Chapter 26: Memorial Reconfiguration
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.
A sunny day shines over the city, but the day for the lab members is already an unexpected one. Today, Kurisu was invited by Faris in a strange way, to join a group gathered to prepare gifts for Okabe, but as well as for Christmas since it is near.
Over at Faris's place, Kurisu enters through the doors, and to her surprise, Mayuri, Luka, Moeka, and Yuki with little Suzuha are all gathered already in the living room. She enters, as the butler for Faris closes the door behind her.
"Oh Kuris-chan, Tuturu!" say Mayuri.
"Hello Mayuri, and to everyone else." says Kurisu with a smile as she sits down with the other on the big couch. "So, what are you watching?"
Yuki speaks. "Well, we were letting Suzuha watch a kid's show to help her get distracted at first, but then this suddenly T.V. report came in"
The T.V. displays a new report, about information on an American Organization terrorizing an important company crucial to the government authorities. "So, they found out about the American Organization in Japan?" Luka asks.
"Seems so." Moeka responds.
The news then provides new information. After the incident with people of a certain lab, more of the enemy organization were captured and put in cells. They confessed that the organization behind this is a shadow of the American government. They work under multiple names to hide themselves across the country, and it may be possible, this group works with other countries too. Because of this incident, all trade between America and Japan is currently on hold. Not only that, but the recent incident has also made the other important countries suspicious of mainly America, and with some organizations that are a part of their own country.
"Well, America just dug their own grave-nyan." says Faris, as she arrives from her room.
Everyone turns as they are startled by Faris's voice. "Faris!" they all say.
"Don't worry about the news-nyan! She then turns off the T.V. "That is how the world powers will always fight-nyan! All just to become powerful-nyan. Instead, today we are going to get our gifts for Kyouma and Christmas-nyan!"
"Just saying that makes me think of the amount of money we will spend today," says Kurisu with a straight face.
"If it is a gift, then I don't think we should worry about money." says Moeka.
"That is true. We all work after all right?" Yuki implies.
Everyone nods in agreement. Faris then clears her throat. "Now since that is settle-nyan, we will prepare to head out and by gifts-nyan!" She then pulls out quickly and marker board, making this place feel like an actual meeting. She begins writing down a list of things they will be doing until the day of Christmas. "So, this is what will be doing for the next couple of days."
"Do you realize that we have work?" Kurisu asks. "We cannot just abandon our job."
"Don't worry-nyan! I already asked Maho-nyan to make sure you are free of work-nyan!" Faris puts on her teasing tone. "After all, we need to see what the future wife gets for the man she loves-nyan."
Kurisu faces turn red. "F-F-F-Future wife?!"
"That's right-nyan. You guys will be a future married couple after all. I see it with these special eyes of mine-nyan."
Mayuri then goes to Kurisu and grabs her right shoulder lightly. "It's ok. We support your dream of marrying Okarin."
Kurisu faces down with her embarrassed face, as that dream is really true, and she doesn't not have the words to deny for not even a moment.
After a moment with Kurisu, Yuki stands up, walks to the marker board, and gives the run through on their 3 day plan. "Well, let's explain what is happening. Today, we all are going out shopping to get decorations ready, and get a lot of gifts for Christmas. Then, we will all plan to get Okabe-san a gift for him in his upcoming party, since we couldn't celebrate his birthday on the 14th."
Faris then steps in. "Tomorrow, we will spend all day creating decorations and signs for the party-nyan, while some of us get food to cook in the party-nyan! Then, on Christmas Eve, we will gather all the rest of the lab members besides Kyouma and Daru-nyan, to make a huge cake that we can celebrate for Kyouma's birthday, and for Christmas-nyan!"
Yuki continues. "On Christmas Day, we will wrap all the presents, take all the items to the lab, and prepare everything for the evening."
Mayuri smiles after listening through the plan. "Mayushii thinks that is a good plan. Everything has the right time needed to make this party the best there ever was!"
"But, don't you think Kyouma-san will find out about what we are doing?" Luka asks.
"It's ok-nyan!" says Faris. "Everything we prepare will be stored in my apartment for the upcoming party-nyan. Kyouma won't be permitted to enter either-nyan."
"Then, it's settled," says Mayuri. "Well then, let's go buy some gifts!"
Everyone smiles as this will be a great day it seems. "Yea!"
Over at the Future Gadget Laboratory, Maho and Daru work hard with their groups to continue on building future gadgets. While at it, Maho and Daru have begun final year observations and final year testing to Interns that have been around for nearly 4 years in the lab. They will be tested to see if they are ready to be full privileged scientists for the Future Gadget Laboratory. If successful, they can do anything that is allowed without supervision and under law of the lab and authorities.
As Maho and Daru observe, they have a short conversation. "So, are you going with Faris-tan tomorrow to help with the decorations and cake?" asks Daru.
"Well, if I don't, she will hunt me down, so it's not like I have a choice." says Maho as she sighs. "Besides, I think I will need to help Kurisu with her gift, unless she manages to find one today."
Daru thinks for a moment. "Well, there are also the gifts for Christmas since we are celebrating Okarin's birthday on that day too."
"That's true. We are going to have a party that is supposed to be unlike any other. To be honest I want to see it."
"That is rare for you to say that. But, I want to as well."
They both smile for a moment and continue their observations. Then, another question rises. "By the way. Have you heard from Okarin today? I tried to call him but no response."
"That is strange. Let me try to call him." Maho takes out her phone, and dials Okabe's phone number. She waits to see if he responds, but unfortunately, he doesn't. "Huh, that is strange."
"Maybe he is sleeping in?" Daru wonders.
"Or, maybe he forgot his phone and is busy repairing that divergence meter he made. Though, I wonder if Kagari is ok."
"Well, if she wasn't, Okarin would have probably called one of us already. Since he hasn't, I believe she is doing ok."
"I hope so." says Maho, as she decides to get right back to work.
Suddenly, the scene begins to change, as the area reveals the empty place of nothing but fog that goes as far up as to the legs. In the far background, metal gears also turn to keep the momentum of something going.
Then, Okabe begins to wake and sit up, as he slowly regains focus. Afterwards, he is shocked to see he is back in the place that still remains a mystery. The place that was thought to be originally a dream, but it is revealed to come to reality, and outside of the world's existence.
As he gets up, footsteps a heard right behind him. He turns around, and who he sees is Kagari. "Hello, Papa!" she says with happiness.
"H-Hello, Kagari." says Okabe. There is a pause. "So, this is where you have been for some time?"
"Yes. I have been here for a while, but I don't know for how long. I haven't been able to leave this realm."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
Okabe thinks for a moment as to the possible reason that she hasn't been able to leave The Realm of Steiner. This is the first time she wasn't forced to leave either. "Has your head ever hurt at any point in time since waking up here?"
"No."
He also notices her eyes are blue, which means her Reading Steiner hasn't activated, which is rare when in The Realm of Steiner. Okabe begins to think of possible theories as to why Kagari is stuck here currently, and for what purpose. He puts on his persona. "Well then, the insane mad scientist, Hououin Kyouma, will begin developing theories that can possibly explain the reason you are currently a hostage to this realm!
"Then, I will listen to Papa's words!" says Kagari with happiness.
"Alright! I will explain my first theory!" There is a pause, as Okabe gathers his thoughts with his persona. "One! You are being held hostage here due to an unknown force that is trying to prevent you from leaving this realm!"
"Kagari thinks that is scary…."
"It is, but don't worry! Your Papa is here to help!" There is a pause. "Number two! You are currently being held hostage here by an unknown force, but not in a bad way. Maybe this unknown force is trying to keep you here until you figure out something about this place."
"I don't know what though. Kagari doesn't even know this unknown being."
"It's ok, this is still only a theory. Lastly, number three! This realm has to do with something more than just a realm itself! It could be a special power that people like us with Reading Steiner can access. This means we are unwise to control the ability to move in and out of this realm at will."
"Oh?! Kagari likes that theory! But I don't know how to control it. I can't normally control my Beta Version in the first place."
Okabe takes a moment to think about Kagari's response, before answering back. "Well, if that is the case, then it would already be a problem. Not only that, but all of this also may apply to me as well."
"But why would it affect Papa too?"
Okabe chuckles. "Did you forget? Your Papa also has Reading Steiner, Not only that, but I am currently in this realm with you. This only means one thing." There is a pause as Kagari becomes curious. "This means our Reading Steiners are linked as one!"
Kagari's eyes widened in shock to hear this response.
Then, Okabe realizes what he just said. He realized that his answer may in fact be a highly possible reason as to why Kagari and him tend to see each other in the real Realm of Steiner. He thinks to himself. "No way! This is why Kagari and I can always see each other in this realm? But if that is the case, then two more theories need to be analyzed to solve this problem." Okabe chuckles to himself. "This is getting very interesting."
Kagari then speaks up with a smile. "If Papa and I are linked by Reading Steiner, that means I am your daughter by blood right?!"
Okabe eyes widen. "That is one highly possible theory. It would make sense naturally since we are connected by the same Reading Steiner." There is a pause. "However, there is also a possibility that this realm we can meet in, is due to us having Reading Steiner, meaning anyone with that ability can enter this realm."
'Well, when you put it that way, it is possible."
Okabe thinks about something that he never thought till now. If he can enter this realm, then why couldn't he before? Then there is the question of if he and Kagari can enter this place at will. So far, they haven't been able to, and they have seemed to be randomly entering in The Realm of Steiner without any sort of warning.
Kagari's head begins to suddenly hurt, as her eye color transitions from blue to yellow, implying that her Beta Version is revealing herself. Okabe is as usual shocked by this, but he observes. "However Papa, you do realize one current issue with your second theory?"
"N-No."
Kagari sighs. "Well this should be a bit obvious even for someone with even a small knowledge of science, but whatever." There is a pause. "If your second theory was right, then why is there no other human being here?"
"What do you mean by that?" Okabe wonders.
"Well, in the future from what I can remember currently, I learned from Uncle Daru that you once mentioned that every human can possess Reading Steiner to even a small degree. That would mean there could be people like us in the same situation. However, why isn't anyone one else than us here currently? You would expect at least more than just us to be able to experience this type of supernatural phenomenon."
"That's true when you put it like that…." This gets more unusual. Now that the second theory Okabe had has pretty much been solved or so that is the reason, that leaves the first theory. This would mean that Kagari is his biological daughter. "W-Wait….Kagari. Are you really…..my daughter by blood."
Kagari nods with an unknown answer. "Sorry, but I can't remember that at this time. That is one the few memories I have yet to remember. There is a huge gap from when I was born, and with other gaps that involve my real family."
"I see…" Okabe feels a bit disappointed in her answer. He hoped to solve this issue with Reading Steiner and The Realm of Steiner, but it will continue to have unknown answers. Not only that, but since mentioning father and daughter, Okabe now becomes curious more and ever to know if Kagari is his biological daughter. That will still remain a mystery until her memories fully return. "Well, let's end our discussion for now and figure out how to get out of here."
Kagari thinks, as her head hurts once again, as her eyes revert back to blue. "Well, I want to explore this place with Papa. Maybe we can see if we can find anything."
Since it seems Kagari and him will not be getting out anytime soon, he decides to do so. "Well very. Let see what is inside The Realm of Steiner!" Okabe tries to take out his phone from his pocket to put on his persona act, but he realizes he doesn't have it. "Ah, I forgot, we're not in the real world right now." There is a pause. "Anyways, let's go explore!"
Around the city of Akihabara, Kurisu and the rest of the group who agreed to buy gifts are walking around. They go store after store, searching for items that hope will satisfy the person receiving the gift.
"So, we have bought gifts for most of the other lab members, but we are missing Daru-nyan, Kaga-nyan, and Kyouma." says Faris
"Don't worry. I got my husband's gift in mind already. I just need to go buy it." says Yuki.
"That would then just leave Okarin and Kagari-chan." says Mayuri. "But, Mayushii doesn't know what to get them."
"Well, Kaga-nyan likes those upas-nyan. Maybe we can get her a giant one-nyan."
As everyone chats, Kurisu is the only one who is going in depth as to what Kagari would like. Then there is the thought process of what Okabe would like. She wants it to be a gift so special, like that locket necklace and the plushies they gave each other.
Then, everyone stops for a moment to figure out where to go next to look for gifts. However, Kurisu quickly gets everyone's attention, as they are right near a huge mall. She points and suggests going in.
It is very massive inside the mall. Many people going around walk to store after store. There are people enjoying their time shopping, and relaxing in food stores to try out some of the most delicious stuff there is. There are also lots of Christmas decorations and sales going on.
"This place is much more lively than it was years ago," says Kurisu.
"That is because this year, there have been a lot more tourists and a new generation being born." says Luka.
Faris steps in. "But, this is great-nyan! This time of year is all about giving gifts to those you care about-nyan!"
They continue to walk around as they try to look for interesting items to be called gifts. There is currently progress, as the group has managed to find some nice gifts for Kagari. However, now that would leave one person left, Rintaro Okabe. They for now take a break, and decide to eat at a massive food court for lunch. They also discuss their next plans to get gifts for Okabe.
"So, what are we going to do about gifts for Okarin?" Mayuri asks.
Faris puts on her cat senses and begins to tease. "Well, I was thinking of watching Kunnyan carefully to see what gift she gets for Kyouma."
Kurisu's face becomes red. "W-Why is this about me?!"
"Because, you're the special one out of all of us-nyan!" Faris goes up from behind her while she is sitting and whispers in her ear. "You are the girlfriend and future wife to the greatest mad scientist that has ever lived. And you are a world genius scientist yourself."
"W-Why do you keep saying future wife?!"
"But don't you want to marry Okarin?" asks Mayuri with a bit of disappointment.
"Ummm…..that's….." Kurisu is red, and she does not have an answer for what Mayuri asked. She does want to marry Okabe. She does so much she is willing to do literally anything to satisfy his needs. This includes the naughty things if it is a must. Kurisu looks down as she just can't do or say anything.
Faris decides to stop as she sees Kurisu looking like she is near her limit. "It's ok, Kunnyan. We know how much you care for Kyouma and want to marry him-nyan. Everyone here supports your decision and will cheer you on to hope your dream becomes a reality-nyan."
"That is right." says Mayuri. "You don't need to hide it from us."
Everyone else nods in agreement to support her decision.
Kurisu looks up and takes a moment to allow the thoughts of her friends sink into her mind. Then, she smiles. It is a great feeling to get the support of your friends with something you desire. Especially in her case, the support to marry the man she loves more than anyone in the whole world.
Suddenly Moeka steps in with her soft tone. "But, if you get married, you should buy lingerie to arouse Okabe-san."
Kurisu's face becomes red again. "D-Don't your dare suggest something like that to me!"
"I never expected Moeka-san to suggest that." says Yuki.
"Indeed-nyan." says Faris. "Maybe you can say that since you have a big bust and you can satisfy the person you love like that-nyan. Hmm?"
Moeka's face turns red as she looks away too.
There is a moment of silence as everyone enjoys the time they are having together with an unsualy conversation. However, now it is time to move on to the main topic. "Well, we should continue to find a gift for Okarin." says Mayuri.
However as they prepare, Yuki suggests something different. "Well then let's do this. Mayuri, can you take care of Suzuha for me for a certain time? I want to help find a gift with Kurisu, but just the two of us."
"Sure," she responds. "Suzuha, take my hand. We're going on a trip with Big Sister to find you something special."
"Yay!" Suzuha responds.
Time goes on, as the day becomes late afternoon. The group has decided to split into two groups. Faris went one direction with Moeka, Mayuri, Luka, and Suzuha. Then, Kurisu and Yuki went in a different direction. This is a good time for two women who have a special man in their life to talk about something.
"So Kurisu, have you figured out what you want to buy Okabe-san?" Yuki asks.
"No." she says. "I want a gift to be much better than the one Okabe gave me last time."
Yuki becomes curious. "Huh? What did Okabe-san give you anyways?"
Kurisu realizes she never mentioned the gift to anyone. However, since she is talking to Yuki, she decides to tell her. Kurisu grabs the locket necklace she is wearing around her neck. "He gave me this locket necklace." She then opens it up, and shows Yuki the picture in the necklace, along with the words OR next to it.
"Wow, that is really a couple's gift. Okabe-san really does care for you."
"Yea. He also gave me a plushie of him too."
Yuki giggles. "Then, you must sleep with it like a little girl."
"H-Hey!" says Kurisu with a bit of embarrassment.
"Well, this is going to be difficult." Yuki is shocked to hear the couple's gift Okabe gave to her. It will be hard to figure out what can top that. "You know, one of the few gifts that can go beyond what you guys gave last time is an engagement ring."
"Y-Yuki?! Why are you also giving me the idea of marriage?!"
"That is because all of the lab members want to see it happen. Now that you live here in Japan, you can really go beyond your relationship with Okabe-san. Getting married is one of those things."
"I-I know…." says Kurisu with a slow tone.
This gets Yuki's attention. "Judging how you just responded, there is something holding you back after all."
Kurisu's face turns slightly red as she turns away. Yuki however, wishes to help her. "Tell me, Kurisu. You can always tell me anything. I'm here to help with whatever I can."
There is a pause, as Kurisu does in fact gather her thoughts, since she wants to understand something that only Yuki would maybe know. "Tell me, Yuki." There is another pause. "Were you….afraid…. to get married?"
Yuki's eyes widened to hear that question. This is probably what was holding Kurisu back from moving on in her relationship. "Well, yes. When you think about marrying the man you love the most, fear will sneak its way into it somehow. Then tell me, Kurisu. What specifically are you afraid of from marriage?"
There is a pause. Kurisu didn't want to respond for a moment, but she was getting tired of feeling this pain that holds her back. "Change."
"Eh? You're afraid of change? Well, I do admit, change is a very difficult thing, no matter how easy it can be, it is always difficult. However, instead of trying to let fear get to you, figure out what you must do to let change be possible."
"What do you mean by that?" Kurisu wonders.
"Well…" There is a moment of halt as Yuki gathers her thoughts. "That is an answer that can't be used by one definition. That is based on who the person is. Everyone can display change differently." Yuki then thinks about what change is Kurisu thinking about. However, judging how she was in their last conversation with each other about love, it is quite obvious to her what type of change Kurisu is afraid of. "I see, you are afraid of your relationship not being the best!"
Kurisu is shocked. "Huh?!"
"You're afraid that if you get married to Okabe, it will actually worsen your relationship. You are thinking Okabe will not care for you, and he will not be ready to commit! You're more afraid of a divorce down the line too."
Kurisu gets so distracted by Yuki's reasons that she accidentally crashes against a metal post. So, they both decide to sit down and talk it out without worrying about walking around for now. "You were really thinking about it that you hurt yourself. Sorry." says Yuki.
"No. it alright. To be honest, your reasons may be right after all. I always wonder will Okabe be able to commit and always be the caring person I came to know even after marriage. I am also afraid of a divorce, since that would totally destroy our relationship permanently." Kurisu begins clenching her fist on her thighs. "However…I'm also afraid if I will be able to commit to a life with him. I am afraid of screwing this up as well."
Yuki couldn't believe what she just heard. "You really have thought about this so much…." This goes to show just how much she does care for Okabe. However her thoughts of how not to screw up actually gives the weapon need to overcome the wall. "Instead of thinking about how much you think this may end badly, use it to your advantage. You are very conscious of what can go wrong. But that should instead help you build up your will to commit to marriage."
"Y-You really think so?"
"Yes. No matter how far you go in your relationship, you and Okabe-san will always be wanting to give it your best for each other, because you are aware of what can go wrong, and you're madly in love with him. I can also assure you that Okabe-san will also do the same time." Yuki then laughs. "After all you guys are alike when it comes to showing your emotions. You two are just obviously tsunderes."
Kurisu gets annoyed by her mentioning tsundere, but she smiles as her advice is the kind she wanted to hear to be able to move on with her relationship. After all, the person talking to her is another woman who is married to Okabe's best friend. "Thank you again, Yuki. You have been providing me the knowledge I need to feel much better."
"You're welcome, Kurisu." There is a pause. "Well, shall we continue to search for a gift for your future husband?"
"Y-Yea. However, I think I may already know what to get now."
Back inside The Realm of Steiner, Okabe and Kagari walk for quite some time. They try to see if the realm has any dead ends, or anything inside that can explain the purpose of its existence. Not only that, but they wonder how to get out. They have been inside the place much longer than normal.
"I feel like we have been walking around for an hour already, yet it feels like open space." says Okabe.
"We don't know if it has yet been an hour. Unfortunately, time is irrelevant in this realm."
W-Wait, really?!" Okabe asks with shocks.
"Yeah. I remember one day, I had an old watch from 2015 in this realm. However, when I tried to check the time here, it never spun once. It's like time is halted in this place."
Okabe becomes curious as to why that is the case. He then puts on his persona. "Wait, if time is irrelevant here, does that mean we are immortal here? This place then becomes the next step for Hououin Kyouma to be able to live for all eternally!"
"Well, Kagari doesn't know if that is true, but maybe."
Suddenly, a light begins to shine in the distance of the realm. It glows brightly and it looks cool as well. This gets their attention, as they wonder what that is.