Hello and welcome readers to Library of Consumed Gods Remastered/second edition. Those of you returning, hello again, and to those of you who are new, glad you could join us. I am Craytherlay, your host, before we open the book on this tale of an infinity. Let me and my bro, Dragonrails explain a few things to get you started. (I had to repost this as it's own story so as to clear up confusion)
Craytherlay: This story was originally based off of the idea 'what if Index became a magic god'. The first time round the early chapters were exceedingly rushed. I wanted to get to the whole MG Index part of the story, but I knew I couldn't just have it happen for no reason. So I ended up rushing through the early chapters leading to some…shall we say… questionable writing decisions on my part.
Dragonrails: I'll be honest, I felt like there was a lot of improvement in this chapter. The original chap was complete shit, and shockingly you took on a few challenges and didn't bitch about it.
Craytherlay: Bitch about it? I'm not Darkbetrayer Rails, I don't bitch about it. Still waiting on those tactical nukes btw, they fail to launch or something? Actually, the rewrite was a lot easier, back when I first was writing the story, I didn't know exactly where I was going with it. But now going back and redoing old chapters, I know where all the pieces fit in and can give more focus where it's needed. Characters who I didn't realize would play such major roles can be given the attention they deserve. And I think old readers will be able to appreciate that, don't you think rails?
Dragonrails: trust me we've got about 30+ chapters to look at, you're going to have to rewrite entire chapters, you barely made this chapter acceptable. I said we go for platinum not silver not gold but fucking platinum you hack of a writer, don't get cocky. But you're right since we have a clearer idea on certain characters and we can add newer ideas as well. I'm sure the fans will enjoy the remasters both new and Old. I'm sure they really enjoyed a certain character's entrance.
Craytherlay: That platinum is bullshit and we both know it Rails, platinum doesn't exist with you. If it does, then I've never seen it, and you've never given enough advice to reach it. Anyways, I'm sure that the old readers know who that 'certain' character is. There are of course other things, foreshadowing can be improved thanks to the story's completion. Making another, more central character's fall more believable, esc, esc. And… well making a very specific scene even more heartbreaking than it already is. You know the one… and we both agreed I will suffer for writing it.
Dragonrails: uh huh, I see your ballsy enough to complain I see, next chapter the standard has to be at least sliver if not, your gonna have to rewrite the entire thing SECTION BY SECTION BY YOURSELF, but I feel like the important scenes in the first chapter were really looked at, I feel like the reader's will have a more indepth feeling of all the characters, and how dare you bring up that scene I've never recovered from it and it still hurts me till this day.
Craytherlay: Hai hai sensei, by this point I'm numish to your whip, besides I'm already rewriting them. I do hope to overhaul character interactions, a certain household's family dynamic needs to be on point. And I do dare to bring up that scene, because you will be helping Rails. I will make it hurt even more, think of it as payback for your unreasonable demands… and… a necessary sacrifice for an even better story. And you know what I'm referring to, and how satisfying the end result can be.
Dragonrails: there's a such thing as an upgrade, you know they make whips with spikes on them, but I do like how we had a more concrete idea on certain characters, taking the time to actually put some thought into it, is something I hope the fans see.
Craytherlay: Rails… that's a downgrade… not an upgrade, anyways let's get to the story already!
This is a post GT4 story that diverges from the original Canon, it's recommended to have read at least up to GT5. However, you only need to have read up to NT22R as the GT elements don't play much of a role in the story. You have been warned, now let this tale of an infinity… BEGIN!
Chapter 1
Fey and Iron
_ The blood was spreading all over the ground and wouldn't stop… he was dying. There was nothing she could do to stop the bleeding, her white and gold habit was stained crimson by his blood. She sat there, looking down at his dying body, her breathing hitched, vision blurring as tears rapidly filled her eyes. Wasn't there something she could do to save him, anything at all? Her heart quivered and her body shivered as her greatest fear had come to pass.
"T-Touma… Touma!" she cried out, gently nudging his body with her shaking hands. "P-please, don't die… Touma! Please… get up!" the girl named Index hiccupped. The reality of the situation was rapidly sinking in as tears poured down her face. She wailed, her silver hair dipping into the growing pool of blood, her small body trembling. She looked down at the boy, his spiky black hair ruffled, his red scarf, black hoodie, and jeans tattered. His eyes closed and skin deathly pale, teeth gritted in agony. And a dark red hole where his heart should have been, blood pouring out.
It wasn't meant to be like this.
It had only been yesterday that they had a happy Easter with some new friends. Touma had given her a gift and even offered to help teach her to cook. But then some sick, pathetic false hero came looking for her, the Index of forbidden books. They had hoped to obtain her knowledge, become a god, and reshape the world to their liking. Tearing apart the world Touma had desperately fought to protect with his own two hands. So, that false hero had used an army of fey to weaken them before swooping in at the last minute to finish the job and eliminate the remaining obstacles.
The boy now dying in her pale, quivering arms was her guardian, Kamijou Touma. Wielder of Imagine Breaker, hero of World War Three, the boy who challenged a god and went through hell. The same boy who declared war against the world for the very god who put him through that hell, and won. He had challenged the ruler of the city of science and defeated a great demon, faced his past, and overcame it. The boy who defeated a woman who should not exist, went into a frozen city and made sure every last man, woman, and child came out alive. The boy who fought back the fey invasion, without killing a single one to confront the false hero who had led them here.
And the boy she sinfully fell in love with, despite her status as a nun in training. He was the last thing standing between the false hero and their goal of becoming a god. So, of course, he needed to be… eliminated so that the false hero could use her.
"W-well… that could have gone much better," began the false hero as they wiped Touma's blood off the tip of a yellow spear. "But now that he's dead, you're coming with me, Index Librorum Prohibitorum," they declared, placing the spear on their back. "Don't bother waiting for him to get back up, it may not have been the original. But you know full well that no matter how quickly he heals normally, That wound will never heal." Their words oozed with smug satisfaction as they dusted themselves off.
Index knew the false hero was right, it didn't matter how fast Touma could heal normally. Even if she broke the enchantment keeping him from healing with Imagine Breaker. Kamijou Touma would without a shadow of a doubt, die. Her mind raced as the false hero started making their way towards her. 'Damn it! If… if only I was allowed to use magic! But even with the collar gone, if I try to refine any mana and cast a spell. I'll be put down and have my memory erased. By order of archbishop Lola Stewart, they'll take me away from Touma, and I'll never see him again. Why does this have to happen, why is it always Touma? It's not fair! Not fair he has to suffer! Why do I have to sacrifice my life with him to save him!' she paused, realizing something. 'Hold on… Lola was revealed to be the Great demon Coronzon, and she was the one who made that threat. And the current archbishop Dione doesn't want anything to do with her. So, she'd have dissolved any of her contracts or agreements that she didn't like.' Time slowed as Index's eyes widened, 'Besides… who would enforce the order of a demon?' she asked herself as the world began to fade around her. 'After Windsor castle, even the backup of the collar was destroyed. So… is there really anything holding me back right now?' She grit her teeth, 'That's right, there's nothing left to hold me back, nothing. How did I not realize this sooner? I can use all the magic at my disposal now, ' she quickly glanced at the spiky-haired boy. His skin was dark and he was clearly dead, 'I can save him' her eyes flashed downward. 'And I know exactly how to do it' reaching out, her lips parted as saliva stretched between her jaws.
Just as the false hero grabbed her shoulder, she swallowed and they felt a cold shiver run down their spine. Fear welled up within them as Index grabbed their arm instead. Their breathing hitched and they found themselves frozen in place unable to move. "H-how!? Y-you shouldn't be able to refine mana so why-" the false hero collapsed before they could finish. Their life force had been sucked straight out of them, the very essence of their being torn from their body.
Index looked down, twin violet orbs gazing coldly at the false hero's lifeless corpse. "You hurt Touma… so you need to go," no emotion could be seen on her face as she spoke. "Anyone who threatens Touma needs to go." She then turned to Touma's dead body, a crazed smile on her face, "Touma don't worry, I won't let you die ever again. If the lord in heaven won't protect you, I'll tear them from their throne and devour them!" Tears poured down from her face as she spoke, "I… I can't bear to live in a world without you Touma!"
Reaching her hand into the air, she made a declaration and then…
4 days till Touma's demise
It was early morning, Index yawned, waking up to the smell of breakfast being cooked. Rubbing her eyes, she opened them to see Touma cooking, a small doll-like figure sitting on his right shoulder. "Morning Index," said her guardian with a bright smile, "this Kamijou-san has to go out soon. Despite it being spring break, I have school, such misfortune." Touma sighed, the usual complaint about his lack of luck slipping from his lips.
To be honest, Index… never quite understood why he had to go to school. It's not like he gets any work done anyways, he was always more busy saving the world or whatever. What was so important about it he always had to leave her home alone. He was meant to be her guardian, was there something wrong with bringing her with him? She could behave and Komoe seemed to like her, so there wasn't really any reason for her to have to stay behind.
On his shoulder, the small doll-like figure spoke, "well Human, maybe. If you didn't constantly get tangled up in the troubles of both the magic and science side, you wouldn't have to repeat the year." Her name was Othinus, a former magic god (now fairy) who wielded magic relating to Odin, the head god of Norse mythology. She had once led a group known as GREMLIN and caused chaos around the globe. Their goal had been to complete the divine spear Gungnir, Odin's greatest weapon from the myths.
Based on what Index had guessed, the former god had achieved her goal and destroyed the universe, taking Touma with her. The two had fought for some undetermined amount of time before coming to an understanding. Othinus had conceded the world to Touma as a result and brought them back to this world. After this, they learned that due to a conflict between Gungnir and a spell made by the man named Ollerus, Othinus was dying. Which led Touma to declare war against the world and attempt to save the god by making her human again.
Index wasn't sure exactly what happened during the time the world had been destroyed. What she did know was that Othinus seemed to have regretted her actions. And had become something more than mere friends with Touma. Something, that Index always felt a twinge of jealousy over, not that she really knew why. All she knew was that her heart would squeeze a little every time the two spoke to each other.
Othinus wore a fairly… open outfit to say the least. It consisted of a one-piece swimsuit-like top made of leather that only just covered the important bits. The area around her chest, navel, and just above the crotch was exposed and she wore a witches hat and eyepatch over one eye. Finally, she wore a cape with a red lining and heeled boots. At a height of 15cm tall, she looked more like someone's erotic anime figure than a bearded old man.
Her comment elicited a groan from Touma "Othi-chan, why did you have to remind me? Thanks to being held back a year, this poor Kamijou-san is stuck in the same classroom as Biri-biri. I already have enough issues with Aogami and Tsuchimikado, so her and whoever it is she keeps bickering with is just more than this poor Kamjou-san's brain can handle."
Biri-biri was the short haired zappy girl named Misaka, who constantly bothered Touma and would attack him for seemingly no reason. Having skipped a grade, she apparently chose to enroll in Touma's school or something, at least that's what Touma had told her. Index never really liked her, she had no class despite being from a prestigious school. And Index was pretty sure she had stalked Touma at one point if any of the rumors were true.
Touma brought their breakfast over to the table, it was a simple stir fry dish that used what they had on hand. Such as, leftover pork, vegetables, eggs and otherwise that they had in the fridge. After serving her he sat down placing a small place before him. Index never really understood how Touma could survive off of such a small amount of food. Just one measly plate? Didn't he know he could starve? One plate couldn't even last her a few minutes let alone till lunch.
As they ate, Index spokeup, "Hey Touma? Why do you think Anna never bothered us after what she did in LA?" she asked with a tilt of the head. "It's almost like she just… vanished, did something happen to her? Think she's dead or something?" she inhaled large amounts of food as the boy paused. He sighed a moment, before looking up, hand over one knee.
"I don't know Index, I hope not… I don't care if she was really evil or whatever. I still wanted to save her, whether or not she could be saved." He frowned and poked at a small shitake mushroom on his plate. "I feel it'd be a real shame if she did die, as it means I never really got the chance to understand why she did what she did. Even if she caused so much suffering, there had to be some reason why she did it. It's not like she was just some sociopath, she was a person right?" shaking his head the boy continued eating.
"I see.." Index murmured under her breath as she continued to eat, "I don't really know how I'd feel. I think… while I'd be sad that she wasn't saved, I'm happy she can't hurt you any more Touma!" The innocent nun in training gave a bright smile which caused a small tug on Touma's cheek.
The wargod eating out of a small bottle cap however had a different reaction. "I for one would be absolutely thrilled if she was killed." Othinus said, causing Touma to spit out a drink he was sipping. "That little bitch got you hospitalized, and then had the audacity to so much as continue causing you issues after you already punched her." The small girl huffed as she chewed on a bit of pork, "so I say good riddance!"
"O-Othi-chan!" Touma cried out in shock as he coughed a bit, "what was that for!? I know you didn't like her but. Come on, you could at least show some sympathy, what if she was like you?!" he asked, getting a small glare from the god. Index wasn't sure what he meant, but she knew whatever he was saying related to something only those two understood.
"So human? Why should I care if she was like me? She's not my understander. And unlike the nun over there, she's not someone who's important to your life either. You're better off without her constantly messing with your life, human." Othinus's words were harsh, and honest, and Index found herself nodding along with them.
"I agree with Othinus Touma," she said crossing her arms, "the less people trying to hurt you the better!" She smiled and hugged the boy, "I hate it when you end up in the hospital Touma." Pulling away, Index continued eating as a short laugh came from Othinus.
Touma smiled a little, "heh… I guess so, thanks Othinus, thanks Index. Guess that make this Kamijou-san feel a little better, sure it'd be sad if she's dead. But you guys are right, it does mean that I don't have to worry about her causing any more trouble. I can't change what already happened, and I can't bring back the dead. I'm just a normal highschool boy so I shouldn't worry myself over things I have no control over."
Othinus huffed with a smirk as Touma picked up their dishes and brought them to the sink. "Exactly human, just focus on your day to day life… and passing the grade," she said, causing Index to snicker a little. Touma walked over with a glare and began pressing down on Othinus's small head with his finger.
"Listen here little miss god, this Kamijou-san wouldn't be repeating a grade if it wasn't for you magicians constantly dragging him halfway across the planet!" He said as Othinus tried to push his hand away snickering. Touma acted like he was irritated, but the small grin on his face, and the way he was playfully messing with his understander's hat. Proved that he was enjoying himself, "anyways, this Kamijou-san's gonna be late if he keeps messing around with you two so he needs to get going."
"Bye Touma, see you in a bit," Index smiled and waved as Touma grabbed his bag and opened the door.
Touma waved back before shutting the door, "later Index, please don't empty the fridge while I'm gone," he teased before leaving.
Index pouted a little, "I don't always empty out the fridge, not my fault you never leave enough food in the house." She then blinked, noticing something on the table, "did Touma forget his wallet again?" she asked and shook her head. "Silly Touma, always making me pick up after him." A fond smile formed on her face and she giggled slightly, placing the object into her sleeve. "Guess I'll keep an eye on it till he gets back, Touma would get upset with me if I appeared at his school while he was in class."
She thought back on the events of the past few months as she lay back and played with Sphinx. Shortly after Denmark when Touma had fought the world for Othinus. Touma had dealt with Kamisato Kakeru, wielder of World Rejector, a power opposite of Imagine Breaker. The boy had been on a mission to get rid of the magic gods whom he blamed for his… creepy harem. Even Index was disturbed by those girls, other than that one Fran girl who was an Anglican like her. Most of the girls in Kamisato's faction were utterly obsessed with the boy, even his adopted sister. If she recalled, Touma called her a.. A… Y-yandere? Whatever that meant.
In mid december, he, alongside her, Othinus, Maika and her weird spy brother Tsuchimikado, broke into the Windowless building. There they had come face to face with the greatest, and worst magicians in history. Edward Alexander Crowely, the wickedest man alive, who had placed a karma curse onto Maika.
Shortly thereafter they had learned that Archbishop Lola Stewart, was in fact Great demon Coronzon. She had apparently been summoned by Samuel Macgregor Mathers, shortly before his death to destroy Aliester's life. But had gotten locked in a game of chess with the man after he had faked his death and founded Academy city.
Then there was the imposter who took Touma's face, name and lost memories. A dragon hiding in human skin called 'the purifier of Gods, and Slayer of Demons'. He had taken over Windsor castle by toying with the fragile heart of that long haired girl Misaki. And tried to force the queen of England to kill the real Touma until he was stopped by the boy.
Then there was Anna sprengel during christmas and into new years. That woman who should not have existed in anything but name had had an odd obsession with Touma. Or rather, she had had an obsession with his identity as the purifier of gods and slayer of demons. She had snuck into Academy City and poisoned Touma with a more potent form of the St. Germain Virus. Then went on to cause havoc in academy city in an attempt to draw the Purifier out.
Despite supposedly being beaten, she then went on to cause more trouble in LA. There she had the vice president, Citrinitas cause every last person in the city save one little girl, to vanish without a trace. Touma had put an end to those plans alongside some cooler versions of short hair and saved everyone. The IT company that Anna had built then collapsed, and the woman herself suddenly vanished without a trace.
After they had returned to Academy City, Touma, Index and Othinus, had gotten caught up in an incident involving prisoners from Operation Handcuffs. They, alongside a pigtailed girl who could teleport. Had worked together to stop a crazy Anti Skill woman from killing and enslaving members of the darkside. And then went on to save a little girl from some crazy scientist dude who had turned himself into an artificial ghost. Touma had nearly died multiple times, but thanks to the aid of a nice woman they had saved in LA. They had managed to save the day alongside a friend of Touma's named Hamazura.
After that, things had begun to mellow out, there were still incidents here and there. But nothing too major, Touma's friend Tsuchimikado had returned to the city alongside his sister. And the school year had wrapped up, there was a small little event where they ended up running into a group of scientists trying to combine Magic and technology. But thanks to some help from Misaka, and a lengthy… lengthy explanation of magic to the esper. They had managed to stop it before it became anything… major to say the least.
Index lowered Sphinx and looked up at the ceiling sighing sadly, "Sphinx? I really wish Touma would stop getting involved with all these dangerous things." She sat up looking at the calico cat, "what if he ends up getting himself killed?" She shivered at that thought and held Sphinx to her chest, she… really didn't know what she'd do if that happened. Touma was everything to her, without him, the normal, boring, everyday life she knew and love would fade away. She really couldn't imagine her life without him, she felt that, as long as she could stay with him. That everything would turn out alright. Looking around, she realized the room had been awfully quiet. "Sphinx, did Othinus sneak off with Touma again?" she asked with an exasperated sigh.
Sphinx meowed in response almost as if to say "what the hell do you think?"
"It's not fair!" Index pouted and placed Sphinx down, "I know she can fit in his pocket. But why is Othinus allowed to go to school with Touma and not me? Maybe I should ask that nice white haired guy if I can attend his school." She sighed a little before having a thought, she pulled out Touma's wallet and smiled. "Hmm, hey Sphinx! Maybe I can use this as an excuse to hang out with Touma at school! Surely he wouldn't be mad if I'm bringing him something he forgot!" Sphinx meowed as if to encourage her, "your right Sphinx! Let's go!" Index beamed and scooped up the cat. Heading down the stairs she began heading towards a certain highschool.
About a third of the way there, she began to feel hungry, what Touma had fed her could hardly be called a meal. It was only about three to five platefulls after all, so it was clearly reasonable for her to get hungry. Wandering along one of Tsuchimikado Miaka's usual routes, Index almost ran into an older man.
"S-sorry!" she said and continued on without getting a closer look at the individual. As she walked along the sidewalk, Index looked around taking in the scenery. Academy city was always such a fascinating place. And oddly lovely even at this time of year, the snow was just beginning to thaw. Large Icicles could be seen hanging from the buildings, and people were commuting here and there.
She saw an older looking man sitting with his legs crossed at a bench as he scrolled through his phone. A young boy who…she swore looked familiar, was bouncing a soccer, or football around. A Young Woman was window shopping nearby, and a middle aged man was smoking in the nearby alley.
Something… tugged at the back of Index's mind, did she see someone she recognized? However, before she could figure it out, she caught sight of the white headband and blue maid uniform of Mika. She was riding around on her signature cleaning robot so Index rushed over to greet her. "Maika Maika!" Index said excitedly catching the maid in training's attention.
Seeing the expectant look on Index's face Maika sighed, getting the message. "Sorry Index-chan, but I don't have time to feed you right now. Thanks to my brother and I's 'extended' vacation, I have a lot of training to catch up on." She had a look of slight regret on her face, after all she did enjoy feeding Index.
Index pouted a little but sighed, "fine, I guess I'll look elsewhere," she muttered, a little disappointed. Looking back up at Maika, she gave her a bright smile. "Hope you do well with your training then Maika!" before turning around and heading off in search of something to eat.
"Thanks, I wish you luck finding something to eat then!" Maika called back waving. She then hit the cleaning robot she was riding, making it turn in the desired direction. Maika vanished into the crowd behind Index as the girl headed off.
Finding her way to Joseph's family restaurant, Index paused. She glanced at Touma's wallet in her sleeve before looking at Sphinx. "Touma wouldn't mind if I used a little of his money to feed myself right? After all, he wouldn't want me to starve if I didn't have to after all." The cat meowed, nuzzling her chest and Index smiled before walking into the building.
It was oddly busy, Index realized, the place was crowded with people sitting at pretty much every seat. She felt nervous being here alone with so many people around that she didn't know. A waitress noticed her and rolled her eyes before approaching. "Index is it? I'm afraid we're quite full today, so you'll have to share a seat with someone if you want to eat."
"I don't mind," Index immediately responded, "food's important and Touma wouldn't want me to starve!" She smiled and the waitress sighed guiding her to the nearest table where a seat was available.
"Ma'am, would you mind if this young lady sits here?" the waitress asked the girl sitting across the table.
She had short black hair, and wore a flower crown headband and had a large parfait beside her. She was in the middle of mulling over her computer when they approached. Index wondered if she was having some tech issues, she could understand perfectly if the girl was. Technology was very confusing after all and Index was still figuring out the microwave. However, based on the way her eyes darted right to left, and how she would type something before clicking somewhere else. Index guessed she was either writing something, or reading something.
The girl looked up from her computer for a moment and looked a little oddly at Index. Despite all that had happened recently, and how long she had been here. It was still fairly surprising to see a nun of the church in this city so devoid of religion. "No, I don't mind, actually I'd be glad to," the girl smiled, "make yourself at home sister-san."
Index nodded and sat down before picking up the menu as the waitress left. However… she couldn't help but keep glancing up at the girl. If she recalled, she was friends with that pervert friend of Misaka's. The one with the pigtails, Index, had never got her name so she didn't know it. The girl noticed Index's staring and gave her a small smile as she closed her laptop.
"Um… can I help you with anything sister-san?" she asked with a kind expression.
Index blinked, before blushing a bit and hiding her face behind her menu. "N-no! Sorry, I was just curious about what you were doing? Are you writing a book?" she asked, tilting her head a little. "Because you seemed to be fussing around as you were typing."
The girl laughed nervously but shook her head, "I'm afraid not, it's actually work related." She made a bitter expression, "I can't tell you much because its judgment business. But in essence, I'm having difficulty understanding a number of odd incidents that have been happening recently." She sighed, and rubbed her temples, "reports of a tree seemingly moving from one place to another. Large black wolves just… showing up, then vanishing. A storm apparently, following some old lady around, heck! Someone even claims to have seen a girl leap into the river and vanish. Except that same person claims they saw a seal swimming away in the exact same river. But that's not possible, because it's an artificial river, and seals don't even live in academy city anyways!" She groaned and lay back, "really it's just been a headache for everyone involved."
Index giggled a little, "they sound kinda like some stories I've heard about. Especially the seal one!" she said and saw the girl smile. "Think they could be related to a rogue esper or something?" She placed a finger on her chin and made a thoughtful expression. To be fair, they sounded more magic related than science related, the one about the girl and seal was especially telling. There were tales from Scotland of people who could turn into seals. They were a kind of mythical being and not at all scientific in any sense. "Like back in December with the… e-elements, I heard there was an esper capable of creating things like that."
"I thought of that too," Uiharu said and groaned a little, "but for one thing, no one's ever seen the tree move, so it could just be someone making things up. The second ranked level five's thing is beetles, not wolves, and besides the thing he makes are always white, not black. The old lady only came to Academy city recently so she can't possibly be an esper. And there's no precedent for the ability to turn into a seal on command." She shook her head as the waiter came over to ask for Index's order.
Upon hearing what the small nun was ordering, the girl's jaw dropped. "A-are you really gonna eat all of that!? And what about payment" she asked, nibbling on her parfait. "I don't see any pockets to hold cards or cash."
"I'm more curious how you won't be hungry after finishing that," Index asked, tilting her head confused. "Are you like Touma in that you can survive despite eating barely anything?" It honestly confused Index, why was it that some people ate so little? Didn't they know they could starve? How did they survive despite eating practically nothing? "And don't worry about money, I'll just use Touma's, he wouldn't want me to starve." She smiled triumphantly as she pulled Touma's wallet out of her sleeve.
"I… I feel sorry for this Touma-san," the girl's face was one of utter shock at first. She had dropped the spoon she was using to eat the parfait (which was only about a gallon in size). Before her expression became one of Sympathy and she opened her computer back up and continued eating her parfait.
Index was once again confused, why did she feel sorry for Touma? Did she know what he had gone through? No, that was unlikely, Index remembered every face she came across so she would have known had they'd met. Her meal arrived and she decided that it wasn't that important. Digging into her food, Index noticed a young woman, and little boy sitting at one of the tables.
Hadn't she seen them earlier today? once again something nagged at the back of her mind. A sense of familiarity, but what? She never forgot anyone she met. She had an eidetic memory, so if she knew those two, she would have recognized them… right? She shook her head, deciding to ignore it and finished her meal before using Touma's money to pay for it, leaving only 200 yen on the account.
She continued to make her way towards a Certain highschool when she noticed something… off. An older man leaning against a wall, a young boy throwing a football against a wall. A young woman looking at her nails, a middle aged man checking texts while waiting at a bus stop. They were the same people from before, heck, she was positive that the middle aged man and older man were at the restaurant too. She was sure of it now… they were following her, and using magic of some kind to hide their identities.
She quickly turned down an alley and crouched out of sight waiting. Sure enough as soon as she was out of sight of the street a figure stepped into the alley she just hid in. She leapt out attempting to trip the figure, only to notice his hands in the air. Spiky black stag-like hair, wearing a white shirt with a red cross running from his left shoulder to his right hip. Baggy jeans and a large flamberge sword at his side. Now it made sense to her why she had not recognised him earlier. This was Tatemiya, the substitute Pontiff of the Amakusas who specialized in secrecy and blending into the background.
Index lowered her guard, "Tatemiya? What are you doing here!?" she asked, "does that mean the rest of the Amakusa church is here?" She looked behind him and sure enough, the boy, older man, young woman, and other members of the Amakusas came into view. "Hold on…" Index paused remembering the reason the Amakusa church had been sent to Academy City last time. "Did something happen!? Is Touma safe!?" she asked, suddenly very worried. "Last time you guys were here was when Acqua of the Rear was sent to kill Touma," dread suddenly filled her upon speaking those words. "D-don't tell me Touma's in danger again! I need to get to him!" She turned, desperate to warn Touma but Tatemia grabbed her arm. "Let me go! Touma's in danger, I won't let him get hurt when I can still do something!"
"Index Wait!" Tatemiya shouted, gritting his teeth, "He's not the only one in danger, Index." He looked her dead in the eyes and her breathing hitched, "you are too."
Touma yawned as he made his way past the gates of a certain highschool. To be honest, he wasn't completely thrilled to be repeating the year. But at least he wasn't alone, and despite his complaints, he actually didn't mind sharing a class with Misaka. She often helped him with his school work, and well being a level five and all it was practically cheating.
"Hey Idiot!, Hey!" speaking of, he paused just in the middle of the path and turned around. Misaka ran up to him and crossed her arms, "just what do you think you're doing ignoring me?" she demanded with an irritated look. "I called your phone, three times this morning, count them, three times!"
"Uhhh..." Touma glanced at his phone, "sorry Misaka-san, this Kamijou-san doesn't see any missed calls." He stated and gave her a small frown, "you sure your ability wasn't interfering with your signal again?" he asked her.
Misaka grabbed the phone from him and looked at it before growling and handing it back. "Yes, idiot, I'm sure, it's not like I can't control my ability you know," she groaned and rubbed her head as they continued heading to the school. "What did you say, miss, I can't run 50 meters!?" she suddenly burst out causing Touma to jump.
"What was that for Misaka-san!?" Touma asked, confused, "are you talking to someone else?" he asked, tilting his head. The girl balked at him, took a breath and sighed holding her head as she groaned. "Misaka-san, come on, why are you giving me that look? Why do you keep looking at this Kamijou-san like he's some kind of disgusting creature? Also why do you keep randomly shouting to seemingly no one? You worry Misaka-san," he said biting his lip
"Shut up," she snapped at… someone? Hold on, was there someone next to him. "Sorry, not you idiot," Misaka sighed, "just… nothing, I've stopped questioning why or how you don't remember. I mean you just spoke to her a moment ago!" she groaned and rolled her eyes, "did your number change?" she asked.
Touma held his hand up for a moment, "woah woah, woah! You can't just claim, this Kamijou-san was just talking to someone, when you're the only one who's been talking to me." He was trying to wrap his head around what Misaka had just said. Yes, he was positive there was someone next to him, but he couldn't quite see their face. And he didn't remember them saying anything… Was there someone next to him?
Misaka glared at him angrily, "just answer the question idiot. Did you change your phone number?" she demanded and crossed her arms.
"Misaka-san…" Touma deadpanned, "how many phones do you think I've gone through in recent memory?" he asked and the girl gawked. "Exactly… did you not think to ask this Kamijou-san what his current phone number is?" he asked her as they stopped just outside the school.
"Wh-wh-what!?" Misaka suddenly looked angry, "You're supposed to tell people when your phone number changes Idiot!" She jabbed her finger at him, "what if I needed your help or something? How am I meant to call you when I don't have your phone number?"
Now it was Touma's turn to groan and roll his eyes, "Misaka-san, this Kamijou-san did. He sent each of his acquaintances an Email which included his current phone number. Besides you always seem to know it even without me telling you," he pointed out and Misaka once again gawked. Then he paused, noticing something, "Huh… did someone plant a new tree after school yesterday?" he asked.
Sure enough, standing next to the school, its branches at the same height as their classroom window. Was an exceedingly freaky looking tree, two large roots came down from the trunk like legs. It had three large branches coming off the halfway point that looked almost like arms. Five little finger-like sticks on the end of each are all bent in different ways. And the knots on the trunk just below the canopy were arranged in such a way they looked almost like a face.
Misaka grimaced at the sight of it, "I guess… but it looks really creepy. Reminds me of that urban legend Saten was recently talking about. It feels like it could come alive at any moment and start attacking us" she shivered a little. "Yeah you're right-" Misaka said a name Touma didn't quite get, "it does look kinda like those tree people from that fantasy movie."
Touma gulped as they headed inside, Misaka's words actually made him nervous. He knew full well that something like that could easily exist thanks to magic. So he couldn't help but imagine that tree suddenly uprooting itself and stomping towards him. As he put his sneakers into his lockers, for a moment, he swore he saw two eyes looking down at him from one of the branches.
But when he glanced back… they were gone.
"Both of you are in danger, Index, and we're here to protect you."
Tatemiya's words echoed in Index's mind and she very nearly panicked. She remembered well the last time the Amakusa were sent to protect Touma. When Acqua came they were helpless and could do nothing to protect him. The saint had beaten Touma to a pulp, nearly killing him, and it took all of them, a second saint, and a badly injured Touma to finally defeat him. If they had been sent here again, just how bad was the threat to Touma's life this time?
"All the more reason I need to get to Touma right now!" Index said, trying to tug free of Tatemiya's grip. "He needs me, he needs me and I'm not there, what if he gets hurt because he doesn't know how to deal with what's attacking him?" The image of Touma's bloody and battered body flashed in her mind for a split moment causing her heart to squeeze.
"Don't worry about him, he can take care of himself Index, besides we sent Itsuwa to protect him. You know how tough he is Index, and you know Itsuwa isn't gonna fail again like she did with Acqua. Kamijou Touma is gonna be alright," Tatemiya flashed her a confident grin, causing Index to relax slightly. "The current archbishop Dione ordered most of us to guard you Index. While Kamijou Touma has a way to fight back, as well as a literal former god to guide him. You don't have any physical fighting capabilities and can't use magic to protect yourself. So, you take priority when it comes to the anglican church."He gently let go of her shoulder as Index turned to face him.
She paused for a moment and thought, before looking Tatemiya directly in the eyes. "Tell me what's going on," she asked, her eyes burning with determination. "I need to be able to support Touma and protect in any way I can. Even if he can deal with it on his own, I'd rather he do it with me. And I can't help if I don't know what we're up against. Has it got something to do with the recent weird sightings, like the randomly moving tree and the girl who can turn into a seal?" she asked, eyes narrowed.
Tatemiya was slightly taken aback by her confidence but grinned and laughed. "Alright Index, I like that fire you have," he gestured his head. "Come on, I know trying to make you head to a safe would be pointless. So let's head over to Kamijou's school and I'll explain along the way. " He left the alley and began heading towards a certain highschool, Index following close behind. As they walked, Index noticed as more and more Amakusa members appeared. Whatever was going on, it was big, and Index had her suspicions.
"Your guess was spot on Index," Tatemiya began. "For a while now, the church had been observing the movements of what they thought was a newly emergent cabal in ireland. However, upon closer inspection, it turns out that wasn't the case, heck! Most of them weren't even human. It was a group of Celtic fey from galic, scottish, irish and even germanic folklore." He shook his head a moment frowning, "they didn't really do much at first. Mostly moved about, slipped in and out of our radar from time to time. That is until shortly after Denmark where they grew restless. They began appearing more frequently, almost nervous, like something was scaring them. We lost sight of a few as well, vanished entirely, probably taken out. Unfortunately, after the whole Coronzon incident we lost our ability to monitor them. Intelligence was haywire and we only managed to pick back up on them recently. Turns out while we were busy scrambling around trying to retain order in the organization. Those damn fey somehow managed to make their way all the way to japan."
Index frowned in confusion, "but… what's that got to do with Touma and me? Why would they be after us?" she asked and Tatemiya bit his lip.
"Think about it Index, first they began growing restless after Denmark, a little into December when the magic gods suddenly vanished, they began appearing more frequently. Then suddenly they began organizing after coronzon when we couldn't monitor them. And suddenly, they're here, in academy city, what do all of these things have in common?" he asked Index and her eyes suddenly widened in realization.
"Oh…" she said as she put the pieces together.
Tatemiya nodded as he glanced around, "exactly Index, in all of these instances both you and Touma were present. Based on what we managed to get from two of them thanks to some help from a new light girl. It seems they think that you and Kamijou Touma are on a crusade to rid the world of supernatural entities. Making you two threats to all of their kind," he said, reaching the crux of the issue.
Index looked at him in shock, "but me and Touma never wanted anything to do with those incidents. Touma saved Othinus, it was Kamisato who made the magic gods Disappear. And Touma never wanted to hurt Coronzon, that was entirely an accident he had no control over! How can we be threats to them when we didn't know they even existed?" she asked in confusion.
"But they don't know that Index," Tatemiya stressed, "as far as they are concerned. The two of you have been hunting down, and killing gods, angels, demons. And who knows what else since you two met! They can't risk you coming after them as well!" He shook his head, "Kamijou Touma's right hand might as well be the grim reaper's scythe to them. They don't know him, so they'd have no idea he'd never use it to hurt someone. And they sure as all hell aren't just gonna take your word for it," he looked around nervously. "All we can do is prepare, luckily based on prior information, we have some idea on the kinds of fey we are dealing with." He began listing off fey one by one, "Barguests, a Grindylow, two temptress style ones we didn't quite identify with, and from what you've said they got a Selkie with them too." He gave a wry chuckle, "and the tip of the iceberg? they're led by a Leanan Sidhe. We don't know how old each of them are, but we could very well be dealing with an entire group of beings hundreds of years older than us."
Index did not like what she was hearing, and she was pretty sure that wasn't the full list either. Just the ones Tatemiya named alone were pretty bad, but considering where they were. Index was pretty sure one was the worst of them all, a Leanan Sidhe was sometimes called the irish vampire. Other names included Leannan Sith, and even fairy lover. They were a type of muse known for granting inspiration to artists, poets and songwriters in exchange for their love and adoration. However, they would feed off the creative energy that was produced as a result and drain the life and creativity of their partner. Considering what Index knew about espers, a Leanan Sidhe was likely one of the worst fey for them to run into.
However her thoughts were suddenly cut short when a large shaggy black wolf leapt out to attack her. Tatemiya responded, grabbing her by the collar and pulling her away. Tsushimia the young blond woman, and Kouyagi the young boy leapt in front of them from either side. In a single motion, Tsushimiya and Kouyagi pulled out a bottle of a glittering substance and coated the tips of their weapons in it.
Kouyagi's daggers slashed across the wolf's underside, just as Tsushimiya's rapier pierced its lower jaw. It howled, leaping back as it rapidly shapeshifted, becoming a headless man wrapped in blue-green flames. Its hands came up as it grabbed at a non-existent face. The flames around it roared, as if to express the being's pain.
"Barguest!" Index cried out in fear as the Other Amakusa moved in to protect her. Being a type of death parchan, Barguests were harbingers of death, meant to ferry people to the afterlife. They haunted cities and countryside taking unsuspecting victims who were unaware their time was up. Injuries inflicted by Barguests would not heal meaning even if you escaped one, you would eventually succumb to blood loss.
More growls were heard as more Barguests slipped out from the surrounding alleys. Small ugly brown, furry humanoid creatures began emerging from their various hiding places. Dumpsters, trashcans, from below manholes, under stray boxes and out of brush along the sidewalk. They held various weapons all made out of non iron based metals. Copper, tin, brass, bronze, even Ivory and stone, Index's cheek twitched at these creatures as they made shrill noises.
Despite all the commotion, Index realized that not a single esper or regular citizen of the city was in the area. They had somehow at some point entered a people clearing field without even realizing and stepped directly into a trap set up specifically for them.
"Goblins!? We weren't told there were goblins!" Kouyagi stated, jumping back as one of the humanoid creatures thrusted a bronze tipped spear at his legs. He struck back with his twin daggers, still coated in that glittering paint-like substance. One of the Goblins hissed and ducked away from it as another tried to cut his ankles.
Small, mischievous, and sometimes capable of minor mystic capabilities. These were indeed goblins like one might see in a RPG as a low level enemy. But unlike what people commonly believes, these fey were not necessarily dumb, and were indeed capable of setting traps. However, to avoid detection by the Amakusas, and time their strike so well with the Barguests, required intellect and skill well beyond them. Someone else was guiding their hand here and they needed to find out who.
"Remember Kouyagi, we only knew some of the Fey involved, there was bound to be a few surprises!" Tsushimia shouted as she slashed a barguest across the face, forcing it to take its humanoid form. "They might not be the only fey we don't know about, stay sharp!" She spun around parrying a few of the goblin' daggers, short swords and dirks.
As if on cue, the sound of a motorcycle was heard and a bike sailed over their heads. The figure had no head, and held the helmet under one arm, with a whip made of a human spine in the other. The bike itself had skull and bone designs like that one comic book hero with the burning skull. Index only got a small glimpse of what was under the helmet, but it was all she needed to know exactly who it was that had shown up.
"I don't know if he's watched one too many American comic book movies. Or if he's just a fan of the character, but what in god's name is Dullahand doing, cosplaying Ghostrider!?" Tatemiya shouted in shock as he ducked under the spine whip. Pulling out a container of the same glittering liquid as the others and smearing it across his Flamberge.
Index ducked back and frowned as Tatemiya struck a Barguest away from her. "I mean, the carriage is only for ferrying souls to the afterlife. Maybe this is just how he dresses in his freetime?" she asked, a bit shocked that Dullahand had shown up. "He… is technically a fey, one of the Aos-sí actually, so could he's the one who set up this trap?"
Tatemiya parried the spine whip and swung his flamberge around striking a goblin that had tried to strike Index from behind. "Index, look at me, he's dressed as the Ghost rider, driving a punk looking bike, and wielding a whip made from a human spine. Something tells me that planning isn't his forté."
That seemed to irritate Dullahand a little as he drove at them, leaping off his bike and swinging the whip. Tatemiya pushed Index forward as she cried out and grabbed the tip of the whip with his free hand which he had covered with that glittering substance. Pulling it forward, he swung his sword slashing Dullahand across the chest causing him to slam against the pavement as his bike smacked into him.
"Doesn't look like he's too versed in combat either, how old is he?" Tsushimia asked as she pulled Index behind her. "Because that was honestly pathetic!" she slashed another Barguest in the leg before jabbing a goblin in the ankle with her rapier.
"His job isn't to kill people, it's just to bring people's souls to the afterlife. He's a taxi driver, not a soldier, why would he have any combat skill?" Index was pretty sure she heard one of the goblins say something that sounded like 'useless death parchant'. Before one of the Barguests threw the silently groaning Dullahand aside. "I've been meaning to ask Saiji, how are you injuring these fey?" Index asked as she ducked aside from a goblin's spear strike before spell intercepting a small blast of fire another sent. "TPRC(Turn upon your caster)," causing the ball of fire to suddenly reverse directions and smack the goblin that threw it.
Tatemiya grinned and shook the bottle, "iron sand, mixed into a bottle of magnetic paint!" He said before swinging around, forcing a bunch of goblins back. "Pretty clever, huh? It's not too strong, but it acts enough like cold iron to let us damage them."
Index nodded in understanding before something caught her eye. It was a small girl of around 10 years of age, although she could easily be a year or two older or younger. Wearing a blue-white dress fastened with a silver brooch. She was peeking her head around the corner of a building just at the edge of an alley like she was hiding. Index's eyes narrowed, in Celtic folklore, young human girls could calm, capture and control fey. The most well known example of this was unicorns, but it wasn't just limited to them. Commonly referred to as maidens, these young girls used their innocent nature in order to manipulate fairies.
If one of them was here…
"Tatemiya! Over there, that girl's the one guiding the fey," Index pointed to the girl. "She's a maiden who can calm, capture and control fey!" she said and Tatemiya's eyes were drawn to the girl.
However because she had pointed to her, the Maiden girl yelped and began running off. "Damn it! Tsushimia! Kouyagi! Take Index and catch that girl! but don't hurt her!" Tatemiya ordered. "We'll take care of things here alright?" he swung his blade around and slashed a few goblins in the chest. "Index, stay close to Tsushimiya and Kouyagi, we'll meet up with you as soon as we can!"
Index nodded and ran after Tsushimya who used her rapier to slash a barguest across the back. Kouyagi stabbed another barguest in the legs as she slid under it. Forcing it too to take its humanoid form before falling over in pain. "Hurry, she went this way!" Tsushimiya shouted, gesturing down the alley.
"Got it!" Index's eyes narrowed as they chased the young maiden "Kouyagi! Try to intercept her, if you can get close you might be able to disrupt her control of the fey. That'll make it easier for Tatemiya and the others to take care of them," she instructed.
"Copy that Index!" Kouyagi said and ran up ahead before vanishing down one of the alley ways.
Index turned to Tsushimiya, "what's a human Maiden doing in a group made up of fey?" she asked, confused.
"I don't know!, but" Tsushimiya began before they heard a yelp, "why don't we ask her ourselves?" She smirked and they rounded the corner, the maiden was on her rear rubbing her head as she pouted. Kouyagi had landed right in front of her, pinning her down. The two were oddly close causing the young boy who was only about a year or two older than her at least, to blush. "Alright girl, it's okay, we don't want to hurt you okay?" Tsushimiya said with a soft smile. "Kouyagi? Can you let her go for us please?" she asked the boy and he quickly pulled away.
"Who are you? Why did you ambush us? What are you doing in a group made of fey?" Index rapidly asked questions, worry building in her chest. She needed to know what was going on so she could help Touma fight back.
"Index!" Tsushimiya said sharply, "don't ask her so many questions at once!" However she was interrupted by the young girl who began laughing.
"Ahahaha! Yay! You fell for it!" the maiden giggled and squeed, "it worked just as I thought it would!" she held her hands together smiling. "I knew you'd want to play with me!" she said, bouncing up and down.
Index suddenly grabbed the girl in an uncharacteristic act of violent fear, "what do you mean we fell for it!? What did you do!? What are you trying to accomplish!?"
Tsushimiya's eyes widened as she tried to pull Index off the girl,"Index calm down!" But she was ignored, Kouyagi was still blushing, unable to respond. He was a boy after all, so all the fluttering skirts was distracting his brain.
The maiden stuck her tongue out, "while you guys were busy playing with me! My Selkie and Grindylow are going after the greatest threat to fey-kind!" she giggled excitedly as dread welled up within Index. "Right about now, they should have started playing with him too!" she pulled something out of her pocket and Index's eyes widened. "Lets play again sometime, byyyyyeee!" she giggled, lifting the object into the sky.
"Wait! Tsushimiya don't let her-" Index wasn't able to finish her sentence in time. The light of the sun, reflected off the silver apple branch in the girl's hand. And in a flash of blinding light, the girl had vanished, Index's heart ceased in fear as her mind registered what she had learned.
"Did she say what I think she did!?" Tsushimiya asked with wide eyes. "Because if she did that means we've been had," she gulped fearfully.
Index stood there shivering, her eyes wide as her heart clenched in fear. The image of Touma's battered and bloodied body flashing through her mind again. Taking a breath, she looked up at Tsushimiya and nodded confirming her suspicions.
"They've already gone after Touma!"
"Could you two idiots shut up already!?" Touma shouted in irritation at Aogami and Tsuchimikado. "Everyone knows that it doesn't matter how cute, or sexy an idol is. They aren't allowed to be in relationships, and besides even if they were. Do you really think any of them aren't gonna be a snobbish prude?" he shouted and stood on his chair. "It's dorm manager Onee-sans or death for this Kamijou-san!"
Tsuchimikado instantly leapt to his feet and butt his head against Touma's. "Nyah! How dare you insult Idols Kami-yan! Those lolitta figures make the perfect little sister material!" the siscon sergeant said as he growled.
Touma pushed against Tsuchimikado with his own cranium, "there you go again! Always turning everything into a loli little sister you siscon sergeant! Little sisters are brattish, can't take care of themselves and always get upset when you ignore them!" he growled back and Tsuchimikado gasped stumbling back.
"How…how dare you!" he declared, clutching his chest, "Maika's a little sister and a maid. You've insulted my entire fetish you bastard Kami-yan!" the blond spy tackled Touma and the two began wrestling. "You take that back, right now Kami-yan! Or I will throw you out the window."
"Never! Maika's only a little sister in name, if anything she has more traits of an Onee-san than a little sister!" Touma declared as he stood his ground, "she cooks, she cleans and she takes care of your sorry siscon ass! This Kamijou-san will never yield, you hear me? Neveeeeer!"
The two of them froze as a low chuckle came from the final member of the delta force. "You two fools don't get it?" said Aogami, his perpetually closed eyes somehow smiling. "When it comes to idols girls wearing flamboyant dresses, everyone knows that Yandere idol girls are the best!" the blue haired pervert who'd rival Zeus himself shouted at the top of his lungs while standing triumphantly utop his desk.
Touma and Tsuchimikado glared at him silently before the spiky haired idiot spoke. "What? Yanderes are the worst! Honestly with this Kamijou-san's luck. He's shocked that he doesn't already have one!" he stated and slowly got up. "They stalk you, kill your friends, family and anyone you show interest in. Then they kidnap you and if you still reject them they may even kill you."
Tsuchimikado nodded in agreement, "Nyah! Besides everyone knows yandere little sisters are the best anyways! Touma glared back at him in disgust at the boy's insistence on making everything about little sisters.
"Damn it you nyah nyah bastard! If you bring up little sisters one more Kamijou-san going to tear those sunglasses off of your face and start shattering illusions!" Toma snapped angrily as the tree outside the window swayed side to side despite the lack of a breeze.
The three idiots stared off each other in silence, ready to pounce at a moment's notice.
"LI-" Tsuchimikado began at the top of his lungs and instantly Touma's fist slammed into his. Aogami joined in and soon the three of them were beating, pulling, grabbing and wrestling each other in the middle of the classroom.
"Would you… three idiots, JUST SHUT UUUP!" Misaka roared at the top of her lungs. She sent a wave of electricity after them as she stomped on the ground, "seriously! Have you guys got no filters!? None of us want to hear about your stupid fetishes idiots!" she was blushing in embarrassment as she launched a wave of electricity.
Touma had rolled behind a desk, Tsuchimikado had slipped just under a chair. And Aogami had leapt up off the ground just as the electric wave hit meaning none of them had gotten his. The electricity had taken the path of least resistance and avoided each of their delicate bodies entirely. Instead striking the metal in its path and grounding itself, or in Aogami's case passing over him due to him not touching the ground.
Touma popped out from behind the desk. Oi! What was that for Misaka-san!? Can't you see that this Kamijou-san is having a very serious debate with that sis-con bastard and the fetish king! A former middle schooler who went to an all girl's school has no place in this!" He angrily snapped at her. "You couldn't possibly understand what this means for us!"
"Kami-yan is right Misaka-chan, how dare you call out argument stupid! Fetishes are vital to a man's pride!" Tsuchimikado chimed in, glaring at her, "Just because you skipped a grade doesn't automatically mean you understand the importance of fetishes to a guy! Being a level five doesn't give you the right to butt in and insult us like that!"
"Exactly my brothers!" Aogami stood up on his chair and gazed into Mikoto's eyes despite his own being closed. "Fetishes are a part of who we are, who everyone is! How is one meant to understand their partner if they aren't willing to accept their weird and wild interests? That's like completely denying a person's opinions just because you don't agree with them! To insult someone's fetish is to insult the person themselves!" He threw his hands out as he made that proud declaration, the fires of passion clear in his voice. "If you have a problem with our fetishes miss level five, you got a problem with us all! And we aren't going to just sit back and let you insult one of the most basic and fundamental aspects of a human being!"
Misaka's eye twitched as she shook growling angrily, "it doesn't change that no one wants to hear it. You're the moron who was selling perverted dreams about me to people without my permission. You never considered my feelings when you made those things! Don't go acting like I'm the bad guy here when you do things like that." She pushed her hair back glaring, "no wonder Fukiyousie asked me to keep you guys in check. You don't care how your words affect others and are treating girls like we're some kind of object to fulfill your fantasies!" Electricity crackled around her, "so keep, your stupid fetishes to your god damn SELVES!" with a shout she launched another wave of electricity.
But once again, it didn't hit any of them. Aogami just threw a copper coin in the way before stepping back. Tsuchimikado ducked behind a divider, and Touma rolled back out of range. Misaka's eye continued to twitch as she gave a gawking look, unable to grasp the situation.
"Excuse me!? What did you just accuse us of!?" Aogami began and stood slowly. "How dare you question our motives and claim we're treating girls like objects. Just because we are describing our preferences in a girl doesn't mean we don't see them as equals!" He slammed his foot down standing atop a desk gesturing to the rest of the class. "If anything, the fact we so proudly declare our opinions proves we see them as equals. We feel no need to cut them out of our conversation leaving it open for them to give their own thoughts!" His hand pointed in the air in a classic anime pose, "because even girls have fetishes, same as guys!There's probably girls in this very room who've fantasized having the guy of their dreams all to themselves! Strapped to a bed, with a collar on their neck as they lay naked. Erotic fluids covering their body, utterly and entirely at their mercy!" Aogami swung his arm around, a few of the girls in the class had begun to blush as his words caused them to imagine such scenes. "Why do you think Maid and Butler Cafes exist, Misaka-san? There are girls out there who love the idea of their crush serving them hand and foot! Even maid cafes only exist because there are girls willing to work there. You think those places pay well? Girls only work there because they enjoy it!" He jabbed his finger at her, "I know your type miss railgun! You may act all tough, but once you're in bed, you'll either stick your rear up and beg your crush to take you. Or you'll end up being completely consumed by your lust and ravage the guy as he screams without giving a moment to rest!" Not even letting Misaka take a moment to register what he had just said, Aogami continued. "You came from a middle school for girls, little miss level five, are you seriously telling me none of those girls have fantasized about their classmates? I've seen that pig tailed friend of yours, and she undoubtedly faps to you at night. She likely dreams of tying you to her bed, drugging you so you're unable to use your ability. Having her way with you as she loses herself in her lust, not giving you a moment of rest!" His aura of perversion seemed to infect those around him, blushes filled the room as the image conjured by Aogami played in their minds. "I don't care if you're a cute level five girl who'd absolutely be able to pull off anything from a catgirl look to a dominatrix outfit. You don't get to insult fetishes like that and get away without any consequences!"
Mikoto shook the blush off her face, "How… How dare you bring Kuroko into this! This doesn't change the fact you never considered my feelings when selling your perverted dreams to people!" she snapped angrily. "I was forced to listen as you said all sorts of perverted and disturbing things about me and Shokuhou over there," she pointed to someone Touma couldn't properly see. "Sh-shokuhou!? What the hell? Don't you go turning on me now, he's a common enemy! Wh-what do you mean I'm digging my own grave? He's a pervert, why are you siding with him?" she ranted in confusion.
Aogami scoffed and slammed a hand against his desk, "who cares about your feelings here Miko-chan! You know full well that you were at fault for listening in on that private conversation. You can't control how people think, anyone can fantasize about whoever they want. All I was doing was offering people less gifted in the power of lucid dreaming a chance to live out their fantasies without harming anyone!" He threw his other hand out somehow glaring behind those closed eyes. "We don't need to ask for your permission to dream of you, I had no idea you were next door. Otherwise I wouldn't have dared to do my business there. I'm a pervert but I don't wish to hurt people's feelings," he gave her a disappointed gaze. "Really you should be apologizing for lashing out without first asking us to stop. There's nothing wrong with asking people to keep those things to themselves." Pointed to someone? Else in the room, "the number five understands! She too has dreamed of someone without their permission. Fantasized them serving her as their queen and charging in to rescue her when she's in danger!"
Tsuchimikado stood pushing his glasses up, "you heard the man! Ladies and gentlemen! The Fetish King has spoken! Stand up for what is right and yours! Don't let this arrogant level five insult your fetishes! She's attacked our pride, questioned our sincerity, all because we proudly declare our fantasies because we know there's nothing to be ashamed of!"
Himegami stood in her seat giving a confident glare, "I agree with the blue haired pervert. I've often dreamed of slipping into Kamijou-san's dorm room at night wearing a red and black cape." She pulled out a small stun baton and pointed it at Mikoto, "how dare you act like I need to be protected from his fetishes. Just because I don't fit his interest does not mean he won't like me despite it. If you keep insulting me, I'll whack you with my magic stick" she brandished the stun baton threateningly.
Not noticing Himegami's concerning comment, Touma continued. "The Sis-con sergeant and fetish king are right biri-biri! This Kamijou-san may know a certain blond goddess who could pull off the sexy-sensei or sadistic dorm mistress look. He may know a sweet older nun who makes the perfect caring dorm manager. Or a black haired swordswoman who looks amazing in a fallen maid outfit! He may even know a sweet shy girl who pulls off an excellent ero fairy maid! He may have even met a sadistic little child crime boss who'd make a natural dominatrix! Heck, he may know a perverted female on the same level as Aogami who's begging to be put in a demon girl outfit! But that just means this Kamijou-san can appreciate their appearance. If you don't like who they are underneath then how good they look means nothing!" The self proclaimed normal highschool boy cried out with a passionate fury as he clenched his fists. "You can't tell me you haven't once imagined a person you like in some kind of erotic situation Misaka-san. Walking around in their underwear, or lying on a bed with nothing but a blanket covering their body. Come on biri-biri, you're just as human as us, so don't you dare insult us for having fetishes!"
Misaka's face went utterly red as she suddenly began stuttering. Her mouth flapped open and shut like a fish as she tried to speak. "Wh-what!? Wh-what do you think you're talking about idiot!? N-no way I've ever had fantasies like that about you! Wh-why would you even suggest such things!?" she swayed side to side as her eyes spun.
Touma made a confused expression, "um… I… never said you did Misaka-san. Why would anyone ever fantasize about this Kamijou-san?" Tilting his head he crossed his arms as if trying to understand something inconceivable. "Where would the appeal be? I'm just a normal highschool boy. And besides, no way am I lucky enough for any girl, especially a cute… be it, slightly irritating level five oujo to have that kind of interest in me."
Aogami lowered his guard and leaned over Tsuchimikado's shoulder. "Hey Tsuchimikado… Did you see that?" Aogami whispered to the blond haired spy.
The blond spy nodded as he lowered his fists. "Yeah… he has complete control over the railgun, note that down. Truly the Kami-yan disease has a terrifying power," Tsuchimikado responded in kind. "At this rate, she's probably imagining Touma naked on a bed with a collar on his neck."
"Oh you two shut up about the 'Kami-yan disease'," Touma snapped and glared at them. "How many times does this Kamijou-san need to tell you, he doesn't have a harem! Stop treating me like some kind of exotic lifeform you need to study! This Kamijou-san wouldn't be lucky enough to get even a single girl to like him. Let alone an entire harem of girsl who want to be with him!" he shouted
At that moment, the classroom door opened and their teacher, the short pink haired Komoe, walked in. "Hello everyone, class is in session, get into your…" she trailed off seeing the state of the classroom. "MY CLASSROOM'S BECOME A WARZONE AGAAAAIN!" she cried out with her hands on her head.
Some of the class chuckled a little, but quietly while Touma, Tsuchimikado and Aogami began moving their seats back into place. The tree was really swaying, it almost looked like it was getting closer. Suddenly a chill went down Touma's spine and his neck prickled in fear.
Hadn't he just acknowledged earlier that there wasn't so much as a breeze?
So what was causing the tree's branches to sway?
Touma barely reacted in time as one of the massive hand-like branches from the creepy tree smashed through the window. It tore away the wall as the class cried out in horror before turning, placing another of its arms down into the classroom. Touma poked his head out from behind Himegami's desk as two headless figures engulfed in blue-green flames leapt into the room.
The class fell silent cowering in one corner as footsteps could be heard walking across the branch of the living tree. Stepping off the arm of the tree, was a mysterious young girl. She was around Touma's age wearing an odd fur hood designed like a harbor seal. She had waist length brownish black hair, storm gray eyes, a slender but curvy figure and chocolate toned skin.
A pair of soft, bare feet touched the floor as a small breeze blew through the class. The mysterious girl's hair flowing gently in the light wind as the class held its breath. They stared in awe, finding themselves stunned by the foreign girl's appearance. Calm and beautiful, yet hiding a deadly and cruel darkness beneath, she was like the ocean on a peaceful night. Those storm gray eyes swept the room, locking gazes with each person until they fell onto a single individual. Her muscles tensed as she stepped forward, malicious intent clear in her cold gaze.
Striding towards Touma glaring, she spoke with a heavy accent, "Ya must be Kamijou Touma, the Imagine Breaker. Bane of the supernatural and the greatest threat ta my family, the fey of Tír-nall." She held her hands out, producing two daggers from her sleeves like an assassin. A wince was seen cross her face as they brushed her skin a moment before she continued. "I am Muireann Conan, daughter of Taranis and Caoimhe Conan of scotland." She stopped just before the boy, her coat swaying in the breeze, "and I'm going ta kill ya"
A/N:{
Craytherlay:Welcome to the end of the chapter, me and rails spent some time making sure to improve it. How about you start us off rails, starting with that dark first scene.
Dragonrails: not gonna lie, the old version didn't really have that big flare, that went with how Dark the scene was, it's similar to the Resident Evil Remakes, we just had to add that extra expression into it and make it better, although the originals will always hold a special place for OG fans of the story.
Craytherlay: It really helps that we actually have the full context for how dark that scene really is. Before I only had a vague idea of, Touma died, and that was it. But now we know why he died, how he died and what Index does to save him. Which is really fucking dark, and we were able to expand upon it using because of it. But I do agree that the originals will hold that special place in OG fan's hearts. Now then the next scene to address is the wholesome Kamijou family household one. That… received a true overhaul, and I think it shows in Touma, Othi and Index's interactions.
Dragonrails: Having the full context was better for you, it helped you at least get a better idea on the scene, plus having you watch a bit of horror helped give you a better understanding of what Index was feeling, especially for a Remastered chapter. Seeing as you're not into the horror genre as I am, making you experience a bit more of that particular genre helped you out. As for the wholesome Kamijou family banter, I felt that with the amount of time that we took on it, was well worth it. And it was simple to imagine for both the writer and reader.
Craytherlay: Um… the horror genre and movies had nothing to do with what I was talking about. You don't need that to write a sense of dread, they just help with it, but that wasn't what happened here, but yes, it def did help like you said. The banter with the Kamijou-household did a number of things for us. Not only allowing us to show the bond between them, but also allowed us to establish the change in the timeline. IE. the lack of transcendents and the fact Anna's KIA, or likely KIA.
Dragonrails: I thought the wholesome moment with the Kamijou household, was adorable and its more of a clam before the storm I suppose, and establishing a timeline does help the readers.
Craytherlay: Indeed, it wasn't the only scene that received an overhaul. I used the Uiharu scene to better foreshadow the fey that eventually showed up. I also added an entirely new scene with a bit of Touma-Mikoto banter.
Dragonrails: I think the old readers will enjoy the changes we made from the original, having the banter with Touma and Mikoto fit Really well in my opinion.
Craytherlay: I hope people don't feel it's too OOC, I also hope they liked the way I handled Misaki's presence. I remembered someone saying they enjoyed the almost doctor-who-silent way I wrote a scene to show how interactions with Misaki look from Touma's PoV. Having Touma not even hear anything she says or anything he says to her. It gives a window into his perspective with her, or that's what I hope.
Dragonrails: as long as you're not too OOC, you should be fine. Plus considering her circumstances you did have to write her part carefully. It should give some perspective with her.
Craytherlay: Let's not wake the dragon, you know how aggressive some of her fans are. And the two of us are very well established anti-Kamikoto people, which apparently also makes us anti Mikoto… for some reason. Anyways, the end of that scene I hope got some laughs with the whole 'definitely not suspicious tree'. There were tweaks in the ambush scene, including some stuff with the Maiden that I'll be using to fix some later issues. However, beyond that, the next major scene was the Deltaforce one right before the main attraction. This is the one related to those challenges you mentioned at the start.
Dragonrails: the fact that, I had you change that scene at least 2 or 3 times, helped alot especially considering how Aogami is alot like a certain new light character, I felt we needed to show their similarities, especially with fetishes. So I'm positive that the readers got a good laugh from it, I only made it a challenge for you so you get a better idea on writing Aogami's character.
Craytherlay: It needed to have the perfect storm of stupidity and wisdom that you expect from the deltaforce. And I feel we at least got pretty close… especially with that fetish speech. Of course Aogami would be the type to view his openness as a sign of respect. Having Mikoto be the one arguing against them was the obvious choice and it also allowed me to hint at the delta-force's true talent as a team. And I thank you for that challenge, to Lessarfy Aogami, seriously don't let them share a room. But I will note… you never had me change the whole scene… just certain parts of it.
Dragonrails: meh Lessarify-ing it is a good term to use, I felt like him expressing his equality for both men and women was a good idea, I'm pretty sure Lessar would've done the same.
Craytherlay: Detail was important there as Aogami and Lessar would describe in depth the kinds of fantasies girls and boys can have. Of course poor Mikoto and other girls were gonna end up imagining what he was describing. Or should I actually say poor Kamijou, considering the likelihood he's the one they are imagining doing it to? Which brings us to Kamijou's own rant when he defends his interests.
Dragonrails: I personally liked the Kamijou rant, I felt like that was a big key point in this chapter, plus it gives the idea on how Touma see's a few of the girls in the harem, I can only imagine what would happen if they heard it, I'm sure even the readers had to laugh at it as much as we did.
Craytherlay: there's no way we're not having Othinus tease Touma over that. However, we couldn't end on Touma not having to deal with Misfortune. Which brings us to the part I'm sure the old fans were looking forward to. The main attraction, the debut of our dear Selkie, Muireann Conan.
Dragonrails: I'm actually glad I gave you that particular scene as a challenge, I felt that the fan favorite Selkie deserved to make a bigger entrance, giving her that dangerous yet beautiful woman aura felt great, plus the reactions everyone had to seeing her was a big plus for me, I was glad that we used a scene from Sky high as a good reference for Muireann I felt like that really fit her for her entrance.
Craytherlay: Absolutely especially with how large a role she plays later on. Like, starting out, I thought she'd just be a one and done character. Hence her entrance not having much focus, but now…now we know that everyone's Favorite selkie will have a large role. So, naturally her entrance should reflect that, giving a large focus on her aura. The mysterious foreign, beautiful, yet deadly girl. Honestly the mention of Sky high, the real mystery is how we both knew that movie. The scene in question however, when you mentioned it, it clicked with me and I was like yeah! That's it. I certainly hope the old fans found this scene a treat, and for the new readers. I hope it made them excited for what's to come, anything else you'd like to say Rails?
Dragonrails: I was really playing multiple versions of her entrance in my head for awhile, I felt as an OC Muireann deserved to be shown as a badass, and not just some OC who just plays their part in the story. So I'm hoping the readers felt the same when Muireann made her appearance, something tells me Aogami would be the first to say something perverted about her.
Craytherlay: Indeed, Muireann really developed in the original so improving her debut has been long overdue. I do hope new fans love her just as much as old fans did. A dark skinned scottish, selkie warrior… dude, was there ever a doubt Aogami was gonna say something? Muireann is an OC we're proud of, and now we'll be able to do her justice.
To close off, this is the first of at least 32 chapter rewrites. Don't expect any schedule, as I'd rather do them as I feel like it. That way me and my bro rails can provide the top quality for each one. Chapters that don't need to be rewritten will be posted once the rewrites are complete, that way you don't need to go back to the original story to read the rest. Thank you for sticking around for the end, your thoughts, opinions and criticisms would be appreciated. Can't improve if I don't know what I did wrong now can I?
But for now, let us put this tale of an infinity to rest and continue some other time.
