ordered and kicked him. She grabbed one of the boxes and grabbed Ruiko's arm. "Come on, let's get this over with."

"You don't need to pull so hard," Ruiko complained, as she was dragged after Frenda.

"While you are in there," Lessar called out. "Check for our host's porn stash. Guys usually keep it under the bed."

"Pssh," Jason said dismissively. "I hid that long before everyone arrived."

"What?!" exclaimed Kuroko and Kazari, which only caused Jason to laugh and wink at Motoharu. Touma couldn't tell if he was joking or not. Judging by the other's expression, he could tell they didn't know either. Whispers started and then Shiage was the first one out. He was wearing the reindeer costume, complete with horns.

"It doesn't fit too bad," Shiage commented. "I'm surprised, but I can't believe I'm wearing this."

"I was planning to have Lover Boy wear it," Lessar admitted. "The lower half has some attachments so you can remove it without removing the entire outfit."

"There will be no need for that," Kaori said firmly, though her face was slightly red.

"…You look cute," Rikou said and Shiage instantly decided the costume was great and was glad Lessar called his number. They only had to wait a little longer when the door open and Frenda stepped out. She was wearing a Santa outfit with a very short skirt that barely covered her undergarments. Her red and white top covered her shoulders and chest, but revealed her stomach. It highlighted her legs and curves. However, instead of Frenda marching out of the room, she was pulling the arm of Ruiko, who didn't seem to want to come out.

"Come on," Frenda said. "Basically, you pull that outfit off perfectly."

"Nooo!" Ruiko wailed. "Let me wear one of the Santa ones!" Frenda was stronger than her though and she pulled Ruiko out into the open. They stumbled into the hallway and everyone went silent, until Motoharu wolf whistled.

Ruiko was wearing the Christmas bondage outfit Pierce had shown them all earlier.

"This is too much," Ruiko squealed and covered herself with her arms, but Frenda pushed her into the circle. It wasn't a revealing outfit, but it didn't cover her shoulders and tied in the back. She would need someone's help to get it off. It wasn't that Ruiko minded showing a little skin, but it was the fact it was a bondage outfit that embarrassed her. She realized she wouldn't get out of this, so she quickly sat down back in spot and covered her face. Frenda was more confident and sat down in her place.

"Nice one Frenda," Saiai laughed.

"Poor Saten-san," Mikoto mumbled.

"It kind of suits her in some weird way," Touma whispered and he felt two elbows jab in the sides as Misaki and Mikoto ganged up on him.

"Cheer up Saten-san," Kazari whispered around Jason. "You can pull it off."

"Besides," Jason added. "You can tell Touma keeps glancing at you." He and Kazari laughed and Ruiko's face burned brightly.

"Huh," Bayloupe whispered to Accelerator. "That was pretty tame for Lessar."

"Think she's planning something?" he asked and she nodded. Accelerator's head felt slightly fuzzy and he knew he should be more worried than he actually felt.

"I'll deal," Frenda said, shuffled the deck, and passed out the cards. Everyone glanced at their card simultaneously.

"It's me!" Jason called out. "Let's see. I feel like we should keep the clothing theme going." He grinned. "How about numbers 13 and, umm, 4 have to switch clothes?"

"Huh?!" came a half dozen different voices.

"Nice one," Motoharu and Pierce cheered. Eve actually forgot to hit Pierce because she was laughing too.

"I'm number 4," Kaori said and she didn't sound happy about this. Her tied shirt and cut jeans were party of her magic, so switching with someone else would actually weaken her. If Eve tried something, she needed to be at her best.

"So the Saint is going to switch with someone," Leivinia sneered. "Hope it's a guy." Kaori glared at her. No one volunteered their numbers and everyone looked around, until their eyes fell on one person who was looking down at his number in shock. Touma didn't say anything because of his stunned disbelief.

"Really?" Mikoto asked in shock.

"I should have known," Misaki sighed.

"Oh my," Itsuwa said and covered her mouth.

"This is great!" Accelerator roared with laughter.

"I didn't see this coming," Frenda whispered to Saiai. They both were laughing. "I kind of wish it was Hamazura and someone else though."

"I understand," Saiai nodded. "I super want to see Hamazura humiliated in girl clothes."

"I would appreciate you two not plotting against me," Shiage sighed.

"It's starting to get out of hand," Lancis said to Floris.

"It's actually kind of interesting," Floris replied.

"One more round and I can go back to my seat right?" Index asked Lancis, who nodded. Index glared at Touma as he and Kaori walked to swap clothes. Itsuwa and Motoharu went with them. Touma was in the bathroom and Kaori was in the bedroom while Itsuwa and Motoharu passed their clothes so no one saw anything they were not supposed to. Kaori was the first one out and looked around. Her right hand was holding the pair of jeans she was wearing.

"His pants are a little loose," she sighed. They were also a little short, as Kaori was older and taller than Touma. The white button down shirt wasn't an issue for her and it actually didn't look that unnatural. Kaori pulled it off quite well. She was aware of several girls staring at her and it made her uncomfortable. Though, the thumbs up and obnoxious grin from Motoharu annoyed her greatly. Jason was snickering while the girls around him were watching her. Kaori and Itsuwa sat down and shrugged at each other. Itsuwa was slightly jealous and Kaori was trying hard not to notice Touma's scent coming from the clothes. Finally, the bathroom door open and Touma stepped out.

Everyone except Kaori, Itsuwa, Rikou, and Kazari burst out laughing.

"I'm glad this is amusing for all of you," Touma sighed. He was used to be embarrassed and he knew what they were all laughing at. The t-shirt Kaori wore and kept tied up was cut a little shorter than a normal shirt, so it didn't completely cover the top of her jeans. Kaori also had a slimmer figure than him, so the jeans were tight on him. It was as if he was wearing skin tight pants on one leg, while the short one on the other side was cut off.

"You should do a little dance for us," Eve suggested. "Shake that money maker." This caused the others guys to roar with laughter and most of the girls could not suppress their own amusement.

"If we throw you some cash do we get a lap dance?" Lessar asked.

"Why me?" Touma complained and made his way back to the couch and sat down.

"Aww," Misaki cooed. "I wouldn't mind a lap dance." She winked at him and Touma's ears burned.

"If she gets one," Mikoto demanded a little selfishly. "I want one too." Touma thought she sounded a little out of character, but his head was buzzing slightly and he figured he was imagining things. Since the third round was over since Index had to sit on Lancis's lap, she got off and sat back down next to Last Order. They both were giggling at Touma's and Kaori's predicament and Last Order got them both more cider. Kaori wanted to get the attention off her and Touma, so she shuffled the cards and felt them out. Everyone glanced at their own card and a wide grinned appeared on one of their faces.

"Looks like it's my turn," Eve announced deviously.

"Good luck mistress," Pierce said from below her. She responded by patting him on the head. Eve looked around at all the apprehensive expressions on the other's faces.

"What?" Eve asked. "I'm not going to order anything bad. You see, there's a Japanese tradition I wanted to see in person." She reached around her back and pulled out a small box. "Tada!" she said proudly and held up a box of Pocky. "Number 1 and 17 have to play the Pocky game!" Everyone there knew what that game was. Pocky was a long biscuit with a chocolate covering on one end. The Pocky game involved two people eating one piece of Pocky from each end. The first person whose mouth came off the Pocky or the other player gets to the middle first loses. If the participants end up kissing, it was considered a tie.

"That's surprisingly normal coming from you," Leivinia said in surprise. "I was expecting something… more?"

"Something Lessar level?" Bayloupe asked.

"When was there a scale involving me?" Lessar demanded.

"We just made it up," Floris told her. "Everything is a one to Lessar level in craziness." Lessar stuck her tongue out at her.

"I was worried she might try something," Kuroko said to Kazari. "But I think she's actually here to just have fun." Kazari nodded, but Jason grinned.

"Wait for it," he said and they looked at him. "I bet Eve knows everyone's numbers." They looked confused before the victims of Eve's prank revealed their numbers.

"I'm number 1," Mikoto sighed.

"I'm number 17," Misaki said simultaneously. There was a pause and then they stared at each other.

"EHHHHHHH!"

"Mistress!" Pierce cried. "Your greatness knows no bounds!"

"Naturally," Eve agreed.

"Hahaha," Accelerator laughed loudly.

"What's so funny?" Bayloupe asked.

"Those two have a super rivalry," Saiai explained from Accelerator's other side. "Neither of them would give up when facing each other."

"Oh."

"Nooo onee-sama," Kuroko moaned. "You would never play the Pocky game with me."

"Are they going to go all the way?" Kazari asked Jason and Ruiko.

"Misaka-san is really competitive," Ruiko admitted. "She won't give up. Shokuhou-san is only competitive around her, so I don't think so."

"But the Pocky game is only supposed to be for boy girl pairs," Kazari whispered back anxiously.

"Oh?" Jason asked and raised an eyebrow. "Is that an invitation? Do you want to play?"

"Maybe later," Kazari said quickly and blushed. "After Saten-san asks the certain person she likes out."

"Saten-san," Jason said firmly. "March over to him and order him to take you out on a date. You are wearing the right clothes so he can't say no."

"W-what?" Ruiko spluttered and covered herself. "This outfit is embarrassing enough without drawing attention to myself." Kuroko rolled her eyes but stared wishfully at them. Meanwhile, the main attraction was heating up as Eve tossed the box of Pocky on the table.

"Who do we root for?" Index asked Last Order.

"MISAKA should vote for her onee-chan MISAKA admits, but MISAKA feels we should cheer them both on as they are our friends MISAKA amends as MISAKA expresses her honest desire." Index nodded and they started cheering.

"Disappointed it wasn't you?" Frenda asked Shiage and nudged him in the side.

"Like I would be happy playing that game with some random person," Shiage huffed. He felt Rikou's eyes on him and he hoped his answer was satisfactory.

"Aww," Lessar sighed. "I would like to play that game with someone."

"So you can surprise attack them?" Leivinia asked and Lessar grinned.

"That was a close call," Itsuwa said to Kaori. "We could have been part of that."

"I suppose," Kaori admitted. She was a little distracted by still wearing Touma's clothes. Kaori was actually a little perturbed she wanted to sniff them.

"If you want," Eve said and leaned over with a huge smile on her face. "I could try to arrange something."

"We are good," Kaori and Itsuwa said together. Both of them wanted to get involved in an order with a certain boy, but neither of them trusted Eve's motive. Meanwhile, Mikoto and Misaki looked down at the box of Pocky, aware everyone was watching them.

"I can't believe I got paired up with you," Mikoto moaned.

"Why Misaka-san," Misaki told her sweetly. "If you want to surrender, we can skip this embarrassing competition."

"You just don't want the embarrassment of losing," Mikoto snapped. "Knowing your sweet tooth, you will probably eat most of it before I barely start."

"Is that a challenge?" Misaki asked and a vein throbbed in her forehead. The two girls glared at each other over Touma and he slunk into the couch cushion. Motoharu and Pierce were laughing at his predicament. Accelerator, Saiai, and Bayloupe weren't hiding their amusement ether. Misaki was the first one to stand up and looked at Touma. "Naturally, you will cheer me on, right?" She winked at him and approached the table. Touma felt Mikoto pinch him and he turned to her.

"You better cheer for me," she muttered. "I don't want to see you staring at her just because she's bigger." Touma saw her eyes water slightly and he frowned.

Did I upset her somehow? Everyone seems to be a little unrestrained tonight. He sipped his cider in order to avoid opening his mouth and sticking his foot in it. Misaki held a piece of Pocky in her hands and looked at Mikoto.

"Ready when you are Misakaaaa," Misaki cooed and deliberately stretched out the last word.

"Let's see if you can keep up that confident attitude," Mikoto replied. They were so focused on each other they didn't notice Motoharu and Pierce looking at each other and grinning. Both of them had pulled out their phones and they were not the only ones. Nearly a dozen people had pulled them out.

"You two ready?" Eve asked. Mikoto and Misaki glared at her for a moment before nodding. Misaki put the chocolate end in her mouth and turned to Mikoto. Mikoto grudgingly placed her mouth on the other end and glared into Misaki's eyes. Neither was planning to back down and Mikoto wasn't even thinking she normally wouldn't do this. "Go!" Eve said and the game started.

"Go onee-sama!" cheered Kuroko. While she was disappointed it wasn't her instead of Misaki, she was still going to support Mikoto.

Huh, Leivinia thought. I want some Pocky now.

Everyone else was watching the two girls slowly approach each other. Neither of them was giving an inch as they continued to nibble the cookie. Mikoto and Misaki might have been embarrassed if it was anyone else, but they were too focused on not losing. They competed over a lot of things, mainly that which involved Touma, and they weren't thinking straight, probably because of the increasing excitement of the game. They never stopped looking into each other's eyes as their lips were less than an inch apart. This is when both of them had the same thought running through their head. She's not planning to give up. They were actually worried as the tiny gap closed and they were neck and neck. Neither thought the other one would continue this far. Their lips were just about to touch when they heard it.

Several loud clicks as half of their friends took pictures.

"Gah!" Mikoto and Misaki yelled and stumbled backwards. The sound brought them back to their senses. "Who's taking pictures?" Mikoto demanded. "That wasn't part of the deal."

"Pretty much everyone," Eve laughed and pointed. Motoharu, Pierce, Jason, Accelerator, Leivinia, Frenda, Saiai, Last Order, Shiage, and Floris all had their cameras out.

"Oh no," Misaki said and put a hand on her cheek. "They saw an unsightly side of me."

"I'm pretty sure every guy super wants to see that side of you," Saiai said with a snicker.

"What's the big deal about it?" Index asked confused. "They were just playing a game."

"Apparently guys like seeing two girls kiss MISAKA explains as MISAKA shows off her cast knowledge. MISAKA does not know why though."

"Hah," Accelerator laughed. "I'm uploading this to the net."

"No!" Mikoto yelled. "Delete it right now!"

"Make me."

"I could always use some blackmail material on those two," Leivinia muttered with a grin.

"Looks like it's over," Misaki said and looked down at the tiny remains. "Shame we both let go. I was totally winning." Her eyes fell on Touma, who was looking away with a slightly red face. "Aww, did you enjoy that?" She asked seductively.

"I…er," Touma stuttered. "I don't think there's a guy in the world that wouldn't have like that."

"Smooth," Mikoto said and sat down next to him.

"How about for a Christmas present we steal the bedroom and go a little further?" Misaki asked in an undertone. "As a bonus, Misaka can join us."

"W-what?!" Touma gasped.

"As long as you don't get left alone with miss big bewbs over ter," Mikoto mumbled, slightly slurring her words. "I'll join." Touma's eyes widened and his hand cover his face as he felt a nosebleed come on.

"Damn you Kami-yan!" Pierce cried. "Look at him showing off after getting his girls to perform for him!"

"What did you expect?" Motoharu asked. "Anyway, we can sell these pictures around school for some extra spending cash." Misaki glanced at him out of the corner of her eyes and made a mental note to persuade them to delete the photos.

"Quiet you trash," Eve scolded and stepped on Pierce's head. "You keep talking after I ordered you silent. I will get out the whip."

"That sounds awesome!" Pierce exclaimed. "Wait… I mean… noooo not the whip!"

"Heh, I think I need to get creative in your punishment." She sat on his back again and looked out toward the others. None of them even bothered to spare her a moment of time. They were used to her bossing Pierce around.

"I'll shuffle," Mikoto said and dealt out the cards. She was going to do anything to get the focus off her.

"It's me," Kuroko said and scrunched her forehead up in concentration. After the last order, any ideas she had was wiped from her mind. I guess I can do the costumes. Onee-sama would look great and, she grinned deviously, it would be embarrassing for Jason. Let's see if luck is on my side. "We need a more festive atmosphere. So how about 3, 5, and 20 put one some of their Christmas outfits."

"Yay!" Lessar cheered. "Come on Lover Boy." Neither she nor Kuroko got their wish. The three who were selected were Bayloupe, Motoharu, and Kazari. Jason cheered at the last one.

"I think I got the only male costume," Shiage commented as the three stood up.

"Who cares?" Leivinia pointed out. "The order wasn't to wear the costume that matched your gender."

"Oh no," Accelerator and Touma muttered. They put a hand over their eyes. None of them wanted to see it. Bayloupe, Motoharu, and Kazari got up, grabbed an outfit, and changed. Kazari was the first one out and sat down, with her face glowing. She fidgeted as several people looked her over, mainly Jason, but she was pleased at his attention. It was similar to Frenda's outfit. Bayloupe was next and didn't seem to mind wearing the revealing outfit. She sat down and was aware Accelerator was looking at her.

"Yes?" she asked and couldn't resist smirking slightly.

"Nothing," he muttered and Bayloupe snickered. She stopped when she felt a pair of eyes glaring at her and saw Last Order watching her closely.

"I think this skirt makes my butt look big," Motoharu announced and leaped into the room. He spun around in the female Santa outfit.

"Maybe a little," Frenda agreed.

"He's not even slightly embarrassed," Ruiko said impressed.

"Then go up there and join him," suggested Kuroko and Kazari giggled.

"Are you kidding?" Ruiko asked. "This bondage outfit chafes. It's going to reveal more than I want anyone to see."

"Now you know what I go through," Kazari told her.

"I'm going to increase the number of times I do it for that comment alone." Kazari made a squeaking noise and hid behind Jason.

"Only if I can watch," Jason said firmly and Kazari poked him hard.

"I'm never going to get the image of him out of my mind," Floris muttered to Lancis and looked away from Motoharu.

"He almost pulls it off," Lancis answered fairly.

"Why thank you," Motoharu told her and he picked up the cards before he sat down. He shuffled the deck and passed them out.

"MISAKA won MISAKA cheers as MISAKA reveals the winning card!" Everyone turned to Last Order. She opened her mouth to give her order when she stopped and frowned. She shook her head and scrunched her forehead, like she was thinking. Saiai and Frenda looked at each other in confusion, but Accelerator frowned. He realized this as her communication with the Misaka Network. "Fine MISAKA mutters." She looked at everyone. "MISAKA orders number 5 to explain what the purpose of porn is."

The sound of several people spitting drinks was heard.

"WHAT!?"

"What have you been talking about in front of her?!" Mikoto demanded angrily and stared at Accelerator.

"Hang on," Kuroko said. "It's their fault." Kuroko pointed to Saiai and Jason. "They were the one who mentioned it."

"My bad," Saiai said.

"Damn it," Accelerator fumed. "It had to be Worst telling her to ask that."

"How?" Bayloupe asked him quietly. "She's not here."

"It's a long story."

"We can't tell her what that is," Itsuwa interrupted. "It's not appropriate for someone her age."

"MISAKA wants to know MISAKA demands as MISAKA stamps her feet. The game requires number 5 to follow the order." She wasn't going to mention Worst was not the one to suggest it, but MISAKA 10032. It turned out Misaka Imouto had doubts of the Network's previous interpretation of porn.

"Who actually is number 5?" Misaki asked and Touma shrugged. "Maybe we can say something that would satisfy her curiosity without going into detail? If she started searching on her own…"

"… It would be a lot worse," Mikoto sighed. She had to agree.

"I'm number 5," Pierce called out and held up his card.

"Of course it is," Touma sighed and face palmed.

"Hell no!" Accelerator said and stood up. "There is no way you are going to tell her anything about that you fucking pervert."

"You're being too harsh on me," Pierce replied and pretended to be hurt. "I know how to talk to a young girl." Saiai and Frenda was surprised Pierce wasn't showing any signs of fear. Accelerator was giving off a pretty powerful murderous intent, one to rival Shizuri's. Shiage and Rikou scooted away.

"Why is he so angry?" Leivinia asked.

"He's a lolicon," Motoharu said.

"And acts like a mother hen," Jason added.

"I'm going to kill every one of you."

"MISAKA wants to know MISAKA demands again."

"I want to know too," Index added and Touma felt sweat form on the back of his neck.

"I'm willing to explain it to them," Lessar volunteered.

"No," Bayloupe instantly uttered. "You will not talk about such things in front of them."

"Are you sure you don't want to change your order?" Kaori asked and Last Order, but she shook her head.

"She's as stubborn as Accelerator," Kuroko mumbled to Kazari, who could only shrug. She didn't know what to do in this situation.

"I could make a suggestion," Motoharu said. "As part of the game, we are supposed to follow the orders. However, we could let you switch the person who explains what it is. In return, you have to face a punishment Aogami chooses. He gives you an order as if he was made the king after her. How's that?" Pierce nodded in confirmation.

"Fine," Accelerator spat out. He looked at Touma. "Hero, you explain it."

"Why me?" Touma asked in shock. He was not expecting that.

"You're the only one of these idiots who would have a stake in this," Accelerator said, as he tried to keep his voice calm, but it was radiating fury. "Plus, I can trust you to have a little tact in your definition."

"Aww," Pierce and Motoharu said together. "Look at Accelerator expressing his love for Kami-yan."

"While you do that," Accelerator continued while most of the girls snickered. "I'm going to kill those two."

"You can't kill my seat," Eve protested.

"So tell MISAKA," Last Order said and turned to Touma. Index was listening too and Touma was aware everyone else turning their attention to him. He had to be careful or he was going to end up with a very angry and embarrassed nun on his head.

"Porn is a kind of adult entertainment," Touma explained. "It's not the nicest kind, but some people find it enjoyable." He was aware the other guys and a couple girls were trying to hide their laughter, except for Accelerator, who had his arms crossed and a sour look on his face. He was aware Mikoto watching him closely to see how he was going to explain it to her sister. "It's not usually people's first choice of careers, but they have their reason to do it."

"It's some kind of competition, right? MISAKA asks as MISAKA recalls a brief incident involving what looked like a wrestling match." Many heads toward to Accelerator, as several of them thought Last Order saw something Accelerator had been watching. He gave them a glare saying, blame me and die.

"Err yes," Touma agreed and saw a way out of this. "It's adult wrestling." Lessar was beside herself in silent laughter, while Motoharu, Pierce, Eve, Saiai, Frenda, and Jason were not much different, even Ruiko was trying not to giggle.

"Why are they naked? MISAKA continues to inquire." Touma didn't have an answer, but he was saved by Mikoto.

"That's because they would get dirty if they stayed in their clothes." Accelerator face palmed, but now even Leivinia was enjoying Touma's and Mikoto's plight. Kaori and Itsuwa were stunned at what was happening, but they weren't sure they should interfere.

"Makes sense," Index said with a nod and Mikoto sighed.

"You have to be eighteen to see it right? MISAKA asks as MISAKA remembers what she was told once."

"Yes," Touma said. "It's against the law for people to view it before then."

"So once we are eighteen," Index asked. "Can we make porn?"

"NO!" Touma, Mikoto, Accelerator, Kuroko, Ruiko, Kazari, Itsuwa, and Kaori yelled out at once.

"Why not?!" Last Order and Index demanded.

"It's because…" Touma started to say, while his brain worked in overdrive. "Both of you aren't suited for it. I mean…" His voice died out and he started sweating when they glared at him.

"What I believe he means is," Misaki took over and patted Touma on the shoulder. "Porn is a very vulgar profession and many people who take part of it failed in other areas. Both of you have so much potential that it would be a waste." Last Order and Index tilted their heads, but appeared satisfied with her answer.

"Thank you so much," Touma muttered to Misaki.

"Anytime."

"See Accelerator," Motoharu told him with a superior tone. "It all worked out."

"You're lucky it did," Accelerator growled. "Or you would have flown out that window."

"Your friends really like to push your buttons," Bayloupe commented to him.

"They did a lot more during out trip to England," Saiai told her with a laugh and Accelerator scowled.

"Now that this is over," Ruiko spoke up before a fight could break out. "Let's move on to the next round."

"Hold it!" Eve said. "I believe my servant here has to give out the punishment game."

"Tsk," Accelerator clicked his tongue. The bitch remembered.

"What would be tough for the great Accelerator to do?" Pierce asked rhetorically. "Ah, I know." His grin made everyone in the circle silent. "You have to give Misaka-san a compliment."

"What?!" Accelerator and Mikoto asked in shock.

"How is that a punishment game?" Leivinia asked. She was disappointed in his choice.

"Oh," Frenda said and her eyes widened. "I know why."

"Why?" Shiage asked, while Rikou and Saiai leaned closer.

"He's like Mugino. They have a hard time complimenting people not part of their group."

"Phew," Kazari let out a breath of relief. "I was worried he was going to do something to upset Accelerator."

"He did," Jason said and she turned toward him. "Accelerator doesn't like to compliment people."

"It's just one," Kuroko said. "It shouldn't be hard to compliment onee-sama." Jason shrugged. Accelerator looked around at everyone and then at Mikoto.

"No."

"It won't kill you," Mikoto replied evenly and crossed her arms. She was a little irritated at his protest to something so simple.

"You don't know that," he snapped.

"Is the number one unable to do something so simple?" Misaki asked and smiled at him. This annoyed Accelerator because even Misaki was making fun of him now.

"I think he's scared," Leivinia laughed.

"Scared?" Accelerator huffed. "Brat, what do I have to be scared off?"

"I guess he can't do it," Mikoto said with a shrug.

"You can do it," Kaori said and he glanced at her for a moment. Kaori knew he could say nice things about people, but he didn't like to do it publically. She still remembered how highly he spoke of Touma in England.

"MISAKA believes in you!"

"Aww," Motoharu cooed. "Look how shy he is."

"So shy," Pierce laughed.

"Wasn't he supposed to be tough?" Eve asked.

"Bayloupe said he was," Lessar replied.

"Guess he's not," Floris snickered and looked over at Lancis. She's dozed off. She's missing everything. Oh well.

"Fine," Accelerator snapped at everyone. He turned his gaze back to Mikoto. "You are not as annoying as when I first met you." There was a long pause as everyone processed his words.

"Wha… What kind of compliment is that?!" Mikoto demanded. Misaki held a hand up to her mouth and Kuroko looked furious. Before they could say anything else, Motoharu spoke up.

"Wow," he said. "He must really consider you a friend."

"Huh?" Mikoto asked confused and most of the others had similar looks on their faces.

"He's past the death threats with you," Pierce elaborated. "That means he considers you a friend."

"Really?" Mikoto asked.

"Bunch of bullshit," Accelerator scoffed and sat down.

"What happens if he actually gives a compliment?" Ruiko couldn't resist asking.

"If it's to a girl," Jason answered. "It means he probably fell in love with her."

"Shut the fuck up, all of you!" Accelerator was not in the mood. Bayloupe frowned and remembered he once told her she looked nice. The tips of her ears burned slightly. Saiai was busy trying to remember if Accelerator ever complimented her, but she was sure he did once.

"I suppose we should continue," Motoharu said laughing. "Kami-yan, Aogami is a little under foot right now," he grinned, "Want to shuffle?"

"Sure," Touma shrugged and passed out the cards again.

"I'm the king," Kazari said and held up the card. Everyone sighed in relief. They knew she was probably the safest bet out of all of them. "I feel there's some tension between everyone, so… umm… how about 16 and 21 have to give each other a thirty second hug?" A couple people snickered, until they found out who the two were.

Leivinia stood up and so did Rikou. Leivinia's eyes traveled to Rikou's large chest and she scowled. Due to the height difference, Leivinia's head was going to be about even with Rikou's chest. This was the ultimate insult for Leivinia and she turned to glare at Kazari with hatred in her eyes. Kazari's face paled and she had no idea why Leivinia was mad at her. Jason did though, and he held Kazari's hand to steady herself. Leivinia and Rikou started hugging and the others were chatting until the thirty seconds were up.

"I'm surprised something horrible hasn't happened yet," Touma muttered to Misaki and Mikoto.

"You are wearing Kanzaki-san's clothes and think nothing is wrong," Mikoto pointed out. "Huh, you're right. Things are going well, even with Eve's here."

"That's because I'm here," Misaki said proudly. "Even fate doesn't want to separate me and him."

"I'm here too," Mikoto pointed out.

"Fine," Misaki pouted. "Since it's the holidays, you can join us in the back room."

"W-what are you going to do back there?" Mikoto snapped quietly. Touma fell silent and decided he should pretend not to exist or else he was going to get pulled into something misfortunate.

"Naturally," Misaki explained. "What on earth could a young man and woman do in a bedroom?" She turned to Touma and blew in his ear. "How about it my prince?"

"I…err…umm," was all he could say. His brain wasn't thinking clearly and his eyes darted toward the others. It seemed like everyone else was getting involved with the people around them. Kazari and Kuroko seemed to be pressing for some kind of information from Jason, but he only looked amused. Ruiko was talking to Index and Last Order. Accelerator was talking to the girls around him while Shiage was staring at Leivinia hugging Rikou with an envious look on his face. Motoharu, Pierce, and Eve were talking and Touma knew that couldn't be good. Kaori and Itsuwa seemed to be discussing something important in low undertones, Floris also seemed to be dozing off slightly too and Lessar, on the other side of Misaki, looked like she was ready to pounce at him. He was snapped back to reality when Mikoto breathed into his ear.

"I want you to spend some alone time with me too," she complained. Touma thought he smelled something on her breath, but wasn't sure what.

"I want in too," Lessar added and scooted over.

"Only because it's Christmas," Misaki replied. Touma opened his mouth to say something but the time ran out on Leivinia's and Rikou's hug, so they let go. Leivinia looked upset and grabbed the cards angrily, before shuffling and dealing them out. She sat down without a word and crossed her arms.

"Yes!" Motoharu called out and tossed the king card onto the table. "I really liked the variety of orders everyone came up with, but I felt like we were missing something. It was hard to tell what, but it felt like we needed some… misfortune." Touma's eyes widened and he stared at Motoharu, who wore one of the biggest grins on his face Touma had ever seen. "So I came up with this. Number 1 has to tell us which person here they like the most. No saying everyone is special or something like that. Just one specific person." He sat down and everyone glanced down at their card.

NO, NO, NO! Touma silently screamed in his head. He can't know what my number is, it's random. Touma lifted his card up and glanced down at the number. His faced turned ashen and his hands started to tremble. He had to have known. He always cheats at cards, so they must be marked them somehow. Shit, shit, shit. I am going to die. The number 1 was clearly printed on his card. Everyone's eyes moved onto him and he sighed. Guess I die like a man. He didn't know what he was going to say, but he stood up and threw the card onto the table. He saw Jason, Accelerator, Pierce and Motoharu laughing, while of the girls were watching him with apprehension. "Okay," he said. He was going to follow his gut and say the first name that popped into his mind. "He's going to make me say this, so the person I choose is-…"

The lights went out and several girls screamed which cut him off.

"What happened!?"

"I can't see anything!" The sun had set and the snow was falling heavily outside.

"All the lights are out in the area. It must be a black out."

"Calm down, the emergency lights will be on momentarily."

"Hah this is super fun!"

"Now's my chance!" There was a thud as someone jumped but missed their target.

"Watch it."

"Stop moving around! We are just bumping into each other."

"Who touched my butt!?"

"Sorry!"

"AHH!"

"Huh, who was that?"

"Now's the chance for you guys to cop a feel!"

"Onee-sama!" There was a shock of electricity which briefly lit everything up, but not long enough for everyone to figure out their positions.

"Can everyone please stay calm?"

"Oomph, ouch. Someone elbowed me in the stomach."

"I'm sorry!"

"Oops," There was the sound of breaking glass. Someone's drinking glass hit the ground.

"Everyone needs to stop fucking moving!"

"MISAKA can't see anything!"

"This is stupid."

"Huh? What's happening? I just work up."

"Power outage."

"Found Lover Boy!"

"Get away from him!"

"Get away from him!"

"Is she the one grabbing me?"

"Everyone calm down! I'm going to give us some light." Kaori released a bunch of her wires into the air and they crisscrossed across the ceiling. They started to glow and the room was lit in the soft blue light. Everyone could see where they were and started to help each other up or apologize. It turned out Lessar was grabbing onto Eve, who looked highly amused.

"I'm not really into girls," Eve said. "But I'm willing to try anything once." Lessar let go of her quickly. The person who grabbed Touma was actually Itsuwa and his arm was pressed firmly against her soft chest.

"Sorry Itsuwa," Touma muttered embarrassed and pull his arm away. He had accidently hit with his arm and she grabbed it instinctively.

"It's no problem," Itsuwa replied softly. Her face was red when she realized where his arm had been. She was also slightly nervous seeing several pair of angry eyes on her.

"Jason," Kuroko demanded. "What's going on? Is this just a power outage?"

"Let me check," Jason said and pulled out his phone. If they all had been thinking properly, they would have used their cellphones as lights. For some reason all of them were a little slow on the uptake. "Hey, I just lost power and the backup generator hasn't started. Why?" He frowned. "Huh… I see… really? Okay… damn. Thanks for letting me know." He hung up. "I have some bad news. The snowstorm turned out to be several times worse than they thought it would be. Power is out in several areas and they issued a warning for everyone to stay inside. On the plus side, you all can ignore curfew."

"So we are stuck here?" Ruiko asked and Jason nodded.

"So you all have to stay here," Lessar recapped. "With us," she pointed to the girls from the magic side, "And I'm here with Lover Boy who can't escape." Her grin widened. "Best Christmas Eve ever!"

"Wait Lessar!" Touma said and raised his hands up. It was too late and she pounced, which started a chain reaction off several violent outbursts, shouting, and laughter.

Several hours later nearly everyone was sleeping. Jason managed to get enough blankets for everyone and they found enough locations for everyone to sleep. The only person who wasn't sleeping was Eve. She had stood up, stretched, and looked out across the darken part of the city. The wires Kaori had created were still active and provided light. She looked around at the people in the living room. Touma was sleeping on the couch with Mikoto and Misaki sleeping on him. Lessar was sleeping next to the couch and was holding tightly to Touma's right arm dangling off the edge. Ruiko was sleeping while leaning up against the side of the couch and supported by pillows. Jason was sleeping on a reclining sofa chair and for some reason Kazari and Kuroko were sleeping curled up tightly next to him. Shiage and Accelerator were sleeping in chairs with their heads on the table. Saiai and Bayloupe flanked Accelerator's side. Kaori and Itsuwa were sleeping on a thick blanket in the middle of the room while Pierce and Motoharu were snoozing against the walls. Everyone else was sleeping in the bedroom area.

I didn't think they would drink all the cider, Eve thought. Everyone got a little bold near the end there. She laughed quietly when several girls propositioned Touma to spend a night with all of them or when Kuroko asked Kazari to share Jason. Bayloupe and Saiai had even gotten into an argument over what present Accelerator would like more. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted. She was planning to leave but figured she should at least thank the others for having her over in her own special way. She walked over to Pierce, her newest servant, and put a piece of paper with a phone number into his hand. She knew he would be a useful source of information. Eve smiled and walked over to the couch until she was standing over Touma. Eve had a special treat in mind for him. She held out her hand and her Book of Genesis appeared. The pages fell open and then a single page flew out.

The single sheet of paper turned into a pair of striped red and white panties.

"Enjoy my Christmas present," she whispered and put the underwear over Touma's head. This action was sure to spark some interesting conversations the following morning, but Eve, sadly, would not be there. She walked to the door, opened it silently, gave everyone one last wave good-bye, before closing the door and left. As soon as she left, Motoharu opened an eye and sat up.

"Finally," he muttered. He knew Eve was awake so he had to pretend to be asleep. He walked over to the kitchen, stood up on his tiptoes, and pulled out a camera from on top of a cupboard. He flipped it open and watched the earlier scenes of the party. It looks like our research into Kami-yan Disease is coming along nicely. I'll have to do some commentary, but the angle worked out better than I thought. He turned the camera off, hid it, and went back to his spot to go to sleep.

Why am I doing this again?

Across the city, Shizuri Mugino was leaving a store with a bag of wrapped male clothes in her hand. The clothes were going to be her Christmas gift for a certain boy. I hate the holidays, so he better be grateful. She had to order the clothes specially made because these clothes were designed to be sturdier than normal ones and they were fire resistant. With Touma's luck, he probably went through a lot of clothes, so this would be a useful gift for him. She personally picked it up and was planning to deliver it to him, but the arrival was delayed and she didn't finish until after night had fallen. The snow was piling up and it was going to be annoying to get anywhere. If he doesn't appreciate this, I'm going to beat him until he does. Maybe I should go tomorrow, when it's actually Christmas, and then I could spend the day with… blah what crap am I thinking about? She paused when she heard a couple adults talking.

"The blizzard isn't letting up anytime soon."

"A couple kids are still stuck out there and I heard Anti-Skill is working to find them all."

"Why are they out there anyways?"

"The storm wasn't supposed to be this bad, but a couple kids said a magical snowman asked what they wanted at the nearby park and they wished for more snow. Now we have this."

"Magical snowman? Pssh, kids these days."

"They aren't old enough to know magic doesn't exist."

Shizuri stopped listening here. Normally, a conversation like this would not be worth her time, but she was far too experienced with magicians now to overlook something like this. I bet Eve has something to do with this. I'm going to check it out. If I have to blast a snowman, then I get to release some pent up stress. She grinned and walked out of the store and into the snow. Using her ability, melting the snow around her was a simple task. She pulled up her hood and headed toward the park.

It turned out Shizuri was the one who saved Christmas.

And only a few kids were traumatized.

Feel free to leave a review, comment, suggestions, or ideas, I love reading them. If you have a question you wish I ask and would like a quick answer, feel free to message me directly. I try to respond to those within a day or two. Comments, I tend to respond to in the next chapter.

Well, the game was tough to write, not because it was difficult to think of ideas, I had a lot of people help out with that, but the fact I was laughing too much. Some people may question why the pairings weren't always perfect. That is because I used a random number generator to choose pairings, except when someone cheats. (Motoharu and Eve. You know they did.) I knew what dare each of them would come up with though, even the ones who didn't get picked. Anyway, I hope this light hearted chapter broke up the seriousness in the main story.

Happy Festivus to you all.