Welcome back readers to another round of LoCG, 45 eh… you know when I first began writing this. I never thought it'd get this long. I mean… It took… 32 chapters…. 32! To get the the point I actually based the idea around. 32 chaps to get Index to the point she'd become a magic god.

But that's besides the point… onto reviews!

whwsms:{Of course I'm not gonna show you him getting out right away! We need to learn how he got to that point! And why would it take a single chap to depict how he got there? Especially when he's in a space of dilated time where a day is only around half and hour to an hour outside!? Shenanigains shall ensue! Index has all the time in her world to do them!}

Fencer29:{yeah that… is a typo not autocorrect though, just my dumb brain going 'HeY That mAKes SeNSe!' And not realizing it really doesn't. Index nerfing Touma's Int levels to Kamisato arc levels!? Dear god no.

Yeah… I hoped his note of it unsettling him made it clear he knew something was wrong}

Princegeoge:{Glad to see you're being more frequent in reviewing. Thanks It feels more natural for him to figure it out bit by bit. Especially since Index doesn't exactly want him to figure it out. Even if she enjoys seeing him try.

That was an accident no clue why they were there or how I didn't notice them. Thanks for pointing it out.}

5had0wHand:{Indeed, it really is for poor Touma… kinda literally here

Tch, tch, tch, If you recall back in one of the earlier 'In the Library' chapters. Index said something in relation to the anglicans. With purple eyes no less

That was an amusing interaction to write, especially having Touma unknowingly pwn her in a game. Actually, this isn't obvious but if you pay attention. The characters don't all act quite right. Especially the one's Index doesn't know. Misaka especially is fairly OOC in her world. Because she dislikes Misaka. Mugino is someone Index doesn't know so she has no real impression of her other than that one time she popped into Touma's dorm in NT2 so she's not gonna act… quite right. And you'll find out other reasons why later

This is something I think. I've addressed, or may address later.}

Guest1:{You want me…. To make Othi's death… FOR NOTHING!? I will not insult her like that!

Oh… don't worry… I got plans for him… Touma's gonna need a wake up call}

Guest2:{bashing Stiyl!? I'm just being honest! XD, but in all honesty I'm treating him like this because I have plans for him.

I wouldn't go that far}

Remember, constructive criticism is both encouraged and Desired. And with that out of the way, let this tale of an infinity commence once more!

Chapter 45

Shadows In the Library

That night was, Interesting to say the least for Kamijou. As he and Itsuwa worked on dinner together. Index and Kanzaki played a game on the TV.

It was amusing to watch a saint grow increasingly upset as she lost round after round in a video game. Kanzaki at one point looked so close to tears Kamijou felt the need to step in.

"Alright Index, that's enough, you're bullying Kanzaki" Kamijou said as he turned off the game. Both Index and Kanzaki threw him equally annoyed pouts.

"I-I'm not sure what you mean? I'm perfectly fine. Kamijou Touma" Kanzaki said unconvincingly. Her eyes were glistening with tears as she held the remote.

"Toumaaaa! I was about to win the 15th round!" Index whined but she didn't look too upset.

Kamijou sighed "that's the point Index, look at Kanzaki, you should have at least taught her the game first." he gestured to the saint whose head was in her knees blushing. "She's never played a video game, remember? What you were doing is the same as a veteran player spawn killing a newbie because they are easy to target." he glared at the white nun who for some odd reason. Didn't seem too upset at him getting angry at her.

"Hmph! Fine Touma," Index's behavior was a bit off but Kamijou could understand. People became entirely different in the heat of competition. After all Kamijou, had recalled many a time, where he had become a merciless beast against Tsuchimikado and Aogami during a game.

A small sniffle came from Kanzaki and Kamijou patted her on the back. "I'm shameful, I let my pride get in the way and now I'm needing to be comforted by the person I swore to protect."

Kamijou sighed "There's nothing to be ashamed of Kanzaki-san." He smiled "You'll get a hang of it, I'll teach you how to properly play that game later okay?" When Kanzaki looked at him, hopefully he patted her head. "I'm not gonna let Index bully you like that."

Index's pout was visible from behind Kanzaki. But it was also mixed with a few other emotions Kamijou had trouble identifying.

Itsuwa's quiet voice came from the kitchen "...he looks like a mother scolding her eldest for teasing their siblings…" Kamijou raised an eyebrow and looked at the young Amakusa magician. Her face was red and she was looking down, the pot was also steaming. "He's beating me in the femininity department." She muttered

However.. Kamijou didn't notice that remark, otherwise he'd have insisted he was a normal highschool boy. In a very suspect manner of course. Instead his attention was on the pot of curry. "Itsuwa! The curry's gonna overcook!" he shouted and rushed over to the stove quickly turning it off. Which only furthered to make Itsuwa's point.

After that incident dinner was served, Kamijou, Index, Itsuwa, and Kanzaki all conversed. But Kamijou felt dulled to it, like a part of him was gone.

Someone was still missing, even as he and Itsuwa cleaned up . He couldn't help but feel like there was someone else he wanted to be there.

"You really are rushing down the path of a house husband aren't you?"

Those words echoed in Kamijou's head, who had told him that? Why did he feel that whoever they were, they were the most important thing to him?

For a moment he had an image of a flower shop. A girl with blond hair, and an eyepatch, she smiled at him and took his hand. He couldn't imagine her face, but… he knew they mattered to him.

"Kamijou-san? Are you alright?" Itsuwa asked, "You stopped washing the dishes."

Kamijou instinctively reached for his right shoulder again. Why did he keep doing that? "I.. I'm fine just… feeling like something bad is gonna happen soon."

Itsuwa fell silent as they finished the dishes.

It was around time for bed when Kanzaki stepped outside. Saying she needed to stand guard, just in case. Itsuwa had giggled saying she'd make sure Kanzaki was alright, and stepped out with her.

Left alone with Index Kamijou became nervous again.

"Touma, can you sleep with me again tonight?" Index asked with a smile and the tilt of the head. Her eyes had not changed color so Kamijou didn't need to obey.

Kamijou shook his head "N-no Index, I'm feeling a bit out of it today." He went to open the bathroom door. "And besides, what would happen if Kanzaki learned? Can you imagine what would happen if she told Stiyl" he laughed slightly.

Suddenly the room became dead cold. Kamijou noticed his hand was shaking. Fear enveloped his body and he couldn't move. Slowly turning his head he saw Index's face.

He wasn't sure that he could call her Index with that look.

Nothing but pure unadulterated hatred filled her now cosmic purple eyes. She bared her teeth and growled quietly. Her hands were twitching, slightly rage blatantly visible. Her canines almost appeared sharp like a wolf's. "Touma," she said with unnatural steadiness. "Never mention that name again okay?" She tilted her head and smiled sweetly. "Now come on, sleep with me okay?"

And just as quickly as her anger had manifested it vanished. Kamijou felt an urge to obey, his head swam and he felt thoughts not his own being forced inside. In an attempt to act natural, Kamijou placed his hand on his head and sighed. He didn't hear the sound of glass shattering. But the pain eased up, "Fine then Index" he smiled as naturally as he could. Carefully slipping under the sheets as Index smiled sweetly.

But that smile merely terrified Kamijou as he lie in bed. Even with his eyes closed he had trouble sleeping. Thoughts racing through his mind, 'Why does she hate Stiyl so much? Did he do something to her?' He rejected the thought. 'No, he couldn't, Stiyl may hate me, but he could never do anything to harm Index on purpose.' Sleep began to overtake him, he would find answers tomorrow. For now… he couldn't let Index know he had left her control.

Just before he drifted off to sleep he heard Index speak. "I won't let anyone hurt you Touma, my human…."

Why did that send such a chill down his spine? Who called him that?

...

Morning came early and Kamijou began preparing breakfast. Itsuwa came in when she heard the sound of cooking and pitched in. Index woke up when the smell of food rose into the air. And Kanzaki came in groggily and exceedingly ashamed when Kamijou announced breakfast.

While they ate, Itsuwa spoke up. "K-Kamijou-san, I was thinking after you take a bath. Could we go somewhere together?" Itsuwa was blushing slightly but Kamijou wasn't paying attention.

"Sorry, I kinda got plans today but you guys can go take Index somewhere if you want." he said as he ate. Completely misinterpreting the meaning behind Itsuwa's question. After all, surely she meant 'we', as in all four of them right? There was no way she was asking him on a date.

Itsuwa became downcasted and Index oddly smirked at her. However, Kanzaki was the one to speak up. "I can't allow that Kamijou Touma! I'd be a horrible bodyguard if you got injured because I wasn't there to protect you..." She looked Kamijou directly in the eyes as she leaned forward. Her breasts pressed against the table forcing Kamijou to look away blushing.

A low growl came from Index as Kamijou responded. "If it makes you feel better, I'll call you if I need help." he smiled slightly "I trust you'll save me if I need you to."

Kanzaki immediately blushed "Y-you'll need my p-phone number then yes?" and Kamijou nodded. Almost instantly the saint grabbed a pen and paper and wrote down something so fast. Kamijou swore she was using her saint's speed. Shoving the paper into Kamjou's face, he took it. Index glared and Itsuwa's jaw dropped and she hung her head. But that merely confused Kamijou, It was just a phone number. Not like it was a big deal, taking a look at the number Kamijou smiled "thanks, I'll use it if I need your help."

Index narrowed her eyes at Kamijou "Where are you going then.. Touma."

Kamijou didn't want to upset Index, she might try to force him to obey her if he did. So he shrugged "Thought I'd go shopping and take a walk around for a bit." he flashed a smile at Index "I was thinking of getting you a surprise Index."

Instantly Index smiled "Really!?" she asked, when Kamijou nodded she shouted happily. "Yaay! But, but If it's a surprise I can't spoil it." She turned to Kanzaki and Itsuwa, her eyes had turned purple once more. "Kaori-san Itsuwa-san, can we go to district 6?"

Kamijou internally sighed as the Saint and Amakusa magician agreed to the nun's request. Now he was free to check on Misaka, it was time to get some answers.

Shortly after taking a shower, Kamijou left, stopping by a pastry shop, he bought a treat for Index. He also stopped by a book store and got her a few books on technology. It would help her understand the devices she used every day. And for some reason Kamjou felt she'd appreciate it.

After that, Kamijou wandered his way to the Iron bridge. He couldn't be sure, but he just had a feeling he'd find Misaka there.

As he approached he saw her, she was leaning over the railing looking down into the river below. The look on her face was familiar, and not in a good way. A small tear rolled down her cheek as she bit her lip.

"You're not thinking of doing anything drastic… are you?" Kamijou asked the level five.

Misaka's head whipped up and she looked at him. Wiping her eyes she frowned "I thought I told you I needed time alone." she said.

Kamijou looked at her unconvinced "Do you really believe that? That look on your face was the same one you had when you were prepared to face Accelerator." His words caused Misaka to pause and she shook slightly. "I told you that you could tell me if something was wrong." he smiled slightly.

Misaka shook slightly and breathed in. "Last I saw you was in Russia, on that.. Floating fortress. I reached out my hand hoping you would take it. But," She clenched her fist tighter. "You didn't, that thing was crashing and you'd die along with it. So why did you reject my hand you idiot!?" her knees seemed to shake slightly. "After you vanished, I thought you had died! I searched for you. And all I found was..."Her hands shook as she pulled out a familiar keychain. It was of Miska's favorite fog mascot. But this one didn't belong to her "This… floating in the ocean from your phone" She sighed avoiding eye contact. "When...when I saw you at the store, all those emotions overwhelmed me and… I… I couldn't take it. I wanted to know why, why you didn't take my hand back then."

She looked down, biting her lip. "I asked myself that question time and time again. Wondering if It was because I wasn't good enough for you."she clenched her fist in shame "I'm a level five and you're a level zero, I'm supposed to be the one protecting you. Yet you're the one always saving me!" holding her head in her hands she shook it. "I've been chasing after your back ever since. Wondering how you can be so strong! I'm stuck at the station and you're three stops ahead." she dropped her hands to her sides as she continued. "I know… there's things I can't handle, World War Three forced me to face that… but"

She looked Kamijou in the eyes, tears forming. "You ask me to let you help me, but why won't you let me help you, you… Hypocrite!" Misaka shouted at Kamijou

"I am a hypocrite, is there something wrong with that?" Kamijou admitted. "But… strong?" he shook his head "I'm not strong, I'm weak. I may have a weird right hand capable of negating the supernatural but take that away and I'm just a normal highschool boy." He smiled sadly, approaching the electromaster "I'm not smart, I'm not strong, if you shot me with a gun I'd die. If you had training you'd wipe the floor with me. Anyone could do what I've done, I'm just the one who was in the position to do it."

Kamijou took a breath "I don't let you help me because I'm selfish. It's nothing to do with you, so don't you dare act like you're worthless" Kamijou leaned against the railing himself as he looked out. "I don't want to drag you into my own problems. You have your own life to live, you know?" He flashed a grin at Misaka who smiled melancholically.

"It's not that I won't ask for your help, It's that I don't want to." Kamijou laid the truth bare, he didn't feel the need to hide it. "If I wanted, and needed your help. I'd absolutely ask for it, but I'd rather solve my own problems. On my own, call it pride, call it greed, either would be true."

Kamijou turned around and leaned his back against the railing as Misaka stood next to him. "I didn't take your hand because I still had something I wanted to do. And I wasn't about to drag you down with me."

Misaka had stopped crying and looked at Kamijou skeptically. "Is that really it? Why?"

Kamijou looked up at the sky and opened his mouth. "Because, I want a place to return to. you're someone that is part of that, someone who is part of my world. If I have nowhere to belong, I'd find no value in the world".

Misaka blushed slightly before frowning and looking down "when did you grow up? You're different from the last we met." she looked up "you look so much older, I really can't keep up."

Kamijou paused, she was right, sure he knew he was being absolutely honest when he had said those things. But when did he realize he felt that way? It was as if someone skipped out on his character development.

"What is it you wanted from the very beginning?"

Who had he said that to? Who's tears had he wiped away with his bloodied right hand?

"Does it really not bother you?"

Who had asked him that question?

It was as if he had been plucked from a point further in his life and placed into the past. And on that thought Hold on, Misaka didn't know I was alive? She didn't act like it back in the store.' he turned to Misaka. "Misaka, if you thought I was dead, how come you weren't surprised to see me back in the store?" he asked.

Misaka opened her mouth, and then paused. Her face suddenly became pale as she struggled to speak. "I.. I don't know… It… It was as if I knew you were alive until I saw you….." She looked up "I can't remember why I was in that store… I can't remember what I was doing before that day! How… how did I get there, I know you disappeared in world war three.. But" She held her head a moment "I don't remember what I did before I saw you again."

Kamijou Looked at her confused "You… can't remember, like your memories were messed with?"

Misaka blinked for a moment before her eyes narrowed "My...memories were altered?" she growled under her breath. "S-sorry for worrying you Idiot, I have a blond haired bimbo to ask some questions."

Misaka turned and left Kamijou on the iron bridge as he thought to himself. 'Okay, Misaka's doing better, but…. What the hell Index? Why would you alter her mind like that!? Are you trying to get her to commit suicide?' Kamijou gritted his teeth in anger this needed to stop. Index may not have known the full extent of her effect on Misaka. But He needed to get her to stop somehow. 'Now then, I need to check on Hamazura, Mugino was it? If Index did something similar to her then I need to fix it.'

Turning back towards district 7, Kamijou headed off to find the former skill out member.

'But, how do I get her to stop, I'm just a normal highschool boy' he thought to himself. 'Even with Imagine breaker… how can I fix this?'

"Your not thinking about redefining who Kamijou Touma is, are you?" echoed that voice in his mind again. Was it a memory, or his conscience? Kamijou didn't know.

"No, I'm not" Kamijou answered to no one.

"I'm gonna save her too"

Kamijou made his way around district 19, it was there the majority of skill out hung around. As he snuck past a group of delinquents however a thought occurred to him.

'I don't know where to find Hamazura do I?' Kamijou realized. Sure he knew hamazura was a former member of skill out. But that was just it, Former, he wasn't one anymore. And considering he was in the company of Mugino, a level 5. Kamijou doubted he'd find him around here anymore.

Standing in a parking lot, Kamijou thought to himself. 'How do I get in touch with Hamazura? It's not like im just gonna run into him'

Frowning Kamijou's hand fell to his side and bumped something in his pocket. Blinking Kamijou facepalmed 'Duh, I could call him' pulling out his phone he began to go through his contacts list before remembering something. 'Wait A minute I don't have Hamazura's pho-' but his thoughts instantly cut off.

Right in front of him amongst the other phone numbers was a certain set of contacts.

[Shiage Hamazura]

[Accelerator]

Eyes wide Kamijou blinked again. 'What? When… when did I get both of their phone numbers?' hesitantly. Kamijou clicked on the contact listed as Hamazura, after a few rings it picked up.

"Who is this?, and how did you get this number" said the cautious, paranoid voice of Hamazura.

Kamijou Sighed in relief before responding "I honestly don't know Hamazura. Did we ever exchange phone-numbers? Cause I have both yours and Accelertor's here."

Hamazura spat on he other end in shock "A-A-Accelerator!? How the hell do you have….. Holy shit….." what felt like a head shake came from the other end. "Nevermind, that doesn't matter. I've been meaning to get into contact with you anyways boss."

Kamijou looked around wandering back to district 7 "really? Why"

A pause before Hamazura spoke nervously. "I'd rather not say it here, you can't trust who's listening. Meet me where we fought and we'll talk." The phone hung up right after.

Kamijou blinked in confusion but then narrowed his eyes. 'Whatever he wants to talk about, he doesn't want the darkside to find out.' sighing he changed course towards district 5. 'Best meet up with him' there was only one place Hamazura could be referring to. As there was only one place they fought. The Dangai University Database Center where Kamijou had aided Misaka Misuzu, mother of Misaka Mikoto.

...

The Dangai University Database Center was a large dome building 50 meters in diameter. A set of smaller rectangular structures were around giving it a semi-futuristic feel.

Standing at one of the entrances was Hamazura shiage. Upon seeing Kamijou he gestured with his hand over to his position. Complying Kamijou walked up to him and stood adjacent.

"It's about Mugino, isn't it?" Kamijou asked Hamazura nodded.

He glanced sideways for a moment "Yeah, how did you guess?" Hamazura asked.

Kamijou shrugged "Cause I was about to ask you if she was acting off. And that's not something you'd want the darkside to find out is my guess." Kamijou glanced away unable to properly look Hamazura in the face.

Hamazura narrowed his eyes at Kamijou "She is, you're sounding suspicious now how did you know she would be acting odd?"

"Because she's not the first Index has manipulated recently. I just met up with Misaka and she was really off." Kamijou looked up at Hamazura nervously.

Swearing Hamazura clenched his fist. "Shit! So it wasn't a one time thing?" Hamazura's face became paler when Kamijou shook his head. "If she can control level 5's what the hell could she want to do with them?" he asked, a slight touch of fear in his eyes.

Kamijou bit his lip "I don't know, the most she's done is ask them to leave me alone." Kamijou shook his head "But when she did that, it nearly caused Misaka to..." he went silent. "Whats going on with Mugino?" he asked Hamazura.

Sighing Hamazura scratched his head "Well, like you said she's acting… off, ever since the nun girl… Index? told her to back off." he began "However that's not all, even though she said she had something to check out. When she got back to the dormitory she completely forgot it. Heck, she didn't even seem to realize she got pissed at you."He shook his head "It scared me, well more than normal, questioning her is never a good idea."

Kamijou felt confused, this was completely different from how Misaka ended up. "You mean her memory was just… altered?" he asked.

Hamazura shook his head "No, it's less she doesn't remember what happened. More like she doesn't remember why it happened. And doesn't question that it happened either." Hamazura looked at Kamijou coldly "I'm not upset with you Boss but, If your nun friend keeps messing with ITEM. I'm not gonna let it pass" his voice stayed level and serious.

Kamijou frowned and glared at Hamazua "I get your upset, believe me I'm trying to figure it out." A low growl came from him "but if you dare lay a finger on Index" his eyes were cold as a glint of anger flickered in them "I'll shatter any illusion you still hold"

Hamazura shivered but glared back "As long as she gives me a choice boss." He smiled, "besides she's trying to protect you like you said." This only confused Kamijou again.

"What do you mean?" he asked the delinquent

Hamazura looked at Kamijou and shook his head. "Remember? When she manipulated Mugino it was specifically because she attacked you." Hamazura grinned as he turned to leave. "She must really like you to risk pissing off a level five to protect you."

As Hamazura headed out of sight Kamijou couldn't help but be confused.

'If she is trying to protect me..' he asked himself. 'Why did she force Misaka to leave?'