Chapter 23: Father Goose Of Recursion
Note: I don't not own Steins;Gate. Only this fanfiction story.
This story follows the events that happened after the following Steins;Gate titles. Steins;Gate, Steins;Gate OVA, and Steins;Gate 0. Also, there are situations from other Steins;Gate titles that inspired multiple events in this story.
Check out my profile for upcoming dates for new chapters on Steins Gate: Epsilon. That is where you can expect the release dates for new chapters to this story. I plan to commit to this story to the very end.
December 20th, 2021
Two days have passed since everyone found out that Kagari is really named Kagari Okabe, and she is the daughter of Rintaro Okabe. Things have gone to normal again for most of the lab members as well. Everyone is back and working in their daily jobs and routines. The Future Gadget Laboratory is opened, and working very intensely to make up days lost due to the incident with the American Organization.
Although everyone is back working, they must work very hard, since there is also less than a few days before Christmas Eve, and then the day of giving presents, Christmas Day. Inside the Future Gadget Laboratory, all the interns have gathered to work very hard along side there supervisors Maho, Daru, and Kurisu. However, the strangest thing is that the only one not working inside the Future Gadget Laboratory, is Okabe.
Over at the old lab, the scene reveals Okabe who is currently on a laptop monitor, managing papers that involve the Interns, and research papers that involve the teleportation research. Behind him, there is also Kagari, who is currently reading a book from the shelf. It is noted that Okabe has to stay home for the sake of Kagari, now that he has gained another responsibility.
Then, Okabe begins taking out tools and sets them on a table. Next to the tools, is The Divegence Meter. It looks like he is keeping his promise for the Future Suzuha that he would repair it. While doing so, he speaks in a video call to Maho. "So, have you guys managed to start on the next future gadget?" he asks with his persona.
"No." says Maho. "We need to focus more on finishing FG131. Then we have to begin updating on another old future gadget so we can make more profit off of it."
"Well, that is a good option to do. However, most of the gadgets below number 30 have been mainly only used for recreational purposes and have mostly never received popularity by the public. This must be the work of the organization however."
"Well, you have a point in terms of popularity. However, that is why we should try to update one of them so it can have a better chance to make profit. That way, we can hold off FG132 for now."
Okabe gets a bit serious. "Hmm. I believe I won't be releasing FG132 to the public."
Maho is surprised by his response. "But why? This new gadget can be revolutionary for the next generation of technology and for the people."
"The invisibility function on it is what is the problem." He puts on his persona. "It can easily be abused and used for things that can cause chaos for powerful nations. The enemy would want it and would want to plunge this world into chaos! And only I, Hououin Kyouma, can achieve that goal!"
Maho sighs. "Of course you would say that."
Suddenly, Kagari pops up from behind and begins to hug Okabe from behind. "Hey Papa?! Can we fix the meter now?"
"O-Oh, yea. Well Hiyajo-Safina, we will continue this later. See ya."
Maho gets annoyed by the nickname but ignores it. "Yes, see ya."
Both of them end their video call. Maho continues to work with her group to prepare plans to make a production line of FG131. However, they will only be distributed to several hospitals across the world, and they will be under special contract to test this new gadget to the test subjects selected.
As she does that, she then notices Kurisu's group who is next to her. Kurisu seems to be slow today and quite out of focus. Maho though know what the reason could be and sighs, as she never expected Kurisu to look so lost. She decides to go up to her and talk. "Hey, Kurisu."
Kurisu gets startled by her. "O-Oh?! Senpai, what's up?"
Maho sighs. "What is happening with you today? You are very out of focus."
"I-It's nothing. I am just surprised about everything from what we found out about Kagari being from the future. That is all."
Maho raises an eyebrow. "Are you sure? Because to me, you are thinking more than just that and it is quite obvious. You are thinking more about who Kagari's mother is in the future."
Kurisu becomes very shy and responds. "N-No! T-That is the least of my concerns!"
"Really? The way you responded said a different story."
Kurisu stays frozen for a moment before letting out a huge sigh of disappointment in herself. "T-This sucks... Why can't it be better to hide my concerns and feelings….."
Maho feels a bit bad for her as she is right, but she tries to help out. "Remember what the Future Suzuha said? She said Kagari may or not be related to Okabe-san. Coincidences can always exist. If any case, Okabe at some point in the future adopts Kagari." Maho then realizes that may actually hurt Kurisu more than help her.
"Well, if that is the case, then Okabe and I have a higher chance to break up since we may never express our true feelings. Not only that, but…."
Maho already knew what she meant. If Okabe adopted Kagari, then that means he and Kurisu will never get any action together in the future. As much as she wanted to do so with Okabe and marry him, there may be a chance of the opposite happening too.
Suddenly, Daru comes into the conversation. "I don't think you need to worry, Makise-shi."
Maho and Kurisu are surprised by Daru's sudden appearance. Daru then continues. "Okarin loves you very much for many years, and I believe he will, after all I have known him for far too long. Anything he likes or loves, he will want to cherish it for the rest of his life."
Kurisu's eyes widen, as Daru continues. "Instead of worrying about who Kagari's mother is, instead, have hope that you are her mother in the future. Also, you need to try and get Okarin's attention more."
"That right," says Maho. "Ever since we first met Kagari, Okabe has paid less attention to you. But, he has been responsible most of the time for Kagari's well being. So I guess you can't blame him. But you haven't done anything either to make sure Okabe hasn't forgotten about you."
"H-How can I when I am constantly working here and Okabe is usual at the old lab? Due to the teleportation research also being one of the main priorities for us, I cannot get free time to relax and enjoy time with Okabe..."
There is a moment of silence as that is true. With everyone busy lately in the Future Gadget Laboratory, there hasn't been a whole lot of free time.
Suddenly, one of the Interns enter through the door. "Excuse me Sensei? We need you in lab number 3."
Daru nods. "Ok, I'll head over there now." Daru then walks out of the room, but not before saying one final thing. "Don't worry Makise-shi. I have an idea that I will speak with Maho-tan later on. Then, hopefully you will agree to it. Besides, did you forget? Future Suzuha said she wanted to avoid altering the future in some ways until Kagari regained her memories. That means one possible theory; she is probably trying to prevent something special from changing." Daru gives a smile, before leaving the room to head back to work.
Kurisu stands there for a moment, wondering if what Daru said is really true.
Back at the old lab, Okabe and Kagari work together to fix the divergence meter. They go through many components and wiring that allow the bulbs on the meter to light up. They also go through some research papers Okabe owns about everything needed to create and make the meter work. Also, Kagari has adapted to using more of her Reading Steiner without causing her a headache. She currently uses her Beta Version to help with Okabe and the divergence meter. So right now, her eye color is yellow.
However, there is a problem. "Damn. I don't know why the meter's light bulbs don't work. The wiring is in great condition, and there are no short circuits." says Okabe.
"How about the power box?" Kagari asks.
Okabe takes about a few minutes to disassemble the power box from the meter. He soon manages to open all the electrical wiring inside, and tests the electrical current with an outlet. It somehow still works. "The power box is also in good condition."
"Then, I don't know what to tell you. All the wires and power to light up the divergence meter are just fine. This is a very strange phenomenon."
Okabe sighs, as this is so far getting nowhere. "Well, let's take a break then. We have been through this over half of the day. Also, you need a break more, since your Reading Steiner will begin to hurt you if you keep using it. You are still very young after all."
Kagari closes her eyes to deactivate her Reading Steiner, which then makes her eye color turn back to blue. "Well ok." she says with a smile and then puts on her person. "If the mad scientist, Hououin Kyouma says so, then Kagari will do so!"
Okabe puts on his persona. "That's a good girl. After all, Hououin Kyouma knows everything that is best for all the allies of the Future Gadget Laboratory!"
Kagari smiles more to hear her father say such things. Then, Okabe speaks up. "Well Kagari, how about we head out for lunch?"
"Oh?! Then, can we go to that place with that Wagyu meat?!"
Okabe smiles, and takes out his phone. "Well, if that is the choice of Steins Gate, El Psy-"
Kagari finishes Okabe's line with excitement. "Kongroo!"
Time goes by. Okabe and Kagari head over to the place she wanted to go back a couple months ago. The small meat restaurant "Yamano." They both sit and order the same Wagyu beef with traditional BBQ, with some sides.
Kagari eats and enjoys the food so much. However she then asks Okabe for something. "Hey Papa? Do you have a drink for the smart people?"
Okabe puts on his persona. "You mean intellectual drink of the chosen ones? Yes, yes I do." Okabe pulls out a small bag and a bottle of Dr. Pepper, and takes out a cup for Kagari to pour the drink in.
"Thank you!" she says with a smile and begins to drink it. She loves the drink as it gives her sweet memories of when she drank the same thing back in her timeline.
"If you are my daughter, then you must understand how Papa is." says Okabe. "You must understand that this drink is called Dr. Pepper, or what I also call it, the intellectual drink of the chosen one! Only the smartest and chosen people of this world can get the beneficial effects from this drink."
She becomes shocked. "Oh?! Then, am I a chosen one?!"
Okabe puts on a smile. "Since you are my daughter, you are of course naturally selected to receive the effects of this drink."
She smiles. "Then, I will drink more of this from now on!"
After their conversation, both Kagari and Okabe decide to finish up eating so the food doesn't get cold. They take there time to enjoy the meat they would never get to normally have everyday. After around 20 minutes, they finally finish, and take a small break to relax. However, Okabe wants to know more about Kagari.
He finishes paying the check and then looks at Kagari. "So Kagari. Tell me, what do you remember now that more of your memories have returned?"
She thinks for a moment, before responding. "Umm, I know you are Papa, there is also Big Sis Mayu, Big Bro Ruka, Big Sis Suzu, Uncle Daru, umm….." She thinks again as the names she already mentioned were what she already remembered before. Then, new names begin to click. "Oh?! There is also Big Sis Nae, Big Sis Faris, Big Sis Moeka, and Big Sis Maho."
Okabe is shocked to hear most of the lab members, but especially Nae. "Huh? You know about Nae Tennouji?"
"Yep! She used to visit the lab a lot in the future."
"That is surprising to hear." However, Okabe then realizes something else. Kagari never mentioned Kurisu. "Kagari, how about Kurisu?"
"Kurisu?" she wonders. She then remembers a few days ago in the old lab about the woman named Kurisu. This then makes her try to remember her from her timeline. However, the strangest thing is that when she tries to remember Kurisu, her head begins to hurt a lot. But, for the first time, Okabe doesn't sense Kagari's Reading Steiner. This gives him a surprise, but it can due to that Kagari can control her Reading Steiner much easily now, so she is just trying to remember straight off from memory.
Okabe notices Kagari starting to feel uneasy and he gets worried. "Ok ok. You can stop now, Kagari."
She listens and quickly stops. "Sorry, Papa. When I try to remember her, my brain begins to hurt a lot."
"So, that means you haven't gained any memory towards her yet. However, that is already reassuring. Since it means she is alive in the future, it is just you can't remember after you time traveled here."
Kagari agrees. "Mhm."
There is a pause. It is really shocking how for some reason, Kagari's memories can't currently recall Kurisu in the future. Okabe questioned if she was ever involved at all with the lab members in the future. And, if she was, why can't Kagari remember her only, but yet she can remember all the other lab members, including himself. This thought then brings up another idea. Who is Kagari's mother? This begins to get to him as he is now curious.
However, before he gets deeper in thought, Kagari interrupts him. "Hey Papa? Can we go around the city?"
He smiles. "Sure."
Both them walk around for a few hours to make time pass by. They go in buildings that get Kagari's interest, such as small food markets, and game centers. They enjoy playing in some old retro arcade games, and surprisingly a lot of fighting games. Okabe gets shocked about Kagari's skills because she is surprisingly good, even though she in the end loses.
As the sun begins to set, they both decide to take a long walk to enjoy the sky turning orange and red. Kagari runs around the open areas of Akihabara as she really enjoys the peace around, even though it is cold.
Okabe watches her have fun, and thinks this day has been peaceful and fun after all. He needed it since the day with the unknown organization.
"How have your responsibilities as a father been, Uncle Okarin?"
Okabe turns to see who just said that, and it is Suzuha from the future. "Oh Suzuha." There is a pause, as he puts on his persona. "Well, I will admit, it has not been bad at all. This is a new experience for me, but Hououin Kyouma will take on any challenge to get one step closer to obtaining forbidden knowledge, and plunge this world in chaos!"
Suzuha sighs. "Well I guess that is how people who become parents in the early stage are, but your delusion mad scientist act really is just unnecessary."
"It is not unnecessary, but necessary! That way, the world will come to understand the great mad scientist that has ever set foot in this world!"
There is a long pause as they both enjoy a moment of the sun setting and calm down a bit. But then, that silence cuts short as Okabe realizes something that he wants to ask. "Tell me. I have already learned quite a lot of things about Kagari so far. Her memory ability, the fact that I am her future father, the people who she was involved with. However, why doesn't she recall Kurisu? She remembers everyone else but her."
Suzuha is surprised by Okabe's question. It is really strange how Kagari can remember everyone but Kurisu and she never knew about that. However Suzuha then remembers something very important.
Inside of her memories, we get a short view about Kurisu. It is revealed that Kurisu is in fact involved with the Future Gadget Laboratory, and she is heavily involved with Kagari. Kurisu, is the one who teaches Kagari about a lot of things to help her ease herself from her Reading Steiner.
When Kagari was a small child, she would be crying, feel very uneasy, and have all sort of headaches from the Reading Steiner that you can say is overtaking her brain. The flow of memories she couldn't understand overwhelmed her conscious and over time would develop the Beta Version she has. This would make her very scared of herself.
However, Kurisu always came to her and would be some sort of Guardian to her. She would help be there for her, and help her ease the ability she has. However, what is strange is how the act of Hououin Kyouma would be the solution to temporarily stopping her Reading Steiner from causing issues, and it would make her very happy. The thing that is revealed, Kurisu is the one who puts on the act of Hououin Kyouma for her.
However, Suzuha then remembers something important, something that will greatly turn everything into another direction. This also unfortunately involves Okabe and Kurisu as well.
This then gives her a high possible reason as to why she can't remember Kurisu at all yet. "I do have one possible reason."
Okabe turns to her as she speaks. "For your current question, I will tell you that in the future, Kurisu is still part of the Future Gadget Laboratory. Not only that, but she is greatly involved with Kagari. However, in the future, Kurisu's involvement is also what Kagari knows about events that lead the worldline to it's doom. Not because of what she does terribly fortunately, but because of what events they go through together that lead to the doomed future."
Okabe knew what she meant. She was implying that Kagari's memories of Kurisu are what also involve something tragic to their future. Because Kagari can't currently remember those tragic events yet, they are also what suppress her memories of Kurisu, which is really strange. This makes Okabe now very curious as he thinks to himself. "Wait, if that is the case, then why is Kagari not able to remember the tragic events? If they are also causing her to suppress her memories of Kurisu as well, then just how important is Kurisu in the future that causes these events?"
However one thing is cleared up about the future, that is Mayuri and Kurisu don't die in the future. This means in the case of a worldline divergence had already occurred, they are not back in the Alpha and Beta Worldline. So he is relieved in a way. "I can believe that is a possible solution. If Kurisu was that much involved with her, I can understand why she wouldn't be able to remember her yet."
"Yea….." says Suzuha.
This then raises another curiosity for Okabe. "See, you already told me about something about the future. Why can't you just come clean and tell me everything that happens?"
As much as Suzuha wanted to tell Okabe about everything, she just couldn't. "Sorry, I just can't reveal the important events that lead to the terrible disaster of the future, not until you can fix the divergence meter. Proving me that this is the Steins Gate Worldline will mean I don't need to be here, since you claim the unknown future will be right. However, if the divergence meter says something different, then it looks like I can finally reveal everything to you."
Okabe sighs as this will be the same response. "Ok, I understand. I won't push you to tell me everything."
Suddenly, Kagari comes up to Okabe. "Papa? Can we go home now?"
Okabe smiles with his persona. "Sure, we must head back anyways to meet up with the rest of the lab members!" He then turns to Suzuha. "Well, will I hear from you soon?"
"Yea, you will."
Okabe smiles as he hopes so. He and Kagari walk together back home. While they do so, Suzuha watches them as they walk away, while she begins to think to herself. " It is true that I want to avoid revealing the future so I can avoid altering the future, but only for now. That is because it involves the main reason I can't reveal the future. It is not my job to reveal it to you. Only your daughter from the future, can open your eyes to be able to change the world when it is needed. It is the only option left if we want a chance to change the tragic fate of this worldline. After all, all other plans have failed to alter the future..."
Eventually, Okabe and Kagari arrive back at the old lab. They enter and see two pairs of shoes already inside. They get curious and head in the main room. Who was there already is Kurisu and Maho, dealing with documents from the Future Gadget Laboratory.
Maho and Kurisu look to see who entered. "Oh Okabe-san, and Kagari. Hello."
"Hello, Hiyajo-Safina." says Okabe with his persona.
"Don't call me that."
"But, that's what Papa always calls you." says Kagari.
Maho was shocked by Kagari's response. "Hey Kagari, don't tell me you're going to agree with your father?!"
Okabe laughs and pats Kagari in the head. "As you can see, Kagari is definitely already learning to be just like her father.
"You sure are becoming more used to being a father already." says Kurisu.
"Well of course. Someone who is a part of my family must be under watch of the insane mad scientist, and understand the legacy of Hououin Kyouma! That way, they will be left with an impression of me for the rest of their lives and my legacy will never die!"
Kurisu sighs. "Well, out of all of that, at least you actually care for your daughter."
"Of course I do. I can show care for my worthy allies of the Future Gadget Laboratory!"
As Kagari and Okabe get back to talking to each other for a moment, Kurisu then looks at her right where the couch is. What is the surprise, is that next to it, there is a luggage that looks just like what she would use for her belongings.
(Flashback) 1 hour ago
The Future Gadget Laboratory closes for today, and all the Interns have left for today. Kurisu was packing up all her research papers and all her utensils, when suddenly Maho and Daru came through the door. "Hello, Kurisu."
"Senpai, and Hashida." says Kurisu.
"So, we were wondering. Since Kagari has been involved with everyone one in the old lab, Okabe-san has been paying much less attention to you. This is because he has a role as a parent to worry about."
Kurisu gets a bit sad, as that is correct.
Daru then steps in. "However, we want to make sure you don't feel at any point that Okarin will forget you. So, me and Maho-tan came up with something."
There is a pause, before Maho steps in. "We were thinking, why not take this chance to bond with Okabe-san more, through Kagari?"
Kurisu is shocked by this thought. "H-Huh?!"
"You see, a girl always needs a woman to look up to. After all, people of the same gender usually tend to look up to each other to move up in the world, right?"
"Indeed. Just like how my daughter Suzuha looks up to Yuki more to become a better person." says Daru.
Kurisu thinks for a moment. It is indeed a good option for her to use that excuse to get closer to only that, but this can be the opportunity to get to know Kagari very well as the daughter of Rintaro Okabe. That way, she can see how Okabe is through her, and so he wouldn't think of anything unusual. However, thinking about this makes her embarrassed. "W-Why help s-suggest this?"
"Didn't I tell you earlier?" Daru implies. "Have hope that Kagari is in fact your daughter too. After all, you and Okarin are in a relationship. Kagari-tan currently as part of this lab could help you bond with Okarin more."
"Believe that because Kagari exists, you and Okabe-san are still together in the future and you both manage to bond to another level. Use that to get close to him."
Kurisu hesitates to respond at first, because she is shy to think about the topic of having a daughter which makes her very embarrassed. However, she also is in love with Okabe so much that she would do anything to make sure he is happy. She really wants to bond with him more than anything in the world. After a moment of thinking, Kurisu responds. "O-Ok. I will take your advice and try to do just that…"
Maho and Daru smile. Maho then laughs a little. "This is strange, but I just realized, the people giving you this type of advice are two friends from both sides."
"You mean like how you can connect with Makise-shi more, and how I know Okarin very well?"
Daru asks.
"Yea. You and I are trying to connect our friends to each other because we know how much they love each other. Besides, they are the center of attention in the Future Gadget Laboratory."
"That is true."
"But, in the end, everyone that is part of the Future Gadget Laboratory are always trying to help Okabe-san and Kurisu bond since many years ago."
Kurisu blushes as they are correct. She then turns to Maho after being called. "Kurisu, if you want, I can let you stay at my place for a few days to take the advantage of being close. I'm sure Okabe already forgot he was supposed to buy a bed so you can stay over at his place. However, if you manage to bond with him more along with Kagari, he may then have to after all."
(End of flashback)
After thinking it through, Kurisu was determined to not turn back. If she wanted to bond with her boyfriend, she needed to take this opportunity. Although all the thoughts Maho and Daru mentioned before may be overly hopeful, the least she can do is understand Okabe more through Kagari and her thoughts from the Future. After all, she is Okabe's future daughter.
"Well Okabe-san, I left you the papers of the teleportation research in that envelope. All you need to do is analyze it and sign it. Then, we can send it back to Professor Leskinen for an update."
"Alright. I will do that first thing tomorrow morning." says Okabe.
There is a pause. "Well, I will be heading upstairs for the night. You coming Kurisu?"
Kurisu then pulls her suitcase out of hiding. Okabe becomes shocked about this ."Yes."
"W-Wait, Kurisutina? Why do you have luggage?"
"That is because I will be over at Senpai's place for a few days. So you will be seeing me around more." she says with a smile as she leaves the old lab.
After Maho and Kurisu leave, Okabe smiles, as he feels happy he can get to see his girlfriend more often for a few days.