Hello hello! Readers, welcome to any unlikely new people. Welcome back to those continuing, as I'm writing this I'm on Vacation at Cape Cod. Anyways, been doing many things. But would you look at that… you guys are nearing the climax of the story. Sorry for not posting yesterday, I would have but I had to sleep early so I could go fishing with my family. Note I don't have a schedule but I do tend to post once I have written the next chap in the backlog. Anyways onto reviews.

Whwsms:{Im not sure what game that is… but yep Drunk Galistic was kinda fun to do.}

5had0Hand:{Ah, have you begun to figure out what will happen in the future? Don't say anything in case it spoils.

Naive isn't the correct term… more like.. hopeful.

The darker side of Index was something Ive been wanting to see explored so this story was a perfect chance for that.

And Galistic would have gotten away with it too if it weren't for them meddling kids!

I had hoped it would be, it was just… there's no way I could pass up Touma growing tearful over the eggs.}

BlueJack22: {damn haven't seen you comment in a while, and thanks. But undeserving of your praise, pretty sure Mr? Has done the darker side of index too. Though to be fair… can any of us compare to him?}

Comrade-elmo1:{Ah my dear Soviet muppet friend! Good to see you. I see you commented on three chapters.. lets answer them in order shall we?

Yes a little Othi-teasing is a good way to show the family like dynamic they have. Yeah that was one I felt couldn't not be done, I threw poor Index in the trash. A metaphor for the majority of people's view of her. Why would I give our favorite saint a break? Her being embarrassed is cute. Dude… everyone saw that coming there was no other place it could have been. I wouldn't say yandere… not yet at least.

Yes… yesss… the Kamiyan disease can spread by reputation alone. Muireann tries her best, but I never expected you to say that. The kami-yan disease knows no limits. I mean I have trouble not seeing them being in a relationship if she was full sized. And yes, she doesn't count, when it comes to falling for him… they spent way way too much time together. Muireann can pull a good roast every now and then. Yes… it is the most accurate description of what happened there isn't it? Yandex inbound? Who knows… but you may be about to find out in the next few chaps.

Index would In no way take the truth of NT9 well. I can't see her being able to pass it off just because Othinus 'seems' to have changed. Yes.. she did just translate garbled gurgling. Index is a nun, and that's not the only offensive way she'll refer to Othi. Like Touma was ever lucky enough to talk someone like Index down. Hey Kamisato earned these roasts as fun as he is. Othinus is a norse god, have you ever read a story where they got drunk? Indeed, it's almost if his misfortune is building to something big. Index wants to protect Touma no way is she gonna let some evil god threaten him.}

Anyways thanks to Dragonrails for his reviewing and thanks to CaptainHelix for his while slow, very helpful criticisms. I suggest you check them both out, they do write fanfic here too. Now then… let this tale of an infinity commence… once more

Chapter 27

Idol theory Taken to a whole new level

Kamijou Touma woke up in his tub earlier that morning than usual, he wasn't quite sure why. He did suspect there were a number of reasons involved however, including but not limited to. The pocket norse head god sleeping on his chest under his shirt, who appeared to be having quite the pleasant dream. If her unsettling smile and small giggles said anything. Kamijou wasn't sure he wanted to know what she was dreaming. So he chose not to guess as doing so would only reveal the truth.

Other factors in his early morning rise could have been the drunken Galistic's actions yesterday. The strategy meeting last night, but most likely.

'I know Index said she would give Othinus a chance, but that look on her face. I don't trust her words, and I hate it, I hate that I can't trust her.' Kamijou bit his lip in regret as he thought 'But I can't, the way she looks at Othinus, I can't risk it, she's afraid I get it. But Othinus has changed, and I won't let that go to waste'

"You're thinking about Index, aren't you human?" A small voice came from his chest as Othinus raised her head.

Kamijou nodded "Yeah, the way she looks at you, I… I can't trust that she won't do anything to you if I'm not there." he put his arm over his face as he gritted his teeth.

Othinus turned over and crossed her arms as she looked up to her Understander. "Your right, I could tell, she wants to kill me and she'd been plotting it. She may have fooled most, but I'm a god of deception, she can't trick me." she then turned her head, hiding her eye and a frown on her face. "And how could I blame her"

Most likely wouldn't hear the small quiver in her voice, but Kamijou could. "You're sad, aren't you? You actually liked Index didn't you?"

"I'm used to such looks of hatred, I'll get over it" the small god's words were unconvincing to Kamijou however.

"Don't lie to me Othinus, you wanted her to like you of course it's gonna hurt." Kamijou slowly got up, moving Othinus to his shoulder. He had brought her into the bathroom with him last night. He feared that if he didn't he'd wake up to one less understander. And he really didn't know if he could handle it, especially if it was Index's fault. At least if it was due to some random magician or person he could let rage take over. But he cared about Index like a family member. Could he handle it if a family member killed his understander out of fear? He was sure, if that happened, he'd lose himself and might once again look to the tallest tower. To end all that pain, and to sleep peacefully once and for all.

"Don't you dare kill yourself over me understander, or I'll be sure to rise from the dead just to chain you to hel." Othinus's eye looked at Kamijou with worry and a promise.

A noise came from the door as the handle shook. Kamijou looked over before a hushed voice came from the other side.

"Um, K-Kamijou-sama….." Murieann's voice came nervously from the other side. Ruffling of cloth and shifting could be heard as well.

"Yeah yeah this Kamijou-san will be out one moment" He smiled before he exited the room. He almost made a double take at Muireann before she shut the bathroom door behind her.

"Seriously, do every freeloader I have take my shirts for their sleepwear?" he said quietly, shaking his head as he headed to the kitchen. Index's sleeping form was visible in the bed, her chest slowly rising and falling to her soft breathing.

Othinus rolled her eye answering her understander "I doubt it's just for sleepwear, didn't you notice the slight wrinkling on the collar?" A small knowing smirk was on the god of wisdom's face as Kamijou prepared to cook.

Taking the ingredients out of the cupboard and setting out the pan, Kamijou thought. "Huh, I'm shocked you noticed that cause, I didn't, what about it?"

"Human, those wrinkles and their position, are a clear sign of her grabbing it and smelling the clothing." the god who was not one of romance whispered with a smirk.

"O-oh this Kamijou-san is very unsure if he should be freaked out by that or flattered." the nervous totally normal highschool boy replied as he cooked breakfast.

Muireann came out of the bathroom shortly after and the smell of food woke Index. They had breakfast, during which Kamijou noticed how often Index stared at Othinus. It made him uneasy, and worried, but now wasn't the time to explain things.

A knock came on the door while Kamijou was clearing the dishes and Tatemiya came in. Followed by Itsuwa who seemed to glare at Muireann.

"We found her, Stiyl and Kanzaki are already preparing to move in. The Agnese forces are on Standby if they are needed as well." Tatemiya's words immediately put Touma into a state of focus. As his eyes darkened, he raised his head.

"Where?" was the only thing the high school boy said as he looked at Tatemiya.

"An old abandoned laboratory where the level six shift project was based from what your current chairman revealed in his trial." Tatemiya turned and left.

Itsuwa nodded "Stiyl is holding a strategy meeting and would like everyone present. Including you Kamijou-san, much to his annoyance" Itsuwa narrowed her eyes at Murieann who smugly smirked at her.

It was time, Celt had been discovered and no way was Kamijou gonna let her get away with hurting those he cared about.

...

Celt paced impatiently through the abandoned laboratory. She had managed to create a link between Kazakiri to Shutaura/Arisa which could be turned on and off like a faucet. Ainmire had told her to attack at dusk but the more time she spent here. The more time the bane of fey had to discover her location. But she didn't trust the spells she put around the building to keep her location hidden. All it took was for one-

"Celt Eislyn! we know you're in there, surrender now and we won't need to fight you! However if you don't we cannot guarantee your safety." An unfamiliar male voice echoed through the building projected using magic.

"By Tír nAill! Must I defend this place until the hero, Ainmire can get here?"

...

The siege of Celt Eislyn's stronghold had begun. Kamijou, Othinus, Stiyl, and Kanzaki stood at the forefront. Murieann stood alongside Index, Itsuwa, and Tatemiya. Misaka stayed near the entrance as the prior battle showed that espers getting too close to Celt was a bad idea. The Amakusa were scattered about the area in strategic positions.

The Academy city board Chairman Accelerator put Anti-skill and Judgement on Standby just in case. This meant even Academy City was taking the threat seriously. Tsuchumikado, Galistic, and Baobhan Sith were at the opposite side of the building prepared to infiltrate. Index observe the spells flying around. Multiple fey spells surrounded the building in order to divert attention or trap those who'd enter.

As much as Index wanted to get rid of Othinus for Touma's sake, saving Kazakiri took priority. Index already identified multiple different types of spell traps, a fey spell based loosely on myths of the Willow of the wisps which lure children away. Combined with a fairy ring spell using the interpretation of fey turning the children they lured away into other fey. Another based on the story of Connla which caused the person afflicted to instantly be bound to Celt to obey her commands.

There were many others but what mattered was how to avoid them. In order to defeat her, they needed to cut Celt off from her source of creative energy. But to do that, they needed Touma to reach her first.

"She's placed magical traps all over the place, a lot of them are powered by a continual feed of ley line energy so Imagine Breaker can't truly negate them. But she made a bit of a mistake as there's a small path of spells that don't have a continual mana source that leads deep inside." Index spoke quickly and concisely. However there was a sudden shift in the mana in the air. It was being twisted again and next thing she knew it a massive wave of AIM-mana hit them.

"Gah! Damn it! corrupted mana!" Stiyl gagged, dropping the spiritual item that projected his voice out, as veins on his arms and legs suddenly burst.

Index noticed there was something wrong, the AIM-mana didn't cause this level of backlash before. Just headaches, but she realized now that it's concentration was much higher. Not only that but now Arisa, or Shutara wasn't near where it was emitting from. 'No! Has she been saving it up within her?' she thought

"Guess she's not surrendering," Kanzaki said, blood trickling down her lip as she dashed forward before Index could say anything. She broke the sound barrier but was suddenly thrown back by an explosion.

There stood Celt the ground shuddering chunks of earth floating around her, water pouring from the holes left in the ground by the earth and fending off Stiyl's Innoccentus steam billowing up. Green orbs surrounded her electricity arcing about them in complex patterns. Large wing-like structures spread from her back and the ground dried out around her. She was bleeding from the nose slightly, possibly meaning whatever she did to draw upon AIM was overtaxing her.

Instead of what they last saw her wearing, she was now in an outfit that would fit an Idol like Arisa. A pallet of white green and gold, buckles of black and platinum. Her outfit gave a feel of a page of old but with an almost angelic touch.

Her eyes quickly scanned over the people in front of her before landing on Muireann who was stumbling blood leaking from her mouth. Her face darkened and she spoke coldly "So, he told the truth, You stand with the bane of all fey now Muireann-love?"

A frown grew on Celt's face "You're parents would be ashamed of you. They may have asked me to take care of you. But, if you stand in the way of me saving our kind, I shall do what is necessary. This city that has inspired me, this city that I have fallen hopelessly in love with. This city in which one's own world is their power, this city that has achieved what even I had lost hope in and gave me a story to tell. I'll use this inspiration given to me to do what needs to be done, even if I must kill you love." her soft voice carried a threat and a promise

Murieann shook her head "He's not like that Celt! Ainmire lied to us he wanted us to ki-"

Celt was suddenly in front of Muireann who only just barely managed to duck out of the way and dodge her attack. The ground exploded and Touma tackled Index out of the way while Stiyl rolled to the side.

Tatemiya jumped back and blood burst from his limbs, the Amakusas moving quickly into position despite the blood leaking from their bodies. Itsuwa tumbled backwards blood leaking from her forehead as she readied her spear. Misaka pulled a sheet of metal from nearby to block the debris. Index swore the ringing in the air was singing.

"How DARE! You doubt our hero! The chosen one of the fey! He's saved our kind countless times and you dare to think you have any right to doubt him?" Celt shouted in rage at Muireann. The chime-like voice became a ringing growl as she dropped the usual flirtatious behavior.

Touma stepped forward in front of Index, that dreadful god of death on his shoulder. "And I'm not gonna let you hurt my friends any longer, Celt I don't care if you were misled or not. You dragged in people who have no connection to this fight. And you hurt them, for that Celt, for hurting Kazakiri and tricking Arisa." His eyes held the fires of determination that once more, caused Index's heart to jump "Then let us shatter that Illusion of yours"

Kanzaki launched herself forward, blood erupting from her leg, Stiyl summoned a fire blade with a rune, causing his arm to rupture anew and Innocentus broke through the barrier of water.

Itsuwa ran and leapt over Celt to get behind her blood trailing from her leg.

Tatemiya and Amakusa darted into specific positions to empower each other even as they quickly lost blood.

Misaka magnetized herself over to a far wall and threw the fencing. Murieann leapt into one of the streams of water blood staining the once clear water. The coat on her covering her body, turning her into a seal allowing her to speed through the water at Celt. Touma charged Celt head on closing the gap, but

But

But

Celt only opened her mouth and sang.

A shockwave pulsed out from her, gravity distorted, air whipped around, lighting rained down. And Celt was a blur dancing and singing a song, one which expressed her love of Academy city, her regret at her actions. But the necessity of protecting those she cared for.

Her hand moved in a sideways parallel swipe, and she grabbed Kanzaki in a flowing motion, rotating around her before sending her hurtling into Itsuwa who was coming up from behind her.

She placed her foot just before Stiyl's Innocentus, and the ground burst up slamming it back encasing it in ice and rock. She spun her second hand out and a gust of razor wind slammed into Stiyl his already bleeding body bursting at the seams with crimson.

She bent backwards and placed her second foot back and the Amakusa found themselves launched into the air as if falling.

With her now free hand she grabbed the wrist of Muireann which held a Steel dagger and spun her forward launching her Into Tatemiya who had leapt in from the side. Blood burst from Muireann's arm and her wrist seemed to bend unnaturally as she gritted her teeth.

Spinning on one heel she stomped and the orbs floating around fired at Index, Misaka Touma and even Othinus. Arcs of electricity dancing around them as they created spirals of glowing death.

A massive white wave of something burst from the ground, dark energy within it. It's shape became that of canons out of scifi and they fired. The beams erupting from them frying anything nearby and melting through buildings in the distance.

She then flapped those wing-like things on her back and launched into the air. The ground shuddering space shifting, as a hail of objects appeared from the sky. Metal poles, rocks, glass, anything that she could see from her position.

Landing she continued her deadly dance, the very world, air, earth, fire, water. Sound, gravity, all kinds of phenomena singing the mana in the air was being drawn into a complex array. It swirled around empowering Celt and everything she did while suppressing those she opposed.

In that moment Index knew exactly what she meant by being inspired. Celt was now more than just a fey drawing upon esper powers. She had taken the image of an Idol, and used an image any roleplayer would know. A singer of stories, who's tales inspired courage, strength and more, and she made it into her power.

Celt was now a bard, a bard who's songs reflected her soul, and the soul of the very city they stood in now. A city that valued the individual and crushed those who could not make their piece.

'We still Underestimated her!'