"italics" / italics - thoughts
Bold - Emphasis
Italics Bold - Magic names or titles
"normal" - speech
" underlined bold " - Mental transmissions
Disclaimer:I do not own Toaru Majutsu no Index nor its characters. All rights belong to Kazuma Kamachi. Except for my own characters that I create.
Chapter 9:Descent of the gods
1 month later...
It had been a month since Percival had started going to Touma's school. And right now, Touma was lamenting his fortune.
Now, this in itself is something that is rather strange, when viewed by others. After all, a sane person would wish for good luck, not lament it when it occurs to said person. But, when you add into the mix consisting of a normal teenager's high school life and a place with technology said to be 30 years in the future, Academy City, the world's most powerful magical item, Imagine Breaker(or scientific. Take your pick), which is also able to erase even God's miracles, you would start to fear getting good luck for even half a day.
...Now that Touma thinks about it, he realises that his life has gotten even more screwed up, if he actually dreads having good luck...
Anyway, back to the topic at hand. Touma was currently lamenting his rather good luck during his lunch break.
Noticing his depressed face, Motoharu asked Touma, a sly grin on his face. "Kami-yan," purposely drawing out the 'yan', he placed a chair in front of his dear friend, making it such that he was now facing the depressed teen. "what's got you so down today? Lost one of your girlfriends? Or is it perhaps our very elusive friend Yurei-ssn?"
"Please don't ask. Or rather, I would have said that, if I was currently not fearing for my safety." Touma half moaned, his head currently being covered by both his hands, not that different from the way a person would protect his head from falling debris. "My luck has been getting better recently. Today, in fact."
"What's wrong with that?"
"Today, when I woke up, Index did not eat much. That in itself is good luck for me. Saves me some money for lunch for her."
"Then, when I was on the way to school, I manage to get some free items from my daily bargain hunts. Including multiple group tickets to an amusement park that has free flow food."
"That is a very good break for you." Motoharu agreed with Touma's sentiment, a frown crossing his features.
"That's not the worst part." Touma moaned out. "I got asked by two Ojou-samas to accompany them on a shopping trip. And they will pay for what I need, transport inlcuded."
"Kami-yan..." Motoharu placed his hand on Touma's shoulder, speaking in a somber tone. "I envy your luck with ladies, hate your ability to woe them, and am worried about your personal health. Just a bit."
Tsuchimikado...Touma thought in appreciation of his friend's concern. "After all, you would have trouble in the future with satisfying your harem." Motoharu continued in his somber tone, a silly grin on his face.
I take it back...I hate him after all... Touma gave the blond a deadpan loom as the double agent patted him on the back, his Cheshire grin still on his face.
In the end, Touma took up the two 'Ojou-samas' offer to accompany them. But, that was actually not the entire truth. It was actually Mikoto and her friends that asked him to accompany them to the newest mall. Partly because they wanted to see the interactions between the Railgun and the Master of Misfortune(Ruiko and Kazari), punish the ape for his barbaric acts(Kuroko), have some catching up plus explanations for her friends and herself(courtesy of Index), and have a relaxing day.
But, why would Touma consider this an act of misfortune? Well, it had to do with the location itself...
The Dianoid sure is something... Touma thought as he gazed at the carbon based structure. But, I feel like I am missing something here (*1*)...Hopefully, there would not be any trouble this time. But with my usual luck...
"Such misfortune..." A voice brought him out of his depressed state.
"Kamijou-san!" Ruiko shouted out to her new friend. As he turned, he noticed that she was waving her hand to catch his attention. "Did you wait long?" Ruiko stopped in front of the teen, greeting the nun beside him and her cat(plus one doll-sized magic god). "Sorry we took so long. Shirai-san wanted to bring more spikes than usual. Probably to attack you."
"Sounds like she would do that..." Touma said in a glum tone. He did not know what that girl's problem was. Then again, he did not know what girls were thinking in general, as did most of the male population.
In the famed Windowless building, a certain Director sneezed.
Surprise flitted across his face, the first time he showed emotions for a looooooonnngggg time.
I feel like I should say that "Someone is talking about me", but that is scientifically unproven. Aleister thought to himself as he continued to observe parts of Academy City.(*2*) But how did I sneeze? Especially since I am currently completely immersed in liquid
"Also, is Yurei-san coming?" The question caught Touma by surprise. "He ssid he had something to help me with my current self, whatever that meant." A sparkle entered her eyes as a thought crossed her mind. "Maybe it is something to increase my level?"
"Not sure." Touma was drawing a blank on the grey-blonde haired teen's intentions. "For all we know, he could be doing something to improve our fighting ability against...whatever he wants us to help him fight."
"So cruel, Kamijou-san. I believe I have said this many times, ya know? I only want to help. And have a good life."
"Gah!" Jumping back instinctively, Touma faced the speaker. "Yurei-san, stop doing that!"
"But I like doing this..." Percival pouted in mock disappointment. Facing Ruiko, he clapped his hands together, getting the others attention. "And, to answer your question, Saten-san, its a little like the Level Upper you had tried out once. Of course, nothing as dangerous, like falling into a coma, or your ability overwhelming your control."
"You sure its not dangerous?" Touma gave Percival a hard stare. "...like that thing you had Mikoto try out a few days back? Or that gloves which made me a target for delinquents? Speaking of, I am really questioning the reason for you to make a pair of gloves that encourage people to fight me."
"Sorry, Kamijou-san." Placing his clasped hands forward, Percival bowed to the suspicious Touma. "That was a miscalculation on my part. I just wanted to help you!"
"And how is making people fight me helping me?! My hospital bills would only increase, and my food budget would grow even tighter!"
Ruiko could only watch on as the pair seemed to bicker back and forth. Well, they seem like good friends.
"So, about that Level Upper thing..."
It took a few minutes to get everyone to be their usual, collected selves. When Kuroko noticed the duo, she immediately went after Touma, attempting to teleport him upside down(pants not included) to embarrass him enough to get Mikoto to chase him away. Sadly for her, she had grabbed his right hand, so her plan to teleport him upside down and humiliate him ended up as him forcing Kuroko down into the tangle of limbs that was him and Percival, which was now 3 people if including Kuroko.
Then, when Mikoto saw the mess of limbs the trio had become, she was so overwhelmed by her emotions, her power ran wild, focusing on the almost ecchi scene before her. Which also only affected Kuroko(to her bliss) and Touma(to his agony), seeing as his hand was still clasped to Kuroko's, the latter having a deathgrip when she was shocked. Percival was unaffected, or rather, not as badly affected, as the other two, due to his ability, as well as his quick thinking of jabbing a metal pole that he grabbed out of nowhere(seriously, Touma still has no clue on how Percival does these things, especially after being his friend for nearly a month.
"Ah right. For starters, it is less like a sudden boost and more of a gradual climb. Your mental calculations are the main problem. So, I shpuld be able to help you raise your level by increasing your mental calculative ability. Your Personal Reality however, would have to be settled by yourself, seeing as I am no expert in the field of espers." Percival explained to Ruiko as they walked. They were lagging behind everyone, so nobody was the wiser on their contents of their conversation.
"Mhm. So, what do I have to do?"
"Solve these problems." A tablet was thrust in front of Ruiko's face.
"Eh?"
"Also," Ignoring her astounded expression, Percival gave her a timer and a small bag. "Use this to help time yourself. Try to solve these problems as fast as possible. Without external help, like paper and pen to do calculations, or a calculator or friends to help guide you. Don't worry, after a while this would be simple for you."
"W-what?" Ruiko looked through the contents of the tablets. Inside were, as Percival said, mathematical problems. Some she recognised at a glance. Others looked very complicated. "These seem like they are meant for higher levels!"
"My point exactly." Percival gazed at Ruiko seriously, causing her to falter slightly in her pace. "Right now, you are currently a Level 0. Your friend, Uiharu-san, is a Level 1. Am I right to say that she helps you frequently with your school work?"
"Yes." Ruiko could see where this was going. "So, are you saying that if I raise my calculation ability, my Level will also rise?"
"Not quite." Percival admitted, causing the small bud of hope inside her heart to be crushed. "But it does tie in to it. You know how every ability differs from each other, right? Like for example a electromaster esper and a hydrokinesis esper? They would have different formulas for their abilities, even if they were the same level of, say, Level 3."
"So, you are just helping me to build a foundation for any ability I could possibly develop?" Ruiko placed her fist into her palm, understanding crossing her features.
"Exactly. You need the calculation ability to help with your and such. That is all I can do. The ability you would develop, as well as its level, would depend on your efforts and your Personal Reality." Percival smiled at the smiling face of Ruiko. "I hope this would help you. Its still theoretical after all."
"Even if it doesn't help with my level, it would sure help with my school work!" Ruiiko cheerfully spoke, a new spring in her step. "And, I could help Uiharu with her work if she would need it. Not like that would help!"
Humming a small tune, Ruiko ran ahead to her friends, leaving Percival alone. Still smiling, Percival watched as Ruiko began chatting cheerfully with Kazari. Such a great girl. I just wish whatever comes next does not change anyone's personality.
"Is that not why we are here? To help mitigate the aftereffects?" A sudden voice echoed around Percival. Yet, the people around did not notice. Not even the mental user that was following them quietly.
"I suppose you are right, Informant." Percival sighed heavily, vaguely hearing some male scream in pain. Probably Touma, he reasoned.
"Using my codename? Harsh. So, what would you do?" Informant asked from his position. Right now, he was having a good homemade food he had made. Placing the steaming hot katsudon into his mouth, he continued his mental conversation with Percival. " Warn them of the future events? We could do that, and save everyone a lot of pain."
"You know that we should not do that." Percival scolded his friend. "Besides, I would rather keep the timeline from diverging from its original course too much. Some things need to change, but not all of them."
"You sure that is all?" Percival could tell that Informant was smirking. "Last I checked, you were a stunned that the Railgun had a huge change in heart in her morals."
"I guess that is part of the reason." Percival admitted grudgingly. "But who wants to watch a 14 year old turn into a nearly homicidal girl? Remember, the Level 5s are all a little...messed up in the head. A too great a change would result in massive changes in their behaviour, and as such, their actions."
"Best of luck then." Unseen to him, Informant finished up his bowl of katsudon. "Just... be careful. And don't blow it."
"Thanks for the concern." Percival replied in a sarcastic tone, feeling their connection go silent. But, being his friend, he could tell Informant was very worried. He worries too much. But, seeing as I have some rather strong feelings with this place, and their inhabitants, I suppose his worries are not unfounded.
"Yurei-san!" A small hand touched his metal banded hand, shocking him out of his daze. Looking to its source, he saw that Ruiko was looking at him with a worried gaze. "You okay? You seem distracted."
"Just thinking of some things." Percival told Ruiko with a reassuring smile. "I suppose Kamijou-san needs some help?"
"Yeah. Kamijou-san lost his wallet, so he needs some extra eyes and hands to help him search."
"I suppose his misfortune is going strong then." Sighing a little with a smile on his face, Percival walked to the teen's position. "Let's go help him then, shall we Saten-san?"
"Hai!"
It took a while, but they finally managed to find Touma's wallet. When he was dropped kicked by Kuroko for entering the underwear shop(not on purpose), his wallet flew out of his pocket from the impact, landing in front of a young baby, who began to gnaw it. The mother of said baby did not notice the new addition in her child's mouth until half an hour later, where Ruiko just happened to catch sight of the brown wallet.
Thankfully, the wallet had been in the baby's hands the entire time it was lost, so no money was lost. However, the bad news was that the baby was actually part of a test that had been set up by the 'mother's' teacher. The test:Take care of a baby for a week. The better condition the baby is, the higher the score. No outside help, or use of funds beyond a certain amount, was allowed. And this 'baby' was actually a machine that was able to do anything a year old baby could. Including drooling, eating and giving out waste products. And said baby had been gnawing on Touma's wallet, which contained his ID and atm credit card...
"Such misfortune..." Touma could only look on in sadness as he took out what remained of his wallet from the middle school student's hand, his ID and credit card included.
His wallet had been through hell and back. At least, it looked like it. The brown wallet, which was only 2 months old, had become tattered and torn, as if it had been used for a decade. Touma's ID, once a slim, plastic card, was now shattered into tiny bits, the largest(and only large) piece piece being no bigger the the nail on his pinkie finger. The same thing for his credit card
"I guess that is the worst of it for your misfortune, right?" Percival stood behind him, chuckling. Although, he was comforting the despairing Touma, so he was grateful for that part.
"Not even close." Touma groaned. "I wish it was, but this is just the beginning. My misfortune works like a domino effect sometimes. And, if I had great luck earlier, this domino effect is bond to occur."
"Ah." Patting Touma in the back, Percival did not know how to respond. "Hope you survive?"
"I feel like you are mocking me and comforting me at the same time." Touma barked at Percival, before he recollected himself. "Sorry, its just...things are rather hectic lately. And, with what you said last month...its turned my life upside down. In a few ways."
"Is this one of these ways?" Percival smirked at Touma, confusing him for a few seconds, until he realised he was pointing behind him. Gulping, he felt a pit form in his stomach as he looked behind him. The pit only grew when he felt two soft, squishy things on his back, along with two voices.
"Hiiii Touma!" Misaki positively squealed in joy as she hugged him from behind. Behind her, Mikoto was glaring at the pair. Even though he was far away, Touma shivered under Mikoto's glare.
"Hello Shokuhou-san." Touma just managed to not stumble at the sudden addition of weight on his back. For some reason, Percival had disappeared. "Why are you here?"
"Hm? Misaki briefly hugged Touma tighter, before she released her grip on the boy. "I was just around-wait. You remember me?"
"Of course I would." Touma blinked in surprise at the look Misaki was giving her, which was one of wonderment."Why wouldn't I remember one of my friends?"
"...oh, its nothing. Just a little surprised you remembered me among the last group gathering we had. After all, we didn't talk that much." Misaki giggled as she hugged Touma close to her chest, causing said boy to blush heavily. "Wah! Erm, S-shokuhou-san? C-could you p-please let go of my arm?"
"Why? Is something bothering you?" Coyly, Misaki smirked at Touma from her position. To Touma, this was a critical hit. Her height was shorter than Touma's, so he had to look down to see her face, which added to the devastating blow Misakk dealt him. She was already very cute, but her position, as well as the small pout she gave, made her even more deadly.
*Bachin*
Feeling blood rising to his nose, Touma hurriedly used his other hand to pinch his leg. Restrain thyself! Touma chastised himself as he tried to reign in his thoughts.
Meanwhile, unknown to him, Misaki was having some trouble controlling her emotions.
He remembers me! Misaki was so happy, she might as well be jumping and squealing like a girl in love. Which she was, but not that it mattered right now. So, Yurei-san managed to do as he said. I suppose I will lower his punishment level. For now.
A few shops away, Percival felt a shiver crawl up his spine.
"Shokuhou!" A loud voice suddenly cut into her ears, knocking her out of her thoughts. Although, that felt like it was pushing her off her Prince Charming in Lala land. Literally.
With a groan, Misaki was heaved off of Touma's arm. But, to Misaki, it was less of a heave, and more of a hard push. Angry beyond belief, she turned to the person who had pulled her off...
Mikoto panted with exhaustion. One minute, she was trying to get Kuroko to release her from her hug(which involved the groping of her chest, again), the next, she witnessed Misaki suddenly appear out of thin air, jumping onto Touma. Her anger grew when she saw the two melons she had for a chest become squished between the girl and Touma's back. By the time Misaki had shoved(to Mikoto) his arm between her 'blobs of useless fat', it would have been no surprise to anyone if steam was rising off of Mikoto's face.
"Onee...sama?" Kuroko's voice seemed soooo far away. As if it was coming from a tunnel. "Are you okay? You are letting of some electricity."
"Huh?" Snapping back, she realised that, as Kuroko had said, she was letting off some sparks. "S-sorry!" Immediately, the sparks stopped, causing some onlookers to breath a sigh of relief.
As she apologised to the nearby people, she caught what looked like a slim figure pull Misaki off of Touma. Now, this would not have bothered Mikoto too much, had said person not an outrageous figure as well.
...only to see huge...boobs fill her entire sight. Eh?
"E-ero maid!" Touma sputtered at the new person's sudden arrival. This, coupled with the way his face suddenly lit up, made Misaki think that he had seen something that most males would have killed to see. Which also meant that it was an act of seduction. On Touma. HER TOUMA!
The new arrival, upon hearing the name that Touma gave, blushed deeply. The bandaged-wrapped item(she later realised it was a katana) she held in her left hand gave off a creaking sound as her grip momentarily increased at the sound of the name, the weapon being forced to endure the Saint's superhuman strength. "Ka-ka-kamijou-san! Please forget that ever happened!" she had all but shrieked in embarrassment.
Regaining a little of her composure, she quickly started to drag Touma, the boy nearly losing his balance at the speed the Saint moved.
Blinking in surprise, the two girls that had their eye on him could only watch as Touma's figure re-located itself at the lower floors, becoming clear for a minute before it was lost once more. Looking up, Mikoto caught Misaki's eyes. A mutual understanding passed between the two, before they leapt into action. Literally.
Running to the edge of floor she was on, Mikoto jumped, using her powers to help her her way to the ground level. Misaki, already nearer to the edge, so all she had to do was leap.
..
..
..
..
...was what she would have done, IF she was on good terms with Mikoto. Instead, she walked to the nearest elevator. Taking out her remote, she took control of everyone's minds. Using her ability, she erased the memories involving her, Mikoto and Touma over the last five minutes, before entering the elevator, and heading for the ground level. We may be on good terms, but my trust has yet to reach our levels.
Meanwhile, the three girls that were left behind could only gape at the efficiency of the two level 5s. "So, they left quickly..." Ruiko noted out loud.
"Hold on. I'm going to teleport us outside." Kuroko gave her two friends a warning, before she grabbed onto their wrists and teleported them, the displacement of air the only indication they had even been there.
"Ka-Kanzaki-san! Please stop!"
"My apologies, Kamijou-san." The Japanese Saint apologised as she released her hold on the wielder of Imagine Breaker, stopping a few dozen metres away from the giant carbon complex. "I have set up a bounded field near here, so we must make haste."
"Is there a problem?" The way Touma said 'problem' caused Kaori to look at the boy with a worried expression. "Yes, there is." She spoke in a cautious tone, hoping it would not cause Touma to freak out. When he gave no such indication, she continued. "We were told that someone would be after you soon, so the Archbishop told me and Stiyl to come to Academy City as soon as possible."
"Did they say who?" Touma spoke in a weary tone. He had been expecting something along these lines the moment his luck got better. But expecting it, and being mentally prepared for it, are two different things entirely.
As Kanzaki prepared to speak, two certain girls appeared. "Touma!" "Touma!"
These two, Kaori watched as the two level 5 girls caught up to the pair. If I recall, they are Kamijou-san's friends. But, As she watched, the blonde female stopped running, opting to walk at much slower pace. Is she even a middle-schooler?
"Who is she?" Kaori was a little taken aback ferocity in the brown-haired girl's voice. Then, she realised why. Anyone would be suspicious if their friends were suddenly taken.
Touma only spoke one word. "Magic."
"I see."
"Don't worry. They know about it. Thanks to Yurei-san." Touma muttered in a dark tone. "He made such a complicated plan, just to get a few people to know about magic."
Yurei-san? Who is...ah, the foreign looking boy. Kaori decided to ask about him later. For now, what she had came here to do. "Kamijou-san, we recieved some information about an enemy magician that has arrived in Academy City. We suspect that his purpose is-"
"Hello Imagine Breaker."
A sudden voice interrupted Kaori. Acting on instinct, she jumped backwards, landing beside Touma, hand on her katana. I did not even sense this person approach me! "Who are you?"
"Oh ho ho," the owner of the voice, a man who was hooded, gave a light chuckle. "It should be simple, Saint. But, for the moment, please do not interfere with my business with the wielder of Imagine Breaker."
Everyone was on high alert. "What do you want with Touma?" Mikoto asked with a glare, her whole body sparking.
"Just a small deal." Chuckling, the man stood straighter, as if he had just realised something. That small action also caused the hood he was wearing to fall off his head, exposing his features. "Oh dear. I forgot to introduce myself."
The face of a mummified man met the astonished faces of the surrounding people. His face, withered with age, split into a wide grin, his dried skin cracking a little as it was stretched. "Hello Imagine Breaker. I am High Priest, a god of magic."
(1)-Get it? Since technically, humans are also carbon based life forms
(2)-Something that happens in one of the later volumes
AN
So, yeah. This happened.
Its getting real taxing for me to try and deal with the integration of the LN volume I am doing right now. What makes this even harder is the fact I literally skipped ALL the LN volumes, relying only on the anime to get me up to speed(Besides the one on the Dianoid). That said, I am reading them now, so I will be more or less up to speed and have new ideas for arcs. Of course, the bad news for this would be that the updates would be much slower. Chp. 10 is having some broken cogs, if you know what I mean. Thanks to the reviwers who reviewed!
And I also just released a new fanfic story! Its been on my mind for a long time now, and a recent reread of a series I love rekindled that fire, so I decided to make a mew series on a whim. That said, I will try my best to make it entertaining, and have the characters stay true to their cores.
That's all folks, and remember. Keep clean, stay healthy and avoid going into crowded areas!