AUTHOR PREAMBLE: As suggested by the Wiki and elsewhere, Kamachi seemed content to perhaps forever relegate Himegami to being an eternal background character. Put simply, it need not necessarily be so in fanfiction (fu-fu-fu).
Except for any original characters and situations introduced within this story, all characters and situations depicted herein are © KAZUMA KAMACHI/ASCII MEDIA WORKS/PROJECT-INDEX.
Chapter 1 – A Certain Unexpected Summons
Perhaps for the fourth time in the last two weeks, a young lady's nightly sleep is filled with mysterious and seemingly inexplicable images running in a seemingly haphazard fashion across the screen of her mind … a staircase constructed into the side of a hill; both of which she had no prior recollection of their existence … strange creatures she vaguely remembers being mentioned in folk-tales from her childhood … hordes of what appear to be monsters rampaging across a city landscape, only to be opposed (albeit momentarily) by a pair of teenagers, each wielding mysterious powers … a diminutive womanly figure, emanating a sense of maternal familiarity … and others beside. And as before, even as she sought to make sense of those scenes, she would immediately awaken from sleep, mere minutes before her alarm clock would have done so.
Taking a deep breath, holding it for about 30 seconds, and then exhaling, the young lady slowly raised her upper body and proceeded to sit up, rather than lie back down, upon the bed in her dorm room. The myriad pictures apparently presented to her during sleep had for the most part faded away, but she had a feeling that it would be a matter of time before they returned on a future occasion when she retired for the night. With a sigh, the major thought that sprung up in her mind, was almost instantly translated into spoken words:
"I think I should ease off using that brain-nutrient concoction Seiri recommended; either it simply doesn't agree with me, or it's having an effect on me that's different from what the pamphlet advertised." Himegami Aisa spoke softly to herself.
Roughly one month has passed since the city-state called Academy City, located outside of Tokyo, Japan, has been 'switched back ON', following its invasion and shutdown in December of the previous year, and those of the City's Esper population who chose to return have returned. Only a few select persons among said Esper population currently know the identity of the New General Superintendent – none other than the City's Number One Level 5 Esper, Accelerator. Following the revelation of the original Parameter List, and even in the face of certain reforms set up by the New General Superintendent and the Board of Directors, at present, close to half-a-million students (most of them, Level 0) have opted not to return to the City. It is a potential problem in itself, if elements of foreign powers or private organizations should seek to 'appropriate' any of the City's former residents for "research purposes". To that end, a log has been established and maintained regarding those non-returning students, for the purpose of keeping them under minimal surveillance, in the event of any of them suddenly and inexplicably "going missing". There are still delinquents, and Skill-Out factions present and active in Academy City, in addition to the Dark Side. Even though the New General Superintendent wants to get rid of it, the Darkness allowed to germinate and grow under the tenure of office held by the previous General Superintendent is still present, and, suffice it to say, it might not be exorcised easily or swiftly, unless one wants to resort to rather extreme methods.
Among the newly-established reforms to the City's overall educational regime, was not only the introduction of so-called 'conventional' education, as may be found in typical schools in Japan outside of the City, but also the Power Development Curriculum now had an added requirement; specifically, that students are to do research on potential practical applications of their ability, if said ability is awakened, or even raised in Level. Such activity was considered part of the drive to make the City's Espers aim to be a potential asset, not just to Academy City, but perhaps even to Japan, or even the world-at-large. Over at A Certain High School, Year 1, Class 7 (Kamijou Touma's first-year high-school class) is now, Year 2, Class 5. Or perhaps more precisely under the new arrangements, classes are further sub-divided into what are loosely termed "Course I" (those pursuing the Power Curriculum) and "Course II" (those pursuing conventional schooling). Except where both sub-divisions attend common lectures according to their respective schedules, each Course follow their own set of lectures and courses. Everyone has made their choice whether to continue with the Power Curriculum, or to switch over to the conventional one. Touma (now free of misfortune and memory loss) is hunkering down to focus on school work; specifically the 'conventional education' option as opposed to only the Power Development Curriculum in past times, but based on the Parameter List, and the existence of Imagine Breaker and the Invisible Thing, he is not aiming to awaken any esper ability (again, something known only to a select few). Tsuchimikado Motoharu is sometimes absent – explanations are lodged with the School's Administration, but probably out of the whole class, only Touma knows that when Motoharu is away, he's likely engaged in his "side job" as the head of various investigative activities on behalf of the City; whether that entails keeping an eye and ear upon movements of magic societies, such as the Rosicrucian Order, the activities of the City's Dark Side, or even keeping tabs on those students who opted not to come back to the City. Aogami Pierce is … in certain ways, still Aogami Pierce (there's a reason for that, but that's another story). Fukiyose Seiri has taken it upon herself to reform him; oft-times using brute force where she deems it necessary. That aside, she has not disclosed to anyone whether she will continue pursuing the Power Curriculum herself. And a similar stance has been taken by Himegami Aisa, again for reasons known only to a select few.
One day, while walking home from school with Seiri, Himegami Aisa observed something she cannot recall seeing before that day – a hill located roughly where the Windowless Building had been previously situated. There appears to be a building of some sort located at the top of the hill.
"Say, is it just me, Seiri, or is there something atop that hill? "Aisa put the question to Seiri, pointing in the general direction to the hill.
While she gazed in the direction indicated, Seiri acknowledged after a few seconds, in a seemingly nonchalant manner: "To my mind, that hill has always been there, Aisa."
Finding her friend's reply rather strange, Aisa decided not to press the point further, but the idea hatched in her mind that she could talk to Index about it; she and Index exchange e-mails or chats (subject to time and availability) on occasion, since Index's decision to stay in England. To that effect, she snapped a picture of the hill and the building with her phone, subsequently sending it to Index via e-mail, with a short note.
Much later, Aisa and Index had an online chat exchange on the subject of the hill, regarding the photo taken and sent earlier:
"When looking at the photo, something does seem strange, Aisa. Even with my eidetic memory, I cannot recall anything other than the Windowless Building being on that particular spot during my time in Academy City." was Index's comment at one point.
Aisa wrote back: "To date, I seem to be the only one to notice the hill and the building on top being there."
Index's subsequent reply was: "I don't mind saying this … I get a strange feeling looking at the photograph, as if something is now present, which, until recently, was either never there at all, or perhaps it had somehow been concealed or made invisible."
Two days later, Aisa decided to go see this hill 'close-up'. Seiri was busy with a matter of her own, so, upon school closing for the day, Aisa proceeded to the hill on her own. Even at the base of the hill, others who passed by seem to give the hill and the building at the top no more than the slightest notice. There was a flight of stairs, with landings spaced equally along its run, and handrails on either side, seemingly constructed into the hill, giving access to and from the building at the summit. Even as she cast her eyes toward the building as she ascended the staircase, Aisa seemed to feel something stirring within her. It is almost as if she was hearing a call that, at the moment, only she could hear. Finally reaching the top of the staircase, Aisa observed a large wall surrounding the structure at the top of the hill, with apparently one double-door as its access point. She approached the door, and at her slightest touch, both doors swung open. Aisa stepped through and seemed to enter a separate world from Academy City and the world outside. The building within the wall was actually a temple, perhaps similar in layout to many Buddhist temples to be found in Japan. In this case, there was a 3-storey structure which constitutes the Main Temple Building, surrounded by four single-storey structures while the rest of the grounds within the wall consists mostly of immaculately-arranged gardens.
Next moment, there was a low-pitched ringing sound, like that of a gong being struck, followed by a door of the central temple building opening. A diminutive figure walked out. It was a woman; her appearance would seem to establish her as being middle-aged. In stature, she seems to be slightly taller than Komoe-sensei. As for attire, she wore a traditional kimono and was outfitted with sandals. Once she has stepped clear of the door, she looked straight at Aisa with a seemingly unwavering gaze. After a few seconds, Aisa walked towards her.
Once they are in close proximity to each other, the woman gave a short bow, speaking in a voice reminiscent of a deep-toned bell: "Welcome, Himegami Aisa-san."
Initially surprised to hear her name called, Aisa instinctively returned the bow and greeting; for the moment, addressing her as "Obaa-san (Aunt)".
After a moment's pause, Aisa asked: "Please tell me, what is this place, whose presence I've not noticed until recently."
Obaa-san replied: "This is actually a temple, which bears the name: Mahō no Miko no Seiiki, or "Magical Priestess Sanctuary".
Following the reply, the woman continued: "If you will accept my invitation to enter, more will be revealed." Her curiosity aroused sufficiently, Aisa accepted.
A few moments later, Aisa and "Obaa-san" were seated before a kotatsu, for the moment, snacking on karaage chicken. After a while, Aisa paused to ask: "At this point, I've only a single question, Obaa-san. How is it I've never noticed this place here before now, or that, so far as I know, I'm the only one who seems to notice its presence?"
To which, Obaa-san replied: "There is indeed a story behind all that, Himegami-san."
Pausing for a moment to sip from her cup, the old woman continued: "Roughly 50 years ago, a foreigner came to this country from the West … one possessing great knowledge of Magic, or at least how it is seemingly known and practiced in the Western part of the world. Over time, the foreigner established the place which you know as Academy City. But even before construction of the City began, I and others had determined, via certain means, that one of the foreigner's aims was to eradicate all magic, both Eastern and Western, from this world. Moreover, this temple is actually situated atop a connection point to a ley line, through which the Power Of The World flows."
"Please excuse me," Aisa interrupted as politely as she knew how, "but much of what you say is foreign to me."
"That's all right, and is perhaps to be expected, Himegami-san." was Obaa-san's response, "seeing that the foreigner had apparently chosen to reject Magic, it is unlikely that he would impart knowledge of the subject to anyone, such as those who reside in what is essentially his City."
After a pause, Obaa-san went on: "A more detailed explanation can be done at another time, but for now, to protect this temple, as well as to conceal the existence of the point of connection to the ley line, the temple and the hill on which it was established was shifted into a parallel dimension. It was a difficult process, as this temple is one of three scattered across Japan; each not only having a connection to a ley line, but also serving as a network for mystical power to be channeled and circulated. The shifting of this temple partially severed that connection. Further compounding the problem, from ancient times … perhaps even before Japan's Heian era, each of the three temples in question also served as the storage site for three artifacts; objects of mystical power."
Even as she spoke, a scroll levitated itself and unfolded before Aisa and Obaa-san, without any visible means of support. Aside from written characters in kanji, there were images on the scroll of the objects in question:
The sword, known by name as: Kusunagi no Tsurugi
The bejeweled necklace of magatamas: Yasakani no Magatama
The mirror known as: Yata no Kagami
As the scroll re-folded itself and slowly descended to the table, Obaa-san went on: "The three objects are the reputed Imperial Regalia of Japan, but I am referring to the authentic objects; the ones known to the outside world are actually carefully constructed replicas. Long ago, my predecessors bound the original artifacts to their respective places via certain mystic spells and rituals, so that, under what might be considered normal circumstances, even if one is removed from its location, it will inevitably find its way back."
Obaa-san continued: "I am actually a member of an ancient order of mikos, whose primary duty is to safeguard the original artifacts, as well as the power which can be wielded through them. When the decision was made to apply a dimensional shift to this temple, the original plan was to carefully remove the artifact stored here (Kusanagi no Tsurugi) before said shift occurred, but something took place within the City of which I admit I have no comprehension … something that unleashed an unexpected emanation of power. The result of that occurrence was that all three original artifacts disappeared from their respective locations, although it has been determined that they are still in Japan. With the artifacts gone, and this temple shifted, I have been directing the Power Of The World via various rituals and ceremonies, to at least restore a partial connection to the other temples, but to also extend my own lifespan so that the process could go on. It is possible that the priestesses who operate the other temples might have done the same, assuming they are still alive."
"For how long, may I ask, have you been doing this?" inquired Aisa.
"Even before the foreigner arrived in Japan, I have lived and discharged my duties for over one hundred years." Obaa-san replied smoothly. "But while it is possible to extend my normal lifespan as I have done till now, even I cannot do so indefinitely."
Obaa-san went on: "I and others of my order have a secondary duty, although it may be considered just as important … namely, we work to maintain the generally harmonious relationship between the human world and the supernatural world. For the most part, both sides seemed to co-exist harmoniously, even if most human beings are unaware that the supernatural world and its inhabitants are real. In the supernatural world, and under perhaps more normal circumstances, only a handful of beings, such as kitsune (fox-spirits), kappa (water-demons) or certain tribes of oni, seemed to display a mischievous or malicious nature whereby they consciously sought to cause trouble for human beings, for whatever the reason. However, since the coming of the Western foreigner, followed subsequently by a strange occurrence, the previous harmonious relationship has been disrupted. The current human generation, having little regard for the existence of the supernatural world, have for the most part discarded or done away with various customs and practices followed by their predecessors. As a result, the relationship has shifted mostly towards animosity, if not outright hatred. If the harmony is not restored, it may be only a matter of time before all-out war takes place between humanity and the denizens of the supernatural world. There may be no clear winner of such a war if it occurs, but only countless casualties on both sides."
"Perhaps it's my time as a resident and student of this City which seems to focus exclusively on Science, that makes much of what you have said seem alien to me, Obaa-san." remarked Himegami, "but at the same time, if I trust my feelings, I believe you and in what you have told me. So, what will happen if things remain as they are?"
To that, Obaa-san replied: "If things are not put right within two weeks from now, the imbalance between both realms will eventually spill over into both, plus the connections between the temples and the original artifacts may be impossible to properly restore, thereby rendering Japan exposed and vulnerable to malevolent forces in the spiritual and mystic realms; forces that have been previously held at bay or repulsed."
Continuing to speak, Obaa-san stated: "The possible reason that, to date, you seem to be the only inhabitant of this City who has noticed the temple, is that, once the temple and hill were restored to their original location, and knowing that even my artificially-extended lifespan cannot continue for very much longer, I had mystically broadcasted a call for someone to take my place as the guardian of the temple, and to complete the tasks of not only restoring the original artifacts, but also the balance between the physical and the supernatural worlds. Seemingly only one person has heard and answered the call … and that is you, Himegami Aisa-san."
After about half a minute, Aisa spoke up: "At this point, I only have one question; am I answering this call of my own free will?"
Obaa-san responded: "I assure you, yes. Unlike the foreigner, I and by extension my order, do not manipulate or interfere with the normal working of people's minds, even if such a thing is possible. Rather, I may speculate that you heard the call, out of a reaction or response to some long-cherished desire or aspiration of your own."
After a pause, Aisa spoke up: "You are correct, Obaa-san … I do have a wish, and one I have carried with me for a long time; to save those who otherwise cannot or wouldn't be saved." With that, Aisa spent the next few minutes revealing her background to Obaa-san, including her Gemstone ability, and the tragedy it had brought about in the past.
In response, Obaa-san stated: "I assure you again, Himegami-san; at no time are you being compelled or coerced to do anything against the natural working of your mind, with regard to this issue. You are completely free to accept or decline the call."
After a pause, Aisa spoke up: "Yes – I will do whatever I can to help."
To which, Obaa-san replied with a slight bow: "You have my thanks, Himegami-san."
A few moments later, as Aisa is preparing to leave, Obaa-san stated: "I will prepare certain things for you, Himegami-san, to undergo training in the ways of a mystical miko. Normally, said training requires many months, but where this matter is concerned, we do not have the time for following the conventional method. Also, and perhaps for the obvious reason that the majority of this world recognizes the existence of Science, and not Magic, I would recommend that you do not disclose anything of this matter to anyone."
Aisa interjected: "I feel I should make mention of this, Obaa-san … it was partially because of a conversation with a friend of mine named Index, that I decided to come here. Even if right now, Index-san is far across the sea, she said she recognized something about this place via a photograph, that seemingly no-one else in the City has up to now. There is also another person in this City I regard as both a classmate and friend, who I believe has encountered situations like this before."
"Hmm," was Obaa-san's reply. In the next moment, Aisa suddenly and inexplicably felt the old woman's presence in her mind, albeit for a few seconds. The feeling disappeared as swiftly as it had come.
"Please excuse me, Himegami-san." remarked Obaa-san, "but just so I am clear on what you just disclosed, I took a brief look into your thoughts, concerning this person called Index, as well as the other person. I have not looked at any other of your current thoughts or memories. While I admit my knowledge of Western Magic is very limited, I have at least heard of 'the keeper of 103,000 magical texts', known as Index, and 'this generation's wielder of what is often referred to as Imagine Breaker'."
Aisa spoke: "As per Obaa-san's wishes, I will divulge nothing further to anyone, but perhaps if the need might call for it, either Index-san or Kamijou-kun might be called upon to assist, as I trust them."
To that, Obaa-san replied: "As things develop, perhaps that might be an option to consider."
With that established, and a decision made that she will come back to the temple from the next day, after school, to commence her training, and having bid Obaa-san farewell for now, Aisa descended the steps back to the streets of Academy City. Once back in the so-called normal world, Aisa felt something strange – even if she didn't note the time via the clock on her phone when she ascended the hill, from observing her immediate vicinity, it seems like only minutes might have passed during her time with Obaa-san, even though it felt like she was there for close to an hour or more. Deciding to raise that point when next they meet, Aisa proceeded to return to her dorm, a part of her sensing that she might be standing on the threshold of something over and above her current day-to-day modus operendi. Yet she also felt a feeling of confidence that, at least as far as her life was concerned, this was the right decision to make, and, whatever awaited her beyond that decision, she would face it.
Like Touma said to Index on returning home in one of the novel volumes: "I'm Back, Baby."
That aside, things have settled enough in so-called "real life" for me to resume fanfic writing. Put simply, I chose this in order to, so-to-say, stretch my ability to craft an original story (for the most part). Certain incidents and occurrences either referred to or specifically mentioned in the canon story progression have been inserted into the text above; perhaps one or more readers might spot them. There is no set time frame for me to update this story - while I have some ideas as to what I would include in it, any idea will take time and effort to develop into a chapter that I will feel comfortable in posting.
With that, and until the next chapter is posted, I sign off.