A Certain Infinite Possibility

by Darkbetrayer

An ancient organization has emerged from hiding in order to bring the world into darkness. Will Touma be able to stop them or will his actions make everything worse. Will Touma finally develop the harem he deserves? Magic and Science will collide in ways no one thought possible. Touma X Harem (Maybe, he is really dense.)

105. S5 Secrets Revealed

Well, I figured most of the comments would be about our favorite unlucky hero finally realizing he had unlocked the harem route. It was a little bit of a surprise for him, but I think it went well. Being forced to ask your mom for help really does mean things are getting desperate, especially for a high school boy. This will be an important point for him though. He is one of the few people to get the option to form a harem. Now, how many will be willing to join or try to steal him for themselves remains to be see, Not only that, can the harem actually survive or will the girls tear each other apart? Most stories only look at the funny side of harems, not the realistic problems. I had a couple interesting private comments about harems, and some I had no answer to what I received. So if I didn't reply to you, that's the reason. Touma's kind of special, so he might be able to work out the problems.

Then we have the important and exciting news. Index III has been announced. Hopefully, they will do the series justice and introduce new characters to a wider fan base. This is, of course, assuming terrible things don't occur and cause it to get canceled. We can only hope. I expect a lot more fanfictions to get started once it comes out though. But enough babbling, let's move on.

hubb2001: You and Frodo need to be careful not to spoiler too much for the others. I may not be able to lower your salary, but I can deny you food for a bad job. The quiet girls have the best imaginations. Huh, I should learn how to pronounce Julunggul properly. I only had to write it.

TazalTerminals: This event is going to reverberate down a very long chain of events.

Blues: The reason this is hard is because nearly all her fans are girls. She is not into girls. Thus, it is considered hard because you have to get her into girls. She also is not one to really consider a harem and does not go after boys.

deathmask83: Well, after she eventually shows up, there is a chance.

anand891996: Mikoto has her own chain of events going on that will sure to be interesting.

SilverFang88: You still are the undisputed ruler of the Shizuri x Touma pairing. It's a lot easier to really focus on relationships when you only have two main people. If it makes you feel better, your original piece is what made me want to add Shizuri into my piece. Maybe when this is all done, I'll focus on a single pairing in a new story. People started waiting something besides Mikoto or Othinus and she was available. Still not as good as Carissa. I made sure Shiina pointed out she did not enjoy the idea, but she also understands it will be Touma's decision in the end. A mother really just wants her children to be happy. Of course, the angry mother-in-law towering over the girls who dared to corrupt her pure and innocent son might be a thing. I need to bring the Birdway sisters back soon too. So much going on.

Kuvukiland: I wanted the harem to occur somewhat naturally, rather than just, boom, harem. I kind of want to know a little more about her than just the two chapters or so before I add her. Her adventure with Last Order wasn't too bad.

aGuestfromGreece45: Those first few things you mentioned are basic anime rules. Aogami getting a harem can't be written naturally. The amount of effort it would take to make it happen is beyond my skills.

wildarms13: Touma's mom had to find out eventually. If you can't get the mother's blessing, things get exponentially more difficult. Also, by telling his mother in front of Touma, he could see how serious Misaki was being. Touma might have been able to pass it off as a joke in front of just his friends. Carissa's grand entrance is already planned and will be glorious along with some of Gremlin. A magic god might be willing to watch over Touma at some point.

Cyber dragonarmy: How are you still alive? I paid good money to get rid of you. Someone is going to pay for this. Maybe I can send you to Leivinia Birdway. She at least knows how to get a job done.

Whwsms: Short and to the point? I take pride in the length of my chapters.

Guest00: Touma made the mistake of planning to meet up with Misaki and Mikoto after the raffle. It's going to be awkward.

Guest: I briefly considered introducing her, but with how many people I have already planned to introduce and have already, the numbers are getting a little insane. I also had a better option available that fits in with what else goes on.

Salishious: Lessar was also going to be one of the first to find out. She likes to be involved. The guys would joke about an Alpha, but will the other girls really accept the Alpha? His mom knows people. The queen is just one of many. Huh, for Saturday? Maybe four chapters or so? Then Sunday is going to have another 4-5 things happen. It's a busy weekend.

Mizericordia: I had foreshadowed her about 3-4 times. One time I explained her backstory. As for the timing, when I started this story, I had forgotten the Japanese school year is different than American. I wanted it to start in the spring, so for the most part, the overall ages will not be that important. The story will not go on long enough to make it so. Only like a month has passed so far. They will enter summer break and the story will end somewhere in there. I'm pretty sure Lessar will just be happy to be included. Mikoto got the ending of this chapter and will have a big part in the next one. Crack fics are fun, but I do limit them in this one.

general ironox: His mom will wonder when he has time to do all his school work.

Acpeters: Touma made the mistake of asking Misaki and Mikoto to help him study. I'm sure this will be a topic of discussion too. The luncheon will happen, very shortly. You like the trio? Huh, you may be unhappy in the coming chapters. Chibi vampires are always a means to an end. I debated her trying to bite people, but I didn't want to deal with a horde of them.

Handsomistic1: The queen is proactive. Subconsciously, Kazari may be slightly perverted. The luncheon is sure to mention the raffle.

Guest: 1) Eventually. He's done a few of them and gave me the corrections. I just have to find time to actually check them and make sure he's just not being stupid. Nah, you can keep working if you want. Hubb still misses things and gets punished with no dinner. 2) Touma doesn't take what she says seriously anymore. 3) Uhhh, no? Though if you want the M rated spinoff go and check our Destari's story. It's lemons… with plot.

akd48: That was what I was going for.

Bluejack222: I flipped a coin to see if he lived.

Guest 13: Mugino needs assistance for sure. She is doing pretty well by herself though.

Guest: No spoilers! People sometimes read these comments!

Noise: Now we wait.

shiroryuu012: Kamisato sucks and just shows up instantly with a harem after having his power for a couple days.

Destati69: Hey, it's the guy who writes the spinoff. Always looking forward to more of your antics.

Jujudude: Most of those girls will appear during the raffle. As for Komoe, still working out how I want her to admit she has feelings for her adorable student.

amirread97: Yanderes are amazing in bed. It's worth it. Carissa's visit is planned while five other things happen. Can't have just one thing happen at a time.

DEVIL ADITYA: Did you create an account just to comment with a name? I have other projects I am working on. I update a couple times a month, but it's not just one story. My secret to writing is I try to let events unfold on their own. I have a rough idea of what I want to happen and then just let the story do what it wants to get there. Don't try to force things or it turns out bad. You have several more NT stories to read.

Generation Zero: Touma's mother is in a tough spot. You want to tell your son what is best for him, but at the same time he needs to make his own mistakes and decide what he wants. Glad I'm not one. Touma's dad would just say something like: treat them well. You raised up the point in how the Touma in my story differs from the LN. Based on experiences, he is changing, even if he doesn't realize it. I did move the Mental Out arc forward so Ayu could appear, but I didn't pull her out of nowhere. I mentioned her 3-4 times. If something was bothering Aleister about what these kids were doing, you know he would step in. As for Kuroko and Kazari, does anything really turn out that easy? Even if Jason agrees, I'm sure stuff would happen during the relationship. I should have Laura order Stiyl to do something. She likes to boss him around.

xaxiel1572: His mother doesn't seem like the kind to freak out easily.

Master Knight Trolling: Yuna wins.

Agent Nine: She based her opinion on the information he gave her. Incomplete information can come up with bad solutions.

FrodoFighter: Finally! You know I can't update without your comment. The title did kind of give away the plot, didn't it? Shiina is just an older, mellowed out Shizuri. Touma should be proud he bagged a high class girl. It's a good thing. "7th circle of hell." These kind of comments are why I always wait for you. Touma does seem to shrug off things that will come to bite him in the butt. He should ask questions more often. You would think Shiina would know Touma would take after his dad and not be surprised there were three more girls. I should make the Mother Scoreboard and put it at the end of the chapters. I figured you would be the one to comment on her clothes. I was rather happy with how the Kuroko/ Uiharu talk went. Mr? helped so much. Now that you say that, asking a mom for help is kind of a cheat code. I never said Knight Leader wasn't the one who delivered the letter. Oriana is always ready to help Touma by driving him around. The thing is, Mikoto is not into girls. It's hard because she has to be convinced to like girls. She could probably persuade them all to join Touma's harem though.

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.

---

Touma was really glad that Oriana had picked him up. They were going to arrive at Accelerator's house in record time. Speed limits, vehicle lanes, none of that mattered in the least for Oriana Thomson. All her passengers kept thanking God for seatbelts. Touma was sitting in the front passenger seat, while Itsuwa and Index sat behind them. Touma only had to give his two roommates a short explanation about Last Order being bit by Cain for them to rush out after him. Index was murmuring to herself, but Itsuwa leaned forward to speak to him.

"I'm not sure what I can do about vampirism," Itsuwa said. "But I heard Bayloupe is staying with them from Lessar. The four of us should be able to think of something. The thing is-…"

"Vampires aren't supposed to exist?" Touma finished.

"Well, yes."

"Index mentioned that when we fought Cain," Touma explained. "We think Eve might have created him."

"That's not something I want to think about," Oriana sighed, as she turned a corner. "But the fact we aren't being besieged by multiples of him, there's probably some reason why she can't, or at least isn't."

"There is probably some kind of ritual for a powerful being, like Cain," Index interjected. "We have to assume she can make another one, if she actually made him, but we have no evidence on when she can do that. Her power is corrupted Christianity and I haven't explored it in depth. I wish I could get her book and see what it says."

"Any ideas on how to cure Last Order?" Touma asked Index.

"Nothing she would survive," Index muttered, slightly angry. It was anger directed at herself for having all this knowledge and not being able to use it. "I have limited knowledge on Vampires, but I'm hoping an examination of the mana lines within last Order's body would provide some clues on what to do. There are some items that also might work, but only two of them have been found and getting them would be a huge hassle."

"We should have tried to take him down earlier instead of waiting," Touma growled. "Now someone got hurt because we couldn't finish the fight."

"Would you have been able to kill him?" Itsuwa asked quietly.

"…No."

"That's what I thought," Itsuwa continued. "You are willing to fight for people, but you won't stoop to killing."

"I was hoping my hand might have been able to cure him somehow," Touma muttered. "From what I heard from Index, he has been suffering for a long time."

"He's not the real Cain," Index reassured him. "It's just another puppet."

"I… don't know about that." Touma's tone made them all look at him, and almost caused the car to hit a parked vehicle.

"Why do you say that?"

"We met him," Touma explained. "And he felt more human than a puppet. I also have some… reserves, about just labeling people puppets." The Sister project ran through his mind. The Misaka clones had been considered dolls and slaughtered by Accelerator, who was led to believe they weren't real people. So many deaths were attributed to that kind of thinking. "He seemed truly alive."

"It was probably one of Eve's plans," Itsuwa explained. "Make them real enough so people hesitate and give them the advantage."

"Maybe…" Touma looked out the window. The anger he saw in Cain's eyes, there was something more to it. "Right around the corner there," Touma direct Oriana. She did as instructed and pulled over to the side of the street. The four of them exited the vehicle and walked up to the front door of Accelerator's apartment. "Onee-san, Accelerator's pretty brash, so try not to let what he says get to you. He usually doesn't mean it." Oriana rolled her eyes. "Just saying." He rang the doorbell.

"About fucking time!" They heard Accelerator yell. "That better be him or I swear he won't be able to work for a year." The door flew open and Accelerator looked at Touma. "Finally. Get in." He stepped back and let them all in. His eyes raised when he saw Itsuwa, who he recognized, and Oriana. "Didn't think you would be bringing members of your harem."

"Shush!" Touma warned frantically. Luckily, Index didn't hear, as she rushed into the living room with Last Order, Worst, and Bayloupe. Itsuwa must have heard, because she flushed slightly, before moving on. Oriana, on the other hand, stopped, grinned, and turned around.

"Huh?" Oriana asked. "Has he been bragging about me again? I have to say, when I first met him, he seemed pretty harmless." She winked at Accelerator and pressed herself on Touma's back. Her height put her chest right at the back of his head. "But he's pretty frisky in a bed, if you know what I mean." She laughed, patted Touma on the back, and headed toward the others.

"Why does she do that?" Touma sighed, completely red faced. He liked how soft they were.

"At least you updated to a real woman from those brats," Accelerator said through a yawn.

"She is pretty hot-… what?!" Touma spun around toward Accelerator.

"I said what the fuck took you so long. Clean out your damn ears!" The two of them entered the room and watched the girls talk. Until Touma was called, he wasn't going to try to use his hand in case it made something worse.

"So Misaka has fangs now, MISAKA brags as MISAKA reveols her theef!" Last Order used one of her hands to pull back the side of her mouth in the middle of the sentence to reveal the small fangs.

"I heard," Index said. She and Last Order gave a quick elaborate handshake they must have developed at some point. "Can you hold still while I check you out?"

"Sure, MISAKA agrees. But what are you going to do? Something involving magic? Misaka asks nervously."

"Just reading it," Index reassured her. "I'll tell you we are going to do anything." She started to mumble after placing a hand on Last Order's head. Worst looked bored and displayed it by moving around sloppily on the couch. Oriana sat down on the chair and began to whisper to her. Worst actually grinned and whispered back, which caused Accelerator to mentally note to be on the lookout for antics. Itsuwa and Bayloupe moved over to the boys.

"She's actually reading her body's magical flow?" Bayloupe asked Itsuwa.

"It's something only she would be able to do," Itsuwa confirmed. "One mistake in the examination would give you a completely different end result."

"What exactly is she doing?" Accelerator asked.

"Ley Lines are magical currents of power that run through the earth," Itsuwa explained. "Using a number alignment involving terrain and monuments, among other geographical interests. They can be changed, but it's really delicate work."

"Disaster level consequences," Bayloupe added. "Humans capable of using magic have their own… pseudo Ley Lines? I guess it would be a good comparison. That is what Index is reviewing."

"Why?" Touma asked. "I assume she has mana in her body because of the Vampire bite, right?" The girls nodded.

"Think of it like a medical chart," Itsuwa elaborated. "When reviewed, it explains everything about their magical capability and status. It's really elaborate and requires extensive knowledge. Bayloupe-san and I would not be able to do something like that."

"Never even thought of trying it," Bayloupe added.

"Will it work?" Accelerator asked impatiently.

"We will have to wait and see." Accelerator frowned at Bayloupe's words and his eyes darted to Index and Last Order and then toward Oriana and Worst. The second group was likely to cause problems, but he didn't know much about Oriana. Worst was probably asking for ways to increase her whorish demeanor to bother him more efficiently. The new woman was highly attractive, even he could see that. Index was at least working, which kept him quiet or he probably would have cursed a lot more. The air had changed when she started muttering. It had grown thick and slightly ominous.

It won't, Julunggul whispered into Touma's mind.

Why…? Hang on, you're a magic god, can't you cure Last Order?

Asking a favor of a magic god? Do you have an offering?

Offering?

Of course, Julunggul said and pretended to gasp in horror at his ignorance. You must present a god with a worthy offering or we don't answer. Touma waited in silence. Fine, you got us. Offerings meant nothing, we just pretended they did. It was mostly if we were interested or not. But you still have to give me something.

What do you want? Touma sighed internally. He knew the answer.

Would you part with your virginity? Touma could feel the smug satisfaction in her tone. She obviously didn't think he would bite.

…Fine.

Heh, I knew that was too… huh?! For the first time, Touma felt the goddess experience true shock.

We should have stopped Cain earlier, Touma explained. It was our mistake. We thought he was beaten. If I had asked a certain someone to help us defeat a vampire, she could have truly ended the fight. Because of my stubbornness, Last Order was bitten. I should be the one to make the sacrifice.

I almost feel offended you consider that a sacrifice. Many would kill to be in your spot.

So, can you cure her?

No.

What?! But you-…

Let me explain, Julunggul interrupted. Vampires are an interesting concept. They are not magic gods, but can still claim immortality. They have been around since Cain was cursed. His descendants only continued to wield the curse. Magic gods came afterwards. We may be stronger, but the way they are grounded in the world makes it tricky. If I had my full power, I might be able to do something. Now, even overlapping spell after spell of the level of angels, it would not cure her. Plus, it would make me sleepy. I get irritable when I am tired.

Is there really nothing we can do then?

I never said that. You could-…

"Finished," Index announced.

"So what's wrong with MISAKA? MISAKA asks nervously as MISAKA fears the answer. Do you know the cure?"

"Nothing is wrong with you," Index reassured her and embraced her tightly in a hug. "The man who bit you is the one at fault. I need to talk with others for a minute, but I promise you that you will be back to your normal self. Then we can play video games. I think I know how to beat you in that racing game."

"MISAKA also got DDR, MISAKA informs. It has all the popular songs and a motion detector."

"She's terrible at it too," Worst interjected. "You could win blindfolded."

"Am not! MISAKA protests as MISAKA stamps her feet." While Worst and Last Order began to argue, Index slipped over to the rest, followed by Oriana, who was interested in the situation.

"Touma," Index stated. "For now, please don't touch her with your right hand. The situation is complicated and I'm worried what the sudden negation will do to her body."

"What's the deal?" Accelerator demanded.

"She has definitely become a vampire," Index explained. "The mana lines in her body are completely different than a normal person's. The issue is, the design shouldn't be possible and all my knowledge is saying no living being should be able to survive with this combination. It's the reason I don't want Touma's hand to negate the lines. It could cause backlash in her normal body at the sudden change. The only thing I could seriously recommend that would work, is the Holy Grail, but there are way too many side effects to want to use it."

"Can you possibly untangle the lines?" Itsuwa asked. "Or guide us how to do so?"

"No," Index said and stamped her foot. Touma could tell what this foot stomp meant. Index was angry at herself, not the others. All that knowledge was at her disposal, but was useless. "Trying to untangle it is going to put her life at risk. Even if I was willing to risk it, it would take years of precise work to possibly do something. There is no easy solution."

"Damn it," Accelerator growled. "Next time I see that bitch that caused all this, I'm tearing her to pieces."

"Does she have a taste for blood yet?" Oriana asked curiously.

"Not that I can tell." Index shook her head. "Though, I hardly have another vampire to compare her too. This is all theory and it's like her body completely contradicts what should be."

"I came to a similar conclusion," Bayloupe agreed. "For all intents and purposes, there is nothing wrong with her, except she's a vampire when she should be human."

"Is there a way we can at least suppress the vampire tendencies?" asked Itsuwa.

"That would make more options available," Index mused, as she thought it over. "And would make sure she doesn't acquire a taste for blood. I'm sure Last Order wouldn't want to drink that stuff." The girls put their heads together while Accelerator walked over to Worst and Last Order to break up the fight. It worked, for a second, before Worst slapped his butt and started another argument.

Quetzalcoatl Tlamacazqui, Julunggul said suddenly

"Catchakowla ?"

"Bless you," Itsuwa told him. She must have thought she sneezed.

For the love of…, Julunggul thought exasperatedly. Repeat after me. Quet…

"Quet..

…zal…

"…zal…"

…coat…

"…coat…"

…l.

"…l."

…Tlama…

"…Tlama…"

…caz…

"…caz…"

…qui."

"…qui."

"What about them?" Index asked.

"What about, huh?" Touma suddenly realized everyone was staring at him.

"The Quetzalcoatl Tlamacazqui," Bayloupe said impatiently. "The Aztec high priests, the one you just mentioned."

"Errr…" Touma stammered, thinking fast.

Repeat after me, Julunggul ordered again.

"You see," Touma told the others quickly. "They have this urn that's supposed to seal up things, right? Could we use that?"

"That… is actually a smart idea," Index murmured, her eyes widening. "Great job, Touma. It would be quick and risk free to use it."

"We have to find one," Bayloupe pointed out. "Most Aztec artifacts are locked away in museums."

"If someone going to tell me what the fuck these high priest and an urn is supposed to accomplish?!" Accelerator snapped.

"The Quetzalcoatl Tlamacazqui were the most important priests of the Aztecs," Itsuwa explained to him. "They were the messengers to, as their names indicated, Quetzalcoatl. He was their creator deity, having contributed essentially to the creation of Mankind…"

And here's why so many religions are at each other's throats, Touma thought. They argue which one of theirs made everything.

Given enough phases, Julunggul commented offhandedly. Every god made man.

Huh?

It's not important.

"..The form he appeared as was of a feathered serpent and became the boundary-maker between the earth and sky," Itsuwa finished.

So that's how you know about him, Touma thought. He was a serpent.

All the serpent gods know each other, Julunggul stated.

Did you have a fling or something? Touma joked.

Once, and the result led to the sinking of Atlantis.

WHAT?! The sound of laughter echoed in his mind. Dang, you got me again.

It's so easy. Now listen to your friend's explaining the important information. Touma shook his head and saw that Index was going into more detailed explanation for him and Accelerator.

"…the urns assigned to these priests had multiple uses. They were mainly used for rituals to either pass on the blessing of Quetzalcoatl or for people to make offerings to him. Once full, the priests would take it away to send it to him, otherwise it would be sealed away. The thing is, some religious members went further than just offering part of their harvest, hunt, or craft. They offered a part of themselves. It was usually when they were near death, they offered the attribute of themselves that they considered their best one to him. It was a sign of loyalty and humility. A sign that they considered Quetzalcoatl greater than their best qualities."

Wait a second, Touma thought. This sounds familiar. No… that urn of his… he can't have it.

I smelled Quetzalcoatl on him, Julunggul explained. It was faint, but the presence was on his body. He cast rituals to seal things. If I'm correct, he stored genders mostly, and then there was a time he stole the ability to lie.

Most of that makes sense, but why the ability to lie?

Maybe he wanted to question someone? I wasn't browsing his mind. It was only the remains of what was on him.

"So this urn might be able to seal the attribute of vampire?" Accelerator asked. This was so stupid, but he had to entertain magic. He had seen enough of it to realize stupid things were actually possible.

"Theoretically," Index answered. "There's no reason why it shouldn't, but we need to take vampirism with caution. I can't advise getting rid of the trait once it is sealed. What would happen next is completely unknown. For all we know, it could randomly transport to a new host."

"So we keep it in the urn until we know what to do with it," Bayloupe stated impatiently. "But that still doesn't solve the most important issue. We need to find one."

"At least we have a plan," Itsuwa said in order to try to raise morals. "It was very clever of Kamijou-kun to think of that."

"Speaking of which," Oriana said suspiciously and turned to him. "That knowledge isn't common for non-magicians, so how did you know of the urn?"

"She brings up a good point, Touma," Index added. "The urn aside, how did you know the exact title of the high priest?" Touma felt sweat form on his brow as all the girls and Accelerator stared at him.

"You see… well, it's kind of a long story…" Touma wasn't sure how to tell them. He could have made something up about knowing an urn that did that, but saying the name was something else entirely.

If you say I told you, Julunggul laughed. I'm going to take credit by appearing and introducing myself personally. Do any of them take offense to nudity?

I wasn't going to! Touma protested. The pause wasn't helping his case and then Worst made a comment.

"I think he has been seeing another magician girl on the side," Worst interjected with a laugh. "Bet he's been taking some private lessons from her. Like Tou-san has been to get a girlfriend." She jabbed her thumb towards Bayloupe. "All those times they were hanging out, it was obviously just to pick up chicks." The temperature in the room dropped as the girls turned toward the only two boys. If Touma could think logically, he should have run. Instead, he had to fight back.

"Lies and slander!" Touma cried in his defense.

"Toouummmaaa," Index warned dangerously.

"She is lying!" Touma told her, as he pointed at the laughing Worst. "Accelerator and I have NEVER gone to pick up girls."

"I have to deal with you on a regular basis," Accelerator snapped at Worst. "What makes you think I would want any more annoyances in my life?"

"MISAKA is inclined to believe them, MISAKA says as MISAKA relays the information she knows. Accelerator would not do something so troublesome and the Savior does not have to flirt for girls to fall for him." Touma wasn't sure if this was a compliment or not.

"So how did you learn about the urn," Itsuwa asked, trying to keep the topic civil. She put a hand on Index's shoulder to stop her from biting Touma so he could answer.

"I know someone who has one," Touma finally sighed. "He's showed it to me before."

"Who!?" Index, Bayloupe, Oriana, and Itsuwa asked simultaneously. Accelerator raised an eyebrow when Touma sighed.

"He?" Accelerator asked and Touma nodded. "It's one of two people then. Which idiot is it?"

"Jason."

"Okay." Accelerator pulled out his phone and dialed. Everyone watched in silence as it rang.

"I finally get a chance to sleep and you call?" Touma could barely hear Jason's voice. "What do you want?"

"You will bring that urn of yours to my apartment in ten minutes," Accelerator ordered. "Or else."

"What urn-…?"

"YOU KNOW DAMN WELL WHICH URN!" Accelerator exploded and everyone jumped a couple feet into the air. "The hero told me all about it! You will fucking get it over here now so we can use it on Last Order or I swear I will go over to your fucking apartment and shove it so far up your ass…" His colorful rant went on for a little bit before he had to take a breath.

"Fine… I'm on my way."

---

No one was killed that night. Jason did arrive promptly with the urn. He unpacked it in the living room and Index examined it to make sure it was the real deal. Once she verified its authenticity, she got to work with Jason identifying what he normally did with it and if it had to be changed. Bayloupe and Itsuwa switched out with him when he had given Index everything he knew. Touma then introduced Oriana and everything went downhill.

"Where did you meet this attractive onee-san?" Jason asked him.

"He's such a gentleman," Oriana cooed and put her arm around his shoulder to pull him into her chest. "Cute too!" The plus side for Touma was that this time it was Jason who was getting embarrassed.

"I appreciate the compliment," Jason muttered, struggling to get out of her grip. "But I have a girlfriend and I know Touma is very possessive about his harem." Oriana laughed and let him go. However, something strange happened that Jason and Accelerator noted.

Touma didn't deny anything.

The two of them exchanged a glance that said the same thing. Something happened. It wasn't the time to make fun of him for it, so they let it slide.

"Where did you get this urn anyways?" Accelerator asked Jason.

"Old teacher of mine from Russia," Jason said with a shrug. "It's great for pranks, but also is nice when I need to question people, especially illegal magicians who enter the city." His eyes fell onto Oriana.

"I'm allowed to be here this time," she told him immediately.

"Oh, I know. I pretended to read the paperwork. I'm more worried about when Birdway-san comes back."

"Lessar did say she was planning to come back," Bayloupe called over her shoulder. "That true?"

"As far as I know," Touma confirmed nervously. "But it's not like any of us could convince her to do something she didn't want to."

"True," Bayloupe agreed.

"If you two help out here," Index told Itsuwa and Bayloupe. "The three of you can recite the spell together to increase the effectiveness. Hey, Jason! What do you normally use as the catalyst?"

"A t-shirt."

"Last Order," Index called over to her friend. "Can you get me one of your dresses you don't mind not wearing for a while?"

"Sure thing, MISAKA replies as MISAKA makes a snappy salute." She rushed off and returned with a white and green dress. Index took it and placed it into the urn. Then she started to direct Itsuwa and Bayloupe on the song. Jason already knew it, so he could remain talking to the others. Worst had fallen asleep on the couch, now that no one was paying attention to her antics.

"I'm rather surprised you thought of something like this," Jason muttered to Touma. "I would never have thought of using that urn to act as a cure, albeit temporarily."

"We were all shocked at the hero's insight," Accelerator pointed out.

"I don't know," Oriana mused. "I was only surprised he knew the name of your urn. He tends to think outside the box when he has to. I've witnessed that plenty of times." Jason blinked and frowned and Touma knew what that was about.

He knew he never told me the name, Touma thought in panic. Please don't mention it. To his relief, Jason switched topics to understand what had been happening up to his arrival. About fifteen minutes later, Index called for him. Touma watched as Jason, Bayloupe, and Itsuwa positioned themselves around the urn on their knees and began to chant, though it more closely resembled singing. Accelerator's eyebrow rose when Last Order started to glow and the air seemed to churn with the melody of the song. When they finally finished, Index placed the lid back on the urn and Last Order stopped glowing.

"Did it work? MISAKA asks confused. MISAKA does not feel any different."

"Open your mouth," Index instructed.

"AHHHHHHH!"

"No fangs," Bayloupe said with a smile, as she looked over Index's shoulder.

"And your mana lines have reverted back to normal," Index added. "As long as the vampire trait remains sealed, you should stay this way."

"Brat," Accelerator said as he walked into the kitchen for a second. He came back with a can of her favorite drink. "Try it." He tossed it to her and she caught it. With a single sip, her eyes lit up.

"Yay! MISAKA cries excitedly as MISAKA began to jump around to express her happiness. It tastes like it used to." Worst jerked awake and looked annoyed.

"Guess the moderator is fixed," Worst said with a yawn. "Misaka is going to sleep if no one is going to get in trouble. Plenty of mischief to cause tomorrow."

"Do you really have to cause problems?" Bayloupe asked.

"Yes." Worst slammed the door to her room.

"If everything is resolved," Touma said, and tried to stifle a yawn. "I think we should get going. Tomorrow is going to be a long day for us."

"Crap," Accelerator muttered. "The stupid festival shit. If I'm not there, that girl is going to keep annoying me for who knows how long."

"Yeah," Touma agreed. "You can't argue with Fukiyose." I have so much other stuff to worry about though. Accelerator must have been able to read his thoughts, or at least his depression.

"Your misery should be entertaining at least." Touma groaned and Accelerator laughed.

"Can Index spend the night? MISAKA asks suddenly as MISAKA and Index finished their secret discussion. We can hang out while you set up and then come see you when the festival starts."

"Can I?" Index asked Touma.

"It's up to Accelerator," Touma replied. "It's his house."

"You brats really want to make this more annoying for me," Accelerator groaned. "Who's going to watch you two… and Worst?"

"I can," Bayloupe responded. "It's not that big of a deal. You usually let Worst do whatever she wants anyways if it doesn't affect us."

"Don't encourage them," he growled. Index and Last Order looked at him with big sad eyes. "Fine, but you two are her responsibility." He pointed toward Bayloupe. "Oh, and speaking of you. If you accompany them to the festival, some of the idiots will try to ask you stupid questions."

"About?"

"You being his girlfriend," Jason explained with a grin. "Most of the class didn't believe it when we found out."

"Oh, so simple answers then?"

"Try to avoid answering them as much as possible," Touma advised. "They have the ability to turn everything you say into something perverted." Jason laughed.

"I really should just skip it," Accelerator mumbled.

"Kagere-san," Itsuwa spoke up. "What do you want to do with the urn?"

"I'll take it back with me," Jason answered. "I have a spot where it will remain safe. Let me know when you come up with a more permanent solution."

"Take care," Index told him. "Thank you so much for letting us use it."

"Thank you for returning MISAKA back to normal, MISAKA thanks gratefully as MISAKA bows her head in respect."

"Stop, you two are making me blush."

"I heard he has a girlfriend," Oriana added and winked to them. "You might be too late to thank him properly." Last Order and Index tilted their heads in confusion and she opened her mouth to explain.

"Get out!" Accelerator yelled. "I am not in the mood to deal with another one tonight!"

"I have to get going anyways," Oriana laughed and she turned toward Jason, Touma, and Itsuwa. "Sorry, I really am running late. I won't be able to take you back."

"It's no problem," Touma said dismissively. "You helped plenty."

"Thank you for the ride earlier," Itsuwa said gratefully.

"Eh, I can cut across town pretty easily," Jason said with a shrug. The four of them said their goodbyes and went their separate ways. Accelerator made sure the door was locked behind them before plopping down on the couch.

This fucking garbage is finally done, maybe I get some rest. The good thing with Index being over is that most of the time she and Last Order would do things on their own without him. He only had to go with them when they wanted to go somewhere. He closed his eyes, but opened one when Bayloupe sat down on the couch next to him. Last Order was showing Index her new games and they were starting up the consul. They had an hour or two before they needed to sleep, so it wasn't a big deal. "Keep the volume down so I can sleep, brats."

"Okay," they chanted back.

"You act tough," Bayloupe whispered to him. "But the more time I spend here, the more I see how much you like everyone."

"Shut up or I'll kick you out too."

---

Jason was several blocks away before he pulled out his phone. His other arm was carefully and firmly holding onto the box with the urn, but as a precaution, his shadow was wrapped around it too. This might have been a completely normal action for anyone, but there was something special about his phone. The call he was making was not on normal electronic channels, it wasn't even a science channel. A small rune on the phone started to glow, but the phone never turned on. "It was easier than expected," Jason said to the person on the other end. The rune not only transmitted the connection, but protected their conversation from being heard by outside means.

"Oh?" the young female voice said with a giggle. "Do tell."

"I didn't even have to pretend to come up with the idea," Jason explained. "They called me to fix her. I have the attribute sealed away until we are ready for it."

"Perfect. It's best they forget about it for now and worry about other things. We can release it back into her when we are ready to grab the final wing."

"I almost feel bad for that poor girl." the female laughed. "To constantly be used by others, such a sad fate."

"Aren't all of us being used by someone else?" Jason asked.

"True. Life is a lot like chess in that regard. You think you are making a good move, but most of the time, you are being manipulated to do so by someone better."

"I do have one cause for concern," Jason muttered.

"What is it?" The voice actually grew serious. The person on the other end noted Jason's change in tone.

"Touma Kamijou somehow knew the name of the urn without me telling him."

"Perhaps you offhandedly mentioned it to him?"

"No, I know for a fact I did not."

"That is disturbing then." The female voice went silent for a moment. "I'll take a look and see if someone is leaking information under us. For now, I think you deserve a break."

"About time. You may help me occasionally, but I'm the one who has to keep up my place here too."

"How's Juliet doing?"

"Much better now that her emotions are in check," Jason sighed and paused. "She says hi by the way and… she's not sorry to hear about Adam."

"Adam will be back in time. I'm just glad she's happy. See, I always fulfill my promises."

"Yeah, just watch out for the twists and fine print."

"I shouldn't have anything big for you this weekend, but afterwards, I want you to take care of a problem stationed in the city. I recommend brainstorming a bit when you have time."

"What do I need to do?"

"The Saint, Kaori Kanzaki, is becoming a nuisance. I want her out of the picture."

"You certainly don't give me easy tasks," Jason groaned.

"By herself, her power is great, but still easily manageable. The thing is, power stacks up and I want to remove the key pieces. You will take their bishop, so we may prepare to strike the king."

"Direct assault won't work for me," Jason sighed. "I'll think about it a bit and get back to you. May need something made."

"I accept that."

"Thanks for not making me do anything this weekend though. Way too much stuff going on."

"Aww, don't tell me you enjoy your new life?"

"It has its high points," Jason laughed. "I like a few things about it."

"You aren't going to betray me, right?" The girl's voice grew cold.

"Not unless killing God somehow makes smoothies disappear. Found a place that makes the best ones."

---

The next day was supposed to be one of excitement, but Touma was dreading every moment the second he woke up.

It was the day of the festival.

This was the day that could possibly mark the end of his life. He had been prepared to do some silly carnival game and even prayed that Jason's idea of a kissing booth would be shut down. Now, he wasn't sure if this idea was any better. The raffle itself wouldn't be that horrible, but the day he would be spending at another person's school would be. What made it so horrible was he would have to keep up the masquerade of being Kami the Harem King, right after he found out Misaki was actually trying to get him a harem for some crazy reason. Lessar had also woken up early and disappeared, which was never a good sign. There were so many things he was worried about as he got dressed.

Who on earth would want to win a day with Kami? Touma thought desperately. I don't think it's going to be nearly as popular as my friends think, I hope. Misaki and Mikoto will probably buy a few, Ruiko too, but most girls would probably dislike the idea of being around a player like him. Some girls at the high school might be interested, they were a lot more mature and a couple of them might think Kami would be fun to hang out with. I bet it will be mostly guys who think Kami can teach them to make a harem or something stupid like that. Maybe up their social status by hanging out with a level 5. Mikoto complains about how people only see her as some kind of idol rather than who she is. Wait, my class was convinced I'm not Kami, but if I'm gone Monday when Kami is supposed to be at another school, it's going to be obvious! Crap. I'll have to think of some kind of excuse.

"Are you okay?" Itsuwa asked worriedly. "You seem tired. Couldn't sleep?" Touma realized he had mechanically walked into the kitchen.

"No," he lied. True, today was going to be hectic, but the reason he couldn't sleep was because he read the letter Agnese had given him. His resident snake goddess had been right. It was a love letter. Touma was also sure the stuff written down was frowned upon for nuns and that was why he was supposed to open it in secret. "It's just today is going to be a really long day and I need to talk to several people about some sensitive topics. Then my class is having a big raffle as part of the festivities, so I have to help out there too." He yawned and stretched, before sitting down at the table. Itsuwa put a plate of scrambled eggs and vegetables in front of him. "I know I have told you this before, but Itsuwa, thank you so much for all that you do here. You will make a great wife to some lucky guy."

"I-it's n-no t-trouble at a-all," stammered Itsuwa, beet red. She turned and put her hands to her cheeks when Touma was busy digging into his food. Calm down, it's his kind nature to compliment you. You know what you have to do. Try to get alone with him today, even if it's only a short time, and have fun. "I did hear about the festival. It looked like fun and I was planning to escort Index around, but she will be hanging out with Last Order, Accelerator, and Bayloupe, so my day is pretty free. If you are free for a little bit, would you like to visit part of it together?" She held her breath waiting for an answer.

"I have to set up," Touma muttered to himself. "Then I promised to meet a few others before I have to meet my mom…"

His mom?

"…and there's no telling how long that will be, but then I don't have to be anywhere until closing." I really do owe her a lot and Itsuwa is so nice. It's calming to be around her. "Sure, Itsuwa. It will be fun to hang out. Would around two be okay?"

"T-that will be fine," She answered immediately. "Where would you like to meet?"

"I'm not sure where my mom's taking me to meet her friend," Touma admitted. "Can I call you when I'm free and we can decide from there?"

"I'm okay with that." Itsuwa beamed at him as he stood up.

"The food was delicious," Touma told her. "I have to get going or Fukiyose is going to kill me."

"Good luck and try to have some fun." Itsuwa watched him leave and then put his plate in the sink. She wasn't sure what to do now. The courage of asking Touma out had faded and, even though he was mainly doing it as her friend, it was a start. After she took a deep breath, she picked up her phone and made the decision.

It was time for some advice from the other Amakusa.

---

"Huh," Seiri commented in surprise and stared at her phone. "You're actually on time."

"Why do you sound so surprised?" Touma asked, slightly hurt. "I'm only late some of the time."

"Because when you are late moral drops," Seiri pointed out and made a note on her clipboard. "The others actually arrived already and are out back getting the raffle container." She sighed. "They wouldn't tell me what they are using, so do you know?"

"I don't," Touma admitted and they both rubbed their noses.

"It's going to be stupid, isn't it?"

"Probably." Seiri looked at him and then looked around to make sure none was close enough to eavesdrop.

"I've wanted to say this for some time now," She told him. "But I'm glad you seem to be improving."

"Improving? You mean like in school?"

"Well, yes," Seiri agreed. "You haven't been assigned nearly as many supplementary classes, right?" Touma nodded. "I'm glad to see you taking your studies seriously, but I also noticed you don't get involved in your friends' antics nearly as much anymore."

"They still rope me in," Touma chuckled. "It can be a little annoying at times, but they are still my best friends. I actually enjoy some of our arguments."

"I did say nearly as much," Seiri pointed out. "What I'm trying to say, is you seem to be maturing and, while you still come in depressed now and then, you seem to be happier overall."

"You think?" Touma asked.

"Pretty sure," Seiri replied. Her voice lowered. "I think it's because you seem to have a lot more friends. While I do not condone the actions you and the idiot trio take most of the time," her glare intensified for a moment and Touma sweat drop, "but I did notice a lot of people seem to be hanging around you. I've seen you on the streets from time to time and noticed you with other people." Touma noticed she didn't mention if they were boys or girls. "And I believe they are having a positive impact on you."

Really? Touma thought. He took note that the past several weeks were pretty crazy, but a lot had happened. His relationship with Mikoto changed dynamic by accident and he met several smart and talented individuals. Misaki had helped him several times and even Shizuri had an impact on him, ignoring the life or death situations around her. "Now that you say it, I think you're right. I still have a lot of bad luck, but the high points more than make up for it."

"Finally," Seiri said triumphantly and poke him in the chest. "I've been telling you for ages to stop blaming bad luck on your shortcomings. You need to work on improving yourself to overcome those."

My bad luck is beyond my control, Touma thought and stared at his hand unconsciously. "That might be harder than you-…ow!" Seiri flicked him in the head.

"No excuses!" She put her hands on her hips and glared at him. "Just work harder. Maybe change your diet to something healthier and you won't be so sluggish all the time." Touma remained silent because previous experience told him if he opened his mouth again, he was going to get punched. "Follow me, Kamijou," she ordered suddenly. "We need to make sure the tables and chairs are available and that the money boxes are secure. I'm going to have to be here all day to make sure people count right." Touma frowned when he heard her mutter the last part.

"Wait, Fukiyose," Touma said carefully. "Are you actually planning to work our booth, all day?"

"Of course," she declared. "Someone has to make sure no one tries to steal and can make basic change."

"But, it's a festival," Touma protested. "You should get out and enjoy yourself. Have some fun."

"There are plenty of opportunities to have fun," Seiri informed him. "But responsibilities come first."

"But-…"

"What do you suggest then?" Seiri asked him sternly. "Leave it to Aogami and Tsuchimikado? I could trust Kagere and Accelerator to man it, but they already plan to leave after they set up."

"We are in high school," Touma pointed out. "I'm pretty sure most of the people in our class can count money. Besides, you won't be able to be everywhere at once and, if you believe the rest of the class's wild theories of how popular this is going to be, you won't be able to keep up."

"Who's going to keep order then?"

"Isn't that why we have multiple people there?" Touma asked. "And the teachers are patrolling the grounds, so it shouldn't get to out of hand." Seiri raised an eyebrow and Touma saw an opportunity. "Jason and I, along with a group of our friends, are planning to enjoy the festival after we set up. Why don't you join us? At least for a little bit. Think of it as… a break?"

"Seriously, that's the best you could come up with?" Seiri rolled her eyes.

"Everyone deserves a break," Touma pressed on. "An hour or two won't hurt and I think we can trust the rest of our class."

"Hmm," Seiri murmured in thought. "I suppose I can trust them for that long, as we have a log of who showed up if they decide to help themselves to some money." She pursed her lips. "Alright, I guess that does sound like fun. Though, can I invite Aisa along? She could use some social interactions with people."

"Sure." Touma didn't have any problem with Aisa and he actually agreed with Seiri. Aisa didn't have much presence and only occasionally hung out with Index. It would be good for her to meet other people. He and Jason were supposed to meet Mikoto, Kuroko, Ruiko, and Uiharu, plus he figured with his luck a few other people would see them at some point. "I don't see any problem with that."

"Then let's get to work," Seiri said, though she looked slightly more cheerful. "Everything still needs to be set up and procedures for money collecting need to be established." She looked over her shoulder. "I'm worried because I had to leave them alone. It's been quiet, far too quiet."

"They won't do any…. No, they definitely are up to something. We should stop them." As if to answer their fears, Jason came running out from around the school and slid to a stop about thirty feet from the main entrance. He held a walkie-talkie up to his mouth the second he stopped.

"In position. Go ahead and send it, over."

"Accelerator has launched it. Repeat, Accelerator has launched it, over." Touma recognized Motoharu's voice.

"What are they-…?" Seiri's question was quickly answered when they saw something fly over the school building. It was a large metal container and was heading straight toward Jason. This was what he must have been expecting because his shadow emerged and wrapped around the container the second it was in range. It a single fluid motion, he twirled in and set it down lightly on the ground. A second object flew over the building and Accelerator landed on the ground, leaving only a small indention as he controlled his descent.

"Aim was perfect," Jason told him.

"Naturally." Accelerator sounded like anything else would have been impossible.

"WHAT DO YOU TWO THINK YOU ARE DOING?!" Seiri roared at them, causing Touma to jump.

"The thing was heavy so it was faster to do this than carry it around the school," Accelerator answered, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"What if someone got hurt?!" Seiri demanded.

"That is why I came here to catch it and make sure the area was clear," Jason explained. Motoharu and Aogami suddenly ran out from the side of the school.

"Did you get it?!" Pierce called out and Jason gave a thumbs up.

"Looks like our plan went without a hitch," Motoharu laughed.

"You idiots!" Seiri yelled. "At the very least, give some warning!"

"Hey, Kami-yan!" Motoharu greeted, acting as if Seiri wasn't yelling at them. "So you decided to make it? What you think of the raffle container?"

"Does it have to be that big?" Touma asked and shook his head. The pure metal container was easily three times the size of the ones he saw on TV. It would be hard for him to reach the bottom if the opening was on the top. There was a crank on one side to keep mixing everything up. "Do you really think this raffle is going to need that size?"

"Kami-yan, Kami-yan," Pierce explained and through his arm over Touma's shoulders. "You underestimate the popularity of Kami the Harem King. This might not even be big enough, but if it fills up, we will just have to end the raffle."

"We have tons of ticket rolls made too," Motoharu added. "So all we have left is the tables and layout." His eyes flickered to Seiri. "I assume Fukiyose-sama has that planned out."

"I do," huffed Seiri. "The stuff should have been delivered into room 122. Let's go get them. Accelerator, can you stay here and watch our spot? I heard a couple other classes wanting to try to steal it since it's right by the entrance."

"Whatever." If he didn't have to do anything, Accelerator wasn't going to complain that much.

Touma, Seiri, Aogami, Motoharu, and Jason worked together to remove half a dozen tables, some rope off lines, and chairs. It wasn't hard work, but they had to move quickly to get everything set up in time before the festival started and the school ground gates opened to the public. Touma had to admit, they had the perfect spot. As soon as the visitors entered their school grounds, their raffle would be the first thing they saw. Touma and Seiri helped straighten out the tables and anchor them to the ground, something Motoharu suggested as a just in case thing. Jason set up the chairs, while Motoharu and Pierce put up a large free standing signs around and a huge poster on the school building directly behind them. No one would miss their booth. Accelerator didn't have to do much, because as long as he wasn't using his power, he still needed the crutch.

Once their booth was ready and the ropes set up to form two lines to funnel their visitors, they stepped back to admire their work. Their plan was simple. Two lines to speed up traffic and each side had a money collector. The collector would then pass a piece of paper to the ticket handler, who would then count out tickets. The buyer would fill out their name, school, and student ID number before they could put the ticket in the raffle container. The tables at the side were set up with pens for them to use. It might be slightly time consuming, but they didn't want to risk just having a ticket stub that could be lost. Whoever won had to be present and present their student ID, otherwise, another ticket would be drawn.

"Looks ready," Seiri told them and then glanced at her watch. "We still have thirty minutes before the festival officially starts and the first group to relieve us should be here in fifteen minutes or so, or else." Everyone except Accelerator gulped at the thought of what would happen if someone skived off on their duties.

"Seems like most of the booths are ready," Motoharu pointed out. "And a lot of them are capitalizing on the fact we have Kami as a prize in our raffle. One stall was selling paintings and are willing to do portraits of people for a little extra. Lot of them have Kami with other people in them." Touma muttered incomprehensibly under his breath at this.

"Might have to drop by when Kazari arrives," Jason said with a shrug. "A personal portrait sounds like a nice gift."

"Yeah, yeah," Pierce said irritated and punched Jason's shoulder. "You have a girlfriend, don't rub it in." Jason punched him back.

"At least I don't have a harem and rub that into people's faces," he replied instantly.

"True," Motoharu agreed. "Only a jerk does that." All three pairs of eyes fell onto Touma.

"What?!" Touma demanded. "That bet of yours may still be in effect, but you know damn well what I would say!"

"Kagere and I saw him with a blonde woman who wore very little clothes," Accelerator added conversationally. Everyone turned to him and Touma's mouth fell open in shock.

"Why?!" he wailed at the betrayal. Accelerator only shrugged.

"Thomson-san was… well, daaamn is the only good word to describe her," Jason admitted. "She also had Touma call her onee-san."

"Bastard!" Motoharu and Pierce yelled out simultaneously and a fist fight between the three of them started.

"Just…why?" Seiri asked Accelerator and Jason.

"Why, what?" Accelerator asked with false innocence.

"That woman was really hot," Jason said. "Everything I said was true."

"You do know there is something as giving unnecessary information, right?" Seiri pointed out and Jason only shrugged. The fighting between the Delta Force members began to escalate into a verbal match about what waifus were considered top tier and Seiri made a fist. "One second, I need to make the idiots realize their mistake." She walked over and proceeded to teach those three who was really in charge.

"How's Last Order?" Jason asked.

"Normal when I left," Accelerator muttered back.

"That's good."

"Why did you even have that urn anyways?"

"To prank Touma."

That was all the information Accelerator needed.

---

"Hi guys!" Ruiko greeted Touma and Jason brightly.

"Hey," Touma greeted her back and Jason waved. "Is Mikoto not with you?" he asked confused. The second the clock struck the top of the hour and the school gates opened, a crowd flooded in. As everyone in his class expected, a good portion of them headed toward the raffle booth. Touma saw so many people he did not know quickly file to get a chance to enter. Seiri went off to talk to Aisa about joining Touma and his friends, while he and Jason waited for the others. Ruiko, Kazari, and Kuroko showed up about ten minutes after opening.

"Something came up," Kuroko explained. "She really wanted to come, but will be occupied until this afternoon." Kuroko actually knew why. Mikoto had frantically explained the situation to her last night about her mother coming to town. Due to some family time, Mikoto was not able to go with them to visit Touma's stall that morning for some reason. The exact reason was never really explained by Mikoto. However, when Kuroko asked if she was okay with her coming, Mikoto told her to go meet the others. The only reason Kuroko wasn't too worried was Mikoto promised they would hang out that afternoon. "So your booth is really popular," she commented conversationally.

"We knew it would be," laughed Jason and threw an arm around Kazari. "At least we aren't stuck distributing tickets. I'm sure it's going to get a lot busier once attendance picks up. Speaking of which," he turned to Ruiko. "You might want to get in line."

"Oh, right! I'll be right back." She rushed off and got into line, but it would be a little bit before she managed to actually buy the tickets.

"She is jealous you haven't visited our school yet, Kamijou-san," Kazari giggled. "I gave her a little bit of my money to help her out but, judging from that line, it's not going to help a lot."

"Well," Touma muttered, aware Kuroko was glaring at him. "Every time I visited another school, there's usually been a weird reason why. I'm sure if aliens or something attack your school, I'll be stuck in the middle of it." Kazari giggled again and there was even a trace of a smirk on Kuroko's face.

"We kept the ticket prices down," Jason admitted. "So everyone could easily answer, but that might come back to bite us if certain people decide to spend all their money." Everyone nodded because one girl came to mind.

Misaki Shokuhou.

"There's still luck," Touma pointed out. "I mean, I could never win, but others could." Jason laughed. "Oh, I hope you all don't mind, but two classmates of ours are going to join us."

"I don't have any problems with that," Kazari said. "Do we know them?"

"You've seen Fukiyose-sama," Jason said. "The only one who can strike fear into Accelerator."

"And you," Kuroko pointed out. Jason winked at her and she immediately looked away from him. Jason's amusement faded slightly and he seemed concerned.

"She can be pretty scary," Jason admitted.

"Who can be scary?" Seiri asked, appearing behind him. Kuroko and Kazari's eyes widened and Touma instinctively stepped back. Jason's face paling was the only sign he gave that he was actually afraid. His words hid his true feeling and kept up his calm demeanor.

"Accelerator," he replied instantly.

"He's gotten better," Seiri admitted with a sigh. "But he still has a long way to go." She turned to Kazari and Kuroko. "Hello," she greeted them. "Uiharu, right?" Kazari nodded. "I met you after the cops and robber game, do you remember me?"

"It's kind of hard not to," Kazari replied with a smile. "You had a strong impression of Jason and the others." Jason looked away and whistled innocently. "This is Kuroko Shirai, a friend of ours and Ruiko Saten is currently in line for your raffle." Kuroko waved and Seiri responded with a nod. "Shirai-san, this is Seiri Fukiyose, Jason's and Kamijou-san's classmate."

"And this is Aisa Himegami," Seiri introduce the girl next to her. From Kazari's expression, Touma noted she hadn't seen the girl. "My friend and a classmate of ours too."

"It's nice to meet you," Aisa said and Touma regretted she was aware that his friends didn't realize she had been there.

"Likewise," Kazari and Kuroko replied and shook hands.

"Thanks for letting us come along," Aisa told Touma.

"It was no problem," Touma answered dismissively. "You know how Fukiyose is, she won't take a break and overwork herself. We had to get her away for a little bit."

"True," Aisa agreed and Seiri huffed in indignation.

"Someone has to be tough in the class," Seiri argued.

"We still have the bruises to prove it," laughed Jason.

"Err," Kuroko asked Seiri. "How physical do you get with them?"

"Sometimes they get into a physical fight and have to be knocked out," Seiri responded evenly.

"Oh, that's fine then," Kuroko agreed. "Uiharu-san and I are part of Judgment, so we have to make sure a line is drawn. After spending time with those boys, they definitely need a stern fist guiding them."

"I'm pretty sure Judgment frowns on you for resorting to that kind of force," Jason said.

"And we get the extra forms to fill out for excessive use of force," Kazari added. "Pretty sure we have gotten the most complaints about that than any other branch."

"If they would just surrender when I tell them to," Kuroko protested. "No one would be hurt."

"And if people would just not break laws," Aisa added. "You would be out of a job."

"Exactly!" Kuroko cried and pointed toward her. "Then I could focus on school work and other important things."

"Like revenge?" Jason asked innocently.

"Yes-…. I mean s-shut up!" He laughed at her reaction and then stopped when Kuroko didn't seem to have a reaction to continue the needling. Again, a frown flickered on his face.

"So what is the plan today?" Seiri asked Touma.

"I think we were mostly going to wonder around the festival," Touma explained. "Visit the other classes first before we start to check out the other school. None of us are really bound. Anyone can leave when they feel they need to. I'm meeting my mother for lunch so I have to scram around eleven."

"Oh, yeah," Seiri responded interestedly. "You seemed kind of surprised she arrived when she did. Is everything okay at home?"

"Everything is fine," Touma laughed. This was entirely true. A lot more things were going wrong around him here than at home. "She wanted to visit me for some time. It was supposed to be a surprise on her part and she's planning to visit a friend this weekend too, so it was a calculated arrival." At least Julunggul has been quiet. Touma felt his pocket and realized her snake form wasn't actually there. Oh, no! Where could she be? Please don't cause any trouble and just be at my dorm sleeping. I don't recall her interrupting me at all.

"She seems pretty refined," Seiri commented. "Why the huge difference?"

"And I'm not?" Touma joked. She raised an eyebrow. "Alright, fine. I take after my dad, but I found out my mom was the one who asked him, so he must have done something to attract her." Unknown to him, the others were listening interestedly. He and Seiri might have continued if Ruiko had not chosen at the moment to return.

"I'm back!" she announced and turned to Seiri and Aisa. "Oh, hello! I'm Ruiko Saten. Are you two friends of Kagere-san or Touma?"

She's pretty close to him, Aisa thought, noting Ruiko using Touma's first name. They must have gone through something big together. How am I supposed to face someone so cheerful?

"Seiri Fukiyose and this is Aisa Himegami," Seiri introduced them. "We are Kagere's and Kamijou's classmates."

"She's the friend everyone has that keeps them in line," Jason explained. He looked away when Seiri's head turned toward him.

"Nice to meet you," Ruiko told them. "Uiharu told me about meeting you. Sorry I had snuck out before."

"Everyone tried to run," Seiri acknowledged. "So it wasn't a big deal. We all know who the real masterminds behind it were." Kuroko and Kazari turned toward Jason, but the others glanced over their shoulders to look for Motoharu and Aogami.

"Should we get going?" Touma asked, eying the increasing line of people at the raffle. "Before our school fair gets too crowded."

"Sure," Jason agreed. "There's a second year class doing some paintings I want to stop at and I know Kazari wants to check out the stalls that sell sweets."

"Hey!" Kazari cried indignantly. "That may be true, but you don't have to say it! It's limit's off mode today. I've been good all week in preparation for this festival."

"And the Judgment training tomorrow?" Kuroko asked.

"That too."

"Kamijou is correct that we should be going," Seiri interrupted. "It's only going to get more crowded so we should see as much as we can."

"And maybe find a way to get closer to him," Aisa muttered, but no one else heard her. They started to move as a group, conversing like friends do, when Kazari and Kuroko fell a couple paces back and started talking in hushed voices.

"You need to get him alone and tell him," Kazari whispered. "I noticed he's always suspicious of the way you are acting."

"I know," Kuroko muttered back. "But it's not like I can say anything with the others nearby."

"Well, Kamijou-san is going to disappear around lunch," Kazari pointed out. "And I bet his classmates will head off on their own around then too. I can drag Saten-san off somewhere, but the rest is up to you. Do you think you can do it?" Kuroko looked at Jason's back and took a deep breath.

"No… but I'm still going to."

---

"Mother," Mikoto complained again. "Why are we doing this? I have several dresses for formal occasions."

"Because a young lady can't wear the same dresses for every event," Misuzu replied without turning around. "Variety is the spice of life." She started to peruse a rack of dresses looking for one to complement Mikoto's eyes. The shop they were in was on the sixth floor on the Dianoid, a place Mikoto would never find herself shopping at. This was supposed to be for the rich and famous. While it was true her family was wealthy, Mikoto preferred clothes that were comfortable, not fashionable. "You have that nice white one, but it it's way too conservative. You should show off your legs a little. How about this one?" She held up a pink frilly dress that wouldn't go below Mikoto's knees.

"…eww, no." Mikoto shook her head. That dress was way too girly for her.

"Hmm, you're right. It doesn't compliment your body frame correctly."

"W-would you stop saying that?!"

"Don't be silly, Mikoto," Misuzu said calmly and waved her hand as the attendant put the dress back. "Every woman has a different body and each type of dress is designed to complement it. While you may be lacking in some areas, you have other areas to make up for it." Mikoto's face flushed in a combination of anger and embarrassment. "Besides, from what you told me, you need all the help you can get to attract that young man's attention."

"It's not like I'm trying to attract that idiot's attention," Mikoto mumbled.

"Dear, your tsundere is showing."

"I'm not a tsundere!"

"You are." Misuzu said with a sigh. "And from what you told me, you have gotten better and actually managed to confess. That is a huge step, but you also told me about the situation. If you want to move ahead of the other girls, you have to take the initiative. Are you confident that you can keep the boy's attention when competing against the others?"

"…" Mikoto remained silent as her mind thought back to the others girls. As much as she didn't like to admit it, she was envious of many of the girls surrounding Touma, especially Misaki. Her chest had not grown much recently and, no matter how many times she keeps telling herself it would happen, it was still a touchy subject. Having a fellow classmate and level 5 constantly reference it didn't help. Her mother also seemed to constantly reference it too, though there was less malicious intent there. Touma's friends also had mentioned several times he preferred older, well-developed girls. With how many of those types seemed to surround him, Mikoto was beginning to think this was true. It was an uphill battle.

Misuzu was smart enough to understand what her silence meant.

"You're a very smart girl," Misuzu continued and held up a yellow dress. "But you are still young and don't really have experience with boys, let alone love. That's why I'm trying to help you." She accepted a yellow dress from the attendant and held it up in front of Mikoto. "Do you have this in red?" The attended nodded, took the dress, and walked to the back.

"And you think a simple change of clothes is going to work?" Mikoto asked.

"Men are simple creatures," Misuzu laughed. "While long term relationships require more than just looks, they get easily distracted by appearance. Having the right outfit for the occasion is essential." Mikoto suddenly had flashbacks to Kuroko and the most revealing, see through articles of clothing she owned. The number of occasions Kuroko had tried to jump Mikoto when her guard was down was too numerous to count. She shivered slightly.

Whatever happens, I will NOT go that far. I don't want a guy wanting me just because I throw myself at him. Besides, Touma's not into that. She briefly wondered how he and her other friends were enjoying the festival. Misuzu turned to her and, like most mothers, seemed to understand what was troubling her.

"Are you upset about spending time with me instead of your friends at the festival?" Misuzu asked.

"W-what?!" Mikoto exclaimed. "O-of course not!"

"Mikoto…"

"Maybe a little," Mikoto mumbled. "I had to cancel our plans with my best friends." She suddenly looked horrified at what she was implying. "Not that I don't mind you coming to visit," she added quickly. "I just wish you told me ahead of time."

"I understand," Misuzu told her. "Everyone goes through the stage where they rather hang out with anyone else except their mother. They don't consider it cool or popular." She smirked at Mikoto. "But I always thought you didn't care about such things. Don't you still like that one frog?"

"Gekota is the perfect mascot," Mikoto retorted and crossed her arms in irritation. "Don't you dare badmouth him."

"I wouldn't dream of it," Misuzu replied. "I was only pointing out that some may not find your own interests endearing. Does he know?"

"He knows," Mikoto huffed. Though, while he never outright said it, I know he considers it somewhat childish. Unlike Kuroko, who tells me constantly. "But he's not the type of person to put someone down for their interests."

"I actually know that," Misuzu informed Mikoto. "Our conversation before I left last time was definitely proof of that."

"Before you left?" Mikoto asked confused and Misuzu held a hand up to her mouth. "What do you mean by that?" Her eyes narrowed at her mother.

"Well," Misuzu responded thinking. "He and I might have had a talk about you before I left the city." Mikoto's face turned deathly pale.

"What… did… you… say… to… him?!" Mikoto demanded in a hushed voice of barely concealed horror and rage.

"Details are a little fuzzy," Misuzu reminisced. "It was a long time ago and I was a little tipsy." It was the time she was almost kidnapped and Touma had saved her. She had been debating about withdrawing Mikoto from Academy City, but decided against it because she was happy her daughter had such great friends like that boy.

"Oh, no…" Mikoto's face turned, if possible, paler and her legs wobbled. The room began to spin.

"Relax," Misuzu reassured her with a laugh. "It was merely about how happy I was that you made such a good friend like him. There was nothing embarrassing about it."

Easy for you to say, Mikoto thought. That was back when I shocked him almost every time we met. I mean, he kind of deserved it with how he worded things. He was virtually saying, Mikoto, shock me, but still…

"You know my friend we are meeting for lunch today?" Misuzu asked.

"Yes," Mikoto replied with a role of her eyes. "That's why we are here. You wanted me to have a new dress for some reason."

"I may have been hiding one piece of information from you," Misuzu said and scratched her cheek embarrassed. "You see, my friend is-…"

"Excuse me." They were interrupted by the attendant, who had just arrived with a dress in her arms. "We did have a red one available in that size."

"Great, thank you." Misuzu replied and took it from her. She passed it to Mikoto and pushed her into the changing area. "Try this on and let me see how it looks. It might need a few adjustments." She nodded to the attendant.

"I will get the tools ready," she told Misuzu and disappeared again.

"Do I really have to?" Mikoto protested. "And what were you saying about your friend?"

"I'll tell you once you are changed." Misuzu pushed Mikoto in. "Don't dawdle."

Mikoto reluctantly did as she was told and changed out of her school uniform. The red dress wasn't as revealing as she thought it was, but it was shoulderless. A thin strap wrapped around her neck to hold it up. The upper part of her back was also uncovered, but it didn't go low enough for her to make her uncomfortable, just slightly embarrassed. The front was high enough to completely cover her chest and the dress extended just passed her knees. She looked in the mirror and spun around to get a full view. This was not something she would ever wear if she could help it, but the honest part of herself did think she looked good. It was even longer enough to wear shorts under it without anyone knowing.

I hate to admit it, but mom's knowledgeable about fashion, even if she doesn't dress herself up. I wonder if Touma would like to see me in this. Her face flushed at the thought. He probably wouldn't make a scene, he saw everyone in a bathing suit before. Her face flushed more. Well, we are just meeting my mom's friend, it's not like anything is going to happen. Once I can escape, I'll meet up with Kuroko and the others for some fun at the festival. Next weekend is our time and I know I'm going to be roped into it because I'm a level 5. She didn't dislike her classmates. In fact, they were kind of cheerful around her, but she could tell they still admired her because of her level and they acted differently. She wished everyone would treat her like everyone else.

"You decent?" Misuzu's voice came through the door.

"Yes." Misuzu walked in and walked around Mikoto. Her eyes moving up and down.

"I was right," she mumbled. "That does fit you well." She stopped and looked directly at Mikoto. "What do you think? Please, be honest."

"It's… not bad," Mikoto admitted. "I'm just not used to wearing this."

"I tried to find something conservative enough to remain in your comfort zone," Misuzu explained. "But exotic enough to be able to attract his attention." Mikoto was slightly surprised at her mom's insight. In hindsight, she should have. Her mom may annoy her constantly, but she was still a mom and she cared about her daughter.

"I…appreciate it?" Mikoto said, slightly unsure how thankful she should be. "Now, what were you saying about your friend? Who is she anyways? You never actually told me." Misuzu smiled and Mikoto felt an ominous presence in the air.

"So you will be prepared and understand why I'm doing this. My friend happens to be…"

When she finished, Mikoto's mouth fell open.

---

"Did you have fun with your friends?" Shiina asked. She and Touma were just leaving his apartment. Touma had to meet his mom at his dorm so he could change into his suit. It was a little old, but his mom assured him it would be enough for a simple restaurant. Shiina had arrived in a cab and the two of them took off after she fixed his tie.

"I usually do," Touma answered. "We hang out a lot, but one of my close friends had something come and couldn't show. But it was probably a good thing because one of my friends found something… err, interesting she might not have been too impressed about."

The festival started off well enough. Touma, Ruiko, Kuroko, Seiri, Aisa, Jason, and Uiharu had gone from stall to stall, eating weird food, playing games, seeing exhibits, and even participated in a quiz bowl. The last stall they visited were painting portraits of people and had a large number of premade ones for people to purchase. Ruiko decided it would be fun to get a memento and convinced everyone to join in on one. The artist must have had an ability to help him, because he finished in roughly five minutes, yet generated a full colored masterpiece. Things could have ended there, but Jason noticed there were a lot of paintings of Kami being sold, so he started rummaging through them. Everyone else besides Kazari just talked while waiting for him to finish. He eventually arrived with two paintings wrapped under his arm.

The problem was Kazari was red faced.

This was suspicious.

Seiri had noticed it too and commented on it, but Jason and Kazari refused to talk about it. Kuroko, unable to resist snuck up behind him and teleported the paintings out of his grasp. Before he could react, she opened them to reveal two works that were sure to get someone killed. If not him, it would be the artist who made them.

The first one was one that caused everyone to stare at in disbelief. It was a picture of Kami, sitting on a golden thrown with his head propped up with an arm. Luckily, there was no connection between the fake and Touma, or he might have been in trouble because of who was also on the painting. It seems the artist had watched the cop and robber games, because kneeling next to the throne on each side, where two girls. Two well-known level 5 girls. Mikoto was on one side and Misaki was on the other. Both of them were wearing their school uniform, while Kami was wearing his normal disguise. Jason immediately defended his choice of buying it by saying it was purely to keep other people from getting it and spreading it around.

He was immediately hit by Seiri, who then marched off toward the painting booth to have a word with them.

Jason got up and then Kuroko revealed the second painting. It was of Kami too, but the other person in in made everyone besides Kazari and Jason mouths fall open. Kazari had covered her red face with her hands, but she was peeking through her fingers. Touma had been momentarily stunned and then felt the urge to vomit. He was embraced with Accelerator on a bed. Luckily they were fully clothed, but Touma immediately reached forward to destroy it. A shadow tendril yanked it out of Kuroko's hand, wrapped it up, and Jason refused to get rid of it.

Like anyone would believe he was buying that for someone at work, Touma thought to himself, as he relieved the moment. That was a lame excuse. He's normally better than that. I'm surprised Shirai-san didn't chew him out on it.

"I see," Shiina commented. "So who was your friend who couldn't make it? Was it someone I met yesterday?"

"No, no, no," Touma answered instantly. "It was Mikoto. Her friend told us why she couldn't show."

"Oh, yes," Shiina recalled. "She seemed like a very nice girl and quite fond of you the last time we met."

"Err… yeah." Touma felt hot all of a sudden and turned away from her. Shiina noticed how embarrassed he got and her mother sense told her everything.

Since she's one of the ones to actually confess, Shiina thought. He gets embarrassed thinking about it and still worries about. I hope he doesn't freak out when he finds out who we are meeting. It will be good for them to talk. Let's change the topic for now and have him relax. I'll talk to him about the call and letter after lunch. "It seems like Misaka-san is not the only one who has conflicting plans. I contacted Mugino-san and asked if she still wanted to join us for lunch, but she apologized and said something had come up and would not be able to."

"You still offered for her to come after what you found out?"

"I did invite her," Shiina pointed out. "And, as your father says, when you make a promise, you keep it." Touma nodded. "I suppose it makes things easier though. We can have a nice meal and catch up without being interrupted."

"So mom, who is this friend of yours?"

"Someone I have not seen in ages," Shiina laughed. "She had just gone back to a university to study and her daughter goes to school here. You might have seen her around."

"Oh," Touma said. Great, with my luck, it's probably going to be really uncomfortable if the girl shows up and I know her. Such misfortune. My luck would not allow anything else. They continued to talk, thankfully much less serious or embarrassing topics, until the cab pulled up in front of a restaurant with a French name Touma would botch if he tried to pronounce it.

"Here we are," Shiina announced. Touma got out and helped his mom out of the cab. "Such a gentleman, I'm glad we taught you so well." Touma rubbed his neck sheepishly and then passed the cab driver the money. When the driver pulled away, Shiina turned to Touma. "Now, Touma-san, please remember to be polite and remember your manners. They have been known to remove customers who are overly loud, so please remember to keep your voice down."

"Yes, mom," Touma promised. They entered the restaurant and Touma did his best to act confident, while following his mother. The maître d' confirmed their reservation and had them lead to their table. The restaurant was dimly lit and there was a string quartet playing on one side of the room. This was a restaurant Touma could see people like Shizuri or Misaki going to. It was much too fancy for him and he felt out of place. There were only a few other guests, but a couple of them looked at him as he passed. He swore he heard them laughing at his old suit. He then looked to see the table they were heading too and his mouth fell open in shock. Shiina's friend was already there and with her daughter. As he expected, they were familiar.

It was Mikoto and her mother.

They turned when he and Shiina approached and Misuzu waved. From the angle they approached, Touma had a complete view of Mikoto. He had only seen Mikoto wear a white dress once for a performance, so this was a relatively new experience. The dress was bright red and revealed a lot more skin than Mikoto usually showed, unless she was at the beach. The thing is, swimsuits and dresses are two completely different things. Any true man would understand that. The dress seemed made for Mikoto and highlighted her fair skin and athletic build, while still being feminine. She also must have been wearing more makeup than usual, because her face seemed to sparkle. Her normal hair clip had been replaced with a more eloquent one. Only one word passed through his mind.

Beautiful.

His reaction didn't last long and he sat down trying to act calm, but it was long enough for Misuzu. She whispered to Mikoto soft enough that neither Touma nor Shiina heard it.

"I told you clothes are important."

---

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.

Next real chapter will be their lunch date and then everyone else's adventures when dealing with the raffle. There is also that letter Touma's mom has. I'm sure that will be discussed too. The reason I said real chapter is because I have come up with a Halloween chapter I'm going to start working on. Thanks to discord, I have an idea for a fun special.

Shizuri: Screw that. Halloween special is just an excuse to try to get us to wear revealing outfits.

Motoharu: It's perfect!

Pierce: I love the author!

Mikoto: He's not seriously going to do that. I bet the costumes will be normal.

Misaki: I wouldn't mind revealing, but I'm a little more focused on your lunch date Misaka.

Mikoto: Wasn't my fault! My mother planned this.

Misaki: So will you swear nothing will come of this?

Mikoto: …no?

Misaki: Okay then. I will take drastic measures.

Accelerator: This will be good.

Motoharu: You should probably be more concerned about the Halloween special.

Accelerator: Why?

Motoharu: Because Frenda and Kinuhata are giving Worst and Last Order ideas for group costumes.

Accelerator: Fuck!